Employee Spotlight: Jeanne Hammer

Why work in city government, specifically in Alexandria?

After living in the Minneapolis area for several years after school, I returning to my home-town to live and raise my family, I was privileged to be hired by the City of Alexandria, full time in 1995.  This offered stable employment with many benefits. In my earlier years I worked at the Runestone Community Center for half the year and the Alexandria Park Department for the other half of the year. After a couple of years, I was strictly at the Community Center year round. Then years later, promoted to Public Works Street Department.

Share a memory of a time you felt proud to be in local government.

There are many times I am proud to be working for the City of Alexandria. Times such as weed whipping in the parks, to removing snow from the city parking lots, to spreading sand on icy streets, to filling potholes with tar, to making signs and erecting them for easier navigation by strangers, to driving the Zamboni on RCC ice. In 2001 the Echo Press published “The Voice of a Working Woman”.  I was chosen to be featured in this Extra.

What are your goals for this year?

There are always small goals, but how to live more minimalistic is one I want to work on.

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with Grandchildren here and in Wyoming is tops. Camping is a much loved hobby.  Gardening and reading are others. Traveling to visit State Parks as well as traveling to visit family is special.

Tell us about your family and yourself.

I was born and raised in Alexandria, the oldest of 4 children.  I’ve been married to my husband Tom for 35 years and the Mother of 2 great children. (1 living in Sheridan, Wyoming and 1 in Miltona, MN.)  We have 3 grandsons to add joy to our lives.  Getting together for a couple of hours with siblings and other family for a meal, especially at Lake Ida, is always a pleasure.

What are your goals this year and for your department?

Simply to continue to do the best I can as is called for in my department.

There are a lot of acronyms in government, explain ones that come behind your name or that you use in your work.

PW-SD …  Public Works-Street Department

Where is your favorite place to go to enjoy Alexandria?  (restaurants, parks, activities/exercising, etc.)

Swimming at Grand Arbor Pool.  Walking the Trail.  Great Alexandria parks.  Take-out pizza from Casey’s. Burgers at Culvers. Spaghetti at Angelina’s. China Buffet. Sit-down restaurants to be waited on.  Alexandria has a big variety.

Photo by licia marie photography (www.liciamariephotography.com)