Five Albert Lea residents were awarded the Mayor’s Community Service Award Monday night.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. honored the community members at a reception at City Hall.

Volunteers were nominated in five categories:

 

Jeff Strom: Volunteer
of the Year

Rasmussen said Strom was awarded for helping residents who are in need with varying projects, including lifting items, cutting down trees and performing other tasks.

 

Lanny Pratt: Good Neighbor

Rasmussen said Pratt was awarded for the contributions he made in his neighborhood.

 

Kyle Olson: Human Services 

Rasmussen said Olson was awarded for his efforts with Senior Resources of Freeborn County. The mayor said Olson has logged more than 250,000 miles over the course of his lifetime for the organization.

 

Al Kaderabek: Mayor’s Choice

The mayor said Kaderabek was awarded because of his positive contributions to Albert Lea and his promotion of the community through spreading the word about the benefits of the community.

 

Lois Ahern: Service by Senior Citizens

Rasmussen said Ahern was awarded for her efforts at Senior Resources in assisting clients and making them feel comfortable.

The mayor received nominations from members of the community and selected the winners based on the ones he thought were most deserving. He said he received a handful of nominations.

Rasmussen said the award allows the community to recognize community volunteers.

“It’s been a great community program,” he said.

Rasmussen said the five awardees don’t capture the hundreds of residents Rasmussen deems worthy of receiving the awards.

He plans on honoring more volunteers later this year and advised anyone looking to nominate a volunteer to call 507-377-4330 or visit the city’s website.