Dancing seems to have served Anthony William Harrick well. Wednesday, nearly 100 years after his birth, Harrick was honored with proclamations from almost every branch of government, noting that he is not only the oldest poll worker in Norwalk, but in the state and in the nation.
You may not know it, but this is Anthony William Harrick Day in Norwalk. It will also be Anthony William Harrick Day Sunday, as Gov. Dannel Malloy has made that declaration for the state of Connecticut on the date of his actual birthday.
Harrick's will celebrate his 100 years Sunday with a family gathering. The next day he's going on a cruise to Bermuda with members of The Humbolt Lodge.
The native Norwalker has worked the polls for more than 60 years, doing every job that needs to be done at one point or another, according to Karen Doyle Lyons. He plans to work the polls at Marvin Elementary School at the primaries in August and the general election in November.
Wearing a button that read "aged to perfection," Harrick sang "God Bless America" before cutting a cake that featured a large American flag. That was after Lyons read a list of the things that weren't around in 1911: chocolate chip cookies, Kool-Aid, M&Ms, automatic shift cars and talking movies. She also said he loves to dance. He started dancing at the Royal James Hotel on Wall Street and continued at Roton Point. As a young man he won a waltz contest but declined the prize of a trip to Atlantic City, as he had only just met his partner.
Charlene Karrick attributed her father's longevity to "his tenacity." "He's gone to different senior groups over the years," she said. Harrick and his wife used to plan trips to the Catskills and go on bus trips. "When my mother died he just kept on the go," she said.
Harrick attributes his health to his great attitude. He's looking forward to his "fourth or fifth trip" to Bermuda and said he is grateful for his longevity. "I'm healthy and able to be returned for my kindness."
Have you seen Anthony William Harrick at the polls? What do you think?
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