Centenarians | Luther Ridge Celebrates Six Residents Turning 100+ Years Old

Last month, residents and staff at Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill were honored to celebrate six residents’ 100th birthdays. In a room filled with balloons, flowers, and more fun decorations, we celebrated Maude Karwois, 103, Anna Balas, 102, Harold Furness, 101, Anna Benulis, 103, Edith Harvilla, 100, and Betty Gerber 102, for their remarkable centenary birthdays. The staff also played some of their favorite songs and the residents and guests enjoyed the delicious food prepared by our dietary department.

Resident’s families and friends were also invited to the celebration and were delighted to be present during their special day. They were excited to be able to come to the care center and celebrate each of the six residents while spending time with their loved ones. Family members explained that the celebration was even more special after spending a long time apart due to the pandemic. “After a year of only window visits, being able to be by my mother’s side is incredible,” said Trish Polinsk, daughter of Edith Harvilla, who turned 100 years old the day before. 

“It’s a great pleasure to be alive and an honor to be recognized,” said Harold, 101, during the celebration. The care center was thrilled to put together a day to honor each of its residents for their life accomplishments and dedicate an entire day to them. Each centenarian also received a blanket with their names and birthdays on it.

Along with families and friends, all the staff at Luther Ridge were invited. Some team members made sure to come in during their day off to be able to celebrate the six residents. Local reporters also came in to conduct interviews and ended up spotlighting our residents on the front page of the local newspaper, making them feel extra special.

“All the six centenarian residents are very happy and healthy,” said Abigayle Kaiser, Director of Admissions and Marketing. “It says a lot about our center, to have these residents here being happy. It is very rewarding for all of us,” she added.

In light of the current COVID-19 safety guidelines, masks were required while not eating, COVID-19 screenings were in place for visitors, and social distancing and all infection control protocols were being practiced. Residents and staff were excited to be able to safely gather to celebrate Maude, Anna, Harold, Anna, Edith, and Betty. Consulate Health Care wishes each of them an awesome centenary birthday, and we are honored to uphold our mission of Providing Service with Our Hearts and Hands.