By Brenda Erdahl
Tricia Manuel, winner of the Catholic United Financial Volunteer of the Year award received her prize Sunday, June 13 at a brief presentation in the St. Timothy Church courtyard after 10 a.m. Mass. Manuel said a few words after being presented with a framed certificate and $500 cash. Father Meyer was also presented with a check. By winning the honor, Manuel received $5,000 for the church. CUF’s local rep. Joe Johnston said a few words at the ceremony as did CUF’s Kristina Sherrett. Sherrett explained how this year CUF changed the style of the award to allow communities to vote and choose the winner. Up against much larger communities, Maple Lake came together to cast the contest high 350 votes in favor of Manuel. Fr. Meyer reiterated how appreciated Manuel’s efforts to support the parish and community are, especially during this past, difficult year. At an earlier interview, Manuel expressed her thoughts on the award as well: “Maple Lake is an amazing community and St. Timothy’s is filled with a blessing of wonderful parishioners. I am very humbled by this award,” she said. “So many people voted to make this award possible for me and our parish. I hope in some small way this award draws attention to this special community and Church. A big thank you to Connie Lahr for nominating me and making it all possible. Thank you to Father Meyer for his support as well. People say ‘oh you do so much’ I think really? It is such a joy and blessing to me to be able to serve.”