Patty Cutts has lived in the Cedar Valley with her husband Ken for over 40 years. Both are currently enjoying their retirement from careers involving education. After teaching at Helen Hansen Elementary in Cedar Falls, Patty worked at (then) AEA 7 as a technology consultant. Ken taught graduate courses for UNI and the University of Wisconsin. After retiring from educational roles, Patty worked at University Book & Supply as an Event Coordinator. Patty and Ken love the friendly atmosphere of the Cedar Valley, the good educational systems as well as the caring organizations that build the community and make it a wonderful place to live. Patty describes the Cedar Valley as “a large metro area with a small town attitude”. She then added that the people here care about each other and always help in a time of need.
Patty and Ken enjoy traveling, hiking and reading in their retirement. In addition, both serve the community through volunteering. This includes serving on the boards of St. Luke’s Episcopal, the Boys & Girls Club of the Cedar Valley, the Food Bank of Northeast Iowa and serving on the committees at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
Some of Patty’s favorite places to shop are Hanson’s Dairy and the farmer’s markets for grocery items. She and Ken both love the fresh food that is available, in particular, anything that is in season is “always delicious”. Patty very much enjoys cooking and making dishes from scratch with fresh ingredients. Patty says that her “day at the beach is a counter full of fresh ingredients, pots and pans, a hot oven surrounding my recipe laden iPad”. Patty and Ken are also both coffee lovers and enjoy visiting Cup of Joe’s, Cottonwood Canyon and Sidecar Coffee for their favorite brew.
Regarding the Cedar Falls Food Co-op, Patty is looking forward to one place where she can shop for food that is made fresh or grown locally. In addition, she likes that the Co-op will provide jobs and support local businesses, therefore growing and benefiting the Cedar Valley. Overall, the Cedar Valley is a very special place for Patty and Ken. Their home is located on the border of Hartman Reserve, and Patty says that “our heart is there as well. The ever-changing woods are our source of renewal”.