Caledonia Argus

Outstanding senior citizen hamed

Posted: 7/30/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Vera Hanson of Houston bubbles over with enthusiasm for life. People who know her will understand when she says two of her favorite activities are talking and laughing. Her willingness to spread good cheer and lend a helping hand to others has earned her recognition as an Outstanding Senior Citizen of Houston County.

Vera was born in 1921 on Oak Ridge near Houston and has spent 55 years in her cozy home near the Houston Elementary School. Her late husband, Henry Hanson, spent 20 years as a ìdynamite manî for Hector Construction of Caledonia.

ìHe never had an accident,î said Vera. ìI prayed a lot. I had three small kids.î

Those three kids are now all grown up with families of their own. Daughter Diane Lambrecht, New Ulm, nominated her mother for the outstanding senior honor. Her son Charles lives in Winona and her son Thomas lives in Ohio. She also has five grandchildren: Aaron Lambrecht; Katie and Matt Hanson and Molly and Ellie Hanson.

Vera spent many years working hard. She was the cleaning lady at the former Security Bank for 35 years, and worked in the summer cleaning the Houston elementary school. She also worked in peopleís homes, and for 20 years at Lake Center Industries in Rushford (now Rush Products).

When Vera retired from paid work, she kept up her busy pace, but the difference is that now she spends her time serving others.

On Mondays, Vera volunteers at the Valley View Nursing Home where she helps with Bingo and lunch. She does mending for the residents, takes some of them shopping and volunteers to help at special occasions like the Christmas tea. She works at the senior citizen center in Houston, and serves senior meals.

ìShe is very dedicated,î said Valley View activities director Judy Munson. ìShe never misses a Monday. She is here early to set up, and is always bubbly and happy. She greets everyone with a smile. We just love her.î

In her church, Cross of Christ, she is active in WELCA, her church circle and church events such as the annual bazaar. She helps at funeral dinners and community fund-raisers. Her daughter told her she should slow down once she hit 80, and she admits that she hasóbut just a little.

ìI like to keep busy,î said Vera. ìI hate to see the day when I canít do it.î

Vera also volunteers her time to sell daffodils for the American Cancer Society, and corresponds with grade school students in the RSVP secret pen pals program.

ìI love to hear from the kids,î said Vera.

When Vera isnít volunteering, she enjoys tending to her lawn and working in her flower garden. She is a member of the Forget-Me-Nots garden club. In the evenings, she enjoys sitting on her screened porch and visiting with people who walk by. Some even sit and talk awhile, she said. She likes to shop, she is a fan of the Minnesota Twins and enjoys the companionship of her cat, ìBlackie.î But Vera said her greatest joy is ìgoing out to eat with the girls.î

ìIím also a member of TOPS, but I donít do so good,î laughed Vera.

She has never driven a car, but that hasnít affected her activities.

ìI always got to places without driving,î said Vera. Her friends have always been willing to give her a lift.

Vera is a country music fan, and has enjoyed visiting the Grand Olí Opry and Branson, Missouri.

Vera will be honored at Senior Citizens Day, Thursday, August 15, during the Houston County Fair. Harold Thompson, who will be featured next week, will also be honored as one of Houston Countyís Outstanding Senior Citizens. The two will also be recognized at the Minnesota State Fair.

Volunteering is an important part of Veraís life, and her dedication is apparent.

ìI enjoy every bit of it,î said Vera. ìMore people should be involved.î

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