By Steve Cowen, Contributing Writer
There was a 15-minute delay in the 10:30 a.m. start time for a recent 102nd birthday celebration at the Broken Arrow Senior Center Annex.
The birthday boy was the reason for the late start. A domino game had to be finished.
“Ray is our domino shark and he shows us how it’s done,” said Kim Crenshaw, executive director of Broken Arrow Seniors.
Ray Perkins, a World War II veteran and daily domino player at the center, wasn’t going to interrupt a domino game for a birthday party. When asked how long he had been playing dominoes, Perkins responded with a question: “How long have I been alive?”
The conversation continued.
“Were you born playing dominoes?”
“I think so,” he said. “I’m pretty good at it.”
A crowd formed parallel lines leading from the game room into the party room, where Perkins took his place in front of a backdrop displaying his birthyear – 1922. He was then fitted with a crown and greeted by friends, including Broken Arrow City Councilor Justin Green.
“Ray is an inspiration to us,” Crenshaw said. “It’s amazing to see the longevity and seeing individuals staying engaged and connected.
“This place is about community, and our folks having a place and a group to share their journey with, and to celebrate milestones like this. It gives them something to look forward to. It gives them purpose.”
Leave a Reply