Semisesquicentennial Diamond Celebrated

Semisesquicentennial diamond...if that isn't a tongue-twisting title, it should be! It is the name associated with someone who is observing their 75th birthday and last weekend, Jay Southwick joined that elite group. He joins King Charles III, Billy Joel, Kathy Bates, Richard Simmons and Cat Stevens in the "age" group. But he was the only one who celebrated the milestone at the local VFW with family and friends on Friday evening doing what he loves best...playing his fiddle.

Southwick kept the fiddle strings warm with his rosined bow as friends showed up to celebrate with him, at a cake celebration hosted by his bride, Marda.

Though he is nearing the age of retirement, his drive is too strong. He retired from the Big Flat Electric Co-op, retired from the National Guard, retired from retirement and went to work as an independent electrician, then re-retired from retirement and went to work for Spencer Electric, enjoyed some down days and then went back to work for Spencer Electric. In his quiet time he has guided and mentored countless young men in their quest to obtain their electrical degrees. He is active in the American Legion and serves as Service Officer, lining out each military color guard for military veterans at their funerals.

What made his 75th birthday extra special was the birth of a great-grandson on the day. Not every 75 year old gets that special of a gift. He's a "vintage model now, having a few rust and hail damage issues, the body might need a little attention, otherwise is in good condition. At 75...nothing scares him," as the old words of wisdom echo. Southwick achieved 27,394 days as of last Friday, but he isn't worried or counting...he's just enjoying the good times. As long as you are fit as a fiddle, life is good.