Profiles of 2008 Winners
Duane R. Lund Award for Lifetime Achievement
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Dr. Ted Lelwica was born and raised in Winona.After college, he didn’t go far from home.He stayed in the Winona area and attended college at St. Mary’s for his pre-med, undergraduate degree before continuing onto the University of Minnesota Medical School where he had plans to pursue a dream he’d had since his later high school days – to be a medical doctor. After medical school, Ted took his first internship in Sacramento, CA – one of the very first family practice residencies in the country.The love of his life, Marge, followed him to the western side of the country.It wasn’t long before Ted finished his internship and the happy couple was headed back to Minnesota to get married and start a new life together. He worked temporarily as a medical doctor in Pine River but shortly thereafter was drafted by the military.For the next two years, he fulfilled his required military duty after which he returned to do a surgical residency at the location of his first internship out of medical school – Sacramento, CA. Upon his return to Sacramento where his focus was in surgical residency, he fell in love all over again when he met Dr. Bill Mennis, a fellow medical resident who was focusing on internal medicine.They developed a close relationship – one that carried them both back to Staples.The rest of the story is one for the history books . . . The extensive healthcare services that exist in Staples today began years ago with a young family man named Dr. Lelwica who wanted to set up a medical practice, all on his own, in a small town in rural Minnesota and continued on because of a devoted friendship between two men (Lelwica and Mennis) with the same passion – medicine. And as if being “the first of many building blocks” in an entire community’s medical history wasn’t enough, Ted – an avid hunter and fisherman – has continued to be involved in other ways throughout the community of Staples.He was a past Lions Club member and most recently, has helped start and continues to be involved in the Sacred Heart Social Justice Committee and CARE Ministries, both of which focus on various social justice issues in the community and the accountability, compassion and responsibility that goes along with those issues. After all he is to this community, Ted and his wife Marge are most proud of their five children, each of their grandchildren and all the wonderful things that go along with the joys of being parents and grandparents. Ted will always be an icon of the community of Staples.But to many, including his family, he will always be “Ted” – a loving, compassionate, Christian family man who is admired and respected by all for his accomplishments but more importantly, for the person he’s always proven to be. |
Dr. Mennis has
had a love for medicine for as long as he can remember.A true country boy who grew up on a small grain farm in Toronto, SD., William (Bill) Mennis attended to his studies in a small, one-room schoolhouse throughout the course of his schooling years. After high school, where he graduated as the salutatorian of his 14-member class, he found himself at St. Olaf College in Northfield – the first in his family to go to college.Still with his long-time dream of going into medicine, Bill knew that St. Olaf students had a good reputation of getting into medical school due to the chemistry-focused pre-med course offerings.He vividly remembers the difficulty he had that first year at St. Olaf and how hard he had to work to maintain good grades. But, like many other situations in his life, he succeeded and continued onto the University of Minnesota Medical School, with his wife Helen – with whom he had attended school since his high school years – still right by his side.After that, they continued on together to Sacramento, CA. Fate had a lot to do with what happened next in regards to Bill’s success.While in his first year of residency in Sacramento – one of the very first family practice residencies in the country – Bill met someone with whom he became very well-acquainted, both professionally and personally.This person was Dr. Ted Lelwica. Bill completed a two-year medical military obligation while Ted returned home to Minnesota and chose Staples as his place of practice.All the while, Bill kept in touch with Ted.And as they say . . . the rest is history. Dr. Bill Mennis has become and instrumental part of the City of Staples and its history.Throughout the years, he has helped grow a successful medical practice in a small, rural community; he has dedicated over 40 years of medical service to the health of the area including a 10-year stint as the Lakewood Health System medical director and last, but certainly not least, he has been a friendly, familiar face in the community of Staples since 1968. A lot has changed since 1968.Besides the constantly changing field of medicine, Bill and his wife Helen have raised their children here and have watched as their grandchildren have grown older.But one thing will always remain the same; Dr. Mennis will always be respected for what he has given to the community of Staples:his time, his dedication and his unfailing commitment. Dr. Lelwica and Dr. Mennis were nominated by Lakewood Health System. |
Citizen of the Year
Marv Rothstein
From an early age, Marv Rothstein was taught the merits of community service,
commitment and dependability. “The world is run by those who show up,” Marv’s
father once told him.From those who know Marv Rothstein, it is fair to say these fatherly words of advice were not ignored.
