To be celebrated while living is a good thing, especially when an impressive life story is praised at age 100. Civic leader Ed Toriello recently experienced that. Stafford Township honored him with a proclamation for service in World War II and community service at home, and the Kiwanis Club of LBI thanked the former club president for key work on a fundraiser that earned $100,000 for Southern Ocean Medical Center (then Southern Ocean County Hospital). Toriello is a former member of the hospital’s board of directors.

The centenarian observed, “Everyone should do good things for their communities. It is rewarding, you meet people, it touches lives in many ways. It keeps you active; you can live to be 100 and still be somewhat productive.”