It’s a tradition unlike any other, held by an organization that’s like fine wine and gets better with age that features fun, food and unmatched fellowship.
It’s the Manton Seniors combined St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s celebration that on Sunday filled every seat inside the Willow Room at Twelve Acres Restaurant in Smithfield.
In the middle of it all was Lorie DeVito, the non-profit’s leader who has twice beaten cancer while also building the Manton Seniors into the state’s only and highly-regarded independent senior citizens organization.
Despite having a cold and mild case of laryngitis, DeVito was at her all-time best as she greeted her long-time Manton members on a day when people celebrated Irish and Italian heritages amid music of the Calamari Brothers Trio and enjoyed their choices of either corned beef and cabbage or baked scrod for dinner.
However, what made Sunday’s gathering extra special was that each table top featured a carafe of red and white wine, as well as freshly-made Italian bread that went nicely with both family style dinners, as more Manton members than usual filled the Willow Room’s dance floor.
The day’s traditional raffle, which is made possible by donations from Manton members, local businesses and anonymous donors, had so many prizes they had to be displayed on two line-covered banquet tables and a shelf.
Then there was what DeVito called “one of the most favorite parts of our St. Pat’s and St. Joe’s gala.” And that was when she divulged who would wear the Manton Seniors King and Queen crowns – and robes – until the Manton Seniors 2018 combined gala.
While Jerry Rubino played his electric organ keyboard, Tony DelSignore hit his drums and Vinny Lato pumped out special sounds from his saxophone as DeVito announced that “Joe and Ann Gauch are the Manton Seniors King and Queen for 2017.”
The Willow Room filled with applause, as last year’s King and Queen, Bob and Elaine Vita, placed the crowns and red velvet robes on the Gauches shoulders.
“I look forward to this day every year,” DeVito said. “It’s my special secret; no one knows who I’ll pick for the king and queen. It was exciting to see Ann and Joe’s reaction when I announced their names.”
The king and queen, which lately has been announced at the combined St. Pat’s and St. Joe’s bash, is a 20-year tradition that DeVito initiated when she took over as the independent senior citizen group’s president.
DeVito, who was ably assisted Sunday by her daughter and treasurer Jo Ann Krzyzek, vice president Gracelyn Travisano and corresponding secretary Rose Coppola, announced that Manton Seniors annual Memorial Breakfast Mass is set for Saturday, May 20 and will also be held at Twelve Acres.
She said tickets are $10 each for the sit down breakfast and people should all Coppola for reservations at 943-9332. DeVito also reminded Manton members that April 4 and May 2 are the dates for the next two monthly meetings that will be held at the Johnston Senior Center.
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