By the time this weekend rolls around, Johnston Senior Center officials will have launched the first of many fun-filled events on the facility’s jam-packed May calendar.

“It’s only fitting that our schedule is filled with many interesting events,” said Tony Zompa, the center’s popular director. “May is Older Americans Month, and we will have lots of special programs during a month that fit into this year’s theme set by the National Council on Aging: ‘Blaze the Trail!’”

Regardless of the month or theme, everyone from the center’s oldest active members – like Orlando Ricci, 101, and Connie Laorenza, 90 – and dozens of other seniors always welcome a good time.

Take Monday’s annual May Breakfast, for example.

It didn’t matter that a driving rain produced unusually chilly temperatures. The center’s multi-purpose room was filled with smiling faces who enjoyed a noontime meal that included scrambled eggs, home fries, baked ham, and a fruit cup, as well as coffee.

Tuesday’s slate was filled with the Manton Seniors monthly-meeting and luncheon, as well as billiards, basic computer lessons, and painting with Lorraine. Yesterday began with “Walking Away the Pounds” and bocce.

Today, the schedule really gets exciting.

Once events like Mah Jongg with Carol and Yoga with Jan were complete, the center was set to stage its annual Cinco De Mayo luncheon.

Tomorrow, though, the center will celebrate another terrific tradition.

“Our Mother’s Day Luncheon is always special,” assistant director Millie Santilli said. “We’ll have raffles, prizes, and lots of fun, and there’s still time to make a reservation. Just call us at 401-944-3343.”

Santilli said the luncheon menu that will begin with onion soup with croutons and include red bless mashed potatoes, Capri blend vegetables, stuffed chicken with gravy, and coffee cake for dessert. Coffee will also be served.

There are also six trips on the center’s May schedule, and Santilli urged all interested people to call Marie Venditti, the center’s activities director, at 401-944-3343, ext. 105 during business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Zompa said the center will hold another event – for which a date has not as yet been set – to go along with Older Americans Month.

“Spring is here at last,” he said.

“Flowers are sprouting up everywhere you look. At this time, life seems to breathe a new sense of beginnings in us all. We look forward to planting flowers to beautify and enhance our center.”