Resident Turning 109 Calls for Grand Celebration

Velma Lorene Polk — affectionately known as "Babs" — celebrated her 109th birthday with family and friends at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza's assisted living community. Her daughter Betty, 86, and grandchildren visited for this grand occasion, enjoying an in-person celebration after a year of pandemic "window visits."

Polk was one of 11 children and grew up in Arkansas. She enjoyed spending time with friends and dancing to country music. She was married twice; the second marriage lasted more than 50 years. Together they had two children and an additional blended family.

When asked her best advice for someone with a broken heart, Babs replied with a smile: "Cheer up and find someone new, honey." She added that technology has made the biggest impact on her life over 109 remarkable years.

Milestone birthdays like Babs' are celebrated with joy at The Abbey. Our community is a place where every resident is known, honored, and loved — at every age.