By Bianca Crawley,
Special to the AFRO

It’s not often that a magnificent and inspiring local centenarian marks 106 years of life– with most of it spent in the bustling Baltimore area.  

On Dec. 9 Arthur Green, the admired veteran who still lives on his own in Baltimore County, celebrated another year of life. 

Green was born in Baltimore in the year 1916. 

When asked what accounts for his longevity, his answer is blunt: “Genes, cleanliness and drinking milk!” 

Green served in World War II and in the Korean War and was discharged as a platoon sergeant. Following military service, he worked at the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years. In retirement, he took up bowling, a hobby he has loved and cherished for the past 50 years. Greene is well known for his bowling skills, and he participated in a league until early 2022, where he gained a plethora of lifelong companions– many of which he is still close friends with today.

As a youngster Green worked as a newspaper salesman to help keep food on the table for his family. Upon taking home his meager pay, if he had any money left, Green would take his earnings to a bakery to purchase a donut and a soda pop.

Centenarians in the United States account for about one percent of the nation’s population, making Green a unique member of the community. But, longevity is not uncommon in his family, according to his daughter Myra Green who said that Green’s mother and aunts also lived to be more than 100 years old.

“My dad would be amazing even if he hadn’t lived to 106 years old. But what is truly remarkable is that, except for a very few wrinkles and that he sometimes uses a walker, he is pretty much the same man I have known my whole life,” she said.

Even at 106 years old, Green is still active and can be found knocking out the pins at local bowling alleys.

“He still loves sports. He never misses an Orioles, Ravens,  or Wizards game. He watches women’s tennis, bowling, horse racing and poker on tv. And if you really want to get a conversation started with him, ask him about his time playing sports, especially baseball,” she said.

“Unfortunately by the time I saw him play he was in his sixties, but he could still turn a double play,” she said, noting that for his birthday last week she took him to a casino to spend time at the craps table.

Green’s family, including his daughter, stepdaughter, two year old grandchild, and two great grandchildren, along with Michele Fenn, his bowling companion, planned a birthday for him Dec. 11. 

“People ask me if his mind is sharp. It is,” she said. “He does crossword everyday. And he could probably name more U.S. Senators than the average person.

“He will tell you he has many secrets for his long life but who really knows?” she said. “My theory is that he just doesn’t want to miss anything.”

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celebrates 106 years appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers .

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