Emma McCorkindale and Corina Wallenta

8 hours in the past

INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass. (WWLP) – State Representative Orlando Ramos will current the oldest resident of Indian Orchard with the Purple Cane.

The custom is just like the Golden Cane custom that’s in different cities, which acknowledges the oldest particular person dwelling of their respective communities, and the colour purple is Indian Orchard’s official shade, in accordance with a information launch from the Office of State Representative Orlando Ramos.

“You know it’s great to be here on Mother’s Day to award the purple cane to a mother, a grandmother, and great-grandmother. It’s just fitting and it fits in with the tradition that we have here in Indian Orchard,” expressed Representative Ramos

Ramos shall be becoming a member of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and Indian Orchard residents for the presentation. The recipient is Stella Soja, who only recently turned 99 years previous.

“The idea of the Purple Cane came from life-long Indian Orchard resident Pat Voisine, who served on the Indian Orchard Citizens Council for 36 years,” stated Representative Ramos. “She contacted me in 2014. I thought it was a great idea and I decided to donate the cane. It’s fitting that this tradition takes place here, in a community filled with great history and tradition.”

“I am so proud to be a part of the purple cane ceremony in Indian Orchard,” stated City Councilor and Indian Orchard Citizens Council President Zaida Govan. “This ceremony acknowledges the most senior person in the Orchard, and I am so happy that we can award this honor to a mother on Mother’s Day.”

The first Purple Cane Award was offered to Margaret Popko in October of 2014. She was 103 years previous earlier than her passing. The second award was given to 100-year-old WWII veteran Walter Alexander in 2017.  The third recipient in 2021 was 100-year-old Joaquim Pereira, who spent over 50 years dwelling in Indian Orchard, however Pereira handed away in November at 101 years previous. There is a plaque on the Indian Orchard Citizens Council constructing that lists the 4 recipients of the Purple Cane Awards.

The presentation occurred on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Indian Orchard.