Volunteer Recognition!

2008 Community Partner Award's

The Community Partners awards are given to outstanding volunteers, donors, and businesses that build upon Hammer’s mission. They are chosen by nominations that are written by Hammer’s staff and residents. This year, four outstanding individuals were chosen to receive Hammer’s Community Partner Award.

Lisa Anderson has been an exceptional Hammer volunteer for over 8 years. Her first experience was at Hammer’s Broadway home where she was immediately drawn into Hammer’s work with the 4 gentlemen who live there. She joined the Development and Communications Committee in 2003 where she brought her energy, creativity and expertise in marketing and events. Lisa founded our Hammer Jam event and recruited committee members, sponsors, attendees and donors who helped to create an ever increasingly successful event for 3 years. She joined the board in 2005 and has worked on many projects including the board event, governance committee and in April of 2008 was elected vice president of Hammer’s Board of Directors. Lisa is also the chair of the Development and Communication Committee and will continue to lead a team of volunteers who have a passion for fund raising and communication. Thank you, Lisa.

Nancy and John Berg were named Hammer’s 2008 Community Partner because for more than 12 years, they have been a true partner, as a committee member, board member and president, volunteer and donor. Their leadership, generosity and friendship have helped Hammer grow to be a sound and reputable organization.
Nancy first served on our Program Committee and continues to do so 12 years later. She has acted as an advocate for those we serve and has even gone so far as to read specific rules and regulations to understand and make recommendation on behalf o those we serve.
Nancy served two terms on our Board of Directors and was president in her last term. She remained as immediate past president for 1 year following her two terms. During this time, her leadership and support of the board and Hammer’s administration was remarkable.
Over the years, John and Nancy learned that the education of our staff was crucial to continue good services and so contributed significantly to form Hammer’s Training and Education Endowment. Most recently, Nancy and John made their most generous gift to fund Hammer’s new Director of Training position. Their commitment to the future of Hammer is extraordinary.

Mark & Deb Flannery, Randy & Marcia Moen, Jay & Lisa Tschetter, and Ross & Tracy Redepenning Hammer’s longest-standing volunteer group celebrated their ten year anniversary on March 14, 2008 at the organization’s corporate offices in Wayzata. The group consists of 15 men and women who together have donated 2,670 hours of service valued at $50,000. All were once co-workers who joined together to volunteer at two Hammer homes involving the residents in activities such as bowling and pizza parties. They have also planned events such as girls’ and guys’ nights out.
“After 10 years, what started as an unfamiliar volunteer experience developed into life-long friendships,” says Hammer’s Director of Community Supports, Katie Bottiger. “This group has become part of the Hammer family.” They volunteer as a group at holiday and birthday parties, never wanting to miss out on these special moments with the people they have gotten to know so well.
Some members of this wonderful group of volunteers are now involving their sons and daughters, hoping they will carry on the tradition of helping people with developmental disabilities. “This is a phenomenal volunteer activity for us. My kids light up when they see [the residents],” explains Tracy Redepenning, who volunteers with her husband and two daughters. “This experience has helped them to look past the disability and to find a common ground.”

Community Partners 2007
Pastor Don Anderson, Community Partner Award, 2007
Janet Anderson, Community Partner Award, 2007
Margaret Argall, Community Partner Award, 2007
Kay Chrisianson, Community Partner Award, 2007

Hall of Fame Volunteers
Hammer honors volunteers who have given over 1000 hours oftheir time to Hammer by placing them in Hammer's Volunteer Hall of Fame.

Margaret Argall (see photo upper left) ) has volunteered with Hammer since 1986. She shows commitment, dedication, and compassion in her work, and expects us to excel as well. Margaret has helped with the basketball, bowling, and softball leagues for 17 years. She cheers on the participants on and sympathizes with them when things don't work out. Margaret has also served on Hammer's Board of Directors since 1996. She's also served as Hammer's Treasurer, on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Personnel Committee. Margaret will be ending her time with the Board, but certainly not her dedication to Hammer. Thank you for all that you have done! Hammer appreciates you!

Yvonne Bryan came to Hammer six years ago because she wanted to make a difference by volunteering. Since her start with Hammer, Yvonne has helped out in many areas such as mailing, filing, computer data and financial projects. Yvonne often comes to Hammer’s administrative office twice a week. Thanks, Yvonne, for all you do!

Kay Krafka has volunteered for Hammer since 1975. She began as a one-on-one volunteer for a young woman who needed some companionship. What a great match that was! Kay and Lynn have been "friends" for 28 years. They participate in many activities and have become life-long friends. Kay has shown Lynn compassion, dedication, giving, and above all, friendship. Thank you Kay for all you do! We appreciate your devotion to Lynn.

Claire Hinrichs has been volunteering for Hammer for 15 years! You will often see Claire at our event registration tables, greeting others as they sign in. She also has volunteered countless hours helping with Hammer mailings such as the Discoveries newsletter. Thanks for your commitment, Claire.

