March 17, 2025 • 46 mins
Kimberly Huelsman is a teacher at Sandburg High School in Orland Park. This is her first time running for elected office and she is running with the Mokena's Future slate.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Kim, thank you very much for sitting down with me
tonight.
You are running for VillageTrustee, so I appreciate you
allowing us to get to know you alittle better, so why don't you
just start off?
Maybe tell us a little bitabout yourself, where you grew
up?
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Sure, I'm Kimberly Hulsman.
Where do I look?
Speaker 1 (00:26):
I probably should have asked can we start this
again?
Yeah, you can look at me.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
I grew up in Frankfurt and I am a graduate of
Lincoln Way High School in 1998.
And then after that I went toQuincy University in Illinois,
got a bachelor's degree inhistory education and then met
my husband and after graduationwe decided it was either moving
(00:49):
to Kansas City, where he's from,or moving back here.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
And I won out Nice.
Why was that?
What made you decide to comeback here?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Honestly, family I mean my husband's family is out
in Kansas City, but my family'shere I was able to get a job
right out of college and he wasstill kind of looking and so,
since I was, we knew we weregoing to get married and because
I got the job here, it was aneasy decision then to move back
homes, because you know, it'swhere I belong and I knew that I
(01:21):
wanted to raise a family backwhere I grew up.
So that's what we decided andmoved here.
My first job and job that I'vehad since college has been at
Carl Sandburg High School, beinga social studies teacher.
So for the past 23 years that ismy second home.
It's my home away from home,right.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
So is that social studies is what you teach, and
you've taught it ever sinceyou've been there.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
So I started in 2002 at Sandburg and I taught a lot
of different history courses,but mainly it's been government
for the past 23 years, so I'mkind of been rooted in that
since the beginning.
So throughout my journey as aneducator, I was given the
opportunity to get a master's atChicago State in history then,
(02:06):
and then I was awarded the JamesMadison Fellowship in 2011,
which allows for the UnitedStates Congress to deem me a
constitutional scholar.
So I was able to study atGeorgetown and then got my
political science degree atGovernor State.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
So how is that awarded to you or what happens
that you get that?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, so you have to apply and then you have to go
through an interview process andyou do need recommendations at
a higher level to be awarded,because it's only one person per
state each year that getsawarded.
So I was lucky enough honoredto be awarded back in 2011 for
(02:47):
that, so it was a greatexperience.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Is there anything that carries through from that?
Do they still do?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
anything.
So every year we have the openinvitation to go to Georgetown
to continue on with courses andto see their lectures and do
some of their site tours if wewould like.
But it does open otheropportunities for other
professional development.
In Washington DC Two years agoI was awarded a Master of
(03:16):
History for the White House tobe the lead teacher.
So because of James Madison Iwas able to have that door open
too.
So there was a lot of differentdoors that opened due to that.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
So what does that mean?
Did you get to go to the WhiteHouse?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, I went to the White House and with the other
teachers that were there as welland we did quite a few site
tours around DC.
Then we stayed mostly at theWhite House Historical Society
and did a lot of rooted tours.
With that we were able to go tothe State Department and do
behind-the-scenes tours.
So it was really neat and thedifferent people you meet and
(03:54):
the scholars that you meet andthen the different politicians,
I mean it's pretty interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Any favorite history spots that you got to see in DC.
I mean, they're endless to pickfrom.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I mean that's the thing it's like.
I mean I've gone quite often toDC and I still have a long list
.
That it's like every time.
I go.
I want to try to do somethingnew but quite honestly I just
love sitting on the lawn by theWashington Monument and just
absorbing all the history aroundand seeing all the tours that
(04:27):
go through and the joy onpeople's faces to be in our
nation's capital and just to seethem enjoy history.
I just I do love that.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Have you ever laid on your back at the base of the
monument and with your legs on?
And?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
looked up, isn't that wild.
Anybody who can do that, goahead and do that because it is
like once in a lifetimeexperience to do that, but you
know I always like to go toArlington and, you know, give my
respects to the Tomb of theUnknown Soldiers and even just
tour around there, becausethere's so many different things
you can see in Arlington.
I love, you know, doing the offthe main idea of Washington.
(05:08):
Everybody wants to go toWashington and see the main
things, go to the White House orgo to the Capitol, but I like
the little behind-the-scenessmaller museums, like the
Suffragette Museum as well aswell, it's not small anymore,
but the Magic Museum was prettycool over there.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
So there's a lot of different I heard the Spy Museum
was a really good one.
The Spy Museum is pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Yeah, I try to find the hidden treasures when I'm
there.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
Yeah, no, I love DC.
We're going there for springbreak this year and my favorite.
I mean I love all of it, butgoing through Mount Vernon was
always at the top.
I mean I love all of it, butgoing through Mount Vernon was
always at the top.
I mean the idea of holding thepost where George Washington
himself.
I think it's just wild.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Well, and just knowing why certain things were
built and the dedication thatwent into building all of DC and
the meaning behind of wherethings are placed and how
they're situated, I mean it'sjust amazing things are placed
and how they're situated.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
I mean it's just, it's amazing.
And you know podcast deals withhistory and that's a large part
of, and I know part of, mayorFleischer's platform is idea of
preservation, which is great.
And you look at DC as a greatand Mount Vernon especially is a
great reflection of that.
You look at how theorganizations and groups that
have bought even just the siteview to be able to keep the view
(06:29):
the same as it was when GeorgeWashington lived there.
I mean that's to another level,but it's a great commitment to
preserving that history.
So enough about that stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
I could go on and on and on about that.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
So tell us a little bit about your family.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
So I married my college sweetheart.
We've been married.
It will be 23 years, if I dothe math correctly 23 years.
I have two children James is myoldest, who's in sixth grade,
and then Colette, my youngest,who's in fourth grade.
They keep me really busy withsports, in and out of soccer and
swim and everything else thatthey have.
(07:06):
You know, a lot of my liferight now is on the soccer field
or in a swimming pool watchingthat go off.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
So it's fun.
So besides you know sports, isthere anything else you guys do
for fun?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
You know, we I mean I like to, and I know Jameson's
sitting over there and he'llsmirk at me I like doing
excursions.
I call them the mom excursionsand they always roll their eyes
at me I like to take them andexplore different areas.
We've done a lot of differentexploration in Mokina with the
different cemeteries, just evenwalking down Front Street in the
(07:40):
summer and visiting theirsurrounding towns and getting to
know their history too.
So I like to try to like inWashington I've tried to find
off the beat kind of things Itry to every summer do that with
the kids too is trying to findthese different excursions that
they'll remember and be like.
Oh mom, you know we talkedabout this in school and I could
, you know, relate it to anactivity we did, and this past
(08:01):
summer we did a family book likea book club and we read a book
and our journey ended up inTerre Haute, indiana, because
the story was based out of there.
So it was a pretty funexcursion.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
So oh, that's very cool.
Any of the adventures that youfound that end up really
sticking out or being a greatfind.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I mean, I feel like everything is fun that we do, so
it's hard to pick just one that, hey, this is, you know what it
is.
I mean, I'm sure the kids wouldsay, anytime we stop for ice
cream on the way home, um, butno, I mean they're troopers
because they're willing to goalong with it and um, I just
love the idea of being able togo through the town and
(08:44):
experience it with the kids and,you know, show them like this
is why we live here and this isimportant to come meet the
community and be out in thecommunity and be one with it.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
So what do they think of all this?
What do they think of thecampaigning and running for
trustee?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
You know, before I actually decided to run, I ran
it past my husband and the kidsand it was no doubt in their
minds like, yes, mom, you shoulddo it.
Mom, we will support youwhatever you need us to do.
I mean, that's why Jameson'shere tonight, because he's like
I want to come and support andsee what you have to say.
You know they've been on boardand Jameson has helped walk
(09:22):
through the neighborhood andpass out flyers and telling
people please vote for my mom.
And it's been really fun to seethe campaign through their eyes
and for them to see how you canmake a difference and why
running is important, to have avoice and stand for.
You know what you want to seehappen in the town and make a
(09:43):
difference and where you canlive.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So yeah, that's great .
What made you want to seehappen in the town and make a
difference in where you can live?
Yeah, that's great.
What made you want to be ateacher?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Great question.
I really enjoy the idea ofevery day is a different day and
, yes, you have the setcurriculum, but you can be so
creative on how you can approachthe curriculum and how you can
convey that to students and kids.
At Sandburg it's sophomoresthat take it, so a lot of the
(10:16):
kids are starting to get theirlicense.
They can't vote yet, but arethey into government?
Are they not into government?
You know, are they intogovernment, are they not into
government?
So, to be able to present thetopics in a fun, exciting,
creative way to have them buyinto.
Okay, I may not like governmentbut I'm learning and it's fun
to learn and see it.
You know, with current events,I've really enjoyed.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
How does so?
Obviously, you know we justwent through the presidential
election.
Did you notice a difference inengagement this year, or with
kids being way where in the past, a lot of kids were more?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
vocal and wanting to explain why they would support a
particular candidate overanother.
