For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2016
Monmouth County Honors “Centenarians”
Those 100 years young attend celebration
HAZLET, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders celebrated Older Americans Month in May, by honoring and commemorating Monmouth County residents reaching the hallmark age of 100.
In partnership with Monmouth County Office on Aging, the Regency Park Sub-Acute, Rehab and Nursing Center in Hazlet hosted the 4th annual luncheon for the guests of honor from Monmouth County who will be 100 years of age and older in 2016.
“Centenarians impart wisdom and knowledge to younger generations. Oral history is just as instructive as what we read in books,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Human Services Department. “Their longevity is remarkable and we can’t thank them enough for sharing their life experiences. It is one thing to read about the Great Depression and World War II, but listening to their impeccable recall for details isn’t found in a book. They rode life’s roller coaster through poverty and prosperity. It is a privilege to honor these wonderful people who are more than willing to share their volumes of knowledge.”
Monmouth County “celebrity” residents attended a complimentary luncheon which included music, gifts, and a birthday cake. Monmouth County Freeholders were in attendance to present the guests of honor with certificates commemorating their centenarian status. The certificates were presented to Margaret Alliano, Eleanora Bell, Florence Berzon, Rose Mary DeFalco, Evelyn Duncan, Mario Gazzara, Mary Geraghty, Ambrose E. LeVan, Jean Markovitz, Patrick Power, Florence S. Robbins, Ruth Schiff and Miriam Tinkler.
“It is fascinating and enlightening to listen to the experiences our centenarians encountered on their life’s journey,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Their recall of details shows how vibrant and active they are. It was an honor for the freeholders to join in this celebration of life and we look forward to seeing many of our friends next year.”
“The birthday honorees showed how true it is that ‘you are only as old as you feel,’” commented Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “The world has changed enormously over the last 100 years, and they are eye witnesses to those changes. These precious citizens have experienced tragedies and triumphs and we all can learn from them on how to live life to the fullest during all those experiences. I cherished my conversations with them because they are honest, amazing and genuine.”
Mr. Ambrose LeVan, who will celebrate his 105th birthday in November, addressed the audience and spoke of how life expectancies are increasing from generation to generation. Mr. LeVan stated, “I’d like to thank the Monmouth County Division of Aging for hosting this event. We all seem to have the right genes. There are approximately 50 people in Monmouth County who have lived 100 years or longer, some of whom couldn’t be here today. Let us remember them in our prayers and hopefully they can join us next year.”
Mr. LeVan then recited a verse from An Old Irish Blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Marie Barnes, Marketing and Public Relations Director for Regency stated, “Regency Park is proud to host this annual celebration. The centenarians are exemplary role models and exude wisdom and vitality. It is a privilege to honor the centenarians and be instrumental in making special new memory the “celebrity” and their family.”
Regency Centers also have facilities Dover, Somerset and Wayne. Regency Centers are the current Guinness World Book of Records winner for “Largest Gathering of Centenarians.”
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