Rambling River Days – Hometown
Heroes
The following amazing people were
nominated for varied reasons but all have one common theme…they gave of
themselves so that others have a better life.
They are ALL Hometown Heroes and we Thank them all for helping make life in Farmington special.
Ron and Bev Ersfeld Named Grand Day
Parade Marshals
for Rambling River Days 2008
Ron and
Bev Ersfeld were chosen by their peers as the 2008 Grand Marshal’s for the
Grand Day Parade in recognition of their dedication to the community through
their work with the VFW as well as the numerous organizations they are
affiliated with. The enthusiasm shown for local charities, churches and youth
organizations fundraising efforts through the VFW is wide-ranging and abundant.
Bernie Bongard Named Hometown Honoree
for Rambling River Days 2008
Bernie
Bongard, was nominated and chosen as one of the two Hometown Honorees for
2008. Bernie owned 2 service stations in Farmington for over 30 years and was
a solid, trustworthy and committed business anchor when Farmington was evolving
from the mid-1960’s through the mid-1990’s. For many
years, he was “THE” Tow Truck operator in town, spending many sleepless nights
rescuing people with stranded vehicles or racing to accidents.
Tuffy Westenberg Named Hometown Honoree
for Rambling River Days 2008
Tuffy
(Carrol) Westenberg is the past owner of the Farmington Bakery from 1966-2000,
aka Ye Ole Bake Shoppe. Named into the Upper Midwest Bakers Association Hall
of Fame this year, Tuffy was responsible for tasty treats many in Farmington
grew up with and has been recognized for his outstanding cookies and pastries
including his famous Tuffy’s Terrific Chocolate Chunk Cookie. He was nominated
and chosen as one of the Hometown Honorees because of his contributions to Farmington and area residents.
Congratulations to the 2008 Merit Award Recipients:
This year,
we had such an outpouring of nominations that we decided to honor the following
with a Brand new recognition category…The Merit Award.
These
individuals will be honored for their dedication to their job and making our
community a safer place to live and the lives of those they serve more
rewarding.
Steven Geis is the Principal of North Trail Elementary School and will receive
this honor for his dedication to the children and family within the school district.
His caring, supportive attitude and strong bond with those he works with makes
him a very special asset within the Farmington School District
Andrew Cook is one of the Research Librarian’s at the Farmington branch of the
Dakota County Library. His cheerful attitude and willingness to help those
under imminent deadlines is ever present and gives hope to those with looming
projects that help is not far away. He is a dedicated public employee who
enjoys his job and it shows.
Tom Strese
is one of Farmington’s finest, patrolling our streets to help make them safe
for area residents. As a Police officer, he recently received the Outstanding
Service Award from MADD for his exceptional work in keeping drunk drivers off
our streets.
Congratulations to all of the Hometown Honoree Nominees:
Don Kamin
was nominated by several Farmington’s residents who recognized his commitment
to the community through his work with the Knights of Columbus organization who
helps local charities, churches and the community.
Louis Schmitz was nominated for his commitment to the community through the youth
athletics for so many years. The guidance and help given to these
organizations was unprecedented and the life skills area children acquired in
these programs help produce productive young adults.
Ed Mahowald’s daily visits with the residents of Trinity Terrace and Trinity Care Center has earned him this distinctive honor of Hometown Honoree. Ed, along
with his dog, Puffer, has shown an extraordinary commitment of his time and
selflessness and has made the lives of those he visits so much better.
Dr. Veronica Bartsch’s nomination came from a client whose dog was struck by a
vehicle. Dr. Bartsch went above and beyond to make sure their pet was treated
like part of the family and given the best care possible. From the first call
through post-emergency care, the compassionate care given both the animal and
their owners was nothing short of “amazing”.
John Devney has the distinct honor of owning one of the elite farms in Dakota County to hit the 100 year anniversary. Devonshire Farms hit the century mark this
year and shows the family’s commitment to the business and farming community of
Farmington.
Marlys Guildner’s accomplishments are many and varied from volunteer work, genealogy
classes and the positions she has held, including that of Post Master General
for Farmington Post Office, all attest to the strong bond she holds with the Farmington area. Without Marlys’ dedication, Farmington’s historical background would be
lost for future generations.
Connie Honrud’s dedication to the youth of Farmington through the Youth bowling
league as well as her thriving daycare business and church volunteering, has
given many local children a new avenue to express themselves. Because of
compassionate people like Connie, children were given new opportunities to lay
the groundwork to become thriving, productive adults.
Ed Samuelson was nominated in recognition of his commitment to the community
through his work with many volunteer organizations e the boy scouts. Helping
pave the way for young people to learn life skills through citizenship,
character development and personal fitness training which contributes to the
sense of belonging.
Dawn and Bob Paget’s dedicated commitment to the community through their work
with the Sons of the American Legion Post #189 has not gone unnoticed. The
financial help given local charities, churches and the needy throughout the
community by the Legion has made the difference for many and would not be
possible without the Paget’s efforts.
Imelda Becker’s coordinating efforts with the Farmington Food Shelf has made everyday
life for those in need, a little easier to manage and less stressful.
Countless hours of fundraising and organizing this important local endeavor has
become even more vital with the economic conditions and could not continue
without Imelda’s constant guidance and dedication.
Al and Marlene Beeney were nominated for Hometown Honoree because of their
devotion to the residents of Trinity Care Center as well as area seniors who
are homebound. Their visits are an extraordinary commitment of time and
altruism. Without volunteers like the Beeney’s, life would be very different
for many area residents.
Our Selection Process
Nominations
for Rambling River Days Hometown Honorees and Grand Marshall were made by local
residents who wanted to recognize exceptionally dedicated individuals within Farmington whose contribution to the community improved the lives of others.
There was
no time line for the “hometown heroes” contribution, no act was too large nor
too small and the nominations had to be detailed to help those of us who take
these kind acts for granted, learn what true heroism is.
