Progress faith

PRogREss ALBERT LEA TRiBunE

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CommuniTy PAssion

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FEBRuARy 28, 2016

Charities & Faith

Giving back AreA womAn finds joy helping At food shelf Photos by Colleen Harrison Story by Sarah Stultz

F

ive years ago, Karen Vanderploeg of Hollandale received what she described as a random phone call.

Vanderploeg had just retired, and she said she was looking for a way to give back to the community and to God. See SHELF Page 2

What’s inside this section:

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Contributions outlive A.L. man

A community cornerstone

Continuing a legacy

Longtime Albert Lea woman shares memories of her late husband’s involvement in the community.

Businessmen, pastors team up to help people recovering from addiction.

The Freeborn County Historical Museum’s new leader aims to build off of prior success.

Page 2 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2016 | charities & faith | sundAy, FebruAry 28, 2016

Karen Vanderploeg is the chairwoman of the Albert Lea Salvation Army Advisory Board. colleen HArrison/Albert leA tribune

Shelf Continued from Front Page

“That call was really timely,” she said.

On the other end of the phone was Albert lea Salvation Army Advisory Board member Jan Jerdee, and Jerdee invited Vanderplog to be a part of the board.

Vanderploeg agreed, and in the years since has become chairwoman of the board, developing a passion for lifting up families in need in the community.

In addition to her duties on the board, she volunteers weekly at the Salvation Army food shelf, handing out food to needy families in the area.

“That’s been my passion, working on the food shelf,” she said. “I love working there.”

Clients begin the process of getting help with food by talking to a social worker.

After this, the clients walk down to the food shelf, where she and other volunteers give each family a box of about 30 pounds of prepackaged dry items, along with

Vanderploeg volunteers for the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s food pantry once a week, in addition to being the board’s chairwoman. colleen HArrison/

Why do you volunteer for the Albert Lea Salvation Army?

Albert leA tribune

“I think it’s my way of giving back to the community. I see a real need.

There’s a lot of poverty — a lot of real needs in our county.”

— Albert Lea Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairwoman Karen Vanderploeg

about 15 to 20 pounds of various fresh produce and other refrigerated items, depending on the size of the family and the donations. larger families get more food. On top of that, people can get free bread everyday.

On average, she said, she sees an average of 25 to 30 clients on a given afternoon she volunteers.

“I think it’s my way of giving back to the

community,” Vanderploeg said. “I see a real need.

There’s a lot of poverty — a lot of real needs in our county.”

She said she has been able to get to know some of the families who come in, and she worries about some of the families after they leave the building.

She has been amazed to see God provide for the food shelf. local businesses that give include Walmart, Kwik

VILLAGE COOPERATIVE OF ALBERT LEA Top reasons to move to the Village Cooperative of Albert Lea:

Trip, hy-Vee, Marketplace foods, erbert & Gerbert’s and Pizza Ranch. During the summer months, people also bring in extra produce to give away.

She said she would love to get a new food shelf because the present location is hard for clients to use with the steps.

In addition to the advisory board and food shelf efforts, Vanderploeg said she loves to plan the annual community Thanksgiving

meal that usually more than 400 people attend.

She said it is one of her goals to get all of the food donated for the dinner or at least enough money raised so that the organization does not have to use any of its own funds for the meal.

In addition to her role with the Salvation Army, Vanderploeg said she helps organize a year-round food drive at hollandale Christian Reformed Church.

each month the church members bring in a different food item, and the items get donated.

She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, going camping with her husband and refurbishing furniture. She said she loves to shop at the Salvation Army’s thrift store and encouraged others to do so as well.

Vanderploeg has lived in the hollandale area her whole life.

By the numbers 45 Years Karen and Dave Vanderploeg will be married this summer

Lifestyle:

3 Children the Vanderploegs have

30 Pounds of prepackaged dry items given to people who visit the food shelf at the Albert Lea Salvation Army

It’s Maintenance Free: NO more

No Worries:

Value:

Now this is Progress!!

