The Bristal at North Woodmere Celebrates 700 Years of Wisdom

The Bristal at North Woodmere recently hosted a celebration honoring seven remarkable residents, each aged between 100 and 102 years old. Together, these centenarians represent an incredible 700 years of life experience—a true testament to resilience, wisdom, and the beauty of a life well-lived. The event was a heartfelt tribute, not just to their longevity, but to the rich and inspiring stories they carry with them.

Surrounded by fellow residents, family, and staff, the honorees enjoyed a lively celebration filled with music, laughter, and meaningful moments. The day’s festivities included live entertainment and a seated lunch, where the centenarians shared their stories, reflecting on life’s challenges, triumphs, and the extraordinary changes they’ve witnessed over a century. These inspiring stories underscore the importance of celebrating and learning from the lives of our elders.

Here are some of the inspiring stories and life lessons shared by these remarkable residents of The Bristal:

• Evelyn Evans (100 in May), from Bellmore, shared her reflections on a life shaped by love and kindness. Despite enduring the loss of her husband and son, Evelyn’s passion for reading and her positive outlook have been constants in her life. Evelyn brought tears to her family members' eyes as she revealed her secret to a long and happy life: “I wish everyone could be as well off as I am, and I don’t mean by money, but by love."

1. Abe Kwait (100), from Brooklyn, is a veteran who worked as a printer and witnessed pivotal moments in history, from Pearl Harbor to Vietnam. Abe reflected on how much the world has changed. His sage advice: "Stay out of trouble."

1. Harriet Hirschhorn (100), from Bellmore, finds happiness in everyday moments—whether it’s sunshine streaming through the blinds or meaningful connections with others. A breast cancer survivor, Harriet believes kindness is key to a long life. "My next goal is to make it to 200 years old!" Harriet claimed.

1. Jean Mishkin (101 in May), from The Bronx, stays connected with her family through her iPad. A former accountant, Jean proves that age is no obstacle to embracing technology. Her secret to longevity? She puts it simply: "It’s all in the genes—just like my name, Jean! I inherited great genes from my family."

1. Mildred Silver (102), from Lynbrook, reflected on how she has lived such a long and healthy life: "Food has nothing to do with it," Mildred laughed. "I eat everything!"

1. Evelyn Halper (102), from Rockville Centre and Valley Stream, reflected on devoting her life to the art of folk dance. She taught dance at Lincoln Center and even published a book titled Now That Was a Time to Dance, chronicling the history of folk dancing. Her message to younger generations is both inspiring and direct: "Whatever it is you want to do, do it now! Don’t wait."

1. Roslyn Ruder (102), from Oceanside, shared her memories of a life enriched by family, love, and connection. She celebrated alongside three generations of her family—her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter—making the day even more special. Roslyn's advice to her family and younger generations was simple: "Just try to do what makes you happy."

About The Bristal Assisted Living

For 25 years, The Bristal Assisted Living has been dedicated to serving families across the tri-state area. With 24 communities spanning Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Manhattan, The Bristal provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care. To learn more about our services and locations, visit thebristal.com.