Community Awards

Friday, February 1, 2013

Community Awards

PAGE 1

Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce

2012 February, 2013

We are proud to honor the people who have shown extraordinary achievement in our community in this special publication of the Waseca County News.

Your Number #1 Source for News and Advertising

213 2nd Ave. NW, Waseca, MN • 507-837-5455

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Community Awards

February 2013 A special project of The Waseca County News 213 2nd St. NW, Waseca, MN 56093 507-837-5455 • Fax 507-835-3435 Publisher: Julie Frazier

2011

Friday, February 1, 2013

COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS

Managing Editor: Suzanne Rook Advertising Consultant: Kristie Biehn Cover Design: Naomi Kissling Advertising Design: Naomi Kissling

Thank you all for positively impacting peoples’ lives: Don Eustice Community Service Award - Peggy Hildbrandt Rotary Club Service Above Self Award - James E. Zimmerman

Community Awards is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Waseca County News at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2013.

City of Waseca Human Rights Award - Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers James J Donahue Award - Waseca County Relay for Life Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award - Edward Frederick Boss of the Year Award - Bernie Gaytko Distinguished Service Award - Ben O’Brien

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Community Awards

PAGE 3

By JENNIFER HOLT jholt@wasecacountynews.com

D

uring the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet Saturday night, Peggy Hildebrandt was trying to guess who was going to win the Don Eustice Community Service Award.

As speaker Jerry Rutledge read clues A line of delighted Wasecans formed to congratulate Peggy Hildebrandt, left, on about the recipient, Hildebrandt said being named the 2013 Don Eustice Community Service Award winner. (Suzanne she still didn’t see it coming.

Rook/Waseca County News) “It took me awhile to understand it,” Hildebrandt said, “but it’s a big honor. There are a lot of people who do a lot of good things in Waseca and it’s an honor to be recognized.”

Before, and after, becoming the sole owner of Connors Plumbing & Heating, Hildebrandt has spent her life volunteering and serving on many committees and boards in Waseca.

Hildebrandt is an active member of the Waseca Rotary club, the Rotary Club Strive Program committee chairperson and mentor.

She has also served on the Waseca Area United Way board, Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Board, serving a term as President, member of the Waseca Chamber Ambassadors and was selected as Ambassador of the Year.

One of Hildebrandt’s passions is quality health care in Waseca as she serves on the board member of the Waseca Medical Center and has worked toward fundraising for the Hospice Program.

Growing up, her father was heavily involved in the community and Hildebrandt said she just followed in his footsteps.

“A lot of (being involved) in situational,” Hildebrandt said. “When my kids were little I was more involved with the Waseca Chamber and as they’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more involved with their projects.”

Hildebrandt lives just outside of Waseca on their family farm with her husband, Scott, and their two daughters.

History: Don Eustice Community Service Award

In 1974, the Waseca Jaycees decided to establish an award to honor Wasecans who had made significant contributions to their community.

The first “Community Service Award” was present in 1975.

The 1977 presentation was the first to be called the “Don Eustice Community Service Award” and was named in honor of a native Wasecan who made countless contributions to the community of Waseca as the Sheriff until he was killed in the line of duty in 1976.

The Eustice Award is given annually and the recipient is selected by the past winners of the award.

Peggy Hildebrandt accepts the community service award from 2012 winner Jerry Rutledge, left, and Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce President Jenifer Dvorak, right. (Suzanne Rook/Waseca County News)

Kim Foels, executive director for the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, said she’s known Hildebrandt through the chamber for nearly 20 years.

“She’s always stepping up to volunteer to help and come up with new ideas and ways to implement them as well,” Foels said.

For many committee members, including Pete Madel Jr., Hildebrandt was a sure choice for the Don Eustice Community Service Award.

Madel said among a list of criteria, perhaps the most important pieces are that any activity must be done locally and that a difference has to have been made – people cannot just have simply kept the “chair warm.”

