Schervier Pavilion resident Anna Stefan celebrates 100th birthday

Warwick — When Anna Stefan, a resident at Schervier Pavilion in Warwick, was born, Theodore Roosevelt was in his second term as president of the United States. The big news that year was the San Francisco earthquake. And media stars of the day included the likes of George M. Cohan, Oscar Hammerstein and George Bernard Shaw. The year was 1906, and the place of birth was Scranton, Pennsylvania. Three years before her birth the Wright Brothers had demonstrated that a machine could fly. Automobiles were no longer a passing novelty, but most people traveled by horse and carriage. On Saturday, April 1, Anna Stefan celebrated her 100th birthday with close members of her family. The birthday party was held a few days early in the Greenbriar Room at the nearby Mount Alverno Center. “Anna has been living here nine years, and she has always demonstrated her pleasant personality and friendliness to all our residents and staff,” said Kari Call. “Everyone is thrilled that she could celebrate this important birthday with her family.” Call, a certified therapy recreation specialist, serves as director of recreation at the pavilion. Before moving to Schervier, Stefan had lived with her husband Peter, a native of Romania, who served as Waterworks Commissioner for Greenwood Lake. The family worshiped at Grace Lutheran Church. Although it may still seem rare, the fastest growing segment of the population is actually people who have reached the age of 100 and beyond.