This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
BOALSBURG — It’s not every day a community gets to celebrate a 100th birthday, and it’s even rarer when that centenarian is still driving, writing books, playing snare drum in a praise band and inspiring everyone around her.
But that’s exactly the kind of person Alice Breon is.
On a warm Friday afternoon, dozens gathered at Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Boalsburg to honor Breon’s remarkable life and the century of stories, service and smiles she’s shared with friends, family and fellow parishioners.
“I’ve enjoyed life to the fullest,” Breon said during an interview at her birthday celebration. “And I implore people to just enjoy the life they have.”
The church hall was alive with laughter, pictures and heartfelt tributes as guests reminisced about Breon’s influence over the years. For members of Saint John’s, she’s much more than a longtime member; she’s part of the fabric of their spiritual family.
“She’s always willing to do anything,” church member John Poorman, who also chauffeured Breon to the party, said. “We used to have a praise band, and she played the snare drum and cymbal. She’s an author, a very influential person because she speaks to us from the heart.”
Breon is the author of two books, including her first titled “Green Gravy, Monster Bread and Other Stories.” When asked what advice she would give aspiring writers, she didn’t hesitate.
“Write what you know about, what you have experienced. Don’t make up things,” she said. “You have the idea, and you know you want to get it across. The main thing is to be succinct enough to show what you’re trying to say.”
Much of Breon’s writing stems from her worldly experiences. Chief among them, four transformative years living in Japan with her husband after World War II.
“My husband was in the Air Force,” she said.
“We lived in Maine, Texas and over in Japan. I enjoyed my time in Japan … I really got to know the people and their customs. I studied Japanese dancing and other things with their culture. It was fascinating to me, so different from anything else I had ever experienced.”
Church member Beth Segall first met Breon nearly two decades ago, shortly after moving back to the area. She vividly remembers Alice’s joyful presence in worship services and church committees.
“She’s just always been a very positive, happy person,” Segall said. “She and her husband Woody were like this cute older couple that came [to church]. I mean, they were just so warm.”
What stood out most to Segall was not just Breon’s longevity, but her vibrancy.
“She’s 100 and she’s still so active. She was driving last week,” Segall said. “But more than that, we have a very giving church, and Alice has been a big part of that spirit. She’s the kind of person who makes a place better just by being in it.”
Saint John’s UCC, a progressive and inclusive congregation nestled in the heart of Boalsburg, has long valued community, compassion and service, and Breon embodies all three.
“Alice is sunshine on a cloudy day,” Poorman said. “She enhances our lives as a church.”
Asked to reflect on the most important moments of her life, Breon didn’t talk about milestones or accolades. Instead, she focused on connection.
“I think the people that I’ve met during those years have helped shape my life,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of very interesting people.”
As the celebration continued, guests mingled around tables lined with homemade desserts, framed photos and copies of Breon’s books. One guest after another approached her with warm hugs and shared memories, each one a thread in the tapestry of her remarkable life.
“I don’t know if I’ve influenced people,” Breon said humbly. “But they’ve influenced me. They’re a nice group.”
At 100, Breon shows no signs of slowing down. Her advice for those a few generations behind her?
“Just enjoy every minute,” she said, smiling. “Every minute is a special minute.”
With friends like Breon, and a faith community like Saint John’s, it’s clear that in Boalsburg, the spirit of fellowship is alive and well.
