You could say it was the party of the century.
On Sept. 22, National Centenarian Day, the Los Angeles Jewish Home in Reseda threw a birthday party unlike any other: a celebration of its residents ages 100 and older.
And it was a bigger party than you might think — 36 women and two men ranging in age from 100 to 105 were feted for their accomplishment in aging gracefully that puts them in the same ballpark as the Jewish Home itself.
“The home is 104 years old this year,” said CEO Molly Forrest, who spoke following a blessing by Rabbi Karen Bender, Los Angeles Jewish Home director of spiritual life and Grancell Village rabbi. “We thought it was appropriate to take a moment to think about what a long time 100 years is. Out of those who live in the Jewish Home on a long-term basis, 5 percent of our residents are over 100. We believe that every day of life matters and that you take hold of each day with zest and interest and a great attitude.”
The Jewish Home has held its annual Walk of Ages in honor of its centenarians since 2000. This year’s event is slated for Nov. 20 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. But the birthday bash was a first.
Because even one 100th birthday is a big deal, this occasion merited some serious fanfare. The Schulman Activities Center at Grancell Village was decorated in white and gold balloons. White and gold linens and vases of fresh flowers dressed up round tables where the guests of honor — dressed to the nines — mingled with family members and staff while a pianist played.
The 36 women honorees wore colorful corsages on their wrists. The men donned boutonnieres. Waiters served scones and berries plus slices of chocolate birthday cake.
In addition to Forrest, speakers included California Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Encino), as well as representatives for Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who each presented every centenarian with special certificates.
“Unbelievable!” said Albert Weber, 102, upon receiving his certificates. “I hope I’m deserving.”
Like many of the centenarians, Weber credited his long life not principally to exercise or diet but something more intangible.
“It’s not what you eat,” the former entrepreneur said. “It’s what’s eating you. Attitude is very important. Every word that comes out of your mouth should be positive.”
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<view-source:http://localhost/exporter/%7Bassets_99956:%7Bfiledir_3%7Dcom-home-Ida-Selko-and-family-(1).jpg%7D>” style=”width: 545px; height: 253px;” />Ida Selko, 105, center, is kissed by granddaughters Katie Selko, left, and Laurel Bernt during a National Centenarian Day celebration at the Jewish Home. </em></span></p>
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Sharing his table was fellow centenarian Goldie Druyun, 103, who seemed equally tickled by all the attention. “It’s lovely to celebrate all the old folks,” she said. “We’re famous.” </p>
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The morning event featured a video with photos of the honorees — some current, some of their younger selves — accompanied by the sounds of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.” It included quotes from residents like Rose Kahan, 100, who offered this advice: “Don’t get upset, stay calm and smile as much as possible.” Other quotes elicited laughs all around, such as Druyun’s, “Isn’t that something, 103? Don’t tell anybody!” </p>
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As you might expect in a room that included many who have hit the century mark, there was reminiscing. Native Angeleno Sadye Peckman, 100, remembered a Los Angeles without freeways. Her dad sold vegetables from a horse and buggy. The former hairdresser also recalled the popular pin curl hairstyle she was asked to do regularly. “They didn’t have rollers,” she said. And she shared a memory of her first tip, a big one back then: 30 cents.</p>
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Myrtle Feenberg, 100, a Texas native who has retained her Southern accent despite 61 years in Los Angeles, said there are pros and cons to life in 2016. “I think the attitude of the young is a little different today,” she said. “They live. They enjoy. We used to worry more about the future.”</p>
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The former legal secretary continued, “We hung diapers on a clothesline. Now you throw them away.” </p>
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Feenberg used to buy encyclopedias for her son and his family. “Finally he said, ‘What are you buying them for?’ ” she recalled. “Everyone runs to the computer.”</p>
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Feenberg, the lone resident to take the podium at the event, moved into the home eight years ago and maintains a packed schedule that includes weekly tai chi, samba dancing, drama club and “mahjong, of course.” The UCLA Bruins fan reads the newspaper daily — cover to cover — starting with the sports page, then moving on to the business section and the Jumble puzzle. </p>
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“My motto is,” she said, pointing to her head, “if I can just keep this going. I do all the things that are educational or make you think.” </p>
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And she said she never holds a grudge. “To me, it eats on you,” she said. </p>
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Like Weber, Feenberg credits her long life to attitude. “I go along with the flow,” she said. “It’s a lot easier.”</p>
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One of the youngest people to attend the celebration was Katie Selko, 18, granddaughter of Ida Selko, 105. </p>
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“My grandma will be 106 in November,” the Pasadena resident said. “It’s quite the accomplishment for her.” </p>
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The student at Chapman University said seeing so many Jewish elders in one place was a fantastic experience.</p>
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“To see this many people 100 and older is an amazing thing, especially with what has happened to the Jewish people.”</p>
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