Marv’s willingness to serve is recognized by all who know him; this desire was nourished by a family history of service in the Kimball-Pearl Lake area. His father was on the town board and president of the local sportsmen’s club, actively building, sweating and working to make his community a better place.
At an early age Marv and his eleven siblings all learned that if you want
something done you have to be involved, period.
After receiving St. Cloud State University degrees in economics and accounting, Marv worked in the banking industry before beginning his life in Staples in 1986. At this time Marv moved from Pequot Lakes to work for Don Eddy at the Staples State Bank.
Marv’s impact in the Staples community has been tremendous. Marv was instrumental in the establishment of the Staples Community Foundation, serving as president for seven years.Marv has been a very active member of the
Staples Rotary Club since 1988, acknowledging the club’s “Service Above Self” motto by recently accepting a third term as president. Marv is a trustee of the Sacred Heart Church and a member of the Sacred Heart Finance Council. He is an active member of both the Wadena County Snowmobile “Trailbreakers” Club and Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association.Marv is active in the Staples Motley School District’s annual Dollar for Scholars program and is a ready volunteer for other community events.
Most recently Marv co-chaired the 2008 Minnesota Design Team Staples visit, which is a comprehensive community planning effort that identifies the assets, identity, vision and plan for a community by focusing on group participation and grassroots initiative. Marv worked to apply and “win” a Design Team visit, and currently is working with the team on implementing action plans based on recommendations.
This experience taught Marv a lesson on implementing successful community partnerships.Marv said that “the most important thing to learn is who to ask, and to make sure that you build relationships to get your project done.”
Marv believes the biggest assets of Staples are that “for a small community we have a lot to offer, and that Staples is a family friendly town . . . excellent for raising kids.” Marv and Connie have been married for 34 years and have two daughters, Robin and Lori. Marv is proud to live in Staples.
Marv is an outdoor fanatic, and loves snowmobiling, golfing, riding bike, deer hunting and planting food plots for wildlife. But his main passion, as we all know, is showing up.
Marv was nominated by Judy Jenkins.
commitment and dependability. “The world is run by those who show up,” Marv’s
father once told him.From those who know Marv Rothstein, it is fair to say these fatherly words of advice were not ignored.
Marv’s willingness to serve is recognized by all who know him; this desire was nourished by a family history of service in the Kimball-Pearl Lake area. His father was on the town board and president of the local sportsmen’s club, actively building, sweating and working to make his community a better place.
At an early age Marv and his eleven siblings all learned that if you want
something done you have to be involved, period.
After receiving St. Cloud State University degrees in economics and accounting, Marv worked in the banking industry before beginning his life in Staples in 1986. At this time Marv moved from Pequot Lakes to work for Don Eddy at the Staples State Bank.
Marv’s impact in the Staples community has been tremendous. Marv was instrumental in the establishment of the Staples Community Foundation, serving as president for seven years.Marv has been a very active member of the
Staples Rotary Club since 1988, acknowledging the club’s “Service Above Self” motto by recently accepting a third term as president. Marv is a trustee of the Sacred Heart Church and a member of the Sacred Heart Finance Council. He is an active member of both the Wadena County Snowmobile “Trailbreakers” Club and Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association.Marv is active in the Staples Motley School District’s annual Dollar for Scholars program and is a ready volunteer for other community events.
Most recently Marv co-chaired the 2008 Minnesota Design Team Staples visit, which is a comprehensive community planning effort that identifies the assets, identity, vision and plan for a community by focusing on group participation and grassroots initiative. Marv worked to apply and “win” a Design Team visit, and currently is working with the team on implementing action plans based on recommendations.
This experience taught Marv a lesson on implementing successful community partnerships.Marv said that “the most important thing to learn is who to ask, and to make sure that you build relationships to get your project done.”
Marv believes the biggest assets of Staples are that “for a small community we have a lot to offer, and that Staples is a family friendly town . . . excellent for raising kids.” Marv and Connie have been married for 34 years and have two daughters, Robin and Lori. Marv is proud to live in Staples.
