Smithtown's Senior Citizen Department Throws Birthday Celebration For 106 Seniors Age 90 And Above

By Dana Klosner

(click on photos to enlarge)

The Town of Smithtown Senior Citizen’s Department hosted it annual 90^th Birthday celebration on Wednesday, September 10^th. One hundred six seniors and their guests attended the lunch to celebrate those seniors that reached their 90^th birthday and above in 2014. 

Carol Atkinson and Alice PertornyCarol Atkinson is 101 years old and has been coming to the center for at least 20 years. She brought her friend Lillian Hursky to the lunch.

“I used to dance at the center,” Atkinson said. What does she attribute her longevity to? “Good living,” she said. “I watch my diet.” And her friend Alice Pertuny, 92 of Nesconset, said Atkinson goes to St. Pat’s Church every Sunday.

Supervisor-Patrick Vecchio behind Josephine Stable and Irene TatoThe day was filled with good food, good friends and entertainment. Supervisor Vecchio was on hand to greet all the seniors, tell a few jokes and hand out certificates and flowers to each person who celebrated their 90^th birthday and above.

Josephine Ramano, 93, comes from Kew Gardens and has been living in Kings Park for 2 years. That’s how long she’s been coming to the senior center. 

“I think it’s wonderful, I’m overwhelmed,” she said of the birthday celebration. She stays so young by “A lot of hard work,” she said. “I’ve been a widow for over 40 years. I take care of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.” She worked in a bank for 15 years after she became a widow and she worked in the Federal Reserve Bank before she was married. 

“I’ve made a lot of friends at the center,” she said. 

Suzanne Cofman and daughter Monique SchwenderSuzanne Cofman, 97, was born in France and has lived in Smithtown for 50 years. She’s been coming to the center for at least 40 years.

“My father used to come here to play cards and he was 11 years older than her,” said her daughter Monique Shwender who was born in France as well. “She raised her kids here. She’s got two kids, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“She always loves coming here. She enjoys saying hello to Mr. Vecchio, he tries to speak French to her,” Shwender said. 

Florence Milleisen, 94, has been living is Smithtown since 1959. Her 5 kids all went to Hauppauge High School.

“We came here because of the schools,” she said. “My sons played football and baseball. Two of my sons and one of my daughters all work at Hauppauge High School.”

She attributes her long life to being happy.

“I enjoy everything in life,” she said. “This is the first time I am really ill. I used to go to all the picnics and the trips [that the center offered.]”

Alice Cahman will be 99 on January 12.

“It’s like a dream,” she said. “I never thought I’d make it this far.”

She attributes her long full life to staying busy.

“I’m the Corresponding Secretary of the North Shore Jewish Center Seniors, “she said. “I do a lot of reading and I’m very involved with people. The secret to a long life is staying busy.”

Godetia Kearney, 90, of Kings Park appreciates Mr. Vecchio.

“Mr. Vecchio is kind to seniors,” she said. “He thinks of us and has given us many enjoyable clubs to join and many good times. He is very thoughtful and honest and we all love him.”

The day ended in entertainment by the staff and a rousing sing-a-long.