BY JEAN RUZICKA
jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
Glenys Hotzler of Park Rapids and Lee Hinds of Nevis have been named Hubbard County 2013 Outstanding Senior Citizens, honored Friday by peers at the Shell Prairie Fair.
Hotzler’s “dedicated and energetic” volunteerism ranges from the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary – serving as commander for several years – to American Ex POWs – holding office on a state level - to charter membership on the All Veterans Memorial Committee.
She spearheads DAVA fundraisers and works with the schools to inform them of scholarships and teaching flag etiquette and history. She keeps members apprised of legislation and attends district and state conventions.
“Whether it is working or leading the group, Glenys has a natural instinct to keep us moving ahead,” Joan Eischens wrote in a letter of nomination.
At her church, Calvary, the former elementary teacher’s roles are manifold. She serves as coordinator for lunches served at Calvary on behalf of families who have lost loved ones, as well as greeter, lector, prayer team member, library volunteer, coffee host, communion assistant and chairing service groups.
Hotzler is also a food shelf and Meals on Wheels volunteer.
“Glenys loves God and serves the neighbor,” Calvary Pastor Stephen Norby wrote in a letter of support. “She is certainly an outstanding senior citizen, serving strong with 84 years of life!”
She was nominated by Cheryl Sjothun, who is a tenant at her home.
Theora Goodrich nominated her Tripp Lake neighbor, Hinds, who’s 75, for the honor.
Hinds has held an active role in the Tripp Lake Association, setting up the articles for incorporation and bank account and writing the bylaws, as well as serving as president.
The former North Dakota tree nursery manager “created cohesiveness with our lake and COLA, interfaced with DNR on lake projects, brought lakeshore owners together as friends and made friends aware of environmental issues and laws,” Goodrich stated.
Hinds, as stewardship chair at St. Johns Lutheran, and wife Bernice deliver meals to the homebound and prayer shawls, heading out in inclement weather, if necessary.
Visits to hospitalized church members and friends have become routine, “incorporating corporal and spiritual works of mercy.”
He has assisted and advised the church council on projects and financial issues.
Hinds has served on the Itasca-Mantrap Co-op board of directors and its focus group.
“Lee Hinds personifies ‘servant-leadership,’” Goodrich wrote in the letter of nomination. “He is a humble, honest, hard-working citizen, definitely the most deserving male volunteer in Hubbard County.
“Lee comes from a long line of dedicated giving to Hubbard County,” she pointed out. “He was born above the Hinds Hardware Store (now Schwarzwald Restaurant); his father and uncle were both superintendents at the Badoura State Nursery; a cousin owned the sawmill on what is now Hinds Lake and his cousins include a state legislator and superintendent at Itasca State Park.
“Lee is the go-to man when the community needs sound advice. Lee regularly attends church, township and fire board meetings as a citizen.
“Often, when a topic is heated, Lee comes up with a suggestion that is satisfactory to all. He is not afraid to voice his opinion, and his sage advice is needed and heeded,” she said.
“Lee Hinds exudes humility, is thankful for every kindness shown to him and is gracious and loving to all me meets,” Goodrich said.
Hotzler and Hinds are eligible to compete for the title of Minnesota’s Outstanding Senior Citizen during the Minnesota State Fair; they will be offered a free trip to the state for the recognition program, which takes place during Senior Day Aug. 29.
