Volunteers Get Involved
Amazing people doing great things . . . our VOLUNTEERS!
Jennifer Lamberson
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Jennifer Lamberson. Jennifer took the roll of Co-Chair for our very popular Book/Bake Sales. This involves many hours of service sorting, organizing the books by genre, and setting up for the sale. It also involves phone calls enlisting Volunteers and preparing a schedule of Volunteers for each day. Jennifer’s warmth and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated. Thank you Jennifer for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Sue Koetner
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Sue Koetner. Sue volunteers for our popular rummage sale fund raisers. This is involves setting up, displaying the items, keeping things organized., and helping people as they shop. Her friendliness, cheerful nature, and warm smile make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Sue for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
LeAnn Engen
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature LeAnn Engen. LeAnn helps with our rummage sales, setting up, keeping things organized, and helping shoppers find the treasures they are looking for. LeAnn’s warmth and friendliness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you LeAnn for your dedication and service to The Bemidji Senior Center!
Toni Hefner
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Toni Hafner. Toni helps with our very popular rummage sales by setting up, keeping items organized, and assisting shoppers. Toni enjoys taking part in Senior Center bus trips . Her friendliness, warm smile, and cheerfulness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Toni for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Mandy Goplin
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Mandy Goplin. Mandy has delivered Meals On Wheels for many years. She is a very active member, attending many events and trips. She especially enjoys the Chanhassen Theater trips. Mandy always has a smile for everyone and her warmth and friendliness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Mandy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Mary Wright
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Mary Wright. Mary is a member of The First City Singers who provide numerous free concerts at the Center throughout the year. Mary’s love of music and her joy of bringing concerts to the Center, nursing homes, assisted living homes, and other venues in the community is very much appreciated. Thank you Mary for your dedication and service to The Bemidji Senior Center!
Jan Busch
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Jan Busch. Jan helps at Bingo held the second and fourth Tuesday each month. She is a very active member attending many events. You can find her each week at the Thursday Music Jam, listening and dancing to the music. She has been one of our Pinochle players. She always has a smile and is friendly to everyone. Thank you Jan for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Dianne Roholt
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Dianne Roholt. Dianne volunteers as a member of The First City Singers who provide many concerts at the Center each year. Dianne is a very active member attending many events, playing cards, joining in our art/craft classes, and enjoying many trips. Thank you Dianne for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Carol Pelton
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Carol Pelton. Carol volunteers to sort through donations for our rummage sales, organizing and preparing items for the sales, as well as helping at these events. She enjoys many activities at the Center and recently joined us on our New Ulm adventure. Carol is warm, friendly, full of energy, and fun to be around. Thank you Carol for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Loren Hoyum
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Loren Hoyum. Loren is a member of the 1st City Singers. They perform several concerts at the Center every year to the delight of members and the community. Loren is a talented woodworker and sells his beautiful cremation boxes in the Senior Creations Gift Shop. Loren enjoys activities at the Center and his friendliness and warm smile make him a great member and Volunteer. Thank you Loren for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Joan Allen
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Joan Allen. Joan is a member of the Woodcarvers group that meet on Wednesdays. She does beautiful work and is very creative. She takes donated yarn and knits wonderful projects she then donates to the Senior Creations Gift Shop. Joan is involved in many events at the Center. Her warmth and friendliness help make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Joan for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Karen Valentine
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Karen Valentine. Karen has delivered Meals On Wheels for many years. She is a very active member who goes on many of our trips and especially enjoys the Chanhassen Theater productions. She is currently taking Spanish classes at the Center. She is fun to be around and brings her warmth and friendliness to other members. Thank you Karen for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Val Mathison
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Val Mathison. Val is one of the instructors for our Matter of Balance classes, so essential for the well being of our members. She also helps write grants. She is a member of Dancing Sky AAA and gives numerous presentations throughout the year. Thank you Val for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Amy Dallman
