Area Coordinator Team honored as Chapter Group Volunteer All Stars
The Chapter offers more than 80 regularly scheduled clubs, groups and networking opportunities — helping address the informational, emotional and social support needs of people affected by MS. Area coordinators are the leadership team for this critically important chapter program. These hard-working volunteers provide guidance and assistance to club and group leaders in their area. They help regional groups establish a sense of community by visiting meetings, and they maintain regular contact with leaders. They also coordinate opportunities for regional leaders to come together and connect a few times each year. Their contributions ensure club and group leaders feel connected to the Society and its mission.
Area Coordinator Team members include: Cindy Lewer, Waseca; Jan Iverson, New Ulm; Marge & Ray Berg, Gibbon; Kathy Kahnke, Redwood Falls; Robin Scheib, Roseville; Rick Leaf, Crystal; Beth Jensen, Minneapolis; Paulette Como, St. Cloud; Betsy Mahowald, St. Cloud; Ann Hoffke, Dassel; Deb Merten, Osakis; Bev Strongitharm, Duluth; Marge Marsen, Duluth; Corry Fredrickson, Hibbing; Renee Fredrickson, Hibbing; and Carson Stensland, Bemidji. Also honored are former area coordinators Lois and Duane Woehler. Lois passed away in 2010.
Mary Chase and Colleen Sazama selected as Programs Volunteer All Stars
As group leaders in Perham, Colleen Sazama and Mary Chase are tireless in their efforts to serve people with MS. Not only do they plan and facilitate monthly meetings; they visit group members in their homes every month. For several gatherings each year, they bring in expert guest speakers, who provide group members information on how to live well with MS. Colleen and Mary are also passionate MS ambassadors. They have raised MS awareness by establishing relationships with their state legislators, writing editorials for the local newspaper, speaking to the Lions Club, chatting on a local radio program, serving as MS booth exhibitors at community health fairs and spearheading “street team” initiatives during MS Awareness Week. And Perham residents would be surprised to see Colleen and Mary sporting anything other than National MS Society T-shirts in town. Colleen and Mary are also key members of their local Walk MS team, the Perham Go-Getters. Since 2003, the Go-Getters have raised more than $34,000. Together, Colleen and Mary are a formidable pair in the fight for a world free of MS!
Congratulations Mary and Colleen!