Gwen Hutchinson celebrated her 105th birthday June 25. PHOTO PROVIDED

Members of the Lehigh Acres community came out to spread a little joy and help Gwen Hutchinson celebrate her 105th birthday. The event began with a parade of vehicles, fire trucks and police vehicles that lined up outside Lehigh Acres Place Assisted Living Facility on June 25 at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m. the vehicles turned on their sirens and showed signs to help Gwen and fellow residents celebrate the momentous occasion.

According to Katie Heck, Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District spokesperson, it was a special event for their fire crews.

“We were happy to be able to drive by and celebrate Gwen’s 105th birthday with her. We wish her another healthy and happy year!” Heck said.

Throughout the afternoon, cars lined up along South Loop Boulevard and Business Way to start their 2 p.m. drive around the building before stopping to sing Happy Birthday to her.

“People from the community began to line up around 1:30. It was great participation from the public and our local Lee County Sheriff’s office and fire department. They came out with their trucks. People honked their horns and the police put their sirens on. It was very heartwarming. She received a lot of flowers from those who came out to support her from the community. She was very happy,” Jade Estes, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Lehigh Acres Place said.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Following the parade, Hutchinson enjoyed a cupcake shaped into a 105, with other residents at a table decorated with balloons and flowers.

The celebration and warm wishes meant a lot to Hutchinson who reflected on her life.

“My birthday was wonderful. I’m 105! I can’t believe it. I was born on June 25, 1915. Trust in the Lord is my secret for living long. I trust him at all times and I eat 10 pieces of bacon a day. I was a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital for 15 years. I also worked at the welfare center taking care of children,” Hutchinson said.

Last year, when Hutchinson celebrated her 104th birthday, two Lee County Commissioners, Cecil Pendergrass and Frank Mann, came to help celebrate her birthday. The commissioners each surprised Gwendolyn with their own special gift. Pendergrass brought and read a ceremonial resolution recognizing her on this special day, and Mann serenaded her with a song entitled “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” which brought a smile to her face.

Gwen Hutchinson enjoyed cupcakes shaped into the number 105. PHOTO PROVIDED

Gwen Hutchinson was a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital for 15 years. PHOTO PROVIDED