How did you land in Cook County, if you were not originally from here? 

I moved here in 1975 needing a change in my life. I worked at Tomteboda (a former motel on the west end of Grand Marais) for a while and worked up the Gunflint Trail at Hungry Jack  Lodge. I fell in love with the area and I met a man who had a cabin on Clearwater Lake. That was “it” for me. The cabin remained a cabin until he retired, and we built a year-round home and moved full-time to Cook County in 2005. 

Where is your favorite “go to” place in the County for a time of relaxation? 

That would have to be right here on Clearwater Lake. I enjoy a daily walk or just the opportunity to sit on the dock and enjoy the day. I also enjoy swimming, canoeing,  snowmobiling, hiking, and gardening. 

You are a candidate for the hospital Board for District 4. What motivates you to devote your time to being a Board member? 

I am a retired lab tech having worked mostly in the Duluth area. I was approached by the previous District 4 hospital board member who thought I would be a good candidate.  Since both my husband and I have used the hospital services I hoped some of my expertise could be helpful. I was appointed to the board in 2007. After being on the board and learning so much locally I began attending the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) conferences and received advanced certification. I was asked to be on the MHA Trustee Council and am thankful for all connections and information I receive from these meetings. I was encouraged to get my national certification. I now have my National Rural Health Association (NRHA) certification which opened up connections nationally and gives me so much more information. I am committed to North Shore Health as I feel it is a needed service for our community members and visitors. 

Who is your biggest inspiration in your life and why? 

I guess it would have to be my dad. He was the first in his family to go to college and that was when I was in 4th grade. He even went on to earn his masters degree and told me you can do whatever you want, just do it! He also told me just because I was female didn’t mean I couldn’t do things  (he made me learn to change a tire and change oil before I could get my driver’s license) and told me I had to stand up for myself. 

What would you describe living in Cook County is like to someone who is considering a move here? 

I am an outdoor kind of person and there are so many options available – I need to get outdoors in any kind of weather. Winter is awesome. A drawback for me being more involved in activities in town is my 35-mile drive to town. Not everyone is comfortable living “in the woods.” Living in town offers another variety of options with a vibrant community. There are so many opportunities for classes and volunteering in almost any capacity. I LOVE being here! 

Any family or pet details that you wish to share with us? 

My husband and I have one grown daughter who is married. I enjoy traveling and so does my daughter, so we have done some mother-daughter trips that take us to various places around the northern Midwest. My mother had a massive stroke last summer and is in a skilled nursing home, so I do understand the needs of seniors and their families.