From the desk of Marie Barnes:

Regency Jewish Heritage Post-Acute Rehab and Nursing Center, 380 Demott Lane, Somerset, NJ, partnered with Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, on May 19th, to host their annual centenarian luncheon and celebration, in honor of older Americans month.  

There was a lovely sit down luncheon, live entertainment, County proclamations, balloons, flowers, gifts and a gigantic sheet cake. 

The guests truly enjoyed all the festivities, and the attention they so rightfully deserve.  The "celebrities" were excited to get to know one another, and so thrilled to see others who have reached the hallmark age of living a century.  
One gentlemen, most senior at the event, 104, Phillip Yannich, was so taken with his table mate, Norma Horger, 102, he got up from his chair and shared a warm hug and kiss, which created a smile on from ear to ear, on both heir faces.  Norma has attended the centenarian luncheons at Regency Jewish Heritage for the last several years, and looks forward to the celebration very much. Out of the 20 centenarians, 4 of the guests were men.     
Bobby Brescia, the entertainer,  played the classic song, "You Make Me Feel So Young", which prompted the guests to gather on the dance floor, and gathered around the large birthday cake, to dance and sing to the song -- twice!  The celebrities and their loved ones truly enjoyed the dancing and singing and much laughter, basking in a memorable afternoon planned solely for these outstanding Somerset County citizens.  
Some words of wisdom shared were; Richard Garlipp, was asked, what his secret was to longevity, he said, "Keep Breathing."  Other words of wisdom were; "Smile and the world smiles with you -- cry and  you cry alone.", Ethel Augustin.  Lillian Blank, sentiments, "It's a surprise that I made it this far." Manual Melendez, "Never give up!, Always think positive! Never lose hope."  Agnes Napoleon, "Must always take care of family, work to suppport one self, enjoy the small thins in life."

Attendees, Ethel G. Augustin, Doris Bennett,  Dorothy Black, Lillian Blank, Margaret Carlson, Marcello Chinski, Sylvia Cohen, Richard Garlipp, Anna Girandola, Norma Horger, Myrtle Levy, Sylvia Meadows, Manual Melendez,  Ruth Kohl Omansky, Tessi Palatini, Mollie Reuben, Clarice Rosenstraus, Emma Tyukoky, Pauline Weinkrantz and Philip Yannich.  
Overall, the consensus was, it was a fantastic day, and look forward to next year.  

Pictured is Marty Bengio, Administrator of Regency Jewish Heritage Post-Acute, Rehab and Nursing Center and Cynthia Voorhees, Somerset County Office of Aging and Disability Services welcoming the centnenarians and their families.  

For further information Regency Jewish Heritage, please call 732-873-2000, or visit www.regencynursing.com.