Who deserves to be recognized as Northfield Patch's Person of the Year?

During the past week, readers have submitted names of folks they feel deserve the honor. We received eight nominations. Below, you'll find answers to two questions about each nominee from those who nominated them. We did not change the answers at all. What was submitted to us is what you see.

Vote by selecting a person on the attached poll below. And, while you're at it, leave a few thoughts in the comment section about why he or she received your vote. You must be logged into the site to vote and comment.

We will accept votes until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26. Whomever receives the most votes is Northfield Patch's Person of the Year and will have a story written about his or her efforts.

This story is one way for us to highlight all the great work going on in Northfield. The other seven people should be commended for their giving spirits as well. The person selected isn't receiving an award or gift certificate or anything to that nature—just a little recognition.

Here are the questions:

1. Why should he or she be our Person of the Year? 
2. What affiliations does this person have (groups, boards, businesses, etc.)? 

Dan Freeman

1. Long time contributor to Northfield
2. Fireworks, DJJD,  Community Theater

Sandi Gerdes

1. Outstanding commitment to the community of Northfield. Serves the people of Laura Baker with incredible leadership and vision. 
2. CEO of Laura Baker Services Association, President-Elect of St. John's Lutheran Church Congregation, Former SERTOMA member, Board Member of Ruth's House of Hope (Faribault)

TJ Heinricy

1. TJ gives back to the community on a daily basis, as a member of the Northfield Fire and Rescue Squads, as a Northfield City employee, and a member of the Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee.  He works hard to make sure the community is a better one by always giving his best to the people of Northfield.  
2. Northfield Fire and Rescue Squad, City of Northfield Street and Parks Department, Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee

Virginia Kaczmarek

1. Virginia is the hardest working, dedicated individual I have ever met. Her main objective is to help the community of Northfield. She is the executive director of the Northfield YMCA and a main individual for the Youth in Government program through the Y, which helps the youth better understand how the government works by passing laws and having their own senate sessions. Virginias dedication to better Northfields youth, teens, and adults should not go unknown.
2. Northfield YMCA, Youth in Government-YMCA

Megan Tsui

1. Through her work at the Northfield Enterprise Center, she is helping small business owners find a path to success. And with her recent opening of the NEC's pet project, SPUR, she has created a co-working environment that can adequately houses entrepreneurs and other community members. The space also acts as a business incubator that helps small businesses grow and thrive in the community. Megan is very dedicated to sponsoring local college students by helping them gain internships, experience, and/or work study. She's directly involved with St. Olaf College's Piper Center for Experiential Learning and works with students on growing their entrepreneurial skills. 
2. WINGS Board of Directors, Board of Trustees for Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Library, Minnesota Angel Investors Network-Intake Advisory Community for the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Scott Wopata

1. He has such a fantastic impact on the Northfield Soccer Association, which is working towards combining the Hispanic community with the Caucasian community in Northfield.  
2. Northfield High School head soccer coach. 

Lynne Young

1. She is retiring as director of the public library after more than 30 years. She is a fine, trusted, and universally respected public servant. I can't think of anyone in public life in Northfield who is more widely respected and loved, or who will be more greatly missed when she retires.  
2. Northfield Public Library

Erica Zweifel

1. Erica has served Northfield for 4 years on the Council with integrity, passion, and insight.  Erica lead the TIGER trail project, serves on the regional fire service committee, and many other Council projects.  She looks for citizen input on all issues, consistently demands accountability for tax dollars, and helps lead the Council to better decisions.  Clear, consistent and committed - that's Erica.
2. City Council (3rd Ward)

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