Community Thread Recognizes Volunteers For Time Spent Bettering Washington County

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized volunteers of this week.

The Board of Commissioners noted several Washington County residents’ exemplary volunteer service with Community Thread.

The resolution honored the volunteers for contributing their skills, time and energy to the community. The resolution also proclaimed the week of April 23 -April 27, 2012, as National Volunteer Week in Washington County.

Volunteers recognized at the April 24 board meeting are:

• Karen Ogren, Stillwater, who received a Lifetime Volunteer Award. Ogren has volunteered at FamilyMeans, Lakeview Hospital, St. Michael's Catholic Church and St. Croix Catholic School.
• Glenda Bjorum, Stillwater, who received the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award. Bjorum has volunteered with the Valley Chamber Chorale, Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley Outreach, the Stillwater Partnership Plan, the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, and Youth Advantage. She was especially instrumental in organizing, sorting and counting pieces of clothing for a new season at Dawn's Closet at Valley Outreach.
• Alexis Miles, Mahtomedi, and Taryn Bolea, Grant, who received the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. In their Gold Award Project for Girls Scouts, they worked together to coordinate a tie-dying t-shirt activity for the children at the East Metro Women's Council (EMWC). They also coordinated a donation and fundraising drive to provide more than 60 sets of linens for families from EMWC for their new homes. Both attend Mahtomedi High School.
• Boutwells Landing Social Justice Committee, Oak Park Heights, which received the Outstanding Group Volunteer Award. The 2012 Boutwells Landing Social Justice Committee Members are John Lawton, Wayne Kassera, Wayne Leisman, Mary Leisman, Jim Johnson, Jini Johnson, John McCallister, Allen Hicks, Ed Jones, Ruth Jones, Ray Hunder, John Baird, Ray Boehlke, David Spencer and Mary Spencer. Member Lloyd Ratkovich is recently deceased. The Social Justice Committee has spearheaded clothing drives, organized food drives, and sponsored several educational events regarding social issues affecting the community and the world.
• Robert Safe, late of Stillwater, received the Legacy Award, which was presented to his children, Jennifer Safe and Tim Safe. Bob Safe was a business man for 30 years, who started the Valley Athletic Association Wrestling program for 5- to 12-year-olds, volunteered with the Pony Varsity Football team, and Rotary. In his letter of nomination, it was stated, "Whatever activity Bob volunteered to help with, he did so with joy. It was his honest willingness to serve that was uplifting. Bob's gift of joy in service moved our focus from the task at hand and directed it towards the community."