Party held for DiOrio’s 100th birthday

“This is one of my favorite parts of this job,” Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena told residents and staffers inside Cherry Hill Manor’s packed dining room last Thursday. “I love coming here for such a special and great occasion.”

Last Thursday’s event was indeed special and marked a marvelous milestone in resident Rose DiOrio’s life.

“She’s turning 100 years old on Tuesday, [April 21],” said Tracey Cordeiro Arpin, who heads Cherry Hill’s activities department. “We wanted to have a super special day for Rose.”

Polisena’s presence was the celebration’s highlight, as the mayor presented the state’s newest centenarian with an official proclamation from the town of Johnston. DiOrio also received a dozen beautiful roses from Cherry Hill Florist, which is located down the street from Cherry Hill Manor on Greenville Avenue.

“This room is filled with love from all our wonderful residents and the staff,” Cordeiro Arpin said. “It was so touching when we all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Rose. It made my heart melt to see the smile on her face. She truly felt important, and it showed.”

Cordeiro Arpin went on: “The mayor put the icing on the cake when he took time to take pictures with Rose and spend time talking with her. And all that time, she had a special smile on her face from ear to ear, and that said it all.”

Although it was DiOrio’s special day, Cordeiro Arpin noted that Polisena “made all our residents happy by stopping at their tables and chatting with them, and that brightened each and everyone’s day and also made them feel very, very important.”

DiOrio’s daughter and son-in-law also accompanied the grand guest of honor, who enjoyed a super birthday cake with ice cream while the activities staff did what they do best – entertain the crowd.

“Rise is an inspiration to many of us,” Cordeiro Arpin said. “She loves to socialize with her girlfriends and talk about her family and life experiences. She is so proud of her grandchildren, and when the opportunity presents itself, she loves to show off their pictures … From all of us at Cherry Hill, we love you Rose!”