Also, the recipient has to have done a number of things – come up with new ideas and implementations.

“Peggy has done a number of things, a number of times,” Madel said. “It was a slam dunk of a nomination. When we had our meeting and had the list of all the things she’s done, it wasn’t a hard decision. She’s been great and I’m sure she will continue to be great.”

Peggy Hildebrandt makes her way to the podium Saturday after being named as the 2013 Don Eustice Community Service Award winner. Honorees are kept secret until the annual ceremony. (Suzanne Rook/Waseca County News)

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PAGE 4

Community Awards

By JENNIFER HOLT jholt@wasecacountynews.com

I

f the word perseverance had a face, James Zimmerman would be a perfect candidate.

After his wife and six children were killed in a car/train accident in 1959 he found a way to move past his loss and focus on getting a law passed that requiring equal transportation of public and private school children.

He then planted a five-acre stand of James Zimmerman walnut trees as a living monument to his family and focused on preserving some of the land that was once his great grandfather’s.

At age 89, Zimmerman still lives on the farm and has racked up almost 5,000 miles on his four-wheeler he uses to get around – observing some of the land he dedicated most of his life to reconstructing.

When early farmers settled in Waseca County, they tried to get rid of trees and wetlands to make room for more cropland. Zimmerman did just the opposite.

“If you’re a farmer, you have to make a living,” Zimmerman said, “and for some of them that meant clearing the land for production and back then there were (fewer) regulations.”

One of Zimmerman’s sons, Tom Kraus, said anytime people drive by the farm, they will see alot of wildlife enjoying the fruits of his father’s labor.

“I think the DNR agents monitor other agents when they first meet people, but when they first met my dad they learned a lot from him. It takes a lot for a DNR agent to trust people and their information, but they put a lot of trust in him and he’s never let them down.”

-Tom Kraus Zimmerman set aside 200 acres as conservation reserve land – a hunting preserve for himself and his friends.

Kraus said his father would leave some standing corn on the land so senior citizens who wanted to hunt wouldn’t have to dig a pit.

And still today, Peter Zimmerman, another son of James’, said he finds arrowheads on the farm – something that may have never have been found if the land had ever been developed.

“My father has walked a fine line all his life,” Peter said, “making unproductive land productive and has turned a lot of land back to be protected.”

When a half a million dollars became available for what is now Moonan Marsh, Zimmerman got involved on the project’s steering committee.

Completed in 1959, Moonan Marsh is 1,000 acres of public hunting ground and he sold 140 acres to the Department of Natural Resources to expand the project.

When he learned a builder wanted to build houses on the expansion, he went and bought all 18 lots at $10,000 a piece — and an additional 18 lots — just to preserve the land.

“I think the DNR agents monitor other agents when they first meet people, but when they first met my dad they learned a lot from him,” Kraus said. “It takes a lot for a DNR agent to trust people and their

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ongratulations Award Winners JENIFER DVORAK

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Friday, February 1, 2013

information, but they put a lot of trust in him and he’s never let them down.”

His grandfather started farming 80 acres in Waseca County; his father turned that into 180 acres and now the Zimmermans farm land inmore than 2,000 acres, including 10 ponds and 15 miles of trails.

It is “definitely the plan” Peter said to have the next generations take over the farm one day.

“Father always told us we don’t own the farm, we are the caretakers,” Peter said. We’re in it for the long haul and fortunate (the farm) is multi-generational.”

Now at 89 years-old, after persevering in the wake of tragedy, helping maintain and re-build the environment, remarrying and raising seven boys and two girls – of which he said was one of his greatest accomplishments – Zimmerman said he’s still feeling “pretty good.”

“He’s done a great job of raising nine children and all of us have been successful in our own individual ways,” Kraus said, “and the common denominator is mom and dad. “He’s taught us many life lessons and has been a good steward of the land and of the household.”

