20 Under 40 2011

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

Casey Callanan

Becky Elsbernd

Amy Fleming

Carrie Crum

Carol Dettmer

20 40

Matt Duve

Nathan Gann

Andrea Goedderz

Brandi Hiscocks

Jacob Lee

Jeff Recker

Joe Rowe

UNDER

Brenda Harris

Rob Heimbuch

Cally Niess

Jennifer Pearce

Matt Schoneman

Sybil Soukup

Aaron Street

Mary Ann Woods

The North Iowans honored in this ‘20 Under 40’ special section care about their families and professions, but also through their service to their communities are working to benefit generations that aren’t even around yet.

We asked our readers to nominate people under age 40 who are role models. We found 20 North Iowans and more who work and play with zest and a remarkable sense of service. They are people who make a difference.

It’s an honor to honor them, and we hope you will enjoy learning more about them.

Section photographers: Jeff Heinz, Jake Rajewsky and Arian Schuessler • Section editor/designer: Bob Steenson

H2 • SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40

CASEY CALLANAN –

‘We all have different talents.

Why not share?’

By KIRK HARDCASTLE

Casey Callanan

kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

o Casey Callanan, giving his time back to the community is a no-brainer.

The 31-year-old Clear Lake native is a past president of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

He’s the vice chairman of the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation.

And he’s also the president-elect for the Cerro Gordo Independent Insurance Agent Association.

“The real question is, ‘Why not?’ ” Callanan responded when asked why he does what he does.

“We all have different talents,” he said. “Why not share those to advance the cause in creating a stronger North Iowa?”

And Callanan’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Casey, as far as I’m concerned, is a fine young man who’s certainly involved in a lot of activities in Clear Lake and Mason City,” said Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb.

“He’s very active in a

Age: 31.

Family: Wife, Hunter.

Occupation: Vice president of First Insurance Agency Why I do what I do for my community: The real question is, why not?

We all have different talents. Why not share those to advance the cause in creating a stronger North Iowa?

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variety of community organizations.”

Callanan, who graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1998, said his parents taught him the importance of giving back to the community.

“Both my parents are lifelong residents of Clear Lake,” he said. “My dad was a teacher and coach in Clear Lake and is now a City Council member.

“I’ve definitely gotten my values instilled from my parents. I also have a 92-year-old grandfather that’s still alive.

“I’ve seen all the good

they’ve done and there’s a lot of mentors I’ve had through the years that are North Iowans.

“I’ve seen them get involved and be involved,” he said. “I’ve always admired that.”

CALLANAN, WHO IS THE VICE PRESIDENT at First Insurance Agency, said he’s able to make time for everything he does.

And he has the support of his employer.

“We give him the time,” said Tel Pappajohn of First Insurance Agency. “We think it’s important that he takes all the time he needs.”

Pappajohn called Callanan an “up and comer” and “very aggressive.”

“He will continue to make a difference in the North Iowa area for many years to come.”

Callanan left North Iowa for Washington, D.C., after graduating from Iowa State University where he earned a degree in political science in 2002.

In Washington he worked for U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, focusing on the House Budget Committee.

Three months later, Callanan decided to return home.

“I enjoyed it and learned a lot,” he said. “I

got to meet some interesting people that testified before the budget committee.

“There’s no doubt I definitely got homesick and that’s what prompted me to move back.”

Now he wants to do all he can to make North Iowa

the best place it can be.

“I want to be part of the solution and not a naysayer or someone negative,” he said.

“I want to hopefully increase the quality of life that we all share and continue that forward.”

CARRIE CRUM –

‘Growing up we always had dogs ...’ dog park,” she said.

Crum thinks the dog park will be a great community asset for a number of reasons.

Carrie Crum Age: 31.

Family: Engaged to Tyler Poulter.

Occupation: Patient Financial Services, Mercy Medical CenterNorth Iowa.

Why I do what I do for my community: It’s a passion of mine.

From that experience, Crum thought: Why not a dog park in Mason City?

She started talking to some people about it and started a Web page and a Facebook page. She has spoken to the City Council and has been raising funds for it.

“Now it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ A lot of people have been praising me, but really, I’m just being selfish. I don’t want to keep having to drive out of town to take my dog to a

“IT BUILDS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. You see the same people, the same dogs in the same place. Even the dogs become friends.

“And it will bring people into the community, just like I go to the dog park in Des Moines. It will have a big impact,” she said.

Mayor Eric Bookmeyer knew Crum before he became mayor and said he recognizes leadership qualities in her.

“She showed she is a passionate visionary with the ability to execute her vision,” he said. “She is in the next generation of leaders in Mason City.”

When she’s not crusading for the dog park, Crum

is an active volunteer at the Rhythm Church, “doing everything from sheetrocking to greeting,” she said.

Pastor Nathan Gann said, “Carrie is an encourager who always has a smile. It’s why we have her as a greeter.”

He said she was part of the group who helped launch the church.

