Civic groups honored at Women’s Luncheon

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Women’s civic organizations in Charles City were honored Sunday afternoon at the Third Annual Women of Influence Recognition Luncheon.

The Women’s Cemetery Improvement Association, the Charles City Women’s Club, the City Improvement Association and the Floyd County Medical Center Auxiliary were all recognized for their service to the community, at a luncheon at the Floyd County Youth Enrichment Center at the fairgrounds, put on by the National 19th Amendment Society.

Marilu Walters presented the honor to Toni Noah, president of the Women’s Cemetery Improvement Association. The association, established in 1882, provides effective means and ways of improving and keeping the cemetery grounds in order, particularly, the care of, improvement and adornment of Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Vicky Putney accepted the honor as president of the Charles City Women’s Club, which was established in 1895 and has held fundraisers over the years to support various community efforts, including a plaque which recognizes the 13 victims of the 1968 tornado as well as a plaque at Carrie Chapman Catt’s girlhood home to honor her. Currently, the club provides a luncheon for foreign exchange students and for the Foster Grandparents Program, and also provides a scholarship for a graduation senior.

Cherie Schaefer accepted the honor on behalf of the City Improvement Association, which was established in 1903 by women who were unsatisfied with the appearance of some outdoor facilities in Charles City. Since then, members have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to maintain 11 parks they own as well as one city-owned park.

Ellie Nielsen accepted the honor from Phyllis Meyer on behalf of the Floyd County Medical Center Auxiliary, of which Nielsen is president. The auxiliary provides support to the Floyd County Medical Center through public relations, volunteer services and fundraising to promote health and medical services to the community.

The 19th Amendment Society is a local, non-profit group that is dedicated to telling the story of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, who grew up just outside of Charles City. Carrie’s girlhood home, located at 2379 Timber Avenue, was purchased, restored and opened for public tours in 2005 followed by a newly constructed Interpretive Center in 2011 on the same site. Both facilities are dedicated to telling the story of Carrie and her leadership that resulted in passage of the 19th Amendment.

Catt served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and was the founder of the League of Women Voters and the International Alliance of Women. She helped to pressure Congress to pass the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote and convinced state legislatures to ratify it.

Cheryl Erb is president of the local 19th Amendment Society, and Nancy Simerson, Susan Jacob and Ivadelle Stevenson serve as vice-presidents. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified and adopted in 1920.