Meet the peppies board
Sue VanAlstine - President
I'm a bit new here but have been head over heels for Pepin since I got here (and shortly thereafter for a certain public servant of yours). I work remotely as a product owner and program manager for a global animal genetics company. I enjoy the outdoors, fishing, hiking, and trying to make a garden out of this sandbox with my husband, Jesse, and our 5 cats and our very gregarious golden retriever, Blaze.
Of all the places I've had the opportunity to travel and visit, there's no place that compares to the feeling of home when I drive up the Great River Road with its bluffs and rolling hills, season changes, and vibrant communities. My goal in becoming a Pepin Peppie is to share my gifts with the community who, when I moved here in 2020, charmed me with your warm welcoming ways and small town vibe. I look forward to serving with you in keeping our community special and thriving.
Pat Sandstrom - VP
My name is Pat Sandstrom. Many of you know me since I have lived in the Pepin area all my life. I’m married, raised a son and grandson here in Pepin and I'm now retired from Red Wing Shoe Company and currently work part-time at the Tin Roof Boutique here in Pepin. I’m active at Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on the church council. I also serve on the Village Board as a member of the Ordinance Committee, I serve as Chair of the Personnel Committee, and I also represent the Village Board on the Tourism Commission.
In being a part of the Tourism Commission and working in retail I've heard from many of our community members that there is a need for a new community club so a group of us decided to develop one. It's very exciting to be a part of the new club called the Pepin Peppies. There are so many people in the community that have great ideas they would like to see move forward such as festivals, a beach project, community get togethers, etc., so now we have an avenue to see some of that come to light. The best part of the Pepin Peppies will be that all members will be able to have their voice heard at monthly meetings and the members will be able to have a vote.
So, for me, I’m proud that I’ve been a lifelong member of the community and feel very blessed to be able to see some fun times ahead for Pepin.
Heidi Baader - Treasurer
I am a small town girl growing up just a few short miles away in Nelson, WI. I moved to Pepin after my husband, Eric and I were married. We raised 5 children together and enjoyed that they were able to grow up in a small community. Eric and I are empty nesters now, and just recently brought Grizzly, our 1 ½ yr old Newfie into our home. My greatest pleasures are fishing, bonfires, and spending time with family and friends. I especially love spending time with the grandbabies and of course the grand pups too!
I am the branch manager and loan officer at the Bank of Alma. I enjoy being a part of this community. I am looking forward to bringing some of the ideas that have been brought to me over the years to fruition. I believe that Pepin Peppies is the club that will bring great things to our area. The talent in this area is immeasurable, and when we work together we will be able to accomplish amazing things.
Debra Fisher - Secretary
After a 23-year hiatus from Pepin County, I moved back dragging a Southern Gentlemen with me in early 2018. Since that time, I have been reconnecting with old friends, remodeled a church into a residence, and spent a fair amount of time restoring and preserving a one-room schoolhouse.
As editor of the local newspaper, I am privileged to witness and write about local events. Being an observer has its limitations. I am looking forward to being a part of the Pepin Peppies, a club that has a mission and understanding that when we work and serve together, we create an amazing story.
See what is happing in Pepin!