Kate Galtman celebrates birthday with friends, family and officials
On Nov. 7, 1916, Woodrow Wilson was elected to his second term as president of the United States.
A little less than a month before that, Oct. 10, 1916, to be specific, Washington Township’s Kate Galtman was born.
On Oct. 11, the township held a celebration for Galtman at the Senior Citizen Center on Greentree Road. Seniors gathered in the cafeteria where a group was singing requested songs. Township officials arrived around 11:15 a.m. and began setting up for the celebration. Township Clerk Leo Selb began dancing with residents to the tune of “Charlie Brown” by The Coasters. The atmosphere in the cafeteria was electric awaiting the birthday girl’s arrival.
Around 11:30 a.m., Galtman was escorted in by her son Ivan and daughter-in-law Jayne.
“I’m shocked,” Galtman said. “I had all of the excitement yesterday, I didn’t expect anything more today.”
She said that on her birthday people were constantly calling her, she received candy and that her house was buzzing all day long. She added her favorite candy is anything with chocolate.
Everyone in attendance on the 11th didn’t say “surprise” when Kate walked in, they just sang “Happy Birthday” at the direction of the two singers.
Once the song came to a close, members of the Washington Township Police Department, Chief Pat Gurcsik, Council President Joe Perry, Mayor Joann Gattinelli and Galtman gathered for a picture.
During the gathering, Gurcsik awarded Galtman with a coin.
“The chief gave it to me for good luck,” she said. “I’ll keep it as a good luck charm.”
Galtman carries a purple handbag with a colorful message on the front that reads “I love Bingo.”
“I do!” she said said with a smile. “[I go] every week. I don’t miss it.”
In addition to her affinity for bingo, Kate crochets and reads books. She added she is grateful for her family.
“My son and daughter-in-law are fabulous,” she said. “I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Her family doesn’t stop there, her family is rather large.
“I have a big family,” she said. “Two sons, two daughters-in-law, 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. That’s my incredible story.”
Galtman celebrated her birthday with close friend Julie Strittmatter, who had nothing but nice things to say about her.
“I admire her so much,” Strittmatter said. “She still does things for people like crocheting hats and blankets. She’s an inspiration to everyone.”
Jayne Galtman, Kate’s daughter-in-law, had a simple message to give: “Happy birthday mom.”
Galtman’s birthday celebration included a catered lunch provided by Cardinal Village, a cake provided by the township administration and classic songs to dance to.
