Hanover County celebrated 15 residents who are at least 100 years old for the second year

Covenant Woods in Hanover County, VAPhoto byFacebook Screenshot

According to WRIC 8 News, Hanover County celebrated 15 residents who are at least 100 years old or will be turning 100 later this year during the county’s second annual centenarian event.

The Hanover County Department of Community Resources, along with the Board of Supervisors, held its second annual centenarian celebration from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Covenant Woods’ Lodge Building, located at 7090 Covenant Woods Drive, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111.

Covenant Woods’ Creaky Crooners performed a special rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The Board of Supervisors members presented framed certificates to the honorees. Following the ceremony, a catered lunch and birthday cake were served.

About the honorees

According to Hanover County, seven of those who were celebrated last year returned, and eight new centenarians were honored. Additionally, four of those recognized were World War II veterans.

In a press release following the event, the county shared something about a few of the honorees.

Laura Rice is the oldest of those honored and will be 104 in July. She is a book lover and has visited 16 different countries.

Rice said:

“I’ve never smoked and just try to live a good life. I can’t believe I’m turning 104 because I still feel good, except I’m a little forgetful and I can’t walk without help.”

Mildred Jester will be 100 on June 18. She simply isn’t the type to slow down.

Jester said:

“Turning 100 is just another day. It feels good. I’ve been driving for 73 years and have never gotten a ticket. I like to be active. I even went bowling recently.”

Paul Kriegler, one of the World War II veterans honored spent 77 beautiful years with the British wife he found by chance while overseas. Doreen Kriegler passed in 2021, six days before she would also have been 102.

Kriegler said that his community means a lot to him, saying Hanover is somewhere where everyone helps one another. He added, "They’re my second family.”