Everyone has a certain way they like to celebrate their birthday.
Some enjoy a big party with everyone they know, others prefer a quite meal out with family. Nellie Mitchell got both this year. And deservedly so.
That’s because Mitchell turned 100 on Friday, and if that’s not the kind of milestone you celebrate in every way possible, we don’t know what is.
On her actual birthday, Mitchell did the same thing she’s done for the last six years – she went to Constantly Pizza, the one on South Main Street. She was surrounded by lots of family – five generations to be exact – opened a few presents that included the nifty poster you see to the right, pictures and a T-shirt stating how fabulous 100 is, had a couple pink birthday balloons tied to her chair and wore a tiara that showed off her monumental accomplishment.
Everyone in the restaurant even sang happy birthday to her.
Like the the previous five years, Mitchell ordered a lobster roll – with just the lobster mixed with mayo, on a grilled butter roll and a side of cole slaw. And the Constants gave it to her on the house, like they have the previous handful of years. The birthday tradition all started when Mitchell’s great-granddaughter worked at Constantly and she went in for a visit on her birthday.
She was well into her 90s, and John Constant took care of the tab.
“I told her to come back each year on your birthday and we’ll take care of you,” Constant said.
So Mitchell has gone back each year and reaped the birthday rewards – and who can blame her? It’s free food and something she really enjoys. You don’t find many places just handing out lobster rolls for free.
“The food is good and they’re friendly,” Mitchell said.
Now we can only hope to be as vibrant and active when we hit 100 as Mitchell is. She still has her license, although she gave up driving, cooks and cleans for herself and is a big follower of the Red Sox and Patriots.
“You have to keep busy,” Mitchell said.
“She even goes and watches all her great-grandchildren’s sports games,” said her daughter, Mary Jo Dane.
On Saturday, the family threw a big birthday bash in Mitchell’s honor with more than 100 people expected to attend.
Happy birthday, Nellie, and here’s to many more free lobster rolls in your future.
