Meet new member Tara Kempfer, O.D.

I grew up in Madison, MN until high school when my family moved to Canton, SD. After high school I attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated with a B.A. degree in biology. I ventured west to attend optometry school and received my Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon. While an optometry student I was active in student government and worked part time at a local vineyard, as well as tutoring elementary children. During my final year of optometry school I completed four external rotations. These rotations were located in Oregon and Colorado and emphasized pediatric eye care, vision therapy, contact lenses, ocular disease, low vision, and primary eye care optometry.

My husband Randy and I met while attending optometry school. He is also an optometrist and grew up just west of Fergus Falls, in Foxhome. We were married after graduating from optometry school and are thrilled to be able to return to the Midwest to practice optometry. Randy's family still resides in Foxhome and my family currently lives in Vermillion, SD. Randy and I are avid Minnesota Twins fans! We enjoy the outdoors, reading, golf and cooking.

I enjoy seeing patients of all ages and providing care for all aspects of eye health. One of the factors that influenced my decision to become partners with Drs. Smith and Hanson is the unique specialty that InVision Eye Care provides, vision therapy and pediatric eye care. I am currently a member for the COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development) and I feel that a child's vision is a major component for reading and academic success.

I really enjoy living in Fergus Falls! I am a Chamber of Commerce Board Member, a member of the Fergus Falls Business Network, active in Grace Methodist Church, a member of the health board at our church, a BPW member, participate with YMCA volleyball leagues, and Adopt A Class volunteer. In addition, I am a Kiwanis member and serve on the Executive Board.

I am licensed to practice in MN, SD and ND.

Editorial: Why the school board election is so important

On Nov. 2, we will be making important decisions with our votes about the future of our region and state.

Just as important as deciding who our next governor, state representative or state senator will be is choosing who will be sitting on our local school board. The decisions they make affect jobs, resources and, most importantly, the education of our children. School boards establish a vision for the community's schools. They have to set up and maintain an effective, efficient organizational structure for the district that lets the superintendent and administrators manage the schools, teachers teach and students learn.

I’m writing to encourage everyone to learn more by attending a debate of the four District 544 School Board candidates on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7p.m. at the Kennedy Secondary School auditorium. Challenger Connie Jensen and incumbents Melanie Cole, Steve Stenerson and Darrell Tungseth are vying for three positions.

The American Association of University Women—Fergus Falls Branch will be sponsoring the debate. The AAUW encourages quality education for all.
Sincerely,
Tanya Sundberg
President, Fergus Falls AAUW