Holly Jackson – Resident Manager

The Salvation Army food shelf and local offices are at 302 Court St. in Albert Lea. sArAH stultz/Albert leA tribune

sundAy, februAry 28, 2016 | charities & Faith | Progress 2016 | ALbertLeAtribune.com | Page 3

Contributions outlive 1 local businessman

By the numbers

Longtime ALbert LeA womAn shAres memories of husbAnd

By Kelly Wassenberg

kelly.wassenberg@albertleatribune.com

Once a Packer, now a Tiger, Ruth Vermedahl grew up in Austin before making Albert Lea her home with her husband.

Fifty-eight years later, Vermedahl said, “This is home. I’ll stay here forever.”

Ruth Vermedahl and her husband, Claire, have served in a variety of roles during those six decades, focusing on the betterment of Albert Lea. “He was really involved,” Ruth Vermedahl said of her late husband, who passed away of lung cancer last July.

Claire Vermedahl was an active member of Albert Lea’s business community and a number of nonprofit organizations.

The Vermedahls moved to Albert Lea because of Claire Vermedahl’s job at Rock Island Lumber Co., which primarily built machine sheds and barn rafters. Later, the company — also known as Rilco —became a division of Weyerhaeuser. Weyerhaeuser closed in 1982 but reopened the same year after former employees bought

the facility and the business continued as Alamco Wood Products Inc. “I really give him all the credit for getting it to be Alamco Wood Products, because he spent a lot of time organizing that,” Ruth Vermedahl said of her husband.

“There were 10 partners to carry that off and to keep the company here in Albert Lea. “He so enjoyed being at Alamco and the employees,” she said. “He enjoyed the employees. He enjoyed being out in the plant and talking to employees. They got to know him and he got to know them.”

Claire Vermedahl retired in 2009 when the surviving stockholders of the company sold Alamco to Bell Lumber & Pole in New Brighton. Claire Vermedahl had started with the company as an accountant and was the business’ chief executive officer and chief financial officer at the time of his retirement.

In addition to working to ensure Alamco stayed in Albert Lea, Claire Vermedahl volunteered with many business-oriented organizations, including SCORE, which is a mentorship

55 Years Claire Vermedahl worked at what is now Alamco before retiring.

2

Children, Mandi and Ross, who were raised by Claire and Ruth Vermedahl

58 Years Ruth Vermedahl has called Albert Lea home

Ruth Vermedahl continues to volunteer in the Albert Lea community she calls home. KeLLy wAssenberg/ALbert LeA tribune

program that connects small business owners with experienced members of the business community to help them gather the information they need to start, grow and maintain their business; the Naeve Hospital Foundation, where he was chairman for several years; and the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

According to Ruth Vermedahl, both she and her husband received lifetime memberships to the chamber. It was an honor that was bestowed to her in October, and she said it was a total surprise.

Randy Kehr, executive director of the chamber, felt the honor was deserved.

“When I first joined the Chamber Board of

Directors, Claire was a member of the board. In many ways he showed me what it meant to be a good board member,” Kehr said.

“He represented the Chamber well but, more importantly, he served the community well. There were many generous donations

by Alamco Wood Products to local nonprofits, but he also participated in many of those nonprofit boards.

All the while, he and Ruth were inseparable and never sought personal recognition.

“But it wasn’t all about philanthropy,” Kehr continued. “Claire and Ruth have always been willing to roll up their sleeves to do the work. We lost Claire way too soon, but we continue to treasure Ruth.”

8:00 a.m.

Sunday Traditional 10:30 a.m.

Contemporary 9:15 a.m.

Education Hour 6:45 p.m.

Thursday Worship

924 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN Ruth and Claire participated in many events in the community together.

507-373-8609 • www.zion4jesus.org

Claire Vermedahl was also active with the Freeborn County Historical Society Board, the Noon Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge and Eagles Club, and was chairman of the finance committee and administrative council at United Methodist Church.