Reach reporter Jennifer Holt at 837-5446, or follow her on Twitter at @WCNjennifer HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Zimmerman spent part of his life as a Waseca County representative on the Minnesota Environmental Education Board and set up a program for high school students called Romp in the Swamp where students went into Goose Lake Park and the marsh for field study.

For nine years Zimmerman wrote a column for the newspaper called “Your Own Backyard,” where he discussed local environmental issues.

In 1972 Zimmerman won “Farmer Sportsman of the Year” and “Conservationist of the Decade” in 1980.

He was also involved with the Waseca Lakes Association and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership where he helped promote clean water practices.

Community AwArds

Congratulations to all award winners!

Don Eustice Award - Peggy Hildbrandt • Rotary Club Service Above Self Award-James E. Zimmerman • City of Waseca Human Rights Award-Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers • James J Donahue Award-Waseca County Relay for Life • Distinguished Agriculture Leadership AwardEdward Frederick • Boss of the Year Award-Bernie Gaytko • Distinguished Service Award-Ben O’Brien

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Community Awards

PAGE 5

By MILES TRUMP mtrump@wasecacountynews.com

South Central Lakers: Four coaches from the South Central Lakers. From left: Donna Hagerty, Leo Byron, Edna Burns and Connie Hoehn.

(Miles Trump/Waseca County News)

S

pecial Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers has won Waseca’s Human Rights Commission Award this year.

South Central Lakers is a group of athletes – young and old alike – with intellectual disabilities who compete in bowling and track and field at the area and state levels in Special Olympics Minnesota, an organization that offers year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“We’re pretty excited about it. It’s pretty humbling to get this award.

Everybody works pretty hard at this.”

– Connie Hoehn

The South Central Lakers practice bowling at Janesville Bowl Tuesday, Jan. 22 in Janesville. (Miles Trump/Waseca County News)

Connie Hoehn, who learned the group won the award back in November, said the recognition is an honor.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” she said. “It’s pretty humbling to get this award. Everybody works pretty hard at this.”

The South Central Lakers are currently in unified bowling season, where bowlers from the commuThe group has six volunteer coaches for the 40 to 50 active athletes and others, said Connie Hoehn, nity partner up with an athlete and practice for an upcoming area competition. That competition, leader of the delegation and a coach of the South Central Lakers. Along with Hoehn, the other coaches are Joe Hoehn, Leo Byron, Edna Burns, Donna Hagerty and Rick Hoehn. which pits the South Central Lakers against other area teams, will take place Feb. 3 at Wow! Zone in Mankato.

“I think the athletes need this in their life,” Connie Hoehn said. “We joke around with them, and it’s The Lakers also compete in track and field, where they practice, compete at an area meet and then just a lot of fun.” participate at the state meet. The South Central Lakers pay for their athletes’ fees through donations.

The Human Rights award recognizes the volunteer activity of an individual, group or business “that demonstrates special efforts to ensure the human rights of all Waseca citizens,” according to the award Joe Hoehn has been a coach with the South Central Lakers for nearly 15 years, and he says being a part of the group is “good for the soul.” criteria. “The contribution must represent a substantial effort toward winning or preserving equality and justice for groups of people whose circumstances make them vulnerable to prejudice, discrimina- “I would say the biggest benefit of being a coach is not only the help you give the athletes; I get more out of it I think than they do,” he said. tion or injustice,” the criteria states.

He said he found out about the award earlier this month.

In a document emailed to the Waseca County News, Jody Thompson, a Human Rights Commis“It’s a nice award to receive,” he said. “I think it’s nice for the athletes, because it kind of gives everysion member who will present the award to the South Central Lakers at the awards banquet, said the body a little notoriety. And it’s kind of unexpected. (But) we don’t do it for that reason.” six coaches who volunteer their time should be commended “for their commitment and service to empowering people with disabilities to become the best they can be.”

Reach Sports Editor Miles Trump at 837-5447, or follow him on Twitter.com @WCNSports.

