Our Initiative

·      Tammie Aanonsen, Proctor Area Community Center Coordinator, contributes: staff time, meeting space at the Proctor Area Community Center, organizational abilities

·      Molly Johnson, Community Education Director, contributes:  school/community liaison channels, community connections including Proctor Chamber of Commerce membership

·      Tracy Gellatly, Railway Catering Club leader, school secretary, youth mentor brings: connections with youth, organizational qualities, and treats

·      Tom Ward and Beryl Peyton, community members, have deep connections with : faith community, alumni, business community and bring and marketing experience, charisma and a genuine love of youth

·      Jo and John Cook, Proctor community members, contribute relationships with faith community, area law enforcement community and organizational expertise

·      Marilyn Lee,  life-long community member, Proctor Historical Society member, 4H leader

·      Kevin Maki is a Proctor School Board member, retired businessman, adjunct professor at Fond du Lac, area resident and parent

·      Diane Rauschenfels, former Proctor Superintendent, youth mentor, administrator at U of M – Duluth campus, brings tremendous connections with area townships, regional agencies, and business

·      Wilma Challstrom, community member, Instructor and Artist brings strong connection to the Arts community

·      Ali Greene – Proctor High student, member of Railway Catering, exceptional organizational skills, civic engagement mindset

·      Ketishia Miller – Proctor High student, member of Railway Catering, master of the Heartfelt story

·      Sara Pirila – Proctor High Student, member of Railway Catering, strong interest in engaging with senior citizens

·      Samantha Tabert – Proctor High Student, member of Railway Catering, brings emerging talents

·      Tristan Hage, Proctor High alumnus, resident of outlying area around Proctor, former member of Railway Catering, has an eagerness to help and to participate

·      Ina Marie Silverness is a Proctor High student, member of Railway Catering

Local organizational partners include: Proctor Public Schools (Community Education and Early Childhood Program), City of Proctor, Proctor Area Community Center, Proctor Historical Society, Proctor Parks & Recreation Board, Forbes Church, Proctor Journal, Forbes Church, and St. Rose School.

Funders:  Our project is funded through several sources and we send deep and heartfelt thanks for the generosity that helps us to make such positive changes in our community.

The Northland Foundation’s AGE to age: bringing generations together/Communities for All Ages, with funding support from the Community Experience Partnership, an initiative for US community foundations from The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Bush Foundation, the Blandin Foundation, the Otto Bremer Foundation, along with the Northland Foundation and the Communities for All Ages, a national initiative of The Intergenerational Center at Temple University, with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Proctor Public Schools for the use of school buildings and resources, including many hours of staff time.

City of Proctor for use of the Proctor Area Community Center and the willingness to work together.

Proctor Chamber of Commerce for prizes and Chamber Bucks for our gatherings.

 

During the initial planning process of our AGE to age, we formed a steering committee of Proctor residents and community leaders. Through community gatherings and meetings, the core committee emerged. Numbering about 25 individuals, the steering committee represents three generations – youth, empty nesters and seniors.  Our team is called G³ -Gathering Generations for Greatness. The G³ team is a blend of students and staff from Proctor schools, Proctor business owners, and community members who are interested in the well being of the City of Proctor and its residents. Community Speak Outs, visioning sessions and lots of discussion have revealed the community’s need to create a physical environment that promotes healthy living and helps to reduce isolation and promote community cohesiveness as well as the wise use of natural resources.  There is also an interest in creating opportunities for civic engagement and intergenerational social and recreational opportunities. 

Our efforts have taken the form of community gatherings which engage members of each generation where community can get to know each other, and share some fun.  Additionally, the group is working to create an outdoor community gathering space that will connect the city to the local trail system for healthy walking/biking pathways, the community veggie garden; shady, summertime benches and picnic area as well as enhancing the city’s outdoor skating rink for winter fun.