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Firehouse rock

Seniors treated to ‘Elvis’ performance

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
   Firehouse Rock was exactly what was going on at the Manville Senior Center at the firehouse on Tuesday as about 90 senior citizens came to listen to the tunes of Elvis during a tribute to the king. Senior citizens from Manville and neighboring Quailbrook Senior center in Somerset clapped and sang along.
   Elvis — aka Richie Santa of Staten Island — entertained the seniors for over an hour with popular Elvis songs like “Memories” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Mr. Santa, dressed in the famous white jumpsuit, moved and grooved with the actions of the king while serenading and wooing the crowd. He even gave out scarves as he kissed the lucky seniors.
   ”I really consider what I do a blessing and just being able to sing for the last 30 years and have a career had just been wonderful,” he said. “I have been an Elvis fan even longer than that and I get a chance to come to places like this and other events that I do. It is a passion with me as I really love doing the Elvis show and from the reactions that I get from people they can tell that what I do is sincere and it comes from the heart. To do this and bring people back in time to those songs it is just so rewarding.”
   Center manager Lisa Carra said this was Elvis’ second trip to Manville. “The seniors enjoyed him so much last time as he hasn’t been here in over a year. It was a great turnout and a wonderful day with Elvis. Elvis rocked the house.”
   Elvis Presley, who died in 1977 at 42, was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and rose to stardom as a singer and movie actor in the 1950s and ‘60s. He was known for his on-stage gyrations, and later in his career for his concerts in Las Vegas.
   Besides the music, Ms. Carra had Elvis trivia around the center, books on Elvis and some special items that brought back those Elvis memories.
   ”He is so hot,” one woman commented with a laugh as she watched Elvis rock and roll in the white jumpsuit.
   Mr. Santa said that the people he entertains get so much out of it but it is just as rewarding for him and “just fills him up just as much. Anytime I get to a chance put on an Elvis suit and sing, it is a blessing to me.”
   For information about the upcoming activities and events at the Manville Senior Center call Ms. Carra at (908) 526-0175.