Friday, April 25, 2025

While many people wait to turn 65 so they can retire, one Burlington woman is showing no sign of slowing down — a full 36 years after being eligible to retire.

Very few people have moves like this at 101-years old — let alone work and volunteer twice a week! Violet Hennick tuned 101 this week: “We’re having a great time.”

Violet Hennick has just turned 101-years old, meaning she was born before the First World War, before all of the current technology. But you couldn’t tell with her youthful exuberance and the constant grin on her face: “If you smile at someone and you give them a hug and a handshake you have made a friend.”

So in that case, violet has many, many friends.

Roy Cummings volunteers at the Reuse Centre: “Her energy is incredible for 101-years old.”

Violet: “Wonderful time, a lot of wisdom.”

And they all showed up to wish her a happy birthday at the Reuse Centre in Burlington where she’s entering her seventeenth year of working and volunteering. and “Vi” as her friends call her, is responsible for organizing and tagging everything that comes through.

Roy: “A rack full of clothes, she’ll price them and put them out on the racks and she’ll do these racks in a day.”

Violet: “To do this has allowed me to attain the age that I am.”

And then there’s the big question you have to ask anyone who reaches that milestone age. How do you get to 101? Get to bed before 7pm? Crossfit? An all-kale diet? Because whatever it is, I’ll do it.

Violet: “Protect your health always, because if you have your health, you have everything.”

Including, a lot more dancing! Vi has had a lot of jobs but one she remembers fondly is her time as a local TV producer and host! She said she met a lot of great people and it kept her sharp. That’s great news for us in the business!