Charles City Man, Woman of the Year named, community volunteers recognized

To The Press

Some of the top volunteers from this past year and beyond were recognized on Friday by their non-profit organizations, including announcing the Charles City Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for 2020-21.

Kim Watkins was honored as Woman of the Year, while Larry Wolfe was presented the Man of the Year Award.

Kip Hartwell was named the Main Street Charles City Volunteer of the Year, Perry Novak Electric received the Chamber Volunteer Business of the Year Award and Mayor Dean Andrews announced Mary Ann Townsend as the recipient of this year’s America’s Hometown Hero Award.

“Caught in the Act” awards were presented to individuals nominated after being seen doing unselfish acts for others or their community in general. They were Pat Ohlerking, Carol Bauer, Russ Berns, Michael Bauer, Craig Pogemiller and Bill and Val Biwer.

The Community Volunteer Recognition Event is hosted each year by Main Street Charles City and the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce, and open to all non-profits in town to participate in.

Like last year, due to COVID, the event was done virtually with just the presenters on hand and not in front of a live audience as usual. It was broadcast on Facebook Live on the Chuck Town: Charles City, Iowa Facebook page, as well as recorded for playback on the Public Access Network at www.charlescitypan.com.

All award winners were selected through a public nomination process or by the non-profit organizations themselves.

Other volunteers recognized at Friday’s event included Amanda Herman by Central Preschool; Richard Neal by Washington Elementary School; Tammy Quade by Lincoln Elementary School; Christie DeBower and Scott Niles by TLC: The Learning Center; Wanda Ward by the Charles City Foster Grandparents Program.

Also Karleen Sickman by the Charles City Middle School; Lezlie Weber by the Charles City High School; Jeff Sisson by the Charles City Historic Preservation Commission; as well as Don Betts and the Carrie Lane High School Students by Carrie’s Girlhood Home Museum and Interpretive Center.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our non-profit programs. They make a lot of things happen or possible,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks.

“There is nothing more powerful or passionate than the heart of a volunteer who does things not because they have to, but because they want to help others. They want to make a difference, big or small … and they do,” Wicks said.

Here is information on the awards and the recipients, as presented by the nominating groups and organizations:

Main Street Volunteer of the Year

Main Street Charles City is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to helping to make Charles City a better place to live, work and play. The program is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a Main Street Iowa community in 2021 and 27 years in all as a local organization that has helped make a real difference in town.

“None of that would have been possible without all of the wonderful volunteers we have had pitch in over the years. They are the ones who make it all work,” said Elaine Shelton-Bruton, past board chair for Main Street Charles City.

“Each year we select an honoree who has stepped up and stood out through their deeds, dedication, commitment and leadership. This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Kip Hartwell,” she announced.

A Charles City native, Hartwell began volunteering with the Main Street Charles City program in 2018 as a way of giving back to the community. He serves on both the Design and Party in the Park committees, and in 2019 was appointed to the Main Street Charles City Board of Directors. He is currently serving as board chair for fiscal year 2021-22.

“While not a vocal leader, Kip leads by example,” remarked Shelton-Bruton. “He consistently steps up and volunteers to help out with various events and activities.”

Chamber Volunteer Business of the Year

While many companies encourage their employees to volunteer their time, talents and ideas outside of the workplace for the benefit of the community, there are some businesses and/or employees who go over and above in donating or discounting their time and equipment.

No matter the day or time, Shawn Picht and Perry Novak Electric have been there to troubleshoot an issue, replace a part or donate equipment for events such as generator or light trailers. Picht, in particular, has been willing to show up even after hours or on weekends.

“One year, for the Fourth of July Celebration, he dropped what he was doing and created a special plug adaptor for a vendor that allowed him to serve the park that day,” reported presenter Dakotah Jones, the current Chamber Board President. “And on numerous occasions he has saved the day by dropping everything and fixing an electrical or lighting issue on the portable band shell right before a performance.”

