Name: Joel B. Erickson and Pembie Erickson

Ages: 64 and 66

Livelihood: Retired Lutheran pastor and retired teacher

City of Residence: Albert Lea

For how long: 18 months

Tell us about your family: Son Jeshua, married to Jennifer; and a daughter, married to Kevin Land. We have five grandchildren. The Land family of five lives in Rosea. Jeshua and his family live in Albert Lea.

Why does Joel volunteer: Seed volunteering as giving back and the main reason for volunteering at Sibley Elementary as part of reading corps is I see how crucial it is for children to read. It is the foundation for a meaningful learning experience.

Why does Pembie volunteer: I volunteer at Sibley Elementary, under the direction of Linda Bottleson and the Minnesota Reading Corps since November, before Thanksgiving.

What was the last book you read: “Sarah’s Key” and “Don’t know much about History” – Joel, “The Help” and “Rediscovering Prayer in the light of Scripture” – Pembie

What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing disc golf on a regular basis. My working with my hands – building, repairing, etc. gives me great satisfaction. – Joel

Reading, writing, illustrating, taking care of grandchildren, exercising at Anytime Fitness; teaching art when the opportunity arises. – Pembie

What’s your favorite movie? “The Fugitive” and  “The singing Revolution”