Chapin Home for the Aging Celebrates 14 Centennial Residents

On Friday, June 27, Chapin Home for the Aging in Jamaica inducted into their “Century Club” 14 residents: Thirteen are 100 plus and one almost there at 99. These residents, families and friends were treated to an afternoon of celebration receiving proclamations hand-delivered by NY state Sen. Tony Avella who gave a spirited speech on what the celebrants have meant to our city and state.

Avella made his way around the crowded room making sure to greet each celebrant with a handshake and kind word. Also sharing words of support and celebration were Assemblyman David Weprin who also arranged for certification for each of the centennial celebrants and Councilman Rory Lancman. Although unable to attend, City Councilman Paul Vallone made sure to send certificates from his office.

The event was organized by the Chapin Home’s recreation director Kathy Rollo Ferrara with the enthusiastic help of many other employees and volunteers. As MC, Rollo Ferrara shared “this idea was inspired by resident Mary Nuccio who turned 100 this past week. Her ‘very much alive life’ has been an inspiration to all of us. She is an example of how to keep on living no matter what circumstance might come your way.”

The audience was treated to an opening prayer by George Stack, Chapin Home’s resident council president, a greeting from assistant administrator Jennifer McManaman and an original poem written by a staff member, which was read by Rabbi Laurie Gold.

Completing the event were volunteer actors from the St. Gregory’s Theatre Group located in Bellerose who treated everyone to Broadway songs from yesteryear.

Celebrating longevity is nothing new to Chapin Home for the Aging serving the community with care and compassion for three centuries. Founded in 1869, shortly after the Civil War, Chapin Home’s original location was in Manhattan and then served at two locations in Queens. Its 145 years of service is enduring proof of its commitment to “care of our elder population.”

Chapin Home for the Aging is located at 165-01 Chapin Parkway, Jamaica, and on the web at chapinhome.org. For additional information, or a tour of the facility, contact Chapin Home’s admissions department at (718) 739-2523, ext. 2008 or 2019.

Read the full story from the Queens Chronicle here.