Beach Kiwanian celebrates centenarian status
Volunteer extraordinaire Marty Rowe devotes his post-career life to philanthropic endeavors and an occasional piece of cake.
Rowe, a member of the Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club and the ARABA Shrine Club in Fort Myers, turned age 100 on Tuesday, Aug. 5. He celebrated at the Beach Kiwanis Thrift Store during the morning than received a convertible ride to the Shriners temple at 2010 Hanson St. for another party. Cake, something he is very fond of, was a staple at both events.
Rowe didn’t know about the chauffeured ride to his second “job” until later in the morning. When told, he was worried about leaving his car parked at the thrift store on the corner of Summerlin Drive and Pine Ridge Road.
Yes. Marty still drives. As a birthday gift, he received a reserved parking spot at the thrift store from Beach Kiwanis President Flip Harby during a special presentation. In fact, prior to turning 100, he had to take an eye exam before getting his driver’s license renewed. No problem there.
“I just renewed my driver’s license for seven years,” he said. “I do have to wear glasses when I drive.”
That may be the only restriction that this Fort Myers resident currently has.
Rowe does not take any medication, doesn’t believe in naps and fixes his own meals at his own home. His son, Marty Jr., says he has a healthy appetite.
“I am not as spry as I used to be, but I feel alright,” Marty Sr. said nonchalantly. “I usually go to bed at 8:30 or 9 (p.m.) and get up at 5:30 or 6 o’clock in the morning.”
Many of his family members, most of whom were visiting from Ohio, dropped by to see him early on his birthday prior to his parties. They said he had coffee brewing, juice out and cereal on the table. It was 4:30 a.m. and he was taking a shower. In all, he has three children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-children.
He shrugged off how he has made it to age 100 without any major incidents.
“I’ve given blood 100 times. I have a certificate from that,” he said. “They won’t take my blood anymore.”
Rowe volunteers every Thursday and Friday afternoon at the Beach Kiwanis Thrift Store and some Monday and Tuesdays if he has nothing to do, he says.
At the ARABA Shrine Club, he is the transportation director for 518 children that need rides to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa. He sells bingo cards on Wednesdays at the temple as well.
“I have five vans and 30 drivers,” he said. Reports add that he has personally logged more than 100 trips himself.
Rowe doesn’t need regular doctor appointments. One doctor removed a few bloody ulcers a few years ago, while another one told him to go to the hospital for a detailed check-up. Nothing was found to be wrong with him.
“I never went back to that doctor,” he said.
Rowe began as a deck hand for United States Steel Corporation out of high school, then became captain on that ore boat. Forty-nine years later, he collects a “nice” pension from his career.
Now, he is content to volunteer into the sunset.
“Marty comes early every time he is on shift,” said Thrift Store Manager and Kiwanian Linda Chambers. “He is wonderful with the customers. If they haven’t been here before, he will give them a quick pointing tour of where things are. He tells them to enjoy their shopping and to have a good day and come back when they leave.”
Chambers confirmed he volunteers three or four days a week from noon to closing. For his service, he received the coveted Life Member award from Florida Kiwanis Governor Matthew Cantrall.
“He stays right up to the very last minute we are open. He doesn’t sneak out,” Chambers said. “All of our customers ask about his whereabouts if he is not at his post. He is just really pleasant with all of our customers.”