Meet Pat Blake

Name: Pat Blake

Age: 52 years old, but 27 in my brain

Livelihood: My job is patient care supervisor at Mayo Clinic Health in Albert Lea and Austin.

City of residence: We live in rural Albert Lea.

For how long: We moved here to begin our jobs 22 years ago. I was born and raised a cheesehead.

Tell us about your family: My husband, Phil, is a radiologic technologist at Mayo Clinic Health System primarily in MRI and CT scanning. We have worked in the same hospital together since we were married 30 years ago. My son Tayler is a second year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is studying mechanical engineering and working full time at the pool this summer as a lifeguard. My son Kimball will be a junior at Albert Lea High School this fall. He is working on football, track and strength training this summer. Esse, the pooch, just hangs out.

Where do you volunteer and how long have you volunteered there? I volunteer at the Children’s Center every October for about the past 10 years. I volunteer for the nursing program at Riverland here and there as needed, 10 years or so. I work a 60-hour week volunteering at the annual airshow for EAA in Oshkosh, Wis., every summer for the past 20 years. I have been the treasurer for the high school football booster club for three years. Any chaperoning necessary for trips the boys have taken through school or sports or church, if I can, I go. I have been on the Children’s Center board for several years, one as president.

Why do you volunteer? I volunteer because I want to. I don’t have to. I really feel the knowledge and friendships I take away from the activities more than outweighs the work. I also have such gratitude for everyone who has helped our boys as they’ve grown, it’s my way of showing that.

What is the last book you read? “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”

What are your hobbies? I like cross-stitching, reading and making complicated desserts (chocolate) to give away.

What is your favorite movie? It’s a tie for my favorite. They are “Cinderella” (the version with LeslieAnn Warren), “Field of Dreams” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”