January 24th, 2010 marks Doris “Granny D’ Haddock’s 100th birthday. She will celebrate at home in Dublin, New Hampshire with her family, and also with her townspeople in Dublin and Peterborough. There will also be an event at the governor’s office in Concord. She will be viewing this blog regularly, so feel free to leave her a message. (Banner photo by Paul Chan)
You are invited for cake and refreshments at the Governor’s Executive Council Chambers in the New Hampshire State Capitol, Concord, on Thursday, January 28th, from Noon until 1:30pm. For questions: 603-352-8580 or 603-525-9492.
PS. Doris has been busy.
Information on her upcoming book(s!) here: http://www.site.insurgentbooks.com/Info.html
TO LEAVE A COMMENT, click on the “Comments” link below, and use the form at the tail end of the comments.
Oh my gosh, Granny D! I’m SO EXCITED to hear about your 100th birthday! I found out about you when you were 90-something and I was a middle-aged mother of 7 kids! You were a breath of FRESH AIR for me as I could only dream to have the adventures you were having – so I lived them through you and I THANK YOU for that! You became my INSTANT HERO/MENTOR in what I wanted to do with my life . . . stand for something! My kids are grown now and out of the house and I have 14 grandchildren – so life trudges on. Although we have never met, I will always cherish you as a dear-trusted-friend!
I hope your day is LOVELY and your health remains good so you can continue to TEACH US ALL. Thank you for living a great life and setting such a great example for us all.
Warm Regards from the frozen north-country –
Berta Boice
Rexburg, ID
Go Granny! You are our country’s most inspiring citizen activist. Many happy returns!
Been following your adventures since your long walk. Sincere congratulations on your birthday! You are an inspiration to us all.
May the next 100 years be as great as the last!
Earl
You continue to inspire. Have a blessed birthday Granny D.
All the best,
Donna
Happy Birthday Granny D!
Happy Birthday, GrannyD! Glad to hear you are well and still doing work for all of us from your great heartfelt love of this country and its people. I turn 70 in Feb. You continue to inspire me when I sometimes feel a bit weary in my community volunteer work. I think “GrannyD wouldn’t give up.” And I think that you would put your full energy into thoughtful approaches to the many needs and goals of your community. Thank you for being who you have been and are. I wish I had a chance to meet you and be with you for your birthday. I will be thinking of you and so will my husband who so admires and appreciates you as the great teacher you are in all you do. Love and blessings.
You have been a bright light to me ever since I followed your remarkable walk across America ten years ago. I’m so delighted that you are still active! Happy Birthday!
It is a pleasure and an honor to wish such a marvelous, inspiring, enduring and active lady- HAPPY 100th Birthday! You are a one-of-a-kind miracle and are loved by many. Blessings and best wishes- Vicki-lynn Brunskill
Bless you, Granny D. You keep making your life an inspiration to us all. Thank you for showing everyone how to keep contributing to the world. Happy Birthday.
To a great American centenarian patriot.
What a struggle those 14 months must have been walking along those roads and freeways turning 90 along the way. Especially when you had few in your shadow and the wind and rain against your face!
Well after getting public funding and campaign finance reforms national recognition you did not retire at the age of 90 from your civic duties.
At age 94 you ran for public office for the first time. You continued to bring attention each year well into your golden ages one of the greatest problems that faces our democracy—millions poured into our American electoral system.
At age 99 you accepted the invitation of the new Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to join his fight for campaign finance reform. And for the first time in Illinois history you were present to see the Illinois legislature pass restrictions and caps on campaign funds.
As a resident of Illinois I am truly grateful for your tireless work to make my country and my state government better represent me.
I am in 5th grade, and will turn 11 in March. I must wait 10 years before I can vote. But when I do vote I know my world and my choices will be so much better because of you.
Happy birthday Granny D! Love Reah Xiaoming Rohrbeck
Happy Birthday, you beautiful woman!
So lucky are we that 100 years ago, your mother gave us such an incredible gift.
Thank you for all you do.
Much love,
Jessica Butts
Happy Birthday, Granny D, and thank you for all you’ve done! You are an inspiration to all! Love, Faith
You are such an inspiration to all of us as we get older, and for all that you have done for this country. Thank you and Happy Birthday!
Sarah Boyer
Cambridge, MA
Happy Birthday to the youngest 100 year old. I would have loved to visit with you on your special day, just know that I am there in heart. Remember when you get back to Arizona, I owe you lunch and a big hug.
Our nation sure could use a few more of you!
Best Wishes,
Deb Hanna
Arizona
Happy Birthday Doris!!!
