Vivian Peterson recognized as an outstanding community volunteer

Vivian Peterson recognized as an outstanding community volunteer
Often we hear about people in our neighborhoods who help others and offer their time and energy to help communities and change worlds, but often they are not recognized.
At a special private ceremony in Minneapolis Vivian Peterson was recognized for just that.
The 2006 Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Humans Service presented awards to ten Minnesotans with long records of service to their communities at a private ceremony on November 16. Vivian was among the 10 selected in the state of Minnesota.
Vivian was escorted to Minneapolis to attend this event by her daughter Susie Larson, her grandson, Nathan and Mayor Nancy Jewell of Williams.
“I was overwhelmed,” She said.
Vivian Peterson has helped the elderly for more then 60 years, since she was 12 years old. She brings community members shopping and to the doctor, and she regularly checks on those with little or no family. She has been active with her local Adopt a Grandparent program, and has served as a Sunday School teacher, Girls Scout leader and 4-H leader.
She said her favorite saying is “God is so good, no matter what. God does not give us more then we can handle”.
She lives at her home on the north side of the tracks just east of Williams. She grew up on a farm and had to quit school to help take care of her sisters and brothers as her Mother was ill.. Years later she married a farmer who was in partnership with his brother. They raised seed potatoes, grain crops and had cattle.
Vivian has lead an active Church life.
“My faith has been the backbone of my life,” she said. “Always doing for others. I always felt lead by God in everything I do.”
Vivian also works for the local Hospice team. “I enjoy caring for people,” said Peterson. “My life has been richly blessed when I can be of some help no matter what the problem.”
Vivian has also stopped by several times a week at the LakeWood Care Center in Baudette to visit and to advocate for services and resources on behalf of those without local families.
Her active life serving others has also lead her to serve as a volunteer as well as in respite care at the Williams Senior Center and provides telephone support services to the elderly and shut-ins through Lutheran Social Services.
When Vivian hears about anyone who is sick or lonely, she pays them a visit, takes them for a ride or brings them a meal. “I can’t stand to see anyone hurting,” she admits. “Laughter goes a long ways.” For Vivian, life’s greatest joy is providing love and support to those who lack it, at the times they most need it.
Erika L. Binger, Chair of the McNight Foundation had these words to say. “Our awardees recognize that those they serve are not separate from our communities; rather compose our communities. By helping neighbors when they need a leg up, the whole neighborhood gains in strength and unity. Each kind act holds potential to spread in unforeseen ways across a human network of mutual support and hope.”
Vivian shared a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson and said, “This is me”....
”Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and may I leave a trail.”