Herald News Report
FAIRBORN — Erma Fox, a resident at The Summit at Park Hills in Fairborn, was surprised with a Hollywood Boulevard-themed party Thursday, Sept. 8, as she celebrated her 100 birthday.
In hopes of surprising Fox with the party, Summit officials worked together to pull off the event. Fox was told that her eye doctor called and said she had an appointment, and that her phone was not working properly because her family had been trying to call her to let her know to be ready. A Summit official immediately had to take her downstairs to “leave on time for her appointment,” which was not true.
She was taken down the red carpet to a special chair for the “birthday girl.” She was dressed appropriately for a Hollywood- style party, especially when Summit officials wanted her to feel that she was the star. She sported sun glasses and a red hat as well as a matching red boa.
Summit officials shared some interesting facts about Fox, such as: she was born and raised in southern Ohio, her hometown is known for still making old-fashioned washboards, her first job was as a telephone operator, she retired from Sears credit department and she made all of her own clothes until the last few years.
Fox helped raise her nephew, Roger Norman, who attended the party along with his wife, due to his father going to war and his mother working, but she never married or had children of her own. After sharing the facts, Summit officials opened the floor to comments from anyone in the room. Fox was deeply touched to hear all the loving words spoken. This was followed by champagne bottle corks hitting the ceiling, and a toast to Fox, who Summit officials describe as a precious woman who has blessed this earth for 100 years, to make her feel loved. Fox and party attendees also enjoyed some hors d’oeuvres.
They ended the afternoon as she made her gold Hollywood hand print by her gold star, later putting it in a gold frame and placing it on the fireplace mantle.