She’s no museum piece, this one. She’s not even an antique stuck in the corner; but she is, indeed, a rare find. She’s Ann Kidd, one greater than an octogenarian. She’s recently advanced to become a nonagenarian (person 90-99 years old), something many others only hope to attain. With seniors living longer, Ms. Kidd is the superhero woman of the decade and a superior mentor and mother who competes with any 73-year-old who thinks it’s time to slow down.
Ann Kidd grew up in an Italian family of old school European tailors. Somewhere along the road to seniority, she shed old school and adopted her own unique brand of tradition blended with boho. Her personality, flair and grace earned her a seat at the table, or at least a drink, with New York royalty the likes of Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt. She dotes on her two sons, Walt and Chip, daughter-in-law Mary, and four grandchildren. Chip is her high-profile book cover designer for Random House, Knopf and Walt is a family man who enjoys athletics and painting.
Ann’s every bit as spunky and gregarious as her younger self. She grabs hold of volunteer opportunities like a kid with a windy kite, not about to let go. The Reading Symphony Orchestra, the women’s philanthropic organization PEO, her church family, her classmates…each of them benefiting from her wisdom and wit, her thoughtfulness and good cheer. Ann wields her knowledge and know-how from years in the human resources and administrativeprofession. Kidd is the former business owner of Annie’s Balloons and Gift Baskets of Wyomissing, Penn Avenue, along with her late husband and the love of her life, Thomas Kidd. She motors around in her cherry red 2019 Honda Fit like Princess Diana on a mission. Ann has mastered all kinds of technology, including texting, Bluetooth, iPadsand email like a teenager in a 90-ish body. Yet, she somehow camouflages age through her youthful and enthusiastic demeaner and charm.
Ann is the captain of her own destiny. She chose the classic venue of the Reading Country Club (RCC) as the prime location to celebrate her recent 90th birthday extravaganza. Seventeen tables of friends, family, former colleagues, neighbors and members of nonprofit organizations to which she belongs gathered like rock star fans to witness the magic of Ann transforming into a 90-year-old on her actual birthday, July 31. Kidd interviewed caterers like the hosts of Shark Tank to see who would triumph as the social leader for this milestone event. Russo Food and Marketing,with Sabrina Grande Cirandine at the helm,offered multiple choices and on-task gracious staff to make this event spectacular. Club Manager Daniel Hoch at RCC couldn’t have been more accommodating in guiding Ann and family to achieve exactly what they hoped: a seamless memorable occasion that most people do not have the ability, luxury or luck to experience. The venue was stunning in black and yellow.
As Ann took the mic from her sons during her birthday celebration, those in attendance were lured in by her magnetism. “This party is for you, my friends and family,” she said, grateful for the rare opportunity to be surrounded by her besties. She went all in on a Peanuts Cartoon theme. Peanuts characters, figurines, a Lucy psychology booth and poster signature station, Peanuts books and memorabilia and even a custom Snoopy Birthday cake awaited cutting. Son Chip helped develop her love for all things Peanuts as he worked with Schultz Studios on many publishing projects after Charles Schulz passed. Ann even received heartfelt birthday wishes via video from Schulz’s widow, another from a crowd at the recent San Diego ComicCon and all four of her grandchildren.
Gifts for Others
Rather than accept gifts for herself, Ann created a memorial for her sister, Gloria Jane Iacone Greene, a talented musician, who suffered with Parkinson’s. She encouraged folks to make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. And donate they did. The generous crew contributed more than $6,000 to the foundation, a remarkable amount for the four-hour fundraiser.
To make this event possible, Ann invited her fellow PEO sisters to Midas touch herparty details. These industrious and creative ladies assisted with the design of invitations, RSVPs, handwritten name place cards, set up and tear down of memorabilia and family photos, table settings and more. The ever-resourceful Chip Kidd garnered classic copies of the first pop-up hardcover Peanuts book, Here Comes Charlie Brown, which served as table centerpieces and the ultimate take-home party favors. Ann designedPeanuts character bows to tie them altogether and bookmarks for guests. Keystone Printing produced Save-The-Date cards, invitations, a three-panel brochure about Ann’s life, bookmarks and more. Ann also booked pianist Matthew Wismer, owner of Northern Star Farm, near Trappe, PA. Wismer’s talents added to the grandeur with live piano music throughout the evening.
Both sons Walt and Chip delivered poignant and brilliant tributes to their mother. Walt showcased his acrylic paintings and expertly wove his mother’s story, family memories and his faith in sync with each artistic piece. Chip offered an emotional, heartfelt speech about how they were so loved and cherished by their parents, which was, and still is, a great privilege. Chip also unveiled a framed-behind-glass caped crusader Robin Halloween costume his mother made for him as a child. “I’m now giving back something you gave me 50 years ago,” Chip announced before unveiling the gem along with the photo of his mom and the two boys adorned in full Batman regalia in their early childhood. The two grown men inspired the crowd and brought cheers, laughter and tears to many of the 150+ guests.
Ms. Kidd is an enduring timeless eighties ballad that goes on a lot longer than we imagined, a double-sided record with just as much energy on her B side as A, and a radiant ball of sunshine like the burst of bright yellow in the freshly picked sunflowers at her party. For someone who eats like a bird, she exudes the energy of a senior decades younger.
Ann Kidd is a woman carrying a purpose into her tenth decade of living. That’s her secret superpower. Keep moving forward. Focus on the well-being and happiness of others. Ensure that everyone she knows is seen and heard, like best friends. Every day is another adventure.No wonder such a crowd gathered at her 90th. She gets personal. She gets relationships. She gets up every morning, determined to do good in the world.