Marv is an outdoor fanatic, and loves snowmobiling, golfing, riding bike, deer hunting and planting food plots for wildlife. But his main passion, as we all know, is showing up.
Marv was nominated by Judy Jenkins.
Youth of the Year
Casey Smithley
The Staples Motley area is fortunate to have an abundance of outstanding students who have been leaders in their school and community and have gone on to be leaders in college, professional and family life.This year’s outstanding youth of the year award winner is no exception. Casey Smithley leads by commitment and example.
Casey will be a senior at Staples Motley High School.He is the son of Jeff and Kelly Smithley. Casey has one sibling, Philip. Family is very important to Casey, who often
praised the support that he receives from his parents and brother. Casey did not want to dwell on his own attributes and what he brings to the table.Extended family is very important to him and he spoke passionately about grandparents, Bob and Kathy Blessing and all that they have given him in terms of time and love.He also is blessed to have another set of grandparents, Roy and Kaye Smithley, who live in Benton Harbor,
Michigan. Mike and Rosie Blessing also provide support and keep a watchful eye over Casey.
While conducting an interview following his selection it was obvious that Casey has a passion for church and religious education. Currently, his plan following high school is a path that not many follow. He plans to attend St. Thomas University where he will be enrolled in the St. Jean (pronounced John) Vianney Minor Seminary. He plans to become a priest in the Catholic Church. He readily credited Deacon John Wolak for his influence and support in this choice.
Another person that Casey said is a strong influence on his success in education as
well as his passion for religion is Bob Shaffer. Shaffer wrote, “It is a great privilege to know Casey Smithley. His religious faith guides him to always seek high goals for himself and to seek the common good of others. Convinced of the inherent worth of the human person, he would never use another person for his own self aggrandizement. I have often observed how he strongly supports his peers on the high school speech team.” Casey also taught vacation Bible school for two years.
Casey’s activities involve much more than his family and church. As members of the Staples Community Foundation journey into the Stomping Grounds at 7 a.m. for their monthly meeting, greeting them for their “wake-up” cup of coffee is Casey. He works at the Stomping Grounds and volunteers for activities well beyond his paid time. He was runner-up for the outstanding youth worker award sponsored by the School to Work Council. He is a Lector at church. He’s in the National Honor Society, being one of six juniors given the honor. He was named student of the month four times in the middle school and three times, so far, at the high school. Currently, he is in the middle part of the top ten in his class.
Casey takes some of his earned dollars and sponsors a child through the “Compassion Program.” This is a program for individuals to sponsor underprivileged
children. With some urging Casey produced a picture of the young boy that he
sponsors wearing clothing that Casey had sent for him. Casey also volunteers at
the elementary school on a weekly basis in the “Little Buddy Program.”He has been a peer helper at the high school for the past two years. This program helps students who need tutoring in core subject areas.
Casey has another passion, and the talent to go along with that passion. He is involved in all aspects of music. He spoke highly of the influence of his music teachers and their guidance and knowledge that they have given him. John Wolak, Jeff Iverson and Steve Hoemberg are people he considers mentors. Casey’s involvement and accomplishments include: playing in the Jazz Band, Men’s Chorus in grades 9 and 10, two years in the Wadena Community Band, musical orchestra pit for two years, A Cappella Choir (third year), Symphonic Band in grades 10 and 11, Staples Community Band for one year, Youth Praise Band for one year.
In addition he has sung at the Veterans Memorial Day Service for two years. He has made the Minnesota Honors Choir every year since 5th grade. He made the National Honors Choir in 7th grade, the All State Choir in 10th and 11th grade, been in the church choir for four years, and been accompanied for music contests by playing the piano.
Along the way, Casey has found time to be in the fall play for three years, participate in speech for two years, taking home a third place state trophy as a sophomore. Casey also was in Knowledge Bowl for one year and even played football during his freshman year.
Casey was nominated by Doris Corbett.
The Staples Motley area is fortunate to have an abundance of outstanding students who have been leaders in their school and community and have gone on to be leaders in college, professional and family life.This year’s outstanding youth of the year award winner is no exception. Casey Smithley leads by commitment and example.
