Mars Hill resident celebrates 100th birthday

Mars Hill resident celebrates 100th birthday

    MARS HILL, Maine — Jan. 14 might have been any other day for those who didn’t know, but for Juanita Rideout of Mars Hill and the staff of TAMC’s Mars Hill Health Center, it was exceptional: Rideout turned 100 years old.

    The health center staff, led by Dr. Ayodele Olugbemi, collaborated on a surprise celebration for Rideout after a routine visit. Organizers didn’t miss a single detail planning the celebration, which included banners, balloons, flowers, cake and ice cream.
“Juanita is such a friendly, outgoing lady, and it’s just such a joy to see someone at 100 still be so sharp and spry. Last year around her 99th birthday, we told her we were going to throw her a party for her 100th,” said Annette Lawrence, LPN. “Many of us have known her for years. She’s the eldest sister of my husband’s grandmother, and she always makes sure to ask about my grandkids every single time she sees me. She’s a wonderful person.”
During the get-together, Rideout recalled memories of her childhood, including being brought to school in a horse drawn “box with wheels” that contained a kerosene heating stove. She also reminisced with the staff, several of whom she has watched grow up. When asked what memories during her lifetime are most significant to her now, she stated, “Well, we’ve gone from wagon wheels and horses to putting a man on the moon.”
Overall, Rideout continues to have a relaxed and positive outlook on both the 100 years behind her and the years ahead. “The Lord has been good to me, and my doctors have been good to me. I have no complaints!”