North Haven Man Celebrates 100th Birthday Amid Coronavirus Crisis

NORTH HAVEN, CT — While the new coronavirus pandemic may have canceled plans for a big family 100-year-old birthday celebration for a resident at The Landing of North Haven, the staff made sure his milestone was still celebrated.

The Landing of North Haven, an assisted living facility on Clintonville Road, hosted a 100th birthday celebration for Edward Otremba last Friday afternoon with staff and residents. The North Haven fire and police departments led a parade of emergency vehicles around the building, followed by family and friends in their own personal cars.

North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda signed a 100th year birthday proclamation and State Representative Dave Yaccarino read it to Otremba after the vehicle parade.

Otremba is the son of Polish immigrants, and employees of the Leisure Care community learned the Polish birthday song, Sto Lat. Officials said they sang it to Otremba to celebrate his birthday with this traditional Polish custom. There was birthday cake and Otremba’s favorite beverage, Sam Adams beer.

Staff, residents, and family practiced social distancing and wore masks and gloves as is protocol at the community during this time, officials said.