On Thursday, May 19, Penn’s Landing Caterers hosted the 16th Annual Mayor’s Centenarian Celebration — a luncheon honoring all Philadelphians who will turn (or have turned) 100 or older this year. Approximately one fourth of Philadelphia’s centenarians were in attendance.

At the event, the Blackbird Society Orchestra provided live music and the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center Line Dancers stunned the crowd with their showstopping, precisely choreographed routines. A string of speakers offered remarks, including Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration Dan O’Connor, Deputy Managing Director for Aging City of Philadelphia Lydia Hernandez and President and CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Holly Lange.

Mayor Jim Kenney also spoke at the event and officially proclaimed May 19, 2016 to be Celebrate Centenarians Day. After cutting the birthday cake with the oldest man and woman in attendance, Kenney made his way through the hall and personally addressed each and every centerian.

“Our centenarians have helped shape our city’s history and are a vital part of our vibrant neighborhoods,” Mayor Kenney said. “These amazing residents have worked and raised families in Philadelphia, witnessing firsthand the city’s growth and change through their own unique perspective.”

City Representative and luncheon emcee Sheila Hess was both proud and grateful to be able to carry on the tradition.

“This is a unique event because it’s for the seniors,” Hess said. “The city gets to focus [on] and really celebrate the seniors and all that they’ve contributed to Philadelphia.”

Sylvan Brandman, the only centenarian from Fairmount in attendance, has led a very rich and fulfilling life. Brandman, who turned 100 years old this March, grew up in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia. He attended Overbrook High School and Temple University before embarking on what he modestly termed “the usual.” He worked for an advertising agency for more than 50 years. Even today Brandman makes it a point to maintain a certain level of political awareness.

“I hope to see some of the things that all these politicians are screaming about,” he said.

Communications Consultant Leslie Sellers coordinated the first Centenarian Celebration in 2001 to coincide with the commemoration of City Hall’s 100th birthday. Sellers was in attendance this year, accompanying her grandmother, Lillie Williams, a Georgia native who will turn 100 years old this September.

“[This event] kind of changes your perspective on what you think a 100-year-old person is,” Sellers said. “They’re interesting; they have stories; they want to dance; they go around and steal the flowers off the tables.”

Congratulations to all of Philadelphia’s centenarians!