NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — After a police escort to City Hall, Orella Loretta Robare celebrated a century in the corner office with a proclamation from Mayor Jennifer Macksey.
"It is incredible," Robare said Wednesday during the small gathering. "I am meeting so many people here today. It is wonderful."
Robare, who was born July 6, 1922, walked through city hall with a handful of police officers. City employees gave their best wishes as she passed by making her way to the elevator.
Macksey first joked and asked if Robare was in trouble, surrounded by so many officers.
"Are you in trouble with the city because there are a lot of officers with you," Macksey asked. "...We are going to invite them all in and have a party."
Macksey gave Robare a tour of her office and recalled when members of her own family crossed paths with Robare.
Robare's parents were Mary and Joseph Tatro. She was married to William Robare in 1945. She has two children Donna and Diane, eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Macksey then offered her some birthday cake and presented Robare with a proclamation marking the occasion.
"We are declaring today your day," Macksey said. "Everyone in the city is celebrating your birthday."
Robare settled for a decaf tea (City Hall does not stock Sanka Instant Decaf Coffee) and went on about her roots in the community. She spent time working at the former Sprague Electric, the old Hub and Capitol restaurants and the Tally House. She also volunteered at the Spitzer Center for years.
Robare, who lived in Stamford, Vt., Clarksburg, and North Adams, recalled a much different North Adams pointing out places that used to exist outside the corner office window. She recalled Newberry's, the Boston Store, Florini's Restaurant, Peggy Parker and Risebergs, where she got her first credit card.
"I remember all of those places," she said.
Macksey said her father used to manage the Richmond Hotel where her mother also worked and asked Robare if she ever attended any of the dances held there.
Robare said she did and also recalled dances at the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Sons of Italy
"I used to love to dance," she said. "I would dance all over, but I haven't danced lately."
Someone fired up Robare's favorite song "Release Me" by Engelbert Humperdinck and she took turns dancing with the police officers present.
Robare's granddaughter Denise Dubreuil said dancing may be the key to such a long happy life.
"I think her secret may have been dancing," she said. "She never missed a dance. I think there is a lot we can learn from her."
Macksey said she was happy Robare was able to visit City Hall and said there is a lot that can be learned from Robare.
"Quality of life is so important and your roots are so important. Just to live a good life and contribute to your community," Macksey said. "When she talks about the Council on Aging you can see her eyes light up and that shows the engagement we have in our community. She is just remarkable."
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