Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows named 2009 Citizens of the Year

(Photo submitted) Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows

-Anne Morrow Lindbergh

At the core of any medical professional's life is a desire to help others. It's what guides them through years of study, long, sleepless nights, and the rigors of the work.

For this year's recipients of the Citizen of the Year honor, that desire to help others has shaped their entire lives, both personal and professional. Often, that helping hand they reached out was accompanied by no notice, no fanfare, and certainly no desire to draw attention to their good deeds.

Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows have been giving back to the community since they came to Spencer in 1977. Their quiet dedication to making life better for others has been a hallmark of their time in the community. It's a dedication that drives their lives.

The list of organizations which have been lifted up by their volunteerism is long, and it's not just people they help, animals have also been the recipients of their caring, hands-on approach to life.

For that commitment to community, and dedication to making life just a little easier, and a little more beautiful, Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows are the recipients of the 2009 Citizen of the Year Award. This is the 42nd year the award has been handed out to outstanding community members.

Judy Coleman, a friend of the couple, who also worked with Bill for many years, gathered the nomination letters from many sources throughout the community.

"When I started asking people who have witnessed this couple's generosity and community volunteerism for assistance, they responded with great enthusiasm," she says.

From Kathy's dedication to the creation of a hospice program locally, to their support and work for People for Pets; from their support of the arts, through the Spencer Area Arts Council and Spencer Community Theater, to their strong involvement with the Spencer Family YMCA; the Follows have followed up their passions with their time.

The Follows made random acts of kindness their hallmark, well before the phrase was known. Anonymous, thoughtful gestures brought light to those in tough times.

The walker that a patient needed, but couldn't afford? It would show up, without a clue to its provenance.

Staff training needed, but not in a budget? It was provided.

A talented musician to fill a gap in an SCT production or in the orchestra of The Messiah? The Follows were there.

The true generosity of the Follows, however, is of the spirit. It shows in the time and thoughtful consideration they've shown to so many good causes and good people.

"Bill and Kathy are generous, almost to a fault," says Dr. Rick Wilkerson, a colleague of Bill. "They truly invested themselves in this community ever since they moved here."

East Coast natives, the Follows found a home in Spencer after Bill inquired of medical associations throughout the Midwest, inquiring about communities in need of orthopedic medical care. Spencer was without a specialist in that area, and the Follows quickly found themselves immersed in their new hometown.

Chuck Pletke, former executive director of the Spencer Family YMCA, has fond memories of the Follows involvement.

"Several words come to mind when thinking of Dr. Bill and his contributions to the Spencer community -- caring, giving, person of varied interests and involved. Bill embodies the spirit of this award in that he captures those characteristics."

Visitors to the Spencer Family YMCA can literally see the beauty of the Follows involvement in the facility. Landscaping brightening the area outside the aquatic center of the Y was the work of the couple, and a series of bright, original artworks created by the Follows daughter Penny adorn many walls of the facility.

"When I think of Bill, I think of him as our 'green thumb,' at the Y," says Becky LaBarre, current executive director. "What stands out to me when thinking of their service to the Y is something that I think they treasure so much, the landscaping, outdoors and environment.

"I have never had to worry about the outside landscaping as long as they are around," she adds. "They have contributed so much to make the area beautiful."

Kathy Follows made a huge difference in the lives of those struggling with terminal illnesses. She was a tireless leader in bringing hospice to the community. Sue Brugman, RN, recalls those efforts.

"Kathy was the person responsible for writing the policies and guidelines for the Spencer Hospice program, coordinating with local physicians, training the staff, recruiting and teaching the volunteers, and overseeing the implementation of this much-needed service," Brugman wrote. "Her dedication and effort on behalf of the Hospice program far exceeded the confines of her job description as a community health nurse."

Brugman also notes Dr. Follows' leadership and compassion.

"For 30 years, I worked as Dr. Follows' office nurse and surgical assistant, and considered myself fortunate to be working with an individual who consistently modeled respect for his patients, the hospital staff, his colleagues and his profession."

Susan Zulk, of the Spencer Hospital and Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation, agrees.

"The community is truly blessed to have Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows as outstanding health care professionals, touching many lives over the years with compassion and healing; and also as hardworking, generous volunteers."

Del Brockshus, Clay County Supervisor and longtime friend of the couple, points to the focus of the Follows to make their community a better place.

"What I admire most about the Follows' is their attitude towards life and the wonderful benefits they have quietly added to our community," he says.

To those patients who visited either of the Follows in their professional settings, the sight of the pair of them rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to clean up animal cages might be incongruous. But, according to Susan Clarity, president of the People for Pets board of directors, that's just what they did last fall. Arm in a cast, Bill was cleaning one of the cat rooms.

"Bill and Kathy look for ways to get in there and contribute," says Clarity. "They are always so supportive."

Clarity points out that, even while in Arizona during the winter, Bill is involved in a wildlife rehabilitation program.

"They aren't just down there sitting and relaxing," she says. "They are involved."

Residents at St. Luke's in Spencer can enjoy a bit of nature at the center, thanks to the Follows. While his father was a resident of the facility, the couple created an aviary, enjoyed to this day.

Connie Goeken, executive director of Spencer Community Theater, has only the fondest memories of the Follows' involved with SCT.

"The fact that they have been involved on both sides of the equation, financially supporting the arts and also actively supporting the arts through their involvement makes them special," Goeken says. "They've really given on both sides of the equation, on stage and behind the scenes."

Their financial support has helped to fund two renovation projects at the theater, the remodeling of the concession stand including the purchase of new appliances and cabinetry, and the complete rebuilding of the set construction shop addition of the east side of the theater building. They have been patrons and contributing members for many years.

Bill has also contributed on stage, showing his talent for song and dance in roles in "Kiss Me Kate," "Oliver!" and "A Christmas Carol."

"Bill really put his mouth where his money is," Goeken laughs. "He contributed his talent along with his resources."

Reception for new citizen honorees to be held April 16

In a break from tradition, the reception honoring this year's Citizen of the Year recipients, Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows, will be held on Thursday, April 16.

The reception will be held at the Clay County Regional Events Center, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., with a short program scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

The public is cordially invited to this reception, recognizing the many civic contributions Dr. Bill and Kathy Follows have made to the Spencer community.