Music to His Ears
It’s no wonder Richard Collman and his wife chose to retire in Northfield. A retired United Methodist pastor, he likes college towns, music and being of service to others. He immediately joined the Arts and Culture Commission and met another LBSA volunteer, Gail Jones Hansen, who was organizing the auction for the Gala. He decided to donate a solid oak quilt rack.
In the meantime, Richard joined Rotary International and volunteered to be in charge of their weekly music program. It was there that his perfect pitch and piano skills caught the attention of LBSA Director of Community Relations Jane Fenton. So when he showed up with his quilt rack, she asked if he would be interested in becoming the accompanist for the LBSA Choir.
Richard has close friends who are raising a daughter with developmental disabilities and has seen firsthand their struggles. His previous position had included a partnership with a church that had an active music ministry for those with developmental disabilities, and he saw how tremendous the benefits could be. So he agreed! What was his motivation? “Need,” he replies. “Plus, I like to bring joy to people’s lives through music.”
High points of his year have included lots of hugs, the personal relationships he gets to be a part of and the “experience of having everyone clap for everyone, no matter what.”
He observes something that only a volunteer would know, “They have a profound appreciation of what other people bring. Just showing up is cause for celebration.”
LBSA Music Therapist Jennifer Pelletier says, “Richard has helped carpool when we have performed in the community, he has spent extra time recording accompaniments, and is musically flexible when changes need to be made to meet the choir’s needs. We are so grateful for Richard’s help and expertise!”
A Remarkable Relationship
Dave Shumway is the president of First National Bank of Northfield, as was his father, Robert, before him. He remembers his dad talking about the times when Miss Laura Baker would come in to talk to the cashier, H.O. Dilley, and what would ensue was “a conversation between two strong-minded people.”
First National Bank and Laura Baker Services have had a relationship since 1897, when Miss Baker purchased the property to start her School for Nervous and Backward Children on Oak Street, armed mostly with a great idea and conviction.
One hundred eleven years later, the tradition of support for Laura Baker Services continues strongly. First National Bank has sponsored our Gala for the last 10 years. Each time we have a capital campaign, the bank is a major contributor. First National consistently participates in our golf tournament and sponsored it for many years.
In an era defined by fickle relationships and bottom-line profits, First National has remained a stalwart supporter. The Bank supported LBSA through some of our toughest times financially. When asked why, Shumway replies simply, “You have a fantastic board. That really helps.”
Dave recalls fondly playing on the grounds of LBSA as a child and befriending many clients. His best friend’s backyard bordered LBSA. He also had a cousin with Down syndrome who lived at home her whole 60+ years, even though her family was told she wouldn’t live much past age 15. She was famous for giving huge hugs. “I learned at a young age that people with developmental disabilities were simply people like you and me,” he states.
His dad used to say that charity was like death and taxes – it was not avoidable and it was important to share. To this day, First National Bank of Northfield donates 6 – 10% of its pre-tax income each year. Most corporations brag about 3% in charitable donations.
Steven Schmidt
He is the president of Steven Schmidt Construction, founded the company in 1981. He serves as the project manager for all new residential and commercial construction. Steve has been extensively involved with local and national charities, including the United Way, and he currently serves on the board of South Central College.
“When you see an organization where the enthusiasm goes through the entire place, especially in their care for the clients, it’s easy to want to volunteer, work and donate to them. You know that things are going in the right direction. Laura Baker Services truly is a unique place, and the rewards are endless when you participate with them.”
Anne Lundstrom
“What impressed me, first of all, is that it all started over one hundred years ago and has lasted through today. I think Laura Baker was a very progressive, unbelievable woman. Secondly, the approach to care is at a very respectful, very mature level. Instead of taking care of people it’s helping people take care of themselves. They are part of our community, integrated into society instead of being shut away. That’s a really big positive. Contributing to Laura Baker benefits you as an individual, benefits the community and it benefits your employees, if you give as an employer. I think we get so wrapped up in our day-to-day business that we forget the impact we can have on others.