And over the course of the lastfew years it's quieted a little
bit, and I'm not I mean itcould be because of the
polarization and not necessarilywanting to have deep
conversations with others, butthe kids have been a little bit
(11:29):
more reserved in their approachto the election this past year.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
So how have you seen teaching change in the time that
you've been a teacher?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I mean, the main thing is technology.
Technology has been the key onhow it's changed, and to be
ahead of technology within theclassroom has been something
that's been fun.
It's been a struggle at times.
I mean when I started we werestill using, like, the overhead
(12:03):
projectors and you would have to, you know, reel the TVs in
Obviously.
Now that's non-existent.
I feel like I'm so old becauseof that.
Talking about the olden days,right, right, like you'd clap
the erasers together.
But no, with technology it hasbeen a blessing and a curse at
the same time, because it'sallowed for more creativity and
(12:27):
more student engagement.
But at the same time, it'strying to still get original
thought from the studentsbecause there's a lot of you
know, ai and chat GDP that hasaided kids in, you know,
completing assignments.
It's just how to adapt thatinto the classroom and show them
that, yes, you can use it, butin a positive way, and not let
(12:48):
it do all the work for you.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So it's interesting.
We talked to some of the schoolboard candidates.
They brought up that idea andyou know it's not one of those
things.
You can't just stick your headin the sand.
It's going to be embraced, buthow to use that in a responsible
way?
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Yeah, and now with those AI, what the Ray-Ban
Metaglasses that are broadcastover the Super Bowl?
That's going to be the nextwave of things.
So it's always just trying tostay ahead.
It's like, okay, how could weadapt this?
Where could we take this?
Could we take it on a toursomewhere?
Could we have a field trip withit?
In the classroom?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Just all these different things going on field
trip with it.
In the classroom.
I you know just all thesedifferent things going on, so
what?
Speaker 2 (13:28):
do you love about being a teacher?
I love the kids.
I love how they keep me on mytoes.
I try to keep them on theirtoes, but they do the same thing
to me.
I love that engagement thatthey have.
I love their love for learning.
I mean, obviously kids havedifferent levels of their
engagement of learning, butthey're all willing to
(13:51):
participate and they're allwilling to be advocates for
their education, which I reallyappreciate.
And seeing them mature over thefour years that they're there
is fun and you know hearingstories when they, you know,
come back and you know talkabout the class.
I've had a few kids, because ofhow my classroom set up, invite
(14:13):
me to their weddings becausethey met my class and the way I
did the groupings.
They're like, yeah, we met inyour class and we wouldn't have
met because of this.
I mean it's just, it's fun 20years.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
I know You've got the full life cycle there, right?
Speaker 2 (14:24):
I'm waiting for their kids to come through.
I don't feel like I'm that oldyet, but it's going to happen.
But I also coach, so that'ssomething that is a blessing too
, that I can see kids not onlyin the classroom but then also
in the gym and have a differentrelationship in terms of player
to coach rather than teacher tostudent.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
What do you?
Speaker 2 (14:44):
coach, badminton, badminton.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Yeah, wow, okay.
I know nothing about highschool badminton.
Is that a large, a big sport?
Is it popular?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
You know what it is.
It's more or less a Northernsport.
The Southern most school isBradley Bourbonnet that has
badminton, but it's mostly youknow from us up north and west.
No, it's fun, it is a big sport.
There's, you know, badmintonclubs around in the western
suburbs that girls will go andthey'll.
It's a female sport, so girlswill go and they'll do that in
(15:18):
the summer or off season and Iwas lucky enough to coach the
girls to a state championshipseveral years ago.
But that was an honor and Imean that team was a joy to
coach.
So they were fun.
They were a fun group.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
So what do you think about being a teacher?
Will help you as a villagetrustee will help you as a
village trustee.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
You know my background in education has
allowed me the ability to beequipped with, you know,
critical thinking skills, thewilling you know to be able to
lead effectively as well asencourage collaboration amongst
all stakeholders.
I think those three things aresomething that I do each day,
that I can bring to the role oftrustee.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Yeah, collaboration, you know, is important because
even if your whole slate gets in, you're in a mixed.
So how would you deal withmaybe differences of opinion or
different ideas?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
You know, I think it's important to listen, which
I mean all of this is.
I'm on the stage every day inthe classroom but it's important
also to listen, and that's, Ithink, something that if and
(16:47):
when we do get elected, thatthere will be differences of
opinions, not only probablywithin our slate, but you know
others that are on the board aswell, to be able to take what
they're saying and see how wecan work together to come up
with compromise, to see, youknow, what other agencies could
also be helpful in decisionsthat we're making, as well as to
listen to the community, too.
I think working with thecommunity and seeing what the
(17:08):
community wants and has to offeris something that is essential
to the growth of our town.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
So communication is key.
Can you think of any other waysthat the village could improve
their communication withresidents, ways that the village
could improve theircommunication with residents.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
You know, I think social media is something that
is essential, especially for theyounger families.
More people are on Instagram,facebook X right, I still call
it Twitter but I think havingmore of a ways on the website to
get to the newsletter.
(18:09):
You know something when I go onto the village website just to
see the newsletter for the month, it's not just one click and
it's there it's.
You know about four differentclicks to get to what I want.
So making things moreaccessible, easier, easier to
get to, easier to find, soeverybody's aware of what's
going on.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Yeah, that's good.
Are there any areas or placesyou can think of that the
village could cut costs or bringin additional revenues?
Speaker 2 (18:39):
You know it's always attractive to have new
businesses come to Mokina.
I think there's stillopportunities for growth in
terms of enticing businesses tocome to Mokina, especially off
of 191st.
There's a lot of land that'savailable and I think that we're
(19:01):
in a prime position now withthe new it's not a rec center
but the new fields going up bySilver Cross, the baseball and
soccer fields that are going upthere.
That it's a large recreationalarea that if we bring businesses
to Mokina, if there'stournaments out there to attract
people from those tournamentsto stay in Mokina, to eat Mokina
(19:22):
, to come visit Mokina, ifthere's tournaments out there,
to attract people from thosetournaments to stay in Mokina,
to eat Mokina, to come visitMokina, even just to see what we
have to offer.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
So how do you think the village should go about
attracting those businesses orbringing them in?
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Well one.
I think it's important to seewhat, what the families want,
what the community wants rightIn terms of businesses.
I think that's a place to start, whether it's through, you know
, having people come in orfilling out surveys to see what
would be essential for them, butthen what would be equitable.
(20:02):
The one thing I don't wantMokina to lose is the charm.
Mokina has history, um, andit's okay to evolve that history
and to modernize that history,but to not lose that high
quality of life and charm thatMokina has to offer.
So it's, you know, seeing whatwould be a good fit and not just
(20:24):
, um, oh, you know, this is thebiggest thing for the buck.
No, let's look at everything asa whole and how it will fit
within.
You know our values here in thevillage.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
You all have talked a lot at the meet and greet about
downtown and what you know,that you'd like to see it
changed and bring life to that.
So what would you know if youhad a magic wand and you could
wave it over Front Street?
What does that look like to you?
Speaker 2 (20:54):
It looks like a gathering place to me for
families um to come and hang out, um to socialize, to bring
picnics and just have a place tomeet Um.
It would have more restaurants.
It would have morefamily-friendly establishments,
(21:15):
whether that's, you know, I know, like ice cream shops are out
there, but not even that.
You know.
Blooming Art I love that studio, but have more opportunities,
little shops where familiescould go with kids and to have
the opportunity to explore andjust come together.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Are there any things, any ideas you can think of
things the village can do tomake it more friendly to
business?
You know we've kind of had havehad the reputation in the past
of sometimes being difficult towork with or uh.
So not that I expect you to bea construction or, but what can
we do to open it up and make it,make businesses realize we want
(22:00):
them here?
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Um, I think, establishing um a working
relationship right off the bat,talking to the businesses and
saying, you know we support youand we have your best interests
in mind.
And, you know, even setting upactivities for families to go to
these new establishments,whether it's, you know, an
(22:25):
evening walk, or, you know allthese other towns around us do
different.
You know events that willattract people to the downtown
but to show these businesses, ifyou're coming in, we're going
to have these differentactivities, these different
community events that will beinclusive for everybody within
(22:45):
the town to come see.
You know your business, yourcompany, whatever it may be, and
we're going to support whateverthey need in order to continue
for them to grow.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges
that the village faces over thenext five to 10 years?
Speaker 2 (23:08):
That's a good question.
I think it's still going to begrowth.
I mean there will be a pointwhere Mokina I mean Mokina is
landlocked and just being ableto sustain the traditions we
have in Mokina, while continuingto grow into the modernization
(23:33):
of you know, what othercommunities have to offer, and
staying on track to be able togrow with the demands of what
our community wants and it'sgoing to be diverse, I mean, in
terms of what people want isgoing to be all over the board,
but coming up with a consensusof you know as a whole community
(23:56):
where, where do we see?
Where do we see ourselves?
Right, I know, at the meet andgreet I mentioned that.
