‘All I want for Christmas...’

“What would you like for Christmas?” is an oft-asked question this time of year. In keeping with tradition, the Sun Rise asked a number of Johnstonians what they’re hoping or asking for this holiday season.

Surprisingly, not one of the replies said “Win the PowerBall!”

Mayor Joseph Polisena: “Being a registered nurse and realizing the importance of good health, All I want for Christmas is good health for me and all the citizens in the town of Johnston.

We also asked the Mayor that’s the best Christmas present he ever purchased? His reply: “A dishwasher for my wife so I would not have to wash the dishes.”

Doug Jeffrey, Chief of Staff: “I want a pardon for Mick Jagger so the Stones can play at the Dunk!”

Richard S. Tamburini, Chief of Police: “To get it right every time.”

Daniel O. Parrillo, Deputy Chief: “For people to stop and listen to each other before passing judgment.”

Robert V. Russo, Town Council President: “The holiday season brings great joy and excitement to many but at this time for those less fortunate; it sometimes brings sadness and anxiety. For Christmas, I would like to have everyone reflect and realize what we have and not dwell on what we want or do not have – All we can ask for is good health, good family and trusted friends – everything else is a bonus.”

Richard J. DelFino III, Town Councilman: “Good health and happiness for my family and friends and for a wonderful New Year. From my family to yours: Merry Christmas Happy New Year.”

Anthony A. Verardo, Town Councilman: “A prosperous Johnston and a plate of calamari on Christmas eve.”

Robert J. Civetti, Town Councilman elect: “All I want is to be able to assist the Town of Johnston as it continues to deal with the pension and OPEB legacy costs that plaque the town. These unfunded obligations have been kicked down the road for decades. We need to seek some resolution of these legacy costs of the children of our town (future taxpayers) will be unable to afford to live in Johnston.”

Vincent Baccari, Town Clerk: “Another Super Bowl championship for the New England Patriots!”

Arnie Vecchione, Director of Public Works: “For the homeless to have shelter and a place to celebrate this holiday season.”

Deborah A. Fellela, State Representative: “For families struggling with a loss or tragedies to know that they are not alone, we pray for all to be at peace!”

Richard J. DelFino Jr., Municipal Court Clerk: “Continued happiness, good health and God’s blessing for my family, friend and colleagues.”

Janice Mele, Johnston School Committee chairwoman: “Peace on Earth and for everyone to enjoy a healthy new year!”

Robert LaFazia, Johnston School Committee Vice Chairman: “Peace, Love and happiness for all.”

Joseph Rotella, Johnston School Committee member: “Health and happiness for family and friends and a state of the art centralized school complex for our students.”

Dr. Bernard DiLullo, Superintendent of Schools: “For our students to continue to grow and become successful, life long learners. I also want our schools to continue to evolve into 21st century learning centers. Finally, I wish our families, students and staff peace in the coming year!”

Dave Cournoyer, Director of School Properties: “In 2017 is that anyone that has been down on their luck in 2016 has a much brighter year ahead of them and I hope they find their guardian angel.”

Dennis Morrell, Johnston High School Principal: “For children suffering from the ravages of civil wars around the globe to soon have the ability to live a normal, peace filled life. It may sound trite, but we have students in our school community who have families abroad that are suffering.”

Matthew Tsonos, Ferri Middle School Principal: “I would like for all to enjoy their families and friends and have a Happy and Healthy holiday season.”

Julie-anne Zarrella, Early Childhood Center Principal: “For every student to have at least one of their wishes under their tree!”

Maria Petronio-McAfee, The Graniteville School Principal: “To be able to share time with the people I love, laugh and rejoice in the glory of the birth of Jesus Christ. I pray for peace throughout the world and love and understanding to guide our journey.”

Greg Russo, JHS Student Council Advisor: “For everyone to enjoy the holidays with the ones they love and to appreciate all the blessings we have and realize what is really important in life.”

Ron Lamoureux, JHS Music Department Chair: “Our music situation at the high school is very good now. Oliver Reid, Matt Gingras and I are very happy to be helping to meet the needs of the entire school population and not just the traditional base of performing groups. It’s great to lookout into the class and see eyes instead of the top of heads form kids who are glued to their phones. Still not perfect, but we are moving forward after many years of languishing. Of course, I’d love to have a stage that our band can actually fit on; a fine arts wing at the school and more music for all the kids in the strict.”

Yours truly: “For people to have respect and actually care about their fellow man, woman and child – forever! Peace on earth and goodwill for all!”