Johnston Senior Center hosts Christmas Party

‘Your home away from home’

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The Hub!

That’s what Richard J. DelFino Jr. has plans to make the Johnston Senior Center during his tenure as Executive Director of the nationally accredited facility at 1291 Hartford Ave.

“I’m very excited to be here!” DelFino exclaimed during his first-ever welcome address at last week’s JSC Christmas Party. “I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this center. We want to make it a happy place; your home away from home!”

DelFino’s message was reinforced tenfold by District 2 Councilman and Mayor-elect Joseph Polisena Jr. during what may have been the most impressive and fun-filled-filled Christmas Party in recent JSC memory.

“Everyone is always welcome here,” Polisena emphasized. “This is a great facility that can be utilized for so many, many events. As Richard said we want to make this a special place; your home away from home!”

From there, Polisena went from table-to-table shaking hands and chatting with all the day’s luncheon attendees who filled every available set inside the JSC’s spacious all-purpose room.

The JSC Christmas Party also drew rave reviews from Linda Folcarelli, District 1 Johnston Town Councilwoman, who observed: “This is no ordinary holiday party. The entertainment is great, the food’s good and I can’t believe it’s all served by so many volunteers.”

Although the speaking program was brief, DelFino Jr. called upon Mayor Joseph Polisena who related: “Today is extra special. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday but more importantly, I want to thank everyone for all the support you have given me during my time as mayor. This will be one of my last public visits, but again I can’t thank you all for your super and special support during my tenure.”

The mayor then heaped words of praise upon the Matt Gingras-led JHS Concert Chorus that treated people to their smooth and talented sounds of 10 different holiday selections.

A JHS jazz combo consisting of Wilson El Hage, Alberto Estrada, Joseph Galenas, David Pagliarini, Johnathan Guilmette and Gingras did three numbers followed by a Folk Combo of Domenic Whitten, Gingras and Benjamin Monahan doing “Jingle Bells.”

The Treble Choir and Select Choir added two special pieces while the Concert Chorus completed the special program Eric Whitacre’s “Glow,” Mark Burrows’ “A Light of Hope,” “A Song of Peace” and finally Andy Beck’s beloved “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

After yet more applause, Gregory Ayriyan, a talented violinist, treated the audience to more popular Christmas songs including “Silent Night” that was followed by a multi-prize raffle drawing conducted by JSC Assistant Director Denise Bell for a number of gift cards what were donated by local businesses.

The special event included Bob Balmforth, a long-time popular member/talented pianist who has played at the center in recent years while enjoying classic camaraderie. That example may be the epitome of Delfino’s plan to make the JSC everyone’s “home away from home.”

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