Congratulations 2014 Mayors’ Volunteer Award Winners!

This year, the Mayors’ Volunteer Award recipients were recognized at a luncheon special on April 22 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. The awards program is sponsored by the cities of Cedar Falls, Evansdale and Waterloo, the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the RJ McElroy Trust and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

Volunteer Award Recipients:

Ryan Doland, nominated by Mary Decker

John Hines and Ali Hines, nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley

Mark Hockey, nominated by Waterloo Community Schools

Brooke Holahan, nominated by Chris Holahan

John Lazum, nominated by Iowa Heartland Habitat For Humanity

Maureen Murphy, nominated by Hawkeye Community College

Lonnie Oehler and Laurie Trager, nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice

Holly Schwerdtfeger, nominated by Western Home Communities

MaraBeth Soneson, nominated by the Blue Zones Project

Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award:
Haley Brimmer, nominated by the Family and Children’s Council

Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award:

Doris Butler, nominated by Friendship Village

Zinetta Eckerman, nominated by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Congratulations to all 2014 Mayors’ Volunteer Award recipients!

2014 Mayors’ Volunteer Awards

Volunteer Award Recipients:

Blue Zones Project Purpose Leadership Team (Ronelle Langley, Oksana Matvienko, and Mary McInnis Meyer), nominated by the Blue Zones Project

Blue Zones Project Walking Moai Leadership Team (Timi Brown-Powers, Tina Douglas, and Cheryl Meller), nominated by the Blue Zones Project

Ryan Doland, nominated by Mary Decker

John Hines and Ali Hines, nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley

Mark Hockey, nominated by Waterloo Community Schools

Brooke Holahan, nominated by Chris Holahan

Janet Kahler, nominated by Sandy Formanek

Scott Kinter, nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa

Joint Volunteers (Shirley Fogleman, Nancy Golinvaux, Barb Jacobson, Sharon Johnson, Mary McCalley, and Marie Nitzschke), nominated by North Star Community Services

John Lazum, nominated by Habitat For Humanity

Maureen Murphy, nominated by Hawkeye Community College

Lonnie Oehler and Laurie Trager, nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice

Mary Esther Pullin, nominated by Black Hawk County Extension and Outreach Tonya Reicher, nominated by Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau

Holly Schwerdtfeger, nominated by Western Home Communities

MaraBeth Soneson, nominated by the Blue Zones Project

Mark Speckerman, nominated by Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley Stephanie Tjaden, nominated by Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley

Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award:
Haley Brimmer, nominated by the Family and Children’s Council

Allison Durflinger, nominated by Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley

Cory Young, nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa

Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award:

Milly Burger, nominated by Allen Hospital

Doris Butler, nominated by Friendship Village

Dr. Patricia Connell, nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice

Zinetta Eckerman, nominated by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Marv Mattfeld, nominated by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

John Hines and Ali Hines, nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley

John Hines and Ali Hines are a phenomenal father-daughter duo. They are able to share their passion for basketball at the Boys and Girls Club of the Cedar Valley by coaching a girls’ basketball team.

Once a week, this duo teaches the girls something new, whether it is an offensive play, defensive play, or free throw shots. John and Ali have also gone above and beyond by taking the girls’ basketball team to different tournaments around Iowa, to UNI basketball games, and have thrown the girls a few pizza parties.

John and Ali are wonderful role models to the girls. They are encouraging, dedicated, and are always ensuring that the game of basketball is fun for the girls.

John and Ali are a unique duo who are quite deserving of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award!

Brooke Holahan, nominated by Chris Holahan

Brooke Holahan has made outstanding contributions to the Cedar Valley community in the short seven years she has lived here. Brooke is a mother of three children, and works as a Family Coordinator at the Job Foundation in Waterloo.

Aside from her personal life, Brooke has put in countless hours of commitment towards volunteerism. She is a mentor to five young girls who are sponsored by the Job Foundation. Brooke also serves at Nazareth Lutheran Church by being a group leader for multiple programs, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, and assists with almost every service project presented to the church.

Brooke is a volunteer for the State of Iowa where she serves as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for kids in transitional circumstances. She ensures that these kids find temporary, safe, nurturing, and permanent homes. Brooke is also a founding member of a missions group called Luke 9 ministries, who help less-fortunate families meet emergent needs.

