|
Pantry Intake Associate Jane Alderman will be retiring — for real! — at the end of June. We’d love to celebrate her by sharing a bit of her story.
Jane was born in Cedar Rapids and moved often due to her father’s work in food services, living in Michigan, South Dakota, Arkansas, and Iowa before settling in Ankeny during high school. She even attended first grade at the uniquely named Richard Nixon Elementary. Growing up, she loved skiing with her siblings and discovered her passion for live music after seeing The Oakridge Boys—eventually traveling as far as Japan for the opportunity to see her favorite bands.
One of the first students to take a computer class at Ankeny High School, Jane went on to study Finance at the University of Iowa. She spent 31 years at Principal, starting as a Life Insurance Underwriter and retiring as a Sr. Business Analyst. During those years, she met her husband, and the two famously turned their living room into a winter ping‑pong arena.
Jane has long been committed to social justice, deepened through the JustFaith program and her involvement in Occupy Des Moines. After retiring the first time post‑pandemic, she joined the Johnston Partnership to make a meaningful difference in her community. She jumped into this work with both feet, pivoting through a growing need for services, pantry layout changes, and 3 different intake systems.
During her 4.5 years at the Johnston Partnership, Jane has become known for her volunteer dress up days and creating unique games for parties! Her thoughtful and clever volunteer recognition awards were loved by everyone. The food pantry neighbors all know and love her, even questioning “ where is Jane?” when the rest of us are working intake. She will greet over 100 community members during one four-hour shift, while answering the phone, and navigating a tricky language translation! Join us as we wish her joy, adventure, and a very happy second retirement. We will miss her steady presence & creative ways around the pantry. Congratulations, Jane!
|
