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"There are many tired gardeners but I've seldom met old gardeners. Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realized. The one absolute of gardeners is faith." Allan Armitage

Chisago County Master Gardeners Chairman Jerry Vitalis has been a Master Gardener for 12 years, and is well known in Chisago County for posting weekly horticulture columns for local newspapers. Many people know Vitalis because of his apple orchards and gardens extraordinaire in Shafer. Some of you may have even visited his home while supporting a good cause like the Fairview Lakes Medical Center Garden Tour or the St. Croix ArtBarn Benefit Garden Show.

Vitalis has 85 apple trees; his half an acre raspberry patch includes four different raspberry varieties. Also featured in his exquisite gardens are strawberries, grapes, blueberries, vegetables and flowers. Vitalis represents the consummate gardener of life -- spreading his good will by planting seeds for the future, tilling the soil and filling a wheelbarrow with faith, hope and dreams to share with others. Relay For Life of Chisago County is proud to announce Jerry Vitalis has been selected as an Honorary Co-Chair for the American Cancer Society's Relay July 25, 2008.

Vitalis is an engaging, witty, and energetic man quick to tackle a cause and volunteer. Carrie Brandt, Taylors Falls Elementary teacher (where Vitalis often substitute teaches), said, "Jerry Vitalis will volunteer for any committee or group that needs help. He is the ultimate colleague and leader in so many organizations. For example, he volunteered for three different booths at The Home Show. That is not out of the ordinary for Jerry, as he is an incredible asset to so many."

Vitalis said, "I love working with the children at Taylors Falls. I tell them to call me Mr. Vitalis and if they can't remember that to call me Mr. V." He continued in jest, "I also tell them they can call me Mr. Wonderful, but not until after 2:30 -when school is over and they have experienced a whole day of working with me, because they may have changed their minds by then."

Mary Konobeck, Taylors Falls building secretary stated, "Jerry is a giving, caring, and a wonderful man that helps wherever he is needed. He keeps our community on its toes and challenges the kids and us to give to others and step up to be counted. Jerry is well loved by the students and staff at Taylors Falls."

Currently, Vitalis is multi-tasking, volunteering and promoting "The Spring Bonanza" which will be March 8 at Abundant Life Church from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. - located at 4359 392nd Street in North Branch.

The event sponsored by Chisago County Master Gardeners features bare root plant sales, educational speakers and a Town and Country Expo. Vitalis said, "The Spring Bonanza is an excellent event for anyone interested in learning more about their gardens. The cost is only $5 for the entire day and you will walk away with so much valuable information."

He commented about his simultaneous volunteer commitment for Relay For Life of Chisago County. "There is a planning meeting at Trinity Lutheran, in North Branch, Thursday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. and the public is invited. Another opportunity for Chisago County citizens is to attend the Relay For Life of Chisago County Kick-Off and Survivor Reunion Dinner, which will be held Tuesday, March 11, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38460 Lincoln Trail in North Branch. These are countywide events that would welcome your participation!"

Vitalis grew up on a farm and went back to help again, after his father passed away from leukemia in 1969. So, he is no stranger to hard work and long hours. In addition, he was an elementary teacher for 30 years in the Minneapolis school system. At one point he recalled, "When I worked in Webster Open School, there were 23 home languages being used by our students. I have never lost that love for teaching and I enjoy subbing for Taylors Falls Elementary School now that I am retired. Children are the hope and the future of our world.

"My grandchildren have a special place in my heart. Connie (wife of 36 years) and I have seven children and 14 grandchildren; we have 13 boys and one girl. Every one of our grandsons are terrific! Our one little girl, I call the Queen. My grandchildren all know that I like to volunteer. One day 4-year-old Queen was asked 'Where is your Grandpa?' and she replied "Grandpa is at a meeting."

He laughed and continued, "Some day it will probably be on my tombstone -- Jerry Vitalis went to a meeting."

Vitalis also has been on the Chisago Lakes School Board for 31 years, the first 17 years in Taylors Falls before the two-district consolidation. In 2006 he was on the All State School Board and received the President's Award for 300 hours of School Board attendance of MSBA meetings and activities. He is on the Taylors Falls Alumni Foundation group that raises money for Taylors Falls Elementary. In addition, he is on the committee for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Franconia Township. Plus, he was a past council member for Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, in Center City, for two terms or 12 years.

Pastor Barb, from Chisago Lake Lutheran Church commented, "Jerry Vitalis is one of the most courageous people I know. He has fought the battle with cancer and lives in pain every day with his hands being burdened by the agony of severe arthritis. Yet, he remains upbeat, hopeful, faith filled, and enthusiastic about life. Plus he is an incredible amount of fun to be around."

She added, "Ask Jerry about the lutefisk Jell-O that he made for our church cook off. It was inedible, but it sure got the congregation laughing and having a good time. I think Jerry will make an excellent Honorary Chair for the 2008 Relay For Life; he knows what's important in life and he cares deeply for others," concluded Pastor Barb.

And why does Vitalis think he was chosen as an Honorary Chair of Relay For Life of Chisago County? He chuckled and said, "There are probably three reasons why they chose me and the first reason is perhaps the strongest argument -- I can't say NO! Number two, I am a prostate cancer survivor since June of 2001. Number 3, I represent and love my community. My goal will be to get Chisago County to become actively involved in the Relay For Life."

Vitalis added, "Many of us are touched with cancer in our own lives, whether it is the struggles or loss of someone we know casually or someone that we love. I lost my dad and brother-in-law to cancer; now my son-in-law is fighting cancer, plus I am a cancer survivor. Often people have a false sense of security that it will never happen to them and all they want to do is ignore the pleas or give their $10. Cancer knows no class, race, religion, or age barriers.

"We need to get Chisago County to be aware of cancer research and resources, and to stand up to make a move to put our dollars and our time where our mouths are. As a united county we can make a difference! From Rush City to Chisago City, people need to know that the American Cancer Society does not have big administration and advertising costs. Plus a good chunk of the funds raised comes back to our county and our state."

Sensing that his tone was getting serious he added, "Say, please don't go praising me and making me look too good on paper. I do not want my friends and family to get sick. Tell them I have acres of weeds too. Tell them I have had my share of struggles and mistakes. I am a simple man, with a simple message: Get involved in OUR community, keep the faith, and make a difference!"

Jerry Vitalis is indeed a Master Gardener as he cultivates the garden within, as well as tilling the soil for others.

Submitted by, Deb Esmay

for Relay for Life

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