Johnsons named Hometown Heroes

Duane and Betty Johnson were honored recently by being named Hometown Heroes by the Modern Woodmen, Chapter No. 5012 of Bemidji.

The Johnsons, of Clearbrook, were announced as recipients of the honor on August 9 by John Hellquist, area coordinator for Modern Woodmen.

In his nomination of the Johnsons as Hometown Heroes, Hellquist listed quite a number of aspects about the Johnsons, as follows:

Worked as a team for the past 60 years;

Active in the community, always willing to lend a helping hand to community and family;

American Legion and Auxiliary members, where Duane is in the color guard, and they cook meals, with proceeds going to community projects;

Betty is a color guard officer, and both are active with the Memorial Day program helping set up flags at local cemeteries;

Betty was on the Fair Board for many years, with Duane being an honorary member; They help spruce up the fairgrounds with flowers and help with raffle calendar sales;

Past 4-H leaders and mentors to their grandchildren and local kids.

Members and officers of the Clearbrook Senior Center; serving as last-minute substitute cooks; deliver meals on wheels;

Assist with food pick-up for the Clearwater County Food Shelf;

Members, past officers and committee members at Good Shepherd Church and WELCA;

Helped with the Clearbrook Depot renovation project and fundraisers;

Betty is a past officer and member of the Good Samaritan Center Auxiliary.

The honor of being named a Hometown Hero carries with it a $100 donation to the charity of their choosing. The Johnsons decided to give their $100 to the new Vietnam Memorial that is part of the Veterans Memorial in Clearbrook.

Their certificate from Modern Woodmen states, "You believe in volunteer service, and so do we! As a fraternal financial services organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities, we recognize your accomplishments and appreciate your contribution to your community."