‘90’s Luncheon’ Honors Elder Residents

More than two dozen Armstrong County Health Center residents who are at least 90 years old were honored January 27 in the Kittanning center's "90's Luncheon."

by Jonathan Weaver

The average American is expected to live 78 years. The Armstrong County Health Center celebrated 28 residents last week that eclipsed that mark.

Health Center residents and those who participate in Adult Day Care who were at least 90 years old were honored with their ‘90’s Celebration’ luncheon January 27.

Health Center Activities Coordinator Hannah Megown has led preparation for the event for the past five years, but said the event has been held annually for at least 20.

“We like to do this each year to show them that they’re important, that we don’t forget they’ve been through so much and we appreciate that they are here to tell their stories with us,” Megown said. “We really enjoy hearing them – they’re a part of history.”

 There were 27 residents honored in January 2011. Susan Hrinko was honored both this-and-last year as the oldest resident in the Health Center. Hrinko will turn 103-years-old March 20.

Megown said Hrinko is still a vital part of the Health Center community.

“She reads everyday by the window, she’s still active, comes to our activities, is very alert and oriented and has a good time,” Megown said.

Administrator David Mansour led off the luncheon in prayer and agreed that it was a special occasion.

“We have a lot of residents in their 90’s and it’s a great way to show our respect and honor their achievement with reaching that stage in their life,” Mansour said.

Megown made a speech during the program and introduced the 25 who were in attendance for the luncheon before a round of applause.

“These wonderful people have lived and seen more than any of us can imagine,” Megown said. “And they are still here with us today smiling, full of life and we honor them.

“May they blessed with more happy days,” Megown added.

Ruby Steiner, 93 of Kittanning, was one of those residents honored Thursday. She was joined by granddaughter Linda Olinger.

Linda Olinger of Kittanning attended the event with her grandmother Ruby Steiner, who turned 93 November 30.

“We’re close – I visit her a lot and wanted to come down and celebrate with her,” Olinger said.

The three Armstrong County Commissioners – Richard Fink, David Battaglia and Bob Bower – were also invited to the celebration.

Bower said he recognized some local families and residents while at the event.

“This is a thrill to be here. In my new capacity as Commissioner, it gives you a chance to get out and see some of the hidden wonders of the County, and this is certainly one of them,” Bower said.

Honorees and their guests had their choice of crab-stuffed flounder, broccoli-stuffed chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, a vegetable blend, and biscuits during the luncheon. White or chocolate birthday cake served was from Kittanning Foodland.

A centerpiece was created out of flowers from T&J Floral in Ford City. Each honoree also received a flower and certificate commemorating the achievement.

The 28 honored included: Hrinko, Philomaine Glesk (99), Olive Hansen (99), Edna Anthony (97), Mary Logue (97), Kathleen Round (95), Paul Caruso (95), Stella Richards (94), Fay Poorman (94), Alena Held (94), Lucille Long (94), Steiner, Margaret Nickleach (93), Mary Klem (93), Andrew Panchik (93), Helen Yount (93), Bernadine James (93), Catherine Croyle (92), Lynell Coffman (92), Clarence Kunkle (92), Wilmer Luke (92), Josephine Voelkel (92), Myrtle Fennel (92), Vinca Urik (91), Glenna Delp (91), Mable Schrecengost (91), Avenelle Johns (90) and Helen Hughan (90).