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A sea of balloon-speckled decorations greeted Mildred Gent as she walked into a room of faces both familiar and unfamiliar at Woodman Adult Services on Friday. It was her birthday, and despite a slew of friends and family and a few politicians, she was unfazed. Gent celebrated the day 101 times already. The jump to 102 years old did not seem like a big deal.

When asked if the moment still dazzled, the laconic Gent said, “This is very nice. I’m happy.”

The celebration marked a dual celebration, as the birthday tangentially rests alongside the rejuvenation of an adult home once cruising towards closure.

From 1970 to 2008, Woodman was known as The Donnelly Home, a family-owned operation noted for its personal care and familial atmosphere.

A brief change in ownership set off a rash of defections by residents, with the numbers dropping from 47 to just three adults. Then along came Brian Rosenman, bringing six years of experience and a determined spirit to bring Woodman back to its former renown.

“I saw an opportunity in a great place in a great location,” Rosenman said.

The one-floor home, located just off of Northern Boulevard on 34th Avenue, presents an ideal set-up for encouraging an active lifestyle and constant vigilance from the staff.

“The care starts from the heart,” Rosenman said. “It’s like family. It’s not a stranger. These people are like a father or mother.”

Woodman is his first entrepreneurial foray into adult care, and his first goal was to refill the home’s 26 rooms. He started by returning as many familiar faces as possible, seeking the adults once driven out by the previous owner.

Since taking over on July 9, Rosenman has brought the number of residents up to 17, from the three here inherited. Seven of the returnees originally lived there, when it was still owned and run by the Donnelly family. Gent counts herself among the prodigal children.

She said a hands-on friendly care fueled her return, and spurned the amenities and glitz of costlier adult care facilities.

“This place makes you feel like you’re surrounded by friends,” Gent said. The spry 102-year-old also gave very simple advice for reaching into triple-digit age. It has nothing to do with diet.

“I eat anything,” she said. “I go to bed early and don’t drink, don’t smoke.”

Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) showed up to the party, presenting Gent with a special recognition on behalf of the City. The meeting might have left a literal mark on Liu.

“Judging by the grip she gave me, she pumps iron,” Liu said.

Reach Reporter Joseph Orovic at jorovic@queenstribune.com, or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127