People Who Make a Difference 2020

Page 1

PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALBERT LEA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020


PAGE 2 • PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

REINA SALTOU

CRAIG ROSELL

Age: 28

Age: 32

City of residence: Glenville

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: Farmers State Bank of Hartland

Livelihood: social services at ThorneCrest Senior Living Community

Family: boyfriend, Jesse Knaack

Family: wife, Kate; sons Walter, 3, and Alistair, 1

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

I’m a small-town girl, so I love that Albert Lea is a large town with a smalltown feel.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community? N/A.

What’s the best way to start the day? Coffee and a 30-minute workout.

What takes up too much of your time? Netflix for sure!

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? N/A.

What is one thing you would

like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I think it would be awesome to see a boat landing restaurant on Fountain Lake.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

Go with the Flow. The world is crazy right now. I have learned being flexible in your personal and work life can reduce a lot of unnecessary stress.

I grew up in the Mahtomedi/Stillwater area and moved to Albert Lea about 10 years ago. Things I have always enjoyed about Albert Lea are the lakes and the extensive walking paths. Additionally, there have been many new businesses come to town or started in the last 10 years. Seeing new businesses and the continued effort to expand the community is something I feel is positive.

etc. I would much rather be spending time with my family and on hobbies.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

I am currently on the Freeborn County Planning and Zoning Commission, 201819 graduate of the Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce/Riverland Community College Leadership class, drummer for Whalen and the Willows.

Drums, music, technology. The trick would be getting me to stop talking.

What’s the best way to start the day?

The continued expansion of businesses — especially those focused on family and indoor activities. Community center with indoor playground/water park, minigolf, etc. — possibly even a children’s museum. I feel like we need more options for a rainy day or during the winter.

Well, the best way to start the day would be rested with a big breakfast and a nice large cup of coffee. The way I currently start my day is by getting body slammed and poked by two children between 5:30 and 6 a.m. (Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, it’s just not ideal).

What takes up too much of your time?

Chores, yard work, home maintenance,

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

“Controlled Chaos: Raising Small Humans.”

Are you a coach or parent with youth sports?

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 • PAGE 3

JD CARLSON

JEFF LASKOWSKE

Age: 50

Age: 39

City of residence: Albert Lea

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: director of public safety

Livelihood: firefighter

Family: wife, Mindy; and two sons, Dylan (17) and Drew (14)

Family: wife, Linda; children Cody and Anna

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

When I first came to town I was attracted to the lake in the middle of town. It seemed like a pleasant feature to have as the centerpiece of your city. To this day, my family and I spend a great deal of time enjoying the amenities the lake area has to offer with walking paths, boating, fishing and the views.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

American Legion and VFW memberships, and my wife and I chair Albert Lea Hockey Day.

What’s the best way to start the day?

I take a drive around the lake and then down Broadway to come to work. It’s a fresh start each day.

What takes up too much of your time?

Mental health issues are often the root of many situations we deal with. I wouldn’t say “too” much time is spent on this as the time is needed to be more proactive and educated and the time investment is rewarding!

What could you give a 40-minute

Everything! My family and I moved to Albert Lea five years ago and we chose to move here because of all this community and area has to offer. I love all the outdoor activities and events that our community brings in. You can be busy with events and activities every night of the week if you want to.

presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Since my promotion to director, I’ve been very focused on the importance of policy, procedure and maintaining and enhancing the already high standards of the Albert Lea Police Department and the Albert Lea Fire and Rescue. Our department and the professionals who serve this city within it make me very proud and I could probably talk for hours on the accomplishments and achievements in just my past few years as director.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

I work with our high school clay target team. It has been a lot of fun to be involved with this adventure and have had a lot of great people in this community help with it. Everything from sponsors, coaches, parents, the school and most of all the kids. The kids have been a lot of fun to work with and we even won our conference fall of 2019. Because of COVID we were not able to shoot this last spring, but are looking forward to this fall again.

What is one thing you would like What’s the best way to start the to see happen in Albert Lea in the day? next five years? A big cup of coffee and seeing my Internal succession planning for city family as we head out for the day. departments to better prepare for the See CARLSON, Page 12

What takes up too much of your time?

