Manchester Mayor Fetes Town's Newest Centenarian

(Manchester Mayor Ken Palmer with Viola Bernadiener, and Brenda Sloan, director of Manchester Senior and Social Services. Photos courtesy Manchester Township)

Manchester Mayor Ken Palmer extended his best wishes to Manchester’s newest centenarian, Viola Bernadiener, on Jan. 9 during a surprise birthday celebration at the township’s Senior and Social Services office.

Born in Queens, NY on December 31, 1914, Viola spent her adult life in Ocean County, moving to Lakewood in 1939. She has been a resident of the Cedar Glen West community for nearly 49 years.

Jackie T. Rohan, executive director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, presented Viola Bernadiener with a proclamation from the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders in celebration of her 100 years.

Viola cited the many inventions and technology advancements over the past 100 years and called the 20th Century the “greatest century of all time.” Viola recalled attending the premiere of “Gone With The Wind” at the Strand Theater.

Manchester’s Director of Senior and Social Services, Brenda Sloan, surprised Viola with a birthday cake and balloons, and credits Viola with baking the very best organic cookies.

Happy Birthday Viola!