I mean, as you know, mochinawe're the only mochina in the
entire country.
Um, how could we make a namefor that?
Mochina already has a wonderfulname.
When you talk and people say,oh, where are you from?
You say Mokina and they're like, oh, yeah, we've been there.
But it's how to reallycommunicate to people like this
(24:18):
is a place you want to call home, this is a place you want to
come and live, this is a placeyou want to come and you want to
raise a family and when yourkids grow up and they go to
college that they're going towant to come back and start
their own families here you knowand, as I said at the beginning
, I grew up in Frankfurt andwhen, looking around, I mean, we
found our house in Mokina andit was just like no, this is
where we're going to be andwe've had opportunities to look
(24:40):
elsewhere over the years andit's just like no, Mokina's our
home and this is, you know,where we brought our kids home
to and this is where they callhome, and I can't ever foresee
leaving that and I want them towant to come back.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Well, that's tough.
It's tough to keep thatretention and have, you know,
kids come back after they'vegone to school or whatever it is
, and you know our parks in townare a very attractive thing to
young families as well as youth.
How do you think you could workwith the parks to, you know,
improve our village and make itbetter?
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, I think the increase of green spaces is
essential, especially sincethere are opportunities to grow.
I would love to work hand inhand with the parks to see what
else we can add.
I mean, right now the craze ispickleball and you know I live
(25:35):
closer to Heck Park and there's,you know, those pickleball
courts.
Oh, I mean I think I've got areserve for July because they're
always still packed.
But seeing you know what elsecould be done to increase those
green spaces to allow for moreopportunities for pickleball or
for other activities that willcome up and be the, you know,
(25:56):
craze here in the next 10, 20years.
So, working together to haveshowcase the parks because we do
have great parks around Waukenaand you know, when the kids
were really little, in thesummer I would journey, we would
take, you know, park tours,just because you go to the same
park and they get bored with it.
So we did?
We found all the different parksin all the different
neighborhoods.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
There's a lot of them out there.
Speaker 2 (26:17):
There are a ton and they all are different and
unique in their own way.
Park or you know activitieswhere, on a summer day, you know
bring out some food trucks at apark by Heck Park or over by
Main Park and just do funactivities that would be free
(26:38):
for the community to come outand showcase what we have.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
You know, I think the food trucks on front that we
did this summer was it was agreat example, one of people
having a desire to come down anddo something on Front Street in
downtown Waukena as well.
As you know, again, like yousaid, maybe taking that idea and
creating spaces where peoplecan gather.
You know, maybe at a Hecht Parkdo a similar event.
(27:03):
But you know, creating ways tocreate community, you know, is
huge.
You know, I don't know if yougot to go to any of those food
trucks on front, but it just wassuch a sense of community and
music playing and people arehanging out and you know that's
great, like that's such a smalltown.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
It's small town and it's simple.
It doesn't have to be grandiose.
It could just be something thatpulls everybody together and
just gives people theopportunity to hey, I haven't
seen you.
You know, especially now thatwe're coming out of winter, you
know, having springtime come,summer come, like everybody's
going to be out and how to bringeverybody together as one.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
Yeah, so.
So one of the ideas that thevillage has been talking about
is the building of a new villagehall at some point in the
future.
So maybe tell us your thoughtson that, maybe where you'd like
to see what you'd like to seewhat you would expect in a new
Village Hall.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
You know, I think that a new Village Hall would be
nice.
I mean, the new police stationis beautiful.
It would be nice to have avillage hall close by the police
station, where it would be inpartnership that you know.
(28:20):
It would be close in relationsto more accessible thoroughfares
to get to.
I would like to see a villagehall that would be inclusive for
all to come and be open for allthe community to come to.
You know, I look at where thevillage hall is in Frankfurt or
(28:42):
where the village hall is in NewLenox and it's around green
spaces.
It's around green spaces and itwelcomes the families to want
to be close to it, to want tocome to the meetings and to want
to see.
You know what the villageactually does, because you know
when you talk to people they'llalways say well, what does a
trustee?
do Well what will you actuallybe doing?
(29:04):
Explaining to, you know, thosethat I've met door to door,
those that I've met at the meetand greet, you know, just to you
know, be able to show them like, hey, you know what come, let's
like take a tour and let's haveit be more open, so then people
know what we do, or what wewill do within the community.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
You know one thing you hear about a lot and I've
seen it.
I've gone to village boardmeetings and there's really
nobody there usually, unless youhave a reason to come.
Any ideas or things you couldthink of, maybe a way to maybe
make those more visible or getpeople more interested?
Speaker 2 (29:45):
You know, yeah, I agree in terms of the attendance
at the board meetings andthey're not exciting meetings.
And that's really any boardmeeting that you go to, whether
it's a village hall or a schoolboard meeting Although sometimes
school board meetings can be alittle feisty but no, in terms
of attracting people, I thinkthat it'd be great to work with
(30:09):
local schools to showcasestudents and what students have
done in the classroom, have astudent spotlight time within
the agenda to say, hey, you know, this is what you know Mokina
Elementary School is doing.
Or hey, this is what I meanbecause some of our constituents
(30:29):
do go to 161.
Here's what 161 is doing andbringing in those students.
So then the families come inand they can see what we're
doing and they can be honoredthrough that.
I think that would be a startbecause I think if you show the
kids at a young age that, hey,come to the meeting, this is
what we do at a meeting, they'regoing to want to come and at
(30:50):
least listen, or at least listen, or at one time maybe they want
to advocate for something andthey can learn how to do that.
So I think that would be agreat start to do, and I know
the board does honor studentsand what they've done, but just
do it more on a continual basis.
Speaker 1 (31:09):
Yeah, that's great.
A continual basis?
Yeah, that's great.
Are there any?
Speaker 2 (31:18):
specific initiatives or policies that you would like
to champion as a trustee.
Not particularly and here's whywhere I'm not going to come out
and say this is exactly what Iwant to do, because, at the end
of the day, I am one person andI've got to work with the board
and I think it's important thatwhen the new board is elected,
that we all sit down at thattime and say, okay, here's, you
(31:40):
know, in the next four years,because the majority of us will
be elected for a four-year term,over the next four years, this
is what we want to tackletogether and be on the same page
, going forward, instead ofhaving everybody come in with
their own ideas and then, youknow, blocking others again.
It goes back to thatcollaboration and that
communication, um, and saying,okay, let's, let's work together
(32:04):
and pick the top three, topfour, whatever it may be,
because obviously someinitiatives will be easier to
implement than others, likerevitalizing the downtown area.
That's not something that'sgoing to happen within six
months or a year.
That's going to take five toten years to do.
It's going to grow over timeand that's the reality of it.
For anybody to say that it couldbe done in a year or two.
(32:24):
It's not going to be, andthat's what I think has to be
mentioned as well, because bythe time we are elected, we can
have all these plans set throughand have those goals in mind,
what we want to accomplishwithin the first six months
first year and then, by the timethe four years is up to, then
say, okay, if we start with therevitalization of downtown,
(32:44):
here's where it's going tocontinue.
Whether all those that areelected are elected for another
term of four years, or ifthere's going to be turnover,
let make sure that there'sthings in place where they know
where to take forward.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
So how do you think you, as trustees, will convey
that message of what you know?
You, you get elected and thenyou're here's, we've come up
with our plan.
Is that something you'll sharewith the people?
Cause I think one one criticismis always, always been.
We've heard, you know, foryears, longer than I've been a
resident people hear aboutrevitalizing downtown and and
(33:20):
unfortunately, just has eithergot stuck or, you know, for
whatever reason.
But so then we sit here againand we're going to revitalize
downtown, and so how do we, um,you know, how do do we know that
, yes, that you guys, you getelected, you go and you're going
to start moving that trainforward?
Speaker 2 (33:40):
I would like to have more transparency with all of
that.
I know that's a catchphrase andit's a buzzword that everybody
uses, but it really is havingthat transparency and making
sure that every board meeting,when the trustees have their
comments, that we tell thepublic.
Here's where we're at, here'sthe process that we're in, and I
know some things you know canbe shared and can't be shared
(34:01):
just because of logistics witheverything.
But you know, putting it in thenewsletter, you know that you
get with your water bill or thatyou take the four clicks to get
to online, that just havingthat open communication and
making sure that that's readilyavailable, and, whether it's
(34:25):
quarterly, that we send out anactual flyer or we put something
in the newspaper, just soeverybody knows this is what
we're doing and we hear what youwant and this is how we're
moving forward with it.
That's something that I do inmy classroom right, whenever you
know we have an agenda withactivities.
You know it's always thatconstant reminder with the
students and making sure thesekids always know that here's
what we're doing, here's, youknow, the next step, and it's
(34:45):
the same thing.
Like you have to let everybodyknow we are, you know, trying
and we are moving forward itjust you know again, it's not
going to happen overnight yeahit just has to happen yeah
Speaker 1 (34:56):
that's the thing sure , and and that's the frustrating
a lot of you know it is hard todo but the idea of opening that
communication and saying we arestarting to make that progress
you know I think is important.
