Man celebrates century birthday, credits laughter

Hyman Glaser, a client of Amherst Meals on Wheels and a longtime member of the Amherst Senior Center, celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 11. Meals on Wheels volunteers Gary and Joan Runckel delivered a birthday cake to Glaser on behalf of the program volunteers. Joan's birthday is also Jan. 11.

Young and old could learn a lesson or two from Hyman Glaser, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 11, 2008.

He was married for 70 years to Wanda Czarana, who passed away at the age of 95.

"They did everything together," Glaser's son, Bob, said.

Glaser and his wife lived for more than 35 years in the Town of Tonawanda, where they raised three children.

He has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

When asked his secret to longevity, Glaser simply replied, "I never smoked, drank liquor or ate junk food. I drink apple cider vinegar every day."

He added that he doesn't stress about the same things, and he always finds something to laugh about because laughter is the best medicine.

Glaser plays pinochle at the Amherst Center for Senior Services every Wednesday and bingo at Shaarey Zedek Apartments, where he resides, every Saturday.

The staff at the apartment complex threw Glaser a birthday party on Jan. 11.