CNA-SS-03-24-2014

MONDAY • MARCH, 24, 2014 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

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INSIDE THIS EDITION Willard Olesen Page 2 Troy/Deanna Petersen 3 Tom Lesan 4 Jaime Miller 6 Erma Damewood 7 Dennis/Teri Hopkins 8 Kay Ritter 10 Caroline Abel 11 Trevor Wolf 13 Doug Gooding 16 Doug Jones 17 Lisa Brown 19 De Heaton 21 Brian Zachary 23

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Progress 2014: Recognizing our local volunteers This year’s Progress section highlights the lives of volunteers from all across southwest Iowa.

We want to introduce you to these men, women and children because their extra efforts enrich

our communities, and that effort should not go unnoticed.

These volunteers are your friends and neighbors. They come from all walks of life, including firefighters, business owners,

high school students, police officers, engineers and more.

There are about 60 volunteers featured in this year’s Progress section. We at the Creston News Advertiser know there are many,

many more volunteers in southwest Iowa, but we either couldn’t get to everyone or they declined our invitation.

Please enjoy these stories as we recognize our local volunteers.

Seeing the difference Olesen focuses volunteer work on hands-on projects ■

By JAKE WADDINGHAM

CNA associate editor jwaddingham@crestonnews.com

GREENFIELD — There are many types of volunteers, but Willard Olesen’s passion comes from action.

After spending a majority of his day behind a desk on the square in Greenfield, Olesen escapes to the outdoors, tackling manual-labor projects.

Olesen, a 66-year-old veteran and lawyer, spends a lot of his free time at the Wallace Centers of Iowa Country Life Center — located

five miles northeast of Orient — completing self-directed, hands-on projects.

He takes care of the majority of the mowing, as well as general maintenance and can easily be spotted on his way to another project in his manual-shift, red truck.

“In spite of the vocation I have chosen and enjoyed some success in, I really do enjoy the outdoors,” Olesen said. “While I have been on the board and been involved in some planning and longterm goal setting, my real joy comes in being outdoors and doing tasks where you physically see the difference.”

But, if it wasn’t for a lot of planning and manual labor that was spearheaded in part by Olesen, Wallace’s birthplace would never have come to fruition.

Saving the birthplace

Olesen was one of the key members in the development of the Country Life Center, helping set up a nonprofit foundation to purchase and develop the birthplace of Henry A. Wallace, who was United States vice president in 1941.

The site now includes the birthplace and a gathering barn — a replica of the original barn on the farmstead — to hold lunches and special events. There is also a four-acre vegetable garContributed photos den, orchard, seven themed Willard Olesen, a lawyer and veteran from Greenfield, enjoys doing hands-on volunflower beds and walking teer projects like clearing the roof at the Wallace Centers of Iowa in Des Moines. path through nine acres of restored Iowa prairie.

The farm’s community ever since.

“I think I’m a person that “He (Wallace) was a man supported agriculture (CSA) Olesen and wife Susie is there to do whatever I can, of so many various talents,” boxes now serve the Des raised two children in Green- but in terms of the big vision, Olesen said. “Being born in Moines area. Workers fill field. Andy is now a batallion that’s not me.”

Orient, it was just natural to the boxes with seasonal fruits chief in Cedar Rapids, and That leadership, Olesen develop what we have out and vegetables along with a Kathryn is the junior-high said, is what helped save there today.” principal at Winterset. newsletter and recipe ideas. small communities across The Wallace Centers of One of the major reno- Iowa. After the farm crisis Community beautification Iowa CEO and Program Similar to his volunteer vation projects Olesen has and a shift in business stratDeveloper Diane Weiland work at the birthplace, Ole- helped with was the restora- egy from small town shops said Olesen has always been sen is quick to act when a tion of the E.E. Warren Cul- to Wal-Marts, community community-minded with his hands-on project presents tural Center on the square in leaders went to work to keep volunteer projects. itself in the Greenfield com- Greenfield. small towns viable.

“He is always giving back, munity.

Olesen credits the vision And while Olesen down and I think this is one of the “If there is something in and commitment of good plays his role, he is always organizations he chooses to particular that needs some community leaders for the just a phone call away from do that with,” Weiland said. attention in terms of commu- completion of major beauti- hopping in his red truck “He gives above and beyond nity beautification, say there fication projects. and driving off to the next what anyone would expect as is a house that the lawn isn’t “I’m not very tolerant of task. a volunteer.” being taken care of because planning meetings,” Olesen “I get the call quite often, In July 2009, the Country it is getting foreclosed, I’m al- said. “The things I do are and I enjoy that,” Olesen Life Center merged with ready going by on my mower very small in terms of the big- said. “If they need help, I the Wallace House in Des so I just mow it,” Olesen ger picture. show up with my pickup.”

Moines, attracting larger said. “I just like to do stuff crowds to both locations. It like that instead of saying has allowed both locations to someone ought to take care increase staff and add a full- of that. time chef.

A Full Service Salon “You’ve helped someOlesen served as board body, and I feel good about Two Locations: president 13 years, including it when I am able to do that.”

234 Public Square • Greenfield two years as president of the 641-743-5045 Born and raised in Avoca, Join Our combined Wallace Centers Olesen said his parents were -StylistsText Club Danelle, Owner • Mindy • Flossie of Iowa. both involved in the small Kathy, Stylist & Massage Therapist “As a result of the Wallace community through various House in Des Moines, a lot clubs and organizations.

Final Cut 2 of people have now become 311 West Adams • Creston Olesen moved to Greenfamiliar with the farm so we field in 1975 after completing 641-782-5045 -Stylistsget a lot of people from out- law school at the University Danelle • Rhonda • Devon side Adair County coming of Iowa. He partnered with out to see what we have,” Jay Howe and the duo has to be a VIP thefinalcut3@hotmail.com Member!

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The Final Cut

Willard Olesen, bottom left, holds the ladder for another volunteer while trimming trees at the Wallace Centers of Iowa in Des Moines. Olesen helps the centers with any general maintenance and has served on the board in a variety of offices including board president.

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Petersens volunteer for fun

By STEPHANI FINLEY CNA managing editor (retired)

Troy Petersen watched his wife Deanna having so much fun with their two boys in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, he decided he wanted to have some fun, too.

Now they volunteer their time together with Creston’s Boy Scout Troop 129.

Deanna started as a volunteer 11 years ago when their oldest son Dorian was in Tiger Cubs. Dorian, now 17, and the Petersen’s younger son Devon, 15, have both become Eagle Scouts in the past few months. They also have a daughter Kayla, who is 26.

Deanna said enjoying time with her own kids, all the different kids and experiencing a lot of different personalities and those who come from different backgrounds has been a driving force for her.

“And just enjoying all the fun you can have with all these different kids,” she said. “That’s kind of what got me started in it and has pushed me for 11 years to stay with it.”

Troy said he decided life was too short, and it was time to have some fun with the kids, too.

“You really see a lot of benefits from the program,”

Contributed photo

Troy and Deanna Petersen sit together for a photo shoot at McKinley Lake.

Troy added.

The beginning “I was a den leader when my second one entered Tiger Cubs, nine years ago,” said Deanna. “Troy came in his last year of Cubs and all the way through Boy Scouts.”

She said Brenda Cook was Scout master when Dorian started and got her involved.

“We had an awesome, awesome Cub master (Cook) when the oldest one started as a Tiger,” said Deanna.

“She just made it look so fun and easy, you just couldn’t help but want to become a part of it.”

Deanna said she is mainly responsible for doing the advancements, treasury and some secretarial duties.

Troy said their title is assistant Scout master.

“That’s your title,” Deanna said with a laugh. “I’m everything else.”

Deanna said a busy time for her is during the annual Boy Scouts popcorn sales fundraiser.

“That’s another one of those hats I wear,” she said.

“I’m the Popcorn Kernel. I haven’t been able to get anyone else to put that one on.”

Troy said, as a couple, they

Contributed photos

Above, Deanna and Troy Petersen stand by a sign at a summer Boy Scout camp in Yankton, S.D. Below, Deanna Petersen, far right, along with other leaders and Scouts prepare for a camping trip.

help run the Scout meetings, provide training resources, drive participants around on camp-outs and make sure all the paperwork is done and money collected that needs to be.

“It’s like everything else — whatever it takes,” he said.