In 1985, Art Lehmann began volunteering to drive individuals that are supported by Hammer to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church so that they could attend mass and faith sharing. He continues to do so to this day! In 1996, Art was elected to Hammer’s Board of Directors and served six years. He is currently a member of the Personnel Committee and the Human Rights Committee. Thanks for your time, Art!

Al & Mitsie Lenss have been faithfully driving a group of residents to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Plymouth for about 15 years now. In addition, they have been taking them to the faith sharing sessions. Thank you both so very much for contributing to the spiritual needs of those we serve!

Denny Newell has volunteered with Hammer for 27 years. He started as a one-on-one volunteer with Ken, one of the individuals that we supported at that time. Ken has since moved from Hammer, but Denny and Ken still spend quality time together. Since 1991, Denny has been an active member of Hammer’s Board of Directors. He is currently also a member of the Finance Committee and the Technology Committee. Thanks, Denny, for your commitment!

LaVergne and Les Raskob have volunteered for Hammer for over twenty years. When a volunteer program began through Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, they began driving individuals that are supported by Hammer to the church. They really enjoy it and we really appreciate their commitment! Thank you!

Frank and Madaline Renshaw also drive individuals to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. They have been doing so for the past eighteen years. Thanks for contributing over 1500 hours!

Each Sunday for the past 15 years Joseph & Kathleen Reis have driven two very special residents to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church for Mass. They have diligently driven these residents to Mass and faith sharing sessions since 1991. We appreciate you helping us better meet the needs of our residents at Hammer.

Greg Rye started volunteering with Hammer as a bowling coach 13 years ago. He quickly became “hooked on Hammer” and started assisting with other events. A year later, the Hammer leadership asked him to become a committee member and eventually, a board member. Greg has now served on Hammer’s board of directors for 12 years. Greg, we appreciate all the years you have dedicated to Hammer and look forward to many more!

Cindy Scheller met Kelly more 26 years ago while teaching special education. The Schellers have been "family" to Kelly, who has no family of his own. The Schellers bring Kelly to their home for every holiday. They include him in sporting events, meals out and movies. Kelly calls them on a regular basis and makes gifts for them. Kelly adores them and signed "I love them" when asked about the Schellers. A huge thanks goes to the Schellers for making Kelly a part of your family.

For the past seventeen years, LeeAnn & Tom Silver have been driving individuals from Hammer to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Tom also coordinates the volunteers from Holy Name. Thanks for your help and your commitment!

Hammer would like to thank all the volunteers that contribute to our success. You are all wonderful and appreciated! Congratulations to the following volunteers for contributing their time:

1000 Hours or more of volunteer service

Margaret Argall	LaVergne & Les Raskob
Claire Hinrichs	Kay Krafka
Frank & Madaline Renshaw	Art Lehmann
Denny Newell	Greg Rye
Joseph & Kathleen Reis	Cindy Scheller
LeeAnn & Tom Silver	Al & Mitzie Lenss

          Over 500 Hours or more of volunteer service

Kay Christianson  Nick Dittrich Patty Dittrich Mike &Theresa Ernhart Bob & Julie Fern Carl & Peggy Frank Jerry Tuckner Jerome Tuckner Joe & Kathy Reis Tina Weitzel

Alan Ribbe Audrey Schultz Ron & Veronica Sheldon Barbara & Tom Teresi Art Thole Janet Anderson Mike & Pat Boris

Over 250 Hours or more of volunteer service

Jay & Lisa Tschetter Marshall Anderson Nancy Berg Bill Bieber Mike & Pat Boris Pat Bottiger Deb Foley Dennis Bilski

Dave Ingham Juli Olson Tracy Redepenning Julieann Schroeder Steve Slocum Kathy O’Connor Doug Binning Patricia Houston

Volunteers who have received special recognition over the years include:

Sue Gregor, Community Partner Award, 2006
Dr. Nick LaFond, Community Partner Award, 2006
Joe Miatech, Community Partner Award, 2006
Dru & Marshall Anderson, Community Partner Award, 2005
Greg Rye, Community Partner Award, 2005
Louisa Castner, Community Partner Award, 2005
Deb Foley, Volunteer of the Year, 2004
Tom Silver, Volunteer of the Year, 2004
Mark Flannery, Volunteer of the Year, 2003
Steve Slocum, Volunteer of the Year, 2002
Pat Bottiger, Volunteer of the Year, 2001
Matt Foley, Volunteer of the Year, 2001
Kay Krafka, Volunteer of the Year 2000
Juli Olson, Volunteer of the Year, 1998
Margaret Argall, Distinguished Recreation Service Award, 1997
Nick Dittrich, Distinguished Recreation Service Award, 1997
Patty Dittrich, Distinguished Recreation Service Award, 1997
Claire & Don Hinrichs, Special Service Award, 1996
Jerry Tuckner, Special Service Award, 1996
Carl & Peggy Frank, Volunteer Family of the Year, 1996
Art Thole, Volunteer of the Year, 1994
Cindy Scheller, Volunteer of the Year, 1991

 

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