Flagler Beach, FL – Surrounded by friends and neighbors, it was an all-out party for Christiane Pruvost on Wednesday as she was serenaded by members of the Flagler Beach Police Department, Flagler Beach Fire Department and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, courtesy of some of her favorite people at the Flagler County Senior Services department.
While not gathering at the senior center for activities and meals, the senior services team still keeps up with their seniors, delivering meals and checking on them. Birthdays are extra special.
“We keep track of all of our seniors’ birthday and they get a card and acknowledgement for their birthday. We try to make it very special for them.”
“I think it’s been very hard since people haven’t been getting together and us being able to do this outside and give her a lot of attention is going to be wonderful for her,” said senior services program aide Shannon Keppler as they headed out.
As the lights flashed and the sirens sounded, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jeremy Chambers could be heard singing Happy Birthday as he passed the waving crowd, in the parade. Often responding to negative situations, the first responders were happy to be part of a positive event.
“Anybody who makes it 100 years in today’s world deserves a parade,” said Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Jeff Stewart.
Revving up the fire truck, Flagler Beach fire department Captain Stephen Cox agreed.
“We were invited to participate in this young lady’s birthday and these are one of the milestones that not everyone gets to reach,” he said with appreciation. “We don’t get to see many positive events, so being here for this is really important for us.”
Pruvost, a native of France, made her first trip to America in 1953, and gained her American citizenship in 1980. She shares her love of champagne and good food with friends including Georgette Joubert. Friends for more than half a century, the pair have kept in close contact since working as French/English technical translators in New York for companies including L’Oreal-Lancome and Bayers.
“When she wants to, she’s extremely funny,” shared Joubert of her best friend. “And she always makes people feel good, helping people, but she doesn’t listen too good when we tell her what to do. Our friendship’s lasted 51 years, and we both like books.”
Pruvost has come a long way since her days in France, but on her 100th birthday was willing to divulge her secret to longevity and good health.
“Walk. When I was working I used to choose a place and job where I would have to walk,” she said. “I would come home, eat and go back – 1 hour, to walk.”
She was thrilled by the well-wishes and fanfare.
“It was amazing, I never expected something like this,” she said. “I’m glad that I got to be 100.”
Neighbor Jonathan Gambrell said Pruvost puts most people half her age to shame with her active lifestyle. He was more than happy to attend her birthday celebration.
“She’s an incredible human being. She still walks, gets her groceries. She’s our bodyguard of the building, and I just adore her,” said Gambrell.
Rounding up the team to wish one of the residents under his care a happy birthday, Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney summed it up in just a few words, calling it a privilege and an honor to be part of the celebration.
“We wanted to recognize 100 years and all the things that have happened in the last hundred years,” said Doughney. “We figured it would be really cool to celebrate with a little drive by, lights and sirens to let her know we love and care about her. It’s the most unique community I’ve ever had the pleasure to work in and when they say things are better in Flagler Beach, they’re right.”
