Myrvik, Guttormsson cited for volunteer work

David Myrvik of Minneota and Barb Guttormsson of Taunton were recognized Saturday as the 2021 Outstanding Senior Citizens of Lyon County.
Before a well-attended Senior Citizens Days event under the big tent at the Lyon County Fair, Myrvik and Guttormsson were called up to the stage by Jaen Weilage, who is one of the program coordinators.
"I think it's important that we acknowledge the many ways seniors stay active and involved, serving their communities in such a wide variety of ways," Weilage said. "This year, Barb and David truly represent the deeds and accomplishments of seniors throughout the county all year long."
Each county in the state has one male and one female Outstanding Senior Citizen representative as part of the Minnesota State Fair's recognition program. They will all be honored at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 2 and two winners will be chosen Minnesota Outstanding Senior Citizens during the program at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage.
"Let them be an inspiration to others to find their own way and reasons to volunteer and make contributions that benefit individuals and the community," said Weilage.
Myrvik and Guttormsson were nominated by members of the community and a panel of judges then determined this year's winners.Guttormsson was nominated for her volunteer with the One More Time Thrift Store, the window displays in the public library, baking pies as a group called "The Crusty Pie Ladies" and selling them frozen in the thrift store and as auction items with proceeds going to St. Edward's Church and school.
Guttormsson presented and developed the idea to open the thrift store four years ago with all proceeds going to St. Edward's School. The success of the store has been overwhelming with community members continually donating items to be sold. She also organizes the annual silent auction that raises money for St. Edward's.
"Everyone's garages and attics are a lot cleaner now in Minneota," joked Weilage, who emceed the program on Saturday.
Guttormsson has also been known to help those less fortunate or having medical by bringing them food.
Myrvik told the audience that he had put on 1,550 miles on his car just in the last week while driving for UCAP (United Community Action Partnership), which is a non-profit corporation whose website goal mission is “eliminate poverty by empowering individuals and strengthening communities".
Myvik has been a volunteer driver for the past 14 years for young and old, families and individuals. He is often on the road in every direction of the state and beyond. Some of his runs have been as far as Rochester or Sioux Falls. Many of the clients he drives for are for meetings they need to attend, medical transportation, or just errands that they are unable to do because they have no transportation.
Myrvik was the only driver for UCAP that continued during the pandemic period, fully aware of the need these people had to get to appointments.
Myrvik has also delivered the Senior Perspective newspaper to various businesses on a volunteer basis for the past seven years. He also is a very handy woodworker despite the loss of two fingers. The toy trains, trucks and forklifts he makes are often donated to silent auctions.