Edwin Lacy, 95, and Verna Lacy, 94, who recently celebrated their
70th wedding anniversary,
enjoy the Celebration of Age party.
The annual birthday party
recognizes seniors
over the age of 80.
Photo by Jennifer Roberts, Whitby
WHITBY, Ontario (NewsDurhamRegion), October 15, 2007:
For Walter Couke, it was the party of the century -- quite literally.
The Whitby resident, in his 100th year, topped the list of those honoured at the Celebration of Age, a group birthday bash held October 11 by the Town of Whitby Seniors Services.
"I don't really think about it," Mr. Couke said, about turning 100 on January 3.
"I'm very fortunate to be alive."
His secret? "I've worked hard all my life and I never drank or chased women," replied the Fairview Lodge resident, who came to live in Whitby in the 1950s after working in the Ajax munitions plant during the Second World War.
Gertrude Hachie, celebrating her 97th birthday this June, said being content can go a long way in life. She credits it with seeing her through two world wars and other difficult times.
"It feels wonderful to be here. I'm still meeting and seeing my friends, although a lot of them have gone on ahead of me," Ms. Hachie added.
Whitby began honouring its residents over the age of 80 in 1990. Over the years, it has grown from a small affair held at the Whitby Seniors Activity Centre to a large luncheon at the Heydenshore Pavilion, said Debbie Wilson, a supervisor.
"A total of 514 invites went out to seniors over the age of 80 and about 274 accepted to come," she said. Many have attended thanks to volunteer drivers "who have stepped up to the plate," Ms. Wilson said. The seniors centre also uses its van to transport celebrants, who receive a certificate of recognition from all three levels of government. The Colonial Retirement Home also offers its van to shuttle honorees to the luncheon, she said.
Ms. Wilson pointed to twins Bernice Taylor and Bernadette Sullivan celebrating their 85th year along with their 87-year-old sister, Katherine Rogers.
Longtime Whitby residents, all three were up the previous night at 1 a.m. playing poker. Ms. Taylor's husband, Robert, was the first to open a Ford dealership in Town.
While the event got started with the Mellowtones playing Happy Birthday to the crowd, it really was Elisabeth Novovesky's birthday. She turned 85 at the event.
"I like to come here. I like to talk," said the long-time Brooklin resident. "I speak only four languages but nobody seems to listen," she joked.
But government officials said the event takes nothing for granted when it comes to celebrating the contributions of local seniors. "Whether it was working on the land, raising a family or lending a helping hand, this world is certainly a better place for all you've done," said Mayor Pat Perkins.
"We very seldom have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank you for all your contributions today (and in the past)," added Whitby-Oshawa MPP Christine Elliott. "You have really contributed to the wonderful place Whitby is today."
By Lesley Bovie, NewsDurhamRegion.com
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