Claire Vermedahl immersed himself in the Albert Lea community, though according to his wife, much of his community service work came later in life after they were raising a family and Claire Vermedahl had gone back to school to receive his accounting degree.

“But that was his thing,” Ruth Vermedahl said about her husband’s community service. “He enjoyed it.”

Ruth Vermedahl

continues to live in the same home she once shared with her husband, despite having two adult children who have since moved elsewhere. The grief of Claire Vermedahl’s passing is still real to her, as she paused several times when talking to collect herself and wipe her tears.

She continues to be involved in the community through her church, driving for the Meals-on-theGo Program and attending chamber events.

The draw to Albert Lea is in the people, she said.

“A lot of nice, nice, caring thoughtful people — lots of good friends,” Ruth said.

“I can’t imagine living any other place.”

Why Albert Lea? Ruth continues to live in Albert Lea because she said it’s a beautiful community around the lake that is filled with wonderful people.

Join us each Sunday at 9am or 10:30am Located 1/2 mile north of I-90 on Bridge Ave. www.placeofdecision.com Facebook.com/CrossroadsChurchAlbertLea

A place to Believe, Belong and Become

Albert Lea Assembly of God Sunday: 8:45 a.m. - Adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m. - Worship (Nursery Provided) 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Children’s Church Wednesday 5:30 p.m. - Supper served $2 each Family Night: 6:30 p.m. - Adult Bible Study, Awaken Youth Group & Kidz 4 Jesus

Sunday Worship 9:00 am Fellowship & Adult Forum After Sunday Worship Service

Salem Lutheran Church Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-2184 Find us on Facebook

Pastor: Lee Freshour 1540 South Shore Dr. (507) 373-7989 Albert Lea, MN

We follow only God’s Word.

Hear & delight in Salvation through Christ alone!

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Pastor: James Kassera 320 W. College Albert Lea, MN 373-6097 Sunday worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 10:15 a.m. www.oursaviorsels.com

Join us Sundays @ 10am Marion Ross Theatre

grace lutheran church 918 garfield • 373-6496

Worship Services

Sunday - 9:00 am • Wednesday - 5:30 pm Communion at all services.

Trinity Lutheran Church

501 S. Washington Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2466 www.tlc-al.org • tloffice@msn.com

We are a fellowship of believers in Christ, sustained by God’s Word, led by the Holy Spirit and committed to God’s vision of caring!

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Emmons Lutheran Church North American Lutheran Church 490 Pearl Street P.O. Box 23 Emmons, Minnesota 56029 Pastor: Rev. Christopher Martin Office Phone: (507) 297-5471 Email: emluth@wctatel.net Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Fellowship: 10:15 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Contemporary Service 9:15 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Traditional Service Pastor John Mitchem

UniTed MeThodiST ChUrCh 702 highway 69 S Albert Lea

Bringing people together & BECOMING disciples for christ We invite you to worship with us this week! sunday worship • 9:00 a.m.

EDUCATION HOUR • 10:15 a.m. wednesday worship • 5:30 p.m.

Interm: Pastor Janet White www.gracealbertlea.org

PAGe 4 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2016 | cHAriTies & FAiTH | sundAy, FebruAry 28, 2016

Freeborn County natives Dan and Holly Ravenhorst and their children, from left, Gerrit, Ellery and Ethan have moved to Haiti for a three-year stay, working with Back2Back Ministries. eric Johnson/Albert leA tribune

Giving hope in Haiti

Freeborn County natives talk about new life helping at orphanage in Haiti

By Jenae Hackensmith

Dan Ravenhorst

news@albertleatribune.com

H

olly and Dan Ravenhorst and their three young children packed the last of their things in early September and got ready to move their family to Haiti for three years to work in missions.

“Though we have had our struggles, we have seen more reward,” Dan Ravenhorst wrote in an email from Haiti. “It’s hard not to complain, but when we get to see the kids we are here for to serve, it makes our calling here clear.”