Brooke’s efforts to give back to the Cedar Valley community are what make her a Mayors’ Volunteer Award recipient.

Holly Schwerdtfeger, nominated by Western Home Communities

Holly Schwerdtfeger is a dedicated volunteer, accumulating close to 200 hours of service at Western Home Communities since 2012.

Holly first began volunteering at the residence for memory support and dementia care. She assists other residents in various outings, such as fishing trips, doctor’s appointments, and shopping in local stores. Holly willingly takes on any volunteer assignment, and treats the residents with respect and dignity, regardless of their abilities.

Her easy-going and confident nature puts residents at ease. Faces light up when she is present, and employees at the Western Home know she is always willing to help with any task, so that the residents receive care in a timely manner.

Holly’s dedication to the residents and their well-being at Western Home Communities is what makes her worthy of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

Mark Hockey, nominated by Waterloo Community Schools

Mark Hockey is a volunteer who will go out of his way to help a child. He has been an active TeamMates mentor with the Waterloo Community Schools since 2010.

Mark has gone above and beyond the expectations of a mentor. He has purchased things like Legos, materials for bird house building, and brings along remote control cars for the kids to play with. In the summer, he has taken his mentees fishing and to race go-carts.

One of Mark’s mentees lives with his grandmother, who has said he is an inspiration to her grandson. Mark helps this mentee to learn from his mistakes, all the while encouraging him to be the best he can be. Another boy that Mark mentored was going through a difficult transition at home, and Mark was known to provide reassurance by consistently showing up every week.

It is clear to see that Mark’s weekly visits with his mentees have made a great impact, which is why Mark Hockey is deserving of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

Maureen Murphy, nominated by Hawkeye Community College

Maureen Murphy has been an active volunteer with Hawkeye Community College’s English Language Learning (ELL) program for eight years. The students in these classes are adult immigrants and refugees from around the world. Thirty-three percent of the students are refugees from Burma, having little to no formal education.

Maureen has volunteered with instructing both intermediate and pre-literacy ELL courses, not to mention working one-on-one with several students. She participates in professional development alongside Hawkeye Community College staff members to continuously improve her English teaching skills. Although Maureen is qualified to be a paid ELL instructor, she prefers to volunteer so she can interact more closely with students.

Maureen’s compassion, commitment, and enthusiasm of selflessly helping others are what make her deserving of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

Ryan Doland, nominated by Mary Decker

Ryan Doland is able to volunteer while doing something he loves—baseball. If you stop by the Deerwood Park in Evansdale during the summers, you will most likely see Ryan coaching either baseball or softball teams. He is able to volunteer through the Evansdale Youth Volunteers, and is also an umpire for baseball games. Ryan is consistently boosting the children’s self-confidence and encourages them to do their best.

Ryan is nineteen years old and is attending Hawkeye Community College for the Criminal Justice program. He is always willing to help everyone in any way possible, which is what makes him a Mayors’ Volunteer Award Recipient.

John Lazum, nominated by Habitat for Humanity

John Lazum has gone above and beyond as a volunteer. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity to make affordable home ownership an option for Burmese refugees who otherwise may not be able to qualify for a loan. Since 2012, John has helped assist seven Burmese families in home ownership.

John has assisted families with completing their application for housing, and has provided his service as a translator in order for the families to have a home. He has volunteered hundreds of hours towards the hands-on building of homes.

John’s generosity and commitment to Habitat for Humanity and the families they serve are why he is awarded with a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

Laurie Trager and Lonnie Oehler, nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice

Laurie Trager and Lonnie Oehler are a brother and sister who work selflessly as a team. For thirteen years, Laurie and Lonnie have given their time and energy to the children’s grief program of Cedar Valley Hospice, called The Eucalyptus Tree.

The giant characters representing The Eucalyptus Tree program, called Katy and Quincy Koala, visit families at their homes, as well as children at hospitals or schools, in order to help children acclimate to a difficult diagnosis or death of a loved one. Lonnie and Laurie have offered their time to put on their furry suits in order to accommodate families’ needs.

