Seated with niece Lisa Messmer, Wrangell resident Lawrence Bahovec inspects a clipping at the Senior Center, ahead of a special award presentation last Thursday.
Designating this May as Older Americans Month in Alaska, Gov. Bill Walker recognized Wrangell's oldest resident along with other centenarians across the state.
In a special luncheon at the Wrangell Senior Center, Lawrence Bahovec was presented with a personalized commendation as a distinguished citizen. At 101 years old, Bahovec is one of 83 Alaskans who have reached the milestone, and was among the 21 other residents of the state so honored with this month's commendations.
Celebration activities across the state were organized to mark the recognition, and at Wrangell's center cake accompanied Bahovec's favorite meal, featuring fried rice and egg rolls. Family and friends joined him and other residents at Thursday's lunch, where certificates and pictures were presented.
"It's nice to see all of these people here," he commented.
Born in Chicago on January 4, 1917, since infancy Bahovec has been a resident of Wrangell, spending much of his adult life as a fisherman. He retired during the 1990s.
With the Older Americans Month designation, Alaskans of every age are encouraged to "take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in our communities." The month is set aside as a time to celebrate the past and continuing achievements of older Alaskans and their contributions to their state, communities and families.
Asked what keeps them going, Alaskan centenarians have said that having a positive attitude is considered important. "Remaining optimistic, living with purpose, being able to enjoy a good laugh, and maintaining social relationships are the building blocks for living a long, happy life," the Commission on Aging summarized.
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