South Williamsport native Helen Hoffnagle recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Albright LIFE (Living Independently For Elders), the area's only adult day health center.
In recognition of her monumental achievement, Aug. 7, 2012 was proclaimed "Helen Hoffnagle Day" in South Williamsport.
The day started with a VIP ride to the LIFE Center, chauffeured by former chief of police Curley Jett.
Hoffnagle made her way inside the center amidst the cheers of family and friends, where she met South Williamsport Borough Council President J. Bernard Schelb, Mayor David Lechniak and Borough Administrator Michael Miller.
In addition to proclaiming Aug. 7 "Helen Hoffnagle Day," Council President Schelb also presented her with a key to South Williamsport in recognition of the "contribution Helen has made to the community and the important role she has served in our society."
A question and answer game helped all those in attendance learn more about Hoffnagle's remarkable life, and live music by Leo Armbruster had everyone clapping and singing along.
After lunch, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino and state Rep. Rick Mirabito visited Hoffnagle and presented her with formal proclamations recognizing her as a centenarian. Hoffnagle also received letters of congratulations from state Sen. Gene Yaw, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, Gov. Corbett, Willard Scott from the "Today Show," and Secretary Brian Duke of the State Department of Aging.
"As a newly minted 'Centenarian' and participant in Albright LIFE, [Helen is] one of our gallant pioneers forging the concept of aging in place and living well," Duke wrote.
Albright LIFE (Living Independently for Elders) is Pennsylvania's version of the nationally recognized PACE program (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
LIFE provides a comprehensive array of services to meet the social, medical, emotional, spiritual and nutritional needs of individuals 55 and older who meet the eligibility requirements for a nursing home level of care.
LIFE's coordinated approach to health care helps participants remain healthy and active in the place they call home for as long as possible.
For more information about Albright LIFE, visit the day center at 901 Memorial Avenue, or call 322-5433.
