Betty Ward, of Hanover, N.H., center, breaks in to a round of introductions to remind her guests of her name, even though they were all gathered in her honor on her 100th birthday, Monday, July 29, 2024. Ward celebrated with twelve friends, former students and colleagues from her time running the University of New Hampshire's medical technology program at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. “Her sight is not that great, and neither is her hearing, but she can still mow the lawn,” said Mary Young, of Manchester, N.H., third from left, who attended the program’s clinical year under Ward. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Pip Richens, of Hanover, cuts the birthday cake for Betty Ward, who turned 100 on Monday, July 29, 2024, at her home in Hanover, N.H. Guests at the party celebrated Ward for commuting to work by bike, skiing any terrain, taking long backpacking trips, and working into her 80s. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.

Becky Book, of West Lebanon, right, wishes Betty Ward, left, a happy 100th birthday at her home in Hanover, N.H., on Monday, July 29, 2024. Book's husband Ray was mentored by Ward when they both worked at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital beginning in the late 1960s. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. James M. Patterson