Meyer, Anderson among many recognized for volunteer efforts

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Becky Meyer was awarded Woman of the Year and Craig Anderson was awarded Man of the Year at the annual Community Volunteer Recognition Event Friday at the Charles City Senior Center.

The event was organized by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce and Community Revitalization, and was an opportunity for local groups and organizations to participate in and recognize their own top volunteers.

Judy Hauser presented Meyer with her award.

“I can’t even begin to list all of her accomplishments,” Hauser said, and mentioned that Meyer was one of four key people who helped organize many aspects of last summer’s RAGBRAI event in Charles City. “With her volunteer spirit, she did that with commitment and perseverance,” Hauser said.

She said that Meyer has been deeply involved with the Chamber of Commerce, the senior center, all of the local schools, TLC, the arts center, and has held many leadership positions at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4H, PEO and Farm Bureau. She was the first Farm Bureau woman president locally.

She has also been involved in many agricultural endeavors and with the fair. Meyer helped with the building of the new youth enrichment center at the fairgrounds, among many other things

Mark Wicks presented Anderson with the Man of the Year award, and said that Anderson is involved with the Floyd County Fair, the Charles City Development Corp., Rotary, Elks Lodge, Youth Sports, Immaculate Conception Church volunteer and was a RAGBRAI co-chair.

Wicks said Anderson was also instrumental in getting the youth enrichment center at the fairgrounds finished. “He is also a giver of his many talents to Charles City kids, through coaching,” Wicks said. “Craig quietly goes about being a leader in our community, never seeks the limelight, and never asks for anything in return.”

Other volunteer of the year honorees from the 2017-18 Community Volunteer Recognition Event included:

— PAWS: Gail Rouse and Jaimie Lewis.

— Washington Elementary: Tammy Quade.

— Lincoln Elementary: Kim Bahnsen.

— Charles City Middle School: Jeff Sisson.

— Charles City High School: Paul Coonrod.

— Foster Grandparent of the Year: Mary Kellogg.

— Senior Center: Julie Miller.

— Community Revitalization: Nancy Clarke.

— Chamber Volunteer Business of the Year: Hy-Vee.

— Chamber President’s Award: Michael Brown.

In addition, six “Caught in the Act” awards were presented:

Josslyn Lovik was honored for her idea to idea to deliver bags of goodies to the elderly on Valentine’s Day. Eight grade school and middle school girls helped her put together the bags and deliver them. More than 150 bags were delivered to residents at Apple Valley Assisted Living, Riverside, 9th Street and 11th Street Chautauqua.

Rylie Patrie, a 15-year-old local ninth grade student, was recognized for making and selling paracord bracelets last summer, raising $1,000. She donated it all to Iowa Donor Network in Logan Luft’s name. Patrie has made bracelets on other fundraising occasions, and would not accept any money for them. She has made every single bracelet herself and donated them all.

The Charles City High School Wrestling Team was recognized for shoveling the walkways and driveways for multiple businesses and homes as a team on their own time with no fees, other than a voluntary donation to the Charles City Mat Club.

Joanne Starr was recognized for involvement in several community organizations, including P.E.O., PAWS, Dollars for Scholars, Bethany Alliance Church and FCMC Building Committee, among many others.

Tom and Gail Rouse were honored for their efforts to help the animal shelter run more effectively and efficiently and make it more appealing to visitors. They organized the new epoxy floor being put in the office, cat side and dog side areas. They found and installed a washer and dryer at an affordable cost and installed a new sink so there is room to give dogs baths if they are on a medicated shampoo.

Joyce and Jerry Newton were nominated by Jean Schultz as “people who are always looking for ways to help anyone.” They volunteer for projects with their equipment, labor and time, according to Schultz, who mentioned that the Newtons provide fresh garden produce to friends and neighbors.