Congratulations to all Community Award Winners • Don Eustice - Peggy Hildbrandt • Rotary Club Service Above Self Award James E. Zimmerman • City of Waseca Human Rights Award- Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers

CARTER’S Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

• James J Donahue Award - Waseca County Relay for Life • Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award Edward Frederick • Boss of the Year Award - Bernie Gaytko • Distinguished Service Award - Ben O’Brien

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Congratulations Community Award Winners!

Don Eustice Community Service Award -Peggy Hildbrandt Rotary Club Service Above Self Award James E. Zimmerman City of Waseca Human Rights Award Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers James J Donahue AwardWaseca County Relay for Life Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award Edward Frederick Boss of the Year Award - Bernie Gaytko Distinguished Service Award - Ben O’Brien

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Community Awards

Friday, February 1, 2013

By RUTH ANN HAGER Correspondent

R

ecipient of this year’s James Donahue Award is the Waseca County Relay for Life, the non-profit that raises money for research to find a cure for cancer.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Waseca County event. To mark the occasion, organizers are inviting everyone who participated in past relays to come back for the 2013 event — June 21 — at the Waseca County Fairgrounds.

“We’re looking at it like a reunion ... a family reunion,” co-chair John Hutton said. “We want anyone who’s ever been a part of it to come back.”

He and his co-chair, Adam Lee, are organizing this year’s relay with the help of former relay cochairs, Deb Tappe and Rosie Thissen, who are mentoring the new chairs.

They all have different reasons for their involvement in this American Cancer Society effort to end cancer. Hutton’s parents died from cancer at ages 50 and 53. He became involved with the relay 10 years ago. Tappe is a cancer survivor as is Thissen, whose husband, brother and friend have also had cancer. Only Lee has no personal connection to the disease but started working at the relay last year.

“I just wanted to help out,” he said.

The Relay in Waseca County began in 1994, organized by Dan McRaith, Lucille Youngberg and Linda Larson. Larson and past relay chair, Arlene Pooley, accepted the Donahue Award on behalf of the group at the Jan. 26 Community Awards banquet.

For 20 years, local relay teams walked and raised money, luminaries were purchased in memory of or in honor of a loved one. Honorary chairs told their cancer stories and survivors’ dinners were served. Families camped out and entertainment, silent auctions and food were offered and people came together to fight a disease that touches many.

Working with American Cancer Society staff member Rick Jeddeloh, a Waseca native, the co-chairs are meeting downstairs at the Waseca Fire Station to prepare for this year’s kick-off and ask for volunteers.

Thissen is the keeper of the local group’s history.

“It’s important that we keep a history. We hope to go on another 20 years,” she said.

The Relay for Life is the largest not for profit event in the world raising money for research to find a cure for cancer, Thissen said. It’s held in 5,000 counties across the nation, she said.

“It’s an opportunity to honor cancer survivors and raise awareness of the disease,” Hutton said. Relay for Life teams traditionally walked for 24 hours throughout the night because “cancer never sleeps.”

In 2006, 42 teams participated in the relay and one year 4,600 luminaries were sold for the event.

Thissen said if they could reach one person from each former team, they believe this year’s numbers will be up.

Congratulations to the 2012 Community Award Winners!

D

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Adam Lee, left, Rosie Thissen and John Hutton meet at The Boathouse in Waseca to work on plans for the 2013 Waseca County Relay for Life. Missing is Deb Tappe. (County News/Ruth Ann Hager)

GET INVOLVED

This year’s 2013 Waseca County Relay for Life runs from 6 p.m. to midnight June 21, 6 p.m. at Waseca County Fairgrounds. The kick-off meeting is at 6 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Waseca Fire Station basement.

Relay chairs, honorary chairs, team captains and team members are all urged to participate in the June 21 relay. The chairs are looking for people to help plan the relay and for teams of 10-15 people, Adam Lee said.

For information, call John Hutton at 835-4437 or Lee at 521-0350 or email hutton@hickorytech.net.

