Caledonia Argus

George Albert honored as outstanding senior citizen

Posted: 7/29/03

Heís traveled the globe and seen just about everything under the sun, but George Albert still prefers Houston County to anywhere else.

ìNo matter where we go, Houston County is better,î he said. ìItís a marvelous place.î

His appreciation and dedication were recognized with the 2003 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award. He, along with Caledonia resident Margaret Goetzinger, will receive the award at the Houston County Fair this August.

Albert, a Caledonia resident for nearly seven decades, is best known for his involvement with Albertís Grocery. His father Henry purchased the store in 1937. He began working there after being discharged from the Navy when World War II ended, and stayed on for 53 years. He went on to operate the store for many years with his brother Bill.

Despite working 80 hours per week on average at the store, Albert found time to be active in the Caledonia Fire Department. He was fire chief for nine years, and a member of the department for 24.

Other community involvement kept him busy as well.

As the founder of Concerned About River People (CARP) in 1980, he helped to protect the interest of boathouse owners on the Mississippi River shoreline near Brownsville.

As part of the Houston County Sheriffís Posse between 1996 and 2001, he rode patrol with the Sheriffís Department to help with river management.

At St. Maryís Church in Caledonia, Albert served on the board of directors between 1950 and 1999. At present, he serves at St. Peterís Church in Hokah as an usher, and helps organize the churchís bazaars.

Now retired, Albert enjoys traveling with his wife, Virginia. The couple has gone to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean, and has traveled up and down the Mississippi on their pontoon. But no matter where they go, theyíve never found a place theyíd rather be than Houston County.

ìThis is the place to be,î he said. ìThere are lots of things to see in the world, but we always come back here.î

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