I once walked with you in Portland OR and will never forget the speech you gave!!! As we approach Martin Luther Kind day I am reminded of how I felt during your speech. That until that day I had not heard anyone speak with such passion! I have only hear recordings of MLK but with your inspiration hopefully we will have more passionate, courageous leaders in our country and throughout the world!!!
Thank you for being you 100 times around the sun!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Granny D!
You are such an inspiration to me and so many people! I’m 75 and part of a bicycling group calling ourselves the Granny Gears. when you were on your long trek to Washington, some of us walked with you when you came through Ohio. Then we all went to Washington to walk the last 5 miles with you! You were – and still are – amazing and a source of great inspiration. Thank you, thank you, Thank you!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEGRITY.
Birthday and Everyday Wishes for Peace.
run granny run!!
happy ‘B’ DAY, also
Sesame in rural Arkansas
Happy Birthday Doris
My bones can still feel the hug you gave me in 2004, when you visited San Luis Obispo.
Happy 100th Doris! We cherish your several visits over the years. Please know we’re sending all our fighting energy your way for your birthday event at your Statehouse.
From all your friends at Iowa CCI.
You go, Girl! I am 71 and hope get there some day. My husband is reaching for 120!
Happy Birthday Granny D!
When I was volunteering on the bike patrol, we met at Great Falls, MD beside the Potomac River. You are a hero and role model and now that I live in CO I continue to tell people about you. Thank you for serving as an inspiration to so many of us.
You, Granny D, & my mom, who would have been 105 on January 25th, are great inspirations to me – to keep on keeping on… and to follow my convictions, my love of others and my love of true democracy, which must be nurtured in our land & returned back to one person one vote. Go Granny Go!!!
Happy Birthday, Granny D!
We were so happy to get the email about your upcoming birthday. We were talking about you a couple weeks ago and wondered if you were still with us. You are still active and that made us so thrilled.
We will be with you in spirit when you celebrate your birthday at the State Capitol. You have been an inspiration to us and continue to be.
Granny D!!!! happy (almost) birthday!!!! You’re truly amazing and I hope to be as inspirational, active, sharp, and influential as you, when I’m 25,30,40, 80 and 100 if I can make it that far.
I wish you the best in health & happiness in your hundredth year and beyond!!
take care and keep being wonderful!
much love,
Josh
Doris, congratulations on reaching this remarkable age marker! Dikkie and I remember well your nice visit here in Nashville during your spectacular walk 10 years ago. And the march into Washington, DC at the end of the walk. It was such fun and we are so proud of you and all that you do and have done. Sorry we can’t come for some cake with you but we will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. Phil
Dear Granny,
It’s been our pleasure to have met you and have you as our guest during your campaign. We wish you health above all and a grand 100th birthday. You are our inspiration in so many ways!
Dorothy & Stan Solomon
Go, Granny, Go Granny, Go Granny, Go! for at least another 10 years. Yes, you can!
Happy Birthday and best wishes from one of your not-so-secret admirers.
Charlie Pillsbury
New Haven CT
i love you granny d!! thank you for all of it!! you are a jewel!! happy, happy birthday!!
What an inspiring life you lead! What the USA needs is more Granny D’s – can we clone you?? Wishing you a very happy 100th birthday – please share your secret to such a long life – we’re all ears!
Happy Birthday Granny D,
I love you for your inspiration. My kids think I should do what you did…walk across the country for a just cause. Maybe I’ll do that some day. Have a happy birthday.
Maybe I should move to New Hampshire, so I can vote for you. It can’t be any colder than it is here in Minnesota!
I’m sorry that I’ll likely miss the birthday celebration on the 28th.
Dear GrannyD,
Happy 100th!!!!
I’ve been a fan of yours since I heard about your walk across the continent. I’m inspired by your strength and your conviction to your principles of integrity, honesty. and most of all democracy. What a radical idea!
I first heard you speak at a Rolling Thunder gathering in Seattle. After that a friend and I travelled to Portland to take part in the Dove-In. You were the eye of the dove! I still wear that T-shirt with pride.
Your speeches inspire me.
I am so grateful there are people like you in this country who believe that we can do better and be better.
Congratulations!
Jean
A Century of great work! Congratulations Doris. One of my favorite memories was walking with you on the last day of your famous trek, and getting arrested, and then in the evening getting a hug from you – one of my most treasured hugs, ever. I still have my little yellow “Go Granny D Go” plastic flag and if I start to feel too old to work on improving the world I get it out for inspiration!
Go, Granny D, Go!
