City holds 'Night Out' celebration

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Members of the New Ulm community came out Monday evening to German Park to show their support of the 5th Annual National Night Out program and also to congratulate the 11 Asset Building Champion Award Recipients.

National Night Out encourages the creation of strong a strong community with aware, supportive and neighborly neighborhoods to help prevent crime and drug use. A rally for the community kicked off the program on Monday and block parties throughout the city will be held Tuesday evening.

New Ulm Police Chief Howard Zins said the National Night Out has had a positive outcome for the city.

"I think these neighborhoods and block parties get people together," said Zins, "It's one of those things that takes a while before you see results ... it just takes a while. As time goes by we hope it gets better. (The block parties) are starting to spread out more, more people are involved in different neighborhoods. Some block parties have entertainment and they're really getting into it."

Zins said that so far this year at least ten different block parties have requested an officer with the New Ulm Police Department come to the party to give them information on crime and drug prevention. Officers will attend as many parties as they will have time to fit into their schedules.

"It's a good turnout," said Wilbur Frink, who is one of the organizers since the inception of National Night Out, "We've really been blessed this year that so many people are involved. Every year more and more people are getting involved in National Night Out."

At the beginning of the evening there were 10 individuals and the Rotary Club who were honored by receiving Asset Building Champion Awards.

Asset Builders have helped to encourage, support and invest in area youth by mentoring, volunteering, leading, and by parenting.

Those receiving the awards included Bob Apitz, Becky Braegelmann, Bob Hines, Gary Lewis, Ingrid Liedman, Jim Pickus, Tanya Schull, Dean Torvick, David Wright, Joan Wisniewski and the Rotary Club.

Bob Apitz received the award for his service as a PRO mentor who support "at-risk" youth develop their personal assets. He also helps plan various fundraisers in the community.

"I appreciate the award and the recognition for the things I've been involved with over the years. I really believe in youth and I really support the programs they're involved in," said Apitz, "There's so many folks out there who do so much for youth and there's so many people who work behind the scenes and they're the ones who should receive the recognition."

Becky Braegelmann received the award due to her volunteer hours and her work as a mentor at New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

The Asset Building Champion award was given to Pastor Bob Hines for his support of youth to share their creativity through playing and dancing to their favorite music.

Dr. Gary Lewis, who is the Director of the River Bend Education District, has helped to provide "at-risk" youth with resources. He has also been instrumental in developing the River Bend Day Treatment Program, River Bend Alternative School program and also the 3 Counties for Kids Children's Mental Health Collaborative.

The award was given to Ingrid Liedman, who is a teacher at the New Ulm Middle School, and was honored for her extra service to helping youth achieve their potential.

Jim Pickus, a I.S.D. No. 88 Industrial Technology teacher, received the award for his involvement in teaching youth about the connection of school and work through his active role in the New Ulm/Sleepy Eye School-to-Work Partnership.

The Asset Building Champion Award was given to the Principal of Jefferson School, Tanya Schull, for her caring attitude as a principal who "advocates for her students, staff, parents, and our community."

Dean J. Torvick, owner of Concordia Lanes has given his support to youth bowling leagues at considerable cost to the business for a number of years.

David Wright has spent many volunteer hours helping to start the New Ulm Area Youth Soccer Association.

Washington School Counselor Joan Wisniewski has helped to support youth with the challenges of growing up and values each student for their contribution to the world.

The Rotary Club has been an organization which has been instrumental in supporting youth and increasing levels of academic achievement through the STRIVE Program. STRIVE offers seniors in the lower third of their class a chance to turn their academic performance around by helping them focus on their studies and mentoring. Scholarship awards are given to students who show the greatest increase in their grade point average over their senior year. Brian Tohal and Dave VanDien represented the club at the award ceremony.