Charles City volunteers recognized for their community contributions

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The people that go above and beyond to support their community were appreciated at this year’s Community Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony at the Charles City Senior Center on Friday, April 28.

Middle school teacher and City Council member Phoebe Pittman was named the Charles City Woman of the Year, and Lions Club President and community volunteer Barry Levey was named the Charles City Man of the Year.

Hosted by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Charles City, the program honored volunteers from children to retirees that have made a special mark in their community.

“We are a community that really relies on our volunteers,” said Mayor Dean Andrews, who served as the master of ceremonies for the program. “It’s these volunteers that make things happen and make our town special.”

Kicking things off with the first Caught in the Act award, Toni Noah nominated Kim Collins Scott, honoring her for going above and beyond this year.

Representing Lincoln Elementary, Principal Marcia DeVore named Amy Joslin as the school’s volunteer of the year. Likewise, Washington Elementary Principal Nanette Smith bestowed that honor onto Nikki Udhe.

Elementary students themselves also saw some recognition as Mayor Andrews presented Shelby Schwarzkopf’s Immaculate Conception Elementary School’s first grade class with another Caught in the Act award for their efforts in painting a waste bin along the river trail.

There was a three-way recognition for the Senior Center volunteers as Vonda Cummins presented awards to Ivadell Stevenson, Charlotte Nehls and Karen Nolte, each of whom she said has proven indispensable to keeping the Senior Center running, whether it be organizing bingo night or working the computers.

Also, in conjunction with the Senior Center, Bev Grube recognized Carol Tyler for her work with the congregate meal program.

For the third Caught in the Act award of the day, Tami Vetter recognized Sam and Jessica Gintz for their efforts in organizing and setting up the winter holiday light show.

“They deserve so much more than this recognition for all the hard work they have put in to make the Santa’s Shining Light Show happen,” said Vetter. “Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have and continue to do to make Charles City a great place to live.”

Celebrating the opening of TLC: The Learning Center in its new location, Pam Ost and Lisa Garden couldn’t pick just one volunteer for all the help they have received for their move, so instead they recognized everybody.

“We had too many people that we could bring up and recognize as volunteers,” said Ost. “Thank you very, very much for making the community child care center in Charles City a reality.”

Ost also announced that they will be holding an open house on June 14 to invite people to see their new location.

Putting forward another Caught in the Act award, Community Development Director Mark Wicks nominated Pat Ohlerking for recognition for lending a hand in numerous Chamber projects in the community.

“Handyman doesn’t begin to describe him,” said Wicks. “I’m so glad he retired so we could put him to work.”

Wicks also recognized everybody that had volunteered in some way to host last year’s RAGBRAI stop, emphasizing that the work put into making Charles City an overnight on the bicycle route was appreciated by the riders, who named the city as one of their favorite stops on the route.

“We received many positive comments about the way our community stepped up to host an event of that magnitude,” said Wicks. “Thank you for helping us showcase Charles City to people from across Iowa, the U.S., and beyond.”

Recognizing area Foster Grandparents, Jennifer Lantz was there to present Diane Winter, Rose Leichtman, and Sherelea Tumilson as Foster Grandparents of the Year for Floyd, Chickasaw and Mitchell County respectively. Jackie Ferch, the Cerro Gordo and overall Foster Grandparent of the Year was also recognized, but was not able to attend.

Representing the Charles Theatre, Karen Youngerman gave special recognition to Jan Jung, who has served as the theater board’s treasurer for more years than anybody knows.

Emily Garden’s recognitions were two-fold at the event, first named by Area Development Corp. Director Tim Fox as the ADC Volunteer of the Year for her work in marketing and again by Mayor Andrews as this year’s Hometown Hero for going above and beyond in serving on numerous boards and committees within the community.

For Main Street Charles City, Jessie Schultz said she was happy to present Tami Vetter with recognition as the Main Street Volunteer of the year for her role in organizing a slew of downtown events and promotions, from spearheading Christmas in July and Chickfest to decorating for the Chamber Annual Dinner to creating a Main Street Charles City Newsletter.

“There are doers, and then there is Tami Vetter,” said Schultz. “Tami has been an endless source of ideas, resources and energy, both as a businesswoman and a member of this community. Just ask her husband, Bill, who gets to help!”

Bill Vetter’s help did not go unnoticed either, with Mark Wicks presenting him with the final Caught in the Act award for consistently being an active presence behind-the-scenes in the numerous projects his wife is involved in.

“As powerful and active and energetic as Tami is, somebody has to help get it implemented,” said Wicks.

Wrapping things up, Wicks named Phoebe Pittman as Charles City’s Woman of the Year, recognizing her contributions to the community as a teacher of 20 years, a volunteer on several committees and commissions, and a member of the city council.

Pittman’s service was emphasized with several testaments from her husband, her students and fellow board and committee members.

“Phoebe’s biggest accomplishment is the impact she’s had on people’s lives,” said Wicks.

Finally, Kip Hauser announced that Barry Levey was named Charles City’s Man of the Year. Levey was unable to attend in person, but an entourage of his friends went up on his behalf to praise the relevantly new member of the community for his activities. From collecting donations to serving as the president of the Lion’s Club, to volunteering his carpentry skills, Levey has made a big impact in a short time, they said.

“I’m unaware of any individual who has, in three years, contributed more to the city of Charles City,” said Hauser.

With more than a dozen individuals and several groups named, Andrews again thanked everybody that volunteers their time and talents in whatever way they can to facilitate the many services, activities and events in Charles City.

“It’s all the volunteers that make our town special,” said Andrews. “You make a difference and your community appreciates it.”