Posted: 3/26/03

HRC honors Jan, Willard Carlson

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

Dr. Willard and Jan Carlson have been fixtures in the Forest Lake community for 45 years. Now, their names will forever be on a plaque in Forest Lake City Hall.

Recipients of the first annual ìBridging Our Differencesî human rights award, they were honored Monday night in the city council chambers, packed with well-wishing family and friends.

Family and friends who have seen this couple they love do so much good over the years.

Many were there when the couple, along with others in the community, helped sponsor the Vang family, of Thailand as they assimilated to life in the United States.

They have seen the Carlsonsí land bear fruits and vegetables and they shared their property with Hmong gardeners, seen families call Forest Lake home as the Carlsonís offered their spare apartment as housing and they have seen smiles of satisfaction on the Carlsonís faces as continue to share their time and resources with others.

The couple was nominated by Rev. Kristine Schroeder of Faith Lutheran Church and long time friend Lilly Olson.

The Carlsons credit their church, Faith Lutheran, with setting the stage for their human rights activities.

They pointed to the churchesí ties with those in other nations and efforts to better lives of others who live starkly different lives. To not change, but better understand cultures of our brothers and sisters.

While the Vangs have been in Minnesota for many years now, the Carlsons continue to keep in touch.

In fact, the Vangs came to city hall Monday night to honor two of their first American friends.

The Vangs are one family of many who have been helped in big and small ways by the Carlsons.

ìWeíre fortunate to have an apartment at our house weíve been able to offer,î Willard said.

And it has been offered and used by those from Asia and Europe.

And when that apartment is occupied, the gift is more than four walls and a roof. The gift includes many meals made by Jan, transportation, showing folks around their new home and filling other needs as they arise.

They too were instrumental in extending a hand when Hmong Boy Scouts were harassed on a hike in recent years.

Too, over Christmas, the couple spread the word for folks to buy presents for struggling Hmong families then made deliveries.

Realizing education is the foundation for success, the couple funds educational efforts of minority children and have assisted in Faith Lutheranís project to provide clean drinking water to those living in Tanzania.

Monthly, they travel to St. Paul for fellowship with Cambodian elders.

While they donít speak the same language theyíll go bowling or play bingoóanything fun.

ìItís a learning experience for them just to have Americans there,î Jan said. ìYou do communicate, somehow you do.î

While the award is appreciated, Willard and Jan said the rewards of their work are immeasurable.

ìWeíve met a lot of new friends,î Jan said. ìAnd there is the satisfaction of helping somebody.î

Willard agreed, and said they have met many people through their efforts.

ìItís the people when weíre doing this. Itís not just us,î he said.

Jan said she cherishes the experiences of the past years and the friendships she has made.

ìThereís always a need for people to help immigrants, just to befriend them, because you both gain,î she said.

Willard echoed his wifeís sentiments.

ìJust the chance to get to know these people, once you get to know them you realize people are all pretty much the same all around the world,î he said.

The Carlsons say they have no definite plans in regard to problems theyíll tackle next. They just know when the need is there, they will lend a hand.

ìWe never plan ahead,î Jan explained. ìThings just show up that need to be done.î

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