It will help appease or peopleunderstand a little more.
Uh, so the theme of our podcastis history and community.
So if you were a new residentin our community, what would you
(35:20):
?
Or, talking to a new residentin our community, what advice
would you give them to getinvolved and tied into the
community?
Speaker 2 (35:28):
I would tell them explore, you know, just explore
what the community has to offer.
There's so many different areasof Mokina.
I mean there's West side, southside, east side, east side
right, and then there's thecentralized right.
Just explore all of thecommunity because the community
has so much to offer.
Go to the VFW, you know, um,because that's you're going to
(35:52):
meet a lot of fun people at theVFW.
Go to Post Game Pub You'regoing to meet a lot of fun
people there.
Walk down, you know, wolf Roadto the different businesses and
you know see the differentcemeteries, again circling back
to the cemeteries with whatMokina is, what it was and where
it can go Right.
(36:12):
So just explore, have thatadventure, um, and just really
immerse yourself.
And go to the community eventsthat you can go to, um, cause
there are great, you know,events, like you know food
trucks on front street.
The 4th of July parade isfantastic, um, even your tours
that you do do, even though youcan't do it in person, you can
(36:33):
still watch your podcast and youcan take them on your own and
so you know, just get out thereand become one, because that's
how you meet different peopleand that's how you become, you
know, invested within thecommunity and making it yours
Because, at the end of the day,the community and making it
(36:56):
yours Because, at the end of theday, you're as a family or as a
new person to the town.
You have to make the most of it.
So use your time.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
So as a teacher, bringing that perspective as a
trustee, you know there's a lotof intergovernmental workings.
The schools are a big part ofour village here.
How do you think yourperspective as a teacher can
help you better work with ourschools?
Speaker 2 (37:21):
I mean the needs for the schools obviously are pretty
consistent across the boardboard and you know, being in the
(37:45):
classroom each day, I know thestruggles as well as the rewards
that it takes to be a teacher anice relationship with the
schools within Mokina to seewhat they need and to see what
we can help them with, and havean open communication of you
know if there's anything thevillage can do to help out in
(38:06):
terms of, you know, recreationsor community events, terms of
you know, recreations orcommunity events showcasing what
is done at the school that we'dbe there to at least I would be
there to help as much as Icould.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
So All right.
Well, I've got a couple morecasual questions.
What?
Speaker 2 (38:22):
kind of why don't you start with those?
Speaker 1 (38:25):
That's what you need to start with.
All right, so do you have afavorite restaurant?
Speaker 2 (38:31):
In Mokina.
Speaker 1 (38:33):
Well, I'll leave that up to you.
Speaker 2 (38:38):
We do enjoy going to Post Game Pub.
I mean it's close to the house,but also it is family-friendly,
with all the games that theyhave that you can play at the
table.
So it's a nice wide variety ofmenus.
If you've never been there, thehamburgers are fantastic.
Speaker 1 (38:55):
They are Favorite hamburger at postgame.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
I'm just a really simple cheese and bacon kind of
girl.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
Okay, I like their black and blue.
That's good too.
Speaker 2 (39:05):
And the mushroom Swiss.
The mushroom Swiss is good too.
Okay, as you can see, I enjoyedtheir hamburgers.
Speaker 1 (39:11):
This is an ad for a post game pub.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
But no, we like going there as a family, just because
it does have a lot of space and, like I said, the games that
you can just bring to your tableand play and you can just watch
the games and be immersed inthe community.
So, yeah it's nice.
Speaker 1 (39:29):
If you could master one skill instantly, what would
it be?
Speaker 2 (39:33):
master one skill instantly.
Oh, that's a good one.
Um, oh, what skill would I wantto master?
Um playing the guitar that'swhy that's the one I would want
to do.
That that, no, yes, that, orsign language.
If I could do sign languageinstantly, that would be
(39:54):
something that I would do.
Speaker 1 (39:54):
Why sign language?
Speaker 2 (39:56):
I think it's beautiful and I think that it's
a language that obviously isuniversal, but just communicate
with individuals that may not bepart of the able-bodied
(40:21):
community, so bring moreinclusiveness with that.
Very cool how about what isyour favorite Mokina community
event?
Um, it's gotta be the 4th ofJuly parade hands down, that is
always you.
You never know what you're goingto see.
I mean, you know what you'regoing to see, but you never know
what you're going to see andthe amount of people that just
(40:48):
come out for that parade.
It is an awesome event andeverybody's smiling and having
fun and it truly shows off whowe are as a village.
Speaker 1 (40:55):
So do you have like your spot?
You guys go to every year andyou just find one so we've kind
of moved around a little bit.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Um, we used to be kind of by burkhart's on the
corner there, but now we've kindof moved to over by the vfw.
So now we've we've turned okay,the corner, the VFW.
So now we've turned.
Speaker 1 (41:12):
We've turned the corner a little bit.
Speaker 2 (41:14):
So that is now where we go.
Speaker 1 (41:16):
Nice.
Have you ever walked in theparade before I?
Speaker 2 (41:19):
have not walked in the parade before, but it would
be fun to do.
Although the kids love thecandy, I mean, I think they get
more candy at that parade thanthey do at Halloween.
Speaker 1 (41:31):
I mean, they get plenty at.
Speaker 2 (41:32):
Halloween, but there's a ton of candy.
Speaker 1 (41:34):
Yeah, we always come up with tons of stuff.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
And it's just not candy, it's koozies or necklaces
or free ice cream, frisbees andballs, oh yeah.
I mean it's amazing, becauseyou never know what's going to
happen.
Speaker 1 (41:46):
It is such a great event.
It really is, and one of thosethings like people come around,
you know from outside the area,and, yeah, great event every
year.
And what is your go-to coffeeorder?
Speaker 2 (41:58):
I don't drink coffee oh my gosh, I'm not a coffee
drinker, I'm a hot.
I'm a hot chocolate connoisseurokay, I love hot chocolate at
Starbucks.
It's a non-fat.
No whip extra hot chocolate, soI'm a hot chocolate girl.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
That's the fanciest sounding chocolate I've ever
heard of it is so good, yeah, soyeah, no, that's yeah.
Good, and how about?
What local business would yousay you support the most Post
game.
Speaker 2 (42:25):
Oh yeah, right, I'll be a little biased here.
It's going to be BU Therapywhich is owned by Lauren Palmer.
I'll be a little biased here.
It's going to be BU Therapy,which is owned by Lauren Palmer.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Full disclosure.
She's my sister, so, yes, thatis the one that.
Well, talk about that a littlebit.
I got to meet her at the meetand greet.
Tell me about that what youknow about that.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
So BU Therapy is.
Speaker 1 (42:43):
Right down from Post Game Pub Right down from Post.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
Game Pub Great location, Lauren.
No, it's.
(43:15):
She's an occupational therapist, Actually.
She has her doctorate in OT andshe has taught in colleges and
has taught.
She wanted to open her ownbusiness and she got the ball
rolling.
Local families with inclusiveofferings that they have for
their clients and theirparticipants and part of it's
(43:38):
not-for-profit where they do theHIGH program and they do a few
different like craft fairs andhave different stores that they
will go and they'll sell thingsand that they will go and
they'll sell things.
And she's done amazing withthat business and I'm really
excited to see where shecontinues to go with it because
(43:59):
she has so many ideas of how toexpand and how to grow and just
talking to her and seeing whather business concept would be,
it would be awesome for her tobe able to expand in Mokena too.
Speaker 1 (44:11):
Did you get any idea from her about what her
experience was like bringingbusiness into town?
Speaker 2 (44:17):
I did she.
It was very helpful.
She got a lot of help from thechamber, a lot of help from the
village in order to find alocation and then go through the
permits and all the build outthat she needed.
So she had a nice experiencewith it.
(44:39):
Good, good yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:40):
Well, great, this is really good to talk to you and
get to know you and get to haveyou share about why you're
running.
But if you want to just take asecond and maybe tell people why
they should vote for you, Again, I'm Kimberly Hulsman.
Speaker 2 (44:55):
Thank you for watching this podcast.
I do hope that you do come outand vote April 1st and vote for
me for Village Trustee.
I'm running because I believein honoring the rich history of
Mokena and moving towards avibrant future that's modern for
families.
I do want to show the youth ofour village the importance of
(45:20):
having a voice and making adifference.
I do want to be able to helpfamilies grow and want to stay
within Mokina and I want to dowhat's best for the community as
a whole.
I don't have an agenda that I'mgoing to come in and you know,
on day one this is what I haveto do.
I want to be a trustee that'sworking with others and we're
(45:43):
all moving towards a common goal.
So thank you, thank you forlistening.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
Yeah, well, again, thank you, and be sure to check
out all the candidate interviewson the website and all the
election and updates that wehave.
And again, kim, thank you verymuch.
Appreciate it and vote on byApril 1st.
Yes, thank you.
Kim, thank you very much for sitting down with me
tonight.
You are running for VillageTrustee, so I appreciate you
allowing us to get to know you alittle better, so why don't you
just start off?