Casey will be a senior at Staples Motley High School.He is the son of Jeff and Kelly Smithley. Casey has one sibling, Philip. Family is very important to Casey, who often
praised the support that he receives from his parents and brother. Casey did not want to dwell on his own attributes and what he brings to the table.Extended family is very important to him and he spoke passionately about grandparents, Bob and Kathy Blessing and all that they have given him in terms of time and love.He also is blessed to have another set of grandparents, Roy and Kaye Smithley, who live in Benton Harbor,
Michigan. Mike and Rosie Blessing also provide support and keep a watchful eye over Casey.
While conducting an interview following his selection it was obvious that Casey has a passion for church and religious education. Currently, his plan following high school is a path that not many follow. He plans to attend St. Thomas University where he will be enrolled in the St. Jean (pronounced John) Vianney Minor Seminary. He plans to become a priest in the Catholic Church. He readily credited Deacon John Wolak for his influence and support in this choice.
Another person that Casey said is a strong influence on his success in education as
well as his passion for religion is Bob Shaffer. Shaffer wrote, “It is a great privilege to know Casey Smithley. His religious faith guides him to always seek high goals for himself and to seek the common good of others. Convinced of the inherent worth of the human person, he would never use another person for his own self aggrandizement. I have often observed how he strongly supports his peers on the high school speech team.” Casey also taught vacation Bible school for two years.
Casey’s activities involve much more than his family and church. As members of the Staples Community Foundation journey into the Stomping Grounds at 7 a.m. for their monthly meeting, greeting them for their “wake-up” cup of coffee is Casey. He works at the Stomping Grounds and volunteers for activities well beyond his paid time. He was runner-up for the outstanding youth worker award sponsored by the School to Work Council. He is a Lector at church. He’s in the National Honor Society, being one of six juniors given the honor. He was named student of the month four times in the middle school and three times, so far, at the high school. Currently, he is in the middle part of the top ten in his class.
Casey takes some of his earned dollars and sponsors a child through the “Compassion Program.” This is a program for individuals to sponsor underprivileged
children. With some urging Casey produced a picture of the young boy that he
sponsors wearing clothing that Casey had sent for him. Casey also volunteers at
the elementary school on a weekly basis in the “Little Buddy Program.”He has been a peer helper at the high school for the past two years. This program helps students who need tutoring in core subject areas.
Casey has another passion, and the talent to go along with that passion. He is involved in all aspects of music. He spoke highly of the influence of his music teachers and their guidance and knowledge that they have given him. John Wolak, Jeff Iverson and Steve Hoemberg are people he considers mentors. Casey’s involvement and accomplishments include: playing in the Jazz Band, Men’s Chorus in grades 9 and 10, two years in the Wadena Community Band, musical orchestra pit for two years, A Cappella Choir (third year), Symphonic Band in grades 10 and 11, Staples Community Band for one year, Youth Praise Band for one year.
In addition he has sung at the Veterans Memorial Day Service for two years. He has made the Minnesota Honors Choir every year since 5th grade. He made the National Honors Choir in 7th grade, the All State Choir in 10th and 11th grade, been in the church choir for four years, and been accompanied for music contests by playing the piano.
Along the way, Casey has found time to be in the fall play for three years, participate in speech for two years, taking home a third place state trophy as a sophomore. Casey also was in Knowledge Bowl for one year and even played football during his freshman year.
Casey was nominated by Doris Corbett.
Chairman's Award
Central Lakes College
Staples Campus
The CLC cabinet pictured on the front include: front, from left - Nancy Paulson, human resources director; Dr. Rex Veeder, vice president of academic and student affairs; Dr. Larry Lundblad, president; Kari Christiansen, vice president of administrative services; back, from left - Judy Richer, interim dean of Staples campus; Charles Black Lance, interim dean of student services; Rebecca Best, dean of educational services; Del
Lecy, dean of entrepreneurial development; and Jeff Wig, dean of enrollment; not pictured – Kelly McCalla,
interim dean of liberal arts and sciences. Wendy Schluender, dean of Staples campus, is on leave.
Central Lakes College (CLC) today includes the Brainerd Campus, Staples Main Campus, Staples West (heavy equipment) Campus and Staples Agriculture Campus. The college currently enrolls approximately 3,500 students and employs 370 staff and faculty.
As a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System (MnSCU), CLC fulfills its mission by offering Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees as part of a liberal arts transfer education and Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas and certificates in occupational fields.
The origins of CLC trace back to Brainerd Junior College (founded in 1938), Brainerd Area Vocational Technical School (founded in 1964) and Staples Area Vocational Technical School (founded in 1950).
The Staples Technical College was established in 1950 in the Staples High School.
In 1959 the State Board of Education approved Staples as an area vocational technical school. To meet continued growth of the college, district voters approved construction of a new facility on the northwest edge of the city in 1971 and in 1985 a major expansion of the building was approved and constructed.
The Staples Agriculture Campus acquired a separate site in 1968 when a 320-acre farm was purchased for use as a demonstration/ research irrigation farm. The Agriculture Campus now consists of 10 acres with adjacent land leased as needed.
Central Lakes College was formed in 1995 to merge the strengths of former Brainerd Community College and Brainerd Staples Regional Technical College.
The Staples West Campus provides a setting for on-site instruction in heavy equipment maintenance and operation. The initial site was purchased in 1974. However to meet continued demand and to replace outdated facilities a 25,500 square foot classroom and shop building was constructed on the Staples West Campus in 2007. CLC Staples is the only MnSCU Campus offering the heavy equipment program.
The Staples Campus is primarily focused on technical programs in the areas of heavy equipment, diesel mechanics, manufacturing, robotics, mechanical drafting, photography and media and communications.
Recent additions to the programs have been in the health careers field. In 2007 the Practical Nursing program was started and in 2008 the Registered Nursing program was added to the campus. New facilities, a nursing lab and science lab were built to serve the needs of the program. In addition to the technical programs an increasing number of arts and science classes are offered each year.Lakewood Health Systems has been an essential partner in providing clinical sites for the nursing students.
The Agricultural Center offers education, training and consulting services at the center as well as at numerous farms and business and industry sites throughout the college’s service area. In addition, the University of Minnesota has joined the center and serves as an incubation site for new ideas in the agricultural field.
Over the past two years, CLC has partnered with the Staples Motley School District and the Freshwater Education District to provide career and liberal arts courses for high school students under the Post Secondary Options program. This partnership allows high school students to take college level courses without leaving the high school.Currently there are over 75 students who participate in the program, taking one or more college level courses.
The Staples campus faculty, staff and administration’s mission is to be a part of the community and a partner to educational and business entities.
Central Lakes College and Wendy Schluender were nominated by Tim Rice.
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Staples Campus
The CLC cabinet pictured on the front include: front, from left - Nancy Paulson, human resources director; Dr. Rex Veeder, vice president of academic and student affairs; Dr. Larry Lundblad, president; Kari Christiansen, vice president of administrative services; back, from left - Judy Richer, interim dean of Staples campus; Charles Black Lance, interim dean of student services; Rebecca Best, dean of educational services; Del
Lecy, dean of entrepreneurial development; and Jeff Wig, dean of enrollment; not pictured – Kelly McCalla,
interim dean of liberal arts and sciences. Wendy Schluender, dean of Staples campus, is on leave.
Central Lakes College (CLC) today includes the Brainerd Campus, Staples Main Campus, Staples West (heavy equipment) Campus and Staples Agriculture Campus. The college currently enrolls approximately 3,500 students and employs 370 staff and faculty.
As a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and University System (MnSCU), CLC fulfills its mission by offering Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees as part of a liberal arts transfer education and Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas and certificates in occupational fields.
The origins of CLC trace back to Brainerd Junior College (founded in 1938), Brainerd Area Vocational Technical School (founded in 1964) and Staples Area Vocational Technical School (founded in 1950).
The Staples Technical College was established in 1950 in the Staples High School.
In 1959 the State Board of Education approved Staples as an area vocational technical school. To meet continued growth of the college, district voters approved construction of a new facility on the northwest edge of the city in 1971 and in 1985 a major expansion of the building was approved and constructed.
