WACOUSTA, Mich. (WLNS) – A whole lot of Michiganders got here collectively to have a good time the one hundredth birthday of 100-year-old Gloria Miller Sunday afternoon.
The Wacousta native is a long-time environmentalist and helped educate her neighborhood on the significance of fresh rivers and wildlife.
Gloria Miller (center) at her birthday celebration. (WLNS)
The birthday celebration. (WLNS)
Gloria Miller (proper) at her birthday celebration. (WLNS)
The turnout to Gloria Miller’s one hundredth birthday speaks for itself — she’s made a long-lasting affect on her neighborhood. Nevertheless, she says she did not anticipate that many individuals to come back.
“I’m proud that they came,” said Gloria Miller. “Some individuals I’ve seen for years.”
Miler’s celebration was hosted at a park named after her — Gloria Miller Wanting Glass Valley Park — which was devoted to her in 2018 to honor her work as a conservationist.
Gloria Miller Wanting Glass Valley Park. (WLNS)
“The Wanting Glass River is older than the Grand River. It is the way in which the settlers got here in by canoe,” mentioned Miller.
She made a grand entrance to her occasion, kayaking down the river. Throughout her birthday celebration, Miller was gifted an award by Michigan Rep. Emily Dievendorf and a heartfelt birthday message from U.S Sen. Elissa Slotkin. Household and associates alike traveled for Miller’s massive day, even Shiori Hashimoto, who arrived from Japan.
Shiori Hashimoto. (WLNS)
Shiori Hashimoto. (WLNS)
Shiori Hashimoto. (WLNS)
“I meet Gloria with my friend. My friend Diane and Iris,” said Shiori Hashimoto. “Diane and Iris climbed Mount Fuji 20 years ago with a breast cancer fund. 500 people climbed the Mt. Fuji together, so after that we have a very good friendship.”
Wendy Schutt-Danko, Miller’s niece, says it was superb to see so many individuals come out to have a good time her aunt.
Wendy Schutt-Danko, Miller’s niece.
“We anticipated at the least 100 individuals,” mentioned Schutt-Danko. ”She is aware of so many individuals all through this county, and on this space. So, I imagined there could be that many individuals, however I feel we’d have greater than that in the present day.
Whereas 100 years of dwelling is a large milestone, Miller says her biggest accomplishment was instructing others the significance of planet Earth.
Some images on the celebration. (WLNS)
Some images on the celebration. (WLNS)
Some images on the celebration. (WLNS)
Some images on the celebration. (WLNS)
“Educating individuals about good practices in our surroundings,” mentioned Miller.
Miller has devoted her life to giving again, instructing science for years, and even climbing Mt. Shasta in California to assist increase funds for breast most cancers. Sunday was an opportunity for the neighborhood to return the favor.
