Redmond resident Ken Clark was all smiles Monday morning as friends gathered at the to celebrate his 100th birthday with cake and song.
Teri Burke, a program coordinator at the senior center, also read a proclamation from Mayor John Marchione that wished Clark a happy birthday.
Clark, who was born in Kansas and moved to Redmond in 1996 to live near his daughter, used to regularly come to the senior center nearly every day to eat lunch and play cards. Burke said Clark's visits have been slightly less frequent in recent years but that he still regularly enjoys playing bridge with friends there.
"He always has a smile on his face and a funny story for everyone he meets," Burke said.
Although it's been "a long time" since a 100th birthday was celebrated at the Redmond Senior Center, Burke said several seniors who come there are currently in their 90s. She expects more centennial celebrations as residents continue to live longer and stay more active later in life.
Burke said Clark is almost certainly the only centenarian who currently comes by the senior center, but it's tough to know for sure.
"We don't always check ID at the door," she said with a laugh.
