101-Year-Old’s Secret to a Long Life: Bingo, ‘Booze and Men’

By Jocelyn Rhodes Cook, contributing writer
FULTON, NY – It’s not every day someone gets to commemorate his or her 101st birthday.

And when you get to that point, what better way to celebrate than with a few sweets?

Leta Hartle, of Fulton, is turning 101 on Friday (Jan. 20), a feat few people can say they’ve accomplished.

To celebrate, some friends of hers in collaboration with the Volney Fire Department decided to honor her during one of her favorite pastimes at the firehouse on Tuesday night.

Ms. Hartle takes part in Bingo nights at the fire department every Tuesday and Thursday night she is able.

This Tuesday, the décor at the firehouse looked just a little bit different than most days. In one corner, a small table was set up bearing 101 cupcakes as a tribute to Leta’s life.

And in a far corner, over by where the birthday girl sat participating in the games, a vase of fresh flowers given to her as a gift stood out, brightening the room almost as much as Ms. Hartle’s smile.

After being congratulated on having such a long and happy life, Ms. Hartle confidently proclaimed, “I’m gonna make it to 102!”

And when asked about what has kept her going all these years, another Bingo participant across the table explained, “Well, she likes men!”

“Yes!” Leta Hartle joked, “Booze and men.”

That’s a secret to longevity many of us would be wise to keep in mind.

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