Brookline celebrates its centenarians at ‘Party of a Century’

Turning 100 years old is a milestone worth celebrating. On Monday, the Brookline Senior Center threw a “Party of a Century” to honor the town’s centenarians, celebrating a lifetime of memories, friendships, and lessons. 

“I live for today, and I hope for tomorrow,” said Sara Lee Bloom, a 92-year-old Brookline resident who regularly attends events at the center. 

“It keeps me alive,” Bloom said of the gatherings, adding that she has reconnected with grammar school friends she hadn’t seen in more than 50 years. 

In all, 27 centenarians were recognized, according to the event program, though many could not attend. The five who were present received certificates, and the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to the honorees. 

Michael Rubenstein, vice chair of the Town of Brookline’s Select Board, read a proclamation declaring Oct. 19, 2026 “Party of a Century Day” in Brookline and recognizing Brookline as the first “age-friendly” community — a designation from the World Health Organization — in New England. 

The celebration also revived a tradition dating to 1909, when Boston Post publisher Edwin Grozier sent gold-headed ebony canes to selectmen in about 700 New England towns to present to each one’s oldest man (women became eligible in 1930). 

Because the town has not yet identified its oldest resident, the cane was not awarded to one person; instead, a replica was displayed and passed among the honorees during the afternoon. 

The event was more about reaching a certain age, said Emily Williams, director of the Brookline Senior Center. It was an opportunity to recognize a “century of change, of challenges, of accomplishments” — and the many friendships and memories along the way. 

“You teach us every single day what it means to be curious, to nurture your relationships, to share your stories and find joy,” Williams told the crowd as she presented recognitions. 

Rubenstein brought the cane to Francis DiMento, who is approaching his 100th birthday, to pass around during the ceremony. He thanked DiMento for the stories and lessons he has shared with others.

“That’s what you get with old people: lots of stories,” DiMento said.

A Navy veteran of World War II and a lawyer, DiMento continues to work on cases with other attorneys. Despite all he has experienced, DiMento said, his age is not something he spends much time thinking about.

His advice for younger generations was characteristically practical: “Look both ways when you’re crossing even a one-way street, and perhaps … drink lots of milk.”

The Bo & Bill Winiker Band provided the soundtrack for the afternoon. The Brookline group has performed for more than 50 years and regularly plays at the senior center’s annual New Year’s concert, along with other events throughout the year.

Monday’s celebration carried special meaning for Bo Winiker, whose mother recently turned 100 herself but was unable to attend.

“It’s a thrill every time we come over here,” Winiker said. “You can feel the energy and enthusiasm in this room today, and that’s how it is all the time over here … It’s one of the best senior facilities in the country for sure.”

On the dance floor, Hu Caplan, 95, and Pet Berger, 86, waltzed together several times throughout the afternoon.

Caplan, who served on the medical staff at Newton-Wellesley Hospital for more than 50 years, has a long history with the musicians. He said the Whittakers played at his bar mitzvah when he was 13.

After Caplan’s first wife died a few years ago, he fell into a depression. He later attended his 65th Harvard University reunion, where he met Berger, whose first husband had died the year before. They met about 10 years ago and have since married.

“Life has been good,” Caplan said after finishing a dance with Berger and settling down to eat his cake. “Get ready for five years from now.”

The party also offered a different perspective for those who help make the senior center a welcoming place.

Sandy Silbert, 67, a Brookline resident who volunteers at the center twice a week, said she enjoyed seeing people outside their usual volunteering routines.

“When I retired early and I started volunteering here, I was like, ‘I’m not one of them,’ but I am, and I love it,” she said. “I didn’t want to see my future, but this is my present, and it’s a present to be here.”