With all the care and attention they would give to royalty, Sunnyside Manor staff served tea, coffee, snacks and cake to each of the men and women gathered at a special birthday celebration on Feb. 23.
Last Tuesday, the seniors’ residence held its annual celebration for 34 of its residents aged 90 and older, all the way up to eldest resident Germaine Martin, 100.
“You guys helped make St. Paul what it is,” said Town of St. Paul FCSS director Oralee Williams, expressing her amazement with the collective years and wealth of experience in the room. Local MLA David Hanson and his wife Donna were also on hand to deliver a rose to each of the women and playing cards to each of the men who were celebrating a nonagenarian birthday this year – or, in the case of Martin, a centenarian birthday.
Sunnyside manager Mary Anne Watt called out each of the 34 residents by name. Some were quite spry and were quick to stand on their feet, while others waved and simply stated their age.
But no matter their physical abilities, many showed their minds were still as nimble as ever.
When asked what the secret is to a long life, Claudia Belanger, 97, said earnestly, “Keep on working and don’t worry about anything.”
But Eva St. Jean, the 98-year-old friend beside her, had a more flippant tip to staying alive.
“Don’t stop breathing,” St. Jean advised.