PEOPLE PROFILES
ANDREA VORDERBRUGGEN EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
Andrea Vorderbruggen, Educational Director for Children’ s Discovery Academy( CDA), admits to be very competitive, especially when she’ s playing badminton against her brother.“ I grew up playing the game against my siblings, and we still have annual tournaments. My brother and I trash talk for months leading up to it. No money in it, but maybe a trophy some day.”
Or, instead of competitive, maybe“ playful” is a good way to describe her. She has to be in her position, which she’ s held since 2009. Vorderbruggen says,“ I began my tenure with CDA in 2000 when I was hired as an Assistant Director. Now, as Educational Director, I help to oversee both of our Early Childhood Centers.”( Vadnais Heights and Little Canada.)
Not trash-talking Little Canada here, but Vorderbruggen says,“ My favorite part about the Vadnais Heights / White Bear Lake area is the strong sense of community. It’ s such a great place for families. There are so many events and opportunities for people to connect, and people are so friendly. It also has a very vibrant business community.”
As for her company, Vorderbruggen says,“ We have an experienced, dedicated team of Early Childhood professionals who put their hearts and souls into what they do, and I think it shows. We’ ve attained and maintained ratings and accreditations on local and national levels, and we did it all by working together toward a common goal. Our company mission is to‘ serve families through the exceptional care and education of children.’ In fact, we offer additional support and referrals when families need it. All in all, I get to help build a strong community. I can’ t
think of anything more rewarding than that.”
Considering Vorderbruggen’ s line of work, it’ s not surprising her greatest inspiration has been her mother:“ She was an educator by profession too, and I can’ t imagine a better personality for it. She’ s always been a very compassionate and caring individual who set a great example for everyone she came into contact with.”
GERRY URBAN CITY MOVER, SHAKER & SHAPER
Actually, Gerry Urban has held several positions and had several titles throughout his lifetime, including: Public Works employee( 1968 –’ 75); City Clerk- Treasurer( 1974 –’ 91); City Administrator( 1992 – 2012); co-founder of the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation( VHEDC); co-founder of Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation( VHACF), and current VHACF Advisory Board Member & Asset Development Committee Chairperson.
Urban says,“ The Mission of the VHACF is to strengthen our community through private giving. Our purpose is to enhance and improve the quality of life in our area / community through developing financial resources to promote in perpetuity the cultural, educational, environmental and economic assets of our area. Since 1990, the VHACF has been able to donate approximately $ 10,000 to $ 12,000 annually.”
Urban has seen a lot of changes in the City he loves:“ Despite seeing significant growth in our area over the last 50 years, we’ ve preserved some of the old and added some great new aspects. We have beautiful lakes, wetlands, parks, great businesses and services, good schools and almost every aspect that we want right here or very nearby.”
Throughout the years, no matter what“ cap” he was wearing, Urban was farming and still does. He and his wife have farmed their homestead on Labore Road( north of County Road E) since 1980.“ For the past 60 years – since I was a boy on my family’ s farm – I’ ve spent part of many weekends at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market.” He assisted the VHEDC with bringing a farmers’ market to Vadnais Heights in 2016.
���������������������������������������� as, University of Minnesota graduate
( business administration degree) and former staff sergeant in a Minnesota Army National Guard Infantry Unit, who was among a select group chosen to train with the Norway Home Guard. Urban proudly recounts,“ They specialized in winter fighting techniques. I was a pretty good athlete, so after skiing for only three weeks, I placed 50th in a biathlon of 100 Americans and Norwegians.”
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