The following are some of the volunteer opportunities currently open in Freeborn County. If you can help with any of them or would like to volunteer for others, call Pat Stumme, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program director, at Senior Resources, 377-7433.

Give a caregiver a break: Be a companion to an elderly or frail senior and help their caregiver have a break for a few hours. You can make a big impact just by spending an hour or two per week — or month — as a visitor/companion. Staff at Family Caregiver Network can provide more details and help you get started. Call 377-7433 and enjoy a change of pace for yourself.

Volunteer drivers: Ride Services of Freeborn County needs two more drivers for one or more half or full days a week. Drivers are reimbursed for mileage and receive training as they assist senior residents getting to medical and other appointments. Call Senior Resources at 377-7433 for additional information and to volunteer.

Fountain Lake Bookstore: Volunteers staff this unique bookstore on the lower level of Albert Lea City Hall and libraries. Great conversations, coffee and book chats abound while you take a shift as clerk at the bookstore. Call Carol Frydenlund at 377-2785 for details and to schedule your time.

RSVP, a program of Senior Resources of Freeborn County, receives some funding through the United Way of Freeborn County, the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

 

 

Jerad and Amber Stricker of Albert Lea announce the birth of a daughter, Lucy Grace, on Sept. 28, 2012, in Albert Lea. Lucy was 9 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. She joins a sister, Ella.

Grandparents are Mike and Janet Borcherding of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and Marsha and Mike Stricker of Orchard, Iowa.

 

Karizma Hamberg and Tyler Osmundson of Albert Lea announce the birth of a son, Zaden James Osmundson, on Oct. 10, 2012, in Albert Lea. Zaden weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Grandparents are Cherie and Jim Osmundson of Albert Lea. Great-grandparents are Don Hamberg, Jean Osmundson, both of Albert Lea, the late Lu Haddeman of Florida and Sally Ann Hamberg of Albert Lea.

 

Patrick Skinner and Heidi Howden of Albert Lea announce the birth of a son, William Trent Skinner on Oct. 13, 2012, in Albert Lea. William weighed 8 pounds and was 21 1/4 inches long.

Grandparents of Pamela and Joel Skinner of Albert Lea and Pamela Howden of Austin, Texas. Great-grandparents are Helen Hyland of Austin, Mary Doblar of Madison, S.D., and Rae Skinner of Brainerd.

 

Chelsea and Greg Hanson of Albert Lea announce the birth of a daughter Indiana LaMae Hanson, at 4:09 p.m. Sept. 8, 2012, in Albert Lea. Indiana weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and 21 inches long. She joins siblings: Levi, Riley, Brooke and Isabel Hanson.

Grandparents are Kathi and Dave Hanson of Albert Lea, Frank Kohl of Albert Lea, Marcie Cole and Todd Missman of Thompson, Iowa. Great-grandparents are Barb Bartel of Leroy and Bob and Janet Wilder of Northwood.

 

Students named to dean’s list

Buena Vista University graduate and professional studies

Janeen Johnson of Lake Mills, Heather Mannes of Lake Mills, Megan Neuwohner of Lake Mills, Elizabeth Sprecher of Lake Mills and Emmylou Allen of Glenville.