The Koalas are often invited to community events, parades, school fairs, and even birthday parties! This brother-sister duo is always willing to go to different promotional events dressed as the Koalas. Their dedication and teamwork to Cedar Valley Hospice is what makes them deserving of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

MaraBeth Soneson, nominated by the Blue Zones Project

MaraBeth Soneson is a hard-working volunteer who strives to improve the quality of life of our citizens in the Cedar Valley. Volunteering countless hours to the Blue Zones Project, MaraBeth was a key factor in Cedar Falls acquiring the Blue Zones Project certification.

Working as a co-chair for the citizen group that applied for the Blue Zones Project demonstration designation, MaraBeth and other volunteers put together a powerful presentation and unique skit to present to the Blue Zones Project organization. Because of this the Cedar Valley was awarded as a Blue Zones demonstration city.

Sue Beach, from the Cedar Falls Blue Zones Project, says, “Without MaraBeth’s strong leadership, Cedar Falls would not have acquired Blue Zones Project certification.” MaraBeth’s strong commitment, enthusiasm, and hard work are what make her deserving of a Mayors’ Volunteer Award.

Haley Brimmer, nominated by the Family and Children’s Council

Haley Brimmer, a senior at the University of Northern Iowa, is a volunteer impacting the lives of many. Haley is a dedicated intern with the Family and Children’s Council who works with new mothers and screens them for services at area hospitals.

Haley has devoted much of her time to her church, St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center. During her last two spring breaks, she has traveled on week-long service activity trips. Haley has participated with just about every service project at St. Stephens, as well as has been a volunteer coordinator and social justice peer minister.

In addition to the volunteerism through her church, Haley has been actively involved with volunteer activities through the University of Northern Iowa, including Volunteer Tuesdays, the Student Social Work Association, and the UNI Volunteer Council.

At the young age of twenty-two, Haley’s volunteer accomplishments surpass many of her peers. Her willingness to serve others and contributions to the Cedar Valley community are what has earned Haley the Mayors’ Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award.

Zinetta Eckerman, nominated by Wheaton Franciscan Health Care

Zinetta Eckerman has had a lifelong experience of volunteerism which cannot go unnoticed. This remarkable ‘young lady’ will be turning 101 years old in May! Since 1995 Zinetta has contributed approximately 3,500 hours to the Covenant Medical Center. Zinetta, along with a group of other volunteers, sews surgery caps for children who undergo surgery at Covenant. The caps are in fun prints, which make surgery a little more bearable for the children. With the leftover material, Zinetta and the other volunteers make quilts for the hospital.

Zinetta currently resides at Ridgeway Place, where she has started a garden full of vegetables in the courtyard. She is quite generous and shares her vegetables with the other residents. When asked what she contributes her good health and longevity to, she replied, “Hard work and giving back to your community and people less fortunate than you.”

Even at her 100^th year of age, Zinetta continues to give back to the Cedar Valley community. This woman is, without a doubt, deserving of a Mayors’ Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. 

Doris Butler, nominated by Friendship Village

Doris Butler is a woman who knows a thing or two about volunteering. At age thirteen she began volunteering by teaching Sunday school and playing the piano at the church she and her father founded in Greene, Iowa. She has continued to bring many people closer to God at the Walnut Baptist Ridge Church, where she has taught Sunday school for twenty years.

Doris, currently residing at Friendship Village, does everything she can to make sure the other residents are comfortable. She acts as a “Welcomer” for new homeowners at Friendship Village, familiarizing them with the forty acre campus. Doris is chairperson for the Residents Council; making sure homeowners’ concerns are brought to management.

Doris also assists individuals who need help with a variety of tasks, such as getting the paper in the morning, walking service dogs, and making sure those with special needs in group homes are being taken care of. Doris has been known to say, “Anyone with a positive attitude and willing to accept my help may come to me.”

Doris’s kind heart and willingness to help wherever it is needed is why she is deserving of a Mayors’ Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award.


Congratulations to all!

16th Annual Mayors’ Top Teen Awards

This year we received 28 outstanding Top Teen nominations. Criteria which needed to be met by our nominated Top Teens were:

• Youth must be between 13-18 years of age and currently attending school in Black Hawk County. 
• Fulfilling a need within Black Hawk County through their service to others;
• Demonstrating commitment to volunteerism through their time and effort, and;
• Participating in or contributed to a significant volunteer effort.
  

