In 1995 Alveda Rhude moved to Barrett, Minnesota. She and her late husband who was in the military, had lived in various parts of the US and Europe previously.

Alveda immediately became involved in numerous community activities and her energy and leadership as a dedicated volunteer have been an inspiration to all who know her.

The list of organizations and projects Alveda has been involved with over the years is overwhelming.

From the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as being their Treasurer and Membership Chairman to Elected President of the Barrett Civic and Commerce Organization, serving as Chairman or co-Chair of the Old Settlers Reunion to securing a grant for 200 trees to be planted in the community and helped to plant them all. Not to mention organizing a clean up group with the help of Matt Olhoft and his FFA group to restore the Old Stone Arch Bridge north of Barrett and found the date, 1907 carved on the back side. This bridge was completely covered with brush that had grown up over the years. An old picture was found showing that the bridge had originally had railings on it. Volunteers helped to clean it all out and Alveda collected donations for a sign, which tells the history of the bridge and the excellent work done by the Norwegian Stonemakers. The sign was erected close by and the bridge has become an important landmark in the area.

Alveda started up the American Legion Poppy Poster Contest for the fifth graders. This had not been held in over 20 years!

She also joined the Prairie Wind Players Theater Group, receiving an “Outstanding Actress – First Time on Stage” award along with other awards.

She was chosen as the Grant County’s “Outstanding Senior Citizen” to represent the County at the Minnesota State Fair in 2003. By the way, she also won the Minnesota Outstanding Senior Citizen’s Award at the State Fair in a ceremony. The competition had 101 nominations for the award from 58 Minnesota Counties.

Alveda has been involved with the Red Cross Bloodmobile, Barrett Senior Citizens Organization, a member of Grant County Committee on Aging, Minnesota Federation of Seniors and Friends of the Library as well as contributes to the local newspapers.

One nominator said of Alveda that she is humble. She does all of this out of the goodness of her heart. Not for awards and certainly not for power, fame or fortune, but simply because she cares.