BY BRANYD TEMPLETON

Around 100 family members, friends, and Statesville Family YMCA employees and board members helped make sure Vester Boone’s 100th birthday was special by holding a party to celebrate his big day.

“It’s overwhelming,” said the guest of honor, who was one of the founding members of Statesville YMCA in 1975.

Back when Boone was an avid swimmer, he spent hours in the Y’s pool for exercise. He was also a fixture at the pool when he coached West Iredell High School’s swim team.

Service to others has been the cornerstone of Boone’s life. He served on the City of Statesville’s board of education. He also taught Sunday School for many years at First Baptist Church of Statesville, where he remains an active and prominent member.

Throughout life, he never shied away from volunteering or giving his all. Boone was in the First Franklin Boy Scout Troop, served as a lieutenant in the Army Air Forces, and worked diligently for Franklin International.

During his 100th birthday celebration, Boone received countless hugs and shared stories with other attendees.

YMCA Executive Director MacKaden “Mac” Inscore and her staff prepared a special tribute video with photos from throughout Boone’s life along with a birthday song to the tune of The Mickey Mouse Club theme. A photo board along with birthday cards were displayed. Birthday cake and donuts were served.

As an added bonus, Mayor Costi Kutteh read a proclamation commemorating the newly minted centenarian’s special day, calling Boone “a special blessing to all of us.”

Director of Membership for the YMCA Susan Quarantiello was happy to share how special Boone is to the nonprofit.

The YMCA held a surprise party to celebrate Boone’s 99th birthday. He enjoyed that party so much that he wanted to have his next at the YMCA.

“If you guys want to do anything, do it at the YMCA,” Boone had said. “This is my home.”

In fact, Quarantiello shared that Boone visits the Y regularly.

“He comes every single day— the only time you don’t see him is when it’s raining or snowing,” she said.

Quarantiello said that everyone looks forward to seeing Boone.

“He’s always so positive,” she smiled. “He gives big hugs and is just so inspiring— at that age and still working out.”

Even though Boone stopped swimming several years ago, he continues to work out with exercise machines. The man that ran marathons and went skydiving in his advanced age won’t let any challenge stop him.

Inscore shared an insightful statement regarding Boone’s life.

“We don’t get to decide how long we’re going to live or the circumstances, but what we do get to decide is how we’re going to live,” she said.

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