“You wear a lot of hats in those organizations.”

More But Scouts isn’t the only

organization the Petersens volunteer with.

They are both on boards at Trinity Lutheran Church and involved with the local Habitat for Humanity house building projects, and Troy is on the Union County Christmas Basket Fund board of directors.

“They (Christmas Basket) wanted a liaison between the Scouting organization,” said Troy, “because the Scouts do the food drive and that’s a big part of the donation that comes into that group.”

Both Troy and Deanna are employees of Akin Building Center and can use their knowledge of building products to help Habitat for Humanity.

They are members of the Habitat executive committee. Deanna was treasurer and recently became secretary.

“It’s a small enough organization that you do whatever you need to,” said Troy.

“We’ve been working on the job site a lot, arranging volunteers for different things.

We’re really lucky to have the high school/college carpentry course building the last couple. That’s been a great partnership there.”

As employees of Akin, they know where to go to get specific materials and any special products needed.

“One of the things that makes this gel real well is, we have an owner with Akin and a manager with Mike Swain that are very understanding of what it takes to be involved in your community,” said Troy, “and family even with Scouts. They are very workable on our schedules to be able to leave, say, two hours early on a Friday to make sure you get to a campout on time. That’s been huge.”

Deanna agreed.

“A lot of people couldn’t do it with their work schedules,” she said.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

‘Numbers guy’ vital to success of HLOA Tom Lesan has been treasurer of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance since its inception in 2005.

■

“How many guys do you know that are vice presidents of colleges — wear a suit and tie almost every day — that will volunteer time on a weekend, put waders on and dig dirty tires out of a lake? ...

I don’t know very many.”

By KYLE WILSON

CNA managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com

Tom Lesan of Creston is often referred to by his High Lakes Outdoor Alliance colleagues as the “numbers guy.”

Since inception, Lesan has been treasurer of HLOA — a non-profit organization established in 2005 that raises money to promote and enhance outdoor activities in Union County.

“We lean on him a lot,” said Doug Jones, HLOA president. “He’s the person who took the bull by the horns when we needed to get our 501(c)(3). He keeps track of all the dollars that come in and out of our organization. He works with the government annually to get us our tax exemption. He does the financial things that our members — myself included — could not do or would really dislike doing.

He accomplishes so much, but it seems so effortless.”

But, organizing HLOA’s finances is just part of Lesan’s overall contribution to the group. For the past three years, Lesan has volunteered time on weekends to split wood at Green Valley State Park.

“Tom is a regular for the wood splitting proj-

— Doug Jones, president of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance, about Lesan CNA file photo

Tom Lesan, middle, and conservation officers Joe Mayhew and Doug Jones take a look at a fish net full of walleyes in October. Lesan is the treasurer of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (HLOA) — a nonprofit group that has stocked walleye at Green Valley Lake three out of the past four years.

ect,” said Dave Riley, vice president of HLOA. “True Value donates the splitter and we split several truckloads of wood — enough to serve all the campers at Green Valley from spring to fall. When they run out, we split more.”

The wood is sold to campers at Green Valley throughout the year. Receipts are kept of all wood sold and the Department of Natural Resources gives 100 percent of the revenue from wood sales back to

HLOA. HLOA then puts that money right back into Green Valley.

In October, HLOA released 2,700 walleye into Green Valley Lake. It was the third walleye stock at Green Valley Lake paid for by HLOA. “Campers know that we put all money from wood sales back into the park,” Riley said. “That’s a big selling point because campers often give $10 for $3

worth of wood. And now that Green Valley Lake is full again, there are more campers and we are selling more wood. With more money coming in, we are now talking with park officials about other projects we can use the money for to improve Green Valley.”

Lesan — vice president of economic development at Southwestern Community College — is also involved with McKinley Park restoration. More than

once, he’s volunteered to row a canoe around McKinley Lake with other HLOA members and cleanup debris found in the water.

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Tom Lesan, right, splits wood with other High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (HLOA) members at Green Valley State Park in spring 2013. The wood is sold to campers at Green Valley throughout the year. Receipts are kept of all wood sold and the Department of Natural Resources gives 100 percent of the revenue from wood sales back to HLOA.

day — that will volunteer time on a weekend, put waders on and dig dirty tires out of a lake?” Jones said. “I don’t know very many.”

Jones said Lesan is involved in every aspect of HLOA — from walleye releases to finances for the

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

5A

LESAN: Continued from Page 4A

shooting range to measuring fish at the McKinley Lake fishing tournament to simply cooking burgers for the dog trials hosted by HLOA. “I don’t care if High Lakes decided to cut thistles on Highway 34 — which isn’t something we would probably do — Tom would be there with a spade on the hill ready to cut some thistles,” Jones said. “He’s tireless when it comes to volunteering for High Lakes.

If the project makes sense, is good for the community, and he thinks it will move us forward, Tom will be there.”

Other volunteerism Lesan has been chairman of the Union County Conservation Board for the past eight years. The board and

conservation officers host fishing clinics, field trips, bug hunts annually and other outdoor activities for students — kindergarten though 12th grade — across southwest Iowa.

Lesan has also been on the Greater Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees for three years, but is still considered the “newbee” on a board that includes Dave Driskell, Jack Davis, Carolyn Dillenburg, Tom Dunphy, Dennis Nelson and Sherry McKie — all longtime board members.

“The first words that come to mind when talking about Tom are consummate professional,” said Dave Driskell, GRMC Board of Trustees president. “He’s always dedicated to the task.

He’s been a good addition to

our board. We are fortunate at the hospital to have such a good relationship with Tom, Barb (Crittenden) and others at SWCC. Their nursing program absolutely benefits our hospital because many of them train on our hospital floors.”

Lesan said he’s enjoyed his time on the GRMC board of trustees and said there is one main ingredient in all the boards he volunteers on.

“Fun,” Lesan said.

“That’s the No. 1 reason I volunteer. I have fun work-

ing with High Lakes and taking a dream like the shooting range and then going through the process of making that dream reality.

It’s also fun to get together once a month at our meetings and lie to each other about fishing or how big of

mushrooms we caught.

“It’s the same thing with the conservation board and hospital board. Those board have great people who are fun to be around. I think people will tell you — when it stops being fun — it’s time to quit doing it.”

CNA file photo

Tom Lesan has served on the Greater Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees for three years. As of Jan. 1, this group of board members has served a combine 103 years on the board of trustees. Board members include from left, Chairman Dave Driskell (19), Sherry McKie (17), Vice Chairman Jack Davis (19), Secretary Carolyn Dillenburg (17), Lesan (3), Dennis Nelson (13) and Treasurer Tom Dunphy (15).

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Contributed photo

Tom Lesan, treasurer for High Lakes Outdoor Alliance, volunteers time to finish the inside of a building being constructed at the HLOA gun range being completed near Afton. The building will serve as a meeting place for the club.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Serving the community in more than one way Former Ringgold County Deputy Sheriff Jamie Miller joins sheriff reserves, pursues business endeavors ■

By SARAH BROWN

CNA staff reporter sbrown@crestonnews.com

MOUNT AYR — After seven years as Ringgold County deputy sheriff, Jamie Miller, 50, of Mount Ayr decided it was time for a change.

Miller, who started working at the Ringgold County Sheriff’s office in 1999, was the first female deputy sheriff in the county’s history.

Ringgold County Sheriff Mike Sobotka said Miller was one of the best deputies he has had.

“She would turn over every rock looking for every clue to solve a case,” said Sobotka.

Since she began, Miller was involved with active investigations, transporting inmates between facilities and fundraising activities.

“My greatest passion was the K-9s,” said Miller.

In her seven years at Ringgold County Sheriff’s office, Miller coordinated an annual fundraiser, which raised funds to train officers and the unit’s German shepherd Murphy.

German shepherds are an asset to law enforcement because of their keen intelligence, work ethic and sharp senses — often able to follow scent trails humans cannot detect.

“He was a great dog,” said Miller. “He could find a single leaf of marijuana in this

Contributed photos

Ringgold County Sheriff Reserve Officer Jaime Miller is now a volunteer after serving as Ringgold County’s first female deputy sheriff.

room.”

Miller’s annual fundraiser, which consisted of dinner and a silent auction, raised approximately $8,500 a year to care for Murphy and pay for officer K9 training.

