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15 Minutes

RITA HUMMEL

Resides: On an acreage near Conrad.

Hometown: Reinbeck

FAMILY LIFE

Family: I have been married to my husband Mike 27 years. He is also a Reinbeck native. He has been plant manager at Monsanto in Beaman for more than 25 years. We recently bought an acreage near Conrad. Previously, we lived in Marshalltown for 23 years. We have two grown children, Sarah and Jacob. Sarah is married to Kyle Smith and they have blessed us with a grandson, Isaac. They reside in Cedar Rapids. Sarah is an RN at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Jacob is a software engineer and lives in Cedar Falls. Mike and I have parents that live in rural Reinbeck, they are Rolland and Phyllis Hummel, and Dale and Bea Greiner.

Pets: Three dogs – a German Shepherd, Bichon Frise and a Cavichon. They are spoiled rotten and are loved like family.

Hobbies and interests: I love flower gardening and landscaping; projects outside and digging in the dirt favorites. Mike and I enjoy being Cyclone fans and have season tickets for football and basketball. We enjoy our children and other friendships. I absolutely LOVE being a Grandma and enjoy every minute I get to spoil our first grandchild, Isaac.

WORK

Occupation: I am the Marketing/Active Older Adults director at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.

What that means: My duties as marketing director include social media and website information updates, as well as member emails. Active Older Adults responsibilities covers group interests, social networks and activities that bring together people who share common passions and interests. Clubs presently offered are the Book Club, Card Party, Hobby-Craft Club, Line Dancing, and Travel Club. We also offer Health Forums in the spring (April and May) and fall (October and November) at 11 a.m. every Monday. Community professionals speak on different topics that range from health to hobbies and more. The fall line-up will be released in mid-September. The public is welcome to attend, and the programs are free of charge.

Tenure: 18 years. The first 14 were in the Health and Wellness department as an instructor. I was later appointed as the department’s assistant director. I have been in my current position 4 years.

Best part of work or occupation: The Y is happy place for people of all ages to come and nurture their mind, body and spirit. It doesn’t get any better than that.

If I could change jobs I would: I would be on HGTV redecorating people’s homes.

FAVORITES

Books: Facebook!

Movies: “Forest Gump” and “The Sound of Music.”

Foods: Crab legs, filet mignon, sushi and good red wine shared with friends.

COMMUNITY

Best part of living here: If I could live anywhere in the world, I would still choose here. I love rural Iowa, as Mike and I grew up on farms. I love all four seasons (as brutal as they can be) and there is so much beauty in all. We are close to our kids, our parents, and extended family, and that seals the deal.

Most influential people: Mike has influenced me the most. There is a reason God made men and women to think so differently, and I am a better person because of marriage.

Local involvement: Mike and I teach Sunday school to ninth graders at St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown.

Advice on life: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

15 Minutes

CHRISSA AUESTAD

Resides: Nevada

Hometown: I was born in Marshalltown and attended West Marshall and Nevada schools. Later, I continued my education at Iowa State University in Ames.

FAMILY LIFE

Family: My husband’s name is Chad, and my parents are Laura and Dave Loney of Nevada, and Kyle Brown of Marshalltown. I have nine brothers and sisters – Derek, Stefanie, Parker, Megan, Mackenzie, Shannon, Kevin, Robin and Ryan!

Pets: I have a dog, Dallas, a black labrador. He was named after Chad’s favorite professional football team – the Dallas Cowboys of course!

Hobbies and interests: I enjoy reading, spending time outside, photography and walking my dog.

WORK

Occupation: Vice president of Behavioral Health Intervention Services, and the interim human resources director at Life Connections.

What that means: BHIS is a program that offers in-home counseling to children ages three to 19 as well as families. My job is to supervise the BHIS supervisors at each of our company’s nine offices located throughout Iowa.

Tenure: I have worked at Life Connections since August 2012, but was promoted to vice president of BHIS June 23.

If I could change jobs I would be: A photographer! Photography has always been something of interest.

FAVORITES

Books: I absolutely love all Nicholas Sparks books!

Movies: “Now and Then,” “Frozen,” “Hairspray,” and “Pitch Perfect” are some of my favorites.

Foods: Mashed potatoes!

COMMUNITY

Best part of living here: My favorite part of living in Nevada is the small town feel, but I absolutely love working in Marshalltown and experiencing its strong sense of community.

Local involvement: I have volunteered at many Marshalltown events, most recently the “Dancing Feet for 13th Street,” fundraiser, the House of Compassion kitchen, its Cinco de Mayo festival and Run for the House events, Kids to Park Day, Dia de los Ninos at the Marshalltown Public Library, and the annual Ride for Recovery for SATUCI. I recently completed my second Dam to Dam and first half marathon (13.1 miles) runs. I’m very proud of doing both!

Favorite Quote: “If we did all of the things we were capable of, we would astound ourselves.” – Thomas Edison

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15 Minutes is a Saturday feature about central Iowans. The question and answer format lends itself be completed or read in 15 minutes or less. To submit a name for consideration, or to participate, contact Times-Republican Staff and Features Reporter Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com

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