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Spirit of Keokuk
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| From left, Dr. Lora Wolff, Sgt. Ivan Parrish of the Keokuk Police Department and Jean Meyer were presented Spirit of Keokuk Awards Tuesday night. |
Meyer, Parrish and Wolff receive 18th annual awards at The Affiliates Banquet
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Jean Meyer, Sgt. Ivan Parrish and Dr. Lora Wolff are the latest recipients of the Spirit of Keokuk Award.
The three received the honors during the 18th annual dinner meeting of The Keokuk Affiliates in Keokuk Tuesday night. The Affiliates are comprised of the Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Keokuk, Inc. and Keokuk Economic Development Corp.
Established in 1992, the award recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions of time, talent and expertise toward the economic vitality of the Keokuk area.0 Sixty-six persons and organizations had received the award before Tuesday night's presentation at the Keokuk Country Club.
Meyer has been an active volunteer with the Friends of Keokuk Animal Services for several years.
“For more than 25 years, Jean has made the protection and safety of all God's creatures her mission,” said the person who nominated her. “Every single day, she is at the city's intake center for abandoned or neglected animals, feeding them, cleaning their cages and seeing to emergency care of them.”
However, Meyer's volunteer service doesn't end there.
“Many days, you will find her front and center in this mission to educate and inform the public about animals and pet care. She is on radio talk shows, in the schools, at the malls; wherever she needs to be to get her message out,” her nomination form said.
Meyer also is on the lookout for donations and grants to provide supplies, veterinary care and improvements to Keokuk Animal Services.
“Sometimes I think she has a 24-hour-a-day job, and I suspect she has provided a lot of medicine and emergency treatment for injured animals out of her own pocket,” her nomination form added. “Her patience with pets and people is something to admire.”
Parrish was recognized for his internationally-acclaimed Guardian Angel Project, an eight-week program that partners positive role models with teens who are having difficulties in life and making decisions that could lead to a life of criminal activity and despair.
The role models from the community and teens create ceramic guardian angel figurines. Once the figurines are completed, the role models and teens deliver the angels they have created to children with life threatening illnesses at the Children's Hospital of Iowa in Iowa City.
“This is a wonderful program that encourages teens to do something for someone else, meet new people and get to know the police on a different level,” said one person who nominated Parrish. “They are given the chance to experience what it feels like to do something good for others and feel more fortunate about their own lives.”
Another person who nominated Parrish said: “This is by far the best community policing program I have ever seen to touch the hearts of troubled youth and the adult mentors who work hand in hand with the troubled youth of Keokuk.”
Wolff, the assistant superintendent of the Keokuk School District, has acquired more than $7 million for Keokuk public schools with her grant writing ability. The funding has provided everything from books to computers, safety equipment to personnel, and before- and after-school care to field trips.
“A single car parked at the district's offices late at night, on weekends or holidays can only mean one thing. Lora is on deadline to submit yet another grant proposal to one of the hundreds of funding sources she has unearthed during her career,” said the person who nominated her.
“She has truly left no child behind; she has brought into the schools as many advantages for the gifted and talented as for the learning-disabled child, for the athlete as the academic.”
Starting her career as a teacher, she became the district's technology director after identifying a need for computers in the district. She contributes to strategic planning and curriculum policies.
“Her extraordinary intellect and communication, writing and organizational skills have put her at the forefront of academic leaders in this state,” her nomination form added.
Each of The Affiliates gave a short presentation before the Spirit of Keokuk Awards were handed out.
Jerry Metternich, representing the Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, noted tourism was a $52 million business in Lee County and a $5.8 billion business in Iowa last year. Keokuk held several events that attracted tourists last year, including Bald Eagle Appreciation Days, the Battle of Pea Ridge Civil War Re-enactment, L-Bird Convention and Rollin' on the River, to name a few. A music educators group founded in Keokuk 100 years ago also held a symposium in town last year. Hotel/motel taxes added $250,000 to the city budget, too, Metternich pointed out.
Incoming Chamber President Bruce Derr presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing Chamber President Terry Knoke. Two Chamber board members, Bill Cole and Kerry Klepfer, are leaving the board since their terms have expired.
New Main Street Keokuk Inc. President Barb Smidt recognized outgoing President Linda Mullen for her efforts in 2007. Last year, 15 Main Street property owners got design assistance. New Christmas decorations were bought and displayed, and $1,250 was raised for Keokuk Area Hospital Foundation projects. A total of 10,000 flip flops were given out during a summer Crazy Days promotion. New litter receptacles were obtained for Main Street. The Main Street Keokuk, Inc. board will buy and renovate a downtown building this year, Mullen said.
New KEDC President Susan Dunek recogized outgoing President Joe Steil for his service to the local enonomic development group last year. Dunek noted that KEDC, the Fort Madison Economic Development Corp. and Lee County Economic Development Group held a joint meeting in 2007, and KEDC participated in Alliant Energy's First Impressions Program. And Industry Committee was formed, and the KEDC has visited local industries on a regular basis, she said.
Steil pointed out industry was incorporated onto the KEDC's board and Southeastern Community College was given an ex officio seat on the KEDC board.
Doug Shipman was given the Ambassador of the Year Award for the second time in four years.
Mayor David Gudgel paid tribute to the role of volunteerism in Keokuk.
“Over six years (as mayor) I've learned this town will not and cannot survive unless you're a part of the moves we're making,” Gudgel said.