Change of pace In 2006, Miller left the Ringgold County Sheriff’s department to start a new endeavor. In 2007, she opened Jamie’s Coffee Mill & Deli, 118 W. Adams St., located one block north of the square in Mount Ayr. “I thought it would be a little less stressful, but it’s really not,” said Miller.

Miller started renovations to the 1920s building, which is now decorated with a rustic country look.

The cafe and deli — open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays — serves breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, shakes, coffee, pastries and sweets, such as truffles. Free WiFi is also an added benefit to her patrons.

“When she went to start

Contributed photo

Jaime Miller, reserve officer with Ringgold County Sheriff department, has spent her tenure raising funds for the department’s K-9 unit. K-9 Murphy and his partner Officer Shannon Arends joined Creston Police Department after resigning from Ringgold County Sheriff in 2013.

her private business, I asked her to stay on as a (volunteer) reserve officer because she had seven years of experience,” said Sobotka. “That experience is valuable.”

From the time she left her position as deputy sheriff in 2006, Miller continued to serve Ringgold County as a volunteer reserve officer. She helps guard at the Ringgold County Fairgrounds, transports inmates and patrols at night and on weekends.

Sobotka said Miller is still an active fundraiser for the department and helps coordinate the sale of advertisements for an annual Ringgold County Sheriffs office calendar.

“She makes sure everything gets submitted and printed,” said Sobotka.

“She’s a tremendous asset to

us.”

The money raised from the sale of the calendars is used to pay for ammunition and gear that is used to offset some of the cost of officer training.

A day in the life Miller — a self proclaimed auction junkie — said she enjoys searching for antiques on the weekends with her husband Keith and build-

ing furniture from reclaimed barn wood.

“I love woodwork,” she said.

Miller’s husband Keith said she is really handy. After the success of her first business, Miller purchased the former Officer Bar and Grill, 115 N Taylor St., just off the square in Mount Ayr. Her plan is to turn it into a breakfast joint.

“She’s done most of the

work herself,” said Keith.

Keith said a third building has been purchased near the square, but Miller has not yet decided what to do with it.

It should be no surprise Jamie has an interest in developing spaces, which bring her community together.

“Jamie will help you in any way she can,” said Sobotka.

“She likes to be involved and cares about her community.”

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7A

Damewood gives back to community

By AMY HANSEN

OST news editor ahansen@osceolaiowa.com

AFTON — You could say Erma Damewood’s love of interacting, meeting and helping people traces back to her husband’s 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. Damewood and her husband Donald would often travel and interact with the new people they’d meet.

Now, Damewood has taken that passion of meeting and helping people and put it into her community.

“I just love to be with people, for one thing,” Damewood said. “And, it’s so good to be doing stuff that will help people.”

ASPIRE “More” Damewood volunteers with ASPIRE “More,” which is a thrift shop and learning center through East Union School District. Damewood helps sort, wash, hang and price

clothing. She also helps with the customers.

Damewood became involved with the program through her daughter, who is the director of it. She has been volunteering there for a year and a-half. People may see her there once a week, mostly on Tuesdays.

“It’s a real rewarding thing because you know that it’s helping a lot of people,” Damewood said.

Through ASPIRE “More,” Damewood helps with Christmas baskets and adopting a family for the holiday season.

“The food pantry is at ASPIRE, also,” Damewood said. “And, so, we filled baskets so they were delivered to the people that needed it.”

Church Damewood isn’t just involved with the school district. She also volunteers her time at her church, Afton United Methodist

CNA photo by AMY HANSEN

Erma Damewood of Afton shows her 2013 Lion of the Year award from the Lions Club.

Church.

She helps with preparing funeral dinners for her church.

When somebody needs a funeral dinner, Damewood

CNA photo AMY HANSEN

Pictured is Erma Damewood of Afton wearing her Lions Club vest.

Making a Difference...

contacts people to help donate items, and she helps shop for the dinner, as well. Damewood can also be found setting up and serving the funeral dinners.

Damewood belongs to her church’s guild, which aids in mission work for the church.

Afton Lions Club Damewood plays an active role in her community by belonging to Afton Lions Club, where she is the secretary.

Damewood said her husband has been a Lion “for a lot of years,” and she has been a Lion for about two years.

“Some of the women decided we might as well get a position as a Lion, rather than just do the work behind the scenes,” Damewood said with a laugh. “Not that we want the credit, but we like to do this.”

Afton Lions Club has

inflatable waterslides and bouncy houses it rents out or donates to other organizations holding events to raise funds.

As a Lion, Damewood volunteers for community parades and pre-Fourth of July celebrations. Afton Lions Club does ham and turkey drawings for the Christmas season. Members collect funds from community merchants and order the turkeys and hams that are given away.

Last year, Afton Lions Club gave away approximately 80 turkeys and hams. The club also provides a Santa Claus for the holiday season, as well as an Easter egg hunt in the spring.

“We just have a lot to do with the Lions Club,” Damewood said.

Damewood’s hard work for Afton Lions Club has showed. In 2013, Damewood was named the club’s

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In Creston If you’re not familiar with the town or citizens of Afton, you might recognize Damewood because she was a hairdresser in Creston for 30 years.

Or, people may have seen Damewood and her husband volunteering for two to three years at Greater Regional Medical Center.

They spent their time at the reception desk and helped to escort people if they didn’t know their way around the building.

“It’s such a good feeling to be able to help the people there, you know?”

Damewood said.

However, the Damewoods have had to stop volunteering at the hospital for various medical reasons of their own.

Damewood said she really misses volunteering at Greater Regional.

“It’s important to speak to the people when they come in, too, because, a lot of times, they come in really down or feeling bad,” Damewood said. “But, when you speak to them or smile at them, it changes their attitude, too.”

School. Church. Community. Hospital. If you name it, Damewood has spent time volunteering for it.

Damewood said she, as well as her husband, have stayed busy through volunteering in their community.

When asked if she was busy every day for some different organization, Damewood said with a laugh, “No, not really, but it seems like I could be if I wanted to.”

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8A

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Hopkins family ‘covertly does good’ for Creston

By KYLE WILSON

CNA managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com

You’d be hard-pressed to find parents who volunteer more with Creston School District’s musical arts department than Dennis and Teri Hopkins of Creston.

Their oldest daughter RaeAnne is a senior at Creston High School. She’s the lead trumpet player in Creston’s jazz band and plays keyboard in the CHS drumline. Dennis and Teri support RaeAnne by attending all of her events, but they’ve also taken on a leadership role among the band department parents.

Dennis has hauled the band trailer to more than a dozen events this year, including out of state trips to Omaha and Bellevue, Neb., during the winter months.

“The kids say, ‘where is Dennis with the trailer?’” said Mike Peters, band instructor at CHS. “That alone tells you how consistent he is. And, when he can’t drive the trailer he finds a replacement so I don’t have to. He’s a great band parent. I have so many great band parents.”

The 30-foot band trailer contains all the instruments, costumes and uniforms needed for competitions.

“It’s a Tetris game to get

Contributed photo

Dennis Hopkins takes off with the band trailer during in February 2014. Dennis has volunteered to haul the band trailer to more than a dozen events this school year, including out-of-state trips to Omaha and Bellevue, Neb., during the winter months.

all of it in the trailer,” Peters said.

Peters also added the winterguard has elaborate costumes and Teri — along with other mothers — do a great job of getting all the students in costume with their hair and makeup ready.

“I can’t stress enough how great our band parents are,” Peters said. “I don’t have to worry about whether their hair is done or did they get their instrument in the trail-

er? My wife and I are privileged that we don’t have to worry about any of that. We just teach and focus on our kids having a good performance. That’s why, I think, we’ve been able to have such a successful program.”

Peters said it’s been “neat” to see the Hopkins get the “freshman parents” involved with the program and begin training them.

“These freshman parents and freshman students

are the future,” Peters said. “The Hopkins know that. They will also have younger daughters coming up into high school in the future and want us to continue to have a good program.”

Vocal The Hopkins were also fully involved in Creston High School’s musical Please see HOPKINS, Page 9A

Teri Hopkins, front row, first from left, helps coordinate the youth group at Holy Spirit Church in Creston. One of their projects is making cookies and delivering them to elderly church members who are “shut-in.” The youth group does this twice a year — once in the winter and again in the spring.

Contributed photo

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9A

HOPKINS: Continued from Page 8A

“Once Upon A Mattress” held in November 2013. The musical — which included a pit orchestra —was co-directed by Jane Warner and Jerry Huffman.

Their daughter ReaAnne played “Lady Larkin” in the musical that featured a talkative, controlling queen and mute king in a land where a law was been passed that nobody was allowed to marry until the prince does.

This was Warner’s first time directing a musical.

“Jerry was my mentor,” Warner said, “and Teri also held my hand through this first production keeping me organized with what I should being when off the set, not directing.”

Warner said Teri found or made all 74 costumes worn in the musical. Warner said the Hopkins even purchased some of the costumes for some of the children whose parents didn’t have the money to buy them.

“Can you imagine how stressful and challenging it is to find costumes for 70 students who all need various

Dennis Hopkins, right, and other parents help load the band trailer in February before heading to a drumline competition in Nebraska.

Contributed photo

sizes?” Warner said.

Warner said often times Teri gets pegged as the vocal parent and Dennis as the band parent.

“That’s not true, though,” Warner said. “They show up for everything. They support everything at CHS, and they don’t get recognized because, I believe, they deliberately fly below the radar. They covertly are doing

CNA file photo

Teri Hopkins found or made all 74 costumes for the Creston High School musical “Once Upon a Mattress” held at the auditorium last fall. Pictured are Tyler Peters (Sir Harry) and Teri’s daughter RaeAnne Hopkins (Lady Larkin) singing during the musical.

good all the time. They deserve to be recognized.”

The musical this fall was one of the most successful in recent years. There were 950 tickets sold to “Once Upon A Mattress” held at Creston High School auditorium.

“I couldn’t believe we sold that many tickets,” Warner said. “We sold a record number of tickets on Sunday afternoon. I can’t tell you why we sold that many. All I can say is we have great parents, great students and I had a great mentor in Jerry Huffman.”

Church The Hopkins have been marriage facilitators for Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston for eight years.

They help two to three couples per year. The couples must go through a five-week marriage prep course with the Hopkins before getting married at the church.

“We get so much out of helping these couples,” Teri said. “We share with them our experience and let them know that marriage isn’t always storybook. There will be problems, but you can get through those problems and through that struggle together you will grow as a couple.”

The Hopkins have been married 22 years.

“They’ve done a great job,” said Rev. Ken Halbur at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. “I’ve only been here about a year and a-half, but they’ve met with two or three couples. We at the church want the couples to be prepared to spend the rest of their life with one another.

The point of the (marriage prep) is to give the couples discussion topics and give them different issues that might happend to them during a marriage.”

The Hopkins are also involved with many other activities through Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Dennis is involved in Knights of Columbus, including helping organize the annual freethrow contest and Tootsie Roll sales. All proceeds from those events go to Special Olympics locally.

Teri, meanwhile, works with a church youth group.

One of their projects is making cookies and delivering them to elderly church members who are “shutin.” The youth group does this twice a year — once in the winter and again in the spring.

“This is a great project,” Teri said. “It gives them a chance to interact with our older church members that maybe can’t make it to church. It gives the youth Contributed photo and elders both a good feeling. Some of those conver- Teri Hopkins, right, just finishes hair and makeup for Ryan Vasquez prior to a drumline and winterguard competition sations last a long time.” in 2012.

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10A

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Former surgical nurse aims to bring joy to those around her Kay Ritter shows her love for others through baking and offering friendship to some in their final days.

■

By SARAH BROWN

CNA staff reporter sbrown@crestonnews.com

As a former surgical nurse of 37 years, Kay Ritter knows donated blood can mean the difference between life and death.

Ritter, 74, of Creston, said she started voluntarily coordinating American Red Cross blood drives before her retirement in 1997 from Greater Regional Medical Center.

Ritter said, blood is often needed for patients undergoing surgery — particularly after a motor vehicle accident.

According to the American Red Cross website, a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

Earlier in her career, Ritter said hospital staff were able to put out a call to the community requesting specific blood types.

“The problem then was people were giving too often,” said Ritter.

However, as regulations on blood-testing changed, procedures for collecting blood did, too. Before, hospital staff were able to call pre-

vious donors known to have a matching blood type.

Now, blood is stored and sent from Omaha, so, having all blood types available is critical. Type O blood — termed the “universal donor” — is the most requested because it can be used in an emergency situation when typing or crossmatching is not available.

Ritter said with motorvehicle accidents occuring in Southwest Iowa, having blood available is a neccesity for prompt care.

Hospice care Ritter has been a familiar face at Greater Regional Hospice Home since its inception in 2008.

Ritter’s volunteer involvement with the hospice house started when she began bringing homemade cookies to the center for the staff and a friend in their care.

“They said, ‘why don’t you come out here and bake cookies?’” said Ritter. “Just to make it smell good.”

Ritter said she helps the staff at the hospice home wherever she can.

“I’ve done a little bit of everything,” said Ritter. “Anything ... scrubbing floors, making charts to sitting with patients and making meals.”

Places like Greater Regional Hospice Home can benefit from a range of skills its volunteers possess.

“If they have a lot of patients, sometimes I just go out and answer the phones,” said Ritter.

Ritter said the most difficult part or her volunteer experience with the hospice

CNA file photo

Kay Ritter, left, and Charlotte Mickey piece together the sugar cookie bouquets during Creston’s Friends of the Library annual cookie bouquet drive in February. The “Friends” gathered in Ritter’s home to bake, decorate and package cookies to be delivered on Valentine’s Day.

home is getting attached to the patients.

“I could cry with anybody,” said Ritter. “I have sat with many patients who are dying — who don’t have any family. That’s the sad part.”

Friend of the library Hospice home staff and residents aren’t the only ones to enjoy Ritter’s baking skills.

For the previous seven Valentine’s Days, Ritter and a team of volunteers make cookie bouquets as a fundraiser.

The proceeds raise funds to support literary programs in Union County.

This year, Ritter made more than 450 cookies.

With the help of volunteers, the cookies are meticuCNA file photo

Friends of the Library member Kay Ritter delivers a homemade cookie bouquet to her former neighbor and current resident at Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ritter and other members of Friends of the Library made more than 80 cookie bouquets, which raises funds for summer reading programs.

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lous decorated with frosting, placed on a stick, grouped in bouquets of six or 12 cookies and delivered to nearly 80 recipients in Creston.

Sales of the cookie bouquetes have grown each year.

The proceeds underwrite Gibson Memorial Library’s summer reading program — a program which provides free reading material and promotes literacy among school age children.

Additionally, Ritter helps set up and tear down a used book sale during balloon days weekend.

Sound of music At First United Methodist Church in Creston, Ritter volunteers her time as part of the bell choir.

The choir performs once a month and consists of 10 people, who ring and strike handbells, which are heard in a tuned set such as a hymn or song.

“Half of them don’t read music,” said Ritter. “So, that

can be a challenge.”

Ritter helps others participate in the bell choir by marking music for those who do not read sheet music.

“They are a bunch of dedicated people that come every week,” said Ritter.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

‘My favorite part is giving back’

By SHAWNA CREVELING

Special to the CNA

The phrase “giving back” can be used in many contexts.

Caroline Abel, 64, of Creston uses it to describe the reasoning behind her volunteerism at Greater Regional Medical Center.

Abel started work at GRMC in 1968 as a ward secretary, and worked her way to becoming in charge of the entire computer system.

“I went on maternity leave in 1971,” she said. “When I came back from that, I went to the business office and worked with a posting machine, which was one of the first type of computers.

Eventually, I became the department head.”

Abel added after working at GRMC for 36 years, volunteering is a way you pay back.

“I can’t say enough how important it is to give back,” she said.

Auxiliary The Greater Regional Auxiliary is a group of people who meet regularly and fundraise for the hospital.

Abel became a member of the Greater Regional Auxiliary Board about one year after she retired from GRMC. The board meets once a month and hosts a number of events and benefits throughout the year. They also award five, $1,000 scholarships to students going into the medical field.

“The scholarships, in a way, benefit the hospital because you always hope that people will come back here after they finish school,” Abel said.

Along with scholarships, the board hosts a Spring Fling luncheon, $5 jewelry shows, purse shows, golf tournaments and more.

From the jewelry shows, the Greater Regional Auxiliary gets 20 percent of the profits made.

“There are times when

different departments will approach the auxiliary and say that they have a need for a certain item,” Abel said.

“After their presentation, the board will meet, and if we have the funds available, we will provide them with some or all of what they are asking.”

For example, Greater Regional Auxiliary has purchased a number of items for the nursery, and a Resusci Anne — a training mannequin used for CPR — for the emergency room.

Information Desk Abel and her husband Denny are both volunteers at the information desk inside the main entrance to the Medical Arts Plaza at D. Abel GRMC. “Denny more or less talked me into it,” Abel said.

“But, it had come up at one of our auxiliary meetings that they were in desperate need of volunteers for the information desk.”

At the information desk, Abel provides individuals coming into GRMC with a warm greeting and points them in the right direction of where they need to be.

Volunteers work a shift at the information desk that lasts four to four and a-half hours.

Abel added having volunteers at the information desk after the April 2012 tornado was very important.

“Because of the damage, there were so many departments moving around,” she said. “The job was an easy fit for me because I had worked there for so long, I knew where a lot of the departments were originally, and where they moved to.”

Buying Committee On top of volunteering for the Greater Regional Auxiliary board and the information desk, Abel also volunteers on the buying committee for the gift shop

Contributed photo

Caroline Abel volunteers as an information guide at Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston.

inside GRMC. The buying committee meets once a month, and purchases items for the gift shop that may need restocked, or might be in season at that time.

“I started on the buying committee at the same time I started with the auxiliary,” Abel said. “It was just another one of those things where they desperately needed volunteers, and they asked me if I would be interested.”

Christmas is one of the busiest times for the buying committee. During Christmas, the buying committee holds what they call an extravaganza at the gift shop in GRMC. At the extravaganza, they display their entire Christmas inventory for patients, visitors and staff to see.

“Christmas is really a three-day event,” Abel said.

“You have to put it all up, and then take it all down.

We used to cover all of the

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in at the decorations while we put them up.”

Overall, Abel said one thing stuck out as her favorite part of volunteering.

“It’s giving back,” she

11A

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13A

Diagonal graduate focused on building community

By SARAH BROWN

CNA staff reporter sbrown@crestonnews.com

CORYDON — This civil engineer hopes to build something that stands the test of time.

Trevor Wolf, 27, of Corydon, is volunteering his time to benefit children of his hometown t h r o u g h Wolf the Diagonal Community School Foundation.

After receiving a degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University in 2009, Wolf moved to Corydon, where he now works as assistant engineer in Warren County.

Despite living nearly an hour away, Wolf — a 2004 graduate of Diagonal Community School — said it was an easy decision for him

Contributed photo

Participants line up at the start of Spoke, Stroke and Slide triathlon fundraising event sponsored by the Diagonal Community School Foundation.

Participants raced on bike and foot before sliding down a hill to the finish.

to jump on board when he was first contacted by fellow alumnus Zach Gunsolley to form a foundation.

“I don’t think anyone turned it down,” Wolf said.

For Wolf, whose parents are Rick and Cindy Wolf of Diagonal, the opportunity to volunteer with the Diagonal Community School Foundation helps keep him connect-

ed to the community, which he said helped raise him.

Wolf describes the foundation as a small, informal group, made up of former graduates and community members who have an interest in sustaining the culture of a small town and ensuring the youth have access to education and activities within their town.

According to Wolf, in just three years, the Diagonal Community School Foundation has gone from raising funds on an as-needed basis to a more “structured” schedule with annual events and an endowment fund which will benefit the Diagonal Community School in perpetuity.

Wolf said the foundation’s fundraising events have grown substantially over the years. He said the Labor Day beanbag competition hosted by the foundation attracted so many participants, some had to be turned away.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said.

More than 200 participants take part in the inaugural Fogel Lake Glow Run sponsored by the Diagonal Community School Foundation Labor Day weekend.

A new fundraising event, the 2013 Fogel Lake Glow Run, had about 200 runners and walkers take part.

According to Wolf, the greatest challenge is not finding volunteers to help carry out events, but is in the event preparation itself. But in the end, “everything has worked out perfectly.”

Like many volunteers in his community, Wolf said he volunteered in his community as a child during Diagonal’s Labor Day festivities,

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school activities and helping maintain the town’s baseball diamond.

“They made it fun so I was always willing to help,” said Wolf.

Part of Wolf’s volunteer influence has been the individuals in his community, who he commended for always giving 100 percent.

“It’s nice to know that I will be helping the community and students,” said Wolf.

“It’s a really good thing and doesn’t take much.”

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

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16A

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

It’s all in the name

Doug Gooding makes good as a volunteer firefighter and man of faith ■

By SARAH BROWN

CNA staff reporter sbrown@crestonnews.com

MOUNT AYR — For Doug Gooding, 41, of Mount Ayr, helping others is a virtue he lives daily as a volunteer firefighter and steward of his church.

During his formative years, Gooding lived in Troy, Mo., where he was an active volunteer in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Another influential factor in Gooding’s life was his upbringing in the Lutheran Church.

Gooding attributes his present day volunteerism to his early involvement with Trinity Lutheran Church.

Today, Gooding is on the board of discipleship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Ayr. As a member of the board, Gooding voluntarily contacts members who have not been to services in awhile, inviting them back and does outreach to attract new members.

Additionally, Gooding is the president of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans South Tri-County Chapter, which serves Clark, Decatur and Ringgold counties.

According to their web-

site, Thrivent Financial is a financial services organization that encourages philanthropy in the communities where its members live, work and worship. Each year, Thrivent invests tens of millions of dollars in the form of grants and donated money to communities nationwide.

As president of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans South Tri-County Chapter, Gooding helps coordinate, collect and distribute gifts to the community through programs such as adopt-a family and Toys for Tots.

After relocating to Iowa from Missouri, Gooding joined the Mount Ayr Fire Department in 2008 as a volunteer firefighter.

Since then, Gooding has completed firefighter I and II, HazMat operations, confined space and dive team training.

Gooding does not dive himself, but his participation is just as crucial.

“I help the divers and everyone else,” he said. “I make sure their equipment is on right, communicate with the divers while they are underwater and make sure they are okay.”

Gooding recalled his first water search and rescue experience at Viking Lake in Red Oak with the dive team after a person made an emergency call to report an unattended motor boat going in circles on the lake.

“It was July and it was hot,” said Gooding. “We

were there 24 or 28 hours before we found the body.”

Gooding said the volunteer rescue team often sleep in their vehicles when they are at a scene for multiple days. During this particular search, Gooding said the heat made it uncomfortable, but the most difficult part of a search for him is trying to sleep knowing a person is still missing.

To search bodies of water, Gooding explained rescue divers first create a grid made of rope, which expands 300 to 400 feet into the water.

“The diver will hold on and follow the rope with one hand while reaching out and feeling with the other,” said Gooding.

During the search, divers repeat this process on ropes that are placed approximately 10 feet apart.

As a member of the Mount Ayr Fire Department, Gooding said his department responds to all car wrecks within the county.

“We are the only fire department in the county that have the jaws of life,” said Gooding.

The jaws of life is a hydraulic rescue tool used by emergency rescue personnel to assist with vehicle extrication of crash victims, as well as other rescues from small spaces.

A good asset Mount Ayr Fire Chief

Mike Wimer said Gooding is a good asset to the team.

“He volunteers, not only at the fire department but at the church, as well,” said Wimer.

Wimer praised Gooding for taking on extra jobs for him, such as running errands for the department, performing maintenance on the fire trucks and taking over fire awareness and prevention education at local schools.

“He’s very good,” said Wimer.

CNA photo by SARAH BROWN

Doug Gooding serves his community as a volunteer firefighter for Mount Ayr Fire Department. Aside from his duties as a firefighter, Gooding volunteers his free time to run errands for the department and perform maintenance on the department’s vehicles.

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Contributed photo

Volunteer Mount Ayr Firefighter Doug Gooding, second from left, participates in a departmental training to keep up to date on hazardous materials knowledge.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

17A

Modest HLOA president dedicated to betterment of Union County

By KYLE WILSON

CNA managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com

AFTON — Doug Jones of Afton is probably most recognized publicly for his volunteer work as president of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (HLOA) — a non-profit organization established in 2005 that raises money to promote and enhance outdoor activities in Union County.

