Phyllis Parker honored as Minnesota’s Salute to Senior Service Winner

Phyllis Parker of Grand Marais has been recognized for her many volunteer activities. Phyllis is the Minnesota winner of the Salute to Senior Service Award. She also receives $500 for the charity of her choice. Phyllis said she will be giving her award to Cook County Care Partners.

Phyllis Parker of Grand Marais has been honored as the Minnesota winner of the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Salute to Senior Service award.

Parker, 69, was recognized for her dedicated community service, including her work with Cook County Care Partners. She was nominated by Shirley Lindgren.

Through Care Partners Phyllis has formed deep relationships with patients and their families. She reads on a weekly basis to several seniors, including a 104-year-old lady whose family lives out of state.

Phyllis also volunteers at WTIP Community Radio, is the volunteer secretary of the Maple Hill Community Fire Department, is in charge of registration for the annual Mush for a Cure fundraiser, and serves as treasurer of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women.

As one of 50 state winners, Parker earned $500 for her charity of choice – donated by Home Instead Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network and contest sponsor. Parker said she will donate the prize to Cook County Care Partners.

Parker will also have a spot on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame on SalutetoSeniorService.com where her nomination story has been posted. As a state winner, Parker now will be considered for the national Salute to Senior Service award. The winner will be announced June 30.

The Salute to Senior Service program was launched last year by the Home Instead Senior Care network to honor seniors’ commitments to their causes and communities.

“Phyllis represents so well the dedication and commitment that make senior volunteers such a value to their communities,” said Jeff Huber, president of Home Instead, Inc. “She has proven once again that age is meaningless when it comes to making a difference. So many charities, nonprofit organizations and faith communities could not do the work they are doing without selfless volunteers such as Phyllis.”