Centenarian Celebrations

Philadelphia Centenarian Luncheon

On May 19, 2016 the Philadelphia Regional Staff and Richard Gaudiosi, Public Affairs Specialist (PAS) Upper Darby, PA, attended the 16th Annual Centenarian Luncheon in Philadelphia PA.  Mayor Jim Kenney paid tribute to more than 100 Philadelphia residents attending the ceremony and are at least 100 years old. There are 549 known Philadelphia Centenarians and one-quarter of them registered to the event. This year’s celebration featured Fannie Mae Ausby, 109, the oldest woman in attendance, and Dr. Eli Zebooker,a 103-year-old Society Hill resident – the oldest man to participate. Mayor Kenney honored the more than 500 centenarians in Philadelphia -- on “Philadelphia Centenarians’ Celebration Day,” and participated in a special cutting of a huge “Centenarian” cake designed in the shape of ‘100.’ The theme of this year’s event was Saluting Centenarians: A Celebration for the Ages.” The Mayor’s Centenarian Celebration was established in 2001 as part of the City of Philadelphia’s efforts to mark the anniversary of the completion of the historic century-old City Hall.  In his first public speaking opportunity as the new Regional Communications Director (RCD), Dan O’Connor addressed the audience on behalf of the Social Security Administration.  Tablets were available  for attendees to register for my Social Security accounts.


Richard Gaudiosi, PAS Upper Darby PA, assists an attendee with her my Social Security registration


Dan O’Connor, Philadelphia’s Regional Communications Director addressing the audience at the 16th Annual Centenarian celebration in Philadelphia PA


Baltimore Centenarian Recognition Luncheon

Tamika Christian, Public Affairs Specialist (PAS) Baltimore MD, hosted an exhibit at the 24th Annual Maryland Centenarian Luncheon which honored Maryland citizens who are 100 years or older. The luncheon honored 137 Maryland centenarians, 51 who attended the luncheon with their families and friends. During the celebration, the centenarians participated in the program by singing, providing remarks, and reading poetry. Among the speakers was Terry Stradtman, Regional Commissioner (RC) Philadelphia PA, who congratulated the centenarians. Shelia Sayles, District Manager (DM) Baltimore Wabash MD, greeted everyone with a warm welcome. Jackie Collins Miller, Area Director (AD) Owings Mills MD, was also in attendance.


Jackie Collins Miller, AD, and Terry Stradtman, RC, at the Maryland Centenarian Luncheon

 

Delaware County Centenarian Luncheon

Edward Lafferty, Public Affairs Specialist (PAS) Chester PA; Christine DeRegis, Area Director (AD) Media PA; and Idalia Ortiz, Temporary Public Affairs Specialist Chester PA, attended the Delaware County Office of Aging's Centenarian Luncheon in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Over 200 people attended the luncheon for the 57 centenarians, held in honor of Older Americans Month and recognizing all county residents aged 100 or older in 2016. Christine, Idalia, and Ed visited each table to individually present a certificate to every centenarian, in appreciation of their many diverse accomplishments. Christine wished them well, answered any questions they or their family members may have, and distributed the online services bookmark. The luncheon included a proclamation by Delaware County Council members, a medley of favorite songs performed by students from the Worrell Elementary School third-grade class, and recognition by the Council of every centenarian in attendance. During the ceremony, the Executive Director of the County Office of Services for the Aging pointed out the contributions of the local Social Security office in facilitating the mailing of the invitations.


Christine DeRegis, AD, greeting a centenarian and her family