“For 20 years to fundraise for such an important cause, for me to be involved on behalf of the American Cancer Society itself and to get his award is incredible,” Thissen said.

Added Hutton: “To be recognized for the work that’s been done and the involvement of the community ... we hope to continue that and bring some of those people back for the 20th anniversary.”

The goal set for 2013 is 45 teams and $100,000.

“We have to dream big,” Thissen said. “Just come back and join us.”

Refocusing on the award, Tappe said having the community recognize the relay and its volunteers means a lot.

“Anyone,” he said, “who is affected by cancer understands our passion for what we do.”

Congratulations to all the Community Award Winners!

Don Eustice Community Service Award-Peggy Hildbrandt Rotary Club Service Above Self Award-James E. Zimmerman City of Waseca Human Rights Award-Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers James J Donahue Award-Waseca County Relay for Life Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award-Edward Frederick Boss of the Year Award-Bernie Gaytko Distinguished Service Award-Ben O’Brien

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Community Awards

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By JENNIFER HOLT jholt@wasecacountynews.com

A

fter more than 60 years teaching at the University of Minnesota, Edward Frederick retired in December, though he doesn’t consider himself retired, or ever an employee in the first place.

A love of agriculture, developed on his home farm, through 4H and Future Farmers of America, has always been Frederick’s passion.

“It’s been an ideal situation to work with my passion my whole life,” Frederick said. “Enjoy what you’re doing and you won’t work a day in your life.”

While having grown up on a dairy farm near Madison Lake, Frederick did not farm himself, but was directly responsible for the operation of what is now known as the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center, which includes several hundred acres of research plots, crop production and livestock operations.

“I knew Waseca was a strong ag county,” Frederick said, “and ag is so important to our life.

It’s important to feed a hungry world. Without it we don’t have anything.”

Frederick said one of the challenges that has been apparent over the years is to promote ag awareness for people who live further from the farms.

“I’m so blessed in Waseca County to be one of the best ag counties. The farmers and the land are great. Even with the drought we had great crops, better than anyone expected,” Frederick said. “And if we’re going to keep a strong agricultural community, we need an educational background, that the University, Farmamerica and FFA provides.”

One thing he says hasn’t changed has been agricultural core values – working long hours and working together to get things accomplished.

In the nomination letter, James Gibson said Frederick has been a powerful advocate for agriculture in Waseca County for more than 48 years.

“Frederick has been a persistent force for agriculture in Waseca County and across the state, even the nation,” Gibson said. “Few could match his ability to network with others in education, government, business and community. Frederick said he knows the people in Waseca County well enough that winning the Distinguished Agricultural Leadership

Congratulations to all of the 2012 Community Award Winners!

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Edward Frederick

Award makes him humble.

“I know there are so many people who are also deserving of this award,” Frederick said, “and I’m honored to represent them.”

Reach reporter Jennifer Holt at 837-5446, or follow her on Twitter at @WCNjennifer ‘(Ed) Frederick has been a persistent force for agriculture in Waseca County and across the state, even the nation.’

— James Gibson

Education and accomplishments Frederick received three degrees from the University – A bachelor’s in agricultural education in 1951 and a master’s and Ph.D. in dairy husbandry in 1955 and 1957.

His first position was as an animal scientist and instructor at the Northwest School and Experiment Station, Crookston and 1964 he joined the Southern School and Experiment Station in Waseca as the superintendent.

In 1969 he became the provost (now known as chancellor) of the University of Minnesota, Waseca campus. In 1990 he became a senior fellow at the University.

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PAGE 8

Community Awards

Friday, February 1, 2013

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com

M

egan Lynch said the best thing about her boss, Bernie Gaytko, is that he isn’t just a boss, he’s a friend.

“He has an open door policy and is very approachable,” Lynch, marketing director at First National Bank in Waseca, said. “You can just pop in and talk to him anytime. He’s even that way with the customers.”