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Amy Dallman. Amy volunteers as instructor for our Matter of Balance classes. These classes are so important for our members. She also helps with grant writing for the Center. As a member of Dancing Sky AAA, she gives many presentations on various subjects that are well attended. Thank you Amy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Sherie Linke
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature our 2025 Volunteer of the Year Sharie Linke. Sharie organizes our bus trips ranging from one day to longer trips including the National Parks. This takes a lot of prep time and she also guides many of the trips. These trips bring members together, forge new friendships, and create wonderful memories. She also is a Hostess at the front desk and bakes very yummy treats. Sharie’s warmth, friendly nature, and ready smile make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Sharie for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center. Pictured left to right:
Rosemary Dent
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Rosemary Dent. Rosemary greets people as they come for the Thursday Music Jam and takes the entry fee. She greets everyone with a smile and warm welcome. She donates yummy homemade goods for our bake sales and special events. Thank you Rosemary for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Mason Shadrick
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Mason Shadrick. Mason helps out at our delicious Pancake Breakfast, held the second Saturday of each month. Mason pitches in where needed and always has a warm smile. Thank you Mason for giving your time to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Gary Shadrick
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Gary Shadrick. Gary helps at our Pancake Breakfast held the second Saturday each month. He also helps out at other fundraising events. Gary’s ready smile, sense of humor, and friendliness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Gary for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Valerie Gothberg
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Valerie Gothberg. Valerie attends many events at the Center. She helps with set up and clean up at Bingo held the 2nd and 4th Tues each month, always with a smile. Thank you Valerie for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Lenay Tieman
We Love Our Volunteers!
This week we feature Lenay Tieman. Lenay volunteers in the Gift Shop greeting and helping everyone. Very friendly, she makes everyone feel welcome. She also bakes for our bake sales and events. Thank you Lenay for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Caroline Troite
We Love Our Volunteers!
Carolyn’s enjoyment of sharing her music at the Music Jam is very obvious. The Jam is well attended every Thursday at the Center. Thank you Carolyn for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Sandy Gregory
We Love Our Volunteers!
Sandy has been a very active member and volunteer. She keeps the center festively decorated all year long. Sandy has served on the Board of Directors, most recently as President. She has organized many fundraising events, including Oodles of Noodles, Pie in July, the annual Craft Show, Volunteer Appreciation event, and Annual Meeting, just to name a few. She helps set up for events, does the schedule for front desk Hostesses, and is a Hostess herself. She is always warm, friendly, and makes visitors and Volunteers feel welcome. Thank you Sandy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Linda Carlson
We Love Our Volunteers!
Linda is a very dedicated Gift Shop Volunteer. She serves as co-lead of the gift shop alongside Jane Josefson. Her responsibilities include handling bank deposits for the shop, participating on the Gift Shop Committee, assisting vendors and volunteers, and maintaining the shop's inventory. Linda bakes for our bake sales and fundraising events. She helps out where needed. Always friendly, she makes everyone feel welcome. Thank you Linda for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Bruce Biersborn
We Love Our Volunteers!
Bruce has volunteered at our Pancake Breakfast held the second Saturday each month. Bruce is active at the Center and has enjoyed our wonderful bus trips. Thank you Bruce for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Janelle Owen
We Love Our Volunteers!
Janelle Owen volunteers as a server at our popular monthly Pancake Breakfast, held the 2nd Saturday each month. She serves everyone with a welcoming smile. Thank you Janell for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Gloria Beighley
We Love Our Volunteers!
Gloria serves at our monthly Pancake Breakfast, held the second Saturday each month. She is very friendly and greets everyone with a warm smile. Thank you Gloria for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Jill Pesch
We Love Our Volunteers!
Jill recently taught classes of American MahJongg at the Center. MahJongg is proven to be beneficial for cognitive function and socialization. Jill’s warm smile and easy nature make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Jill for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Byron Troite
We Love Our Volunteers!
Byron shares his banjo playing talent at out popular Music Jams, held every Thursday. Everyone loves listening and dancing to the music at these weekly jam sessions. Thank you Byron for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Lanee Paulson
We Love Our Volunteers!
