Tell us about your family and your accomplishments.

• I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan with my parents,  2 brothers and 2 sisters,
• My father was a thrasher contractor around Michigan.  As a young boy, I helped my father run the blower for making straw stacks.
• I grew up during the depression, but we didn’t know we were poor
• After high school, I was drafted into the army in 1942 when I was 22 years old
• I was sent to Atlanta Ordinance Depot Headquarters Company before going overseas where I was in the area of Omaha Beach in France and later stationed in England working for the Army Motor Vehicle Assembly Company.
• I missed (fortunately) the Battle of the Bulge due to having to retake the physical exam and later returned to Atlanta.   I also spent some time in the Phillipines.
• I met and married my wife in Atlanta, returning to Lansing after 1946 to raise my family of two boys and one girl.   I worked as a sales manager for the Nehi RC Cola Soft Drink Company.
• My sons graduated from Michigan State University.  One son decided to come to Georgia, his mother’s home, to find a high school teaching job.  He started looking as soon as he crossed the border.  His first job was in Dalton, but later moved to Trenton.
• When I retired, my wife and I moved to Georgia and later we came to Trenton to live close to my son.
• I LOVE to read.  When I left high school I remember going to the library every Saturday.  I would bring home a BIG stack of books and read them.  The next Saturday I would return the books and bring home some more.  I wanted to learn more!
• Harlon says, “His ability to cope with life begins in the mind and not dwelling on the negative but on the positives”.  Being legally blind doesn’t stop me from reading.  I’m a member of the Rome Talking Book Club.  They send me tapes through the mail free.  I listen to these tapes daily.  A variety of topics from historical, western, novels.

Do you visit a senior center?

Yes.  Trenton/Dade County.

5 - 6 years.

What made you start going to the center?

My daughter-in-law brought me after my wife passed away.

What kinds of activities do you enjoy at the center?

“Hanging out, talking to people my own age”. I play Rummikub, my favorite and other games.  I like to go on the trips and listen to the programs. The Center Site Manager says, “Harlon loves to talk politics and other hot topics with anyone who will listen.”

How has the center helped you Age Well and Live Well?

I walk ½ mile every day at the Center on the track.  I love being outside. 

Do you volunteer at your senior center or at other community organizations?  

Not anymore.  After retirement I worked a lot of different jobs and I always stayed busy at home building and fixing things.

What advice would you give to young people today on how to live a good long life?

Eat three meals a day, no junk food, get a decent night’s sleep, don’t drink too much (it’s okay to drink, but in moderation, and stay active.