According to Webster’s Dictionary, a nonagenarian is someone in their 90s. The guests of honor at this year’s Nonagenarian Party at the OPC Social & Activity Center in Rochester might agree with the definition, but it’s their attitude and experience that truly set them apart. Age, they insist, is a state of mind.

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Just ask 92-year-old George Christy.

“I think like a kid, but act like an adult,” Christy said. “All my golfing buddies are dead, but back when they were around, they’d ask me, ‘When are you going to grow up?’ I’d say, ‘When I die.’ Well, they’re all gone, and I’m still here — so I guess my philosophy works.”

Christy still plays golf regularly and carries an impressive 8 handicap.

92? Nope. George Christy is 29, and he’s got the numbers to prove it. (Dean Potter — For MediaNews Group)

Frank Hoin, a 100-year-old veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War, shared the wisdom passed down to him: “Be bright, be brief, and be gone.”

Bob Peters, 92, offered his own take: “The secret to life is don’t drink cheap booze!” He admitted a preference for a fine single malt, like Glenfiddich.

Peters said he thoroughly enjoyed the party and was surprised to learn just how many OPC members are in their 90s. He’s also proud that he and his wife were able to financially support some of the OPC construction.

The event, held Thursday, July 30, was the brainchild of OPC Executive Director Renee Cortwright.

“Four years ago, when the Queen of England celebrated her jubilee, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to recognize those who’ve made it into their 90s?’ So, we held our first official nonagenarian party, and it was a big hit. It didn’t just bring joy to those being celebrated. It brought joy to everyone in attendance, hearing their words of wisdom and their secrets to longevity. We wanted to keep that going,” Cortwright said. “When people reach their 90s, they may not have living relatives, and they lose that social circle they once had. Society is so focused on numbers — on age — but this is a chance to count our blessings instead.”

As the party continued, members enjoyed the camaraderie and shared their experiences.

Diane Kaniut, 96, and Charlene McKechnie, 91, were among the many nonagenarians honored at the OPC Social & Activity Center in Rochester. (Dean Potter — For MediaNews Group)

Peter Hall, 98, watched many in attendance taking pictures and shared his story of getting his first camera.

“I was raised in Canada, and we got out of school early because the war was on. I needed something to do, so I started picking strawberries for 2 cents a box. The second day, I picked 50 boxes — rode my bike home with a whole dollar in my pocket. I got out the Sears catalog and ordered a camera. I bought a (Kodak) Brownie in 1939 for $1.25,” he said, proudly.

This was Hall’s second year attending the celebration.

“I still drive, but I live on the other side of town, so it’s too far for me these days,” he said. “My daughter brings me, but it was fun.”

The party opened with a warm rendition of “Happy Birthday” for the celebrants, followed by cake and ice cream.

Jenay Frost, who works as OPC’s development and marketing specialist as well as a professional photographer, ran a photo station to capture the smiles, laughter and memories of the day. Each of the participants celebrating their 90th birthday or beyond received a keepsake photo.

As several of the honorees started to leave, they offered a parting tip for longevity — be kind and keep moving!

For more information on OPC events, call 248-656-1403 or visit opccenter.org.

This year’s Nonagenarian Party at the OPC Social & Activity Center in Rochester honored Row 1 (Left to Right): Kenneth Prange, Lorrie Prange, Eleanor Kowalski Row 2 (Left to Right): Suzanne Elder, Rita Steen, Helen Lee, Elaine Pauli, Imogene (Jean) Russell, Beverly Rewold, June Marheineke, Ellen Kraft, Frank Hoin, Betty Schmehl, Patricia Pietrzak Row 3: (Left to Right): Maureen Watson, Vera Rhine, George Christy, Curtis (Frank) Morse, Dolores Fisher, Agnes Bochenek, Diane Kaniut, Audrey Lico, Agnes Bochenek, Charlene McKechnie Row 4 (Left to Right): John Crichton, Gail Crichton, Gerald Carvey, Laura Darnell, Gerald Harrell, Thomas Hemenger, Robert Peters, Dian Flynn, George Taylor, Gerald Burr, Duane Peltier, Michael O’Donnell, Keith Hall, Gary Dolland, Ludwig Putz (Dean Potter — For MediaNews Group)