Following on the heels of the longest day of the year, the region’s longest-living residents celebrate their centennial birthdays

One day after the summer solstice, The Wesley Community hosted an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed birthday tea for 13 of its residents who have reached, or surpassed, their centennial birthday. The eldest among them celebrated her upcoming 110th birthday.

The tea party took place on Friday, June 21 at Woodlawn Commons on the campus of The Wesley Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs. The themed event provided residents with an opportunity to embrace their inner child and participate in an imaginary world – just like Alice while in Wonderland.

“We’re very excited to celebrate these milestone birthdays with so many of our residents,” said The Wesley Community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “Turning 100 years young is quite an achievement, and to have more than a dozen of our community members enjoying their second century of life is a true blessing. We were thrilled to honor each of them.”

The 13 centenarians live across Wesley’s three residences: Wesley Health Care Center, Embury Apartments and Woodlawn Commons. Five are 100; two are 101; two are 102; two are 103; one is 104; and one is 109, going on 110.

Paula Griffith celebrated her 110th birthday at the tea party. She has spent the last 12 years living independently at The Wesley Community’s Embury Apartments and is a shining example of the continuum-of-care approach that provides Wesley residents with important support and services while maintaining their autonomy. Paula enjoys spending time with her family, watching the New York Yankees, sewing, reading and baking. She will turn 110 on July 29.

For more information about The Wesley Community, visit www.thewesleycommunity.org