Lindsey Kurhajetz (Mrs. Maple Grove 2007)

Warm wishes from Lindsey Kurhajetz, Mrs. Maple Grove 2007!

Abound with energy and excitement for everyday life, I am blessed with a wonderful husband, who carries the same zest for the little things in our life: grocery shopping on Sunday, push-up contests, making homemade sushi with friends, and working hard to reach our greatest potential.

Rich and I met at St. Olaf College and developed a lasting friendship upon which we have built a wonderful marriage as we enjoy many everyday adventures. Our wedding in 2003 came with added excitement after we won the KDWB “Not so Newlywed” game - a $25,000 wedding package! We attribute the win to our teamwork – an important quality in marriages today.

We recently hoped to put our teamwork skills to the test again as competitors on the Amazing Race. Rich and I were finalists for the show, however did not make the final cut because we “get along too well.” (I thought that was supposed to be a good thing!)

Rich and I take much pride in our work and love what we do. Rich is a Buyer for cellular phones at Best Buy Headquarters and I am the Event Coordinator for Archiver’s – the nation’s leading photo memory store. I serve as the Director of the Maple Grove Ambassador Scholarship Program designed to help young women grow personally and professionally through community and civic involvement. I also serve as a St. Olaf College class fund agent, raising money for their annual fund and am the on-site Director for the United Performing Association’s National cheer and dance competition.

Beyond love, work and volunteering I enjoy country music, (especially Keith Urban) scrapbooking and making handmade cards/invitations, hosting and entertaining with friends, exploring the wine country in the fall and educational and recreational travel.

Enriching communities at home and abroad is a true passion of mine. My travels abroad to study the native aboriginal culture of Australia, Hemmingway in Cuba and the Polynesian culture of Hawaii showed me the need for greater cross-cultural communication and understanding. As an English and Communication major, studying in Cuba was a historic experience. I had the honor of visiting Earnest Hemingway’s best friend, Gregario Fuentes in his own home in Cojimar, Cuba - just six days before his passing. Gregario was Hemmingway’s good friend and fishing buddy written about in the cherished “The Old Man in the Sea” book.

For me, serving as stewards of our community is one of the most impactful ways we can share our talents to help others. As a 2001 Maple Grove Ambassador and first-runner up to Mrs. Minnesota 2006, I am eager to join with all 2007 contestants to celebrate the gift of marriage, family and our collective contributions to our community. Here’s to an outstanding month ahead!