Work. It takes up a lot of time but it is because I love it. Albert Lea Fire Rescue is an amazing place to work and it is because of all the great people who I work with. I am one of those very fortunate people who has their dream job and it does not feel like work when I am there.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Anything in the fire service and hunting. Hunting I may not have all the right information, as I am not that good at it, but love doing it and talking about it.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

Get a clay target range built in See LASKOWSKE, Page 12

We appreciate the dedication & achievements of all our city employees 221 E. Clark St. | Albert Lea, MN 507-377-4300 www.cityofalbertlea.org


PAGE 4 • PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

KIM NELSON Age: 49 City of residence: Albert Lea

RACHEL NOLANDER POPPEL

Livelihood: director of grants and alumni relations at Riverland Community College

Age: 39

Family: husband, Jeff, married 25 years; children Adam, 21, and Sydney, 18

Livelihood: dentist

City of residence: Albert Lea

Family: farmer husband, Kevin; 7-yearold daughter and 5-year-old son

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

My favorite things (am not able to pick just one): • Quality of life (walkability, recreation, beauty, life-long friendships, downtown revitalization) • Education (early childhood, K-12, higher education) • Faith community • Economic potential

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

Member of District 241 school board, member of Albert Lea Education Foundation, member of the Blue Zones leadership team; member of Trinity Lutheran Church; member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors; member of the Business Education Committee Previously: (most recently-last two to three years) • Member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau board • Member of Governor’s Fishing Opener Committee • Co-chair of the vote “Yes” campaign • Albert Lea Girls’ Soccer

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

Our beautiful lake, trails and parks. Albert Lea has so much to offer for activities! Booster treasurer • Sunday school teacher • Bible study leader • Rock and Roll the Lakes volunteer • After Graduation Committee member

What’s the best way to start the day?

I like to start my day with a hug and kiss from the love of my life — Jeff — a really good cup of coffee or two, hugs from my kids and my daily devotions. Also, when I can I like to head to SNAP Fitness or take a walk around the lake.

What takes up too much of your time?

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

As of late, I’ve been most active with our local MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group and my children’s school, St Theodore Catholic Elementary.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Sleep in, and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake.

What takes up too much of your time? My phone, social media, etc.

What could you give a 40-minute

presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Anything related to dentistry.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I’d love to see the old Farmstead area developed into a beautiful trail head for the Blazing Star Trail. Pavilions, play parks and a large parking lot would be excellent!

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? Hit reset — this is your chance.

Menial tasks — however, are they really menial, I feel accomplished when See NELSON, Page 12

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 • PAGE 5

SUE YOST

ABIGAIL LAMBERT

Age: 53

Age: 30

City of residence: Northwood

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: Registered nurse, public health nurse, director/community health services administrator of Freeborn County Public Health

Livelihood: assistant county attorney at the Freeborn County Attorney’s Office Family: mom (Renelle), dad (Patrick), brother (Adam), sister (Sydney), and 11-year-old golden retriever (Riley)

Family: married to Steve Yost for 33 years; son, Bryan Yost (31), daughter, Samantha (Yost) Noble (26); son-in-law, Spencer Noble; and grandson, Rhys Noble (2)

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

My favorite thing about Albert Lea is the community collaboration. So many people are involved in activities in the community working to improve the lives and health of the residents. There are so many fun activities in the community to help keep everyone active in such fun ways. The lakes provide a lot of opportunities to provide activities.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

First and foremost, I am currently involved in all the activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community and all the other programs that are offered by Freeborn County Public Health. I am also involved in the Blue Zones Project. I currently chair the Freeborn County Family Services and Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. I was a previous member of the Kiwanis.

What’s the best way to start

the day?

The best way to start my day is to visit with all of the Public Health staff individually to find out how the previous evening or weekend went and to find out their plans for the work day.

What takes up too much of your time?

Meetings take up much of my time — my dad used to say that if I didn’t have meetings to attend I wouldn’t have a job. Especially during this time of COVID-19 there are even more meetings, except now they are virtual. Currently, 95% of my time is spent working on COVID-19. I serve as the incident commander for Public Health along with Rich Hall, emergency manager, in a unified command. I also serve as the public information See YOST, Page 9

I moved here approximately 2.5 years ago for work and I have felt welcomed since day one. I came from Hennepin County, so it was not out of the ordinary to go to the store without seeing anyone I knew. Now, it is unusual if I don’t see someone I know while running errands. Whether it is a quick waive at an intersection or a 30 minute conversation in the produce aisle of the grocery store, I love how personable everyone is. I also love how everyone is willing to help out when in need. I’m currently in the process of buying my first home and I have had so many people reach out asking how they can help. I love the sense of community this town brings, especially to newcomers. I also enjoy the scenic view of the town and how the lake adds aesthetic value to our community.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

