The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, hosted a luncheon in its social hall on April 10 to celebrate 15 residents who are 100 or older and another five who will hit the milestone this year.
Cecelia Amato leads the way at 108. The newest centenarian is Bernice Segal, who turned 100 on April 7.
The event took place on the 100th day of the year, and the featured speaker was the city’s 100th mayor, Cherelle Parker.
Emcee Bill Conaway, PPH director of community relations, said the centenarians have more than 2,000 years “of wisdom and experience.”
Parker, who was raised by her grandparents, described PPH as an “amazing community.” She said the centenarians have “teeny bopper energy.”
“You all have been kissed by God,” she said.
The guests of honor received certificates of recognition signed by PPH interim executive director Kelli Mills and nursing home administrator Kyle Ozimkiewicz; replica Liberty Bells, courtesy of Parker; roses from City Councilman Anthony Phillips and state Rep. Anthony Bellmon; and congressional proclamations from the office of U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle.
“Wisdom deepens with age,” Mills said.
The PPH Auxiliary provided flowers and corsages. The day also included a rendition of Happy Birthday and prayer from chaplain Linda Lewis. ••
