Charles City volunteers recognized for contributions to community

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City’s most committed citizens were recognized for their contributions during the Community Volunteer Recognition Awards on Friday, April 25.

Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Charles City, 38 volunteers whose activities range from serving in local community groups to random acts of kindness were honored by various organizations and individuals in the community.

“They not only make things better,” said Mayor Dean Andrews, who hosted the ceremony. “They make things special.”

This year’s Chamber Person of the Year is Cherie Schafer, whose contribution to the community extends well beyond her association with the area Salvation Army.

Nominated by four different organizations, Schafer teaches piano, gives people rides to the hospital, is a former leader of the Community Improvement Association, and has taught elementary kids in schools around the area.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Schafer upon receiving the award. “I’m honored and overwhelmed.

From Main Street Charles City, Phil Hammermeister was named as the Main Street Volunteer of the Year for his generous donations and time commitments to the board.

Mayor Andrews selected Mike McCarty to receive this year’s Hometown Hero Award, recognizing McCarty for his numerous community activities from Valero’s volunteer group, the Elks, the Columbus Club, the YMCA board and more.

From TLC: The Learning Center, board members Danielle Ellingson and Aubrey Zajic presented Rita Sanner with their appreciation for her volunteer work in helping care for the child care organization’s infants.

“The infants can’t speak for themselves, but we know they love her there,” said Ellingson.

Celebrating volunteers that go above and beyond for schools in Charles City, IC 4th grade teacher Kirsten Field presented Bruce and Sherry Cannon with the IC Wildcat Hall of Fame for their volunteer work at the school.

Representing both Washington and Lincoln Elementary, Principal Joe Carney presented certificates of appreciation to Lydia Johnson and Sarah Murray.

From the middle school, Dana Sullivan recognized Amanda Rahmiller for her continued work in organizing the annual Trivia Night fundraiser.

“Since 2017, Amanda has been spearheading a now renowned and beloved tradition,” said Sullivan. “Through this event, Amanda has introduced hundreds of students to the power of community service.”

And from the high school, Principal Levi Miller presented a certificate to Sarah Downing for going above and beyond to make students feel comfortable in school through events like the Freshman Fair and homecoming activities.

“In my first year here it became very apparent all that Sarah does for our community,” said Miller.

From Floyd County Extension, Amy Leaman and Amy Hunzelman recognized the VITA Team for their work in helping the community file tax returns. Dawn Kozisek, Marcia Hovinga, Sandra Hicks and Chuck Meyer dedicated more than 200 hours preparing 124 tax returns this season.

“This is an incredible program,” said Hunzelman. “The commitment and dedication of our volunteers is incredible.”

From the Charles Theatre, last year’s members of the theater board – Tami Vetter, Linda Hughes, Patrick Nyberg, Michael Tracey, Janiece Bergland, Robin Macomber and Chuck Van Gilder – were recognized for their ongoing work in revitalizing the theater by establishing it as a venue for live concerts.

For the Charles City Community Center, Charlotte Nehls of the Charles City Senior Citizens board gave recognition to Judy Hauser.

“Judy plays an integral part of the Community Center,” said Nehls. “We would be lost without her.”

Recognition was also given to Harlyn Kolb, Terry Parsons and Steve Reams for their regular contribution of cleaning up for the Congregate Meals program.

Fresh from their own awards ceremony the previous day, area Foster Grandparents of the Year were again recognized at the event. Claudia Herman of Chickasaw County, Carmen Ramsay of Cerro Gordo County, Carol Pollard of Mitchell County, and Aletha Berding-Powell of Floyd County are this year’s Foster Grandparents of the Year for their respective counties, with Berding-Powell named as the overall Foster Grandparent of the Year for the combined area.

Representing the National 19th Amendment Society, board members Christy Laube and Heidi Worrall thanked Bill Frye, Terry Connor and the late Mike Downey for their many contributions to the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home.

Along with recognitions from specific organizations, five Caught in the Act Awards were presented to people nominated by community members who saw the winners doing random acts of service.

Dianne Cardos, nominated by Jeremy Rogstad State Farm, received an award for her volunteer work with local churches, the Main Street beautification team, chamber events and other social gatherings.

Laura Wallace received recognition for helping to keep Charles City clean as she’s frequently caught picking up trash during her walks around town.

Deontae Roe was recognized for appearing “like a super hero” to help clear the streets of fallen limbs after the storms earlier this year.

Julie Miller was nominated by Judy Hauser for her work in organizing the Community Center’s regular bingo games.

“We would not have bingo in this place if it were not for Julie,” said Hauser.

And finally, Jamey and Victoria Mead, nominated by Mark Wicks, were recognized for their work providing shelter and rehabilitation opportunities in the community.

In the spirit of volunteering, the Charles Theatre and Charles City Arts Center also presented a free showing of the documentary “Join or Die” on Saturday, April 26. Co-sponsored by the Lions Club, the 2023 documentary highlights the work of social scientist Robert Putnam, who has studied the gradual decline of involvement in social organizations and the detrimental effect it has had on government and communities over the last 50 years.

“I thought it was very interesting,” said Barbara Thomsen. “It made me feel like I should get out and do something.”

An opportunity to do that will be coming up on May 15 as Main Street Charles City is planning a community-wide day of service.

“We’re encouraging everybody in the community to do something,” said Wicks. “We don’t care what you do. Just do something that day.”