By Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writer
Robetta Featherly, a longtime resident of East Syracuse, recently celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by friends at the Silver Fox Senior Social Club in Baldwinsville. And on this momentous day, Featherly also was presented with a lifetime achievement award from the Onondaga County Office for the Aging.
“This is the biggest and best birthday party I’ve ever had,” said Featherly, who celebrated her birthday party on Oct. 27, but had her actual birthday on Oct. 25. Sporting a birthday cake hat, Featherly, along with friends and staff at the social club, enjoyed a lunch and cake for her bowling-themed party. Featherly received a lifetime achievement award from the Onondaga County Office of the Aging and a Silver Fox Social Club Honors Award.
Featherly is retired from the Terrell’s Potato Chip Company in Syracuse and lives in East Syracuse with assistance from her granddaughter. She grew up being an avid bowler, and is known as “The Hat Lady” for her impressive collection of hats she has accumulated over the years. She also enjoys painting her nails and is a pet-lover.
She is the mother to one son, who passed away from cancer in 2005, and is a grandmother and great-grandmother to many family members.
When asked what advice she would give others to reach their 104th birthday, Featherly said, “Work hard, I’ve always been a hard worker and all of my grandkids too. Be easy going … And don’t let anyone step on you. I never did.”
Featherly is a participant of the Silver Fox Senior Club and frequents senior programs offered in East Syracuse. She said she believes staying active and social is one of the keys to living a long and happy life like she has.
“The Onondaga County Office for the Aging deals with all facets to life our aging population has to deal with, and they’re not always happy like this one,” said Peter Hedd, executive director, who presented Featherly with a lifetime achievement award and a bowling trophy. “To celebrate a birthday of this magnitude is incredible and we wish Robetta many more.”
The Silver Fox Senior Social Club is a not-for-profit day program for aging adults to provide social stimulation and activities to enhance the lives of these adults. They are supported by St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Embracing Age program. To learn more about the program or to find out how to volunteer, go to silverfoxseniors.org.
