Cara Tetroe
“Just be happy and sing!” This is 103 year old Carroll Davidson’s secret to longevity. Carroll was one of seven special residents celebrating a century of life, last Thursday, January 21st at Centennial Place in Millbrook.
Photos: Karen Graham. Centennial Place residents Frances Caird, Caroll Davidson and Donald Howson were 3 of 7 residents whose longevity was celebrated last week.
The Life Enrichment team at Centennial facilitated the event, setting up the front area with tables, chairs, tea, snacks, cake and live entertainment. The room was filled with a large gathering, of friends and family. Some guests travelled from as far as Florida to take part in the celebration with their loved ones.
Centennial made sure that each birthday lady or gent was well acknowledged with a bouquet of flowers and personalized power point slides. With many of them still cracking jokes and smiling, these special residents shared some secrets from over 100 years of life. One resident, Frances Caird, was born on December 1st, 1915, and said her secret to a long and happy life is always “having a goal.” Another resident, Jean Kitchen, was born on July 20th, 1915 and shared her secret of eating ice cream two times a day and advised younger generations to “behave yourselves.” 102 year old Donald Howson was an ordained minister at St. Andrews Church in New Brunswick. Donald says his secret for longevity is “being optimistic and determined”. Meanwhile, Eileen White, who was born January 17th, 1914, says to “keep on trying and never give up.” Carroll Davidson also learned over the years that, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Eileen’s older sister, Marjorie Kettyle, was born on July 29th, 1912 and also celebrated over 100 years of life. Resident, Stella Kennedy, was born on July 24th, 1913, and recalls that her family was the first in her area to own a radio and television, and shares that her children are her greatest accomplishment.
Centennial Place is unique in that it offers four separate home-like areas that include separate lounges, dining areas and meeting rooms. The mission at Centennial is to give the residents and their family member’s peace of mind during their stay, whether short or long-term. “They are very good to us,” states resident Ms. Kitchen.
The long-term care residence currently hosts 128 tenants ranging from 19-103 years old, and offers 24-hour nursing services. The facilities are equipped with emergency call systems in each room and nursing stations in each housing area. Residents are able to choose whether to stay alone or with a roommate, and each room comes with a bathroom as well as room necessities. Centennial also offers a laid back atmosphere with recreational activities ranging from bingo games to card tournaments and choirs that take place in a fireside lounge. A non-denominational chapel is also available to all residents.
For further information on Centennial Place, please check out their website at www.centennialplace.com.
