Ardy Johnson thought her boss was just being nice when she invited her to the Meeker County Fair.
“I still work, and I went to work today, and my boss said, ‘I’m taking you out to the County Fair; I’m taking you out for lunch,’” Johnson said. “I thought, ‘well, isn’t this great.’”
They stopped at the bandshell for the senior program and Johnson noticed many of her family members were there.
“I thought, ‘that’s unusual they’re all here,’” she said.
As Donna Whitcomb, coordinator of the Meeker Council on Aging, began to read the nominator’s comments for the female winner of the Meeker County Volunteer of the Year Award, Johnson started to realize Whitcomb was describing Johnson’s volunteer work. When Whitcomb called Johnson to the stage, the 81-year-old from Grove City was surprised.
“It’s exciting, especially when you never dream of ever getting something like this,” Johnson said.
Johnson is active and can rarely be found at home because she spends her time helping others in her community, as well as with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“I’m too busy. My kids tell me I have to slow down, but I can’t sit still, so I might as well be busy,” she said. “I always say, I enjoy volunteering. I really do.”
Johnson was described by her nominator as, “a very energetic individual with a caring heart, always willing to help out, and constantly on the move,” Whitcomb said.
“I’m told she is always willing to try a new activity with them, and she still hosts all the family holiday events — where mom’s cooking is second to none,” Whitcomb said.
“Although she enjoys spending a lot of her time helping in her church community with events such as preparing food for the German Fest, the majority of her time is spent helping out at the Grove City C.A.R.E program,” Whitcomb said. “She puts in countless hours supporting community members taking others to doctor and dental appointments, grocery shopping for them, driving them to outings such as the apple orchards, flower tours, and fishing.”
Johnson is a member of the Grove City Sunshine Club, and the Grove City Area C.A.R.E. Board. She is instrumental in helping with set-up, serving and clean-up at its fundraisers. She’s there until the job is complete, Whitcomb said.
She not only enjoys volunteering, but working, as well.
“Johnson spent many years as a U.S. meat inspector for Golden Plump, and a meat wrapper for Carlson Meats of Grove City. She continues working today, and has been with Thrive/New Castle in Litchfield for the past 14 years,” Whitcomb said.
DEAN OHLAND
Dean Ohland also was tricked into attending the fair for the senior program. Family told him someone was getting an award, and so he stopped by, not realizing he was the male winner of the Meeker County Volunteer of the Year Award.
“We have a cabin on Minnie Belle, and most of the family is here on weekends, so it wasn’t that unusual,” he said, to have his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren visiting for the day and going to the fair.
Ohland was described by his nominator as, “a one-of-a-kind guy. He is a quiet, generous, silent volunteer that makes a great impact on our community. His love for his community shines through by his volunteer work over the years,” Whitcomb said.
Ohland likes volunteering, “because it keeps you busy,” he said.
“When you’ve got as nice a town as this is, you want to help. I’ve lived in all five Upper Midwest states, and Litchfield is the best town by far,” he said.
Ohland spends many hours volunteering in his church community, and is noted by his pastor as always quick with a smile as he welcomes members and guests.
Some of Ohland’s other contributions include local service organizations of Masons and Kiwanis. He has logged 405 hours loading and unloading “tons of sticky Kans for Kids” to benefit children's programs. He also is a member of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and an active member of Eastern Star, Whitcomb said.
“He is described by a fellow Mason as, ‘an active supporter of many organizations, never seeking the limelight, but always there to lend a hand,’” she said.
Ohland serves on the Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board where he is the retail division chairman, among other duties. As a former business owner, he is always willing to take visitors on a tour of the businesses, and share information about Litchfield, Whitcomb said.
He has been a supporter of the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival, helping to keep it going for 46 years. He loves sharing his community story with people from Litchfield’s sister city in Hartford, Alabama, as well as being a host whenever needed.
“In his spare time, (not that he actually has any), he serves as a member of the Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Committee, and has spent 21 years on the Litchfield Airport Commission where he helps maintain a good airport for travel in and out of the community,” Whitcomb said.
Whitcomb accepts nominations each year for the Meeker County female and male Volunteer of the Year Award, and she announces the winners at the Meeker County Fair.
As the 2018 winners, Ohland and Johnson’s names were forwarded to the Minnesota State Fair to be considered for the Outstanding Senior Citizens Award. However, the State Fair on Aug. 30 selected a senior from Itasca County and another from Anoka County as the state winners.
To be eligible for the Meeker County award and thus the Minnesota State Fair award, nominees must be a Minnesota resident and be age 70 by June 1 of the current year. Only their volunteer service after reaching age 65 is considered, and they must be currently doing a volunteer activity that is unpaid and demonstrates commitment to their local community.