Lynch said she talked to all of the management staff and got testimonials from them about why they thought Gaytko deserved to be named Boss of the Year at the Waseca Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 26.

“The consensus was that he genuinely cares about his employees and his customers,” Lynch said. “He’s not your typical bank president. He’s got a goofy side to him. He’s got a great sense of humor.”

Gaytko said he was “humbled and honored” by the nomination.

According to Gaytko, he models his management style after his predecessors, Dick Sankovitz and Mike Halvorson. Both men also shared the honor -- Sankovitz in 1989 and Halvorson in 1995.

“I guess I get to carry on a little tradition,” Gaytko said with a laugh. “I don’t really think of myself as their boss. I think of myself as their mentor, friend and co-worker.”

Gaytko said he tries to create “a work environment where people feel rewarded for their contributions.”

He joked about his open door policy.

“What I consider my greatest strength might just be my my greatest weakness,” Bernie and Ann Gaytko

Congratulations

Congratulations

Community Awards Winners!

to this year’s Community Award Winners First National Bank President Bernie Gaytko takes time to talk to his customers. (Marianne Carlson/Waseca County News)

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Friday, February 1, 2013

Community Awards

Michael, Ann, Max and Bernie Gaytko posed for a photo outside their home last week.

PAGE 9

Gaytko said with a smile regarding his open door policy.

Sometimes he said he is not as productive as he could be, and has to come in over the weekends to finish up projects. However, Gaytko said it is worth it.

“Being approachable and accessible is something that I believe is very important to build the team environment that we have here,” Gaytko said.

Half of the employees at First National Bank have been there for more than 10 years. Thirteen have been there for more than 15 years and seven of them have been at the bank for more than 30 years.

“It is a blessing to have so many experienced staff members,” Gaytko said.

“Regardless of whether you are having a good day or a bad day, as a leader, you always have to have a good day,” Gaytko said. “You have to come in with a smile on your face in order to build a positive environment because the employees take a lot of their cues from what management is doing and how they react.”

Reach reporter Marianne Carlson at 837-5451, or follow her on Twitter.com

OUR VALUES

These words are taped to Gaytko’s computer screen.

• Create fun and a little weirdness.

• Every voice is important and will be heard.

• Deliver extraordinary service.

• Bring passion and enjoyment to your job.

• Find an opportunity in every challenge.

• Pursue growth and learning.

• Encourage initiative and value change.

• Treat others with respect and compassion.

• Build a positive and motivating team atmosphere.

• Live your words.

• Set deadlines.

• Meet your commitments.

“These are the values that drive me as a leader and also drive our employees,” Gaytko said. “When they are not living their values we try to hold them accountable.”

Congratulations to the 2012 Community

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PAGE 10

Community Awards

Friday, February 1, 2013

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com

F

Ben O’Brien and Family.

or Ben O’Brien, principal at Hartley Elementary School in Waseca, giving back is just part of who he is.

“I’m shocked and humbled,” O’Brien said. “I can think of so many people who are deserving of this award.”

O’Brien was honored as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award at the Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 25.

O’Brien said he credits his parents for helping him become the man that he is today. He grew up in Waseca along with his eight sisters and brothers.

“The Golden Rule was a big deal in our house,” O’Brien said with a laugh. “Treat your siblings the way you want to be treated.”

According to O’Brien, both of his parents were “amazing” role models who taught him how to be “prideful, committed, passionate and dedicated.”

Since graduating from Waseca High School in 1996, O’Brien has gone back to school twice. He said if it weren’t for the encouragement and support of his wife, Ria, that would not have been possible.

Congratulations

“She really supports my drive to keep learning,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said he and Ria have been married for almost 10 years and they have three children -- Oliver, 8, Evelyn, 7, and Archer, 2. Although he has many passions including his job, his community and his faith, O’Brien said his family is the center of his universe.

