Not many people have seen more Thanksgivings than three residents at Riveridge Manor in Niles.

Mary Alkire and Ellen Novacek are both 102 years old. Mildred Burns is 101. That’s more than 300 turkey days between the three of them.

Not surprisingly, all three women had similar answers when asked what they would be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

“For being here,” said Alkire, who was born Nov. 8, 1909.

“I am thankful that I have my health and I am not in the hospital,” said Burns, who was born Nov. 30, 1910.

“I am thankful that I am here and that my family is here,” said Novacek, who was born Oct. 6, 1909.

Novacek’s niece, Pat Peterek, of Niles, was visiting with a 12-year-old Shih Tzu named Lady.

Novacek’s eyes grew wide when she saw Lady walking down the hallway.

“Lady! Lady! Come here,” Novacek said softly clapping her hands. Peterek helped Lady onto Novacek’s lap and Novacek gave Lady a kiss on the head.

“She just loves that dog,” Peterek said.

Novacek’s secret to a long and healthy life is a simple one: happiness. Peterek said she and her husband are trying to keep Novacek happy by visiting several times a week.

“It is important for her and the rest of the people here to see their families,” Peterek said. “It brightens up their day.”

Burns will be spending her 102nd Thanksgiving at the home of her daughter, Sharon Peeters, in Niles. Burns’ favorite part of Thanksgiving is seeing her family.

“It is very important to spend time with each other because it holds you together,” Burns said. “Thanksgiving is a day when you should give thanks for your health and the family that is here.

“The Thanksgiving dinner is good too.”

Alkire’s secret to living a long life might be hidden in her answer.

“I never really gave it a thought. I just keep on living,” Alkire said. “Like old man river, I just keep rolling along.”