St. Columban's on the Lake resident Sam Weber's motto was 104 and going for more Thursday on his 104th birthday. Weber celebrated his birthday with his family, residents and employees of St. Columban's.
Weber who was born in Buffalo in 1908, wore a custom made shirt and hat. Both had 104 and the shirt said "104 and going for more." The hat was made by nurse Kathy Saden and her mother Emily Kuzara. Saden's grandchildren Brady and Colby made a birthday poster for Weber.
Music was provided by the Echoes from Jamestown, Joe Iuculano and Phil Favata. The duo provided music for Weber's birthday party last year.
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Sam Weber blows out his candles on his birthday cake for his 104th birthday.
Iuculano asked Weber if he remembered the 1940s after playing a musical selection from that decade. Weber said he remembers coming home from World War II. Weber had volunteered for the military and was not drafted. To keep the party in a light mood, Weber was making jokes, jokingly saying "I'll be dipped ... I made it to another one."
"As you get older you become more comical," Iuculano said.
Entertainment was also provided by eight dancers from the Collage Performing Arts Center danced for the man of the hour under the direction of Marci Williams-Hadley. Iuculano said the "girls are back" announced their return to Weber. Dancers performed last year at Weber's birthday. According to Williams-Hadley, Weber asked for the young girls to dance again at his celebration. The girls who danced were, Ava age 6, Abby age 7, Kara age 7, Kaitlin age 7, Shelby age 8, Jaryaniz age 8, Sarah age 15 and Sarah age 15.
The band played as guests sang "Happy Birthday" as Weber blew out the candles on a cake that said "Happy Birthday Sammy." The cake was topped with number candles following some mishaps with prior cakes. According to St. Columban's Administrator Sister Corona Colleary when Weber turned 100, 100 candles were placed on the cake. It took Weber too long to blow out the candles, wax had melted on to the cake and spit also reached on to the cake. Another birthday, Weber's cake unfortunately caught on fire while lighting all the candles.
Activities Director Jane Ball said Weber's friends visit him often and bring him Tim Hortons which Weber "looks forward to." While Thursday was Weber's special day, he made some special requests.
"He asked for spice cake, doughnuts and dancers," Ball said.
Weber's family was in attendance for the party. His grandchildren Jenny Kreuz, Kim Nicholas and Patty Weber along with great grandchildren Max Kreuz and Niki Weber came. Weber's son, David and his wife Rita were unable to attend. Weber has been a resident at St. Columban's since 2004.
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