The Dodge Center Citizen of the Year award is an annual community award presented by the Dodge Center Lions Club. This award recognizes local residents who have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism, dedication and support for the town.
To be nominated for this prestigious award, any community member can submit letters of nomination, detailing why a specific individual or active couple is deserving of this award. The Lions Club members review all submissions and select the winner of the award.
Randy and Nadine Langworthy began their married life in Dodge Center at a Sunday morning sunrise service in October of 1980. After the reception and pictures, the wedding party, friends and relatives processed to the Pancake Breakfast at the Legion sponsored by Red Owl. Dodge Center was a community that felt like home from the beginning.
Randy's career was at Mayo Clinic. During his 42 years there he was a precision equipment specialist/technician, servicing microscopes and other lab equipment. Outside of work, Randy has especially enjoyed his position in the Dodge County Sheriff's Posse. Many hours are required over the summer months for the variety of town festivals, County Fair, and assistance to the Deputies.
Other ways of serving our wonderful town, Randy is on the Riverside Cemetery Board, Dodger Days Committee, and a member of the Dodge Center Lions. Randy plays bass guitar and often plays at Open Mic and with The Dreamers, a 60s-70s pop band in Rochester. He is also an avid Harley rider, and has ridden all over the U.S.
Besides teaching piano, Nadine has played for church the majority of her life. She has played for hundreds of weddings & special occasions, plus her favorite gig, accompanying the Triton choirs. Randy and Nadine actually met over music and were married eleven months later. Their home was filled with piano students (averaging 45 students per week) until Nadine rented a space on Main Street for a studio in 2005. Then they purchased their present property in 2011 which had been left empty and dilapidated for years. Seeing photos from the past and hearing memories, and learning the history of the drug store and bakery, the couple decided to purchase, renovate and restore these buildings. They belong to the town, they are part of the substance of it's Main Street history, and hopefully they will stand for many more years and become part of it's future.
Outside of the Piano Studio and the upstairs loft apartment, the main floor of the west building is The Annadine, est. in 2016 ....D.C.'s best Anodyne, a place that hosts live music, open mic and cards. The Annadine will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary in October this year.
Congratulations to the winners of this year's award, Randy and Nadine Langworthy! They were presented with the award on June 9th at the Annadine on 16 West Main Street in Dodge Center at 6:00 pm. They will also be in the parade during Dodger Days on June 21st.
