Moorhead City Council

Mayor Shelly Carlson presented counselor Sarah Opitz of the Lotus Center with the city’s July MoorHeart award at Monday’s city council meeting. (From left) Mayor Carlson, Sarah Opitz with daughter Rowan, Julia Wilson, Miranda Steinke, and Shyam Rai. (Photo/Caleb Fuglestad.)

Sarah Opitz, executive director of the Lotus Center, was presented with the city’s MoorHeart award for outstanding service by Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson Monday.
Opitz, who was nominated by Kim Schlotfeldt, co-founded the Lotus Center about 10 years ago to provide an alternative approach to recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The nonprofit provides services to adults at its outpatient facility at 1401 Eighth St. S.
In her nominating letter, Schlotfeldt wrote, “Sarah is an advocate for all. She has a way of gently but successfully leading others to advocate for themselves first, and for their peers, for their community and everyone along the way. She has the wind at her back as she continues to push forward for our community and especially for the marginalized and forgotten.
“There is not a barrier I have seen that Sarah has not overcome. … If I had to have someone in my corner, I would definitely want it to be Sarah Opitz with all her resilience, her vision, her compassion, her empowerment and encouragement along with her inclusiveness.”
The MoorHeart award is an opportunity to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to demonstrate the spirit of community by their actions and service. Information on nominating individuals/organizations for the MoorHeart award can be found at www.moorheadmn.gov. (Search for MoorHeart Award.)