[WALL, NJ] – In honor of National Genealogy Day, residents of Sunnyside Manor came together for a unique celebration about their family history, advances in DNA and genealogical technology.

Over the holiday season, Sunnyside Manor offered their residents the opportunity to send in their DNA using the 23andMe kit. 23andMe is a genetic testing kit that provides information about a person’s ancestry in detail and even helps you connect with relatives. As of last year, 23andMe has genotyped more than 14 million people.

Just in time for National Genealogy Day, the activities department received the residents results, and hosted an event to share their findings. The revelations unveiled surprising connections and unexpected ancestral backgrounds, leading to a fun and lively discussion.

“I was very impressed they hit my hometown right on the nose!” exclaims Richard, whose family is from Catazaro, Italy. Richard’s wife Susan encouraged him to participate in the 23andMe event, joking, “he always says he’s 100% Italian. When I heard the activities department was hosting this, I knew we had to find out the truth.” Although not 100% Italian, Rich was surprised to have Greek & Balkan, Northern West Asia, Arab, Egyptian & Lenantine, Northern & Western African heritage.

Wes, who also participated in the activity, was already aware of his Hungarian royal heritage, but he was entirely unaware of his connection to the renowned composer and pianist Beethoven. The group was equally intrigued to learn that he is also a descendant of Ötzi, the Iceman—a natural mummy of a man who lived between 3350 and 3105 BC, whose remains were unearthed in 1991.

Frank, also known as “Frankie Fingers” to many of the residents for his beautiful piano playing throughout the community, is turning 102 in April; he was surprised by and interested in his findings. The results revealed that he was related to a victim of the St. Brice’s Day Massacre, a mass killing of Danes in England on November 13, 1002. The massacre was ordered by King Æthelred the Unready in response to a Danish plot to assassinate him.

In addition to these incredible findings, those who opted for the “premium” 23andMe account, received an additional wellness report that gave them an insight to things like allergies, muscle composition and even caffeine consumption.

“This activity proved to be an exciting and enriching experience for our residents who participated. Along with some unexpected findings, it sparked memories and reflections of their past. A lot of chatter around the community has prompted other residents who are now eager to send in their DNA, “ says MaryEllen Keane, Sunnyside Manor’s Owner and Operator. “It’s incredible to see how a simple activity can ignite such curiosity and connection among our residents, encouraging them to explore their roots and engage with their stories.”

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ABOUT SUNNYSIDE MANOR:
Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall NJ, is the area’s premier senior living community. The community features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Recollections Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. For more information, call 844-388-6069.