Rehab counselor honored for career
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 22, 2003
A proclamation from Mayor Bonnie Rietz and Albert Lea Mayor Jean Eaton created a one-time holiday Monday.
Bob Dickinson Day was declared for April 21, 2003, in celebration of a career in Mower and Freeborn counties spanning 31 years.
Dickinson is a career rehabilitation counselor at Minnesota Rehabilitation Services. In that role he has helped thousands of individuals with special needs receive the counseling and training they need to be placed in the work force.
Dickinson will be taking a position in the Burnsville office, which gives him an opportunity to live, and eventually retire, near his daughter. While he will miss the job and the people that he has had the chance to work with, he said the move will be an exciting "routine upset."
"We have a bit of an adventurous spirit that we'd like to follow through on," Dickinson said.
Dick Graff, rehabilitation area manager, said Dickinson has been outstanding in every aspect of his work. His daily jokes, which were mentioned in the proclamation, have always made him popular in the office.
"The neat thing about Bob is not just how competent he is, but more importantly, he is so much fun," Graff said.
Pat Lynch, also a career rehabilitation counselor, said Dickinson's absence will affect many people. He said there have been many people calling the office about his transfer.
"There are so many people who are so upset about losing him," Lynch said. "What better tribute could you have for a person?"
Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com