Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program held its annual recognition luncheon at the Crookston Eagles Club on Wednesday, October 5. Heidi Simmons, Senior Programs Director began the event by welcoming the Foster Grandparents and guests to the banquet. Jason Carlson, Tri-Valley’s CEO then thanked all of the volunteers for the difference they are making in the lives of others in our communities.
Following the welcome, the “World of Difference Award” was given to individuals who have been nominated by professional staff at their volunteer site. This year there were five recipients of this award from the Foster Grandparent Program. The award is engraved with, “With the little things you do every day, your impact spreads far and wide. Your commitment to improving lives inspires and motivates us all… You make a world of difference.”
Recipients of the World of Difference Award were Grandpa Ron Evans who volunteers at Ulen-Hitterdal and has been a volunteer since 2006, Grandma Adeline Woinarowicz who volunteers at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo and has been a volunteer since 2004, Grandma Sharon Baity who volunteers at Adventist Christian School (Detroit Lakes) and has been a volunteer since 2004, Grandma Pearl Birkeland who volunteers at Fosston Elementary and has been a volunteer since 2003, and Shirley Strand who volunteers at Hawley Elementary and has been a volunteer since 2008.
Prior to the meal, the Foster Grandparents were able to work up an appetite with an hour of song and dance provided by the Cathy Erickson Band.
For more information on how to become a Foster Grandparent, Caring Companion or how to receive Caring Companion Services call Heidi, Jeanette, Jean, or Jessica at 218-281-5832.
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is a non-profit community action agency headquartered in Crookston, Minn. In existence since 1965, Tri-Valley provides services in 84 counties in Minnesota and Northeast North Dakota. For more information on services offered and job opportunities at Tri-Valley visit the website at www.tvoc.org, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TVOCInc or on Twitter at @TriValley_TVOC.