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Barbara Rice Celebrates A Milestone And Joins The Century Club

photo by Photo Provided Barbara Rice had a recent birthday and joined an elite group called the Century Club. Now with 100 years of life to look back on Barbara is still focused on her music and is curious to see what all the fuss will be when she turns 101.

Tuesday April 28, 2015

By Cookie Steponaitis

There is a new club in America that is gaining members but is quite unique in its membership requirements. Instead of age restrictions or limitations it is age encouraged and in order to join this unique group of Americans and citizens worldwide, you have to pass one simple qualification. You have to live to be one hundred.  On Sunday, April 19 Barbara Rice earned membership and was astonished at the hubbub that her birthday seemed to cause.
     “I am really not any different than I was yesterday when I was 99,” grinned Barbara. “It has been a revolving door all day. Music, cake, balloons and people I don’t even know stopping in to wish me Happy Birthday. All this for just turning 100! Imagine that.” While very tired from the event, Barbara was chipper with each visitor and gracious enough to answer more questions for this reporter who was called to photograph the hubbub.
    When we last chatted in January 2014 Barbara showcased her passion for music and played a piece on the piano. Barbara is a graduate of Julliard and her music education began with her grandfather and his snare drum. When she shares memories of Mark Twain spending a summer at the family farm and being “quite a handful,” and growing up there is always a music story. Accordion music was played and singing accompanied it today to honor her milestone of 100 years.
    And while the celebration continued well into the afternoon and after dinner Barbara Rice remained undaunted in her sincere curiosity about what was so impressive about having another birthday. While Barbara does not think 100 is monumental she did conclude the visit with the pert comment that if it kept people coming and enjoying the music then she could hardly wait for 101.

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