While Keokuk got a boost when Gov. Chet Culver and the late Ken Hendricks announced plans for a new wind turbine tower plant and then was stunned with the news of Hendricks' death, the city will move forward, Gudgel said.
“We'll have hurdles, but if we can jump those hurdles, you'll realize you have created a city of promise and success,” the mayor added.
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Jean Meyer, Sgt. Ivan Parrish and Dr. Lora Wolff are the latest recipients of the Spirit of Keokuk Award.
The three received the honors during the 18th annual dinner meeting of The Keokuk Affiliates in Keokuk Tuesday night. The Affiliates are comprised of the Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Keokuk, Inc. and Keokuk Economic Development Corp.
Established in 1992, the award recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions of time, talent and expertise toward the economic vitality of the Keokuk area.0 Sixty-six persons and organizations had received the award before Tuesday night's presentation at the Keokuk Country Club.
Meyer has been an active volunteer with the Friends of Keokuk Animal Services for several years.
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However, Meyer's volunteer service doesn't end there.
“Many days, you will find her front and center in this mission to educate and inform the public about animals and pet care. She is on radio talk shows, in the schools, at the malls; wherever she needs to be to get her message out,” her nomination form said.
Meyer also is on the lookout for donations and grants to provide supplies, veterinary care and improvements to Keokuk Animal Services.
“Sometimes I think she has a 24-hour-a-day job, and I suspect she has provided a lot of medicine and emergency treatment for injured animals out of her own pocket,” her nomination form added. “Her patience with pets and people is something to admire.”
Parrish was recognized for his internationally-acclaimed Guardian Angel Project, an eight-week program that partners positive role models with teens who are having difficulties in life and making decisions that could lead to a life of criminal activity and despair.
The role models from the community and teens create ceramic guardian angel figurines. Once the figurines are completed, the role models and teens deliver the angels they have created to children with life threatening illnesses at the Children's Hospital of Iowa in Iowa City.
“This is a wonderful program that encourages teens to do something for someone else, meet new people and get to know the police on a different level,” said one person who nominated Parrish. “They are given the chance to experience what it feels like to do something good for others and feel more fortunate about their own lives.”
Another person who nominated Parrish said: “This is by far the best community policing program I have ever seen to touch the hearts of troubled youth and the adult mentors who work hand in hand with the troubled youth of Keokuk.”
Wolff, the assistant superintendent of the Keokuk School District, has acquired more than $7 million for Keokuk public schools with her grant writing ability. The funding has provided everything from books to computers, safety equipment to personnel, and before- and after-school care to field trips.
“A single car parked at the district's offices late at night, on weekends or holidays can only mean one thing. Lora is on deadline to submit yet another grant proposal to one of the hundreds of funding sources she has unearthed during her career,” said the person who nominated her.
“She has truly left no child behind; she has brought into the schools as many advantages for the gifted and talented as for the learning-disabled child, for the athlete as the academic.”
Starting her career as a teacher, she became the district's technology director after identifying a need for computers in the district. She contributes to strategic planning and curriculum policies.
“Her extraordinary intellect and communication, writing and organizational skills have put her at the forefront of academic leaders in this state,” her nomination form added.
Each of The Affiliates gave a short presentation before the Spirit of Keokuk Awards were handed out.
Jerry Metternich, representing the Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, noted tourism was a $52 million business in Lee County and a $5.8 billion business in Iowa last year. Keokuk held several events that attracted tourists last year, including Bald Eagle Appreciation Days, the Battle of Pea Ridge Civil War Re-enactment, L-Bird Convention and Rollin' on the River, to name a few. A music educators group founded in Keokuk 100 years ago also held a symposium in town last year. Hotel/motel taxes added $250,000 to the city budget, too, Metternich pointed out.
Incoming Chamber President Bruce Derr presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing Chamber President Terry Knoke. Two Chamber board members, Bill Cole and Kerry Klepfer, are leaving the board since their terms have expired.
New Main Street Keokuk Inc. President Barb Smidt recognized outgoing President Linda Mullen for her efforts in 2007. Last year, 15 Main Street property owners got design assistance. New Christmas decorations were bought and displayed, and $1,250 was raised for Keokuk Area Hospital Foundation projects. A total of 10,000 flip flops were given out during a summer Crazy Days promotion. New litter receptacles were obtained for Main Street. The Main Street Keokuk, Inc. board will buy and renovate a downtown building this year, Mullen said.
New KEDC President Susan Dunek recogized outgoing President Joe Steil for his service to the local enonomic development group last year. Dunek noted that KEDC, the Fort Madison Economic Development Corp. and Lee County Economic Development Group held a joint meeting in 2007, and KEDC participated in Alliant Energy's First Impressions Program. And Industry Committee was formed, and the KEDC has visited local industries on a regular basis, she said.
Steil pointed out industry was incorporated onto the KEDC's board and Southeastern Community College was given an ex officio seat on the KEDC board.
Doug Shipman was given the Ambassador of the Year Award for the second time in four years.
Mayor David Gudgel paid tribute to the role of volunteerism in Keokuk.
“Over six years (as mayor) I've learned this town will not and cannot survive unless you're a part of the moves we're making,” Gudgel said.
While Keokuk got a boost when Gov. Chet Culver and the late Ken Hendricks announced plans for a new wind turbine tower plant and then was stunned with the news of Hendricks' death, the city will move forward, Gudgel said.
“We'll have hurdles, but if we can jump those hurdles, you'll realize you have created a city of promise and success,” the mayor added.
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