About 140 centenarians attended a city-sponsored luncheon last week at SugarHouse Casino.
Mayor Jim Kenney spoke and posed for pictures with people 100 or older and those who will be hitting the century mark this year.
The oldest man and woman joined Kenney in cutting a cake. Russell Harvey, 103, still drives, mows his lawn and visits the Reading Terminal Market. Ruth Hopson, the oldest in the Events Center, is 106.
The 19th annual celebration was timed for Older Americans Month, and the guests of honor were allowed to bring a family member or caretaker. All received a $10 SugarHouse play card.
The centenarians were entertained by The Blackbird Society Orchestra and the Senior Bop Dancers. They listened to remarks by City Representative Sheila Hess; Lydia Hernandez Velez, the retiring deputy managing director for the Mayor’s Commission on Aging; Holly Lange; president and CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging, and Daniel O’Connor, regional communications director for the Social Security Administration.
In all, there are 454 centenarians in Philadelphia, including 176 who will turn 100 this year.
Hess referred to those born in 1919 as the “babies” of the crowd.
O’Connor, of the Social Security Administration, congratulated everyone, particularly those who have or will turn 100 this year. He recalled 1919 as the year the pop-up toaster was first made and when Congress passed a bill granting women the right to vote.
The Social Security official also listed celebrities, all who have passed away, who were born that year. The group included Jackie Robinson, Nat King Cole, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Liberace, Andy Rooney, Robert Stack, Judge Joseph Wapner and Eva Gabor.
Jack Barbash, of Bustleton, is one of those born in 1919. He’ll turn 100 on July 9. He was joined by his wife, Elaine, who is 90, and their son-in-law, Barry Reiff. Barbash and his wife have two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“I feel good,” Barbash said, adding that a stroke in 2016 has slowed him some.
Barbash, an Overbrook High School graduate, was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a cab driver who often transported visiting baseball players from the Warwick Hotel to Connie Mack Stadium. Passengers included Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams.
Jack and Elaine, who met on a blind date, have been married for 68 years. She does the driving.
“I’m a helper around the apartment,” he said. “I do the dishes, run the sweeper and fold the clothes.”
Barbash was happy to be invited to the luncheon.
“It’s a once in a lifetime,” he said.
Kenney, in his closing remarks, wished everyone good health.
“See you next year,” he said.
