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100 candles qualifies you

A 4-year-old program will give centenarians a group birthday bash with party goodies and cakes in January.

By CHANDRA BROADWATER
Published August 31, 2006

BROOKSVILLE - They've lived through what the rest of us have only read about in history books.

And it's time for Hernando centenarians to celebrate once again.

The county Department of Health and Human Services is taking applications for those turning 100 or older in 2007. Those who qualify will celebrate with other centenarians at a birthday bash in January.

The event is hosted annually by the Hernando County Commission, SunTrust Bank/Nature Coast and the Hernando Elder Affairs Council. The 4-year-old program recently won one of three national awards of excellence handed out this year by the National Association of Counties.

The celebration is modeled after one that the SunTrust Sun City Center branch has held for more than 10 years.

"We meet the most fascinating people who have continued to share with the community," said Jean Rags, county Health and Human Services director. "I think some get to 90, and they're ready to go. But not these people. Their perseverance and drive to go on is amazing."

Past participants have outlived spouses, children and siblings. They said they've been helped by mostly healthy habits and a positive approach to life.

William Anderson, who died this year at 104, said that moderation was the key to his life. He took part in the first county centenarian celebration.

"Be honest, have responsibility and do everything in moderation - including sex," Anderson said.

An accountant until the age of 81, Anderson did his own taxes until he was 102, when he finally allowed another CPA to take over. But even then, he still found an error on his taxes that year.

Anderson voted for Calvin Coolidge in the 1924 presidential election. When he graduated from high school, he made $12 a week in his first job.

He ate fresh fish daily and always had a shot of cheap whiskey. When he turned 104, he had outlived friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, three wives and his longtime goldfish, Diane.

"It's the simplest things in life that got people through the best and worst," Rags said. "They really know how to live."

Applications will be taken through the end of Sept. 29, Rags said. While available at the social services office in the Brooksville government center, they will also be distributed to assisted living and skilled nursing homes.

Along with other party goodies, centenarians can expect to receive a cake they will share at the January party, one of their own in their favorite color to take home and a corsage or a boutonniere.

Chandra Broadwater can be reached at cbroadwater@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1432.

[Last modified August 30, 2006, 21:18:01]