MASON CITY – The 17th Annual Volunteer Recognition Award Banquet was held at the MacNider Art Museum Salsbury Room on November 14, 2019, the theme this year was TEAMWORK. Around 65 volunteers were recognized for their work on behalf of the Volunteer Service Department on various projects including Adopt-A-Street, Adopt-A-Lot, Beautification, Parks, MacNider Museum events, Highland Golf Course, and other special projects including school partnerships, graffiti eradication, tree plantings and administrative assistance.
Pete Craven and Les Batton were this year’s recipients of the Shining Star award.
Pete Craven volunteers his time for every golf tournament, outing event, and reunion golf event that Highland Park Golf Course hosts. He comes in the morning and registers golfers and takes the entry fees. He comes back at the end of the event to add scores, help organize flight winners of the events with staff, any cleaning or out of place materials he is always adjusting rearranging or cleaning. Pete also helps with the HPGC golf camp where he takes on kids and helps teach the game and pass on his knowledge and love of the game. Pete also works with High School kids and golfers out on the facility when they are just practicing. He has been a member or played at Highland Park Golf Course since 67’ (51 years). He plays golf regularly with his group of friends and loves being around the golf course!
Les Batton has been with the city for four years and has put in countless hours with the Beautification Program. He has taken over a few different City flower beds, works with the Parks Department, and also is a big help with the Friends of the 457 Engine in East Park. Les continues to help and plan new projects in our parks and with our Beautification Program. Les himself has volunteered approximately 400 hours in just the last year, which has made a huge difference to several city projects.
The 2019 Shining Star Team recognition was awarded to The River City Morning Kiwanis for their help with numerous projects throughout Mason City, some were hours with flower beds, raising money for the Cannonball and their gardens, Kiwanis Park, and recently the MacNider Playground staining project.
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.
Rookie of the Year Award is a new award this year; the award went to a new volunteer to Mason City. The award will be presented at a later date.
City Council members were present to help celebrate the contributions volunteers make to the city organization. Mayor Bill Schickel gave his appreciation and thanks to the Volunteers, Recreation Department Staff assisted in presenting the Shining Star Team award to the River City Morning Kiwanis. Park Department and Recreation Department staff and Volunteer Dennis Wilson presented the individual awards.
The Volunteer Service Department is a department of the City of Mason City, Iowa. The City Volunteer program promotes and coordinates volunteer opportunities within City departments to citizens seeking to enhance the community by donating their time and skills to various municipal projects. For more information on volunteerism, contact Mary Litterer at 641-421-3372.