Age: 34 current town: Bon Repos, Haiti Hometown: Hollandale Fun fact: “I believe bacon makes any food better.”

Holly (Matson) Ravenhorst Age: 34 current town: Bon Repos, Haiti Hometown: Hayward Fun fact: “Dan and I are high school sweethearts, class of 2000 from Albert Lea High School.”

The commitment

The Ravenhorsts grew up in Freeborn County before settling in Austin. But they left their home, careers, family and friends on Sept.

14, 2015, to follow God’s call to work with a Back2Back Ministries orphanage in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.

“I guess (God) just gave us a passion for it,” Holly Ravenhorst said. “He gave us a passion and a will and a determination to move forward to what it would look like to move there.”

The Ravenhorsts sold their home and most of their things since they will be gone three years.

Dan Ravenhorst, who worked as an accountant at Hormel Foods Corp. for about 11 years, is working as a financial controller of the ministry, dealing with day-to-day costs, working in administration of the ministry and helping with mission teams that come to Haiti. His wife, who has a background in child development and worked as a children’s ministry director at her church and taught preschool, is working in the orphanages with the children, assessing their

Dan and Holly Ravenhorst and their three children moved to Haiti in September. They have had to adjust but are grateful for what they have learned. Provided needs and looking at how to better care for them.

Holly Ravenhorst explained the ministry works with a five-point child development plan, including looking at the spiritual, physical, educational, emotional and social needs of the children. The goal for the children is to build relationships and learn to be self-sustaining, mature adults who can give back to the community when they are grown, which aims to break the cycle of poverty.

Though the work is rewarding, it can pose its challenges.

“I did not expect how difficult it would be to witness people and families struggling to survive each day,” she wrote. “It is hard to drive by and not be able to help every person or child we see. It is frustrating to realize

Noon Kiwanis (Founded 1922)

Meetings every Monday at American Legion

Activities

• Pastor’s Day • Highway Cleanup • Bell Ringing • Scholarships for students in Freeborn County area high schools & Riverland Community College • AKTION Club • Christmas Shopping for children & families • Builders Club • Frank Hall Park Playground • New Basketball Courts • Bringing Up Grades Program These projects are supported through various fundraising efforts President - Kristie Jordahl President Elect - Kim Nelson Vice President - Dawn Swalve Past President - Lance Skov Co-Secretaries - Larry Forster & Iris Tarvestad Treasurer - Judy Verdoorn

www.albertleakiwanis.org

I can not fix every problem with them forever.” and that I must stay focused His wife said in the four on our mission to care for the months the family has been orphans we serve.” in Haiti, everyone has adjusted well. Their sons enjoy playing outside every The call The couple traveled to day. She noted Ellery had a Haiti on mission trips in the tough time adjusting at first past, and said every time as she missed her school they came back home, they and friends back home. But felt as though they left a she said their daughter now part of themselves in Haiti. thanks God for clean water They felt called to take the to drink, indoor plumbing, next step and commit to that she doesn’t go to be the three-year commit- hungry and for a generator ment through Back2Back. for electricity when needed, Holly Ravenhorst said they compared to taking those never imagined moving to things for granted in the Haiti when they first started United States.

Holly Ravenhorst has had going on mission trips.

“We still miss our family, to adjust to life in Haiti as friends, church and neigh- well.

“Being a stay-at-home borhood dearly, but Haiti is slowly starting to feel mom in Haiti looks very like home,” she wrote in different from what it did an email. “We are falling in Austin,” Holly wrote. “I in love with the children wash all my dishes by hand, we serve and enjoy visit- hang all our clothes on a line ing the orphanages to con- to dry and since there are tinue to build into those no options for preschool for my son, Ethan, I am now relationships.”

