Kenwood resident Betty Weiblen was honored with the retirement community’s highest honor, the Lifetime Volunteer Award. The award was presented at a volunteer appreciation event titled, “Bee the Difference” during National Volunteer Month on Friday April 28, 2023. She received a bottle of wine in an oversize high heel shoe.
“The shoe is because I still wear high heels,” said the 95-year-old.
Betty was surprised to be honored. She said it was a good feeling, and it made her realize how much she enjoys contributing to her community.
She moved into The Kenwood Senior Living almost 30 years ago. Being a woman of boundless energy, she attended activities and made many new friends. Not only a long-term Kenwood resident, but Betty is also a long-term Kenwood volunteer.
“The Kenwood is my home, so I looked around and noticed some areas with needs,” she said. “I received permission to help, and my first opportunity was calling Bingo on Thursday nights.”
She called Bingo for many years. In addition, she served two terms on the residents’ council. She helps with game set-ups, and she is an exercise leader, a Kenwood spokesperson, a Greeter, and a Friend. Today, Betty is the go-to person for all sorts of needs.
“Betty has been volunteering at The Kenwood since day one, 30+ years ago,” said Brandy Rhodes, director of activities at The Kenwood. “The donations of her time and energy are so numerous it’s hard to count. Her willingness to give selflessly to help others speaks to both her strength and the quality of her character. It’s a very rare day indeed to find Betty in any mood but happy and grateful.”
Betty was born and raised in North Carolina, near Winston-Salem. While at Mars Hill University in North Carolina, she met her future husband, Dick Weiblen. After Dick was discharged from the Air Force, he studied law at the University of Minnesota. Betty and Dick were married in 1948 and settled in Minnesota.
Dick passed away just a few months after moving to The Kenwood. The couple has two children, two grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Betty sums up her life: “I’m shooting for my 100th birthday, as long as I keep my wits and stay on my feet, hopefully in high heels!”
The Kenwood Senior Living, located in the Lowry Hill neighborhood within the Calhoun-Isles community, is a rental retirement community which provides independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
For more information, call 612-374-8100.
