Questioning the Locals | Bob Lesniewski

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This is Bob.
 
This is Bob.

 

WHO: Bob Lesniewski, “a mature 62”
WHAT: Substitute teacher
LIVES: Township of Pleasant Valley
IN THE CITY FOR: 40 years

Bob Lesniewski has been ingrained in the Chippewa Valley through his 36-year directorship of Special Olympics. He has also officiated basketball and football games for high school and college teams regularly for the past 30 years. People who know Bob consider him a gentleman who will always have a positive attitude.

What place considers you a regular? Places that I can walk into where I can be recognized and called by name – the Goat on Water Street, Culver’s on Brackett, and the McDonald’s on Osseo.

What frustrates you about the Valley? The loss of respect, faith, and trust in each other.

What was the best cultural experience you’ve had here? Attending The State Theatre for two or three years when they had the Leahy Family. It’s a family of eight to 10 brothers and sisters from Lakefield, Ontario who do traditional Celtic tunes.

What is your favorite local event? The Buckshot Run – I helped found the run for Special Olympics. As a founder and director of the race for 24 years, it became a community event – a gathering of people for the enjoyment of health and fellowship. There are about four or five families whose Labor Day tradition is getting the family together to do the Buckshot Run. It continues to be the largest walk/run event in the Chippewa Valley. 1,500-1,600 attend. I’m still involved, more as a runner than as a director.

Describe your last encounter with the police. Having a squad car follow me from Eau Claire to Fall Creek when I was participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. There was a police escort behind me so no one would run me over. I also run with the county D.A. – Rich White.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Potato pancakes from St. John’s Lutheran Church. Every year when they have their potato pancake breakfast, I am there. It’s on my calendar. I will travel for potato pancakes.

Water Street or downtown? Definitely Water Street. Because of the Goat, and good food in general. And because of Mike and Fred at Fleet Feet on Water Street. They did all our silk screening for Special Olympics for years.

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to members of our city council? The Rule of St. Benedict on Leadership, about the Benedictan Rule – specific to leadership – and it talks about principles and values as it relates to people working together as a community for the benefit of all.

Borders or the library? Borders, because of the variety with books, music, and beverage … the environment … the friendly and knowledgeable staff.

What part of town have you never visited? I’ve been everywhere because of my job. [Bob oversaw the whole Indianhead Area which encompasses 18 counties]. I’ve had the opportunity to travel and drive … and there was a time when I knew where every local bakery in the Chippewa Valley region.

If you could magically add one store, restaurant, or shop to the area, what would it be? Keys Family Restaurant – there’s one in Hudson and in the Twin Cities. It’s family-run.

Have a suggestion for an interesting local individual for Questioning the Locals? Let us know! Email: trevor@volumeone.org or call 715-552-0457.