Tell us a bit about yourself: how did you wind up in Southeast Iowa? I was born in Minnesota, but moved to Muscatine as a baby, and eventually came down here to Washington. I recently retired from my job as the Environmental Health Director of Washington County, which was very fulfilling. Between food, septic, and well inspections, handling dog bites and catching bats, and giving community food safety talks for Washington businesses – there was something different every day.
Who inspires you in our community? There are quite a few. Angela Langstraat, the Hills Bank Branch Manager in Washington. Lori and Bob Bauer are extremely giving people, and very involved. There’s a lot of people I worked with at restaurants and other places I’ve worked and volunteered that are very supportive. How do you see Hills Bank in our community? I think Hills Bank is fantastic. There’s never been a time I’ve walked in here that I’ve felt anything but welcomed. There’s a lot that [the bank] does behind the scenes that I’m just fascinated by. I think it’s a great contribution to Washington. Hills Bank is the best bank there is, that comes from the heart.
What’s your favorite part of Friends Club? Getting the opportunity to get out and enjoy things and get to know other people – I enjoy that immensely. I like a lot of the activities that are offered, though I may not get to all of them. However, I did enjoy the Circa 21 show “Beauty and the Beast” so much that I went back and took my great-great- granddaughters, they enjoyed it too! And on another note, I’ve even called and offered suggestions and [Friends Club] actually listened to me! I tell a lot of my friends about it. Friends Club is a really nice way to be a part of the community.
What organizations do you volunteer with?
I volunteer with the Y’s Men and Women, a service organization for the YMCA. We do volunteer work to earn money for the Y to continue offering activities for our community. I also volunteer for the Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) which focuses on helping women around the world, providing education opportunities and inspiring self- confidence. I’m also a part of the Martha Washington Questers, which is about restoring past, historic buildings and traditions. It’s really very interesting to see things like buttons from the 1800’s and 1900’s! How has volunteering enriched your life? I get great satisfaction working with people who want to volunteer and help other people. I’m happy to be with those who want to accomplish what I do – which is helping people who may not have had the best type of life, and may need a hand up from time to time. When there’s a need, you just help. Volunteering is worth giving a try!
Thank you, Jennine, for your commitment to the Washington community and for fostering growth here in Southeast Iowa. A $250 donation has been made to the Y's Men's & Women's Club to show our support for the work you do in our community.
19
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs