Seniors and family members enjoyed a lunch at the Sloatsburg Senior Center, complete with birthday, cake as residents who turn 90 years old this year were celebrated.

There must be something to Ramapo Mountain  water in the Village of Sloatsburg. On a recent May Wednesday, the Sloatsburg Center Center celebrated those community members who turned (or will turn this year) 90 years old. Some five Sloatsburgers were on hand for the the day’s festivities, which included a lunch and birthday cake.

Altogether there were nine Sloatsburg residents honored by Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright and Trustee Peter Akey — including: Rose Parker, Anne Talercio, *George Heller, Mary Izzo, Mary Nattini, Angie Massaro, *Betty Lahm, *Harrison Bush, and *Vinnie D’Andrea (asterisks denote WWII veterans).

Address by Village of Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright on the occasion of those Village residents celebrating their 90th birthday at the Sloatsburg Senior Center – May 2016

This is an extraordinary event as 9 individuals over the age of 90 are being recognized and honored this afternoon. This tribute is for the remarkable life each has lived. All of them in their own individual way have contributed to the strength and moral fiber of our country and community.

The Sloatsburg Senior Center celebrated residents who turned 90 years old. From left is Vince D’Andrea, then, in white, Angie Massaro, in the blue shirt is Harrison Bush. Next to Angie in pink, is Mary Nattini, and next to Mary is Ann Talercio. In the left background is Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright and Village Trustee Peter Akey.

Your lives have paralleled the journey of America through the century. You have seen presidents. You were born during the Roaring Twenties. You lived through the Great Depression of the 1930’s and World War I. This experience alone elevates you to be a member of what is considered America’s greatest generation. You have lived through the cold war, 9/11, the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

As small children you witnessed Charles Lindbergh flying across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927 and 42 years later Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. You listened to the early and great radio programs, saw and heard the first talking motion pictures, marveled at the advent of television, and were captivated by the age of computers. 

You watched one president resign, one impeached, one elected without a majority of popular vote and the first one of African American descent. You have seen the results of the technological revolution, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the change in American culture. You are the custodians of our nation’s history.

Your parents promoted family values and taught you to value family. From an early age you were encouraged you to pursue the American Dream. Through hard work, diligence and determination you were able to reach and claim it.

You have spent much time sharing your talents and time to enhance the lives of others.

All of you have given and received unbounded live. We have all been blessed to have known such wonderful and remarkable people.

Your intellect, spunk, determination and zest for life make all of you renaissance men and women.

You are inspirations to us all and are national treasures.