While everyone else celebrates a new year, Forest Meadow resident Sidney Marcus will celebrate a new century this month with his family and friends. Marcus was born Jan. 12, 1908.
“I started (throwing birthday parties) when he was 89 years old,” says his wife, Jeri. “He says he doesn’t want a birthday party. So I call it a neighborhood party. We have anywhere from 80 people up to 180 people. People are in and out. He sits here and holds court.”
Marcus grew up in Albuquerque, where he rode a horse and buggy to school. The middle child of five boys, he was 9 when World War I began. The secret to his long life?
“I kept myself busy,” Marcus says.
He exercises a few times a week on weight machines and a stationary bike. He also enjoys himself, often basking in the sun by his pool and watching football on television.
He and Jeri frequently eat dinner out because eating is another passion. Despite his age, Marcus says he’s far from done with living.
“I’ve got a good title for [this article]: My first 100 years,” he says.
