In 1925, there was a lot going on in the world. The world didn't know it yet, but two dictators were rising in Europe ahead of World War II. That was the year Benito Mussolini, the leader of the Italian fascist party, declared himself dictator of Italy and Adolf Hitler outlined his ideology and antisemitism in his memoir/manifesto Mein Kampf. 

1925 also marked the year the United States the first-ever woman governor, Nellie Taylor Ross, took office in Wyoming and Mount Rushmore was unveiled in South Dakota.

(Photo: Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS)

The Hudson Valley's own Miriam Mandel was born that same year, coming into the world during the Jazz Age along with future notables Malcolm X, Johnny Carson and Margaret Thatcher.

Mandel, of Putnam Valley, was born in Manhattan on January 27, 1925. Over the span of her 100 years, she's twice married and the mother of three. According to Mid Hudson News, Mandel once worked as a wholesaler of precious and semi-precious stones in New York's Diamond District, leading her to a chance meeting with her jeweler husband, Morton. 

There have been 17 presidential elections since Miriam was born. She's lived through a World War, The Depression, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, and countless other history-making moments like the assassination of JFK and the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

This week, Miriam, who has spent the last 16 years volunteering for a local seniors center, celebrating her 100th birthday, officially making her The Hudson Valley's newest centenarian. 

From all of us here at WHUD, Happy Birthday, Miriam! You're an inspiration.