HONORING LW CENTENARIANS
LW centenarians honored on April 20
by Anna Derby
GAF centenarian event coordinator
The Golden Age Foundation celebrated 26 LW centenarians with a Hof ’s Hut carryout lunch, balloons, flowers, and gift cards that were individually delivered to each recipient April 20. Centenarians profiles are also being printed in the LW Weekly in added recognition of reaching 100 years of age and beyond.
The GAF received 19 stories, which were mostly written by relatives. These entertaining looks at how to successfully live a long life will be running for months to come.
The GAF thanks the City of Seal Beach, including Assistant Manager Patrick Galegos, MayorThomasMooreandother city officials, for helping make the day special.
The city provided the flowers for 26 beautiful bouquets, centenarian certificates and gift cards from Sprouts.
City staff Lauren Barich, Jennifer Robles, Megan Coats and Erika Halberg were immensely helpful. Mayor Moore volunteered to make deliveries to two centenarians. One of them, Walter Cieslak, greeted Moore all dressed up for his special day.
Leisure World Korean Community Church sponsored gift cards from Ralphs and the Korean American Association donated Hof ’s Hut gift cards for future meals with family.
This community effort celebrated more centenarians than in the past two GAF-sponsored lunches.
All together, honorees were given a birthday card signed by dozens of residents, friends and neighbors, a city certificate, flowers, gift cards from Sprouts, Ralphs and Hof ’s Hut, two centenarian souvenir programs and a visit from a smiling volunteer.
The GAF would like to thank volunteers Andree O’Brien, Beverley Bender, Brenda Thomason, Carl and Liz Kennedy, Geneva Potepan, Heeja and Stan Alameida, Katie and Henry Kim, Melli Herrera, Shery Wells and Susan Cucci. The GAF is grateful to Video Producers Club members Michael Oh and Irene Cistaro, who captured all the preparation for the event.
Andree O’Brien and Beverley Bender also added “Happy Birthday” balloons for their centenarians.
Volunteers reported that centenarians were delighted by the special recognition. Many stayed to visit and chat.
People shared wisdom, their love of family, their goals and the gift of good genes.
Walt Cieslak was honored to have Seal Beach Mayor Thomas Moore present him with a centenarian certificate.
GAF volunteer Brenda Thomason delivered Florence Gordon’s treats and her certificate of recognition.
Liz and Carl Kennedy were honored to meet with Bette Sargent (center).
GAF volunteers Heeja and Stan Alameida (in back and right) visited with centenarian Lewis Parker.
