Sid Nadolsky Day proclaimed

Members of the Rogers City Council have declared Saturday, February 22 as Sid Nadolsky Day, on the occasion of his 90th birthday. It coincides with an open house in the Constance Jordan Conference room at Presque Isle District Library in Rogers City the same day.

?What the heck,? Nadolsky responded on the phone Monday evening when learning of the news of mayor Beach Hall?s proclamation. ?This is a little embarrassing,? with a laugh that is unmistakably Sid.

NADOLSKY, WHO has lived in Rogers City for 32 years, said all the hoopla has been generated by his son Dave Nadolsky. ?It?s really a cause for celebration,? said Dave. ?Like the invitation says, it?s really a noteworthy event.?

?This whole bit is getting to be too much,? Sid said of the proclamation, but ?nice to hear.?

Nadolsky suggests his longevity is related to ?genes.? His mother Rose Nadolsky, a European immigrant, lived to 104. Another family member, Harry Nadolsky, lived to 103.

?Whereas, it is a well-known fact that this gentleman has been outstanding in his service to the community of Rogers City and our neighboring communities of Alpena and Cheboygan,? the proclamation states. Nadolsky is involved with the ?Friends of the Library,? writes poetry for The Advance, and has provided entertainment at the bandshell and various social and civic benefits.

OFTEN ADDRESSED as ?Rabbi? for his role in the Rogers City community play ?Fiddler on the Roof,? and ?mayor? for his performance in ?Wizard of Oz,? he is an enthusiastic patron of the Thunder Bay Theater, Alpena Civic Theater and the Cheboygan Opera House. Nadolsky also is known as a sidewalk ambassador, greeting people as he takes his daily strolls along Third Street, even during the coldest weather.

Nadolsky moved to Rogers City from Grand Rapids, graduating from the 1931 class of South High School with former president Gerald Ford, who he called a ?jock.? Ford was captain of the football team and went on to play for the University of Michigan. Nadolsky also

performed with the Grand Rapids Symphony for 10 years, and according to Dave, still practices the base fiddle every day. Dave said his father is in good physical shape and has ?good dietary habits.?

?HE READS A lot, goes to the library every day, and enjoys chit-chatting.? The mayor?s proclamation ?extends heartfelt congratulations? to Sid and invites the citizens who see him to ?wish him a very Happy Birthday.? The party/open house is from 1 to 3 p.m. with music, refreshments, poetry and conversation. The invitation states ?no gifts please.? One can only imagine what might be in store for the celebration.

The year of Sid? Hopefully, the world will be a more peaceful place and CNN will be able to cover the event.