YOUR COMMUNITY WEEKLY
STORY COUNTY
INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 22 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016
Mary Kay Abbott celebrates 40-year journey of service Altrusa International of Ames, Inc. was honored to celebrate and recognize Mary Kay Abbott’s 40 years of Altrusa membership and 40 years of service. Mary Kay, retired owner of Mary Kay’s Flowers and Gifts joined Altrusa International of Ames, Inc. in July 1976. She is passionate about Altrusa and life. Mary Kay has a gracious, welcoming style that has contributed many years on the membership committee as well as holding offices such as president, secretary and treasurer. She has chaired and served
on service, ways & means, program, friendship and literacy committees as well as district nominating committees. In addition to touching and influencing the operations and growth of Altrusa Mary Kay touches the community through service projects including the City Garden, Casino Night, Home Holiday Tour and Steppin’ Out Style Show. In addition to growing plants and gardens, Mary Kay was recognized for growing her own, Altrusans that is. Daughter, Melanie Cornwell and
granddaughter Danielle Linder are very involved in the Ames chapter; granddaughters Natalie and Abby were ASTRAs at Ames High School, and Natalie has served as president of the Iowa City Altrusa Club. Mary Kay, an Iowa State University graduate, was recognized for her community involvement with ACTORS, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Ames Chamber of Commerce, being a mentor and inspiration to other Altrusans, a lady who has led her family to all be better people. Mary Clare Lokken
shared on behalf of the club that “Mary Kay is someone we can count on to be the voice of gentle prodding encouraging us to be our best selves in Altrusa and our lives.” Mary Kay, thank you for your integrity, genuineness, friendship, leadership, and guidance for the past 40 years, and all the years to come. You make a difference not just to the Altrusa International of Ames club but more importantly to the community. More photos, see page 4.
Mary Kay Abbott, left, and Susan Bartsch, president Altrusa International of Ames, Inc. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO