Posted: 5/17/06
Johnson sisters honored by Parmly
 Mary Cordts, executive director of Parmly Senior Housing & Services, presented the 2006 Phyllis Lindquist Volunteer of the Year Award plaques to (l to r) Harriet Ryberg, Bernette Wikelius and Gertrude Lindo. |
Parmly Senior Housing & Services proudly recognized Gertrude Lindo, Bernette Wikelius and Harriet Ryberg with the 2006 Phyllis Lindquist Volunteer of the Year Award on Saturday, April 29.
They received their plaques from Mary Cordts, executive director of Parmly, during the Volunteer Recognition ceremonies at Point Pleasant Heights.
Established in 2002, the award honors Phyllis Lindquist, an exceptional volunteer at Parmly, and acknowledges outstanding volunteers for their dedicated Christian service across the Parmly campus.
As this yearís recipients, the Johnson sisters, Gertrude, Bernette and Harriet, exemplify Parmlyís 100-year tradition of giving back to others since together they have given over 65 years to our seniors.
Gertrude Lindo has faithfully volunteered at Parmly for over 30 years. She and her friend, Lilly Johnson, brought cookies that Lilly had baked and served them to the residents when Parmly was known as the Chisago Lutheran Home for the Aged.
She was a member of the Parmly Board for 10 years and it was during that time when the extraordinary gift from Margaret S. Parmly was received.
Lindo was chairman of the volunteers and led bingo, as well as Bible studies. Now living at Point Pleasant Heights, she has served as the president of the Tenant Council. Currently, Lindo sets up for church services and the exercise group as well as playing the Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church worship service video for tenants.
Barb Korsgren, Marketing Director at PPH said of Lindo that ìshe does not look for praise, but quietly goes about the business of helping others in a Christian manner.î
Bernette Wikelius is entering her 20th year of loyal volunteer service to Parmly. She has been a route driver and prepared meals for the homebound in our community through the South Chisago County Meals on Wheels program.
She shows the Chisago Lake Church worship service video at both the Margaret S. Parmly Residence and Vindauga View Assisted Living Apartments.
As an active member of the Friends of Parmly, Wikelius helps plan community events and enlists the help of volunteers for their annual ham dinner, spaghetti dinner and advent tea.
Of Wikelius, Colleen Guilfoile, Community Volunteer and Events Coordinator said, ìShe is a quiet lady who leads by example, and not by words. She is generous with her time and is a calming and reassuring presence for the residents and others.î
Harriet Ryberg began her volunteer service at Parmly when she retired 15 years ago. Her first assignment was to purchase items from shopping lists prepared by the residents. With her extensive office experience, she started volunteering in the development area on an as needed basis.
When it became apparent that more help was necessary, she came in more often; and now she is at Parmly almost every week for half a day.
Her commitment and diligence is evident as she accurately maintains their donation records and mailing list. She has a tremendous ability to adjust, learn and adapt to any of the constantly changing computer technologies.
Kathy Blomquist, executive secretary said, ìHarriet is the type of volunteer that you can truly depend upon week after week. We are very fortunate that she cares so much about Parmly that she wants to volunteer for us.î
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