Her sister and nephew homeschooling him. Since it have been able to visit, and is not recommended that we her husband’s family plans are out after dark for safety to visit at the end of March reasons, we are home each night as a family. Life is through a mission trip. much harder here but also more simple. I don’t feel Adjusting The couple’s three chil- like I am being pulled in a dren, Ellery, 8, Ethan, 4, and million different directions Gerrit, 1, are home-schooled like I used to in the States, with another family joining because there are no afterthe ministry from Ohio, and school activities for the kids Holly Ravenhorst is provid- such as sports, lessons and ing Ethan preschool. Dan church events. I am able to Ravenhorst was excited to have more quiet moments show his children what it with God, spend more qualmeans to follow God’s call ity time with my children and focus on our calling to and help others.

“We’re really excited care for the orphans.” to teach our kids what it means to serve, and help Funding The couple has raised them understand the needs of the kids down there,” he funding support for their said. “And also just to build journey to pay for living those relationships. They’re expenses, such as housing, going to be able to take that health insurance, travel

expenses, home furnishings like a generator, beds, tables, a refrigerator, a vehicle and 24-hour security.

Before leaving, they met with people personally, asking if they wanted to be a part of what God is doing in Haiti, and they got a good response.

“We would not be able to be on the mission field serving in Haiti without our support team that I would like to say thank you to — our support team who sacrifices their time to pray for us and also gives financially for our living expenses,” she wrote.

“If anyone would like more information about how they can support us and join us on our journey please visit www.homesweethaiti.com.”

Learning through experience

Throughout the experience, the Ravenhorsts have learned many things, but Holly Ravenhorst said a big piece has been learning to become more dependent on God. Her husband said it hasn’t been all easy, and though the couple is excited to see how God works through them, there have been tough times during the process. Recently, Dan Ravenhorst experienced the health system in Haiti as he suffered from issues with kidney stones. While he received good care despite some unsanitary conditions, he admitted finding prescriptions was tough as the pharmacies were closed when he was released.

Cost adjustments have also been difficult to get used to, as things easily taken for granted in the United States cost much more in Haiti, such as $9 for a jar of peanut butter,

$15 for a frozen pizza and $90 for a frozen turkey. Yet things like water, bread and local fruit are very cheap.

They also experienced some issues with their water system.

“I didn’t expect to have so many water issues,” Dan Ravenhorst wrote. “Our apartment had many leaks.

Our water pump broke, and now we just recently have an issue with dirty water that we are pumping.”

Another challenge has been the language barrier, which he admitted has been tougher than he expected.

“I also did not expect that the language barrier would be as difficult as it is,” he added. “We are slowly learning the language, but it is challenging on top of many other things.”

Following God

The couple has one thing in mind, which is following God’s call and seeing him work through their obedience. Holly Ravenhorst hopes above all, the children they work with get to know Jesus Christ as their lord and savior.

“That they would know who they are and just because they’re orphans, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have an amazing plan for their life, a story he has written for them,” she said. “And then the goal that when they are out on their own, they would have the education and everything else they would need to be successful in their life and to give back to their community. We’d love to raise up some leaders of Haiti that could be there to change their country.”

Dan Ravenhorst said past trips have shown them that going to serve in a thirdworld country isn’t only about helping others — it’s also changed their own lives.

“We thought we were going to Haiti to change them, but they changed us,” he said.

Sunday, February 28, 2016 | charities & Faith | ProgreSS 2016 | albertleatribune.com | Page 5

a FocuS on religion during tHe laSt year

New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea hosted its 22nd annual drive-thru live Nativity in December at the church, 1705 S.E. Marshall St. colleen HarriSon/albert lea tribune

People drove automobiles in a circle around the parking lot of New Life Christian Church to see one of more than eight scenes related to the Nativity, starting with the prophetic promise and ending with the crucifixion and empty tomb of Jesus Christ. colleen HarriSon/albert lea tribune

James Petersen, formerly a senior pastor at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea, began working with ReachGlobal as the executive director of global ministries. HannaH dillon/ albert lea tribune

