Volunteer highlight

Volunteer Services of Carlton County

Pine Knot News

Hats serve many purposes, both practical and fashionable, and in times past were an indicator of social status. Today, “hats” can also refer to the many roles we fill. Many will agree that wearing many hats, figuratively speaking, is quite a balancing act. And while wearing many hats presents many challenges, it also presents many opportunities. This month’s featured volunteer, Jennie K. Hanson of Wright, fondly known as “the hat lady,” thrives on wearing many hats, literally and figuratively.

Perhaps best known as the local newswriter, Hanson’s weekly column, the Wright-Cromwell News, is featured in several local publications. (See Page 9)While some may describe small towns as being “sleepy,” Hanson says a lot goes on in small communities and she wants to keep people abreast of the happenings.

Hanson is also a retired teacher and remains an educator at heart. She is the president of the Retired Educators Association of Minnesota, and continues to work with youth in the schools and through community activities.

And Hanson is determined that older adults not be forgotten. One of her favorite activities is sharing time with folks up at Villa Vista. Though she no longer has relatives living there, she continues to visit and help with special programs for the residents, lighting up their lives. Hanson says that even if it is difficult for some to communicate verbally, they communicate by the twinkle in their eyes. It brings her a lot of joy to touch other people’s lives in such a meaningful way.

And, often donning red, white and blue, Hanson is also known for her patriotism, and helps organize various patriotic activities in the Wright-Cromwell area. In addition, she serves with several other organizations throughout the county.

Hanson says the benefits of volunteering are numerous, but she specifically notes the rewards of building relationships; it helps keep her active, and also says it brings great joy to her life. She encourages folks to get involved, noting, “The vitality of small communities is its volunteers.” It’s a win-win situation.

Thank you, Jennie, for your example and tirelessly serving our community.