Unsung Hero

Danford Olson 2008 Unsung Hero by Ann Murrow

The 2008 Unsung Hero Award is bestowed upon a man known for his humbleness and wide-range of community accomplishments. Danford Olson, known by his friends as Dan sees a need or a void in the community, finds a way to rectify it, and soon, as if by magic, fixes it. The 4th of July Council is proud to name him the 2008 Unsung Hero.

He and wife, Bev moved to Lago Vista during 1995 and joined the Lago Vista Lions Club where he served as a co-chair of the car raffle, and assumed the responsibility as liaison to the Texas Lions Camp for Handicapped Children in Kerrville for five years. During his tenure the number of children attending camp from this area rose from two to nine. Many Lions Club service activities to the community found Olson involved including in the monthly Lohman Ford Road Clean-Up, the 4th of July parade and booth, and serving as photographer and Social Services Chairman.

While serving on the Lago Vista Community Library Board of Directors from 1999 to 2001 the library was sold to the City of Lago Vista, making a giant step to serve the community. He has remained a member of the Library Advisory Council to the City.

Olson serves as President of the Friends of the Library since 1999. During this time, membership in the Friends has increased to nearly 300 patrons. Under his leadership, no member of the Friends of the Library Board has resigned except those who moved away from Lago Vista, plus several new members have been added. The Bake and Book Sale and Annual Member Chili Supper have grown under his leadership and contributions have increased almost every year. Attention to detail is but one of Olson's many fine qualities. He always finds a cherry pie to sell with a price tag of $200 and makes sure its sold. The Friends have paid for many improvements to the library since it became an arm of the City-including computers, new office for the librarians, renovation of the meeting room and new chairs and tables.

He has been a member of the Presidents' Council since 2001 and has participated in the Candidates' Night, serving as time keeper and placing boxes around the community to solicit questions from residents to be asked at the forum.

Last fall Olson, along with wife Bev were members of a group of people who have started a new Methodist Church in Lago Vista, one that has rapidly grown to 158 members and is awaiting its charter. Both are active members of their church, singing in the 20-member choir. Olson leads a Men's Breakfast and Bible Study group. This men's group has started a handymen activity to help people in the congregation who need a hand with minor projects.

Hill Country Community Ministries is yet another area Olson has been involved, both on building projects or on a major work project where manpower was needed.

It is easy to see, Dan Olson is always ready to help when someone in the community needs a hand. It is not surprising that he is the 2008 Unsung Hero.

Look for a spectacular float in the parade on the 4th of July,that is where you will find this remarkable Unsung Hero.

Oh yes, he is also a member of the Lago Vista Men's Golf Association, but. alas, is not very active - he doesn't seem to have a lot of extra time to play golf.