Editor’s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — While centenarians make up less than 1% of the population in the United States — and experts agree women are still living longer than men — when it comes to advanced aging, genetics are still the predominant factor.
But that doesn’t mean making smart everyday choices isn’t responsible for adding years.
It’s not uncommon for some “super agers” to possess incredible memories and have minds are like individuals 40 years their junior.
Thinking happy thoughts is always a big plus — since laughter is still the best medicine.
Let’s not forget about staying socially connected, another factor that’s critical to maintaining proper physical and mental health.
MEET ANTOINETTE INSERRA
Rossville’s Antoinette Inserra, who turned 103 in April, embodies all of the above.
“Live your life day by day and if something comes up take care of it and move on,” says the super centenarian. “It worked for more than 100 years for me and I plan to continue doing it,” she advises.
Antoinette continues to be forever the optimist who sees the glass half-full and never half-empty.
Active her entire life, she’s still quite popular on the social circuit.
Antoinette’s MO?
“Get up, get dressed and put on your lipstick and do what you have to do. Face your problems, fix them and then move on to another project.”
Dubbed a “Superhero” by her grandson, Tom Scotto, the birthday celebrant, who beat COVID_19 twice, was born in 1919, when Woodrow Wilson was president, at 121 Mulberry St. in the Little Italy neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, when it was customary for moms to deliver babies at home.
Her dad immigrated to America from Bari, Italy, and her mom, further north, from Trieste.
After graduating from eighth grade, Antoinette, one of four sisters and five brothers, took a job a laundry, where she was responsible for folding clothing, and later on for Charleston Footwear.
When she was 18, she met Vincent Inserra, the man who would eventually become her husband.
The Inserras married on Jan. 8, 1944, and were blessed with four children: Carmine, Susan, Robert and Phyllis.
The birthday girl is still conscious of maintaining a healthy diet and enjoys every type of food, as well as a glass of beer or a glass of vermouth with dinner each evening.
High on Antoinette’s priority list is getting enough sleep, remaining active and optimistic, exercising, drinking alcohol in moderation, spending quality time with family and friends, and possessing a positive outlook on life.
And oh yes — she recommends smiling a lot.
Though her diet consists of nutritious food, she doesn’t deny having cravings for chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate, and rosé wine or white Zinfandel.
She still solves crossword and word search puzzles and creates homemade Christmas ornaments and holiday cookies.
Throughout the years she garnered a reputation for handcrafting exquisite beaded and sequined ornaments for Christmas, but these days, she’s limited somewhat.
However, she still looks forward to shopping in the Staten Island Mall and the Christmas Tree Shop. Christmas has always been her favorite holiday and she makes sure to decorate every square inch of her home.
For birthday number 103, Antoinette and family dined at W’s Bar & Grill in Tottenville.
Happy 103, Antoinette!
CELEBRATIONS - MAY 22 TO MAY 28
May 22
Happy birthday Sunday to Pattyann Gambino, Al Curtis Jr., Kennedy Rose Welle, Dennis Casale, Maureen A. Smith and Michael Alexander Galizia.
Sunday is wedding anniversary time for Carol and Kevin Brady and for Sabrina and Michael Rosen, who celebrate their 11th.
MAY 23
Birthday greetings Monday to Dr. Mark G. Zawada, Rita (Margaret) Perkowski, Michael Mojica, Kelly Ann Sohmer, Venessa Popinaro, Vivian Arrigo and Madison Sciarrino, who turns 14.
MAY 24
The best of birthdays Tuesday to David Lehr, Frank Smith, Brian Namorato, Sean O’Sullivan, Janis Balletto, former Miss Staten Island Amy Reher Hariegel, Joan McConville, Mike Burke, Debbie LaBetti, Liam Michael Popovic, Lori Lombardi and Corey Favoloro who turns 29.
Tuesday is wedding anniversary time for Carmela and Joe Falco, Stacy and John Belmonte and Tom and Sandy Olsen.
MAY 25
The happiest of birthdays Wednesday to Victoria Ann Lamberti, Miles Parker Lorentzen, who turns 18, Richard O’Connor, Carol Horenburg, Dawn Dzlubela and Paulie Brucato who’s now 24.
MAY 26
Thursday is birthday time for Russel Kamback, Marion Strafaci, Megan Eisler, Dianne Petrarca and Bobbie VanAlstyne.
Happy 61st wedding anniversary Thursday to Linda and Tom Flannagan.
MAY 27
Happy birthday Friday to Susan Huus, Michael Fressola, Helen McCorry, Rebecca Ferrulli, Amanda Bruno, Matthew Zeumann, Leslie Johnson, Rosemary Murphy, Jolie Bozza, who’s now a sweet 22, Jennifer Petrotta, Erin O’Rourke, Kristina Fish and Stella Mammolito.
MAY 28
Happy birthday Saturday to Daniel Haley, Claire Quinn, Paul Falco, Joe Brevetti, Bob Denis Sr., Donna Tillman, Stephen Fish, and Edward Anthony Galant.
Happy wedding anniversary Saturday to Mary Jo and John Clark and and to Michele and Doug Volpe.
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