Jones has been president of the organization since inception.

“Doug has been president from day one,” said Tom Lesan, HLOA treasurer. “We meet monthly and he’s run almost every meeting over the past eight years. He keeps the meeting on track. He keeps everyone organized like a

good president should do — letting people know exactly where their money is going.”

The organization’s most noteable project during Jones’ presidency is an 80-acre shooting range located on the north side of Three Mile Lake. The range has targets for pistols and small-bore and long-range rifles and five trap houses.

The range already has more than 350 paid memberships. It is also used by high school and collegiate shooting teams — like Southwestern Community College whose members defeated the University of Iowa during a shootout Nov. 2 at the range.

“The shooting range has been our flagship project,” Jones said, “but don’t spin

this like I made this range happen, because this was a group project from day one. It’s something High Lakes members are proud of. It’s a project that when finished will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“It just shows what a group of the right individuals that come together to volunteer can do. These guys could have stayed at home with their wives, went fishing or gone bowling with the family. They could have done anything, but they chose to commit to this project.

Jones said the range isn’t even half done and more than they already have 350 paid memberships.

Please see JONES, Page 18A

CNA file photo

Scott Barry, left, of Klug’s Fish Farm of Garfield, Minn., hands a fish net full of walleye to Doug Jones — president of High Lakes Outdoor Alliance (HLOA) — in November 2013. Jones and several other HLOA members helped release 2,700, 8-inch walleye into Green Valley Lake. Pictured behind, from left, are Tom Lesan, Dave Riley — both HLOA members — and Green Valley Park Ranger Alan Carr.

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Doug Jones and his son Trevor spend time together at the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance shooting range located on the north side of Three Mile Lake.

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18A

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

JONES: Continued from Page 17A

“The excitement around this range provided us all with a nice, warm fuzzy feeling that we’ve pulled something off and we’ve made our community a better place,” Jones said.

However — while HLOA has received much appreciation for raising the funds and constructing the range — Jones said HLOA doesn’t want to be known just for this one project.

HLOA has done several projects in Union County since 2005.

In their latest review of finances, it was discovered HLOA has raised about $300,000 since inception.

They have partnered that money with grants and sharing projects to total about $600,000 spent in Union County on improvements in eight years.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve raised that much money,” said Marc Roberg, one of HLOA’s vice presidents. “I think our projects speak for themselves. We have members who all have interests in different outdoor activities so for Doug — being president — it must be like trying to herd cats. But, he’s done very well at getting everyone on the same page, having a plan and giving us the nuts and bolts of what needs to be done.”

Those other projects in-

clude a new cabin at Green Valley State Park, extending the hunting opportunity at Mitchell Marsh, installing a new fishing jetty at Summit Lake and helping restock the walleye population at Green Valley Lake.

HLOA also volunteers each year to help with the annual McKinley Park fishing tournament.

Volunteer fireman In addition to his volunteer work with HLOA, Jones has committed 14 years as a volunteer fireman for the Afton Fire Department. He’s a secondgeneration firefighter.

His father, Ron, was a firefighter in the Afton community for 34 years including 11 years as fire chief.

“Doug is a reliable firefighter,” said Afton Fire Chief Jim Krantz. “ H e ’ s lived in the Afton communi- Krantz ty a long time. He knows the citizens and can respond quickly because he knows where most of them live. Once he gets there, he’s always reliable on the scene. You don’t have to monitor him.

He’s one of 23 volunteer firefighters on our department.

They are all certified, and we take pride in that.

It’s a great department that cares about the community and is always hungry for more knowledge so we can handle any situation that arises.”

Jones is certified as firefighter 2 — which includes extra hours of practical and classroom training. However, the always-modest Jones gives credit to his fellow firefighters.

“I’m not even close to the most talented or skilled firefighter on the Afton department,” Jones said.

“I don’t respond to near as many calls as other guys.

Afton has a very skilled fire department considering it’s almost all volunteers.

These guys — in some cases — really do save lives.”

Krantz said Afton’s volunteer fire department responds to about 135 calls per year including anything from slips and falls to double fatalities — which happened last November on Highway 34 — to structure fires to ice rescues.

“The firefighting industry asks us to a lot of things — so we continue to train,” Krantz said. “We want to be able to handle any situation.”

Park board chairman Jones was also chairman of Afton Park and Rec Board from 2005 to 2011.

It was an unpaid, volunteer position. However, Jones is proud of what he and other

Contributed photo

Doug Jones gives instruction to his son Trevor, left, and catcher Kolby Tomas during a little league game in Afton.

parents did during those years.

They coupled concession stand revenue with a few grants to purchase and erect new playground equipment at the baseball/ softball complex.

For safety, they purchased soft material in the form of wood chips to go under the equipment.

They constructed two new dugouts, changed the

surfacing from “stuff that was unfit to play on” to red ball clay that’s used on most professional baseball diamonds.

“We changed the surfacing because every time the kids would slide, they would tear up their butts,” Jones said.

They purchased yellow tubing for the tops of the fences for safety, as well as new bats, helmets and

catchers equipment for participants in T-ball all the way to baseball.

“There is nothing like that sense of accomplishment of taking consessionstand money and going and buying new bats and helmets at Scheels for the kids,” Jones said.

Jones is currently Union County conservation director. He has a wife Karen and son Trevor.

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19A

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CORNING — It’s obvious Lisa Brown of Corning has a strong desire to help others in need. Brown was an active paramedic in Iowa for a total of 30 years — first for Mercy hospitals, then later for Greater Regional Medical Center and Alegent Health in Corning.

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“It really came out of necessity,” Brown said.

“The department was often short-handed and I was already responding to all the fires. I noticed they needed more people. So, I decided to join the department and make myself available to them.”

Brown was eventually named pump operator

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Contributed photo

Lisa Brown, middle, and other firefighters put on wet suits before an ice rescue training at Green Valley Lake in Creston in February.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

BROWN: Continued from Page 19A

chief responsibility with the Corning Fire Department is safety officer.

Her top priority is making sure each fireman gets proper rehabilitation while fighting fires. Lisa said firefighters are only allowed to go through one tank of oxygen before they are required to take a break.

“I have to make them get off those lines and rest,” Lisa said. “They get that adrenaline going and men, especially, want to be tough and stay on the line. But, it’s my job to make sure they are safe and don’t stay on too long.”

Lisa said Captain Rick Bissell is currently pump operator in Corning and she’s received even more training on that position since arriving in Corning. Lisa calls Bissell “one of the best in the busi-

ness.”

Car dealership fire One of the most memorable fires since Lisa joined the department was a fire at R&S Auto Sales —her place of employment — in November 2011. It’s believed that fire started because of a faulty settling tank being used in the mechanic’s garage at the business.

“The tank combusted and caught the building on fire.

I had to make the 911 call,” Lisa said.

When firefighters arrived, Lisa was able to brief them on the number of potentially explosive materials in the garage and the location of those materials. However, the fire spread so quickly almost all of the business was damaged.

Firefighter award Lisa — certified as a firefighter 1 — currently volunteers 0 to 12 hours a week

with the Corning Fire Department. She was named Corning firefighter of the year in 2013 — a points-based honor given largely to the person who responds to the most 911 calls, meetings and training done during the year.

“Lisa is always one to be counted on,” Willett said.

“She earned her firefighter of the year award by making her fire calls and put in volunteer hours. She’s also getting more and more education all the time and that kind of effort is what makes a good department.”

Chamber president The fire department isn’t the only area where Lisa’s volunteer presence is felt, though. She’s also the president of the Adams County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Her board meets once per month to help promote businesses

and upcoming events in the Corning community.

“We do whatever we can to keep main street alive,” Lisa said. “We organize golf tournaments, show our faces in parades, apply for grants, and do everything we can for the businesses on main street to give them the best opportunity to thrive.”

Paramedic roots Even though Lisa loved being a paramedic, two back surgeries since 1998 have

kept her from working fulltime. However, Lisa and her family are still very involved in the Adams County Speedway.

Lisa is the paramedic and ambulance director for the track each Saturday night — which means she schedules both paramedics and EMTs to work during the races. Lisa has two sons that race at the track, so she watches the races from the grandstand and if there is a wreck she helps

medical personnel at that time.