Elizabeth Bair

Elizabeth Bair is a dedicated volunteer, accumulating over 120 hours of service in the past nine months! She is actively involved with the Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls by volunteering as a small group leader for children, and also serves on the Sunday school worship team. She is always giving back to the Cedar Valley community in various ways, whether it is her continuous contributions to Hudson High School events, volunteering in the Black Hawk Children’s Playhouse Costume Shop, or by leading worship for various Vacation Bible School programs. Elizabeth’s volunteering philosophy is that she is “blessed to be a blessing,” which is what makes her a Top Teen.

Maya Buchanan

A member of the band and symphony orchestra, Maya put her musical abilities to good use as the Kingsley Elementary School Music Club volunteer. For the past three years, he has committed her time to help children learn to read rhythms. Her teaching skills are also utilized as a volunteer figuring skating coach at Young Arena. Maya is truly preparing the next generation of, not only musical and athletic talents, but also of volunteers. For this reason, Maya is a Top Teen.

Ishia Byrd

Ishia Byrd has been a passionate volunteer in the Cedar Valley community. She has been an outstanding volunteer with Allen Hospital for 2 years by assisting visitors in finding the perfect gift in the gift shop, training new volunteers, and completing projects efficiently. She also volunteers at her school, helping out with musicals and plays. Ishia has a big heart for service and has learned how rewarding it can be to help others. Ishia’s ongoing commitment and graciousness has made her a 2014 Top Teen.

Haley Cannon

Haley loves the ideas of expressing her personal beliefs, as well as bringing people together. She participates in Medley, an organization designed to reach out and welcome all Columbus students together. In fact, Haley was the founder of this club! She plans all the events in order to bring awareness to bullying, diversity and service opportunities. For two years, she has worked endlessly to organize service projects at the Salvation Army and Catholic Worker House, to name a few. In addition, she also works to bring in speakers, and promote diversity, which is something she finds very valuable. Her innovation and drive make Haley a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Reumina Cuforovic

Reumina may only be a junior in high school, but she has a mature view of the world, due in large part to her participation in activities such as National Honors Society, and Business Professionals of America, both of which help Reumina stay goal-oriented as she looks to her future. While these organizations helped Reumina better herself, they also encouraged her to begin giving back. She became involved in Special Olympics, helping with a bowling tournament. As she has able to assist the participants, and award them for their accomplishments, Reumina felt a sense of accomplishment herself, because of the simple act of serving the community. Reumina’s persistence and drive have led her to be named a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Ally Flaucher

Ally Flaucher is a Gold Honor Roll student who is involved with softball, volleyball, and basketball, and has been a member of the Conference Champion softball team for three years. Despite her busy schedule and academic achievements, she has been an exceptional volunteer with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Her goal of becoming a Pediatrician is what drives her to serve at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare wherever help is needed.  She has volunteered as both an Ambassador and Volunteer Patient Advocate, making sure patients’ visits to the hospital are as relaxed and trouble-free as possible. Her compassion shown to patients at the hospital is one of the many reasons Ally is a Top Teen.

Megan Galle

Megan’s passion for volunteering has been expressed through one important outlet: Camp Lookout. As a junior camp counselor, Megan was responsible for leading children’s activities, caring for campers, and serving as a role model and friend. For Megan, a past camper, this was a prime opportunity for her to finally give back. She says that volunteering has helped her learn about kindness and setting good examples, which she has implemented into her life, even through her participation in speech and debate. Megan’s love of serving others makes her a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Olivia Griffith

Olivia is one creative soul! She spends her time acting through drama and plays, playing musical instruments, creating beautiful art, and singing in multiple choirs. Olivia still somehow finds time to be involved in the National Honor Society, through which she helped organize two blood drives, educated her peers through an anti-bullying assembly, and raised money for autism and ADHD awareness. She continued her service by serving as a PAL, a student who mentors an elementary student each weekly. Olivia’s big heart and generosity are what make her a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Lauren Harter

Lauren has been involved in a multitude of volunteer commitments. Not only did has she assisted youth in tumbling and cheerleading, but she’s put her musical talents to great use, as well. A Christmas caroler, worship band vocalist, as well as a music leader for adult and children’s music, Lauren has been able to make an impact in the community by relaying her passions for music and community service.  Lauren’s desire to make a difference makes her a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Rachel Hulme

Although Rachel spends a lot of time participating in athletics and academic clubs, she finds a lot of interest in religious organizations, as well. Rachel volunteers with kindergarteners at Sacred Heart School, assisting with classroom work or helping students. She’s also been active at St. Patrick Parish, where she assisted with vacation bible school, leading youth retreats and events, and serving community meals. She’s gained lessons, and understands now that, although volunteerism is hard work, it brings much more joy and reward. It is this wisdom that makes Rachel a Top Teen.