Maybe tell us a little bitabout yourself, where you grew
up?
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Sure, I'm Kimberly Hulsman.
Where do I look?
Speaker 1 (00:26):
I probably should have asked can we start this
again?
Yeah, you can look at me.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
I grew up in Frankfurt and I am a graduate of
Lincoln Way High School in 1998.
And then after that I went toQuincy University in Illinois,
got a bachelor's degree inhistory education and then met
my husband and after graduationwe decided it was either moving
(00:49):
to Kansas City, where he's from,or moving back here.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
And I won out Nice.
Why was that?
What made you decide to comeback here?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Honestly, family I mean my husband's family is out
in Kansas City, but my family'shere I was able to get a job
right out of college and he wasstill kind of looking and so,
since I was, we knew we weregoing to get married and because
I got the job here, it was aneasy decision then to move back
homes, because you know, it'swhere I belong and I knew that I
(01:21):
wanted to raise a family backwhere I grew up.
So that's what we decided andmoved here.
My first job and job that I'vehad since college has been at
Carl Sandburg High School, beinga social studies teacher.
So for the past 23 years that ismy second home.
It's my home away from home,right.
Speaker 1 (01:39):
So is that social studies is what you teach, and
you've taught it ever sinceyou've been there.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
So I started in 2002 at Sandburg and I taught a lot
of different history courses,but mainly it's been government
for the past 23 years, so I'mkind of been rooted in that
since the beginning.
So throughout my journey as aneducator, I was given the
opportunity to get a master's atChicago State in history then,
(02:06):
and then I was awarded the JamesMadison Fellowship in 2011,
which allows for the UnitedStates Congress to deem me a
constitutional scholar.
So I was able to study atGeorgetown and then got my
political science degree atGovernor State.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
So how is that awarded to you or what happens
that you get that?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Yeah, so you have to apply and then you have to go
through an interview process andyou do need recommendations at
a higher level to be awarded,because it's only one person per
state each year that getsawarded.
So I was lucky enough honoredto be awarded back in 2011 for
(02:47):
that, so it was a greatexperience.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Is there anything that carries through from that?
Do they still do?
Speaker 2 (02:52):
anything.
So every year we have the openinvitation to go to Georgetown
to continue on with courses andto see their lectures and do
some of their site tours if wewould like.
But it does open otheropportunities for other
professional development.
In Washington DC Two years agoI was awarded a Master of
(03:16):
History for the White House tobe the lead teacher.
So because of James Madison Iwas able to have that door open
too.
So there was a lot of differentdoors that opened due to that.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
So what does that mean?
Did you get to go to the WhiteHouse?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, I went to the White House and with the other
teachers that were there as welland we did quite a few site
tours around DC.
Then we stayed mostly at theWhite House Historical Society
and did a lot of rooted tours.
With that we were able to go tothe State Department and do
behind-the-scenes tours.
So it was really neat and thedifferent people you meet and
(03:54):
the scholars that you meet andthen the different politicians,
I mean it's pretty interesting.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Any favorite history spots that you got to see in DC.
I mean, they're endless to pickfrom.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I mean that's the thing it's like.
I mean I've gone quite often toDC and I still have a long list
.
That it's like every time.
I go.
I want to try to do somethingnew but quite honestly I just
love sitting on the lawn by theWashington Monument and just
absorbing all the history aroundand seeing all the tours that
(04:27):
go through and the joy onpeople's faces to be in our
nation's capital and just to seethem enjoy history.
I just I do love that.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Have you ever laid on your back at the base of the
monument and with your legs on?
And?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
looked up, isn't that wild.
Anybody who can do that, goahead and do that because it is
like once in a lifetimeexperience to do that, but you
know I always like to go toArlington and, you know, give my
respects to the Tomb of theUnknown Soldiers and even just
tour around there, becausethere's so many different things
you can see in Arlington.
I love, you know, doing the offthe main idea of Washington.
(05:08):
Everybody wants to go toWashington and see the main
things, go to the White House orgo to the Capitol, but I like
the little behind-the-scenessmaller museums, like the
Suffragette Museum as well aswell, it's not small anymore,
but the Magic Museum was prettycool over there.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
So there's a lot of different I heard the Spy Museum
was a really good one.
The Spy Museum is pretty cool.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Yeah, I try to find the hidden treasures when I'm
there.
Speaker 1 (05:35):
Yeah, no, I love DC.
We're going there for springbreak this year and my favorite.
I mean I love all of it, butgoing through Mount Vernon was
always at the top.
I mean I love all of it, butgoing through Mount Vernon was
always at the top.
I mean the idea of holding thepost where George Washington
himself.
I think it's just wild.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Well, and just knowing why certain things were
built and the dedication thatwent into building all of DC and
the meaning behind of wherethings are placed and how
they're situated, I mean it'sjust amazing things are placed
and how they're situated.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
I mean it's just, it's amazing.
And you know podcast deals withhistory and that's a large part
of, and I know part of, mayorFleischer's platform is idea of
preservation, which is great.
And you look at DC as a greatand Mount Vernon especially is a
great reflection of that.
You look at how theorganizations and groups that
have bought even just the siteview to be able to keep the view
(06:29):
the same as it was when GeorgeWashington lived there.
I mean that's to another level,but it's a great commitment to
preserving that history.
So enough about that stuff.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
I could go on and on and on about that.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
So tell us a little bit about your family.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
So I married my college sweetheart.
We've been married.
It will be 23 years, if I dothe math correctly 23 years.
I have two children James is myoldest, who's in sixth grade,
and then Colette, my youngest,who's in fourth grade.
They keep me really busy withsports, in and out of soccer and
swim and everything else thatthey have.
(07:06):
You know, a lot of my liferight now is on the soccer field
or in a swimming pool watchingthat go off.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
So it's fun.
So besides you know sports, isthere anything else you guys do
for fun?
Speaker 2 (07:19):
You know, we I mean I like to, and I know Jameson's
sitting over there and he'llsmirk at me I like doing
excursions.
I call them the mom excursionsand they always roll their eyes
at me I like to take them andexplore different areas.
We've done a lot of differentexploration in Mokina with the
different cemeteries, just evenwalking down Front Street in the
(07:40):
summer and visiting theirsurrounding towns and getting to
know their history too.
So I like to try to like inWashington I've tried to find
off the beat kind of things Itry to every summer do that with
the kids too is trying to findthese different excursions that
they'll remember and be like.
Oh mom, you know we talkedabout this in school and I could
, you know, relate it to anactivity we did, and this past
(08:01):
summer we did a family book likea book club and we read a book
and our journey ended up inTerre Haute, indiana, because
the story was based out of there.
So it was a pretty funexcursion.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
So oh, that's very cool.
Any of the adventures that youfound that end up really
sticking out or being a greatfind.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
I mean, I feel like everything is fun that we do, so
it's hard to pick just one that, hey, this is, you know what it
is.
I mean, I'm sure the kids wouldsay, anytime we stop for ice
cream on the way home, um, butno, I mean they're troopers
because they're willing to goalong with it and um, I just
love the idea of being able togo through the town and
(08:44):
experience it with the kids and,you know, show them like this
is why we live here and this isimportant to come meet the
community and be out in thecommunity and be one with it.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
So what do they think of all this?
What do they think of thecampaigning and running for
trustee?
Speaker 2 (08:59):
You know, before I actually decided to run, I ran
it past my husband and the kidsand it was no doubt in their
minds like, yes, mom, you shoulddo it.
Mom, we will support youwhatever you need us to do.
I mean, that's why Jameson'shere tonight, because he's like
I want to come and support andsee what you have to say.
You know they've been on boardand Jameson has helped walk
(09:22):
through the neighborhood andpass out flyers and telling
people please vote for my mom.
And it's been really fun to seethe campaign through their eyes
and for them to see how you canmake a difference and why
running is important, to have avoice and stand for.
You know what you want to seehappen in the town and make a
(09:43):
difference and where you canlive.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
So yeah, that's great .
What made you want to seehappen in the town and make a
difference in where you can live?
Yeah, that's great.
What made you want to be ateacher?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Great question.
I really enjoy the idea ofevery day is a different day and
, yes, you have the setcurriculum, but you can be so
creative on how you can approachthe curriculum and how you can
convey that to students and kids.
At Sandburg it's sophomoresthat take it, so a lot of the
(10:16):
kids are starting to get theirlicense.
They can't vote yet, but arethey into government?
Are they not into government?
You know, are they intogovernment, are they not into
government?
So, to be able to present thetopics in a fun, exciting,
creative way to have them buyinto.
Okay, I may not like governmentbut I'm learning and it's fun
to learn and see it.
You know, with current events,I've really enjoyed.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
How does so?
Obviously, you know we justwent through the presidential
election.
Did you notice a difference inengagement this year, or with
kids being way where in the past, a lot of kids were more?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
vocal and wanting to explain why they would support a
particular candidate overanother.