Nick Roen sits on the piano bench at Sojourners Church in Albert Lea. He began as the worship pastor at the church last June. The piano is one of the four instruments Roen can play. madeline Funk/ albert lea tribune

Round Prairie Lutheran Church south of Albert Lea celebrated its 150th anniversary in September. SaraH Stultz/albert lea tribune

Clayton Balsley is the senior pastor at Bridge Community Church. First Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church merged to form the church. Sam WilmeS/albert lea tribune

Page 6 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2016 | charities & faith | sundAy, FebruAry 28, 2016

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2218 E Main St. • Albert Lea • 507-377-3000 • greenmill.com

Sunday, February 28, 2016 | charities & Faith | ProgreSS 2016 | albertleatribune.com | Page 7

Kaleb Hurley, Jim Troe and Matt Hundley are members of AZ-One, an organization that assists Albert Lea through multiple avenues. Sam WilmeS/albert lea tribune

creating a community cornerstone buSineSSmen, PaStorS team uP to helP PeoPle recovering From addiction By sam Wilmes Hundley, pastor of Albert By the Lea Vineyard Church, of why the organization is A local Christian organi- looking to establish an numbers zation is looking to establish alcohol and drug-free sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

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The group said the facility this fall will host Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based 12-step recovery program that is a program based on the Bible and Jesus Christ.

According to Kaleb Hurley, pastor of Hope Church, the facility can become a rallying point for the community, partially based on its location at a main community intersection.

“It’s time for folks to step up to create spaces and ways for people to get healthy and stay healthy,” Hundley said.

Hurley wants activities to focus on Jesus Christ being a major part of recovery.

Formed in 2007, AZ-One consists of five businessmen and five pastors: • Dave Peterson • Dan DeBoer • Tim Randle • Chad Vogt • Jim Troe • Hundley • John Holt • Clayton Balsley • Hurley • Steve Piper Troe said the group saw potential in area churches and wanted to know what Jesus Christ would think if he could see Albert Lea churches. Troe said the creation of AZ-One allowed them to tear down the denominational walls of the church and becoming unified as Christ would want it.

The group compared notes on what it would

2007 Year AZ-One was formed, and the year the building at intersection of Broadway and Main Street was bought

2017

Year Community Cornerstone could open to the public

$500,000 Estimated amount of fundraising AZ-One has collected since 2007 be like if they all worked together and formulated ideas of what they could do together to make the community better. The group settled on five ways: • Service projects, such as Shinefest, where churches offer the community a week of service. Over the last four years with a group of a couple hundred volunteers, they have fixed nearly 30 homes through Shinefest’s Rocking the Block, in collaboration with the United Way of Freeborn County, Habitat for Humanity and the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

• Short-term mission trips through Jamaica’s Acompong village.

• Leadership training: The group sponsored the Global Leadership Summit in August in Albert Lea. • Men’s ministry: Training specific to a role, like a dad, role model or other figure.

AZ-One is looking to establish Community Cornerstone as a healthy, fun environment in downtown Albert Lea. “It’s exciting to me anytime you get a chance to build teams and work together, so I guess what excites me is that more people are catching the vision and getting involved,” Hundley said.

Troe estimated AZ-One has raised approximately $500,000 since its inception in 2007.

Why do you want to open this in Albert Lea? “It’s time for folks to step up to create spaces and ways for people to get healthy and stay healthy.”

— Kaleb Hurley

AZ-One purchased the Community Cornerstone building in 2007, and is currently conducting inside renovation.

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an alcohol-free environment where recovering alcohol and drug addicts can gather in a Christ-centered environment.

AZ-One is hoping Community Cornerstone, on the west side of Broadway and East Main Street, may be open to the public in 2017.

The organization purchased the building in 2007 and for the last few years has worked to renovate and turn it into a building for the community. On the main level will be a place adults can go to hang out in an alcohol-free environment.