The Staples Agriculture Campus acquired a separate site in 1968 when a 320-acre farm was purchased for use as a demonstration/ research irrigation farm. The Agriculture Campus now consists of 10 acres with adjacent land leased as needed.
Central Lakes College was formed in 1995 to merge the strengths of former Brainerd Community College and Brainerd Staples Regional Technical College.
The Staples West Campus provides a setting for on-site instruction in heavy equipment maintenance and operation. The initial site was purchased in 1974. However to meet continued demand and to replace outdated facilities a 25,500 square foot classroom and shop building was constructed on the Staples West Campus in 2007. CLC Staples is the only MnSCU Campus offering the heavy equipment program.
The Staples Campus is primarily focused on technical programs in the areas of heavy equipment, diesel mechanics, manufacturing, robotics, mechanical drafting, photography and media and communications.
Recent additions to the programs have been in the health careers field. In 2007 the Practical Nursing program was started and in 2008 the Registered Nursing program was added to the campus. New facilities, a nursing lab and science lab were built to serve the needs of the program. In addition to the technical programs an increasing number of arts and science classes are offered each year.Lakewood Health Systems has been an essential partner in providing clinical sites for the nursing students.
The Agricultural Center offers education, training and consulting services at the center as well as at numerous farms and business and industry sites throughout the college’s service area. In addition, the University of Minnesota has joined the center and serves as an incubation site for new ideas in the agricultural field.
Over the past two years, CLC has partnered with the Staples Motley School District and the Freshwater Education District to provide career and liberal arts courses for high school students under the Post Secondary Options program. This partnership allows high school students to take college level courses without leaving the high school.Currently there are over 75 students who participate in the program, taking one or more college level courses.
The Staples campus faculty, staff and administration’s mission is to be a part of the community and a partner to educational and business entities.
Central Lakes College and Wendy Schluender were nominated by Tim Rice.
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Organization of the Year
Staples Host Lions Club
We learn so much from our hearing and sight. When I look to the present of Staples, to the past twenty-eight years I have lived here, or to the future where I intend to remain a part of this community, I see “vestigious leo,” Latin for “the lion’s footprint.” Indeed, the Staples Host Lions spread their positive influence in the past, present and future of our community, in what can be seen and heard.
Lions International, with its motto “We Serve” is committed to empowering people everywhere to see and hear better. Locally this includes collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids as well as contributing funds for needy citizens with sight and hearing issues. The sixty-four members of the Host Lions also embrace a larger mission to train and provide leader dogs, hearing and service dogs for those in several states who need them.
For thirty-four years the Host Lions have helped young people to be heard by sponsoring a local invitational speech tournament, which last year attracted four hundred thirty-two speakers.As a parent, educator and speech coach, I am especially grateful for their sponsorship of this annual event.
Parents, children, families, neighbors and friends can see and meet one another and hear the laughter and cheers of playing children at our local parks, developed in part
by the Host Lions who have provided and improved shelters, dinning space, playground equipment and recreational space.
Students in our local schools can see a brighter future by the Host Lions’ contributions to Dollars for Scholars and the CLC scholarship foundation. Their sponsorship of the middle school Quest program invites young students to see the value in their peers and to gain skills that will enable them to someday hear the needs of a larger world and to respond to the challenges of their time with willing service.
This past April’s lavish “Veterans to D.C.” project culminated months of planning and fundraising with a rousing send-off ceremony, a trip to the veterans’ memorials in our nation’s capital and warm welcome home for those who, like the Lions, served. An unforgettable experience for all of our community, particularly our veterans, this project made us all hear and see gratitude and service in action.
I am very pleased to have nominated the Staples Host Lions for this award.
In addition to Robert Shaffer, the Staples Host Lions Club was also nominated by Lee Jenkins, Ken LeVasseur, Don Sanda, Janet Hoemberg, Sanda and Wally and Shirley Thompson.
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We learn so much from our hearing and sight. When I look to the present of Staples, to the past twenty-eight years I have lived here, or to the future where I intend to remain a part of this community, I see “vestigious leo,” Latin for “the lion’s footprint.” Indeed, the Staples Host Lions spread their positive influence in the past, present and future of our community, in what can be seen and heard.
