Julia Bizzarri has been a resident at The St. Patrick’s Home Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for over 10 years. This year, she celebrates her 105th birthday.

“I can’t believe I am this old,” said Bizzarri. “I give thanks to God for living this long.”

Every third Tuesday in June, St. Patrick’s Home hosts its annual Centennial Celebration to honor residents who had and are close to reaching the centennial milestone. This year, ten centenarians, including Bizzarri, were celebrated at the event on June 19.

The Norwood News asked Bizzarri and another centenarian what’s the secret to a long and happy life. “Liquor, before or after dinner,” said Bizzarri, soon laughing.

Growing up as a native New Yorker from Manhattan, Bizzarri shared her experience as the child of two Italian immigrants. She expressed her undying love of the Yankees and for the homemade wine that her and her six siblings enjoyed regularly.

“It was the best,” Bizzarri, who had once worked at a newspaper, said of the family wine with a wide, growing smile. “Nothing tasted like it.”

Another resident, Willie Mae Trimble, had different thoughts about what makes for a long-lasting life. “Eat, pray, dance. And don’t drink too much liquor,” said Trimble, 99, a former nurse’s aide and seamstress. “And rest. Find that balance in life.” Trimble, who was born in Jackson, Georgia, moved to the Bronx with her husband and raised their four children in the Bronx neighborhood of Parkchester. She hasn’t left the Bronx since and has been a resident at St. Patrick’s Home for two years.

Honorees were seated at a table in front of a gathering of other residents, family members, and friends. The event, organized by the home’s director of recreation, Janet Kibassa, offered food and entertainment for all in attendance. Bronx Borough Director at the Mayor’s Office Joshua Cortes also attended the event and offered greetings from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Kibassa worked to keep spirits high at the celebration, organizing gifts for the centenarians and encouraging guests to dance with their loved ones. In particular, family members were encouraged to share remarks during the event. One of Trimble’s four children, Pat Trimble-Rogers, shared her thoughts. Trimble-Rogers told Norwood News that the transition for her mother and her family has been difficult but she believes that her mother is in good hands at St. Patrick’s Home.

“We are a team,” said Trimble-Rogers when she spoke to the audience. “And that’s what makes St. Patrick’s special.”