Colleen has a long family history in Greendale. Her parents were original Greendale pioneers having moved here in 1938. Colleen has lived in Greendale her whole life and resides in the Greendale original house that she grew up in with ten siblings.
Colleen has, and continues to, generously share her time and talents via several Greendale community organizations and activities. She has been a Greendale Chamber board member, a lifetime member of the Greendale Historical Society and an active Greendale Entertainment Association member. As co-chair of the Public Celebrations Committee, you will find Colleen volunteering at all of the Village events. Her dedication to the people and businesses in our community also shines through in her current role as a Village Trustee.
With all her valuable contributions within Greendale, Colleen has still found time to pursue her passion for travel and has been to 25 countries!
Thank you, Colleen, for making a positive difference in our community!
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Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Randy and I started dating in high school. We have been married for 51 years. We have two children, Cortney and Matthew (Matt passed away in 2022). Cortney is married to Tarique and they have two beautiful children, Jada and Omar. They are teaching internationally at the American School in Kuwait.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a Village Trustee. I love this job because I feel I can make a difference in moving Greendale forward in these tough economic times and maintain our historic roots. I am co-founder of Historic Chimney Tours. The main goal of our tours is to bring people to Greendale, to help our businesses and to share our unique community.
Q: Please tell us about any volunteering that you have done or currently do.
I helped start the Greendale Business Association in 1999 and served as President for five years. I was on the Greendale Chamber of Commerce board for 10 years. I am Co-Chair of the Public Celebrations Committee. We are responsible for events in Greendale. I volunteer at all events. I am a lifetime member of the Historical Society and a GEA member. I am a committee member of Healthy Mind Healthy Greendale. I offer free tours for Health Department interns and Greendale residents.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Greendale? What do you love there?
I love them all for various reasons. I could not pick a favorite.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
I have lived here all my life. I worked at Reiman Publications in Greendale for twenty-five years and I have been a Village Trustee for almost three years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
Roy Reiman for sure. Even in his eighties, he is still a ball of fire, full of energy, full of ideas – most of which are how to make Greendale better.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
To Kuwait to see my grandkids.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love Judge Judy. She is no nonsense, cuts to the truth and I learn a lot about the law. I love movies, especially ones with happy endings so it is hard to pick a favorite, but one that I have watched several times is The King’s Speech.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
To volunteer and to help others. Doing things for others will bring you happiness and joy and is what makes you feel good about yourself.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see more of the USA. Both of my children have lived overseas for twenty years. Because of that we have been fortunate enough to visit many counties, but have not seen enough of the U.S. states.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
As a kid it was Helen May’s Deli. I could walk there and get a bag of Mrs. Howe’s chips and an Orange Crush soda (when my brothers paid me for doing their chores). More recently: Ferch’s Malt Shoppe and Grille. It was our favorite hang out with our grandkids.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Prince William and Princess Kate. I like following the Royals and Greendale was fashioned after an English garden village. I would definitely meet someplace in the Village Center and give them a tour.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
Even though the Roosevelt Administration built three planned communities in the 1930’s, Greendale has so many unique things that our architectural team did differently than the other two. Now part of that uniqueness are the decorative chimneys. They are only here in Greendale.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still here, still volunteering where I can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was in a marching band in high school called the Mariners. We traveled and performed nationally every summer. Also, I have been to four of the six Middle East – Gulf Countries.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Canadian Rockies
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
4th of July. I have about one hundred people at my house to watch the parade. A tradition my parents started. People remember coming as a child and are now bringing their grandkids.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Being a mom and grandma
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, Randy. He always encourages me and is a wonderful example of hard work and honesty
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Popcorn, Fireworks
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends, Love
