Photo by Jody Isaackson Hendricks Mayor Julie Hogie holds up her Hendricks Community Spirit Award.

HENDRICKS — Service to her community has always played a big part in Julie Hogie’s life.

“Part of it I would attribute it to my parents,” Hogie said. “My dad was involved in a lot of community organizations. That instills in you that it is a part of living in a small town. You’re not an island living out here alone; you need to be a part of it.”

Earlier this month, her community thanked her for that service.

The Hendricks mayor was selected by a special committee to receive the distinguished Hendricks Community Spirit Award for 2017.

Hogie was lauded in a ceremony on July 4 at Veterans Memorial (Lake) Park where she was presented with a framed copy of the proclamation signed by councilman Scott Pearson and Hendricks Community Foundation President Alden Olsen. The presentation was accompanied by a parade of flags and a community picnic, Hogie said.

The proclamation stated that Hogie, a longtime resident of Hendricks, has been employed by the Hendricks Community Hospital as the business office manager for 42 years and has made significant civic contributions to the city serving on the council for eight years, the board of the Lincoln County Housing and Rehabilitation Authority for five years and has been Hendricks’ mayor since 2014.

It included Hogie’s active membership in community organizations such as the Kiwanis Club for more than 10 years, the organist for Christ Lutheran Church for the last 40 years, having served as president of the congregation and as a church council member and reigned as Queen Lena for Syttende Mai.

Hogie was also recognized for demonstrating dedication, integrity and passion in her community and work endeavors, demonstrating a positive attitude, incredible kindness and respect for others.

Hogie said that this particular award was sponsored by the Hendricks Community Foundation, which supports community and funds various projects. One of their projects is to choose two people to receive the Community Spirit Award, one living and one deceased.

The committee comprises four to six members whose terms rotate.

“The award is based on individual efforts, not on what current position you might hold. I don’t necessarily consider myself having more community spirit than anyone else, but I do appreciate the award,” Hogie said.

Hogie shared the recognition with her fellow community members.

“I am truly humbled to receive it,” Hogie said. “It takes all of us to be a community. As I said at the park that day, it takes many people to make community spirit, not just me. Part of it is promoting small town life.”

Hogie said her husband, Duane, is also active in the community. they are both organists in area churches.

Duane Hogie is a retired school teacher, having taught music at Lincoln High School.

“We’ve done Kiwanis volunteer work together, too,” she said.

Hogie had earned an accounting degree from Minnesota West Community and Technical College (formerly Canby Area Vocational Technical Institute) in Canby prior to taking the job at the Hendricks Community Hospital.