4 minute read
On 13 May, we made history together. Not with grand words, but with a warm smile, a familiar face, and an exceptional milestone. Our loyal guest Agnès Thienpondt celebrated her 100th birthday at a place that has felt like a second home for years. Agnès first walked through the doors of a casino on 5 March 2010, when VIAGE still operated under the name Casino Madeleine. What began as a discovery grew into a cherished routine. Since then, she has visited no fewer than 2,656 times.
A Brussels Woman Full of Stories
That says everything about this centenarian: what she loves, she embraces wholeheartedly. Behind her warm smile lies a rich life. The youngest of ten children, Agnès came to Brussels at the age of six, instantly enchanted by the city's lights and the sparkle of its streets. Brussels became her home — a city she would never leave. A true ket, she speaks both Flemish and French with equal ease.
She married and spent 27 years working side by side with her husband in their butcher's shop. Until life separated them. Ten years ago, after 61 years of marriage, her husband passed away. The void he left behind, Agnès filled in her own way: she kept moving. Grief could not extinguish her energy or her love of being around people.
A Standing Appointment
For Agnès, a visit to VIAGE has long been more than a day out. It has become a ritual of warmth and togetherness that has claimed a permanent place in her life. Until recently, she would take public transport to VIAGE without a second thought — the metro was simply part of her journey, just like an afternoon of play, conversation, and familiar faces. Like many loyal guests, she has her favourite machine, and it is always her first stop. Since that very first visit, we have had the pleasure of welcoming her 2,656 times. Even now that she has had to take things a little more gently these past two months and is accompanied by her family, her bond with the casino remains as strong as ever.
Enjoying Together
Agnès never came — and still doesn't come — alone. Today she shares her time at the machines with her daughter Martine and granddaughter Virginie: three generations sitting side by side, laughing and enjoying themselves. She has also built a close circle of friends who regularly meet in the afternoon. Those social moments make every visit special.
All of this made this birthday all the more meaningful. Not only did Agnès celebrate a century of life experience, she celebrated it in a place that is close to her heart. For her family — children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren alike — it was only natural to plan this celebration together with VIAGE. They invited her for a restaurant visit and arranged to stop by the casino to say hello. What Agnès didn't yet know was what awaited her.
A Surprise Birthday
Together with daughter Martine, a surprise party was planned that reflected everything Agnès loves. Personal attention and warm gestures were at the heart of it all. A live singer set the mood, her favourite red berry cake was waiting for her, and a photographer captured every moment for a beautiful photo album. All members of staff wrote messages in a keepsake card as a token of appreciation for her years of loyalty. Of course, a bouquet of flowers and a meaningful gift were not missing either — a 100 ml bottle of perfume, a nod to her 100th birthday.
Agnès is far more than a guest. She is a source of inspiration — with her curiosity, her independence, and her love of life. She shows us that age is no barrier to joy and connection.
Congratulations, Agnès. Here's to many more visits!
