Johnston seniors party together again, with pizza and Del’s

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The Johnston Senior Center hosted a pizza party luncheon Monday to welcome back its members.

For the first time in more than a year, vaccinated seniors from across the community gathered without masks to sip on Del’s and munch on pizza and pasta salad.

“It feels great to see this room full again,” said Madeline Ravenelle, Social Services worker at the center. “It’s nice to be back.”

More than 120 seniors and town officials attended the event, which was catered by donations from the community.

Denise Bell, Johnston Senior Center Coordinator, rattled off a long list of people she wanted to thank for making donations.

“We want to thank them for their continued support,” she said.

Lorraine DiLorenzo from Cherry Hill Nursing and Rehab Center provided the pasta salad. Denise Maio Touchette from Anchor Bay at Pocasset provided pastries.

Josh Gorton pulled his truck up to the front door, and provided frozen watermelon and Lemonade from his 1501 Hartford Ave. shop.

Cullen McKain from “The Bridge at Cherry Hill” brought chocolate chip and sugar cookies.

“We also want to recognize The Original Italian Bakery on Atwood Avenue in Johnston for the delicious pizza,” Bell said, adding one more to the list. “A special thank you to Ed Morris Entertainment for the music.”

Bell asked Morris to sing over the phone in an impromptu audition for the role. His velvety tones added a touch of ambiance to the part.

Senior Center members Lena Comelli, Rosemarie Messore and Marie Violo sat together at a table reminiscing about pre-pandemic bingo games and casino bus trips.

“There’s a lot of people here we haven’t seen in years,” Violo said, taking a taste of frozen lemonade. “It’s been too long since we donated our money to the casino.”

Although the center is now open, for meals, Zumba and line-dancing classes, bocce ball and more, a date has not yet been set for the return of Bingo games and bus trips.

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