Nine just a few featured in Profile
Published Thursday, February 21, 2008
Debbie Irmen
How do you tell a person’s story in 10 inches, or less, especially when they have so many experiences which are the sum of their personality and beliefs? When writing nine stories, making each story as individual as the person can be a challenge.
Just as it’s easy to identify some singers from their songs because one song sounds so much like the last one, so it can be when writing so many stories with the same general message — it is easy to make them all sound the same, no matter how unique the person.
My challenge when assigned the task of a special project, Nine who Shine, for The Journal’s annual Profile edition, was to give each person their own voice. Hopefully, you will think I succeeded.
Identifying only nine people in our community was also challenging. We were looking for young people, who by their actions and involvement or business success, likely to be the next generation of leaders. We sought out high-energy, get ‘er done-people, who pass on their enthusiasm to other people. In some cases, the people we chose are behind-the-scenes people who are like dogs with a bone, working tirelessly until a project becomes a reality.
Though different, each person shares some similar character traits: Most notably, a belief they are living in the best community anywhere. Most have children and want to make Fergus Falls better than it is now.
They are confident, but humble, and are willing to step aside to allow others to step into the limelight.
They are also vulnerable and human and all that goes with being a human being.
Here is sneak preview of the Nine who Shine, featured in the 2008 Profile Edition coming out Feb. 29 in The Daily Journal, and a tidbit of information you won’t find in their biographical sketch:
• Jay Cichosz (I finally learned how to spell his name doing this project), in addition to being one of three partners in the law firm of Hastings, Cichosz and Nice, teaches legal environment of business classes at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls. He graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul with a double major in Spanish and business management.
• Scott Colbeck was named the principal of the Fergus Falls School District elementary schools in 2006, and serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and is a member of the morning Rotary club. He credits his wife, Debbie who he married Aug. 7, 1993, for being the glue that keeps their home and family working so well.
• Realtor Ryan Hanson attended Fergus Falls public schools, graduating in 1993, and was voted “Most Sarcastic” boy in the class. The designation is in keeping with his outgoing personality and sense of humor, said his wife, Maria, adding that his sarcasm is never mean, just witty.
• Christy Jensen, Quilter’s Cottage owner, is not a greedy person, according Brett, her husband of 18 years, and is always trying to take care of others before herself. A friend said she could call on Jensen in a crisis, no matter the time of day or night.
• Businessman Paul Lundeen looked to his parents as examples, incorporating their individual styles of managements as his own, but he tries not to get too serious about anything in life, he said. His generosity is legendary among his friends and one will bend over backwards to return the favor any chance he gets.
• In addition to being a steward of the environment, the Rev. Matt Philaya, enjoys camping and the outdoors. He graduated from Walker High school and is married to Jennifer. The couple maintained a long-distance relationship, getting to know each other through the letters they sent back and forth.
• AmericInn Manager Sara Piekarski worked at Perkins for a number of years, but wanted to be a radio broadcaster. She wanted to be the next Jane Pauly, but didn’t want to start at the bottom. It’s not a fear of rolling up her sleeves, though, say family and friends, she has been known to help unload furniture to get an eating establishment ready for its opening.
• Ben Schierer, city councilman, is very artistic, according to his friends, having built his children’s baby crib. He and his wife, Tessa, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary Feb. 7, and have three children, Dove, Reno and Beatrice. After traveling with Disney on Ice, he was interested in film production and lived abroad to work in the field.
• Katrina Wass, an attorney with the Pemberton Law Firm, was president of her University of Missouri graduating class. In addition, she received the Truman Award for leadership from the University of Missouri Law School and has twice been named a Rising Star by “Minnesota Law and Politics” magazine.
These are only nine of the people featured in this year’s Profile edition. Watch for it Feb. 29, for more stories on the people who make up our area.