Roger
A Big Happy 100th Birthday to you, Dear Granny D.
I admire you so much for all of the good you have done for our country.
Have a wonderful day and a wonderful year, and many, many more
in good health.
Cheers, Granny, Cheers!
Sheila Bryan Fuesting
Effingham, IL
Doris,
You’re an inspiration to all of us! I’m always amazed by the number of people that know you and your work when I talk to people from across the country! Happy 100th birthday and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the 28th!
The power of one!
Jeff McLean
Happy almost 100th Birthday Granny D!!! Your an amazing woman who inspires me and as a 21 year old college student I believe that if more people around the world had your tenacity and determination that nothing would be impossible. Thanks for all you have given to everyone by believing in yourself, and I wish you nothing but the best in the future.
Love,
A. Alexander
Happy 100th Birthday, Granny! You are inspiring to so many of us. Thank you for keeping up the good fight for a government we can all believe in. I hope your birthday is full of good friends, good stories, and good cake-you’ve more than earned it!
Beth Messersmith
Durham, NC
Congratulations on your 100th birthday! You are such an example to so many. We are so lucky to have your guiding light and energy for 100 years. Enjoy your special day, and the love of many fans you know and those you’ve never met.
Happy 100th!!! You’re still such an inspiration to me and I’m sure to many!!!
Congratulations Granny,
Keep on Truckin as we would say during the 70’s.
Happy Birthday from “Cowtown” Texas
Happy Trails
Victor Wadsworth
Love you and all you do.
Happy 100th!
Much respect.
Daniel
Happy Birthday, Granny D!
Happy Birthday, Granny D! May God bless you for all you have done and lived! When all of us old ladies get out and do what you did, the world will be a much better place. So, let’s roll, people, and make a real tribute to Granny!
Sr. J
Dearest Doris;
Your memory is longer, your bones are stronger, your words wiser, your anger more justified, your position more sure than most anyone I have ever met. Thanks for sharing yourself with humanity.
Have a wonderfully enjoyable birthday celebration.
Granny D,
You are an inspiration to us all and have set a high bar for generations to come.
Just continue to lead and we shall follow. Have a very happy birthday!
Granny D – Congratulations on being the most amazing centenarian I’ve ever known! You continue to inspire so many… we need a manual on how to become activists like yourself.
You have many fans I bet you don’t even know are out there… we thank our lucky stars there are fine leaders like yourself for us to follow.
Happy Birthday, Granny D!! Have a wonderful day and many happy returns. You live an inspiring life and are a truly great lady.
Do we remember you? Of course we do–how could we forget? We only wish there were more like you willing to stand up and be counted.
Thanks for all your hard work and effective efforts. You’re the best!
Happy birthday Doris! Keep running and
hope to see you in 2010…ps if you can write back and let us know if you ever received our documentary (the bike the vote movie project) we’d appreciate it. I assume you got it but never did hear from anyone officially.
Hope you enjoy your big day.
Best, chris and jessie-bike the vote
Congratulations on your 100th Birthday!!!
You are our inspiration. We quote you frequently in our own organizing and your photo hangs on the wall!
Thank you so much for your outstanding contribution and for the extraordinary beauty and truth of all your words and deeds.
Happy Birthday, Doris!!!!
We still talk about walking with you and share your story with friends, new and old. We also love sharing the photos with visitors — especially the ones taken at Central High and at the State Capitol.
We live on our sailboat 6 months a year (currently in Cartagena, Colombia) and the other six months, Roy works as a hospitalist in Central Coast California. Our guest room is always available for you, and we even have a spare guest room if you are traveling with a companion.
Much love, many hugs, and very special Birthday wishes,
Marlene and Roy Verdery
Happy Birthday Granny D!
You are and have been such an inspiration. It is sometimes so easy to think “I can’t do that.” or to think “I don’t need to do that -someone else (particularly someone younger) will do it”. You are an incredible inspiration to get out of those thoughts and to get to work on making this world a better place.
Have a wonderful birthday and know that many people you don’t know will be celebrating with you.
Mary
Dear dear Granny D,
Inspiration is the word that keep recurring and nothing could be more fitting. Every time I read or hear your wordsor even think about you I feel energy and hope and determination to work for peace and justice renewed. Happy happy 100 Birthday. Have a wonderful time. Love, Sarah
Happy 100th Birthday Granny D. Long may you not to be a “well behaved woman” and continue to make history!
happy happy one hundredth, dear granny! you are the best!
donna
Happy Birthday to you dear Granny D.!
Whenever I get down on the world I just watch your video and I know there is goodness and hope. You are a truly exceptional woman and a role model to us all.
