Every year at the Polk County Fair, seniors from throughout the county are invited to a program.
The Senior Day program was on July 8 in the Christian Fellowship Tent on the fairgrounds. The program’s highlight is the introduction of Polk County’s Outstanding Senior Citizen, which went to Cecilia Baatz this year. “Every year, we take a moment to recognize seniors who go above and beyond for our communities,” said Ashley Melsa, Volunteer Coordinator for Villa St. Vincent.
Baatz has lived in Crookston since 1961. In her younger years, she was a registered nurse. Her last role as an RN was being the public health nurse for Polk County, where she served for 50 years.
Volunteering
After retirement, Baatz started volunteering in the Crookston community. This led to her becoming a long-time Benedictine Living Community auxiliary member, BLC-C pastoral care volunteer, BLC-C activity volunteer, along with being an active member of the Crookston Cathedral Catholic Daughters. She was in the Crookston Garden Club, a 40-year member of the Eagles Auxiliary of Crookston, and the main organ player for the Crookston Cathedral.
“Within her years of volunteering, Cecilia has helped with big fundraising projects, which helped purchase a hospital bed, she helped with the Tri-Shaw bike for the residents, a smart television for residents to use during Covid to stay connected to the community, and a handicap accessible swing that will be coming to the nursing home soon,” Melsa said.
With the Catholic Daughters, Baatz helps serve at funerals and luncheons, where she helps prepare and serve meals at the Care and Share homeless shelter in Crookston.
“Cecilia has done many great things for the community of Crookston. She has a passion for bettering those around her. She is always looking for more to help with, encouraging others to be a part of events as well,” Melsa concluded.
“Cloud nine”
Baatz said she was “humbled, excited, and honored” to receive the award. She admitted that she hesitated to answer her phone when caller ID indicated it was from Tri-Valley. Perhaps she thought she was being offered another volunteering opportunity. “Volunteering is a big part of my life,” she explained. When she learned that she was to receive the Outstanding Senior Award, Baatz said it took her a while to “come down off of cloud nine.” “To be considered for this award, a nominee must be a part of active unpaid volunteerism after reaching the age of 65,” Melbye said. This year, Baatz was the only senior to be honored in Polk County.
State Fair Seniors Award discontinued
The state-level Outstanding Senior Citizens Award and recognition program at the State Fair has been discontinued in 2022. County coordinators are encouraged to continue the recognition program at the county level. The State Fair will provide up to two honorees from each county with a Minnesota State Fair Outstanding Senior Citizen pin and two free tickets to the State Fair.
County coordinators are asked to submit the names and addresses of up to two honorees and email them to outstandingsr@mnstatefair.org. The submission deadline is Monday, August 8, at 4:30 p.m. Pins and tickets directly to each honoree in mid-August.
Story and picture credited to Twylla Altepeter of Fertile Journal.
