Rick Schmale is the kind of person who helps make a community strong.
The Oregon, Wisconsin, native volunteered for 35 years as a member of the National Ski Patrol and contributed to lifesaving efforts as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. After retiring from his career as Engineering & Construction Management section chief in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2021, Schmale started volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. He got involved with the latter at the height of the pandemic, spending six to eight hours a week delivering food to satellite pickup sites and applying his engineering and carpentry skills to building maintenance projects at Second Harvest’s Dairy Drive headquarters on Madison’s east side.
Four and a half years later, Schmale is still committed. “It’s become challenging for [even more] families to put food on the table, and so I see it as a really important part of serving the community,” he says. In the past several months, local food pantries have served record numbers of families, with help from community members like Schmale who give back to the place they call home.
Family Tradition
We’ve been hosting a family camping trip each fall with our two boys and their families. You can’t beat playing at the beach, campfires and s’mores.
Big Plan
I planned a ski trip in Canada this past winter, including stops at Lake Louise Ski Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Scoop of Ice Cream
My favorite is butter pecan.
Essential Madison
I love spending an evening on the Memorial Union Terrace, enjoying a beverage, people-watching and listening to some fine tunes.
Survival Buddy
I’m bringing MacGyver. He has a Swiss Army Knife-like set of skills that will help us survive.
Most Important Meal
I’m a breakfast person. I need a solid foundation for all of the day’s activities.
Changing Times
My first job was pumping gas at a station in Oregon, Wisconsin. Gas sold for 36 cents per gallon [then], so a fill-up wouldn’t set you back more than $10.
Favorite Haunt
I love browsing at Habitat ReStore. There is often a treasure for my workshop or a planned project at home.
Snow Hobby
I’m a big Alpine and Nordic skier. I love hitting the cross-country trails or spending time on the slopes at Tyrol Basin or Devil’s Head Resort, but I prefer mountain skiing in the Rockies…