Mina's 107th birthday

LAKESIDE-MARBLEHEAD — The family of Mina Peterlin gathered at James Park Saturday at Lakeside-Marblehead to celebrate her 107th birthday. The Kalamazoo, Michigan, native has spent much of her life in north-central Ohio, known for tending bar at the Moose Club and VFW in Port Clinton. During World War II, she worked for Ford making tractor wheels. When asked what she did during Prohibition, Peterlin said her job was to dispose of the illicit liquor her mother produced if the police showed up. Peterlin raised two children: son Kim Klinow of Sandusky and daughter Candy Reed of New Albany, Ohio. She also has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The centenarian was treated to a visit from two Marblehead police officers and a Coast Guardsman, with who she spoke for more than 30 minutes. "I'm well preserved in alcohol," Peterlin replied when asked to what she attributed her long life. Tara Heishman added that her great aunt has always said to avoid men as a way to live a long life. Peterlin has lived during 17 presidential administrations, having been born during the first term of Thomas Woodrow Wilson on Aug. 9, 1914. Peterlin asserted she never voted, though, as she does not believe in it.