Her son Josh Cooper — who just turned 20 — placed third last year in the Bmodified division at Adams County Speedway and was also named most improved driver. Her other son Justin races in the highly-contested late model division.

Lisa said she plans to continue her duties as ambulance and paramedic director for many years to come.

Contributed photo

Lisa Brown, left, stands with her son Josh Cooper after he won his first race ever at Adams County Speedway in September 2013. Also pictured is a track official, her son Justin Cooper and 7-year-old granddaugther Emma.

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Contributed photo

Lisa Brown, right, stands with Corning Fire Chief Donnie Willett after winning Corning firefighter of the year in 2013.

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Creston Publishing Company Creston True Value Creston Veterinary Clinic, P.C. Creston Vision Clinic Creston Walmart Super Center Crop Production Services, Inc. Curves Dairy Queen of Creston Di Miller at 3’s Company Dr. Al & Pat Pokorny Dr. Brian Kinkade Dr. Dan Coen Dr. Dave Buck Dr. Michael Buck Dr. William Todd Scott Draper, Snodgrass, Mikkelsen & Co Eby’s Auto Echo Electric Edward Jones Investments Elizabeth Waigand, IowaWORKS Elm’s Club F & M Body Shop Family Shoe Store Family Vision Center Fareway Farmers Cooperative Company Ferrara Candy Company First National Bank Fredricksen Memorials Garden & Associates, Ltd Gavilon Grain, LLC Gay Lynn Owens, Stewart Realty Grapevine Staffing Great Western Bank Greater Regional Medical Center Green Acct & Tax DBA Eblen Acct & Tax Green Valley Chemical Green Valley Pest Control & Lawn Care Green Valley Realty H & R Block Hahn Roofing Hammer Medical Supply HCI Hospice Care Services Heartland Tire & Auto Center Hi-Crest Auto & United Super Wash Holiday Motel Hometown Insurance Hometown Realty Hotel Greenfield Hy-Vee Food Store Innovative Industries, Inc. Internal Medicine Consultants/Dr. Tom Young Iowa Focus Iowa State Savings Bank

Iowa Tool & Manufacturing Inc. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services ISU Union County Extension & Outreach J & A Flooring James Law Office, PC Jane Lowe Jane’s Headquarters Java J’s Jo Anne Duckworth, Union County Emergency Management Kay Ritter Ken Hudson Ken’s Barber Shop Kiki’s Graphics Kilgore Rentals & Lease Kilgore’s Enterprises, Inc. Kilgore’s RV Sales, Parts & Service Kinkade Industries KSIB Radio Leilani’s Antiques Collectibles & Second Hand Goods Leslie’s Dance Emporium M & M Motors Maple Street Memories, LLC MATURA Action Corporation McDonald’s Mediacom Medicap Pharmacy Mid-State Surveying & Consulting Midwest Carbonic Inc Midwest Opportunities, Inc. Moberg Iowa Realty Moonlite Motel Morning Star Internal Medicine Clinic Mullin Mullin & Harvey NAPA-Creston New Life Family Medicine PC Nishna Valley Credit Union Office Machines Company, Inc. PCSB Bank Pearson Family Funeral Services Perspective Counseling Pine Valley Golf & Bowl Piper Sign Art Pizza Ranch Pokorny BP & Automotive Service Powers Funeral Home Prairie Solid Waste Agency Prairie View Assisted Living & Memory Care Precast Concrete Precision Optical Group Punky’s Quality Glass Company Quilts & Other Notions

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Quilts & Other Notions Creative Center R Realty Rhine Body Repair Rieman Music Roger Saxton, Stewart Realty Savta’s Greenhouse Sharon Bennett She-Nae’s Rescued & Renewed Sister Chicks Catering South Central Iowa Community Foundation/ Union County Southern Hills Veterinary Services, Inc. Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority Southern Iowa Resources for Families, Inc. Southern Iowa Rural Water Association Southern Prairie YMCA Southwestern Community College St. Malachy Foundation St. Malachy School Stalker Chevrolet Inc Stalker LLC Stalker Rentals State Savings Bank Stewart Realty Strand Theatre Subway – Hwy 34 Subway – Walmart Super Center Super 8 of Creston Supertel Inn & Conference Center Supreme Cleaners Taco John’s Taylor Financial Teresa’s Fine Floral The Lobby The Lobby Apartments The Windrow Restaurant & Sports Bar three C design Timberview B & B Tyler Insurance Services, Inc. U-Haul Union County Abstract Van Gelder Clothing Vanmark Equipment LLC Vernie’s Drapery Shop Vickers Programming & Service Waste Management of Creston Wellman Dynamics Corp Wimmer Farms Winterstien Construction Wishing Well

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

21A

Heaton ‘does it all’ for Corning Opera House

By KYLE WILSON

CNA managing editor kwilson@crestonnews.com

CORNING — The main reason De Heaton became involved in the renovation of the Corning Opera House six years ago was because of a decision made by the Corning School District to cut music instruction at their schools.

“I grew up around all kinds of music, was in drama and jazz band,” Heaton said, “and those arts teach you about life like how to get along with others, communication skills, encouragement and teamwork. I felt (by them cutting the program) we were losing some of our arts and culture in Corning.”

So, Heaton did something about it.

She joined the Corning Opera House Board in 2008 and became a very dedicated member.

The group was given rights to the opera house building in 2000 and — when she arrived on the board in 2008 — they were holding several fundraisers including soup suppers and bake sales in order to raise money for the renovation of the opera house project.

“The building was in very, very poor condition when they purchased it,” Heaton said. “The roof was in bad shape so there

“You can’t even imagine what it looked like in there. It was uninhabited for many years and the rats and bats had taken over.”

— Judy Antisdel

Corning Opera House Board Treasurer

were water spots everywhere in the auditorium including the walls. All the lights were missing and tin was hanging from the ceiling.”

Judy Antisdel, treasurer for the Corning Opera House Board, echoes Heaton’s comments about the

De Heaton joined the Corning Opera Board in 2008.

condition of the building in 2000.

“You can’t even imagine what it looked like in there,” Antisdel said. “It was uninhabited for many years and the rats and bats had taken over.”

Heaton said the board was in need of some funding, and soup suppers and bake sale fundraisers Contributed photos weren’t going to cut it if This is a photo of the Corning Opera House after renovations were complete in 2012. they really wanted to imCorning Opera House be- finds volunteers for the all prove the structure.

More than 13,000 southern Iowans make They continued rais- fore it re-opened to the the events held. us a part of their lives each weekday!

“If there is a weekend ing money and in 2010 public in June 2012. The the group received a $1.5 first act there was Ron event, it’s not uncommon million I-JOBS grant — a Cooley and The Trio of for her to be at the opera Omaha featuring Jeff Mill- house 10 to 12 hours that state-funded program.

“That was a huge day for hollin — formerly of Corn- weekend,” Antisdel said. ing.

“She makes it all happen. us,” Heaton said.

The Road HOME Starts Here...

“It was nice to have a loShe has even opened her Heaton said the group raised another $750,000 cal person coupled with a home up to some of the through a capital cam- big name,” Heaton said. artists when she can’t find paign. The grant and “They did contemporary suitable lodging for them.”

105 S. Sumner Avenue • Creston Last year capital campaign money love songs with a jazz feel.”

Bill Callahan - Owner/Broker De’s role Heaton said the Corning allowed them to start makAntisdel said Heaton Opera House has become ing major renovations to “does it all” at the opera a gathering place for the the opera house. www.callahanrealestate.us community. They’ve held They have since put a house.

It’s estimated Heaton weddings and dances at brand new roof on the Website: www.callahanrealestate.us opera house, installed — who currently works the opera house. They’ve part time for Southwesthosted musicals, plays and geothermal heating and Please call one of the following agents for cooling, restored the au- ern Community College’s musicians from several all of your Real Estate needs. ditorium to its original satellite campus in Red different genres including condition including hand Oak — volunteers 25 to 30 country, blues and new age Randy Miller......641-344-8044 Don Irelan.........641-344-9120 KimWhittington...404-909-9327 Gary Borcherding...641-344-7455 painting the ceiling like it hours a week at the CornAaron Finch.......515-370-1592 Ken Callahan......641-202-0406 ing Opera House.

Please see was in 1902.

