ArlingtonJohnDunnVery few people live long enough to celebrate their 100th birthday.

Even less play golf to celebrate a century of life.

One Birmingham area nursing home resident recently hit the links to mark his special day.

For his 100th birthday, Staff at Arlington Rehab & Healthcare Center took John Dunn to Birmingham’s Highlands Park Golf Course to play a few holes and visit with the golf staff. John and Highland Park Director of Golf Evan Godfrey shared insight on golf techniques as well as how much the course has changed over the years.

The outing was the first event for the nursing home’s new “Arlington Make a Wish Program.” The program will grant the wish of one resident every three months.

“Mr. Dunn always talks about golf. We decided this would be a great way to celebrate his 100th birthday and kickoff our new program,” Arlington Rehab & Healthcare Center Administrator Kevin Ball said. “We hope this is the first of many wishes we are able to grant.”

The golf outing was also a homecoming of sorts. Several years ago, John worked at Highlands Park Golf Course shortly after moving to Birmingham from his hometown of Waverly, Alabama.

Golf was followed by lunch at a local restaurant where everyone sang happy birthday to John. He also celebrated his birthday with a party at Arlington attended by his family, friends, nursing home resident and staff members.

When asked for his secret to a long life, John responded “Love ye one another as I have also loved you.”

John has lived at Arlington Rehabilitation and HealthCare Center since the facility opened in May 2011. He enjoys watching all sports and especially golf, reading the newspaper and enjoying his favorite candy, Hershey’s Chocolate. His birthday is July 27, 1914.

“Mr. Dunn brings life and joy to Arlington,” Ball said. “It is an honor to know a man of his caliber.”

About Arlington Rehab & Healthcare Center:

Arlington Rehab & Healthcare Center is a 117-bed skilled nursing facility located in Birmingham. It offers long term care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and respiratory therapy with its unique ventilator unit. Kevin Ball is the Administrator and Linda Pettway is the Director of Nursing.