Bronx resident Gloria Rowe recently celebrated her 101st birthday at JASA’s Einstein Senior Center in Co-Op City during the center’s Black History Month celebration.
The “Soul Train” themed event honored the historical and cultural imprint of African Americans in New York City and beyond.
Over 200 event attendees ranging in the ages of 60 to 101 enjoyed the four-hour celebration, that included a performance from JASA’s dance group the Olettes. The Olettes are comprised of thirteen dancers ranging in age from 60-75 years-old and performed to classics including a medley of Aretha Franklin hits such as “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Think”. The Olettes also did a dance to honor Rowe on her birthday.
Founded over 50 years ago, JASA is one of the largest NYC-based nonprofits that provides assistance, programming and services to promote aging with a purpose and provide autonomy for older adults to remain in their homes and communities.
JASA serves over 40,000 older adults in New York City annually, including 3,000 older adults in Co-Op City alone through three senior centers, a NORC and its case management program.
“At JASA, we are always working to honor older adults as vital members of society,” said Aisha Parillon, JASA’s senior director of senior centers. “Today’s event showcased the vibrancy and richness of life that comes with connecting with others, and that is something that transcends age.”