Lions International, with its motto “We Serve” is committed to empowering people everywhere to see and hear better. Locally this includes collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids as well as contributing funds for needy citizens with sight and hearing issues. The sixty-four members of the Host Lions also embrace a larger mission to train and provide leader dogs, hearing and service dogs for those in several states who need them.
For thirty-four years the Host Lions have helped young people to be heard by sponsoring a local invitational speech tournament, which last year attracted four hundred thirty-two speakers.As a parent, educator and speech coach, I am especially grateful for their sponsorship of this annual event.
Parents, children, families, neighbors and friends can see and meet one another and hear the laughter and cheers of playing children at our local parks, developed in part
by the Host Lions who have provided and improved shelters, dinning space, playground equipment and recreational space.
Students in our local schools can see a brighter future by the Host Lions’ contributions to Dollars for Scholars and the CLC scholarship foundation. Their sponsorship of the middle school Quest program invites young students to see the value in their peers and to gain skills that will enable them to someday hear the needs of a larger world and to respond to the challenges of their time with willing service.
This past April’s lavish “Veterans to D.C.” project culminated months of planning and fundraising with a rousing send-off ceremony, a trip to the veterans’ memorials in our nation’s capital and warm welcome home for those who, like the Lions, served. An unforgettable experience for all of our community, particularly our veterans, this project made us all hear and see gratitude and service in action.
I am very pleased to have nominated the Staples Host Lions for this award.
In addition to Robert Shaffer, the Staples Host Lions Club was also nominated by Lee Jenkins, Ken LeVasseur, Don Sanda, Janet Hoemberg, Sanda and Wally and Shirley Thompson.
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Business of the Year
The Vintage
Does the city of Staples deserve a first rate golf course? The answer was yes to Herb and Gertie Domeno and their son Matt who purchased The Vintage golf course in Staples and then began the continuing long process of creating the golf course of which everyone could be proud.
Gertie, who’s given name is Pearl Cameron, was born in Aldrich, where she grew up and attended Verndale High School. After graduation, she left home and headed for California where she met Herb while both were working in the grocery business. They were married in 1962 at Mother Of Sorrows Catholic Church in Aldrich, then returned to West Los Angeles, where Herb was born and raised. During the next few years the family grew by three with the birth of their sons, Greg, Tim and Matt.
In 1968, Herb and Gertie bought the first of their nine 7-Eleven convenience stores, which they still operate today. On Sept. 6, they were honored with a “40th Year Celebration” at their original store on Overland and Palms in West Los Angeles.
Their travels have been limited to one trip to Spain, a few cruises and a couple of U.S. cities because vacation every year took them back to Minnesota; back to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The physical move to California was easy for Gertie, but her love for her home state and its people has been deeply instilled in Herb, their sons and grandson, so buying The Vintage seemed the perfect fit.
They brought their strong sense of business and their love of community and family back home to Minnesota and the Staples area and began to restore life, warmth and excitement to a sad and tired little golf course, The Vintage, formerly known as Terrace.
By buying the golf course and transforming the grounds and the clubhouse into a place for families
to go and have fun and feel welcomed the Domenos have given to Staples and the surrounding area a wonderful gift and, in turn, Staples has one more (venue) to offer visitors or newcomers to this community.
How has the golfing community responded? More people than ever turned out to help clean up in the spring and get the course ready for play. Membership renewals and new memberships have increased. Active men’s and women’s golf leagues and card clubs meet regularly.
The course has been the venue for 15 golf tournaments this year alone. Two weddings have been celebrated on The Vintage grounds and pavilion, as well as a retirement party, graduation party and wedding anniversary party. Herb, Gert and Matt are very open to visiting with anyone to explore renting the pavilion
space for special events. Matt Domeno has designs on preparing an “outdoor chapel” with the beautiful Crow Wing River as its background. This could serve for smaller outdoor weddings, but the pavilion could still accommodate larger receptions. This chapel area is still a work in progress.
