"I'm nominating Nicole Folger for the Community Service award largely because of her willingness to serve the community through the "What's Happening Pope County" Facebook group. Nicole created the group and continues to share and monitor the activites and announcements regarding the community as well as sharing and posting from business pages from across the county. Posts can also be created and shared by members of the group. The page is free and she recieves no compensation as the administrator or moderator. Many members are from the area, as well as people from neighoring counties, plus those who once lived or visited and return occasionally. Those who are not from the immediate community can easily access information promting Pope County and the activities and events that our area offers. People that do not have an account can also visit just by searching "What's Happening Pope County MN". Her group currently has over 10,000 members. Nicole shows her compassion and service in keeping residents and beyond informed and helpful to eachother. She does an excellent job of monitoring the site, removing posts that are inappropriate or scams. Those who post regularly are kind and appreciate of the information shared. Nicole also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Lowry fire department. Along with fighting fires, she has held the position of secretary and treasurer of the organization for the past seven years."

 "Kelly is the catalyst behind many local collaborative youth events, much of the church connection and support for clergy, and he serves the community in countless ways. He is very active in the school and has been the clergy who manages the Good Samaritan Fund in Pope County for many years. Kelly supports the good of the whole community... not just his organization and has made a huge impact on this area." 

"Our vision is to ensure that everyone is able to communicate their needs in a time of crisis. By providing public safety agencies with proven tools to help de-escalate stressful situations and providing alternative methods of communication, we are bridging the gap to bring our community together. Our dream is to educate and provide resources to assist with encounters to make them a more positive experience for everyone involved. In collaboration with various therapists and input from those with disabilities, we have selected various communication and sensory tools to help those during a crisis or emergency situation. Our kits help the adult or child with sensory regulation and provide ample sources for communication to allow for self-advocacy with getting the person’s needs met. It is a widely accepted belief in the disability world that behind every behavior is an unmet need. Meaning once the need is identified and met, the behavior no longer serves its original purpose. Often families or those with disabilities will find themselves isolating from their communities. This is often due to stigma or preconceived notions. We hope these kits break through all barriers to allow everyone to be as active and a part of their community as they desire."

"Shauney Moen is the President of Pope Co Humane Society. Shauney exemplifies hard work and passion for helping. She goes above and beyond in making our local humane society better and always finding ways to improve facilities and taking care of the animals. It's inspiring to watch her in her element."

"David Sheppard is an active member of Glenwood Lutheran Church giving of his time and talents as well as physical work on the property and a leader for the annual meatball supper and is a member of the Board of Trustees. He is a great voice for stewardship! He also is an active Rotary member. That's where he took on the role for which I really want to see him recognized. He calls and arranges volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels in Pope County. It's a frustrating and thankless job but so very important and valuable. His mantra is "Service above self"."

"I am honored to nominate Jennie Stone for the Community Service Award, a true beacon of dedication and compassion in the Glenwood Lakes Area.  Jennie's unwavering commitment as the Minnewaska Trap Team Coach extends far beyond the field.  Her leadership and enthusiasm have not only enriched the lives of young athletes but have also fostered a spirit of teamwork and excellence in our community. Beyond her coaching role, Jennie's remarkable impact is vividly seen through her involvement in Minnewaska Rotary Club.  She masterfully championed the Cash Bash, a pivotal event that successfully raised over $16,000, significantly benefiting numerous city community projects.  This achievement reflects her extraordinary capability to mobilize resources and people for a greater cause. Jennie's readiness to support and uplift the Long Beach, Glenwood, and Minnewaska Area communities is a testament to her deep-rooted passion for service.  Her actions consistently illustrate what it means to be a role model for compassion and community engagement.  Jennie Stone does not just live in our community; she elevates it, embodying the very essence of what this award stands for – service, dedication, and a heartfelt drive to make a difference. It is with great admiration and respect that I nominate Jennie for this esteemed award, confident that her contributions will continue to inspire and shape our community for the better."

