Charles City volunteers recognized for service to community

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

More than a hundred attendees came out Friday morning to honor the many stand-out volunteers in Charles City and the important contributions they make to the community.

Gathering at the Charles City Community Center, the Volunteer Recognition Event started off with recognitions from the Charles City Community School District as Innovative Campus teacher Josh Dean presented an award to Andrea Riedemann, representing the YMCA, for the collaborations that the organization does with the school.

For Washington Elementary, Principal Joe Carney presented the Washington School Award to Ellen Helfter, while Superintendent Dr. Anne Lundquist presented Becky Meyer with an award on behalf of Lincoln Elementary.

Middle School Principal Joe Taylor recognized Kathy Eppley for her work as a Foster Grandparent, and High School Principal Jeromiah Bliss presented an award to long-time teacher and coach Erik Hoefer.

And at Central Preschool “Grandma Ellen” was recognized by Stacey Larson and Dusty Schmitt.

Leslie Milius and Amy Leaman of Floyd County Extension presented a certificate of appreciation to Dawn Kozisek for the help she provides in supporting Extension Services.

“Without extension volunteers we would not be able to accomplish all the things we do,” said Milius. “Dawn is a tremendous support of Floyd County.”

Recognized by the Charles City Community Center, Denny Tynan was congratulated by Kip Hauser for his work on the community center building, including facilitating its recent name change from the Charles City Senior Center by installing the new signage.

“You don’t make a mess and you get the job done,” said Hauser. “We are so thankful for you.”

Foster Grandparent program Director Jennifer Lantz recognized four area volunteers. Diane Winter, Martha Hoevet, LaDonna Norris and LaVonne Pleggenkuhle have been named Foster Grandparent of the Year for Floyd, Mitchell, Cerro Gordo and Chickasaw Counties, respectively.

Representing the CIA, Theresa Cherry recognized Rosie Piper for her longstanding association with the City Improvement Association, including five years as the group’s president.

Salvation Army Manager Kathy Crooks couldn’t be present for the award, but board member Lin Sinclair still sang praises of her volunteer work.

Peppered through the ceremony were recipients of six “Caught in the Act” awards, as members of the community nominated stand-out citizens for going above-and-beyond in their daily life.

Kayden Hillegas, nominated by Dean and Marcie Andrews, was recognized for his active participation in church, regularly volunteering to clean up after services and programming.

Russ Berns and Lacy Reams, a father/daughter duo, were each nominated by Doug and Lin Sinclair. Berns for his readiness to help both his church congregation and community neighbors with cleaning and yard work, and Reams for being a positive role-model for neighborhood children, taking an active role in reducing bullying.

James Sanner, or “Mr. Jim,” as he is known to the kids at Central Preschool, was nominated by Tonya Nosbisch for being a friendly face that the kids enjoy seeing during his walks past the school or driving for Charles City Public Transit.

A quartet of recipients, Becky Meyer, Char Greenzweig, Sue Shankland and Jane Hoeft, were nominated by Judy Hauser for their regular contribution to the Charles City Community Center by offering card making classes.

And finally, Maria Reh, nominated by Emily Garden, was recognized for her active role as a “community mom,” picking up kids by the van load for those who need rides to church services and youth groups.

Representing Main Street Charles City, Community Development Director Mark Wicks said he was pleased to present the Volunteer of the Year award to Barry Levey.

A retired truck driver from California, Levey has contributed his time to Main Street, the Chamber of Commerce, Floyd County Museum, the mobile food pantry, TLC: The Learning Center and the Lion’s Club.

“Barry is an incredibly humble, giving person who never seeks the spotlight. He just wants to help,” said Wicks. “His positive attitude and willingness to show up and lend a hand makes him an exemplary model of a true volunteer.”

Though Mayor Dean Andrews couldn’t be present at the ceremony, his wife, Marcie, was there to award Krista Noah with this year’s Hometown Hero Award, recognizing her work for the Charles City Arts Center, Art-a-Fest committee, Party in the Park, Main Street and Board of Adjustment.

Finally, Susan Jacob concluded the ceremony with the announcement of the 2024 Person of the Year Award recipient, Jen Burton.

Burton, a member of the Valero Volunteer Council who has worked with PAWS, Quilts of Valor, community planters and more, is best known for taking up the role of coordinator for the Charles City Mobile Food Pantry.

“She has gone above and beyond to make this event a success, not only making the community aware of food insecurity issues, but helping those in need by getting the word out,” said Jacob.

Along with thanking volunteers for their service, Wicks thanked the crowd for coming out to see their friends and neighbors recognized for the work that they do.

“It was wonderful to see a packed house on hand to show appreciation and honor our volunteers,” said Wicks “This was all about a community that cares and is willing to help one another. It is our volunteers that set a community apart and make it special.”