State seeks to honor centenarians

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is once again seeking names of Montanans who turn age 100 or older in 2013 to honor at the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging held in Glasgow and Great Falls during the first full week in May.

Those who reply by the April 1 deadline will receive a centenarian’s recognition proclamation from Gov. Steve Bullock. Each also has an invitation to attend either the Glasgow luncheon May 7 or the Great Falls luncheon May 9.

“Our Montana centenarians deserve to be recognized,” said Richard Opper, director of the department.

“They all have such great stories to tell about their long and distinguished lives. We all can learn something from our state’s centenarians. Please send us information about your centenarian today.”

In 2012, centenarians honored from this area and their ages at the time included Irene Daley, 104, Mabel Fisher, 103, and Ethel Cubrda, 100, all of Kalispell; and Marjorie J. Saxby, 99, of Polson. They were honored along with 70 others submitted for recognition.

Last year, 10 of the centenarians were spry enough to attend the luncheon. The oldest was Frances Elvira “Fannie” Wilson Leding of Butte, who was 102 at the time.

At the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, Montana had 175 residents who were 100 years old or older. The oldest identified in 2012 was Joe Dobrowski, 106, of Wibaux, who passed away in January, just a few weeks from his 107th birthday.

Anyone who is a centenarian or knows one and would like them to be recognized, should supply the following information along with high-quality photos for use in the event program:

1. Centenarian’s name and address.

2. Where and when were they born? If not born in Montana, what is their story of how they got to Montana?

3. What is the secret to their longevity?

4. What has been the most amazing event in their life?

5. What is their favorite quote?

6. Anything else they would like to share?

7. Will they be attending the luncheon? If so, in which city, Glasgow or Great Falls?

Send information to Governor’s Conference on Aging-Centenarian, DPHHS-SLTC, P.O. Box 4210, Helena MT 59604-4210. Entries may also be emailed to crehbein@mt.gov.

Additional conference information can be found online at www.aging.mt.gov or by calling the Department of Public Health and Human Services Office on Aging toll-free at (800) 332-2272 or (406) 444-4077.