Virginia Kevorkian (center) turned 100 on June 12. Her daughters Sandy Kevorkian Alsup (right) and Ginny Henley celebrated the event with the OASIS Adult Day Program. Photo by Frank Lopez

A Central Valley senior care organization celebrated a special milestone for one of its members Thursday.

Valley Caregiver Resource Center’s OASIS Adult Day Program celebrated the 100^th birthday of Virginia Kevorkian June 12 with family and friends in Fresno.

Valley Caregiver Resource Center is a nonprofit that provides a comprehensive array services for seniors and caregivers in the community.

The OASIS Adult Day Program serves seniors with Alzheimer’s, other dementias and memory loss, and helps them remain mentally and physically active, reduce isolation, improve their health and prevent the decline of their abilities.

Virginia has been in the program for over a year.

Virginia came to Fresno from New York in 1937 with her family when she was about 12 to join the Central Valley’s Armenian community.

It took them three days to get to Fresno from New York by train.

She graduated from Fresno Technical High School, which has since closed, and married Ted Kevorkian in 1945.

Virginia’s secret to a long life? Stay active.

Virginia’s daughter, Sandy Kevorkian Alsup, said her mom was a “gym rat” her whole life, with the family having to tell her to slow down in her 90s.

She was also active serving on juvenile delinquency councils to help troubled youth.

Sandy said the adult day program allows her mother to socialize and be with friends.

“We call it her class,” Sandy said. “She is very avid about coming here. It stimulates her. It’s a wonderful program for all the people.”

The program is an alternative to nursing home care for those who not need 24-hour skilled nursing, allowing seniors to stay home longer and age in place.

The OASIS facility is currently under construction at Fresno and Barstow avenues to expand, adding 4,000 to the existing 1,900 square feet with plans to be completed by the fall. The expansion will feature a new craft room, conversation lounge, gathering room and new breakroom, allowing the center to accommodate more seniors.