The Excelsior Welcome Center lives up to its name in every imaginable way. Located in the heart of downtown Excelsior at 37 Water Street, the center is staffed by residents who live in, and love, the Excelsior area. In fact, there are more than 1,000 cumulative years of residency among the 36 volunteers at the center and many of them are retired business owners who love to share their knowledge of the city with newcomers.
“It’s really fun because we don’t know what’s going to walk in the front door,” says volunteer coordinator Martie McGlasson.
The Welcome Center opened three years ago as a way to showcase everything Excelsior has to offer for both residents and visitors. It’s open every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday during the warmer months (generally May through October) and for special events. Volunteers end up working about two shifts per month and get to share their love (and experience) of the community with anyone who stops in.
We spoke to four volunteers to learn what makes the Welcome Center so special.
Martie McGlasson
Volunteer coordinator
How many years have you lived in the area?
36
Occupation?
Retired. I worked at the Bank in Excelsior as a community liaison and was involved with the Chamber of Commerce and community planning committees.
How long have you volunteered at the Welcome Center?
Three years.
Why do you volunteer?
I think this goes for all of us: We all have a love of community here that prompts us to get out and do what we can. We all have a set of values that is typical of the city.
What is the best part about volunteering at the Welcome Center?
I just love the security and safeness and common values of the community.
Gail Quam
Volunteer
How many years have you lived in the area?
32
Occupation?
Retired. I worked in the pharmacy benefits industry.
How long have you volunteered at the Welcome Center?
Two years.
Why do you volunteer?
The city has so much to offer. It’s amazing how much you do know after living here for so long. I just want to be that smiling face when someone comes in, and welcome them to the city.
What is the best part about volunteering at the Welcome Center?
I love to have someone come in and be able to help them. To point them to whatever they are looking for.
Karen Siegman
Volunteer
How many years have you lived in the area?
42
Occupation?
Retired. I owned Water Street Clothing Co.
How long have you volunteered at the Welcome Center?
Three years.
Why do you volunteer?
Being here brings me in contact with people around town, which is fun. I just thought this was a great opportunity because I’ve been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for 30 years and I missed seeing people every day.
What is the best part about volunteering at the Welcome Center?
People would come into my store years ago with babies, and then years later those babies would move back to town and have their own kids. Every generation seems to come back to this area.
Miki Huntington
Volunteer
How many years have you lived in the area?
Four.
Occupation?
Retired after 25 years in the Army. I now teach political science part time at Minneapolis Community & Technical College.
How long have you volunteered at the Welcome Center?
Two years.
Why do you volunteer?
My husband is a Minnetonka grad, and we both volunteer here. We moved back to Excelsior after retiring from the military and have been loving it ever since.
What is the best part about volunteering at the Welcome Center?
The sense of community. It’s a chance for someone to see us through the window and stop in and say hi.
(Left: Gail Quam; Right: Martie McGlasson)