The Domeno’s interest in the Staples community is expressed by their support of junior golf through the high school programs, summer youth PGA and MGA events, support of “Colla Voce” girl’s choir, Chamber of Commerce Wine Tasting fund raiser, the food shelf, the Stomping Grounds, the Chili Cook-off and parade during Railroad Days, the support of the performing arts. . . in other words, their generous genuine interest in the Staples area extends far beyond the examples listed.
By the way, subscribers to the Staples World, do you remember reading about an invitation to an open house Christmas party at the Domeno’s last December? Well, they invited people of the Staples community and they meant with all their hearts to have you come. Herb and Gert and their family love people and you can tell it when you are around them.
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy The Vintage. It’s a wonderful place to stop for a refreshment, something to eat or just some friendly conversation. While there, be sure to “stop and smell the flowers.” They are absolutely beautiful and lend a wonderfully pleasant ambiance around the clubhouse and area grounds. They’re also Gertie’s pride and joy.
The Vintage was nominated by Lee and Judy Jenkins.
Does the city of Staples deserve a first rate golf course? The answer was yes to Herb and Gertie Domeno and their son Matt who purchased The Vintage golf course in Staples and then began the continuing long process of creating the golf course of which everyone could be proud.
Gertie, who’s given name is Pearl Cameron, was born in Aldrich, where she grew up and attended Verndale High School. After graduation, she left home and headed for California where she met Herb while both were working in the grocery business. They were married in 1962 at Mother Of Sorrows Catholic Church in Aldrich, then returned to West Los Angeles, where Herb was born and raised. During the next few years the family grew by three with the birth of their sons, Greg, Tim and Matt.
In 1968, Herb and Gertie bought the first of their nine 7-Eleven convenience stores, which they still operate today. On Sept. 6, they were honored with a “40th Year Celebration” at their original store on Overland and Palms in West Los Angeles.
Their travels have been limited to one trip to Spain, a few cruises and a couple of U.S. cities because vacation every year took them back to Minnesota; back to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The physical move to California was easy for Gertie, but her love for her home state and its people has been deeply instilled in Herb, their sons and grandson, so buying The Vintage seemed the perfect fit.
They brought their strong sense of business and their love of community and family back home to Minnesota and the Staples area and began to restore life, warmth and excitement to a sad and tired little golf course, The Vintage, formerly known as Terrace.
By buying the golf course and transforming the grounds and the clubhouse into a place for families
to go and have fun and feel welcomed the Domenos have given to Staples and the surrounding area a wonderful gift and, in turn, Staples has one more (venue) to offer visitors or newcomers to this community.
How has the golfing community responded? More people than ever turned out to help clean up in the spring and get the course ready for play. Membership renewals and new memberships have increased. Active men’s and women’s golf leagues and card clubs meet regularly.
The course has been the venue for 15 golf tournaments this year alone. Two weddings have been celebrated on The Vintage grounds and pavilion, as well as a retirement party, graduation party and wedding anniversary party. Herb, Gert and Matt are very open to visiting with anyone to explore renting the pavilion
space for special events. Matt Domeno has designs on preparing an “outdoor chapel” with the beautiful Crow Wing River as its background. This could serve for smaller outdoor weddings, but the pavilion could still accommodate larger receptions. This chapel area is still a work in progress.
The Domeno’s interest in the Staples community is expressed by their support of junior golf through the high school programs, summer youth PGA and MGA events, support of “Colla Voce” girl’s choir, Chamber of Commerce Wine Tasting fund raiser, the food shelf, the Stomping Grounds, the Chili Cook-off and parade during Railroad Days, the support of the performing arts. . . in other words, their generous genuine interest in the Staples area extends far beyond the examples listed.
By the way, subscribers to the Staples World, do you remember reading about an invitation to an open house Christmas party at the Domeno’s last December? Well, they invited people of the Staples community and they meant with all their hearts to have you come. Herb and Gert and their family love people and you can tell it when you are around them.
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy The Vintage. It’s a wonderful place to stop for a refreshment, something to eat or just some friendly conversation. While there, be sure to “stop and smell the flowers.” They are absolutely beautiful and lend a wonderfully pleasant ambiance around the clubhouse and area grounds. They’re also Gertie’s pride and joy.
The Vintage was nominated by Lee and Judy Jenkins.