By Tate Papworth
Frank Smolen this week celebrates the 100th year of a remarkable life.
The St Bernadette’s aged care resident moved from Poland to Australia after World War II.
He met the woman he’d later marry, Hedwig, on the boat to Australia and the two enjoyed life together in Footscray before she passed away 10 years ago.
However, life hasn’t always been easy for Mr Smolen.
When Nazi Germany occupied his country, Mr Smolen joined the resistance. After the Gestapo discovered his allegiance he spent about three years in the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz.
Mr Smolen said he joined the resistance for the love of his country.
This week, fellow residents at
St Bernadette’s will show their love for him.
St Bernadette’s lifestyle assistant Evelyn said a special celebration was planned to mark the occasion.
“His family is coming on the Thursday, but on Friday we do happy hour and we’re going to celebrate his birthday during that,” she said.
“We have the DJ come in, a chef will make a cake, we’ll decorate the place and just be happy.
“He likes to drink his beer each Friday and he’ll be the toast of the afternoon.”
Evelyn said Mr Smolen is one of the facility’s most popular characters.
“He’s just so energetic,” she said.
“He doesn’t seem 100, he’s very independent and does everything himself.”