I am currently a member of the Minnesota Attorney’s Bar Association. I’m also a volunteer for the Wander the Water Half Marathon. I plan to start teaching Sunday school in the fall. I

was previously involved in Moot Court for the high school students my first year here and hope to become involved again during the next school year. I am currently grading essays for students taking a prep course who plan to take the attorney bar exam at the end of July. I am also a member of Crossfit Innerdrive. I participate in doing ride-alongs with law enforcement so I can do my best to get a sense of their experiences on scene before a case hits my desk. I actively attend meetings regarding a range of topics from community safety to victim safety in domestic assault cases. When asked, I also help with trainings for various departments that interact with the County Attorney’s Office. See LAMBERT, Page 12


PAGE 6 • PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

WILLIAM “BILL” BUEGE

BRENDA REED

Age: 81

Livelihood: co-executive director at The Children’s Center

Age: 58 City of residence: Albert Lea

City of residence: Albert Lea Livelihood: retired family physician

Family: husband, Kevin; daughter, Tabitha, and son-in-law, Dustin Jepson; son, Ethan

Family: wife, Jane; son, Brad; daughters Kristen and Gretchen; son-in-law, Eric Broecker; five grandchildren

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

The lakes and the friendliness of the community.

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

People.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

Grace Lutheran Church, Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition, Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus.

What’s the best way to start the day? Wake up, get up, get going.

What takes up too much of your time? To-do list.

What could you give a 40-minute

presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Development of a rural medical center.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

The MercyOne/Albert Lea Healthcare Center to be in full operating mode.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? OK to slow down but don’t stop.

I am an Ambassador for the Freeborn Chamber of Commerce and a member of Freeborn County Wellness Committee.

What’s the best way to start the day? With a positive attitude.

What takes up too much of your time? N/A.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely

inform.involve.inspire.

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Albert Lea Tribune | 808 W. Front St. | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507.373-1411

no preparation?

The importance of early childcare education.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years? More businesses brought in.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? Changes.


PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 • PAGE 7

ELAINE WIESER

ARIANA HOUGELIEBSCH

Age: 45 City of residence: Albert Lea Livelihood: RN-BSN, housing and home care manager of The Meadows Assisted Living part of St. John’s Lutheran Community

Age: 40

Family: husband, Paul; son, Thomas; stepson, Zach; stepdaughter, Ashleigh

Livelihood: small animal veterinarian

City of residence: Albert Lea since 2012

Family: husband, Daniel; and two daughters

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

My favorite things about Albert Lea are the lakes, trees and small-town atmosphere. I also enjoy all the memories. I was born and raised here. I have seen businesses come and go; buildings go up and come down; and friendships blossom and fade away. All of these have created wonderful memories of Albert Lea.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

I feel that my time and efforts toward making a difference in my tenants’ lives is how I am involved in my community. I’m not perfect, but I try my best to make sure each one of them knows that I care and that I would do just about anything for them. Whether it’s a five-minute visit, to picking something up from Walmart, to driving them to the ER because their family is out of town, I am willing to do what is needed to show them that they matter.

What’s the best way to start the day? With a 5-mile walk.

What takes up too much of

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

your time?

Thinking about what to make for supper.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

How to cook my famous breakfast quiche. But — it’s a secret, so I won’t be presenting on that.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I would like to see some of these empty buildings filled with businesses. There are way too many buildings standing empty and unused.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? “Contentment.”

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We were immediately drawn to Albert Lea because of its picturesque setting and family-friendly atmosphere. We love all the outdoor spaces and parks.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

My family and I are members of First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, and I have been active in the local MOPs group and PEO chapter.

What’s the best way to start the day?

I love waking up when the house is still quiet, (but not too early), and sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, watching the chickens wattle around the acreage.

What takes up too much of your time?

Worrying about keeping up with

everything at home while working full time.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Preventative care and common diseases of dogs and cats.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I hope to see the return of some big box stores so we can all continue to shop local.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

“You’ve got this, now just calm down!”


PAGE 8 • PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

JAY ENDERSON

JAY PAUL

Age: 57

Age: 57

City of residence: Albert Lea

City of residence: rural Hayward

Livelihood: owner - Three Oak Winery, Expedition Log Homes Rep., city of Albert Lea

Livelihood: sports director at Power 96 radio. Also work part time at the Salvation Army.

Family: wife, Cheryl; sons Josh, Alex and Logan; three grandkids

Family: wife; three daughters (29, 9 and 8); one stepson (21).