And over the course of the lastfew years it's quieted a little
bit, and I'm not I mean itcould be because of the
polarization and not necessarilywanting to have deep
conversations with others, butthe kids have been a little bit
(11:29):
more reserved in their approachto the election this past year.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
So how have you seen teaching change in the time that
you've been a teacher?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I mean, the main thing is technology.
Technology has been the key onhow it's changed, and to be
ahead of technology within theclassroom has been something
that's been fun.
It's been a struggle at times.
I mean when I started we werestill using, like, the overhead
(12:03):
projectors and you would have to, you know, reel the TVs in
Obviously.
Now that's non-existent.
I feel like I'm so old becauseof that.
Talking about the olden days,right, right, like you'd clap
the erasers together.
But no, with technology it hasbeen a blessing and a curse at
the same time, because it'sallowed for more creativity and
(12:27):
more student engagement.
But at the same time, it'strying to still get original
thought from the studentsbecause there's a lot of you
know, ai and chat GDP that hasaided kids in, you know,
completing assignments.
It's just how to adapt thatinto the classroom and show them
that, yes, you can use it, butin a positive way, and not let
(12:48):
it do all the work for you.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
So it's interesting.
We talked to some of the schoolboard candidates.
They brought up that idea andyou know it's not one of those
things.
You can't just stick your headin the sand.
It's going to be embraced, buthow to use that in a responsible
way?
Speaker 2 (13:03):
Yeah, and now with those AI, what the Ray-Ban
Metaglasses that are broadcastover the Super Bowl?
That's going to be the nextwave of things.
So it's always just trying tostay ahead.
It's like, okay, how could weadapt this?
Where could we take this?
Could we take it on a toursomewhere?
Could we have a field trip withit?
In the classroom?
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Just all these different things going on field
trip with it.
In the classroom.
I you know just all thesedifferent things going on, so
what?
Speaker 2 (13:28):
do you love about being a teacher?
I love the kids.
I love how they keep me on mytoes.
I try to keep them on theirtoes, but they do the same thing
to me.
I love that engagement thatthey have.
I love their love for learning.
I mean, obviously kids havedifferent levels of their
engagement of learning, butthey're all willing to
(13:51):
participate and they're allwilling to be advocates for
their education, which I reallyappreciate.
And seeing them mature over thefour years that they're there
is fun and you know hearingstories when they, you know,
come back and you know talkabout the class.
I've had a few kids, because ofhow my classroom set up, invite
(14:13):
me to their weddings becausethey met my class and the way I
did the groupings.
They're like, yeah, we met inyour class and we wouldn't have
met because of this.
I mean it's just, it's fun 20years.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
I know You've got the full life cycle there, right?
Speaker 2 (14:24):
I'm waiting for their kids to come through.
I don't feel like I'm that oldyet, but it's going to happen.
But I also coach, so that'ssomething that is a blessing too
, that I can see kids not onlyin the classroom but then also
in the gym and have a differentrelationship in terms of player
to coach rather than teacher tostudent.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
What do you?
Speaker 2 (14:44):
coach, badminton, badminton.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Yeah, wow, okay.
I know nothing about highschool badminton.
Is that a large, a big sport?
Is it popular?
Speaker 2 (14:55):
You know what it is.
It's more or less a Northernsport.
The Southern most school isBradley Bourbonnet that has
badminton, but it's mostly youknow from us up north and west.
No, it's fun, it is a big sport.
There's, you know, badmintonclubs around in the western
suburbs that girls will go andthey'll.
It's a female sport, so girlswill go and they'll do that in
(15:18):
the summer or off season and Iwas lucky enough to coach the
girls to a state championshipseveral years ago.
But that was an honor and Imean that team was a joy to
coach.
So they were fun.
They were a fun group.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
So what do you think about being a teacher?
Will help you as a villagetrustee will help you as a
village trustee.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
You know my background in education has
allowed me the ability to beequipped with, you know,
critical thinking skills, thewilling you know to be able to
lead effectively as well asencourage collaboration amongst
all stakeholders.
I think those three things aresomething that I do each day,
that I can bring to the role oftrustee.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Yeah, collaboration, you know, is important because
even if your whole slate gets in, you're in a mixed.
So how would you deal withmaybe differences of opinion or
different ideas?
Speaker 2 (16:25):
You know, I think it's important to listen, which
I mean all of this is.
I'm on the stage every day inthe classroom but it's important
also to listen, and that's, Ithink, something that if and
(16:47):
when we do get elected, thatthere will be differences of
opinions, not only probablywithin our slate, but you know
others that are on the board aswell, to be able to take what
they're saying and see how wecan work together to come up
with compromise, to see, youknow, what other agencies could
also be helpful in decisionsthat we're making, as well as to
listen to the community, too.
I think working with thecommunity and seeing what the
(17:08):
community wants and has to offeris something that is essential
to the growth of our town.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
So communication is key.
Can you think of any other waysthat the village could improve
their communication withresidents, ways that the village
could improve theircommunication with residents.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
You know, I think social media is something that
is essential, especially for theyounger families.
More people are on Instagram,facebook X right, I still call
it Twitter but I think havingmore of a ways on the website to
get to the newsletter.
(18:09):
You know something when I go onto the village website just to
see the newsletter for the month, it's not just one click and
it's there it's.
You know about four differentclicks to get to what I want.
So making things moreaccessible, easier, easier to
get to, easier to find, soeverybody's aware of what's
going on.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
Yeah, that's good.
Are there any areas or placesyou can think of that the
village could cut costs or bringin additional revenues?
Speaker 2 (18:39):
You know it's always attractive to have new
businesses come to Mokina.
I think there's stillopportunities for growth in
terms of enticing businesses tocome to Mokina, especially off
of 191st.
There's a lot of land that'savailable and I think that we're
(19:01):
in a prime position now withthe new it's not a rec center
but the new fields going up bySilver Cross, the baseball and
soccer fields that are going upthere.
That it's a large recreationalarea that if we bring businesses
to Mokina, if there'stournaments out there to attract
people from those tournamentsto stay in Mokina, to eat Mokina
(19:22):
, to come visit Mokina, ifthere's tournaments out there,
to attract people from thosetournaments to stay in Mokina,
to eat Mokina, to come visitMokina, even just to see what we
have to offer.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
So how do you think the village should go about
attracting those businesses orbringing them in?
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Well one.
I think it's important to seewhat, what the families want,
what the community wants rightIn terms of businesses.
I think that's a place to start, whether it's through, you know
, having people come in orfilling out surveys to see what
would be essential for them, butthen what would be equitable.
(20:02):
The one thing I don't wantMokina to lose is the charm.
Mokina has history, um, andit's okay to evolve that history
and to modernize that history,but to not lose that high
quality of life and charm thatMokina has to offer.
So it's, you know, seeing whatwould be a good fit and not just
(20:24):
, um, oh, you know, this is thebiggest thing for the buck.
No, let's look at everything asa whole and how it will fit
within.
You know our values here in thevillage.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
You all have talked a lot at the meet and greet about
downtown and what you know,that you'd like to see it
changed and bring life to that.
So what would you know if youhad a magic wand and you could
wave it over Front Street?
What does that look like to you?
Speaker 2 (20:54):
It looks like a gathering place to me for
families um to come and hang out, um to socialize, to bring
picnics and just have a place tomeet Um.
It would have more restaurants.
It would have morefamily-friendly establishments,
(21:15):
whether that's, you know, I know, like ice cream shops are out
there, but not even that.
You know.
Blooming Art I love that studio, but have more opportunities,
little shops where familiescould go with kids and to have
the opportunity to explore andjust come together.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
Are there any things, any ideas you can think of
things the village can do tomake it more friendly to
business?
You know we've kind of had havehad the reputation in the past
of sometimes being difficult towork with or uh.
So not that I expect you to bea construction or, but what can
we do to open it up and make it,make businesses realize we want
(22:00):
them here?
Speaker 2 (22:02):
Um, I think, establishing um a working
relationship right off the bat,talking to the businesses and
saying, you know we support youand we have your best interests
in mind.
And, you know, even setting upactivities for families to go to
these new establishments,whether it's, you know, an
(22:25):
evening walk, or, you know allthese other towns around us do
different.
You know events that willattract people to the downtown
but to show these businesses, ifyou're coming in, we're going
to have these differentactivities, these different
community events that will beinclusive for everybody within
(22:45):
the town to come see.
You know your business, yourcompany, whatever it may be, and
we're going to support whateverthey need in order to continue
for them to grow.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges
that the village faces over thenext five to 10 years?
Speaker 2 (23:08):
That's a good question.
I think it's still going to begrowth.
I mean there will be a pointwhere Mokina I mean Mokina is
landlocked and just being ableto sustain the traditions we
have in Mokina, while continuingto grow into the modernization
(23:33):
of you know, what othercommunities have to offer, and
staying on track to be able togrow with the demands of what
our community wants and it'sgoing to be diverse, I mean, in
terms of what people want isgoing to be all over the board,
but coming up with a consensusof you know as a whole community
(23:56):
where, where do we see?
Where do we see ourselves?
Right, I know, at the meet andgreet I mentioned that.
I mean, as you know, mochinawe're the only mochina in the
entire country.
