Chamber announces Stars and Stripes Grand Marshal
Grand Marshal Julie Rastetter of Guttenberg will represent all the volunteers who make Guttenberg a great place to live, work and play at this year's Stars and Stripes parade. (Photo submitted)
By Caroline Rosacker
This year's Stars and Stripes Grand Marshal Julie Rastetter of Guttenberg will lead the parade representing all the individuals who volunteer in our community.
Julie and her husband, Thor, have three children, Logan (Brad) Nelson, Kelsey, and Colten (Taylor), and four grandchildren, Carter, Quinn, Aiden and Lennox.
"When the Guttenberg Chamber board asked me to participate in the parade I immediately thought of all the volunteers that help make Guttenberg a great place to work, live and play," Julie told The Press. "Where would our small community be without all our volunteers? I will be representing each and every one of them."
Julie was raised in a Christian household that believed in service to other first. "As long as God has me on this earth I will help in anyway I can," she humbly shared.
Volunteer service
Many may recognize Julie as the former Guttenberg/Clayton Ridge Drill team coach. For over 40 years, (20 0f them volunteer) her determination, organization and inspiration led the highly successful team to earn 27 State Championship Titles along with many 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
Julie is a Eucharistic Minister, second grade Faith Formation teacher, – preparing students for their first Communion, and Parish Center Committee Group member at St. Mary's Church. The busy volunteer also helps out at the Family Resource Center on food truck delivery days, is in charge of "Snack Pack" delivery at Clayton Ridge School, assists at St. John's monthly food give away, is a member of the fundraising committee for the new Community Resource Center, membership committee for the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities, and secretary of Umbrella Arts.
Volunteering adds quality to life
"I have good time management," she noted. "It goes back to when I was coaching. I was working full-time and had active children. My calendar is my 'Bible.' When something comes up I have to write it down."
Julie enjoys staying busy and productive. She also enjoys the social aspect, and feels blessed with the community volunteers she works with. "We all work together. I treasure the relationships I have developed with the people I get to volunteer with," she said with a smile.
Setting a good example for youth is also important to Julie. The positive role model enjoys having her grandchildren see her involved in the community. "There are negative aspects to our world, but there is also so much good," she pointed out. "It is important for children to witness adults spreading kindness through simple gestures."
The eager volunteer encourages others to ask around, stating there is always something that can be done to help our community thrive. "It makes me sad when I hear organizers say they can't get anybody to work. I have had so much fun throughout the years working side-by-side with others that want to be of service," she concluded.
