Did you know that July has been billed as “Anti-Boredom Month” in the United States? This movement was started by Alan Caruba in the late 1980s, who felt there was not much going on from Independence Day to the end of July due to the hotter weather. But that’s no reason to be bored!
A couple years ago, our CEO, Joy Pearson, commented to our Operations Manager, Melanie Sawyer, that she was bored…little did she know that complaint would manifest into explosive growth…growing from six employees in October 2020 to 28 today! Joy learned her lesson to never say that she’s bored again!
After the craziness of the past two years, things have settled down a bit (for now) and Joy will be going on her first vacation in five years! Coincidence that it lines up with Anti-Boredom Month? We know she won’t be bored this July when she heads to Hawaii with her family!
What do you like to do to beat the heat and enjoy all that summer has to offer? We asked a few of the F&D team members and here is what they suggest: swimming at the pool, learning new games to play, visiting a museum, reading, volunteering, visiting with family and friends, and so much more.
DEW DAYS RECAP
Another great way to avoid boredom is to attend summer town festivals. Last month, we wrote about Farmington, MN’s summer festival, Dew Days. F&D was pleased to take part in many aspects of that celebration. Our own Jake Cordes called bingo at the Beer, Brats, and Bingo event. Jake, Joy, Melanie, Michelle Bade, Joy’s kids, Olivia and Jack, and Jake’s fiancé, Bridget Kopp, helped run the Kid’s Big Wheel Race, which is always a fun time. And to end the festival on a high note, F&D had a float in the Dew Days parade. See the collage of pictures below for the fun times had by all.
We hope this newsletter inspired you try something new if you start to feel boredom creeping in. Summer is too short to not enjoy it to its fullest!
Get to Know F&D
This month we are going to highlight three of our part time employees who have been with us over the past months and will be going to/returning to college or embarking on their professional careers. We thought it would be great to allow them an opportunity to share more about who they are. Here’s Katie Sawyer, Ti Gorski, and Abby Ronnebaum:
Katie Sawyer
Where are you attending school: University of Minnesota Duluth
What are you studying: Master of Business Administration (MBA, Class of 2022); Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc, Class of 2021)
Favorite TV Show: Bridgerton or The Office
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Favorite Musician: Morgan Wallen
If you could have any job in the world, what would you do: I would own a Cat Café.
Where is the most breathtaking place you’ve ever travelled: Palisade Head, Lake Superior North Shore
Fun Fact About You: I am really good at jigsaw puzzles.
Ti Gorski
Where are you attending school: University of Minnesota Duluth
What are you studying: Accounting
Favorite Movie: Miracle
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Favorite Musician: Morgan Wallen
If you could have any job in the world, what would you do: Play Hockey for the Minnesota Wild.
Where is the most breathtaking place you’ve ever travelled: Maui, Hawaii
Fun Fact About You: I have never broken a bone.
Abby Ronnebaum
Where do you plan on attending school: Gustavus Adolphus College
What do you plan on studying: Business Management and Computer Science
Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Favorite Book: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Favorite Band: One Direction!
If you could have any job in the world, what would you do: I’d be an advertising director for a charity or non-profit organization.
Where is the most breathtaking place you’ve ever travelled: Northern Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters is one of my favorite places on earth! It really makes me feel connected with nature and the stars at night are fantastic.
Fun Fact About You: I love to crochet and I’ve made multiple blankets, sweaters, and even stuffed animals.