Beverly 100th Birthday Bash Drums Up Plenty Of Excitement

BEVERLY, MA — Roger Wonson celebrated a century on the earth in style Wednesday morning as the lifelong drummer put on a show for his family and staff and was presented with a special gift as well as a state proclamation from Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

Wonson has played drums in jazz and swing bands in the New England area for more than 80 years with his kit including a cymbal from the Zildjian Company. The company, which has been around for more than 400 years, delivered Wonson as a signed commemorative cymbal at his birthday concert.

The party also included a custom maple and vanilla drum kit design birthday cake from the Flour(ish) Bakery in Beverly.

Wonson said his secret for living an active lifestyle for a century is to do everything in moderation, his belief in the power of positive thinking on the immune system, and the importance of empathy and compassion to build a better life and healthy relationships.

"Don't wait until you're old, like me, to live life and do the things you love," Wonson said. "Empathy is the most important thing to have in life. To let others know that you're a good person and will be there for them.

"Also, always be careful what you say to those around you because you can't take anything back once it's been said and done. Always keep that in mind."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)