Vera has 102 reasons to celebrate
16 March 2011
This March, Vera Milburn is turning 102. Being 102 years old certainly hasn’t slowed her down; Vera could run rings around any twenty year old.
Every Thursday, without fail, Vera meets “Thelma”, the Western District Health Service Day Centre Bus outside her front gate. She boards the bus with good friend and neighbour, Eileen Finnegan, where she is transported by Bobby the bus driver to the Allied Health Day Centre at WDHS.
Vera has been visiting the Day Centre for over ten years and can’t pinpoint a single activity that she likes best, as they are all highlights. She enjoys the entertainment and participates in many of the outings run by the Centre. One of the key highlights for Vera is when the Day Centre serves up Steak Dianne for lunch - her favourite meal.
A special cake was prepared for Vera’s 102nd birthday by Day Centre staff. Mary Anne Campbell, Allied Health Assistant, joked “We don’t usually have birthday cakes but we will make an exception for Vera. There is a new ruling -you are allowed a cake every year after you hit 100.” Vera quipped, “This is nothing. When I turned 100, I had seven cakes for my birthday!”
Food aside, the most valuable thing the Day Centre has provided is the many strong friendships and great memories formed over the years. 
Vera was introduced to the Day Centre by a very special friend, 20 years her junior, who sadly has since passed away. Initially Vera was reluctant to come along, however, since her first visit, which she loved, she has come every week.
March 15 is a date that Vera remembers well, not only because it is her birthday but because it was the answer to Vera almost becoming 500 pounds richer. In 1962, Vera was on the In Melbourne Tonight, Graham Kennedy Show and was set to win 500 pounds if she could answer the question “When is the Ides of March?”
Regrettably Vera had no idea that the answer to this question was ironically her own birth date. Forever putting a positive spin on things, Vera commented “Oh well, at least I came off the show with 26 pounds worth of furniture!”
Perhaps this positive spirit and outlook on life is the key to Vera’s energy and vitality. If we could all apply just a little bit of Vera’s positiveness to life, who knows, we might all live a little longer!
Photo Caption:
Vera has a birthday hug with (L-R ) Allied Health Assistant / Day Centre Bus Driver Bobbie Clapham, Allied Health Assistant Marry-Anne Campbell and friend Eileen Finnegan.