Pikesville’s North Oaks retirement community held a special celebration Thursday evening, Aug. 17, for three of its longtime residents, all of whom are turning 100 this year.
Dr. Gilbert H. Cullen, Dr. Samuel Gaby and Blossom “Bobbie” Nachman were recognized by North Oaks staff and residents and were presented Centenarian Awards, with family members of each resident in attendance.
In honor of the occasion, residents enjoyed a three-course meal and a performance of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” performed by Dr. Gaby’s family, including his grandchildren.
All three centenarians were presented citations from the office of Gov. Larry Hogan. At the conclusion of the event was a performance by the Baltimore Klezmer Orchestra.
“To have three of our own residents celebrating such a special moment here with us is just spectacular,” said Reuben Rosenfeld, North Oaks’ executive director. “Dr. Cullen, Dr. Gaby and Ms. Nachman have been a part of our community for more than 10 years, and we are so thankful for their presence and contributions to the North Oaks community.
“Getting to know our residents is one of the best parts of being here.”
A Baltimore native and dentist, Dr. Cullen graduated from City College High School and the University of Maryland. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater on the USS Mugford. After the war, Dr. Cullen married Betsie Kitzes and they had two children, Peggy and Michael. They were married for 68 years before Mrs. Cullen passed away a few years ago at the age of 98.
Dr. Cullen is passionate about woodworking, travel, jewelry-making and photography.
Also a Baltimore native and graduate of City College High School, Dr. Gaby earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He practiced general surgery for more than four decades at five local hospitals before retiring in 1995. He had three children with his wife, Elaine, with whom he was married for 58 years until she passed away 15 years ago.
Ms. Nachman was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and lived in several cities along the East Coast, including New York and Washington, D.C. In 1952, she married her husband, Frank, and they have a son, Marc, as well as two grandchildren, Sam and Sara.
Besides being a lover of animals, Ms. Nachman is an accomplished artist, with experience in charcoal, pastels, oil and acrylic paint, ceramics, watercolor, plaster, photography, greeting cards, origami and more. In 2015, she was recognized by U.S. News and World Report for her paper-folding prowess. A former league duckpin bowler, she is still the champion of the Wii Bowling at North Oaks.
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