Spring Events

By Troy L. Jackson
Contributing Writer
Spring is out; we already know that, from the west coast where glimpse of bi-weekly rain and 60 degree temps can dampen a mood to BAM! 80 and 90 degree weather; to the two towns crest in between last year Spring nightmare, Americans in the Northern Hemisphere are feeling the Spring season and its optimisms.

April and May are the prime months for humans to actually want to better themselves and its community, whether it’s running early in the morning before work or school, to hitting the lakes back up to deep and shallow waters, there is also spring cleaning, or even retracing on our New Year’s resolutions (if you haven’t started it yet). One way or another we look to do something helpful, that is what we out here look forward to doing.

Well what makes Fargo/Moorhead unique- in a span of five weeks we celebrated and had a number of events, fundraisers, award ceremonies, you name it; all in recognition in helping more than just our own selves, but also the community we live in.

On April 9th we had an awards ceremony to appreciate the work of helping special needs teens, April 22nd was Earth Day, what makes that special for our area is that Fargo/Moorhead was ranked #1 in the Nation for best overall city environment to live in, according to the American Lung Association, an accolade that serves for more than just one listing.

April 30th ‘A Run to Remember’ was a somber event set at NDSU that allowed area walkers and runners raise money for the fallen Soldiers of the Iraq and Afghanistan War.

With the Spring weather exceeding our previous expectations of last year’s weather (and the man hours invested in sand bagging); this season so far allows us to flex our muscles, minds and hearts to reach for something positive to do and take some sort of action, such as tracking down 4 individuals at my favorite event so far; the Gala Awards.
Special Night at the Gala Awards
As I walked out the Courtyard Marriot in Moorhead, MN on April 9th, I finally was appreciative of the services Larry Young, Jon Opgrand, Dale Johnson and Jeff Anderson do for disable teens and young adults who are mentally challenged.

The 3rd annual Transition Gala & ESTR Awards Presentation was held for people in the area who assist transition people with variants of disabilities move on to the next stage in their life, and Tyler, a friend of mine that I met there is one of the teens that is a part of an organization called the Friendship, Inc.

That is where Jon Opgrand works for, Jon oversees the Friendship, Inc. and he is the Liaison of the organization, Jon has been working their since 1995. I converse with Jon about the services he conducts on the job field, he say’s “you have to love everyone unconditionally, and that means people with disabilities… they need as much help to transition in the ‘real world’ out there just like everyone else.”

Another nominee, Larry Young, originally from Breckenridge, MN; he was nominated for being a “local celebrity” says Shelly, Larry’s wife. Larry works for the Clay County Social Services, and he specializes in, “doing the best job possible I helping as many High School teens who are mentally challenged in making sure their needs are met outside of the school environment” a task that can be difficult for many two parent households to manage themselves, let alone being responsible for a county full, but Larry just takes it in stride day by day.

Jeff Anderson, another nominee was recognized for the countless hours he dedicates at his job CLS, which stands for Committee Living Services. Jeff brought along a huge amount of friends, family and co-workers at attendance at the ceremony; after having a conversation with Jeff, I see why so many of his came, sporting the clean-cut look and a shiny shaved bald head, he exudes confidence when he talked about his passion of work, “My job is the place to be… I work with kids to help fight the battle who need help once the state and local funding expires for the mentally challenge teens and young adults”.
Jeff also added “adapting to situations people outside the description people are not used to knowing about.”

The fourth nominee at the event was Dale Johnson, the type of guy that “you can call up and is always available to help somebody out”, say’s Mary Olstad, who is the Head Coordinator of the event that night. Dale is a retired substitute Special Education teacher at Moorhead High School, but on his spare time, Dale trains special need recipients with functional social skills, which help them know the basis of figuring out life on their own; basic things such as getting ready for job interviews and post high school educational needs. Dale boasted with conviction about “32 years later, I never had a student who never had a problem transitioning to college or vocational school.”

‘Maximum Independence” is what each of these four nominees strive for in life, to help others like Tyler, who talked with me about his loves in life, which are Beyonce, listening to rap music, eating pizza and any discussion relating to money. Many individuals like Tyler are allowed to concentrate on the simpler things in life that most teenagers and young adults also thing about one way or another.

After talking to the four guys who were up for this years award, they finally announce the winner in front of the 20 plus filled up tables, each representing the 20 organizations which supported the event (for more information about learning about each of the organizations please log on to redriverresilience.com or liveyourlifewell.org ).

When Jeff Anderson was acknowledged as the winner for the award, his supporters jumped in excitement for a great man who has done tremendous work in the community.

That event changed my life in a way that could allow me to be more active in helping people, no matter what the situation that individual may have been born under.

Thanks to guys like Larry Young, Jon Opgrand, Dale Johnson and Jeff Anderson; all four who honestly did not care about who really won the award, not saying that they shouldn’t care, but each of them are just proud to be appreciated for the work they provide in the Fargo/Moorhead area in the Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. Thanks guys
       

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