Port Charlotte woman turns 100, celebrates with social distancing

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
ginger jones 100

A Port Charlotte woman is hitting a milestone during a pandemic. Ginger Jones turned 100 on Monday and despite not having a huge celebration due to COVID-19, she still got together with her family.

It’s the laugh that’s gotten Jones through all 100 years. “I feel fine. And I can’t hardly believe that I reached it,” she said.

This birthday is much different than the previous 99 were.

Dominic Cretacci is part of the family and lives in Port Charlotte. “You’re not doing much during the pandemic,” he asked Jones.

“I just sit in my house by myself,” said Ginger.

Ginger leaves the house just once a week for dinner with her friend, Dominic Cretacci. She calls him her “bonus son.”

That means less outing with friends and less of her favorite hobby, which is dancing.

“Ginger, how much do you miss dancing?” Cretacci asked. “It’s my life,” Jones said.

“I know, you’ve danced all your life,” he said. “Yes,” she said.

Since Ginger can’t bring her awesome dance moves to a party, her friends and family brought the party to her. An outdoor extravaganza or a socially-distanced soiree, if you will.

There were signs up and Ginger even got to do a queen wave. She says this is the way to live. “I’m going to live to another 100. I like this,” said Jones.

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