By Rich Larson, News Director
Last night, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Banquet. The event was a virtual affair this
year, hosted by Chamber President Lisa Peterson, Director of Membership and Events Jane Bartho, and the Chamber Administrative Assistant Rachel Trnka. Along with video presentations made by chamber board members and sponsors, the chamber honored Chris Lambert of Higher Standards as the Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Andy & Ali Oaks and Capital Construction as Business of the Year, and Joan Spaulding, the co-owner of the Hideaway Coffeehouse and Winebar as Business Person of the year.
In her remarks, Spaulding said that she has a very simple business philosophy: treat people as if they are guests in your home, put your guests above the bottom line, and sometimes, she said, you just have to make things up as you go along.
“And probably the last thing is ‘Fake it ‘Til You Make It.’ Obviously, we didn’t know what we were doing, but we surround ourselves with good people, and we know what we like and we know want high quality and high-quality people. So, we just continue to fake it, and I think we’ve made it.”
She went on to say that her family was instrumental in the success of their business, likening them to a farm family. A good deal of her speech was spent thanking her children and her husband Jim with whom she owns the Hideaway, calling him her rock.
Rahmah Abdulai wins Northfield Human Rights Award
The Northfield Human Rights Commission has awarded this year’s City of Northfield Human Rights Award to Rahmah Abdulai. Rahmah is a senior at Northfield High School, and co-chairs the Black Student Union. She is well known as a human rights advocate both at Northfield High School and throughout the community.
According to a statement released by the Human Rights Commission, Rahmah is someone who cares deeply and passionately about human rights and racial equality and is a natural leader. It goes on to say that she excels at inspiring others through both her words and her deeds and is tireless in her determination to “improve the lives of all in Northfield and beyond.”
Northfield Schools Superintendent Matt Hillmann said that Rahmah is the kind of person who can change the world.
“Rahmah is a student leader. I’ve gotten to know Rahmah by working with her on a few different committees, focused on racial equity over the last couple of years. She’s a dynamic young lady who is going to make a big difference in this world. So, we’re so proud to see Rahmah get some real just recognition for the efforts she has made to make us all better and to make sure that we are really committing to having a truly racially inclusive community.”
The award was presented to Rahmah at Northfield’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday last week. Past recipients of the award include Father Dennis Dempsey, The Community Action Center and the Employees of Laura Baker Services Association.
Pownell wants diversity on city commissions
Mayor Rhonda Pownell said on Wednesday that she is looking for people who would like to serve on a city board
or commission. There are approximately 18 separate boards ranging from Arts & Culture to the Northfield Hospital to the Environmental Quality Commission. Those with a certain skillset or a certain interest are always welcome to apply. She added that she is always looking for people who want to serve and have a perspective.
“I’m really looking for a diverse perspective. Diverse perspective, representation, different lived experiences, and sometimes it’s really difficult to find those people that are bringing those different lived experience to ensure that our boards and commissions have wide representation across the city.”
The mayor also said that the city is beginning the process of putting the next strategic plan together, and Northfielders should watch for opportunities to answer surveys throughout the spring. Councilor George Zuccolotto added that those with opinions don’t have to wait for a survey to find them. If there is an opinion to be shared, he said, reach out to your city councilor. The council is always looking to hear from people who want their voice to be heard.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Mayor Pownell and Councilor Zucolotto can be heard here