"Jennie Barron Stone encompasses all the criteria for the Glenwood Lakes Area Community Service Award. Jennie has one of the biggest and most caring hearts.  Her involvement in the Minnewaska Rotary Club, Meals on Wheels, and being one of the Minnewaska Trap Shooting coaches are ways she shares her compassion for service. I met Jennie a few years ago and knew immediately that we would click as friends.  I would meet her in Starbuck to give her 4 dozen farm fresh eggs every couple of weeks. She has not only been one of our most loyal customers but has become a mentor to me.  Jennie has invited me to Minnewaska Rotary Club meetings as her guest and truly connects with all the members she encounters.  One of her most recent undertakings for the group was leading the planning of the first annual Cash Bash! This event raised money for local communities to use on service projects in their towns. Jennie has been a member of the Minnewaska Rotary Club for 3 years. Jennie fulfills Rotary’s mission to a “t” – which is “We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”  Another honorable way Jennie serves her community is through volunteering for Meals on Wheels. They asked her if she would be interested in delivery once and awhile. Jennie said sure, and the next week they had her in the schedule! Delivering meals is a true act of kindness that is irreplaceable. Lastly, but certainly not least, Jennie and her husband John are coaches for Minnewaska’s High School Trap Shooting team. About 10 years ago John, Jennie, and Robb Richards approached the school board to back the trap team because there is a niche of kids that really needed them.  I know part of their growth is because of Jennie’s awesome attitude, leadership, hard work ethic, and team mentality! She is a class act and second to none. A nice addition to Jennie’s nomination would be to include some of her life quotes, mottos, thoughts about service and making her community a better place. 

“My favorite part of helping others is to see genuine joy or appreciation. So many didn't feel they deserve much, and making people feel like THEY matter makes my heart full.” 

“For 20 years I lived here but worked out of town, so never really connected. I would try, but my schedule didn't make it possible. Being retired, I can give to this community with my all, and become part of the problem solvers squad.”  

“The secret to living a happy life is to make other people happy”.

Geoff Bruzek took on the job of providing meals for the Pope Couny Senior Nutrition program while also operating his normal business at the Village Inn. The program needed a new location and provider and Geoff stepped up. He's done a great job with this important community service. They provide a great variety of delicious home-cooked meals in-house (as opposed to frozen meals that some communities provide) and for meals on wheels, 5 days a week. This includes managing the routes. They've been the greatest thing to happen to the program!

"During Gordy's time with the Glenwood and then Minnewaska school system he discovered and encouraged the musical talents of many young men and women. He touched the lives of countless students and passed along his appreciation of music to many. The music programs presented by the Minnewaska Music department for Christmas and other seasonal concerts have provided quality entertainment experiences for the whole community to enjoy. Gordy was also a coach for football and track. He helped develop skills and encouraged participation making an impact in the lives of many student athletes. Gordy has a positive attitude and through his teaching and coaching career he has made a difference in the lives to countless young people. His love of music led to his involvement in several local productions iwth the Minnewaska Showstoppers. He has been a part of the music department with Glenwood Lutheran Church for several years. Gordy was a part of the Glenwood Waterama Brass and Board of Directors, serving as Admiral in 2007. That is a substantial commitment to the community of 4 years. Prior to joining the Brass, he also served on a key Waterama committee for several years. We feel Gordy Moehler has exemplified his service to the community with his commitment and contributions of his time and many talents."

"I nominate my mother, Sandra Josephs who my earliest memories were of her volunteering as we moved from city to city across Minnesota. She returned to Glenwood to care for her aging parents, for whom she cared in her home until their death. In Glenwood, she became an active member of Glenwood United Parish, singing in the choir, serving as President of United Parish Women for four years, and serving as a member of the Church Council for four years. She was a committed member of the Central Square Board for thirteen years, and could be found on site nearly every day: decorating the halls seasonally, cleaning, setting up for special events, ushering, and doing pretty much what needed to be done. The same can be said of her tireless service as a Bickel House Board member since 2010. Anyone that knows the intricacies of preparing for their annual holiday teas, knows that for months before and for months following, dedicated Board members are planning, preparing, then putting away the decorations and getting ready for their next event. Their efforts go not only to raise fund for preserving the historic house, but also to fund other local charitable organizations. Along with serving as a dedicated current Bickel House Board member, Sandra served as VicePresident for two years and is now President of the Glenwood Federated Women’s Club, also known as Potpourri, a Pope County women’s service organization that focuses on women’s and children’s issues. As President, she oversees the local board and organization, encouraging members’ engagement not only with community service, but also with the state and regional bodies and the projects they sponsor. Some recent projects include collecting food to address local food insecurity, education regarding human trafficking and safety, and environmental and ecological preservation and awareness. My mother has filled her life with volunteering, service, leadership, and caring outreach within and beyond Pope County. As one who has witnessed her compassion and competence through the years."

"Minnewaska Fairways Fore All is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit public charity in Glenwood, MN. The purpose of Minnewaska Fairways Fore All was established to promote and expand access to the game of golf in Pope County at the Minnewaska Golf Club, with an emphasis on young people to provide an opportunity to play, practice, receive instruction, and build life enhancing values regardless of financial situations."