• Features
  • News
  • Print
  • Home
  • Features
  • Perspectives
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Family
    • Weddings
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Share a story
  • Contact us
  • Sign in

Latest News

  • Open Bible on a wooden board near the river.

    Bible Reading Plan 2026

    December 09, 2025
  • Healthy Heart Habits Lead to Super Bowl Surprise for KSDA Student

    December 09, 2025, by Laurie Yoshihara
  • PAA Prepares Students for College Success

    December 08, 2025, by U'Lee Brown

Print magazine

Image Credit: Kathy Marson

Otis Orchards Member Named Volunteer of the Year

By Kathy Marson, February 02, 2017

Merlene Olmsted was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the city of Airway Heights, Wash. She was nominated by the parks and recreation department for her involvement in various outreaches including SAIL,* eldercare meals and excursions, a walking group, city council, gardens, and West Plains Support Network community classes.

Olmsted lives in Airway Heights and would also like to start a SAIL class in Otis Orchards, Wash., where she is a member of the local Adventist church. She enjoys keeping active and was surprised by the award, which was given to her at a city dinner. She received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate.

*SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life) is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. The curriculum is offered through Washington State Department of Health and is a public-domain program. Any group can utilize this program in their church, school or grange to benefit their local community.

Image

Merlene Olmsted, a member of the Otis Orchards Church is named Volunteer of the Year for Airway Heights, Wash.

Credit
Kathy Marson
Image

A Volunteer of the Year for Airway Heights, Wash., award was given to Merlene Olmsted, a member of the Otis Orchards Church.

Credit
Kathy Marson
Print Friendly and PDF

Featured in: February 2017

Author

Kathy Marson

Upper Columbia Conference communication administrative assistant
Section
Upper Columbia Conference

You may also like

  • PCA Breaks Ground on Early Learning Center

    December 04, 2025, by Isaac Meythaler
  • God Saves UCC Pathfinder Camporee 2025

    December 03, 2025, by Isaac Meythaler
  • UCC Prayer Summit Makes a Vital Difference

    December 02, 2025, by Isaac Meythaler
  • Home of Shalom Organizes Acts of Kindness in Spokane

    November 24, 2025, by Isaac Meythaler
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit
  • Reprint/Repost Request
  • Style Guide
  • Change of Address
  • Subscriptions
  • Sunset
  • RSS
  • Contributor Login
  • Contact

The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

Copyright 2025, North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All rights reserved. Legal disclaimer & privacy policy.