Posted: November 1, 2023
The Penn State Extension Master Gardener program in Cumberland County honored Shirley Halliday for her 100th birthday and 27 years of dedicated service to the program at the Penn State Extension office in Carlisle.
Shirley Halliday with the embroidered quilt she received from the Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County
"You're amazing, and you are an inspiration," were just some of the sentiments heard during a celebration honoring Shirley for 27 years of active and dedicated service to the Penn State Master Gardener program in Cumberland County. Shirley, who just turned 100 years old, joined the program because she loved gardening, and wanted to learn more. She began her tenure at Kings Gap and helped with the holiday parties at Hope Station in Carlisle. Her interest in gardening continues to inspire her love for flowers, but she doesn't want to settle on just one favorite, "I love them all."
Shirley was born on October 7, 1923, in Utica, New York. At fifteen during a summer vacation at Lake George, she met the love of her life. They later married after she graduated from Syracuse University. So, what attracted him to her? She coyly said, "he was a good-looking guy and looked good in a swimsuit!" And, they had mutual interests and loved reading and traveling.
Shortly after getting married, her husband Herbert Edward enlisted in the Army to fight in WWII. Shirley became a housewife and fought the good fight at home. After the war, the Army Colonel became a Doctor of Optometry and opened an office in Carlisle. After 71 years of marriage and 33 years in the army, the retired colonel doctor passed away in 2016.
Shirley and Herbert traveled the world, with England being her favorite spot. She has three wonderful children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
You can still find Shirley doing one of her favorite things as she continues to volunteer at the Master Gardener Program and at The Bookery, inside Bosler Library.
What's the secret to her longevity? "Luck!" said the petite snow white-haired centenarian. But she also says that having a happy marriage, good kids, and being active keeps her young.” And, of course, chocolate cake!
Special thanks to the Cumberland County Communications office for attending the celebration and writing the special centenarian spotlight article above which can also be found on the Cumberland County Centenarian Spotlight webpage.
Shirley has served Cumberland County residents throughout her 27 years in the Penn State Master Gardener program. She started her volunteer service at the DCNR Kings Gap Mansion Garden. She also volunteered for several years at the Hope Station holiday parties in Carlisle creating holiday centerpiece arrangements with residents and families. Shirley volunteered at the Trial and Idea Gardens at Claremont NRC in Carlisle, at composting programs, and as a garden tour host highlighting the magnificent gardens on her property. Shirley continues to actively serve on the Plant Fest Committee which plans the annual plant sale fundraiser held each May. She also actively serves on the Therapeutic Horticulture Committee which provides seasonal therapeutic horticulture activities to residents at senior centers as well as extended care and adult day care facilities across Cumberland County.
At a celebration on October 16, Shirley was presented with letters of congratulations from Dr. David Gibby, founder of the Master Gardener program; Katherine Cason, Interim Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University and Director of Penn State Extension; and Catherine Scott, Area Master Gardener Coordinator. A framed certificate of recognition was presented to Shirley from Erin Kinley, Penn State Statewide Master Gardener Coordinator, Catherine Scott, Area Master Gardener Coordinator, and Ellie Stuart, Cumberland County Master Gardener Coordinator. An embroidered quilt featuring zinnias in vibrant colors of fuchsia, orange, and green, was crafted and generously provided by Penn State Master Gardener Julie Rhen as a gift to Shirley from the Penn State Master Gardener program in Cumberland County.
On November 6, Shirley Halliday was presented with her Centenarian Certificate provided by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners recognizing and commending her for achieving the distinguished age of 100 years young. The Cumberland Commissioners were pleased to honor Shirley Halliday as a respected resident of Carlisle, Cumberland County, and wished her many more birthdays to come.
On November 27, Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz presented Shirley Halliday with a Mayoral Proclamation issuing special recognition to Shirley Halliday for her service to the Carlisle community. Carlisle Borough Manager Susan Armstrong, Master Gardener Coordinator Ellie Stuart, fellow Penn State Master Gardeners and Extension staff members were in attendance.
Shirley Halliday cutting the cake while surrounded by Penn State Master Gardeners of Cumberland County
An up-close view of the decorated birthday cake
Shirley Halliday receiving the letter of congratulations from Dr. David Gibby, Founder of the Master Gardener program
Shirley Halliday receiving the letter of congratulations from Katherine Cason, Interim Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University and Director of Penn State Extension
Shirley Halliday receiving the letter of congratulations from Catherine Scott, Area C Penn State Master Gardener Coordinator
Shirley Halliday receiving the framed Certificate of Recognition from the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program
Shirley Halliday receiving her Centenarian Certificate from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
Shirley Halliday receiving a Mayoral Proclamation from Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz
Photo Credits: Samantha Krepps, Cumberland County Communications office; Julie Rhen, Penn State Master Gardener; and Lacey Brownawell, Penn State Extension Administrative Assistant
