MANCHESTER – It was a packed house, the hall was filled, balloons were hung, birthday cake was ready to be cut and two public officials were at the ready with proclamations to read. This wasn’t for the 250th anniversary of America, however. It was for several residents of Crestwood Manor.
Administrators, security personnel, the executive board and staff of the senior facility based in the Whiting section of the township came out to honor Lorretta Clark, Jane Austin, Elenore Humphries – who all had made it to 100 years old – and John Crosby who was celebrating his 103rd birthday. Sadly, Austin passed away a few days later.
Lorretta Clark was suffering from a cold and was unable to attend but her certification was received from one of her close friends that evening on her behalf.
Crosby in particular enjoyed speaking with Mayor Joseph Hankins as they spoke about the Battle of the Bulge which the mayor’s grandfather had fought in and survived after a near fatal injury.
“It was snow up to your stomach and very cold,” Crosby recalled.
“Once they broke that bulge it made all the difference in the world. I get emotional talking about it. Thank you for being there and hanging around to talk about it,” the mayor told Crosby remembering what his grandfather had told him.
The mayor read a proclamation that honored the lives of the Crestwood Manor celebrants. “Reaching the age of 100 years old is a rare and distinguished achievement and reflects a lifetime of experiences, accomplishments, perseverance and wisdom. These centenarians of Manchester Township have reached an extraordinary milestone worthy of celebration having touched countless lives through their kindness, leadership, devotion and family, friends and community.”
“They contributed immeasurably through their military service, public service, volunteerism, personal achievements, family leadership and civic involvement. Their perspectives serve as a living bridge to generations and provide valuable lessons in courage, determination, compassion and distinction. Manchester Township is proud to recognize and celebrate the longevity, vitality and enduring contributions of these residents who have obtained the milestone age of 100 years old and beyond,” the mayor added.
Along with the mayor’s proclamation, 9th District Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre was present to also honor those who reached their birthday with framed proclamations for each one. “I had a great aunt and she lived to be 103. It certainly is great to see that you all made it this far and many more great years ahead.” He read the joint legislative commendation which came from him, Senator Carmen Amato and fellow Assemblyman Brian Rumpf. He noted Crosby’s birthday first calling it “a remarkable accomplishment attained by few and deserving of special recognition and celebration. Throughout more than a century of life John Crosby has witnessed significant moments in our nation’s history, experienced profound societal changes and accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experiences to inspire those around him.”
Crosby was holding a special present in his arms while seated in the audience that he received from a health aide. It was a hand carved cowboy on a horse. She knew it was something he would enjoy.
“They think I need help and I have (an aide) who comes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday that helps me three hours a day. She was in the Philippines for six weeks on vacation. She came home today. This is made of ironwood which is the hardest wood made. I don’t know how they can carve it,” Crosby added.
“We like it here,” he added regarding Crestwood Manor. “I’ve been living here for almost nine years. Before coming here, I lived in Trenton. I lived there for 58 years and I lived in Florida for 24 years.”
“Thank you for this. I’m shooting for 105,” Crosby told Hankins and Myhre.
Family members of the centennial celebrants were also in the audience and security guard David Sanders was playing tunes on the piano for the event. He noted that Crestwood Manor has 220 assisted living apartments and 62 bed nursing home. “We have a few hundred independent living residents.”
Ilene Malpero, who heads up many special event programs at Crestwood Manor welcomed the celebrants, family members, staff and special guests to Crestwood Manor’s Centenarian Birthday party.
“Tonight is very special as we honor three of our centenarians on their milestone birthdays. Collectively it comes to 307 years,” she said.
Malpero added, “this party was a labor of love and I hope to repeat it next year. I want to thank everyone who helped me put this together and David who is at the piano,” she added. Cake was served up soon afterward and the party continued.
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