Often the people most deserving of recognition are those least interested in seeking it out.
After years quietly giving their time and talents to the community, Diane and Dale Hendricks were named the Steele County Outstanding Seniors of 2024. The couple formally received the honor Thursday at the Steele County Free Fair, in recognition of their years of service at Community Pathways of Steele County and other local organizations.
Presiding over the ceremony, Bruce Kubicek of the Exchange Club of Steele County dubbed Diane the "Swiss Army knife" of Community Pathways for her versatility as a volunteer. For all the heavy lifting he's done at the organization, Dale earned the title of "the muscle." Grinning, Dale rolled up his sleeve and flexed his bicep.
According to Dom Korbel, executive director at Community Pathways, those titles are well-deserved. He said Diane is the first person to jump in when extra help is needed.
"I’ll bet she has done every volunteer role we have in some capacity," said Korbel.
Dale serves as a driver for the organization's food rescue operations, saving incalculable amounts of food that would've gone to waste and bringing it back to feed local families instead. Korbel noted that Dale helped unload a truck mere hours before the ceremony.
Korbel nominated the Hendricks couple for the great work they've done at his organization, but said he's since learned much more about their contributions elsewhere in the community — a testament to how quiet they are about their good deeds.
"They’re a couple that has chosen to take their retirement time and probably be more busy than they were when they were working, because that’s how they’re wired. We’re just thrilled to have them," he said.
Diane played a key role in the merger between the Steele County Clothesline and the Steele County Food Shelf, the two organizations that came together to form Community Pathways in 2020.
The two are also generous with their time as active members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Dale, a veteran, gives his fellow service members rides to and from the VA hospital in Minneapolis.
Diane told the People's Press there are many seniors in the community deserving of the award, but she and her husband are "honored and humbled" to accept it. Dale said the two of them are just grateful to be able to help others.
Accepting the award, he said they simply don't know any other way.
"We really do enjoy giving back to the community with our time and energy. It’s good to keep moving. We love the people that we engage with," said Dale.
Diane credited her parents with modeling community service, and giving her the mindset that people who are blessed ought to be a blessing to others.
"They always volunteered. I don’t remember a time when they didn’t. They gave up their time and their talents all their lives, up to the time they were 90 years old. It was something I just grew up with and it was just something instilled in me," she said.
She joked that they'd only received the honor because Korbel had embellished their contributions in his nomination letter. From the crowd, Korbel shouted back, "I didn't say enough!"
Knowing they shy away from the spotlight, Korbel tried to keep the nomination a secret from them for as long as possible.
"This is hard for them to accept because it’s not why they do it. They don’t do it for any recognition. They do it because they want to make a difference," he said.
The Exchange Club of Steele County has been recognizing local seniors for community service for decades. Kubicek welcomed people to contact the club if they're interested in nominating someone as one of next year's Outstanding Seniors.
Most Popular
Comments / 0