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

Relaxed small town feel with a goal to grow and improve.

Road construction.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

Albert Lea high school baseball assistant varsity coach, Legion baseball coach, Chamber, community projects through Three Oak Winery.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Not too early of a start! Easing into the day.

What takes up too much of your time?

Lots of little things that take away from the big important things.

What could you give a 40-minute

presentation on with absolutely no preparation? The winery.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

Keep making progress. Plan, build and spend for the future. Keep moving forward.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? The fruits of the labor

I’ve been in about a dozen community theater plays at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

What’s the best way to start the day? Breathing.

What takes up too much of your time?

Feeding animals on our ranch. My wife has about 100 chickens, 10 ducks, two geese, three ponies, a mule, 11 alpacas, a llama (named Dolly), three dogs, four cats, a turtle and an African parrot.

What could you give a 40-minute

presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Sports, fantasy and reality.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

Red Robin and Texas Roadhouse restaurants being built.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? “Dr. Doolittle”

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 • PAGE 9

ASHLEY MADRIGAL

JEFF THOMPSON

Age: 26

Age: 50

City of residence: Albert Lea

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: Embrace Home Care director of operations

Livelihood: Hy-Vee store manager

Family: dog mom to Teddy

Family: wife, Corrin; daughter, Chelsea; son-in-law, Mark; two grandchildren

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

The people in the community.

I love the local/family owned businesses that you won’t find elsewhere.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

Kiwanis, CVB Board, Albert Lea Cycling Club.

For many years I volunteered with what is formally known as ARC prom.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Drinking coffee and being reflective while setting new goals for the day.

What takes up too much of your time? TikTok — oops.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Home care — what it is, the benefits of home care being an option for loved ones, what community resources are out there, the different variety of services we can offer pediatrics needing

YOST

one-on-one, young adults, middle-aged and geriatrics.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I would like to see new businesses open with community support to boost our economy. We have a lot of empty buildings and shops, so we need to find a way to not only bring new businesses in but retain them for long-term use.

What takes up too much of your time? Email.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Hy-Vee!

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years? Continued growth of small business and tourism.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

“Ego is the Enemy” (stolen from the book).

“Determined for Success.”

Continued from Page 5

officer, meaning I keep the public as up to date as possible on what is going on with COVID-19 and ways to prevent it.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I could give a 40-minute presentation on quite a few topics. Some of the topics I could present on are: breastfeeding and childbirth education classes, as I taught these for several years; our Family Home Visiting program because I used to supervise that program before I became director; the importance of immunizations and COVID-19 and how to prevent

Workout at the gym.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

it; and the related activities that have been going in our community over the past four months.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

What’s the best way to start the day?

I would like to see the whole community get immunized for COVID-19, more community members become more active enjoying life more, and the incidence of depression and anxiety to decrease so we have improved mental health in our community members.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

“The Adventures of COVID-19 in Freeborn County.”

Tell us about the news in your neighborhood

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email: Sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com


PAGE 10 • PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

JOHANNA THOMAS

PENNY JAHNKE

Age: 53

Age: 52

City of residence: Albert Lea

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: Albert Lea Area Learning Center principal

Livelihood: Adult Learning Center coordinator

Family: husband, Cory; kids Kelsey, E.J. and Andy; dogs Mozzie and Kia and Cocoa the cat

Family: husband, Steven; daughter and son-in-law, Alex and Creighton; sons Collin and Dakota

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

There are so many things to love about Albert Lea. The people definitely rank at the top. The schools and the people who work in education are fantastic. Also a favorite is Fountain Lake. The beauty and recreation the lake provides is unique.

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

I actually am looking for my next passion for involvement as my kids are now out of high school and I am much less involved in their activities.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Definitely a cup of coffee and some quiet time.

What takes up too much of your time?

Worrying about things I don’t need to or shouldn’t worry about.

What could you give a 40-minute

Being able to raise our family in a safe and supportive community.

presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

I can speak on educational topics and working with students with life challenges.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I would like to see every student in Albert Lea Area Schools have a post high school plan and opportunity to fulfill it.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? “Exploring New Horizons.”

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

St. Theodore, PEO, children’s school and extracurricular activities, Moose, ensuring everyone in our community feels welcome and valued.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Eating breakfast with my family and reading the paper front to back.

What takes up too much of your time?

Driving our 15-year-old to all of his activities.

What could you give a 40-minute

presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Great places to go on vacation.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years? More building up, less tearing down — this includes people and buildings.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? “I’m doing the best I can and so is everyone else!”

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PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 • PAGE 11

TIMOTHY KOZELSKY

SCOTT CHRISTENSON Age: 27

Age: 59

City of residence: Lake Mills, Iowa

City of residence: Albert Lea

Livelihood: technical specialist, Shell Rock River Watershed District

Livelihood: radiation oncologist at Albert Lea Cancer Center since opening April 1999

Family: mom and dad, brother and sister

Family: wife, Susan; sons Andrew (age 25) and William (age 23); daughter-in-law, Lindsey (married to William); yellow/ white lab, Lucy; chocolate lab, Winston

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea? The location.

What is your favorite thing about Albert Lea?

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

I work as a technical specialist for Shell Rock River Watershed District to improve water quality. Volunteer for Freeborn County Ducks Unlimited and serve as a board member for State Line Lake Restoration Inc.

What’s the best way to start the day? Coffee.

What takes up too much of your time? Sleeping.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Enjoy the small town atmosphere/ community!

Water quality.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

Expansion and supplementation of the state of Minnesota free or reducedprice lunch program to include prekindergarten and post-seventh grade students, year-round.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? “Aftermath.”

What organizations or efforts are you involved with in the community?

Enjoy Crossfit; involved with Sojourners Church.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Coffee with Susan on the front porch!

What takes up too much of your time?

Meetings — although, this has been much less since COVID-19!

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Vintage Jeeps! I currently have a CJ-8 Scrambler that I tinker with when I can.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I would like to see more businesses (both small and large) come to Albert Lea.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

Looking forward to retirement and enjoying family!

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PAGE 12 | PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

NELSON

am sure there are others as I am known for talking.

Continued from Page 4

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I complete them. Worrying — I sometimes worry too much about the things I am not able to change or impact. I need to remember the serenity prayer.

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What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

I would say the importance of education. Not just structured education but self-reflection and keeping informed as an individual. Another topic would be on the importance of staying positive. I

CARLSON Continued from Page 3

title of the current chapter of your life?

Continued from Page 3

Freeborn County that has multiple trap and skeet ranges. We currently have a couple, but they don’t have everything necessary to help the high school teams compete. It would also be a lot of fun to have something for adults to have league events.

Your life is a book. What’s the

I wish I could say I was a morning person but I am definitely a night owl. The best way to start my day is to wake up to a nice (strong) cup of coffee, and either attend a class at Crossfit Innerdrive, kayaking on the lake, or taking my 11 year old golden retriever for a walk.

What takes up too much of your time?

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the community and some expanding business opportunities, Albert Lea can grow and the quality of life will be enhanced as well.

LASKOWSKE

What’s the best way to start the day? Chelsey Bellrichard Michelle DaVeiga (507) 379-9850 (507) 379-3428 chelsey.bellrichard@ michelle.daveiga@ albertleatribune.com albertleatribune.com

“Whatever it takes.”

“Patience is a virtue … now, let’s get it done.”

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Renee Citsay (507) 379-3430 renee.citsay@ albertleatribune.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

future. I have been involved in some development and planning meetings recently and have had the chance to envision future economic development opportunities that are realistic and feasible. I believe that with the support of

LAMBERT Daniel Gullickson (507) 379-9851 daniel.gullickson@ albertleatribune.com

I would like to see the school district, higher education, industry partners and community leaders working together to provide a sustainable workforce pipeline. This will allow the community of Albert Lea to have a strong economy with a continued high quality of life.

During a typical day I get pulled in a lot of different directions so sometimes it can be difficult to finish a task before I’m asked to start a new one. With that being said, I love what I do and I love the fact that each day is different.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

Wild! That title fits for more than one reason. It is wild because I like to get out in the field and go duck hunting and bow hunting. It also fits because it has been a wild good time with the high school clay target team. And last of all, it has been wild at Albert Lea Fire Rescue as we are continuing to do all the great things we do and are trying to move into our new station.

no preparation?

The importance of having a good work – life balance.

What is one thing you would like to see happen in Albert Lea in the next five years?

I would love to see more opportunities for people to become involved in the community, especially for those who are newcomers to the area. I would also love to see a way for people to know what is out there and how to get involved. Whether this is a list of organizations, or regular postings, it would be nice for those who are new to the area to know how to jump in and become involved in the community. Also, adding a Target certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Your life is a book. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?

Finding serenity in the midst of a busy and hectic life.


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