Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The Bristal at North Woodmere, an assisted-living facility, was decked out in 1920s decorations on April 9 as it honored seven residents ages 100 to 103 in a celebration called 700 Years of Wisdom.
The centenarians shared their insights on longevity, and their reflections on life’s happiest and most challenging moments as well as the extraordinary changes they’ve witnessed over the past century.
The honorees were Evelyn Evans, 100, of Bellmore; Evelyn Halper, 102, of Rockville Centre/Valley Stream; Harriet Hirschhorn, 100, of Bellmore; Abe Kwait, 100, of Brooklyn; Jean Mishkin, 101, of the Bronx; Roslyn Ruder, 102, of Oceanside; and Mildred Silver, 102, of Lynbrook.
Alongside generations of their family members, the honorees were surprised with old photos of themselves and pamphlets about their lives. And Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel of Lawrence, presented them with citations on behalf of County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
“The reality is that you represent the greatest generation — you are America,” Rosenbaum said. “You taught us courage, resilience and to never give up.”
He mentioned that the centenarians lived through World War II and witnessed the liberation of the Jews 80 years ago.
“You helped create the greatest miracle of this generation we have ever seen,” Rosenbaum added. “You make us who we are. You give us hope, and you are our past and the future.”
The first citation went to Kwait, who is Rosenbaum’s uncle. Kwait is a war veteran who witnessed pivotal moments from Pearl Harbor to Vietnam. He was also a printer who had to adapt to changes in technology over the decades.
His advice to younger generations was, “Stay out of trouble.”
Evans reflected on her life, which was filled with kindness, as well as grief for her late husband and son. She also mentioned how her childhood love of reading helped shape her into the woman she is today.
“Listen to your parents,” Evans said. “They love you and want what’s best for you.”
Hirschhorn attributed her long life to finding happiness in everyday moments and connecting with others. And as a breast cancer survivor, she emphasized being kind to others.
“My secret is that I speak to God and he answers me,” Hirschhorn said. “I lived to be 100 — I’m looking for 200 now. I have a good sense of humor. That’s what keeps me going.”
Mishkin is a former accountant who recalls a life filled with love and joy, but also pain: She lost a son to leukemia.
“My advice is live the best life you can,” Mishkin said. “If I knew how I ended up this age, I would be a multi-millionaire.”
Silver, a longtime Lynbrook resident, said she believed that everyone could benefit from being more thoughtful and friendly. “Be kind, thoughtful, and always think before you act,” she said.
Halper, a former folk dance teacher, published a book about the history of folk dance titled, “Now That Was a Time to Dance.”
“I think my proudest recollection is that I lectured five times at Lincoln Center, and I have all the programs to prove it,” Halper said. “That was one of my greatest achievements. Whatever it is you want to do, do it now — don’t wait.”
Ruder, who was joined by three generations of women relatives, looked back on a life that she said was filled with love and family.
After the citations were handed out, the party began.
Bristal residents enjoyed entertainment by Rob and Patty Meade from Music From the Heart. The duo sang an array of songs from the 1940s and ’50s. While the attendees danced, glasses were filled with sparking apple juice and strawberries, and a special cake was decorated with “100” in black and gold.
The honorees sported crowns that said “100,” and were presented with flowers. After the celebration, they were treated to lunch, where they shared stories and reflected on their lives.
“I do not recommend living to 100,” Halper said, “but if you’re going to, make sure you do it with the ones you love and what you love doing.”