Bill Callahan......641-344-0274 HEATON, Page 22A Heaton schedules all the “All new seating was artists at the Corning Opinstalled, state-of-the-art lighting and sound was era House. She’s in charge installed,” Antisdel said. of all the marketing includAdult Medicine Specialists “The audio package cost ing keeping the group’s a half million dollars. Facebook page and webThomas P. Young, D.O. The sound is above and site up to date. She also Carey Wimer, D.O. beyond. We’ve had performers tell us it’s the best sound system they’ve ever Historically ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS had.”

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22A

Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

HEATON: Continued from Page 21A

piano.

“We have about one act per month right now.

We’ve had just about every kind of act except for opera singers,” Heaton joked.

Heaton said 75 percent of the acts are from out of state with many coming from Omaha, Neb., Minneapolis, Minn., and Nashville, Tenn. Heaton said the opera house has hosted acts from 16 different states and six different countries since 2012.

Future shows Last year, more than 4,000 people attended the 20 shows held at the Corning Opera House. Heaton has intentions in 2014 of scheduling at least one show per month at the opera house.

Upcoming shows include a play titled “Things My Mother Taught Me” directed by Beth Waddle of Corning. It’s a full-length romantic comedy play.

The play features Olivia and Gabe who are moving into their first apartment

together. The couple has just packed up all of their belongings and driven halfway across the country to start a new life together in Chicago. But, their moving day doesn’t go exactly as planned when all of their parents show up to help.

That event is slated April 4-5.

Heaton said another event scheduled in April is a broadway show by Mary Carrick and Todd Brooks of Omaha. It will be April 26.

“I think people believe all we have at the opera house is opera singers,” Antisdel said. “That’s not true at all. De does a wonderful job of bringing a variety of different shows for all age groups.”

Heaton said in June Peter Grady — former Iowa attorney general — will perform at Corning Opera House.

He is a one-man show whereby he impersonates former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.

“He takes you through Grant’s life including his civil war days, his bat-

Contributed photo

Graffiti consumes the walls at the Corning Opera House in the early 2000s before more than $3 million in renovations were done.

tle with alcoholism and cancer,” Heaton said.

“There’s a scene where he’s on his death bed. This show comes highly recom-

mended.”

To purchase tickets or for more information on shows, visit corningoperahouse.com

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Contributed photos

John Cook

Right, this photo is of the Corning Opera House auditorium prior to renovations at the venue starting in 2008.

Below is a photo of the new auditorium at Corning Opera House after renovations were made.

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

Farm fresh Creston Farmers’ Market manager puts time toward market, other endeavors ■

By BAILEY POOLMAN

CNA staff reporter bpoolman@crestonnews.com

Imagine bright red peppers and buttery yellow sweet corn sitting in the summer sun waiting to be chopped and sauteed on the stove at home.

Many people shop local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and other products, but what the person behind the market is like is a story in itself.

Brian Zachary, a transplant from California, moved to Creston in 2007 with his family. Quickly, Zachary found his niche in local foods and products.

Why Zachary found his niche because he wanted to meet people.

“I was new to town, so I wanted to meet people.

So, I got involved with a lot of things,” Zachary said.

“I volunteer out at the Union County Historical Complex, and I asked the mayor (Warren Woods) if I could start up the Historical Preservation Commission.”

Zachary also said he was afraid of being bored after moving to Creston with his wife, Jean Weisshaar, a

farmer, and two children.

But, volunteering his time keeps him busy.

“It’s tiring. I got to get up at 5 to put out signs in the morning (for the market), and clean up at night, and things like that,” Zachary said. “I grumble about it but when it’s going on it’s really worth it.”

Keeping busy and community development are also what drive Zachary.

“I’ve got to be doing something, I just have to.

And, I like community development. I think this town has great bones and is on a trajectory upward.

Some people aren’t happy about vacancies or this or that. But, I think there’s a really good path upward,” Zachary said. “And, I think if we could make it a nice place to live, then our kids won’t move away, the brain drain thing, and other businesses would want to move here.”

Continuation of the market Zachary, 43, became part of Creston’s farmers’ market in 2008.

“It (the market) was next to the News Advertiser, that little vacant lot. And, there were, like, three vendors and no parking, and it was very sad,” Zachary said. “That was one of my regular things in LA (Los Angeles), was to take the kids to the farmers’ market in the stroller and sample everything. And, it was a fun thing, so I was really kind of bummed when we didn’t really have a farmers’ market.”

“I’ve got to be doing something, I just have to. And, I like community development. I think this town has great bones and is on a trajectory upward. Some people aren’t happy about vacancies or this or that.

But, I think there’s a really good path upward.”

— Brian Zachary

Creston Volunteer

23A

Brian Zachary moved from California to Creston with his family in 2007.

Jodi Hitz was the former manager of the market.

“My wife was going to run it until she found out how much time it took,” Zachary said. “Then she’s like, ‘You need to do this.’

And so, I took over and went to the (farmers’ market) convention.”

Changes to the market After taking over the market from Hitz, Zachary called a meeting to discuss moving it to McKinley Park and focusing on being family-friendly.

“I don’t know why (they wanted it on West Adams Street) because there’s nothing of value over here, but I think one of the ideas was that they wanted it uptown. That’s, you know, when you’re doing a main street thing, you try to do events uptown,” Zachary said. “But, out at the park, there was electricity and

CNA file photo

Brian Zachary, volunteer with Creston Farmers’ Market and Creston:Arts, looks on as Eduardo Garcia, artist and instructor at Iowa State University in Ames, shows him a piece of art Jan. 3 at Creston Art Gallery in the restored Creston Depot.

shelter and parking and bathrooms and water fountains and playgrounds and that really went along with the family-friendly thing.”

After moving Creston Farmers’ Market to McKinley Park, the number of vendors went from 10 in 2008 to about 16 in 2013.

Creston Farmers’ Market opens the first Monday Please see ZACHARY, Page 24A

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Creston News Advertiser Monday, March 24, 2014

ZACHARY: Continued from Page 23A

in June until the second Monday in October.

“I wanted it to be, and nobody else was going to make it happen,” Zachary said. “So, I make it happen I guess.”

Differences Slight changes were made by Zachary to improve Creston Farmers’ Market for people in the area.

“There’s a couple demographics in town: ones that live here and ones that work here and live out of town,” Zachary said. “So, the idea to move it to Monday night was, after work you come by and grab your vegetables for the week, and then whatever you can’t get you can get at the store.”

Zachary said he emphasized supper as one aspect of the market by hiring caterers and promoting produce other food products.

Then, he emphasized music.

“At first, it was the (Creston) Middle School band, which was great because all the parents would come out and shop as well,” Zachary said. “I really like to support that kind of stuff.”

Eventually, Zachary was able to get Beards of a Feather to play regularly each week.

Community volunteering The local historical complex is open on the week-

ends, and there’s a cleaning once a year Zachary helps with. He has also digitized the complex’s photo collections.

“I’d really like to get them to have computers and things like that,” Zachary said.

Zachary used to be on the board for the Wallace Centers of Iowa, but now his focus is Creston Farmers’ Market, where he puts in about 10 volunteer hours per week during the market season.

“We are a great farmers’ market. And, we are the farmers’ market in the area,” Zachary said. “I’ve been building up vendors, so now we have almost an average of 20 vendors.

Now, I need to build up the customers for those vendors.”

Zachary promotes the market on Grapevine, radio program on KSIB, and lighted signs in Creston.

He also puts in writings in Creston News Advertiser.

Creston:Arts As well as the market, Zachary spends his time volunteering with Creston:Arts, a local art organization.

“I really like the community, and I really like giving back to the community, and there are some things that I see missing,” Zachary said. “Like an art center, so that’s my big focus now, to get an art center open.”

Zachary opened

Contributed photos

Above, these vegetables sit on a table in McKinley Park during Creston Farmers’ Market in 2013. Right, these pumpkins sit in the shade during Creston Farmers’ Market in 2010.

Creston:Arts gallery at the restored Creston Depot, with the help of Woods.

He is the secretary of Creston:Arts.

“I really started it (Creston:Arts), and opened an art gallery because I wanted an art gallery,” Zachary said. “The mayor was like, ‘Why don’t you make it into an art council?’ And, I was like, ‘Well, okay.’ And, it’s turned out really well.”

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