Centenarians celebrate birthdays

Fay Watkins and Maurice Halpern celebrated their 107 and 102 birthdays, respectively, Thursday, April 26, at the Kobernick House.

Watkins and Halpern share a birthday and have been an item at the Kobernick House since Halpern moved in about a year ago. The two met through a mutual friend, Phyllis Davis, who was showing Halpern around the Kobernick House when Watkins crossed their path. Since then, the two have been dating and go to movies, dinner and enjoy many activities together. There is only one thing the two disagree on — bridge and poker. So, on the nights that both games are hosted, they wish each other luck and go their separate ways (she plays bridge; he plays poker).

The couple shares their thoughts about life beyond 100.

Where are you from originally?
Watkins: Russia. I moved to New York City in 1919.
Halpern: I was born in Lawrence, Mass., but was raised in New York City.

What did you do before you retired?
Watkins: I was a teacher.
Halpern: I was a partner in a textile manufacturing company.

So what is the secret to living to be 107 and 102?
Watkins: Exercise and vitamins.
Halpern: Just plain luck. I never dreamed I’d live this long.

What did you give one another this year for your birthdays?
Watkins: He got me a bottle of wine.
Halpern: She got me a nice thing of nuts. We will probably have them with the wine sometime.

What activities do you do together?
Watkins: We always eat together and go to movies and all the activities together (except poker and bridge).
Halpern: On Sundays, there is classical music and opera, and we like that very much.
Watkins: Oh, yes, we do. I stay up until 2 a.m. most nights watching the arts on that channel 19.

What is the best part about turning 107 and 102?
Watkins: The way people are treating me.
Halpern: Life is a wonderful thing and to enjoy it and be happy.

What is the best thing about each other?
Watkins: He’s very sweet and makes me happy.
Halpern: She’s got a wonderful sense of humor; she’s bright.
Watkins: Keep talking.
Halpern: She has so many wonderful traits, and it’s great being with each other.

What is your drink of choice?
Watkins: It used to be gin and tonic, but now it is vodka and tonic.
Halpern: Scotch and water