Max Stern makes the crowd of friends and family gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday erupt into laughter at the Howard Beach Senior Center. Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup
As Max Stern celebrated his 100th birthday at the Howard Beach Senior Center last week with a flurry of activity, from a colorfully adorned belly dancer to musical performances from Stern himself, the World War II veteran and retired teacher was asked the inevitable: How do you live to be a centenarian?
And, not only that, how do you celebrate 100 years in this world with the kind of health and happiness that Stern exudes?
“Sleep is very important,” Stern joked as laughter rippled through a crowd of nearly 100 friends, family and community leaders who gathered at the senior center at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd. last Friday afternoon to celebrate Stern’s birthday, which was officially Nov. 20. “I take three naps a day: One in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. By that time, it’s time to go to bed.”
The statement, friends and family said, was pure Stern humor – the kind that many attribute to not only Stern’s long life, but to their own well-being.
“It’s a sense of humor that keeps us smiling – you’ll make us all live longer,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), who presented Stern with a proclamation from the state Senate. “What you bring to this senior center is truly life.”
After joining the Howard Beach Senior Center 10 years ago, Stern’s name has become synonymous with laughter – and, often, with dancing. A prolific joke-teller, Stern is also a staple during the senior center’s weekly dance events and can often be seen spinning numerous women around the floor.
“We are all very fortunate to have him in our senior center,” said Sylvia Shapiro, a longtime friend of Stern’s who gave a speech at his party. “Tuesday is our dance day, and we can all count on Max to not sit out.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Stern was one of six children and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in East New York. He worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard until 1942, when he began serving in the U.S. Army in World War II. He served in the 100th Division for 37 months, and on Jan. 10, 1945, while serving in Alsace-Lorraine, France, his 40-person division was attacked by 63 German soldiers. Half of his division was killed, and the other half was captured – along with Stern, who received citations for his bravery.
After Stern was discharged, he went to college to become a teacher and taught industrial arts – mechanical drawing, drafting and woodshop – for 19 years. He spent much of his adult life in Howard Beach, moving to the area with his late wife, an artist, in 1968.
After his wife’s death, Stern joined the Howard Beach Senior Center – at which he quickly became a fixture, participating in the dance, exercise, and health management activities at the site. He often participated in the center’s talent show and will volunteer, including helping to serve lunch.
“This senior center simply wouldn’t be the same without him,” Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said.
State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) also heaped praise on Stern, who he called a “true example of how to be a good friend to everyone.”
Howard Beach Senior Center member Jimmy DiNapoli plays the guitar while Max Stern sings.
Max Stern can frequently be seen spinning women around the dance floor at the senior center. Here, he and center member Bunny Gelfand entertain the crowd.
State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, Monsignor Alfred LoPinto of St. Helen’s Church, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, Max Stern, and Councilman Eric Ulrich commemorate the 100-year-old’s birthdays. The legislators gave Stern proclamations marking his 100 years.
Max Stern joked he was able to make it to 100 by taking naps; friends and family said they believe his sense of humor has much to do with his still youthful demeanor.
By Anna Gustafson
