Senior Profile Q and A

Age: 88.

• Photos

Residence: Brainerd.

How long have you lived in Brainerd: "I was 16 when my father moved our family to Brainerd. I had one year of high school here at Washington and I was devastated. I didn't want to leave my class in Hutchinson."

Betty Ann Lee recently talked about her volunteerism at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger

Why did you move here: "It was right after the great, Great Depression, some really rough years. My father bought the Winnipeg Bar in downtown Brainerd. They called my dad 'Winnipeg Peter' for years and years."

Your volunteer work: "I've been volunteering at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center forever. I also was an AARP tax aide, I just quit that, and I volunteer at RSVP. I'd say I've been volunteering for 25 years. I've done pretty much everything at the senior center. Now I work at the front desk."

Why do you volunteer: "When you join the senior center they want you to volunteer and you don't say no. They are nice people and I needed something to do. I need to be with people for their friendship and support."

Greatest accomplishment: "My family. I have three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren ... My youngest (child) lives in Nisswa."

Something you did with your children when they were young: "We spent a lot of time camping. We went to Itasca State Park quite often."

Favorite author? "I get hooked on an author and read that author for a while. Right now the author is John Lescroart."

Favorite food: "I like the old-fashioned food, like a meatloaf dinner, baked potato and baked squash."