'Spicy' OC Senior Celebrates 105th Birthday With Strip Poker

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — An Orange County senior just crossed a massive milestone, after Jo Hamann celebrated her 105th birthday in Placentia with an Elvis impersonator, strip poker and champagne.

Her birthday was commemorated on Friday, July 18 at Ivy Park, an Orange County retirement home, in Placentia. The celebration saw laughs, reflections and lots of fun family time.

"Not much to say," Jo joked with Patch. "It's another year, and I'm still here!"

Jo was born in Brownsville, Minnesota in 1920 and grew up in Chicago with two brothers and three sisters, she said. She's known around Ivy Park for her wicked sense of humor and quick wit, which she's had since she was a child.

"We loved playing outside with all the neighborhood kids until dusk — and I especially loved rollerskating," Jo told Patch. "Now remember, this is when rollerskates had metal wheels!"

The Orange County centenarian told Patch that she remembers a special time in her childhood when her family received free tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

"Back then, the phrase was originally coined: 'The Greatest Show on Earth,'" she said.

Today, Jo enjoys retired life at Ivy Park participating in BINGO, playing Solitaire on her computer and reading.

She also has a hidden talent for strip poker, she told Patch. When it comes to her advice for winning, she has but one rule:

"Wear lots of jewelry and accessories! That way you don't have to get down to your clothing," she said. "You have a better change of winning if you start with taking off earrings and bracelets!"

Happy birthday, Jo! Here's to you.