Lucille Machon, the oldest resident in Boothbay Harbor, recently turned 102. 

On Sunday, Jan. 27 many friends and relatives turned out to help her celebrate at the American Legion Hall. There was no doubt who the birthday girl was as she sat proudly at the head table surrounded by flowers and balloons plus a very impressive cake.

Machon said, “I am blessed to have a long life with a loving family. I have a son, two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. Our family is very close. Most nights we have a gang for supper."

According to Machon, she has always kept a positive attitude especially in the face of adversity. Machon lost her husband when their son was very young. Machon raised him mostly alone, seeing him complete a successful career in the Coast Guard after graduating from high school. Years later, Machon was severely injured in a car accident that landed her at Cove's Edge for three months. Again, her tenacious attitude plus care from a doting family saw her through.

Machon expressed pride that her granddaughter, Sharon Machon-Ames, followed her father Ira's footsteps by also pursuing a career in the Coast Guard. Now Machon's great-granddaughter, Ashley Ames, is planning to begin a Coast Guard career as well when she graduates from high school in the spring.

Glancing around the room with over 60 people, Machon said, "I haven't seen a lot of the folks here today for years. What a nice surprise this is!"

People took turns throughout the celebration to approach Machon with sentiments of love and affection. Machon responded enthusiastically to each one about how glad she was they had been able to come and how nice it was to see them. One woman said, "Not everyone turns 102!"  She is right.  Time is precious and every new day is a gift.