Peabody woman soaring at 100

PEABODY – Brooksby Village resident Gert Schutz wanted to do something that was fun for her 100th birthday.So, while she had the usual celebration – 50 of her friends threw her a party – she took celebrating the century mark to even greater heights.Specifically, Schutz went parasailing in Jamaica with her friend, Connie DuVerney.?I have always wanted to try it for years,” said Schutz. “I absolutely loved it, and when I came back on land, my first comment was ?it wasn?t long enough.??I have to say I was talk of the island while I was there. People couldn?t believe it. But I have always had a sense of adventure,” she said.She said DuVerney held on tightly to the harness attached to her, but she didn?t. Schutz said she doesn?t even consider parasailing dangerous – just fun.?It was fun feeling freedom,” Schutz said. “It was wonderful to see the verdant Jamaica landscape. (Connie) held on tightly. I did not. My arms were stretched out in the sky getting more wind and movement in the sailing.”Enjoying being in mid-air so much, she wants to try it again. She identifies herself as an environmentalist and said her biggest gratification is being outdoors.Schutz has always celebrated her birthdays in big ways. Schutz went for a hot air balloon ride for her 75th birthday and whitewater rafting for her 85th. Up until her 50th birthday, she also went water skiing.?Whitewater rafting is my absolute favorite,” said Schutz, whose indoor hobbies are writing autobiographies and poetry. “That is how I plan on celebrating my 101st birthday.”But that?s not all.Her two regrets are that she hasn?t yet been on a safari or to the Galapagos Islands.When asked how she feels about turning 100, she said she doesn?t feel any different than when she turned 90.?OK, maybe an ache or two more,” Schutz admitted.