Iris Reed, seated, celebrated her 101st birthday with a party at Madison Senior Center. Reed’s granddaughter, Victoria Owens, at left, and great-granddaughter Toria Goodwin attended the party. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L . PARKER

MADISON – Iris Reed of Madison recently passed the century mark. She celebrated her 101st birthday with fellow members and visiting relatives at Madison Senior Center.

Reed’s granddaughter Victoria Owens and great-granddaughter Toria Goodwin attended the get-together.  

The senior center provided a white birthday cake with yellow flowers and a vase of tall, yellow chrysanthemums. Members made punch and brought light appetizers for everyone to enjoy. Several people crowded around Reed to have a photograph taken with ‘the birthday girl.’

A longtime center member, Reed already was attending Madison Senior Center when Vickie Parker first started to work there as an activities coordinator. Parker now works as director of the center.

One day, Reed asked Parker to come to her home so they could talk. At first, Parker was reluctant, especially because she was new on the job. However, Reed convinced Parker by telling her, “I need some teeth.”

Parker did visit Reed at her home. Reed was sitting on the front porch with her granddaughter. Parker greeted them, sat down and engaged in conversation.

Finally, Parker mustered the nerve to ask about Reed’s teeth. Startled at first, Reed’s granddaughter said, “Grandmama! We could have helped you with some teeth. You didn’t have to ask Ms. Parker.”

The women shared a laugh about their misunderstood situation.

Madison Senior Center offers daily fellowship, educational programs and recreational activities for senior adults who are 60 years old and older. The center also offers lunch, along with a homebound meal program.

Transportation on the “Senior Cruiser” bus is available for those seniors who live within the city limits of Madison. Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 256-772-6242, email Vickie.Parker@madisonal.gov or visit madisonal.gov and click “Departments,” “Recreation” and “Senior Center.”