Caleb Iehl

From playing multiple varsity sports, to participating in band, to being an active member of student council, Caleb has made a commitment to be incredibly involved. He has been involved in Boy Scouts for seven years, where he has committed many hours of volunteer service through his participation as a Senior Patrol Leader of the troop. He commits himself to serving the Cedar Valley, through his involvements at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, and Prairie Lakes Church. Caleb’s service to the community makes him a Top Teen.

Mitch Juhl

Mitch Juhl is an actively contributing 4-H member. As president of the 4-H County Council, Mitch helped to implement and execute county project workshops, Fair and Junior Fun Night, and Club Officer Training. He has assisted in various club service projects, and is also involved with FFA, Robotics, Soccer, Football, and the Marine DEP Program. Mitch is hard working, caring, and considerate, which is what makes him a Mayors’ Top Teen.

Austin Kiler

Even though Austin is only seventeen years old, he made a commitment to service at the young age of eleven when he began volunteering at a nursing home in La Porte City. He continued to stay involved in La Porte, eventually combining his loves of service and athletics by volunteering as a coach and umpire. Austin continued this by volunteering with the Cedar Valley Youth Soccer Association, as well. Austin’s ability to serve as a role model to youth in the community, manage his time volunteering with his activities and academics, and willingness to try anything once truly makes Austin a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Kennedy Kiley

Although Kennedy is involved in cheerleading, choir, and many other extra-curricular activities, but credits volunteerism as a priority in her life. She does her best to help the Cedar Valley community. Magical Mix Kids, an organization that helps special needs kids and their families from the Cedar Valley have fun experiences, is an organization close to Kennedy’s heart. She has had the opportunity to fundraise for the cause, volunteer at events, and help families as they travel. Kennedy’s compassion is what makes her a Top Teen.

Jacob Kinnetz

As a member of the Community Foundation’s Teen Trust, Jake Kinnetz serves as the only representative of Waterloo East High School.  Through his service to this youth philanthropy group, as well as his volunteering through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, the Battle of Waterloo Wrestling Tournament, Ascension Lutheran Church, and other organizations, Jake has made service a top priority.   Jake has also become a member of the National Honor Society, through which he has participated in several volunteer service projects to his community and his school. We are encouraged to give at least twenty hours of volunteer service each year. Jake is truly one of our region’s Top Teens.

Collin McFadden

For the past ten years, Collin has been an active Boy Scout, holding himself to high standards and developing strong values, one of which has been the value of service. He’s shown his commitment to this value in a multitude of ways, but has had a few standout moments. Through ministry, he was able to volunteer at a homeless shelter for American Indians in Minnesota, and also pack food pouches for malnourished children. Collin has learned quickly that even the littlest things, such as playing piano at church which he does each Sunday, can have a large impact on those around you. This incredible insight allows Collin to be recognized as a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Olivia Mutchler

Olivia’s enjoyment of volunteerism began at a young age, and has continued due in large part because of the friendships she made and the joy in brought her. Some of the experiences include her involvement at the Covenant Hospital, where she completed a number of hours as a volunteer surgical hostess throughout her junior year. Last summer, she even had the opportunity to travel to Belize, where she was able to work with closely with children. This volunteer experience inspired her to pursue elementary education as a future career. Olivia’s initiatives to impact those around her make her a Top Teen.

Emily Nguyen

Emily believes that the attitude of one person can leave a lasting impact on the world—she is so right! She commits herself to a life of service now and in the future, because of her desire to leave a positive impact on the community and her peers. She’s proven her commitment by her weekly visits to Covenant to volunteer. She also helps as church meetings and events, always leaving a smile and warm feeling when she leaves. Emily’s loving personality for those around her allow her to be named a Top Teen.

