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 “There are many tired gardeners but I’ve seldom met old gardeners. Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realized. The one absolute of gardeners is faith. Regardless of how bad past gardens have been, every gardener believes that next year’s will be better. It is easy to age when there is nothing to believe in, nothing to hope for; gardeners, however, simply refuse to grow up.”-Allan Armitage.
Pictured: Jerry Vitalis, grower of extraordinary vegetables, such as this giant onion, is a Master Gardener in Chisago County. A regular columnist in the Post Review, he also is a cancer survivor and because of that and the many ways in which he volunteers in the community, he was chosen as a 2008 Relay for Life Honorary Chairperson.
The chairman of the Chisago County Master Gardeners, Jerry Vitalis, is well known for posting weekly horticulture columns the Post Review.
Many people know Vitalis because of his apple orchards and beautiful gardens in Shafer. Some may have even visited his home while supporting a good cause, like the Fairview Lakes Medical Center Garden Tour or the St. Croix ArtBarn Benefit Garden Show.
Vitalis has 85 apple trees; his half-acre raspberry patch includes four different varieties. Also featured in his gardens are strawberries, grapes, blueberries, vegetables and flowers. Vitalis represents the consummate gardener of life - spreading his good will by planting seeds for the future, tilling the good soil, and filling a wheelbarrow with faith, hope and dreams to share with others. Relay For Life is proud to announce Jerry Vitalis has been selected as an Honorary Co-Chair for the 2008 Relay to be held July 25.
Vitalis is an energetic man who is quick to tackle a cause and volunteer. Carrie Brandt, a Taylors Falls Elementary teacher (where Vitalis often substitute teaches) said, “Jerry Vitalis will volunteer for any committee or group that needs help. He is the ultimate colleague and leader in so many organizations. For example, he volunteered for three different booths at the Home Show. That is not out of the ordinary for Jerry, as he is an incredible asset to so many.”
Vitalis said, “I love working with the children at Taylors Falls. I tell them to call me Mr. Vitalis and if they can’t remember that to call me Mr. V.”
Mary Konobeck, Taylors Falls building secretary stated, “Jerry is a giving, caring, and a wonderful man who helps where ever he is needed. He keeps our community on their toes and challenges the kids and us to give to others and step up to be counted. Jerry is well loved by the students and staff at Taylors Falls.”
Vitalis grew up on a farm. He returned to it after his father passed away from Leukemia in 1969. He is no stranger to hard work and long hours. In addition, Vitalis was an elementary teacher for 30 years in the Minneapolis school system.
“When I worked in Webster Open School, there were 23 home languages being used by our students. I have never lost that love for teaching and I enjoy subbing for Taylors Falls Elementary School now that I am retired. Children are the hope and the future of our world.”
“My grandchildren have a special place in my heart,” continued Vitalis. “Connie (my wife of 36 years) and I have seven children and 14 grandchildren; we have 13 boys and one girl. Every one of our grandsons is terrific. Our one little girl, I call the Queen. My grandchildren all know that I like to volunteer. One day the four-year-old Queen was asked ‘Where is your Grandpa?’ and she replied: “Grandpa is at a meeting.”
He laughed and continued, “Some day it will probably be on my tombstone- Jerry Vitalis went to a meeting.”
So what else does the Master Gardener volunteer for? Vitalis has been on the School Board for 31 years, the first 17 years in Taylors Falls before the school district consolidation. In 2006 he was on the All State School Board and received the President’s Award for 300 hours of School Board attendance of MSBA meetings and activities. He is in the Taylors Falls Alumni Foundation group which raises money for Taylors Falls Elementary. In addition, he is on the committee to prepare for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Franconia Township. Plus, he was a past council member for Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church in Center City for two terms.
Pastor Barb, from Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church commented, “Jerry Vitalis is one of the most courageous people I know. He has fought the battle with cancer and lives in pain every day with his hands being burdened by the agony of severe arthritis. Yet, he remains upbeat, hopeful, faith-filled, and enthusiastic about life. Plus he is an incredible amount of fun to be around.”
She added,” Ask Jerry about the Lutefisk Jell-O that he made for our church cook off. It was inedible, but it sure got the congregation laughing and having a good time. I think Jerry will make an excellent Honorary Chair for the 2008 Relay For Life; he knows what’s important in life and he cares deeply for others,” concluded Pastor Barb.
Why does Jerry Vitalis think he was chosen as an Honorary Chair? Once again he chuckled and said, “There are probably three reasons why they chose me and the first reason is perhaps the strongest argument. 1. I can’t say NO. 2. I am a prostate cancer survivor since June of 2001. 3. I represent and love my community. My goal will be to get Chisago County to become actively involved in the Relay For Life.”
Vitalis added, “Many of us are touched with cancer in our own lives, whether it is the struggles or loss of someone we know casually or someone that we love. I lost my dad and brother-in-law to cancer; now my son-in-law is fighting cancer, plus I am a cancer survivor. Often people have a false sense of security that it will never happen to them and all they want to do is ignore the pleas or give their $10. Cancer knows no class, race, religion, or age barriers.
“We need to get Chisago County to be aware of cancer research and resources, and to stand up to make a move to put our dollars and our time where our mouths are. As a united county we can make a difference. From Rush City to Chisago City, people need to know that the American Cancer Society does not have big administration and advertising costs, plus a good chunk of the funds raised comes back to our county and our state.”
Sensing that his tone was getting serious he added, “Say, please don’t go praising me and making me look too good on paper. I do not want my friends and family to get sick. Tell them I have acres of weeds too. Tell them I have had my share of struggles and mistakes. I am a simple man, with a simple message: Get involved in our community, keep the faith, and make a difference!”
Submitted by Deb Esmay
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