Governor Celebrates State's Centarians

Gov. Lincoln Chafee joined state and local officials to honor nearly 50 seniors who have reached 100 or more years of age at a ceremony in Johnston on May 12.

Held at assisted living facility, the ceremony included special citations for the oldest gentleman and lady — FrankDiPaolo, 104, of North Providence, and Louise Silva, 107, of Cranston — as well as the "youngest" man and woman, Irving Ewers, 100, of Smithfield, and Madeline Bache, 99, of Pawtucket.

"As I ponder what was happening in 1912, '11, '10, '09, (I think) what memories you have over that span of time," said Chafee before reading the state citation.

Department of Elderly Affairs Catherine Terry Taylor also attended the brunch and offered "thanks for the wonderful lives you lead."

Mayor Joseph M. Polisena praised the seniors for their contributions to the nation.

"It is truly the greatest generation, no doubt about it," Polisena said. "Thank God you made the country what it is today — we're going to try and keep it strong, and just keep it the country it once was — the one you made."

The brunch marked the 34th year that a sitting governor has honored the state's centenarians.