Kara Nunemaker

Kara was inspired to pursue a career in education by a guidance counselor, so she understands that one person’s sincerity can make a difference. She keeps this in mind frequently as a volunteer. She’s volunteered at Aspire and the Special Olympics, but her favorite service project has been serving as a 5^th grade group leader through her church every Sunday. Through the love and support she’s found from this opportunity, Kara is positive she is pursuing the right career path. Her love of children and goals for the future is what makes Kara both a Top Teen and a Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Alexis Pint

Alexis is a very active member of the National Honor Society, athletic teams, and other clubs. For the past three years, she has also held the position of student council president, which has helped her to give back. However, her favorite community service projects come in the form of helping an elderly friend with yard work, and cleaning, while also sharing stories and listening to her exciting stories. Alexis has a love of doing things for those who are unable to do them for themselves. Her willingness to lend a helping hand is what makes Alexis a Top Teen.

Kallie Rademacher

Kallie Rademacher is a sophomore at West High School and aspires to be a pediatric doctor. She has taken part in many activities to supplement her dream career, beginning with volunteering at Covenant Hospital. She also gives back to her community in various ways, such as participating in a volunteer effort to raise funds for the Cedar Valley Humane Society. She is involved with orchestra, track, and the IB program. Kallie’s hard work and drive is what makes her a Mayors’ Top Teen.

Maricela Real

Maricela Real is a shining star among her peers. As a student at Columbus High School, she is a member of a diversity service club, called the Medely Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and is on the volleyball and cross country team. Maricela gives back a majority of her time by volunteering with the Covenant Medical Center. She has a position with the Teen Projects Program, and is seen as a dependable leader in this position. Also involved with volunteering in her church community and school, Maricela is quite deserving of the Top Teen award.

Haley Roberts

Despite her activities through varsity swim team, drama, and the academic decathlon, Haley still manages to stay involved in the community. She spends most of her volunteering time as a service partner at St. Edwards. She has taught core classes to second graders, served in ministering roles, helped at events such as the fall festival, trivia night, and mom’s banquet, and even assisted with the confirmation retreat. Haley is a great example that commitment to even one organization can have an incredible impact on the volunteer, as well as the organization itself. Her dedication and loyalty makes her a Top Teen.

Emily Samuelson

Emily Samuelson always strives for excellence whenever she is presented with a project to complete. As an active member of 4-H and FFA, Emily has held many leadership positions. She has served on the 4-H County Council, is a member of the FFA district officer team, was a member of the County Fair Board, and was crowned the 2013 Black Hawk County Fair Queen. She participates in the Silver Cord for Volunteerism program within Union High School, as well as participating in choir, school musicals, cross country, and is a member of National Honor Society. Emily is always encouraging of others and never hesitates to get involved, which is what makes her a Mayors’ Top Teen.

Mitchell Stover

Mitchell is truly passionate about anything having to do with music. A member of his high school band and choir, Mitchell puts his talents to use through service to the community. His involvement at Agnus Dei Ministry allows him to sing throughout the Lenten season. Mitchell’s experience with nonprofits has inspired him, and allowed him to connect with community members of all ages and backgrounds, something he considers invaluable. Mitchell’s selflessness makes him a Top Teen.

Madeline Sullivan

Madeline has been given many opportunities through service projects, such as traveling to both Belize and Jamaica for mission trips. She remains active in her church by volunteering as an audio and tech helper. However, her favorite place to volunteer is the Boys and Girls Club of the Cedar Valley. She’s been impressed by the amount of love and laughter that is in those children, and by simply helping them with homework, she knows she’s making an awesome difference in their lives. Her contagious spirit is makes Madeline a Top Teen and Mother Moon Service Scholarship Recipient.

Elizabeth Swanson

Elizabeth Swanson has a passion for serving others. Her volunteerism has impacted the lives of others at a variety of places. At the Western Home Communities, Elizabeth works with residents of the dementia unit, taking them out for walks or to play games. A major accomplishment of Elizabeth’s has been starting a Bible study group called “Fellowship of Christian Athletes” for her cross country team. She also began donating to the Food Bank at a young age, starting with giving her birthday gifts to those in need. Elizabeth’s generous attitude and ability to be a sincere role model is what makes her a Top Teen.

Bridget Tharp

Bridget Tharp has generously volunteered over 164 hours of her time at the UNI-CUE tutoring center. As a high school student, Bridget volunteers among university students, most of whom are education majors. Bridget’s tutees love her because she is warm, caring, and trustworthy, and always has the tutees’ best interest at heart. Her ability to be an excellent role model to youngsters is what makes her a recipient of the Mayors’ Top Teen Award.

