Longtime resident gives back to her community

By Caroline Rosacker

Former Clayton Ridge social studies teacher Janice Andregg, 85, of Guttenberg has been volunteering in the community in many different ways since her retirement in 2000.

Planning and Zoning Board 

Past City Manager Tom Blake was first to reach out to Andregg following her retirement inquiring if she would like to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board. "As a social studies teacher I often stressed to my students how important family and community responsibility was," she pointed out. "Even though I didn't have much experience in this area I needed to do it. In other words 'if you talk the talk you need to walk the walk.' It would all be a learning experience. My motto has always been if you don't learn something new every day it's a wasted day."

C.R. School Board

A group of community members approached Andregg following her husband's passing in 2008, and asked if she would be interested in running for election for a spot on the Clayton Ridge School Board. Andregg had attended many school board meetings as a faculty representative throughout her teaching career, and was familiar with the protocol. She served on the school board for seven years or two terms. 

Guttenberg Hospital Board

Community members contacted Andregg about running for the Guttenberg Hospital Board as she was nearing the end of her second term on the school board. "I knew very little about hospital board proceedings, but it is all a learning experience and if these people had confidence in me, I would place my name on the ballot," she told The Press. 

She served two terms  – eight years total — with two of her former students, Doug Reimer and Bill Allyn. "Bill never did call me Janice. He always referred to me as Mrs. Andregg." she said with a hearty laugh. "Witnessing first-hand the people that they had become and interacting with them has been a wonderful experience." 

Andregg became a patient advocate for the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital as part of her board duties, but will remain an advocate on her own since stepping down.

She has been a member of Dollars for Scholars since its inception in 1993, is a member of the City Cemetery Board and St. Paul's Church Council. "You don't have to have experience, you just need a willingness to learn," said Andregg. 

Part of a healthy lifestyle 

The eager volunteer considers getting and staying involved in her community as an integral part of her retirement and overall wellness plan, which includes meeting her exercise group at Anytime Fitness five days a week at 7 a.m.

Andregg's volunteer commitments provide socialization – a key component to longevity. "When you volunteer, are on a committee, or elected to a board you are in contact with so many people that are in different stages of their life. It creates a support system and you feel good about yourself and what you are doing. Socialization is very important to your mental and physical health as you age," she concluded. 

In her spare time Andregg loves to travel and spend time with her children, Josh, Jonna (Jeff) Walters, Jenny (Eric) Griner, grandchildren and one great-grandchild that she fells very fortunate to care for in Dubuque every Thursday.