New Year’s babies swear by junk food, berries and long walks

Frances Prus, who turned 100 on Jan. 1, has a unique recipe for longevity: junk food and whatever makes you happy (both in moderation), and an occasional glass of Merlot.

She was born on Jan. 1, 1918, in Greenfield and lived there for 80 years, taking care of her parents and other ill family members. She was a beautician in the former Jenkins Arcade, Downtown, for more than 50 years.

Ms. Prus was also a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Hazelwood, and in February 1947 she had the lead role in the St. Stephen’s Dramatic Society production of “The Family Upstairs.” She also enjoyed golf, polka dancing and travel.

She celebrated her birthday on Jan. 5 with two nieces, Camille Cain and Edwina “Eddie” Ferrari, both of Mt. Lebanon, and other family and friends in the dining room at Concordia of the South Hills Health Center in Mt. Lebanon, where she lives.

Veggies, berries are her secret

Christina Kislak Wahala, who turned 100 on Jan. 3, has a more conventional secret to long life: eating lots of vegetables and berries and walking a lot. Flower gardening and polka dancing probably helped, too.

She was one of eight children born in a small coal mining town near Greensburg. On Oct. 1, 1938, she married Joseph Wahala at St. Louise Catholic Church near Homer City. They had two children: Christine Heinz of Butler and Ronald Wahala of Woodbridge, Va.

Mrs. Wahala was known for her apple pies. She also canned vegetables, made jelly and enjoyed crocheting and sewing her own clothes.

Her husband died in January 2006 after 67 years of marriage. She has five grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. Five years ago, she moved from Waterman, Indiana County, to Concordia at Cabot Personal