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Strong
Lola Strong is an activist in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She grew up in the wide-open spaces of California, the fifth of seven siblings, born to a naturalist father and a loving mother who taught their children to appreciate nature. In a family with so many mouths to feed, she instinctively knew that sometimes you have to fight for what you want.
She wasn’t always an activist; there was a time when she rubbed elbows with the likes of Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, and Howard Hughes, but when she met the love of her life, she married and moved with her sweetheart to his home state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin was a change from the sunny, constant weather she’d left behind. Tornados and lightning storms with bolts that splintered telephone poles were now the norm. Finding new ways to be outdoors, she put away her bathing suit and donned a pair of skis. Her new roots were set firm as she raised two sons.
Like all places, she watched her town grow. New industry began to move in that didn’t have the environment at its best interest. First a paper mill tried to establish itself there, but Lola foresaw that the local lake would become a toxic mixing zone for the mill’s waste. She began to write letter after letter to the companies behind the mill, legislators, and newspapers. The power of her words was exhibited as the mill abandoned plans and left town.
Soon after, a mining company set its sights on the same location. Again Lola took out her pen and wrote, wrote, wrote. It took years, but the mine closed and sold the land, to another mining company, who again, by the persistence of Lola, never began operations. The land was finally sold to a local tribe who now protect it.
When asked how she feels about her environmental accomplishments, she says, “It makes me feel good to try and make the world better.”
When asked if there is another issue pending, “Fluoride in the drinking water,” she says.
“It is important to speak out and say how you feel in order to create change.”
These are words of wisdom we can all heed. Keep up the good fight Lola.
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