Reflections

In 1997 the city of Minnetonka began its Reflections Award program, designed to recognize individuals, businesses and programs whose outstanding contributions reflect positively on Minnetonka. The award is presented every other year and takes its name from the Reflections sculpture at the entrance of the Minnetonka Community Center. A citizen committee reviews applications and recommends awards. Since the program’s inception, there have been eleven winners:

2005 Winners
Kari Hoyt, We Can Ride Inc.
For more than 10 years, Kari has volunteered as a therapeutic horseback-riding instructor, even earning certification in 1999 from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. For the past five years she has also been instrumental in organizing and coaching We Can Ride’s Special Olympics Equestrian Team. We Can Ride, Inc., is a program for adults and children living with disabilities.
Michael Kelly and Ruth Kloser, Great Harvest Bread Co.-Minnetonka
Michael and Ruth have baked and donated more than 8,500 rolls to be served at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Hunger, which in turn has raised more than $217,000 in donations for the ICA Food Shelf and Hopkins-Minnetonka Family Resource Center. In addition, each year Michael and Ruth host the “Baker for a Day” fundraiser, which allows community non-profit organizations to run the bakery for one day and keep all of the resulting proceeds.
2003 Winners
  • John Kokesh, ICA volunteer
  • Glen Lake Optimists Club
2001 Winner
  • Jon Tollefson, Hopkins High School student
1999 Winners
  • Jane Christensen, Gatewood Elementary School volunteer
  • Nancy Scheibe, The Depot Coffee House project
1997 Winners
  • Dr. Ron Axel, community volunteer
  • Leo and Bev Gibbs, Minnetonka Senior Services volunteers
  • Roger Hoel, Music Association of Minnetonka
  • Ruthanne Schlee, Minnetonka Senior Services volunteer

Reflections Awards will be awarded again in 2007, with applications (PDF) being accepted in the fall of 2006. However, if you know of a Minnetonka resident whose volunteer contributions are worthy of recognition, you don’t have to wait for the 2007 Reflections Awards. Consider nominating him or her for a Minnetonka Community Action Recognition Award.