You could hear the band playing from down the street. Balloons lined the porch railings, announcing that a party was about to begin. This was not just any party – it was a party celebrating the birthdays of Dixon House residents Milton Agreen (age 105) and Oneita McCall (age 106). According to Linda Elben, executive director of The Dixon House, “We even had the Mayor, our State Senator, and a representative from the Governor’s Office in attendance to celebrate with us.”
Both Milton and Oneita spent the afternoon toe-tapping on the porch to songs of bygone days played by the Free and Easy Band. Both residents seemed to enjoy the nostalgia of the old tunes. Oneita lived in Cambridge much of her life – working in a restaurant with her husband for many years and volunteering at Soup Day at St. Paul’s Church in Cambridge up until the age of 94. She was able to live independently until she was 96 years old. When asked, her children comment that she has lived a healthy life – maintaining her weight and taking good care of herself. Her stepdaughter Betty McCall, adds, “I love the care she gets at The Dixon House. It feels like an extension of our family.”
Milton worked for years as an accountant and Post Office worker. He moved to Easton in 2000 from Florida. Although his wife died in 2001 after 60 years of marriage to Milton, he maintained driving his car until age 96. When his children were asked about their father’s longevity, they shared a comment from Milton’s sister, Elsie Agreen, who said that Milton was a teetotaler and would probably live forever. His daughter-in-law, Linda Agreen, comments, “It’s been wonderful for him at The Dixon House. He has peers to be social with and we feel he is being cared for here.”
Both residents received proclamations from the Governor and the State of Maryland Senate. Mayor Bob Willey, who was in attendance, comments, “I have been coming to The Dixon House for many years. It’s nice to see the residence providing this much-needed service for the town.”
For further information, contact the Dixon House at 410-822-6661.
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