
Somerset County centenarians were once again honored May 19 at the Regency Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on DeMott Lane.
Held to commemorate Older Americans’ Month, the event drew about 21 centenarians and their families to a luncheon at the center.
Regency holds the Guinness world record for most centenarians gathered in one place with 41, set at the annual luncheon several years ago. That record is included in the 2015 edition the Guinness Book of World Records, a copy of which was given to attendees at the May 19 event.
Regency took over the event about six years ago from Somerset County, which was about to end the program.
“As soon as we heard they’re stopping that, we felt it was right up our ally to do it,” said Marty Bengio, Regency’s corporate administrator. “It’s very forward.”
Regency’s public relations director Marie Barnes coordinates the event each year.
“It’s a big job, but it’s so worth it because it’s in honor of Older Americans’ Month and we always have so many centenarians in-houe that it’s a two-fold celebration for the community and for our centenarians, which is always our priority,” she said.
Somerset County Freeholder Brian Levine was also on hand to greet the centenarians.
“I honor you all,” he told the group.