FRANK DAVIS/CONTRIBUTING WRITE
f.davis928@charter.net

FRANKLIN—Former Oak Street senior citizen site director Virginia Murphy escorted the man of the day, Mr. Benjamin (B.J.) Holland into the main activity room at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Thursday, to a standing, applauding large group of seniors, friends and family members. They were there to join in celebrating Holland’s 102nd birthday.

“I am 102 and I don’t feel a pain, and I feel fine,” remarked Holland in his own words. He gives much credit that he was raised up in a Christian home. “I read my Bible every day, that is a guide for me,” he added. “The Lord spoke to me and told me you better practice what you preach, and if you don’t something is going to happen to you.”

Members of the Oak Street senior citizen program, Mary Haskins and Sylvia Riddick, both served as masters of ceremony. Reflections to Holland were given by Deacon James O. Day, a member of Holland’s church, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church; family members, Linda Dickerson and Alton Holland; Teresha Rose-Quay, on behalf of the mayor and city manager; and Barbara Barnes, chairwoman of the Senior Inspirational Group. Mary Washington, legislative assistant, read a statement from Del. Roslyn Tyler (D-75) congratulating him on his years of life. Also present to give remarks was John Skirven, CEO, of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.

In remarks that Holland gave during the program, he said, “I try to walk that walk so that I can talk that talk, I try to treat everyone right.”

He gave much credit to God in leading, guiding and protecting him during his 102 years of life.

He referred to the song, “My soul looks back and wonders how I got over.” In his closing sentence, he thanked God for his years of life and to all that came to his birthday celebration.