World travelers and Grand Rapids residents Joe and Guadalupe Ancel certainly have enough on their plates to keep them busy.
Guadalupe, a retired educator, serves on the Mead Charter Elementary School Governing Council, Wisconsin Rapids Habitat for Humanity Board, and UWSP LIFE program Curriculum Committee. Joe, a retired environmental engineer, is the chair of Clean Green Action and Natural Resources; secretary of the League of Women Voters Wisconsin Rapids Area; and serves on the Wisconsin Rapids Mayoral Council on Sustainability, Bike Share Committee, and Growing Friends Community Garden group.
As such active community members, they both jumped at the opportunity to be involved with the Tribune Building Project from the start. “We felt that it was a wonderful way to invest and help improve our community, to work with others, and to learn new facilitating techniques as table hosts,” they said.
Participating in the Tribune Building design process prompted the Ancels to consider their role in financially supporting the project, in order to ensure its realization. This resulted in their decision to transfer a portion of their scholarship funds into a new fund specifically for the Tribune Building Project, along with making other contributions.
In addition, it encouraged Guadalupe to write letters to local legislators on topics that can improve our community. “We think that the techniques used in the Tribune Building process can also be used to solve community problems and learn from each other,” she shared.
Joe and Guadalupe are looking forward to seeing the Tribune Building become a reality and having a lively downtown where families and friends want to gather and socialize.
“To make positive improvements in your community you can’t sit on the sidelines; you need to be an active participant. If you are not involved, don’t complain and question the outcome. Get involved and make a difference.”
Through participation in the Tribune meetings, Dr. Missy Skurzewski-Servant has witnessed the power of collaboration among community members to develop an idea into reality. Read More >
“When I was invited to participate with Incourage’s Business Education Alliance several years ago, that really inspired me to try to do more,” Richard recalled. Read More >
“When I was younger I couldn't wait to move away, but since moving back almost six years ago, I can't imagine being anywhere else,” Zach Coleman shared. Read More >
“I believe in the positive effect of a kind word, a warm gesture, and a smile,” says Tony Perez. Read More >
"Don't give up on your hometown!" This is the sentiment of sisters Hannah & Gracie Wendels. Read More >
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