Good Neighbor, Good Citizen

By MARTHA KRIENKE

Journal Staff Writer

The National Night Out celebration held at German Park on Monday recognized two outstanding citizens of the New Ulm Area.

Bev Belin received the Good Neighbor Award, and Leon Luepke received the Good Citizen award.

Charlotte Anderson, who nominated Belin, described her as a "perfect wife, mother and good neighbor." Belin was remembered for always welcoming her four children's friends to her home. "She opened her home and heart to others," said Anderson.

Belin also welcomed guests passing through New Ulm into her home. From musicians performing at Heritagefest to politicians, they "played games together and shared cultures."

Belin gave her time to her neighbors in many ways. "She babysat, plantsat, gardensat, dogsat, catsat, birdsat," said Anderson. "She did her job efficiently."

Even after Belin's children moved away, she continued to maintain her swimming pool for the neighborhood kids to enjoy. She taught them wrong from right, to share and the Golden Rule. Anderson said, "Bev is a Christian who practices her faith all the time."

Two of Belin's children and seven grandchildren attended the celebration. Hope Diamonds donated a mantel clock for Belin.

Mayor Joel Albrecht also awarded Belin with the Distinguished Service Award. He said, "Tonight we are honoring all people who volunteer their time. Those are the people who make New Ulm what it is."

Good Citizen Award

New Ulm Chief of Police Erv Weinkauf presented the first Good Citizen Award to Luepke for his willingness to come forth with information that led to the arrest of 10 people involved in thefts last month. Luepke witnessed people going through his truck one morning, and he called the police.

"It's nice to help out," Luepke said.

Weinkauf encouraged the crowd to be the eyes and ears for the police department. "We can't be everywhere at the same time," he said.

The National Night Out also included a presentation by the New Ulm Area Gymnastics Academy. Gymnasts from 6 to 15 years old jumped, tumbled and twirled to the tunes of Shania Twain. Instructor Kim Moellenhoff said she was proud of how the kids performed, considering the performance had been "whipped up in a week."

Maiden Voyage provided musical entertainment with their guitars, accordion and tambourine. Community organizations set up booths to create awareness. Area businesses donated items for the silent and live auctions.