Um, how could we make a namefor that?
Mochina already has a wonderfulname.
When you talk and people say,oh, where are you from?
You say Mokina and they're like, oh, yeah, we've been there.
But it's how to reallycommunicate to people like this
(24:18):
is a place you want to call home, this is a place you want to
come and live, this is a placeyou want to come and you want to
raise a family and when yourkids grow up and they go to
college that they're going towant to come back and start
their own families here you knowand, as I said at the beginning
, I grew up in Frankfurt andwhen, looking around, I mean, we
found our house in Mokina andit was just like no, this is
where we're going to be andwe've had opportunities to look
(24:40):
elsewhere over the years andit's just like no, Mokina's our
home and this is, you know,where we brought our kids home
to and this is where they callhome, and I can't ever foresee
leaving that and I want them towant to come back.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Well, that's tough.
It's tough to keep thatretention and have, you know,
kids come back after they'vegone to school or whatever it is
, and you know our parks in townare a very attractive thing to
young families as well as youth.
How do you think you could workwith the parks to, you know,
improve our village and make itbetter?
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, I think the increase of green spaces is
essential, especially sincethere are opportunities to grow.
I would love to work hand inhand with the parks to see what
else we can add.
I mean, right now the craze ispickleball and you know I live
(25:35):
closer to Heck Park and there's,you know, those pickleball
courts.
Oh, I mean I think I've got areserve for July because they're
always still packed.
But seeing you know what elsecould be done to increase those
green spaces to allow for moreopportunities for pickleball or
for other activities that willcome up and be the, you know,
(25:56):
craze here in the next 10, 20years.
So, working together to haveshowcase the parks because we do
have great parks around Waukenaand you know, when the kids
were really little, in thesummer I would journey, we would
take, you know, park tours,just because you go to the same
park and they get bored with it.
So we did?
We found all the different parksin all the different
neighborhoods.
Speaker 1 (26:15):
There's a lot of them out there.
Speaker 2 (26:17):
There are a ton and they all are different and
unique in their own way.
Park or you know activitieswhere, on a summer day, you know
bring out some food trucks at apark by Heck Park or over by
Main Park and just do funactivities that would be free
(26:38):
for the community to come outand showcase what we have.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
You know, I think the food trucks on front that we
did this summer was it was agreat example, one of people
having a desire to come down anddo something on Front Street in
downtown Waukena as well.
As you know, again, like yousaid, maybe taking that idea and
creating spaces where peoplecan gather.
You know, maybe at a Hecht Parkdo a similar event.
(27:03):
But you know, creating ways tocreate community, you know, is
huge.
You know, I don't know if yougot to go to any of those food
trucks on front, but it just wassuch a sense of community and
music playing and people arehanging out and you know that's
great, like that's such a smalltown.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
It's small town and it's simple.
It doesn't have to be grandiose.
It could just be something thatpulls everybody together and
just gives people theopportunity to hey, I haven't
seen you.
You know, especially now thatwe're coming out of winter, you
know, having springtime come,summer come, like everybody's
going to be out and how to bringeverybody together as one.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
Yeah, so.
So one of the ideas that thevillage has been talking about
is the building of a new villagehall at some point in the
future.
So maybe tell us your thoughtson that, maybe where you'd like
to see what you'd like to seewhat you would expect in a new
Village Hall.
Speaker 2 (27:59):
You know, I think that a new Village Hall would be
nice.
I mean, the new police stationis beautiful.
It would be nice to have avillage hall close by the police
station, where it would be inpartnership that you know.
(28:20):
It would be close in relationsto more accessible thoroughfares
to get to.
I would like to see a villagehall that would be inclusive for
all to come and be open for allthe community to come to.
You know, I look at where thevillage hall is in Frankfurt or
(28:42):
where the village hall is in NewLenox and it's around green
spaces.
It's around green spaces and itwelcomes the families to want
to be close to it, to want tocome to the meetings and to want
to see.
You know what the villageactually does, because you know
when you talk to people they'llalways say well, what does a
trustee?
do Well what will you actuallybe doing?
(29:04):
Explaining to, you know, thosethat I've met door to door,
those that I've met at the meetand greet, you know, just to you
know, be able to show them like, hey, you know what come, let's
like take a tour and let's haveit be more open, so then people
know what we do, or what wewill do within the community.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
You know one thing you hear about a lot and I've
seen it.
I've gone to village boardmeetings and there's really
nobody there usually, unless youhave a reason to come.
Any ideas or things you couldthink of, maybe a way to maybe
make those more visible or getpeople more interested?
Speaker 2 (29:45):
You know, yeah, I agree in terms of the attendance
at the board meetings andthey're not exciting meetings.
And that's really any boardmeeting that you go to, whether
it's a village hall or a schoolboard meeting Although sometimes
school board meetings can be alittle feisty but no, in terms
of attracting people, I thinkthat it'd be great to work with
(30:09):
local schools to showcasestudents and what students have
done in the classroom, have astudent spotlight time within
the agenda to say, hey, you know, this is what you know Mokina
Elementary School is doing.
Or hey, this is what I meanbecause some of our constituents
(30:29):
do go to 161.
Here's what 161 is doing andbringing in those students.
So then the families come inand they can see what we're
doing and they can be honoredthrough that.
I think that would be a startbecause I think if you show the
kids at a young age that, hey,come to the meeting, this is
what we do at a meeting, they'regoing to want to come and at
(30:50):
least listen, or at least listen, or at one time maybe they want
to advocate for something andthey can learn how to do that.
So I think that would be agreat start to do, and I know
the board does honor studentsand what they've done, but just
do it more on a continual basis.
Speaker 1 (31:09):
Yeah, that's great.
A continual basis?
Yeah, that's great.
Are there any?
Speaker 2 (31:18):
specific initiatives or policies that you would like
to champion as a trustee.
Not particularly and here's whywhere I'm not going to come out
and say this is exactly what Iwant to do, because, at the end
of the day, I am one person andI've got to work with the board
and I think it's important thatwhen the new board is elected,
that we all sit down at thattime and say, okay, here's, you
(31:40):
know, in the next four years,because the majority of us will
be elected for a four-year term,over the next four years, this
is what we want to tackletogether and be on the same page
, going forward, instead ofhaving everybody come in with
their own ideas and then, youknow, blocking others again.
It goes back to thatcollaboration and that
communication, um, and saying,okay, let's, let's work together
(32:04):
and pick the top three, topfour, whatever it may be,
because obviously someinitiatives will be easier to
implement than others, likerevitalizing the downtown area.
That's not something that'sgoing to happen within six
months or a year.
That's going to take five toten years to do.
It's going to grow over timeand that's the reality of it.
For anybody to say that it couldbe done in a year or two.
(32:24):
It's not going to be, andthat's what I think has to be
mentioned as well, because bythe time we are elected, we can
have all these plans set throughand have those goals in mind,
what we want to accomplishwithin the first six months
first year and then, by the timethe four years is up to, then
say, okay, if we start with therevitalization of downtown,
(32:44):
here's where it's going tocontinue.
Whether all those that areelected are elected for another
term of four years, or ifthere's going to be turnover,
let make sure that there'sthings in place where they know
where to take forward.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
So how do you think you, as trustees, will convey
that message of what you know?
You, you get elected and thenyou're here's, we've come up
with our plan.
Is that something you'll sharewith the people?
Cause I think one one criticismis always, always been.
We've heard, you know, foryears, longer than I've been a
resident people hear aboutrevitalizing downtown and and
(33:20):
unfortunately, just has eithergot stuck or, you know, for
whatever reason.
But so then we sit here againand we're going to revitalize
downtown, and so how do we, um,you know, how do do we know that
, yes, that you guys, you getelected, you go and you're going
to start moving that trainforward?
Speaker 2 (33:40):
I would like to have more transparency with all of
that.
I know that's a catchphrase andit's a buzzword that everybody
uses, but it really is havingthat transparency and making
sure that every board meeting,when the trustees have their
comments, that we tell thepublic.
Here's where we're at, here'sthe process that we're in, and I
know some things you know canbe shared and can't be shared
(34:01):
just because of logistics witheverything.
But you know, putting it in thenewsletter, you know that you
get with your water bill or thatyou take the four clicks to get
to online, that just havingthat open communication and
making sure that that's readilyavailable, and, whether it's
(34:25):
quarterly, that we send out anactual flyer or we put something
in the newspaper, just soeverybody knows this is what
we're doing and we hear what youwant and this is how we're
moving forward with it.
That's something that I do inmy classroom right, whenever you
know we have an agenda withactivities.
You know it's always thatconstant reminder with the
students and making sure thesekids always know that here's
what we're doing, here's, youknow, the next step, and it's
(34:45):
the same thing.
Like you have to let everybodyknow we are, you know, trying
and we are moving forward itjust you know again, it's not
going to happen overnight yeahit just has to happen yeah
Speaker 1 (34:56):
that's the thing sure , and and that's the frustrating
a lot of you know it is hard todo but the idea of opening that
communication and saying we arestarting to make that progress
you know I think is important.
