Worth Repeating’s February window honors “90-plus” residents
Reno and Nancy Feldkamp. Reno is our oldest “Golden Treasure” resident featured at 98 years young. His quote is, “It’s about having to adjust to changing conditions … and sell the cow!”
by Marsha Chartrand
Worth Repeating volunteers have spent the month of February spearheading a very special project, honoring “Manchester’s Golden Treasure Residents,” specifically those 90 or better.
“The idea was born out of two inspirations,” says Worth Repeating director Pat Sahakian. “Sue Fielder got the idea of honoring veterans, which was well-received in November. I also recently read a book about Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, which extolled inter-generational connections as a benefit for everyone. So we combined the two. It’s been wonderful and the impact has been so positive for the volunteers, the viewers, and the nonagenarians.”
Sue Fielder was effusive in her comments about how much she enjoyed working on the project. “It was so much fun interviewing them,” she said. “Most of my visits ended up being an hour long. I was especially happy that I was able to include Margret Heckaman just before she passed. That was very special to me.”
Margret, who was 95 years young when she passed on February 21, left her family, friends, and community members with this quote: “Get along with everyone; you have to love them, accept them as they are, none of us are perfect.”
Although she did have a few nonagenarians who chose not to be interviewed or pictured, Sue took it in stride. She understood that some would have privacy or security concerns, and she was prepared for that eventuality.
But she enjoyed the opportunity to visit with more than 25 of our community’s elders and gain some excellent knowledge and perspective about the past and the present.
Doris Hough, who turns 97 this year, decided on this photo because, “I have a lot of pictures where I’m dressed up more fancy, but this one is really me.” Her words of wisdom? Simply, “Be active.”
Virginia Fielder, 96, advises, “Enjoy every day. Value your friends. Don’t waste time on what you can’t control and play a lot of bridge.”
Helen Drysdale, 97, offers this simple advice: “Just breathe.” Good words for us all, regardless of age.
Other quotes from some of our seniors who have lived rich and full lives, and reached nonagenarian status, include these treasures:
Marion Ahrens: “Keep active, keep learning, keep only cheerful friends, keep smiling, and laugh a lot.”
Liz Beuerle: “Enjoy your children and friends. The ‘little things’ mean a lot to them and you.”
Ruth Blumenauer: “Get a good education, work hard, save money for unexpected happenings in your life, enjoy family and friends, and help those in need.”
Pauline Bruestle: “Live for today, don’t look forward, don’t regret the past. Thank God every day for your blessings.”
Doris Eisenhauer: “Make the most of every day.”
Nancy Feldkamp: “Try to stay healthy and be positive.”
Ava Goff: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. If possible, be kind. It is always possible.”
Millie Guenther: “Having a strong faith will give you strength through life.”
Joyce Hoeft: “Keep the faith, stay busy, and enjoy your time with family.”
Joyce Merriman: “At my age, it’s hard to come up with advice, (she laughed). You should have asked me 10 years ago.”
Arlene Morris: “Don’t just put it down, put it away.”
Deloris Notten: “Being 91, I’ve seen a lot that others haven’t seen. The world is moving so fast, and you need to try to keep up. Everything is changing.”
Bob Novess: “Accept Jesus as your personal savior. It is the only way.”
Marilyn Renner: “Stay interested in life, and be as active as you can.”
Dave Renner: “The swiftness of aging is not to be taken lightly.”
Ethelyn Rhees: “Keep busy, be on the go, and eat heathy food.”
Betty Schneider: “Keep active, don’t fall down, and stay healthy.”
Chuck Steele: “Marry a good woman, and she will be your best friend.”
Maureen Strong: “Always help those in need and enjoy life as it comes to you.”
Janet Whittington: “Getting old is not for sissies.”
Alice (last name omitted by request): “Keep active and have hobbies to keep you busy. Enjoy your family.”
Kathleen Graddy, daughter of Reno and Nancy Feldkamp, wanted to add this about her parents’ longevity and partnership: “I’ve seen these two keep each other going by laughing a lot, and when they were younger, by prioritizing their relationship and facing the world as a unit. (They’ve enjoyed) dancing, cross country skiing, traveling. They often canceled each other’s votes on Election Day, but accepted each other’s opinions regardless.”
The window at Worth Repeating will remain on display through the end of February.
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