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