A celebration of Ethan Shelton’s 110th birthday will run from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday The open house-style party, held at the Family Life Center at Berrien Center Bible Church, 8880 M-140 in Berrien Center, will include a picnic buffet from 2 to 3 p.m.

Shelton and his wife, Rose, started Shelton Farms in 1947 when they sold their corner grocery store near Lincoln Park in Chicago and moved their family to Berrien Center. To help make ends meet, Ethan barbered in Niles and Rose worked as a payroll clerk at Berrien General Hospital. Eventually, Ethan owned a barbershop and Rose became personnel manager and filled in as administrator of the hospital.

Ethan and Rose were married for 69 years until she died in 1995. Ethan is blessed with good health and is very active. He enjoys making music with his friends, tinkering in his garden, and playing golf. When asked what the secret s to his longevity, Ethan suggests that you chew your food well and eat lots of vegetables. Those close to him would say that his eternal good humor, positive thinking, and active lifestyle probably contribute to his longevity.