Maud
Connecticut
Hello Granny D!
Congratulations on a Happy 100th birthday. I remember being in Washington, DC as you finished your walk across America for campaign reform. After that, I had the pleasure of being with you as you spoke to people in Charlotte, NC during one of your many trips to towns in America for reform. I also saw you in Durham, NC at the debut of your wonderful documentary Run Granny Run.
You have many fans here in the state of North Carolina. Thanks for being a hero and a patriot. You are an inspiration to all who love justice.
Adam Sotak
Durham, NC
Have a happy birthday x 100! I love what you did and what you’re doing.
Dear Granny D,
May you have a wonderful 100th birthday!
You are a special gift to our world! May your example spur us all to be of service to others.
Your smiling face shows us: a life well lived; a happy woman; a heart full of love.
May God bless you always, Dear Doris!
Love,
Susan
Tucson, AZ
Happy and special b-day to you..my daughter introduced me to your outstanding work….your are terrific!
Happy Birthday, Granny D! You are awesome!
Happy Birthday, Granny D. You are an inspiration to all of us. We, the Raging Grannies, have a song about you, that we sing when we need an encouraging thought.
Dear Doris,
Wishing you the BEST birthday ever. You’ve earned it!
Much love, Vicki
go, go – go granny, go!!
doris,
you are amazing, inspirational, right on and way cool, to boot! thanks for all your chutzpah!!
as a part-time new hampster who spends most of the year in central texas these days, i am sending you warm thoughts on your special day – and every day, too!
keep on keepin’ on.
best,
“purly” gates
ps- i’ve got a REAL cute friend here in the austin area who just turned 101 ….. and i must say, he’s single, AND has an amazing sense of humor…..
if you ever want to hook up with an ‘older gent’, for friendship, etc., i could probably put you in touch with him.
Way to go, Granny D!
We so enjoyed your visit several years ago when you came to Calimesa in the Pass Area of California.
Blessings and thank you for being such a great leader in “the cause”.
Happy Birthday Granny D,
I so appreciate your wisdom, words and all you do to try to save our democracy. We have to cut the head off the snake which will only happen with true campaign finance reform and when I despair that we will never see it happen, you give me hope. You also give me hope about getting older and still contributing to the world. You are my hero and I wish I could be there to help you celebrate an amazing milestone!
All the best!
Happy Birthday Granny! Looking forward to seeing you again when you come to Phoenix with Dennis. Enjoy all your celebrations and your loving family. You so very much deserve everything wonderful.
Thanks, Granny D, and happy 100th.
You are an inspiration!
Granny D –
How DARE those Republican appointees to the Supreme Court throw a damper on your 100th Birthday! (Could you see the blue steam rising over New Jersey this morning, from your porch in New Hampshire?)
But wait … Knowing you … Now you can use all that Birthday Press as a Bully Pulpit for the cause!
I LIKE your “conflict of interest” stance – because after all, that is exactly what billion$ in corporate donations do to our Republic – Conflict the Interests of the People! As someone commented on the NYTimes article today – “We now have government of the corporations, by the corporations, and for the corporations.” Take heart Dear Lady, most of those bloggers were appalled – and many mentioned that we NEED Campaign Finance Reform – or Publicly funded elections! (I wonder where they got that idea?)
Bet the Dems are sure sorry you’re not in their Senate these days! Maybe you should take up residence in Connecticut? (wink wink!)
Would love to drive up there just to give you a big birthday hug!
Love You Always!
Lynn
Congratulations, ‘Granny D’!
On your 100th birthday, remember that you’re being celebrated in the hearts and minds of all those who know and love wonderful, wonderful you.
May God grant you many happy, healthy years to continue your fight for the people and “to continue to raise a little hell” … “and plant a few more seed here and there!”
Blessings and Love,
Eastern Mass OWL
(UMass Boston)
Happy Birthday! Keep fighting and smiling!
Peace and Love!
Dear Granny D,
You immediately came to mind when I read about the terrible Supreme Court decision. So I thought, what would Granny D do? That’s how I learned it’s your 100th birthday celebration — congratulations!! You are such an inspiration.
Thank you for all you have done to pave the way for us ‘youngsters’. I’m 52, about to be an empty-nester, and gearing up to follow in your dazzling footsteps. You are my S/hero. You are a beautiful example of aging with grace and activism. And you make it look like so much fun — I can hardly wait!
Peace, Love, Light & Laughter,
Sandina
My daughter brought your book to my Mother’s 90th birthday party, thereby introducing several of us to you. We are truely inspired, and enjoy the wit and wisdom the years and experience have given you.