Manager Verna Joy Lenker presenting the United Way Someone Special Volunteers plaques to 2025 recipient Lanee Paulson.
Kelly McGaurn
We Love Our Volunteers!
Manager Verna Joy Lenker presenting the United Way Someone Special Volunteers plaques to 2025 recipient Kelly MaGaurn.
Mo
We Love Our Volunteers!
Mo shares his singing and guitar playing at our very popular weekly Thursday Music Jams. His talent, friendliness, and warmth make him a wonderful member of our Jams. Thank you Mo for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Karen Raymond
We Love Our Volunteers!
Karen volunteers as Hostess at the front desk, greeting people, answering the phone, having coffee ready for everyone, and assisting people as needed. She is very warm and friendly and makes everyone feel welcome. Thank you Karen for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Linda Pond
We Love Our Volunteers!
Linda has volunteered to sort and organize all the items donated for our rummage sales. She comes in frequently to sort and stay on top of all the items brought in. Her warmth and friendly smile make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Linda for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Theresa Winch
We Love Our Volunteers!
Theresa is one of our line dancing instructors, providing beginner and intermediate classes every Wednesday morning. Theresa also helps as needed at events. She attends our various art and craft classes. Theresa’s enthusiasm and friendliness make her a fun person to be with. Thank you Theresa for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Cindy Nornes
We Love Our Volunteers!
Cindy volunteers in the Senior Creations Gift Shop helping customers and organizing items. Cindy’s enthusiasm and friendly nature make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Cindy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Richard Morine
We Love Our Volunteers!
Richard plays the harmonica and sings at our very popular Thursday Music Jams. Everyone enjoys listening and dancing to the music each week. Thank you Richard for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
John Martin
We Love Our Volunteers!
John has helped with the task of clean up after our Rummage and Book Sales. This involves packing up and loading up items to be distributed elsewhere. Thank you John for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Terry Thomas
We Love Our Volunteers!
Terry volunteers preparing taxes each year at the AARP tax site at the Center. This involves many hours of training and many hours of volunteering doing taxes for the community. Her friendliness and warmth are great assets to this program. Thank you Terry for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Cindy Kessem
We Love Our Volunteers!
Cindy volunteers at the AARP Tax Preparation site at the Center, preparing Federal and State taxes for the community. This involves many hours of training and many hours of volunteering on site. It is a wonderful service provided to our members and the community. Thank you Cindy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Nancy Sullivan
We Love Our Volunteers!
Nancy has taken on the task of sorting and organizing all the items donated for our Rummage Sales. She comes in frequently to stay on top of going through all the items. She also helps out wherever needed. Always friendly, she helps make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Nancy for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Shirley Lee
We Love Our Volunteers!
Shirley shares her talented piano playing at our Music Jam every Thursday. She is a pleasure to listen to and amazingly plays by ear. Thank you Shirley for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Diane Ohl
We Love Our Volunteers!
Diane is a Hostess at the front desk warmly greeting everyone, answering the phone, keeping the coffee flowing, and assisting wherever needed. She donates delicious baked goods for our frequent bake sales. Her warm smile makes everyone feel welcome. Thank you Diane for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Shorty Schmidt
We Love Our Volunteers!
Shorty volunteers his time and talent at our weekly Thursday Music Jam, playing guitar and singing. These jams are very popular and everyone enjoys listening and dancing to the music. Thank you Shorty for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Beverly Leeper
We Love Our Volunteers!
Beverly is a very active member and Volunteer. She brings delicious home made treats to every Thursday Music Jam to share with everyone. She also donates her baked goods to our popular bake sales. Thank you Beverly for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Carol Kilian
We Love Our Volunteers!
Carol shares her talented accordion playing at our Thursday Music Jam each week for everyone’s enjoyment. Our Jams pack the house and everyone enjoys dancing and listening. Thank you Carol for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Jim Cortes
We Love Our Volunteers!
Jim keeps the rhythm and beat going strong at our weekly Music Jam. His love of playing the drums is obvious. Thank you Jim for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Jim Fultz
We Love Our Volunteers!
