Margaret Riva at 100

Margaret Riva humbly says that she doesn’t have a lot of advice to give others — but those others would strongly disagree.

Riva is the only surviving founding member of the original executive board of AHRC, a not-for-profit organization that supports and advocates for children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. For nearly 60 years, Riva has spent most of her time trying to discover the reasons that all three of her children were born with mental retardation.

Currently living in Sunrise Assisted Living in Lynbrook, just months past her centennial birthday celebration, Riva is still an advocate for these children and their families. She has spent her life trying to get scientists to explore the possibility that paternal lead exposure, and other toxins, can lead to birth defects, mental retardation among them. Three years ago, she published her own personal account in AHRC’s newsletter, which won her a state award. Her children, Lorraine, Carol and Frank are all now senior citizens themselves.

Her advice? “Handle problems as happily as you can,” she said. “Do things in moderation.” What about drinking and smoking, The Herald asked. “Well, I’m not against them,” Riva said, “but I indulge very little.”

Riva said that she is very proud of her time on the AHRC board. “It was great to find other people … that was very good by itself. We’ve come very far in 62 years. I met so many wonderful people. President Roosevelt had his March of Dimes … this was our March of Dimes.”

After starting the New York City Chapter of AHRC, she was asked to speak at the opening of the Long Island chapter. “I remember what I said — I told everyone how important it was for them to get involved.”

Good advice, Margaret.