CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Huntington Mall Walker Turns 100
Reported by: Darrah Wilcox
Web Producer: Darrah Wilcox
Reported: Jan. 9, 2013 12:18 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 9, 2013 12:59 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Barboursville
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
Chick Nikolaus said having triple digits on the birthday cake instead of double doesn't feel too much different.
"Not much difference. I don't think there's any," said Nikolaus, who marked a big milestone in his life Wednesday by turning 100 years old.
Nikolaus and his wife of 66 years, Betty, have been a part of the Huntington Mall Walkers'Club since it started more than 20 years ago. Now, they do more talking than walking, but they still get out a few days a week to socialize.
Angie Frye, who is the sales manager at Great American Cookie, said she's really gotten to know Chick Nikolaus and his friends throughout the past several years.
"They get coffee and sit out here and talk, and reminisce. We get to hear stories and history, and we enjoy it. They're family," Frye said.
This cameraderie prompted Nikolaus' friends at the mall decided to throw him a big party to celebrate his century mark. They set up balloons, presents, cards, cupcakes and a giant cake Wednesday morning in the mall food court.
Nikolaus' best friend, Lester Toler, who is 98 1/2, gave some insight to their longevity. "Just luck. That's what I'm going to say. You think that's enough?" said Toler.
Nikolaus has his own secret. "Pills," he told us with a chuckle.
Whatever it's taken to get them to this stage in life, they say it's definitely been filled with plenty of wonderful memories. "I have had a good life," Nikolaus said.
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Darrah Wilcox