America’s Hometown Hero Award

In recognizing Mary Ann Townsend with the America’s Hometown Hero honor, Mayor Dean Andrews pointed to her long history of serving Charles City and Floyd County, both professionally and from a civic-minded standpoint.

From volunteering as a Girl Scout and 4-H Club leader, to volunteering with the City Improvement Association, to serving on the Charles City Historic Preservation Commission, Cedar Valley Engine Club Board of Directors, NIACC Advisory Board and Charles City Hotel/Motel Tax Tourism Steering Committee, Townsend has a distinguished record of service to her community.

That is all on top of what she accomplished in more than 40 years with the Floyd County Historical Society, first as a volunteer starting back in 1979, then as a collections technician and in 2001 as the director of the Floyd County Historical Museum. She retired from that position a couple of years ago.

“One of the biggest joys in her heart is sharing her love of history,” said Andrews. “That started as a librarian at Rockford and continued at the museum, where she had many opportunities to teach and inspire children of all ages.”

Townsend initiated the Century of Tractor Power Festival, which drew hundreds of people from across the United States, as well as Pioneer Day, Train Day and Kids Day programming through the museum. She also worked with tractor enthusiasts, genealogists and other researchers.

One of her favorite projects was working with middle school students as they researched and raised funds to restore the old chapel at Riverside Cemetery.

Her love of tractors earned her special recognition from the Hart-Parr Collectors Association, Iowa Cornbelt Collectors and the Minneapolis Moline Collectors Association.

Woman of the Year

Judy Hauser presented the Woman of the Year Award, calling Kim Watkins “a doer, full of care and kindness … someone who is very inclusive, has good leadership and organizational skills, is reliable and an exceptionally giving spirit. She has a heart for those that are hurting in our community and the willingness to try and do something about it.””

Hauser marveled at how the office manager at Central Park Dentistry, a wife and mother of two grown children, now a grandmother, and someone her parents described as “the greatest daughter in the world” is also so involved with so many different community activities.

“She created the CC Cares group after seeing the needs of many in the community and found the resources and volunteers to help. They have done all kinds of things to assist people this past year,” said Hauser.

“Kim has helped organize the free community Thanksgiving meal at Messiah Church for a number of years now, as well as a community Christmas dinner and assisted with the Bike Rodeo and National Night Out events, as well as many other volunteer activities.

“Many people say that they’re willing to help, but when you call and ask they’re too busy. Kim is the kind of person that, no matter how busy she is, always finds a way to lend a hand,” stated St. John Church Pastor Russ Leeper in Watkins’ nomination. “Kim wants to see her community do well and backs it up with action. Kim is a person on integrity and a genuine asset to our community.”

Hauser said, “She has truly made a difference in many lives in this community.”

Man of the Year

In presenting the Man of the Year Award, Middle School Principal Joe Taylor described Larry Wolfe as “an example of selfless service to others and a man with a huge heart that really cares about people.”

Throughout his career as a teacher, coach and school administrator, Wolfe has had a chance to share that big heart of his on a daily basis.

“Larry is the person who, when he sees others in need, comes to their aid, whether that is by providing a hot meal, a timely gift or simply spending time to get to know that person’s situation,” said Taylor.

Currently serving as the Charles City Community School District’s Innovative Campus principal, Wolfe was hailed as a great example to school administrators, teachers and students.

He volunteers at almost every after-school event or game, and over the summer donates his time to assist the Comet softball team as an assistant coach and public address announcer.

Taylor noted that during the first year of the COVID pandemic, Wolfe took it upon himself to spearhead the organization and distribution of food to students in need. He would show up early each day, make sure everything was organized and ready, then greet every single student who showed up.

“Larry does whatever he can to make a program better. He does all of this without ever asking for as much as a thank you,” Taylor concluded. “Larry has given a great deal back to the Charles City community and its youth.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities in the community, contact the Main Street Charles City office at (641) 228-2335, the Chamber at (641) 228-4234, email info@charlescitychamber.com, or visit with your church, service clubs or any other non-profit organization in town.