Bridge players say it's a fairly easy game to learn but it can take years to be really good. In that case, Dorothy Powell might be one of the best in the area, or at least one of the most experienced.

Last month, the Pleasant Hills woman turned 100 years old. Until very recently, she was playing bridge up to five times a week with her friends.

She was born on March 25, 1908, in Youngstown, Ohio, one of Jim and Margaret Gorman's two children. At age 19, she married Alfred Powell, an immigrant from Cardiff, Wales. They lived in Youngstown and had two sons: Don, 78, of Mt. Lebanon, and Robert, 73, of Madison, Wis.

In 1940, the family moved to Clairton and Mr. Powell became part of the original workforce at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works. About 20 years later, the family moved to Pleasant Hills. Mr. Powell died in 1971.

Since then, Mrs. Powell has remained active in the Eastern Star and playing cards with friends. Still "sharp as a tack," she has six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

If you or a friend or a relative recently turned 100 or will soon do so, the Post-Gazette would like to hear from you. On an occasional basis, the Celebrations page will feature short stories on people marking their 100th year.

To be included, send the honoree's biographical information and your phone number to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Century Club, Attn: Kevin Kirkland, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. Fax: 412-263-1313. E-mail: kkirkland@post-gazette.com.