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Happy birthday to one of the sweetest ladies around

| 24 Oct 2013 | 01:02
    Elsie Powers is greeted by a friend Tuesday, with Mayor Bettina Bieri on left.
    Elsie Powers is greeted by a friend Tuesday, with Mayor Bettina Bieri on left.
    Elsie Powers was thrilled with the crowd that came out to honor her for her 100th birthday.
    Elsie Powers was thrilled with the crowd that came out to honor her for her 100th birthday.
    A poster showing Elsie Powers throughout her life was on display at her party.
    A poster showing Elsie Powers throughout her life was on display at her party.
    About 120 people showed up to honor Elsie Powers on her 100th birthday.
    About 120 people showed up to honor Elsie Powers on her 100th birthday.
    Blanche Luccarelli has known Elsie Powers for over 40 years. The two are neighbors now at Bald Eagle Commons and Luccarelli celebrated Powers' 100th birthday on Wednesday along with 120 others.
    Blanche Luccarelli has known Elsie Powers for over 40 years. The two are neighbors now at Bald Eagle Commons and Luccarelli celebrated Powers' 100th birthday on Wednesday along with 120 others.
    It took a committee to put it all together, but they did a great job. Pictured here in front from left are, Betty Boecklen, Elsie Powers, Lois DiDomenico and Lorraine Decker. In back, from left, Ronnie Terranova, Marion Schurizzo, Mayor Bettina Bieri, Cathy Battaglia and Laurie Piontaowski.
    It took a committee to put it all together, but they did a great job. Pictured here in front from left are, Betty Boecklen, Elsie Powers, Lois DiDomenico and Lorraine Decker. In back, from left, Ronnie Terranova, Marion Schurizzo, Mayor Bettina Bieri, Cathy Battaglia and Laurie Piontaowski.
    Happy birthday to one of the sweetest ladies around

WEST MILFORD — Elsie Powers was ready to party Tuesday. Looking stunning in her silver dress and sparkly tiara, still it was her brilliant smile that stood out most of all. Powers – and 120 of her closest friends – celebrated her 100th birthday Tuesday at Bald Eagle’s Grange Hall with a special luncheon and many good wishes.

“Isn’t this wonderful?” said Powers on Tuesday, beaming at all of the well wishers greeting her.

Mayor Bettina Bieri was among the guests at Powers’ head table. After their lunch, Bieri and Powers sang a German song together, with an accordion accompaniment.

"She is just terrific," said Bieri.

Blanche Luccarelli has known Powers for 40 years. She was thrilled to honor her friend again this year.

“I wish her many more good years!” said Luccarelli.

Luccarelli helped to organize Powers' 99th birthday party last year, a smaller but still festive affair. At that time, Powers said the secrets to her longevity were many, and included being happily married for many years, having little stress and, most importantly, being happy and nice.

A look back
Powers was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 22, 1913, to Anna and Herman Schwabe. When she was 22, she married David Powers, a salesman in the millinery industry. They were married for 46 years until David died in 1981. They had no children. The Powers lived in Brooklyn, but had a summer home in Upper Greenwood Lake, where they spent many happy years, and in Warwick, N.Y. After they retired, the Powers moved to their Upper Greenwood Lake home full time. Powers moved to Bald Eagle 15 years ago.

As for Powers, she has been very active in the community throughout her life: an adopted grandparent at Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School, a Garden Club member, a long-time volunteer with the Serendipity Singers and a founding member of the Golden Jet Set.

Powers was a talented seamstress when she was younger, often making her own clothes.

Hit the lottery
Her days now remain busy and fruitful. She plays Bridge every Monday, on Tuesdays she's a regular at Camp Hope's Tuesday Supper Club and on Fridays she still sings with the Serendipity Singers.

In preparation for her birthday, a committee put the party together. They chose purple tablecloths and bright balloons to decorate the hall. A poster of photos was put together, showing Powers' life throughout the years. Her neighbors in building 1 wanted to give the birthday girl a gift, even though she requested no gifts for her celebration. They put together a "lottery cake."

She will surely enjoy scratching her way through those tickets. But honestly, she has good health and excellent friends. She's already hit the lottery in life.

Happy birthday, Elsie.