Congratulations to our Mayors’ Top Teen recipients!

Connecting Community, Changing Lives

by Lauren Finke, Executive Director, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley

Recently the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley took some time to visit just what the organization has accomplished in the community. Through conversations and many brainstorming sessions it was realized the VCCV spends so much time connecting community members to life-changing opportunities.

How are these connections life-changing? When thousands of volunteers, some as young as three, come through the VCCV system annually and connect with hundreds of service experiences, you hear many stories from those who have positive experiences. Some are simple – the difference they felt when spending time giving back made them happy. Some are more intense, like when a University student through her classroom service experience realized her true passion and made a change in her major and studies. Either way, the change is evident.

As the VCCV discovered more and more of these community-wide life changing experiences that were occurring on a daily basis, it only felt right to keep that momentum moving forward. The VCCV wants to share that message and that’s why you will begin to notice the continued message “Connecting Community, Changing Lives” throughout many of our stories, newsletters, and postings. It is important for the message to remain at the forefront and to keep make positive changes throughout the Cedar Valley through those wanting to serve.

So, stay tuned and keep making a difference in the community through those life changing volunteer experiences!

Global Youth Service Day – April 11

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley will lead young people on Global Youth Service Day, an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to youth. This year GYSD will be on April 11.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley has planned an activity to contribute to the well-being of youth in the community by hosting a “Read-In” at the Waterloo Public Library. Elementary age children from the local area are invited to come to the Library and be paired with an older student who will read and tutor the child. The event will run from 4:00 – 5:45 p.m. on April 11. Refreshments will be served.

Many communities use Global Youth Service Day as a component for youth service. “Needs in our community are particularly great right now. Addressing the challenge of mobilizing youth and resources to solve community problems will take a sustained effort, and we hope many who are serving on April 11th  will make an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year,” said Jean Seeland, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Youth Program Coordinator.

Global Youth Service Day is held during National Volunteer Week, April 6 - 13. Through programs such as this, volunteers are recognized for the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism and to serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and community partnerships.

Please contact Jean Seeland at the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley to express interest in participating or to secure additional opportunities by calling 319-272-2087 or emailing jean_seeland@vccv.org. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org.

April – A month of volunteerism

Volunteerism has become an integral part of society, effecting youth and adult volunteers, nonprofits and businesses at large. April has become the month for volunteer recognition with the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, National Volunteer Week, and Global Youth Service Day. Additionally, volunteerism will be celebrated locally at the Mayors’ Volunteer and Top Teen Awards. The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley is the lead agency for these April events.

Every day, in cities across America, national service is tackling tough problems and strengthening communities. Whether supporting food banks and homeless shelters, restoring city parks, building homes, managing community volunteers, providing health services, or tutoring and mentoring students, national service members help mayors tackle tough problems.

To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, mayors across the country will participate in the second-annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on April 1, 2014.

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

This year National Volunteer Week’s theme, Celebrating People in Action, presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and government entities alike to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service April 6 – 12.

Each year, millions of youth around the world work together with schools, youth organizations, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations, volunteer and national service programs, government agencies, faith communities, and other individuals to address critical issues and change their communities on Global Youth Service Day.

Global Youth Service Day is held during National Volunteer Week, April 11 – 13. Through programs such as this, youth volunteers are recognized for the tremendous impact they are making on our country's most critical challenges year-round.

Locally, the Mayors’ Volunteer Awards honor the exemplary contributions of individuals ages 19 and older who dedicate their time and talent to volunteerism in Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Evansdale and surrounding communities in Black Hawk County.

The Mayors’ Top Teen Awards honor youth ages 13-18 attending a school in Black Hawk County. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa also selects one junior from each of the accredited high schools in Black Hawk County to receive the $1000 Mother Moon Service Scholarship.

This year, the Mayors’ Volunteer and Top Teen Award recipients will be recognized at special events on April 22 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. The awards program is sponsored by the cities of Cedar Falls, Evansdale and Waterloo, the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the RJ McElroy Trust and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley works to promote and support effective volunteerism and to serve as the resource and coordination center for volunteers and community partnerships. To secure volunteer opportunities call the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley at 319-272-2087 or email information@vccv.org. Volunteer opportunities may also be accessed at www.vccv.org.