SACO — Ludmila “Lottie” Ziepniewski gave a slight smile when presented with a cane Friday afternoon by Mayor Don Pilon during a brief ceremony at Seal Rock at Atlantic Heights.

At 102 years old, Ziepniewski is the eldest resident in Saco and has earned the cane, as well as a round of applause given to her by fellow residents of Seal Rock and others in attendance Friday.

Southern Maine Chronic Pain Support Group facilitator Ernie Merritt began the tradition of making a hand-carved cane for the eldest person in Saco to bring awareness to the pain support group.

The first cane was given in April of 2014 to Richard Dabrowski, who has since died.

Pilon handed Ziepniewski the cane Friday, which was inscribed with her name, telling her to “use it and wear it in good health.”

“Yesterday was my birthday. I’m 64 years old. I have along way to go, but I hope I get there,” said Mayor Pilon.

Ziepniewski’s son, Joseph, of Scarborough, thanked everyone who came to the celebration. He said his mother was a retired librarian from New Jersey who moved to Maine 10 years ago to be closer to him, her only son.

He said his mother was always a hard worker, and after she retired at the age of 70, she always kept active, walking a mile or two a day into her 90s.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].