According to the National Center of Health Statistics, the average lifespan of a United States Citizen is 77.8 years. Yet anyone present at the Alexander Hughes Community Center on Monday would have seen that the lifespan of many Claremonters in attendance was anything but average.

More than 30 seniors ages 90 and above celebrated their longevity along with the city of Claremont as part of the 6th Annual 90+ Birthday Celebration that took place on a sunny afternoon inside the Padua Room in the Alexander Hughes Community Center.

The Claremont Senior Program and the Blaisdell Boosters, who originally founded the event, put on the party. On hand were various members of Claremont city organizations as well as Claremont Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Taylor and councilmembers Corey Calaycay, Linda Elderkin and Sam Pedroza.

“Thirty years ago when I first moved to Claremont, I worked for the senior program and I would have been one of the staff people here doing the party for people who were over 90,” Ms. Taylor addressed the room. “You are absolutely [and] positively the elite. And I hope that you feel that way because we feel that we are blessed to have so many Claremont residents who are over 90 and that gives us something to strive for.”

Ms. Elderkin shared Ms. Taylor’s sentiments.

“Many of you are role models for us and I’m very honored to be here,” she said.

The 9 tables used for the event were decorated with red and white colors, giving the atmosphere a Valentine’s Day look. The seniors were treated to birthday cupcakes, punch and a special serenade by local vocalist Cathleen Evans. Local photographers Chris Rhodes and Bruce Morgolis also provided photos of the occasion with community senior service organizations Visiting Angels and Gentle Transitions contributing to the event as well.

Of the 30-plus seniors that were honored on Monday, only 3 males were in the group. One of them was the lively and sharp-witted Frank Pavia, who is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and has been a Claremont resident for 30 years.

Set to turn 95 years old in May, the Boston native is thankful to be in good health.

“I’ve got a strong heart, strong legs, strong feet and a strong neck,” Mr. Pavia pointed out. “I don’t need a hearing aid and I don’t wear glasses. My father told us to do everything in moderation.  I’ve never smoked and I didn’t give into peer pressure.”(story continues below)

When talking with the seniors, each one offered a unique explanation of how they have stayed alive for 9 decades. Yet within the different explanations are also many similarities.

“I drink very little and I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning,” said Edith Ewing, who moved to Claremont in March of 1953 and has 5 grandchildren and two great granddaughters. “Also, I really enjoy the people of Claremont and this city gives such good care. It’s remarkable, really remarkable.”

Claremont resident Charlotte Connor summed up her secret to a long life in a single word.

“Prayers,” she said. “And you definitely have to take care of yourself.”

A guest of Ms. Connor, retired Webb School teacher Rick Whyte, appreciated that the city puts a significant effort into honoring the elder Claremont residents each year. Mr. Whyte graduated from Webb in 1957 and returned to the school to teach for 41 years before retiring nearly 6 years ago.

“This is the second time that I’ve been invited,” the former Webb instructor said. “It’s outstanding that the city has taken time to have this type of party.”

This year’s event was a significant one for Mr. Calaycay, as his grandmother Bernice Uhlyarik was one of the party’s special guests for the first time this year. Along with spending time with his grandmother, the councilmember spent part of the celebration going from table-to-table and meeting the different seniors in attendance.

“With my grandmother here—it makes it special,” Mr. Calaycay said. “I was one of the younger persons in the room and it was very encouraging to see that many of them are still in very good health. It’s really encouraging.”

      

—Landus Rigsby