After graduating from college in Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, O’Brien had the opportunity to come back to Waseca and teach at Sacred Heart School where he attended school as a young man. Sacred Heart School and Church have played an important role in O’Brien’s life and as a result, he said is compelled to give back as much as possible.

O’Brien has served on the parish council for several years and is now serving his first year as president.

According to Beatrice O’Brien, Ben’s mother, church was always a big part of their life.

“We always went to mass even if we were at a wrestling tournament or fishing,” Beatrice said with a laugh.

to all of our 2012 Community Award Winners!

• Don Eustice Community Service Award - Peggy Hildbrandt • Rotary Club Service Above Self Award - James E. Zimmerman

• City of Waseca Human Rights Award - Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers • James J Donahue Award - Waseca County Relay for Life • Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award - Edward Frederick • Boss of the Year Award - Bernie Gaytko • Distinguished Service Award - Ben O’Brien

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Wasecacountynews.com 213 2nd Ave. NW, Waseca, MN • 507-835-3380

Friday, February 1, 2013

Community Awards

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O’Brien is member of the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He volunteers with the Waseca Wrestling Club, at at any number of events at Sacred Heart School, Sacred Heart Church as well as at Hartley Elementary School.

“I’ve learned that things won’t happen without people and they won’t continue to happen without people,” O’Brien said. “I am so happy to have been able to stay in Waseca. I feel it is extremely important to give back to the community that gave me the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.”

When asked about her son’s dedication to education and his community, Beatrice O’Brien said her children are not afraid of hard work. She recalled that “chores before Chef Ben O’Brien mixes up some fun during one of Hartley Elementary School’s reading relays. (Waseca County fun” was important concept in their house.

News File Photo) “They did all of the normal chores like shoveling the driveway, but I remember them cleaning out the landscaping rocks, washing them down and then shoveling them back in,” Beatrice said with a laugh.

“As educators we can’t be content with the status quo,” O’Brien said. “It is an ever changing field and we must have the mindset of continuous learning and model that for the kids.”

Beatrice said that education is her son’s “calling” and praised his sense of humor for making him such a successful educator.

Every month O’Brien participates in a reading relay race at Hartley alongside Superintendent Brian Dietz that often requires him to dress in funny outfits and brave obstacle courses. He even dressed up as the storybook character Captain Underpants and rode into the gymnasium on a floor sweeper.

‘Brien said “I just do whatever it takes to motivate the kids to be better at what they do,” O’Brien said. “Every day you get up is another opportunity to do some‘As educators we can’t be content with the status thing important -- do it with passion and pride.” quo. It is an ever changing field and we must have the mindset of continuous learning and model that Reach reporter Marianne Carlson at 837-5451, or follow her on Twitter.com Hartley Elementary School Principal Ben for the kids.’ @mariannewcn.

O’Brien races across the playground with a Ben O’Brien bucket of water after getting dressed his fireman suit. (Waseca County News File Photo)

C ongrat ulat ions, B e rnie !

2012 BOSS OF THE YEAR We appreciate all that you do to make First National Bank such a wonderful place to work. We consider you not only a boss, but a friend as well. ~ The Staff

f n bwa s e c a.c om | 507- 8 3 5 -274 0

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Community Awards

Friday, February 1, 2013

Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Community Awards winners gather before Saturday’s ceremony. (Suzanne Rook/Waseca County News)

Thank you for your

dedication to our community!

• Don Eustice Community Service Award - Peggy Hildbrandt • Rotary Club Service Above Self Award - James E. Zimmerman • City of Waseca Human Rights Award - Special Olympics Minnesota, South Central Lakers • James J Donahue Award - Waseca County Relay for Life • Distinguished Agriculture Leadership Award - Edward Frederick • Boss of the Year Award - Bernie Gaytko • Distinguished Service Award - Ben O’Brien

Hy-Vee.com 1230 N. State St, Waseca | 507-835-8030

Whether you take the lead or work behind the scenes... Hy-Vee thanks everyone who supports our community and makes

Waseca a great place to live!