My name is Rica Giersdorf and I am the activities coordinator at Old Main Village. You might be wondering about my first name. My parents thought a lot of my Swedish great-great aunt whose name was Frederica. Her nickname was Rica which became my given name. It’s pronounced as if it had a ‘k’ in it, like the books about the Swedish girls, “Flicka, Ricka and Dicka." 

I was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota. I came to Mankato to attend Mankato State University, where I received a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, met my husband and where we raised our three sons.  

I love it when our boys are home and the moments we spend together. I get great pleasure from spending time with friends, over good food and conversation.  It’s always great to take our golden retriever on a hike in the beautiful out-of-doors. I really enjoy shopping, and there’s nothing I like better than to curl up on a sunny spot on the couch and read a good book. 

My recreation goals for the residents at Old Main Village are to provide a wide variety of activities that they can choose to participate in that they will find meaningful. It’s important to me to offer a diverse activity program because people have different interests, backgrounds and experiences that affect their preferences when it comes to their own recreation choices. I have the utmost respect for the senior population and I want to provide activities that reflect that respect.

Old Main Village is a remarkable place and I’m honored to be able to work in such a wonderful community.