It will help appease or peopleunderstand a little more.
Uh, so the theme of our podcastis history and community.
So if you were a new residentin our community, what would you
(35:20):
?
Or, talking to a new residentin our community, what advice
would you give them to getinvolved and tied into the
community?
Speaker 2 (35:28):
I would tell them explore, you know, just explore
what the community has to offer.
There's so many different areasof Mokina.
I mean there's West side, southside, east side, east side
right, and then there's thecentralized right.
Just explore all of thecommunity because the community
has so much to offer.
Go to the VFW, you know, um,because that's you're going to
(35:52):
meet a lot of fun people at theVFW.
Go to Post Game Pub You'regoing to meet a lot of fun
people there.
Walk down, you know, wolf Roadto the different businesses and
you know see the differentcemeteries, again circling back
to the cemeteries with whatMokina is, what it was and where
it can go Right.
(36:12):
So just explore, have thatadventure, um, and just really
immerse yourself.
And go to the community eventsthat you can go to, um, cause
there are great, you know,events, like you know food
trucks on front street.
The 4th of July parade isfantastic, um, even your tours
that you do do, even though youcan't do it in person, you can
(36:33):
still watch your podcast and youcan take them on your own and
so you know, just get out thereand become one, because that's
how you meet different peopleand that's how you become, you
know, invested within thecommunity and making it yours
Because, at the end of the day,the community and making it
(36:56):
yours Because, at the end of theday, you're as a family or as a
new person to the town.
You have to make the most of it.
So use your time.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
So as a teacher, bringing that perspective as a
trustee, you know there's a lotof intergovernmental workings.
The schools are a big part ofour village here.
How do you think yourperspective as a teacher can
help you better work with ourschools?
Speaker 2 (37:21):
I mean the needs for the schools obviously are pretty
consistent across the boardboard and you know, being in the
(37:45):
classroom each day, I know thestruggles as well as the rewards
that it takes to be a teacher anice relationship with the
schools within Mokina to seewhat they need and to see what
we can help them with, and havean open communication of you
know if there's anything thevillage can do to help out in
(38:06):
terms of, you know, recreationsor community events, terms of
you know, recreations orcommunity events showcasing what
is done at the school that we'dbe there to at least I would be
there to help as much as Icould.
Speaker 1 (38:19):
So All right.
Well, I've got a couple morecasual questions.
What?
Speaker 2 (38:22):
kind of why don't you start with those?
Speaker 1 (38:25):
That's what you need to start with.
All right, so do you have afavorite restaurant?
Speaker 2 (38:31):
In Mokina.
Speaker 1 (38:33):
Well, I'll leave that up to you.
Speaker 2 (38:38):
We do enjoy going to Post Game Pub.
I mean it's close to the house,but also it is family-friendly,
with all the games that theyhave that you can play at the
table.
So it's a nice wide variety ofmenus.
If you've never been there, thehamburgers are fantastic.
Speaker 1 (38:55):
They are Favorite hamburger at postgame.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
I'm just a really simple cheese and bacon kind of
girl.
Speaker 1 (39:01):
Okay, I like their black and blue.
That's good too.
Speaker 2 (39:05):
And the mushroom Swiss.
The mushroom Swiss is good too.
Okay, as you can see, I enjoyedtheir hamburgers.
Speaker 1 (39:11):
This is an ad for a post game pub.
Speaker 2 (39:14):
But no, we like going there as a family, just because
it does have a lot of space and, like I said, the games that
you can just bring to your tableand play and you can just watch
the games and be immersed inthe community.
So, yeah it's nice.
Speaker 1 (39:29):
If you could master one skill instantly, what would
it be?
Speaker 2 (39:33):
master one skill instantly.
Oh, that's a good one.
Um, oh, what skill would I wantto master?
Um playing the guitar that'swhy that's the one I would want
to do.
That that, no, yes, that, orsign language.
If I could do sign languageinstantly, that would be
(39:54):
something that I would do.
Speaker 1 (39:54):
Why sign language?
Speaker 2 (39:56):
I think it's beautiful and I think that it's
a language that obviously isuniversal, but just communicate
with individuals that may not bepart of the able-bodied
(40:21):
community, so bring moreinclusiveness with that.
Very cool how about what isyour favorite Mokina community
event?
Um, it's gotta be the 4th ofJuly parade hands down, that is
always you.
You never know what you're goingto see.
I mean, you know what you'regoing to see, but you never know
what you're going to see andthe amount of people that just
(40:48):
come out for that parade.
It is an awesome event andeverybody's smiling and having
fun and it truly shows off whowe are as a village.
Speaker 1 (40:55):
So do you have like your spot?
You guys go to every year andyou just find one so we've kind
of moved around a little bit.
Speaker 2 (41:02):
Um, we used to be kind of by burkhart's on the
corner there, but now we've kindof moved to over by the vfw.
So now we've we've turned okay,the corner, the VFW.
So now we've turned.
Speaker 1 (41:12):
We've turned the corner a little bit.
Speaker 2 (41:14):
So that is now where we go.
Speaker 1 (41:16):
Nice.
Have you ever walked in theparade before I?
Speaker 2 (41:19):
have not walked in the parade before, but it would
be fun to do.
Although the kids love thecandy, I mean, I think they get
more candy at that parade thanthey do at Halloween.
Speaker 1 (41:31):
I mean, they get plenty at.
Speaker 2 (41:32):
Halloween, but there's a ton of candy.
Speaker 1 (41:34):
Yeah, we always come up with tons of stuff.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
And it's just not candy, it's koozies or necklaces
or free ice cream, frisbees andballs, oh yeah.
I mean it's amazing, becauseyou never know what's going to
happen.
Speaker 1 (41:46):
It is such a great event.
It really is, and one of thosethings like people come around,
you know from outside the area,and, yeah, great event every
year.
And what is your go-to coffeeorder?
Speaker 2 (41:58):
I don't drink coffee oh my gosh, I'm not a coffee
drinker, I'm a hot.
I'm a hot chocolate connoisseurokay, I love hot chocolate at
Starbucks.
It's a non-fat.
No whip extra hot chocolate, soI'm a hot chocolate girl.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
That's the fanciest sounding chocolate I've ever
heard of it is so good, yeah, soyeah, no, that's yeah.
Good, and how about?
What local business would yousay you support the most Post
game.
Speaker 2 (42:25):
Oh yeah, right, I'll be a little biased here.
It's going to be BU Therapywhich is owned by Lauren Palmer.
I'll be a little biased here.
It's going to be BU Therapy,which is owned by Lauren Palmer.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Full disclosure.
She's my sister, so, yes, thatis the one that.
Well, talk about that a littlebit.
I got to meet her at the meetand greet.
Tell me about that what youknow about that.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
So BU Therapy is.
Speaker 1 (42:43):
Right down from Post Game Pub Right down from Post.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
Game Pub Great location, Lauren.
No, it's.
(43:15):
She's an occupational therapist, Actually.
She has her doctorate in OT andshe has taught in colleges and
has taught.
She wanted to open her ownbusiness and she got the ball
rolling.
Local families with inclusiveofferings that they have for
their clients and theirparticipants and part of it's
(43:38):
not-for-profit where they do theHIGH program and they do a few
different like craft fairs andhave different stores that they
will go and they'll sell thingsand that they will go and
they'll sell things.
And she's done amazing withthat business and I'm really
excited to see where shecontinues to go with it because
(43:59):
she has so many ideas of how toexpand and how to grow and just
talking to her and seeing whather business concept would be,
it would be awesome for her tobe able to expand in Mokena too.
Speaker 1 (44:11):
Did you get any idea from her about what her
experience was like bringingbusiness into town?
Speaker 2 (44:17):
I did she.
It was very helpful.
She got a lot of help from thechamber, a lot of help from the
village in order to find alocation and then go through the
permits and all the build outthat she needed.
So she had a nice experiencewith it.
(44:39):
Good, good yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:40):
Well, great, this is really good to talk to you and
get to know you and get to haveyou share about why you're
running.
But if you want to just take asecond and maybe tell people why
they should vote for you, Again, I'm Kimberly Hulsman.
Speaker 2 (44:55):
Thank you for watching this podcast.
I do hope that you do come outand vote April 1st and vote for
me for Village Trustee.
I'm running because I believein honoring the rich history of
Mokena and moving towards avibrant future that's modern for
families.
I do want to show the youth ofour village the importance of
(45:20):
having a voice and making adifference.
I do want to be able to helpfamilies grow and want to stay
within Mokina and I want to dowhat's best for the community as
a whole.
I don't have an agenda that I'mgoing to come in and you know,
on day one this is what I haveto do.
I want to be a trustee that'sworking with others and we're
(45:43):
all moving towards a common goal.
So thank you, thank you forlistening.
Speaker 1 (45:47):
Yeah, well, again, thank you, and be sure to check
out all the candidate interviewson the website and all the
election and updates that wehave.
And again, kim, thank you verymuch.
Appreciate it and vote on byApril 1st.
Yes, thank you.
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