Most birthday wishes involve cake, candles, or maybe a quiet dinner — but not Loretta Chamberlain’s.
When the spirited New York resident was asked how she wanted to ring in her 104th trip around the sun, her answer was delightfully unexpected: She wanted to go to jail. Her unconventional dream came true this week when the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the welcome mat — and a pair of handcuffs — for a birthday tour of their Geneseo correctional facility.
Loretta Chamberlain examines handcuffs during her tour of the Livingston County Jail. Photo courtesy of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office
Chamberlain, a resident of Avon Nursing & Rehabilitation, sipped coffee, nibbled cake, met a K-9 companion, and even got the full “booking” experience, complete with fingerprinting, a mug shot, and a brief stint behind bars. “It was wonderful,” Chamberlain said.
It was more interesting than I thought it would be.”
The idea struck her after attending her nursing home’s “coffee with a cop” event, where she chatted with local law enforcement. Tessa Peri, Avon’s director of social work, explained how Chamberlain’s curiosity bloomed. “My husband Jacob works there as a nurse, and when she met him and learned what he does — she became very interested in the jail and sheriff’s office,” Peri said. Soon, Chamberlain declared her birthday wish: to tour the facility.
Deputies happily obliged, crafting a lighthearted visit that left the centenarian beaming. “She was overwhelmed by all the attention,” Peri said. “She even stated that she wished she was younger and could work in a job where she would be able to utilize all of the information that she learned.”
The celebration didn’t stop there. Days earlier, her nursing home surprised her with a Hawaiian-themed party, a cheerful contrast to her subdued 103rd birthday, which she spent in the hospital. But this year, Chamberlain insisted the jail adventure “made up for all the birthdays, all my life.”
Loretta Chamberlain poses with a K-9 dog and his handler. Photo courtesy of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office
The ‘jailbird’ said that she had been thinking about her childhood, which was also part of the reason she became interested in visiting the jail. Chamberlain spent time during her visit talking about her youth, reminiscing about Prohibition-era “blue laws” and Sundays when businesses shuttered. “I have a lot of memories of back then,” she said. “Those were the good old days.”
The sheriff’s office shared her playful spirit, posting on Facebook: “Loretta had a great time touring our Jail facility… Thank you for all the laughs today and for being a great sport!” When asked her secret to longevity, Chamberlain smiled and wisely said, “Mind your business.” Already eyeing her 105th birthday, Chamberlain said she plans to keep things simpler next year — surrounded by family. “I’ve had such a wonderful life,” she said. “I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Sources: Washington Post | News Nation
