Philadelphia Celebrates Its Hundreds Of 100-Years-Young Residents
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some of Philadelphia's most senior citizens were thrown a birthday party today in the 11th annual "Mayor's Centenarian Celebration."
Philadelphia has more than 400 known residents who are at least 100 years old. The highest concentration lives in Northeast Philadelphia, followed by West Philadelphia. About a hundred centenarians attended today's party.
This year's celebration featured Anna Henderson (below, wearing white hat), a West Philadelphia woman who was born when City Hall was first opened, at the turn of 1900.
"She returns as our reigning most-senior centenarian. She is 111 years old," said mayor Michael Nutter.
The mayor, Mrs. Henderson, and 102-year-old George Kennedy of North Philadelphia -- the oldest man in the room (to the right of Mayor Nutter in top photo) -- cut a birthday cake. Then, Mr. Kennedy shared his thoughts.
"I thank God for being alive," he said. "My motto today is, Thank God for life."
About 100 centenarians attended the grand birthday party, along with family and friends. The mayor went to each table for photos -- and any advice he could get about longevity issues.
Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060
