A Birthday Party With 300 Candlepower

Three Seal Beach residents born in 1885 or earlier were honored Wednesday by their community newspaper, The Golden Rain News.

“We did it just for fun, really,” said Dave Saunders, manager of publications for Golden Rain Foundation, which governs Leisure World where the centenarians live. “I wondered how many people in Leisure World were 100 years old or older,” he said. A computer printout showed Saunders that eight people living in Leisure World are at least 100 or will be this year. “I thought, why not get them together?”

As it turned out, only three of the eight were able to attend: Ethel F. Nixon, born Oct. 21, 1885; Augusta L. Senecal, born Aug. 21, 1885 and Harry W. Brandow, born June 15, 1883. The others are Annette C. Bromagen, born in 1885; Ann Maher, born in 1884; Maud Fry, born in 1884; Carrie Wilson, born in 1885 and Genesta Kirkman, born in 1885.

A limousine delivered Nixon, Senecal and Brandow to a Leisure World Clubhouse, where 10 of their best friends greeted them. Then came a catered luncheon, birthday cake and musical entertainment. Greetings from the White House, Sen. Pete Wilson (R-Calif.), Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Long Beach), and state Assemblyman Dennis Brown (R-Long Beach) were read.

“We send our heartfelt congratulations,” said the letter from Ronald and Nancy Reagan. “May your cherished memories be a happy reflection of the fullness of your life. We are proud to share this memorable occasion with you. Happy birthday and God bless you.”

“They loved the limousine,” said Saunders. “No one said it was their first time, but I got that impression.”

All the honorees spoke, expressing thanks for anyone having such an affair for them, said Saunders. One of the women has outlived her children and has only one grandson left, he said.

“They were surprised and amazed at the attention they got. They thought it was wonderful.”