The 100 Club's newest member
BEAUMONT, Texas– Connie Dickinson turned 100 on Tuesday, Oct. 18. But even as a newly-crowned centenarian, she doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Dickinson, a Calder Woods resident, volunteers at a local hospital two days a week, serves at the Calder Woods gift shop one day a week, lives in an independent living apartment and just renewed her drivers’ license for two more years.
Calder Woods honored Dickinson with a birthday party and plaque recognizing her as the newest member of the Calder Woods “100 Club.” The club, made up of current Calder Woods residents 100 years old or more, currently has four members. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) also honored Dickinson with 100 roses.
Dickinson has been a Beaumont resident since 1943, when she moved to the area after marrying her husband, Murray. They were married for 59 years, and seven years ago, Dickinson moved to Calder Woods. Dickinson’s family has a history of longevity. Her grandmother lived to be 104, and she has an older sister living in Memphis who is 102.
“I don’t have any secrets to living to be 100, I just feel blessed to have my health and that God gave me this time,” said Dickinson. “Since He gave me so much time and the ability to do good for others, I like to spend a lot of my time giving back and blessing people I meet. I truly love volunteering and will continue to do it as long as I can.”
Dickinson began volunteering at the Baptist hospital in Beaumont 29 years ago. Twice a week, Dickinson drives her 2002 Buick to the hospital to volunteer at the information desk giving directions to visitors and connecting incoming calls to hospital rooms. She also uses the computer to complete tasks, which is impressive for someone who’s lived an entire century. RSVP estimates that Dickinson has volunteered more than 11,600 hours at the hospital.
“It’s an honor to celebrate Connie’s life and all that she contributes to the greater Beaumont community,” said Ben Mazzara, executive director of Calder Woods. “She does so much for others, and we wanted everyone to know how special she is to us and that she continues to contribute greatly to our community.”
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