Manton Seniors swear in board of directors

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It’s a ritual that’s repeated once-a-year around this time and involves one of Johnston’s most important non-profits.

It’s a ceremony that Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena takes great pride in headlining and is what he called “the very bet part of my job!”

Fresh from a recent Executive Board meeting for the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, Polisena made sure he arrived early at the Johnston Senior Center to administer the Oath of Office for those women who’ll make up the 2019 officers for the Manton Seniors.

“This is a great organization run by great people and seniors,” Polisena told an attentive audience before swearing in his long time friend Lorie DeVito, who is – and has been for two decades – the Manton Seniors President. “I love these people and what they present in Johnston.”

The 2019 Manton Seniors Board of Directors also includes: Vice President Graclyn Travison; Treasurer Joann Krzyzek; Secretary Mary Cerra and Corresponding Secretary Rose Coppola.

“We are honored that Mayor Polisena is here today to give us our Oaths of Office,” said DeVito. “He always comes, no matter what his schedule and for that we are thankful. He also makes this day more than a General Meeting and Luncheon; he makes this extra, extra special for our officers and all our Manton Seniors members.”

Polisena even came armed with a special Oath of Officer that he personalizes then presents to the duly installed officers.

Although Krzyzek, who is DeVito’s daughter and has served as the group’s treasurer for many years, and Cerra, who started back when she served as a Town Councilwoman and State Representative, were unable to attend, they’re still part of the 2019 slate.

DeVito also announced that “we have a new position and that’s Sergeant-at-Arms and will be filled by Elaine Vita, a long-time Manton member who was once crowned as Queen and her husband Al was made the group’s King during a one-time yet traditional Valentine’s Dinner-Dance.

After Polisena held a question and answer session that all Manton members enjoyed, he thanked the unique senior citizens group and urged each person in attendance to bring in a new member.

“Remember, you people have strength in numbers,” Polisena said. “When you see our state and federal leaders doing something you don’t like or areas in where you need help; put them on notice that you are without question important to their well-being and holding their offices. Let them know what you’re thinking.”

DeVito also announced that the next Manton Seniors will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 5 also at the Johnston senior Center where lunch will be served. For details please call DeVito at 232-2499.

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