Happy birthday and happy trails!
Sylvia Davis
Granny D, you are my Sheroe! Thank you for all the wonderful work you have done. When I feel old and slow, (I’m 78) I think of your walk and I’m energized. I want to be like you when I grow up. I’m sending you a Peace Crane for your birthday. Blessings.
Over the past few years, I’ve identified at least half a dozen Americans who are true (if unsung) heroes. Not so much for what each has done, but in every case, for what he or she refused to do. Often, being a hero or heroine is a simple act of refusing to abandon one’s principles and one’s humanity when all around have forsaken their own. These are the women and men who give the rest of us inspiration and hope, and something to emulate.
Granny D is a living American heroine, and someone I greatly admire for her inspiring courage and for her strength of character.
We need heroes. I need heroes.
See … I want to be just like Granny D when I’m a “centenarian”.
I’m an American expatriate, who moved my family to Canada in 2005, at the age of 48, in no small part because of the example of others, like yourself, who have refused to accept “I’m too old to change now.”
Happy 100th birthday, Ms. Haddock, and thank you for what you’ve been to me.
Dear Granny D…
The best, most happiest, warmest, healthiest and strongest birthdays for you on reaching that rare point in life, one hundred years. You did it!! Just like all your other considerable accomplishments.
How ironic, of all things, that it comes at the same time as the Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations no limit on their spending to be able to undermine elections. We will need you around for at least the next one hundred years.
We met just once, Granny D, in Portland Maine at an event ten years ago, on June 23, 2000 where you gave a wonderful speech. Towards the end of the night, we were standing by the long table with the remains of the buffet. I told you that I was a walker, too. You hugged me so enthusiastically. I will never forget your strong hug.
You were waiting for your drive to either the airport or your lodging. You were a little impatient to leave. It was getting late. You had told me you had to be in Denver the next day for a couple of events where you were scheduled to speak, one of which was the Green Party presidential nominating convention, where Ralph Nader was running for nomination. I remember asking you to say hello to everyone for me. And I remember thinking to myself, how, at 90, is she able to keep up such a strenuous travel schedule?
Then I saw you go out the door, alone, into the night, walking fast and with complete confidence, to where, I did not know, and don’t think you did. People were worried and looking all over for you. I was not worried. I figured that for someone who had walked across the entire vast United States in all conditions and weather, you were not likely to be lost or in trouble in my little neck of the woods.
While you impart great inspiration in your work, your speeches and writings, for me, that simple act of a 90-year old woman, walking with utter confidence out the door and into night in a location where you’d never been before was a moment of revelation and inspiration…
Morgen D’Arc
Portland Maine
Happy, Happy, Happy Hundredth!!!
And many more healthy and productive years!
Happy Birthday, Doris! Your enthusiasm and commitment continue to inspire. I first met you in Washington when we delivered “valentines” to congressmen, and despite the recent Supreme Court setback, your work has produced lasting and important reforms.
Enjoy your day and bask in the glow of well-wishers who honor you.
A big hug,
Donna Riechmann
Happy Birthday, You are an inspiration!
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for just being you. I’m 74 and taking care of a 7 year old who has special needs as a result of mistreatment. I was once involved in my union and things political and I miss it. But this child needs almost continuous help. Some nights when I go to bed I pull out my copy of “Granny D” from the bedside table and reread just a few pages. Your attitude and positive outlook erase the weariness and inspire me to keep on going.
So despite the Supreme Court decision you are influential in ways you never even dreamed. You can’t know how many lives you’ve touched. Keep going! We need you.
Shirley Uribe
Mukwonago, WI
Very Happy Belated “B”day greetings Doris!
As you’ll recall, my husband Ken started out twice, with our oldest dog Lukin (one of our rescued 11 dogs, 5 cats and 6 box turtles) to meet up with you late last October from our home here in VA but sadly had to turn back because of his injured hip, which is healing, though very slowly. We’ve been trying to ‘keep our chins up’ as you told him when he last spoke with you on the phone.
I sent you two special Birthday e-cards to the e-mail address you sent Ken. One is through the Better Homes and Gardens website, a specially decorated ‘cake’ that you can have but ‘can’t’ eat too! The second is an e-card via American Greetings (from the e-mail address I’m sending this under.) I hope you get to open and enjoy both. They were sent from my ‘hands’ and our hearts!
Again, Wishing you 100’s of wonderful surprises ahead!
Love, Smiles and Hugs,
Elaine Hildebrandt
PS Ken also sent you his own e-mail message.
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