Every birthday is special, but turning 100 is an incredible milestone. New Community Extended Care Facility, 266 South Orange Ave., Newark, celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Edna Hill on Dec. 13. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Council Member at Large Louise Scott-Rountree, West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly and New Community CEO Simone Gagneron joined Extended Care residents and staff in honoring Hill alongside her family.
When asked how it feels to be 100, Hill said, “I feel good. I’m blessed to be an old lady.”
Baraka said he was happy to celebrate Hill’s milestone birthday.
“I just pray that I make it to live as long as you,” he said. “I wish you many more and good health especially. God bless you.”
Scott-Rountree read the City of Newark resolution marking the date of the celebration and Hill’s birthday.
“May God continue to bless you, be in you to strengthen you, be beneath you to support you, go before you to guide you and put his loving arms of protection around you,” she said.
Kelly shared the letter he wrote marking Hill’s milestone birthday, discussing her contributions to her family, public service as a clerk and her church community.
“It is my sincere hope that the coming years and all of your years to follow are filled with wonderful experiences, new adventures and the fulfillment of your heart’s desire,” he said.
Gagneron expressed her congratulations to Hill and gratitude to all in attendance.
“On behalf of New Community, we are excited, we are blessed to have you all and we say thank you and happy birthday to Ms. Hill and everyone celebrating their birthday today,” she said.
In addition to Hill, Extended Care recognized all residents who celebrate a birthday in December. They enjoyed a meal, cake, music and dancing.
