Some of the liveliest and most interesting people are those in the "autumn" and "winter" of their lives. And as the seasons change, let us turn our thoughts to our fabulous senior citizens and what they are celebrating in the last quarter of the year.
Take birthday parties, for example.
The City of Duluth's annual 100 Year Birthday Celebration will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. in Pioneer Hall of the DECC. Held as a component of the Duluth Senior Expo, the party honors area citizens that turn 100 or older in 2007.
A record number of 17 centenarians will attend this year, all female with the oldest at age 107! Their life stories and moments in history they have experienced first hand will fascinate you.
The guest list includes Selma "Sally" Anderson, 100; Eleanor Gran, 100; Lillian Hayden, 101; Hilda Johnson, 102; Gladys Kenner, 100; Gladys Landre, 104; Violet Larson, 102; Rilla McCormick, 107; Cyrilla Miller, 100; Myrtle Nordskog, 100; Esther Privette, 101; Francis Seguin, 102; Hilda Swanson, 102; Vera Swanson, 100; Josephine Sznaider, 100; Lena Ellis Versailles, 100; and Evelyn Williams, 101.
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Mayor Herb Bergson will present a certificate to each attendee on behalf of the city of Duluth while a biography is read highlighting their life. The party draws quite a crowd to the stage where all join to sing "Happy Birthday to You" followed by picture-taking, birthday cake, and coffee.
The birthday party is only one component of the Duluth Senior Expo. Doors open to the DECC at 9 a.m. with non-stop excitement until 3 p.m.
There will be more than 100 exhibitors offering important information pertinent to senior living, along with on-the-spot health services. There are also seminars, exercise demonstrations by the Silver Sneakers, keynote speaker Kathy Brown, a motivational humorist speaking on "Falling in Fun Again", a Duluth Mayoral Candidate debate, and a special AARP Town Hall Meeting hosted by Skip Humphrey.
Entertainment will begin in the morning with live music by Randy Lee, and new this year to wrap up the afternoon will be a special performance by the Renegade Comedy Theatre. Admission is $6 per person, with free tickets available at area Wells Fargo Banks. For more information on the Duluth Senior Expo, call 727-1177 or (800) 299-7173.
And it's not too early to look ahead to the Christmas holiday season! Mark your social calendar now for the 21st annual Holiday Banquet and City Lights Tour on Dec. 11 at the DECC. Sponsored and hosted by Duluth Senior Programs, this popular event can easily become one of your special holiday memories. Tickets will be on sale in November at Duluth Senior Dining Sites for a special evening that includes bus transportation to the DECC for dinner, entertainment, door prizes, a sing along, and a beautiful bus tour of holiday lights. Watch for more information soon at Duluth Senior Dining Sites or by calling 730-4310.
No matter the time of life or the time of year, there is much to look forward to and celebrate. "A joyful heart is good medicine" and the City of Duluth's Senior Programs are just what the doctor ordered!
Gail Walkowiak is a Special Events Coordinator in the Parks and Recreation Department and can be reached at 730-4306.
