Howard Ware was 90 this past Monday. Such an important event cannot go unheralded here at the Blog. Howard is an old, dear friend! Born in Wading River, Howard built his North Maple Avenue home in New Gretna in the 1950's after his marriage to Sara Allen. He's become a New Gretna fixture ever since.
Howard's North Maple Avenue home.
(February 1, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer)
There are some events that a community needs to celebrate. Howard's 90th birthday certainly qualifies. A roomful of Howard's friends gathered at the Methodist Church this past Friday evening for a festive Birthday dinner celebration. While Howard wasn't taken by surprize, after all nothing much having to do with New Gretna slips by Howard, he certainly was surprized by the large number of friends who turned out to acknowledge a dear friend. It was evident by the love in the room that Howard touched the lives of a great number of people.
Following are a few photos taken by Sharon Maurer of the celebration.
Howard smiles as everyone shouts "Happy Birthday!"
Howard was joined at the head table by his brother, Nelson (right).
Howard admires his special Birthday cake made by Sharon Maurer.
Howard's cake had a hunting theme.
I stopped by Howard's house the next day to see what he was up to, a day after his party. I figured that he'd be resting from all the excitement of the night before. I should have known better. Those of you who know Howard shouldn't be surprized by what he was doing. I found him in his garden planting beans. I'd hate to guess how many he has planted over the years.
I'm sure that everyone out in the Blog-O-Sphere joins me in wishing Howard many more healthy, productive years. The "Bean Man" deserves no less.
Pete S