5 CELEBRATE 100-PLUS. Five centenarian residents of Eskaton Care Center Fair Oaks got together this May 25 to celebrate the 102nd birthday of their friend and neighbor Melborn Fagerlie.
This marks the first time in Eskaton’s 43-year history that five residents ages 100 or older reside in the same community. The Northern California-based aging services provider typically boasts between 30-40 centenarians among its 3,000 residents in 28 communities.
Fagerlie’s colorful and still active life includes music and social events, church programs, relaxing in the outdoor gazebo, and enjoying his daily coffee and ice cream. His work history, as varied as it was interesting, included blacksmithing, U.S. Naval service, dredging, and finally as a correctional officer at the Old Folsom Prison, where he recalls providing security at the famous “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” concert.
When asked what he would like for his coming birthday, Fagerlie grinned and asked, “What you got?” And, in a TV interview, Fagerlie responded to the question about the key to his long, happy life: “Women!” And what he most looks forward to: “Ice cream!”
“We refer to ourselves as the “Official Sponsor of Longevity,” said Stephen Fife, administrator of the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. “Centenarian birthdays are extraordinary accomplishments, always worthy of celebration.”
The Eskaton Care Center’s other centenarians, all women, each 100, are (from left to right) Caroline Lindgren, Ruth Shurrum, Lee White and Maria Defru.
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