From January 2022
We’re all aware that after a very long and most likely arduous year as President of the CGMGA, Sandi Rousseau is passing the baton to Anne Gehrig. Sandi has been amazing in the position, but I have to assume is more than ready to relinquish the title to another very accomplished woman. I had the pleasure of speaking with Anne recently and got the sense that this is a woman that thrives on getting things done!
Anne was originally born in California but was raised, and lived most of her young life, in Nebraska. After graduating from Gonzaga University, with a B.A. in French and education, she went on to earn her Masters in Early Childhood Education, from PSU. She also went on to earn her National Board Certification for teaching and an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) “The Board Certification is pursued and awarded independently and is probably the toughest thing I’ve ever accomplished.” And that says a lot, because Anne has had a very full life, including raising three children and operating an in-home bakery with her husband Lou!
After 41 years of teaching, locally, she retired in 2018; but I’m not convinced “retirement” is really in Anne’s vocabulary. In the two years following her retirement she backpacked 78 miles of the Oregon PCT, and did a bike and barge tour of France with her husband! Prior to that she had only backpacked once in her life….I bow to her determination!
Anne’s interest in gardening didn’t really start until she was married and they bought property that included an orchard. Once they left that property the opportunity wasn’t available for a garden, but with enough determination (and she has more than enough of that!) she has managed to grow in small areas, if not on her own property then sharing space with friends. One of her focuses this year will be with beekeeping and growing more drought tolerant plants, since she already owns bees and, due to her location, the need for less water use is imperative.
As to Anne’s involvement in Master Gardeners, it came about due to her mother’s interest in the program. It was important to Anne and her siblings that their mom participate, however attending evening programs meant she would be on the road alone at times, so Anne decided it might be a good opportunity for her to learn more about gardening, as well and they could attend together. That was back in 2011 and, needless to say, the interest has never waned…..apparently for either of them. Anne’s mom, at 92, still enjoys a few flowers and tomato plants in a raised bed!
Anne’s days are still very full. Aside from sharing time with her two grandchildren she is secretary for the Columbia Gorge Beekeepers Association and the Hood River County Library Foundation, as well as a member of the Hood River County Reads committee (part of the Friends of the Library) and tutors students in math online. Once a teacher……
I asked Anne if there was something we might be surprised to know about her……“Maybe that I used to play guitar and sing in weddings and that now that I have a grandson who loves music I’d like to pick up the guitar and my banjo again.” Perhaps, after learning a little more about this amazing woman, we aren’t that surprised about her musical inclination.
I think I know one thing after spending time with Anne……we are in for one heck of a ride this year and I can’t wait!!
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