Two more join Yamada’s Century Circle

Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care, welcomes the 59th and 60th centenarians inducted into her Century Circle.

Katherine Kelley turned 100 on Dec. 27 and DeWitt Potter turned 100 on Dec. 30. Both are residents of Woodland.

Yamada created the Century Circle in 2010 to identify centenarians year-round in the 8th Assembly District. The program brings attention to the growing number of people 100 years of age and older, their families and those who care for them. She is continuing this tradition in her new 4th Assembly District.

“Centenarians have a lot to teach us about navigating life’s paths, and we must honor the contributions Californian centenarians have made as we shape our state’s response to an increasingly older population,” Yamada said in a news release.

Born in Newcastle, Pa., in 1912, Kelley relocated to Bloomington in 1952 with her husband, who took a job at Kaiser Steel. After he retired in 1968, the Kelleys took a road tour of America and Mrs. Kelley has since visited all 48 of the continental United States.

She eventually came to live in Woodland with her second husband, Charles Ellis. Recently, she was honored by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for her diligence in reporting scams targeting seniors. She celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at Fair Plaza in Woodland on Dec. 27.

Potter also hails from Pennsylvania. Originally a podiatrist in his home state, he was drafted by the U.S. Army during World War II and sent to Camp Bealle in Marysville after an injury. His life changed when he met his wife, Geneva, at a dance in Woodland in 1945.

At the conclusion of World War II, Potter set down roots in Woodland and returned to his podiatry practice to support his wife and two children, Susan and Rick. Potter and his wife were longtime volunteers at the United Methodist Church of Woodland where they married. He celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family on Dec. 30 at his home in Woodland.

If you or a loved one would like to participate in the Century Circle, call Yamada’s district office at 707-455-8025 or email assemblymember.yamada@assembly.ca.gov with the name, contact and birthday month for the centenarian celebrant.