MASON CITY, IOWA, October 25, 2012 – The 10th Annual Volunteer Recognition Award Banquet was held at the MacNider Art Museum Salsbury Room on October 25, 2012. Nearly 30 volunteers were recognized for their work on behalf of the Volunteer Service Department on various projects including Adopt-A-Street, Adopt-A-Lot, Adopt-A-Section at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Beautification, Park Watch, Community Wide Clean Up Day, Friends of the 457, Parks and Recreation Youth Sports, and other special projects including school partnerships, graffiti eradication, tree plantings and administrative assistance.
Harold Gaiser and Ozzie Ohl were the recipients of this year’s Shining Star recognition. Gaiser has been a valued volunteer to the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetary and Ohl has contributed countless hours to the Blue Zones Project™ along with several other projects.
The 2012 Shining Star Team recognition was awarded to the Jason and Holly Ott Family for their involvement with the Adopt-A-Lot program through the City Volunteer Department.
The Shining Star Award is awarded to individuals and teams or businesses that contribute to the needs of the City. It’s through their efforts that others see the commitment and dedication they share with the community.
Our City is lucky to have wonderful volunteers like these recipients, and the Volunteer Service Program continues to thrive. Ozzie Ohl commented that he will be out trying to recruit ten individuals to start volunteering with him, and left the audience with a challenge to match his recruiting efforts.
City council members were present to help celebrate the contributions volunteers make to the city organization. Mayor Eric Bookmeyer presented the award to the Ott Family at the annual volunteer luncheon. Angela Determan, Community Program Manager for Blue Zones Project, and Randy Opheim, Elmwood St. Joseph Municipal Cemetery Manager presented the individual awards.
Harold is a great guy. He has done a lot at the cemetery. Mason City is lucky to have him. Was Ohl that guy who did that sculpture in the mall? Is he the same guy doing that sled hill?
Yes, Ozzie built the replica of the Park Inn in the mall and is spearheading the sledding hill.
Is ozzie related to the woman trying to sue the cop shop?
Congratulations to all the volunteers yesterday’s luncheon!
Matt, thank you for covering this event. Every project these volunteers work on is value added to our community.