The building will include different activities, including live entertainment and a stage, a ping pong table, a pool table and other amenities.

On the lower level, meetings will be held for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

The organization doesn’t plan on using the upper floor of the building, according to AZ-One member Jim Troe.

The group has raised approximately $20,000 for the building, and it is looking to raise $80,000 more.

The building is presently being utilized by private recovery groups.

The organization wants to create an environment that is free of alcohol, but still considered a cool place to spend time.

“We just think there needs to be alternatives, because not everybody can roll with that,” said Matt

2352 Hendrickson Rd. Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507.373.8888 Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am-5pm

Page 8 | AlbertleAtribune.com | Progress 2016 | charities & faith | sundAy, FebruAry 28, 2016

Continuing a Freeborn County legacy museum’s new leAder to build oFF oF Prior success By colleen harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

t

he year 2016 has already been one full of change for one Albert Lea woman.

Amy Gauthier was named the new executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Society in January after Pat Mulso announced her plans to retire from the position.

Gauthier, 35, originally from St. Paul, moved to Albert Lea with her now 9-year-old daughter about 2 1/2 years ago. When she and her daughter, Graciana, first moved to the area, Gauthier said she had a great first impression of the community.

“It felt like the community really had momentum and was moving,” she said.

“It was really neat.”

Gauthier likes how there are so many family-oriented community events in Albert Lea. Both she and her daughter enjoy going to Open Streets and participating in The Big Freeze and its medallion hunt.

“There’s always something going on,” she said.

She appreciates what she considers to be great child care in the community, and said that as a single mom she has been able to count on the schools and teachers to be partners in her daughter’s education. She also loves Albert Lea’s art scene, and said her daughter is taking hip hop dance lessons at The Meraki Studios.

When Gauthier first moved to the area, she worked at the Family Y as a School’s Out after school program coordinator. In

One of Gauthier’s favorite areas of the museum is the children’s learning lab.

Why does she stay in Albert Lea?

By the numbers

Gauthier said she thinks the community has a lot of good energy, and feels that she and her daughter can put down roots here. between, she said she worked at a few other parttime area jobs, as well. She was then an administrative assistant with the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and then worked at the United Way of Freeborn County before coming to the museum.

Gauthier felt she had been in the role of assistant enough that she was ready to take on more responsibility and was looking for the next step career-wise when the opportunity at the historical society presented itself. She said Mulso had come in with the vision of expansion when she was the museum’s director, and she thinks Mulso had more than accomplished her vision at the time of her retirement. Gauthier’s vision for her time at the museum is to bring more people in to see what Mulso and others have built.

“I want to take this beautiful product (Mulso has) made and bring everyone in,” she said.

To do so, Gauthier has

9 Age of Gauthier’s daughter

2 1/2 Years Gauthier has lived in Albert Lea

1 Month Gauthier has been in her position as executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Society looked at grants and scholarships that would cover membership costs for eligible families who might not have the budget for extra activities.

“When you live in poverty, there’s no extra money for fun. You don’t get a break from being poor,” she said. “I want people to be able to come in for an afternoon and leave their worries at the door.”

Gauthier said she has also been looking into the idea of a business membership for area businesses to have more access to parts of the facility. The connections she has made in the community through her work experience and through involvement with

Amy Gauthier became the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Society in January. colleen HArrison/Albert leA tribune groups like Leaders Partnering to End Poverty and the Blandin Community Leadership Program have given Gauthier the opportunity to get to know the community from the inside out in a unique way, she said.

As she settles into her new position at the museum,

Gauthier will have plenty of work to keep her busy.

In April there will be a “Hats Off to You” tea party, where older hats will be on display and available for guests to try on. Discovery Days will be in May, Eddie Cochran Days will be in June and Autumn in the Village will continue later

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in the year. The museum also has its ongoing lecture series once a month on different parts of the area’s history.

“I look forward to keeping our events going and growing other programs,” Gauthier said.

The museum is at 1031 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea.