Luther Ridge celebrates six centenarians
Jul. 28—POTTSVILLE — Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill celebrated six residents who have reached a major milestone, 100 years or more.
The assisted living facility invited residents and their families to the centenarian celebration Tuesday in honor of Anna Balas, 102, Anna Benulis, 103, Harold Furness, 101, Betty Gerber, 102, Edith Harvilla, 100, and Maude Karwois, 103.
The party included music and refreshments, and the centenarians were given customized blankets with their names and birthdays, as well as certificates from the county commissioners and state representatives.
Barbara Balas Ickes, daughter of Anna Balas, said it was nice for her and her mother to be able to celebrate after going through the pandemic.
"It's wonderful of Luther Ridge to do this," Balas Ickes said. "I've seen big changes in her mood this past year because of the isolation. She used to love to be social."
Sandra Ciccozzi, a resident who lives on the same floor as Balas, joined her for the party. Ciccozzi said Balas was "tickled pink" to be celebrated.
"It's a surprise," Balas said of the party.
David and Joseph Benulis and Rita Klint came to celebrate with their mother, Anna Benulis.
"It's nice for all of us to be able to get together again," David Benulis said. "We're blessed to have her here at 103."
Harold Furness said it was "unbelievable" to see so many people gather to celebrate him and the other residents.
"It's a great pleasure to be alive and an honor to be recognized," Furness said.
Betty Gerber said she loves parties, so she felt fortunate to be part of the celebration.
To reach 102 years old, Gerber said, "I do everything for myself." While difficult at times, she said it feels amazing to have reached that age.
For Edith Harvilla, who just turned 100 the day before the party, it feels "pretty damn good."
Her daughter, Trish Polinsky, said the celebration felt even better after going through points in the pandemic when she could only see Harvilla through a window.
"It was very hard not being able to get in here," Polinsky said.
Karwois, the oldest resident who will turn 104 on Monday, was not in attendance Tuesday. Abigayle Kaiser, director of admissions and marketing, said Karwois was in the hospital but doing well.
Kaiser said, previously, the most centenarians Luther Ridge has had at one time was four, so having six feels unbelievable.
"It's exciting, and I think it says something about Luther Ridge," Kaiser said.
While the facility does require masks and COVID-19 screenings for visitors, Kaiser said it still felt good to be able to have a safe gathering after enduring previous restrictions.
"We follow guidelines and wear masks, but we can still honor and celebrate our residents," Kaiser said.
