Lois Satalof, 101, is serenaded by Elvis impersonator Dean Garofolo. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
The Dock Woods Senior Living Center marked a significant milestone with Montgomery County’s 15th annual 100th birthday party celebration for more than 30 residents.
Friends and family members of the centenarians joined Dock Woods staff members and local officials for the May 14 celebration, complete with a luncheon, cake and an Elvis impersonator.
“I’m sure many of you are asked what’s your secret,” said Lisa Reiff, executive director of Dock Woods. “Hopefully the answer is lots of chocolate, coffee and wine.”
The centenarians cited diet and exercise, a positive attitude, genetics and faith as the secrets to a long life.
“The secret is honoring your father and mother, loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself,” said Anna Blaha, who will turn 100 in July.
“I think my longevity is in my genes,” said Ethel Metz, who will turn 103 in July. “I attend the fitness center daily. I am usually a positive person. I never drank or smoked. I eat three balanced meals daily and eat candy, cookies and ice cream each day. I’m a Christian and attend church every Sunday.”
“My secrets to a healthy, long life are to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, do what the doctor says, laugh as much as you can, enjoy music, keep a song in your head, stay in touch with family and friends, enjoy each day God has blessed you,” said Caroline Merrill, who, at 109-years-old, is the oldest living Montgomery County resident.
Caroline Merrill will turn 110 years old in October. She is currently the oldest living Montgomery County resident.Several centenarians defied the odds after being born under dire circumstances.
Martha Pish, age 101, was born weighing just two pounds and was not expected to survive the night. Her sister put her in a shoebox on the shelf of a coal stove. She later married her husband, Chester, and the two went on to become the longest-living married couple in Pennsylvania at 81 years.
Lois Satalof, who will turn 102 in October, reached the milestone after overcoming numerous obstacles, including severe health issues and the sudden deaths of her parents.
“When I was born, my mother had to remain in the hospital for gallstones. At the time, there was no baby formula, so I had to have a wet nurse,” said Satalof. “By the age of 17, I lost both my parents. When I was 33, I suffered a stroke that ended my wish to have many children.”
Martha Pish and Dr. Aaron Levin, both 101, celebrate with family members
Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello speaks at Montgomery County’s 15th annual centenarian celebration.In celebrating the centenarians’ birthdays, local officials took the opportunity to reflect on some historical events that are also celebrating 100th birthdays.
“100 years ago, it was 1924. Walt Disney created his first cartoon called, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Macy’s held its very first Thanksgiving Day parade, and the cost of a first-class stamp was $0.02,” said Jennifer Haeussler-Barnhart, administrator of the Montgomery County Office of Senior Services. “Macy’s and Walt Disney have brought such experience and humor and meaning to our lives and that’s exactly what our centenarians do for our community.”
“In 1924, the first-ever Winter Olympics took place in France. Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ premiered in New York. The song ‘Happy Birthday to You’ was published as was the first ever crossword puzzle book,” added Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello. “But most important thing that happened 100 years ago — you were born.”
DiBello also discussed the revolution in communication technology over the past century, including social media, while underscoring the ongoing importance of face-to-face interaction.
“We all know that true social connections take place at a much deeper level, even with all the technology,” said DiBello. “Maintaining true connections with our community, our friends, our family is more important than ever, and these connections become strongest when they are at events like this.”
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