30 Jul Introducing NICF board member Dave Altman
Our next featured board member is Dave Altman! Dave and his crew at Altman Lawn Service, LLC help to keep Starke County beautiful. Dave is an all-around outstanding guy, and we’re thankful he’s part of our organization. Read our interview with Dave below:
1. Where did you grow up, and where did you go to school? Also, tell us about your family.
I grew up in Rich Grove Township in Pulaski County. I attended and was graduated from North Judson High School in 1973. Also, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree (Elementary Education) from Purdue University.
My wife, Lynette, and I have been married 43 years, and we have 3 children and 7.5 grandchildren.
2. What are your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies are reading and traveling the United States. I try to avoid visiting cities but am quite interested in the open plains and mountains of the West. Another great interest of mine is American history, especially the Civil War and the movement west of settlers and their confrontations with the Native Americans.
Sports is also a big part of my life. I have run the score board for NJ-SP High School basketball games for the last 26 years.
3. What is your job title and/or what organizations are you involved with in the community?
Currently, I am the owner and operator of Altman Lawn Service, LLC, but in the past, I have farmed and taught at the elementary and middle school levels. Along with being part of the Starke County Community Foundation Board, I’m fortunate enough to be involved with the North Judson Kiwanis Club, a member of the North Judson United Methodists Church, a member of the North Judson Wayne Township Library Board, a director on the Starke County Soil & Water Conservation District Board, a member of the Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation & Development, and the current Starke County Historian and a member of the Starke County Historical Society.
4. What do you like most about your community?
Our community has a lot to offer, but what I really enjoy is the fact that the people get together to help each other out. There is a sense of trust and fellowship that holds each of our communities together and binds the whole county.
5. How did you become involved with the Community Foundation?
My in-laws, Barbara and Marvin McLaughlin, were instrumental in my involvement with the Community Foundation. After years of observing their passion for the Foundation, I eagerly joined the Starke County Community Foundation when I had an opportunity.
6. What do you like about the Community Foundation? What role do you think it plays in the community?
Most people don’t realize the direct impact the SCCF has in the county. Through the generous donations of dozens of people, families, and organizations, the SCCF is able to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars that are dispersed throughout the county to help more people, families, and organizations in need. The SCCF has the capacity to improve the wellbeing of the citizens of Starke County in a manner that no other organization can.
I am tremendously proud of the stewardship demonstrated by the staff of the SCCF and the NICF!