Jim plays guitar at our weekly Music Jam, always with a smile. Our Thursday Music Jams are a wonderful time for everyone to get together to enjoy listening and dancing to our talented volunteer musicians. Thank you Jim for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Mike Rearick
We Love Our Volunteers! This week we feature Mike Rearick. Mike shares his talent and love of music playing guitar at our very popular Thursday Music Jams. A large number of people come to enjoy and dance every week. Thank you Mike for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Phyllis Braunies
We Love Our Volunteers!
Phyllis is a very active member and Volunteer. She volunteers at our monthly Pancake Breakfast, bakes delicious items for our Bake Sales, and volunteers at our annual Christmas gift wrapping. She also helps out at our many fundraising events. Thank you Phyllis for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Velma Wesloh
We Love Our Volunteers!
Velma is a long time very active member of the Center. She attends many of our events and has volunteered at many of our fund raisers. Her warm smile and friendly nature make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Velma for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Terry Bradley
We Love Our Volunteers!
Terry is a member of the First City Singers who perform frequently at the Center and provide entertainment for many of our fundraising events. Their performances are always well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Terry for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Holly Ewert
We Love Our Volunteers!
Holly shares her wonderful talent of banjo playing at our weekly Music Jam held every Thursday. These jams pack the house and everyone enjoys listening, dancing, and socializing. Thank you Holly for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Sandy Underwood
We Love Our Volunteers!
Sandy volunteers in the Senior Creations Gift Shop and helps out at our many events. Sandy’s warmth, friendliness, and enthusiasm make everyone feel welcome, greeting everyone with a smile. Thank you, Sandy, for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Merry Lynn Wenaas
We Love Our Volunteers!
Merry Lynn is a very active member of the Center. She volunteers in the Senior Creations Gift Shop and as Hostess at the front desk. She helps out at our many fund-raising events, always warm and friendly. Thank you, Merry Lynn, for your dedication and service to the Bemidji
Sue Wells
We Love Our Volunteers!
Sue volunteers as Hostess at the front desk, warmly greeting everyone as they enter the Center. She has taken on the duty of dishwasher at our monthly Pancake Breakfasts. Sue offers to help at various fundraisers. Sue’s friendliness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you, Sue, for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Barb Evans
We Love Our Volunteers!
Barb regularly serves customers at our very popular monthly Pancake Breakfast, held the 2nd Saturday each month. Thank you, Barb, for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Barb Bjerke
We Love Our Volunteers!
Barb Bjerke has been an active member for 19 years. She served on the Board of Directors, one term as Secretary. She has been on several committees: Volunteer committee, Membership Committee, Gift Shop Committee, and Newsletter Committee. She has taught several art and craft classes. For 7 years she picked up the weekly donations from Luekens. She is a hostess at the front desk, greeting everyone that comes to the Center. She is the administrator for the Senior Center Facebook Page. Thank you Barb for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!
Mikey Lucia
We Love Our Volunteers!
Mikey Lucia is a very active member of the Bemidji Senior Center. She is a Hostess at the front desk warmly greeting everyone that enters the Center. She is co-lead of the Volunteer Committee helping members find desirable activities to Volunteer for and also supporting active Volunteers. She helps out at our many fund raising events. Mikey’s energy, warmth, and kindness make her a special Volunteer. Thank you Mikey for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Nadine Mandt
We Love Our Volunteers!
Nadine Mandt is a Hostess at the front desk, warmly greeting everyone, making coffee, answering the phone, and assisting people as needed. She is a member of the Volunteer Committee, linking members to Volunteer positions they will enjoy. Her warmth and friendliness make everyone feel welcome. Thank you Nadine for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center.
Pat Kelly
We Love Our Volunteers!
Pat Kelly is a member of the First City Singers. The First City Singers perform numerous concerts at the Center that are very popular and well attended, including our Veteran’s Day Celebration, Oodles of Noodles and Yankee Doodle, and a Christmas concert and more. Pat attends many events at the Center. Thank you, Pat, for your dedication and service to the Bemidji Senior Center!