“She spent endless hours helping us clean and paint, and of course she did it with a smile,” said Gann.

He recalled a time when she went on a ski trip with church friends and shattered her knee.

“The whole trip back she was in good spirits and her normal, positive self, later finding out she needed surgery. Her heart and attitude are why she goes out of her way to serve the community,” he said.

GOOD JOB! C

from the city water plant.

“Growing up, we always had dogs. I always loved them,” said Crum.

“I had a dog when I was dating Tyler, who was in Des Moines at the time. I took the dog with me when I went to see him.

The dog was fearful of people and even fearful of other dogs. We took him to the dog park in Des Moines and he loved it.”

Brenda Harris

Casey Callanan

Your commitment to your communities and projects have not gone unnoticed congrats from everyone...

CONGRATULATIONS thank you for your dedication to making North Iowa a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I wish you continued success, Alex Kuhn

Manufacturers Bank & Trust Company

Paid for by Citizens for Alex Kuhn

MS-56066

MASON CITY

arrie Crum has seen several instances in her life in which all the pieces have amazingly come together.

For instance, she’s getting married next year to Tyler Poulter. They weren’t childhood sweethearts or classmates or worked together or lived in the same apartment building.

They met when he was best man and she was a bridesmaid at the same wedding. “We hit it off and fell in love,” said Crum.

Then there’s the matter of the proposed dog park for Mason City.

Crum has been an advocate of a dog park for a long time, and it is likely to be built as a result of the most unlikely of circumstances.

The devastating Mason City flooding of June 2008 caused many homes to be abandoned and eventually demolished.

The city held neighborhood meetings so citizens could have a say in how their neighborhoods could be rehabilitated.

Out of those meetings came the idea of creating a dog park on 12th Street N.E., on 5½ acres across

MS-55374

By JOHN SKIPPER john.skipper@globegazette.com

Forest City 585-2825

Crystal Lake 565-3231

www.mbtbank.com Member FDIC Clear Lake 357-6161

Lake Mills 592-0041

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011 • H3

20 UNDER 40

MATT DUVE –

‘There is satisfaction.

I like to see people work together’

CAROL DETTMER –

‘It’s easy to act small and pull in, but I think we can inspire others’

By MARY PIEPER mary.pieper@globegazette.com

MASON CITY For The Globe Gazette

RAKE

att Duve has made a big adjustment to life in the small town of Rake and to rural North Iowa — not because it’s been difficult but because he’s gotten so involved in the past five years.

“He immediately became involved in the community,” said Rake Mayor Louise Hagedorn.

She called his contributions “huge.”

Duve moved to Rake with his wife, Melissa, a native of the Rake area, from Chandler, Ariz. The family, including children Emma and Will, live in what was once the couple’s summer home.

“Our subdivision in Arizona was bigger than Rake,” Melissa Duve said.

After 10 years they began to evaluate raising children in the Phoenix suburb, the cost of living and other items. They were convinced they should make a move to North Iowa and did so in June 2006.

Duve works as a project manager for Western Geomatic Services in Arizona. The company does surveys and plans for developments mainly in the southwest U.S. Duve works via Internet and cell phone and hasn’t been back to the home office in nearly two years.

He’s passionate about small-town life and North Iowa and said he gets on his soapbox frequently about how rural Iowa offers a chance to own a small business, raise kids in a safe environment and offers a healthy agriculture economy, good schools and the chance to get involved.

Volunteering, he said, “makes you just more appreciative of it.”

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He’s the town’s fire chief, an emergency medical technician on the ambulance squad, a member of the North Iowa School Board and he volunteers at church and in community activities.

Hagedorn said Duve revitalized the town’s Fire Department.

“My main goal was to involve anybody who wanted to be involved,” Duve said of the department.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS who aren’t comfortable entering buildings with airpacks are still needed because they drive the trucks and operate the pumpers, Duve said.

“There is satisfaction. I like to see people work together,” Duve said.

Encouraging people to get involved means focusing on their strengths and not weaknesses and then finding roles that suit them, Duve said.

Duve is also good at applying his creativity and intelligence to the North Iowa School Board, Superintendent Cory Myer said.

“He’s always looking for something new, something innovative,” Myer said.

While creative, Duve is

Matt Duve Age: 34.

Family: Wife, Melissa; daughter Emma, 8; son Will, 2.

Occupation: Project surveyor for Western Geomatics Services of Chandler, Ariz.

Why I do what I do for my community: If there is something that needs to be done and I have a service or skills to offer, it’s important to do that. also “very level-headed,” Myer said.

“He thinks things through and very carefully. He has the ability to analyze and determine what’s important to all stakeholders.”

Duve said volunteer work is satisfying but he has a particular passion for being an EMT. “There is such a need for it in this area,” Duve said. The region has a limited amount of emergency medical care including being miles from the nearest large trauma hospital.

Those who work with Duve said there is a need for people like him in the region.

“Volunteerism is really what it’s all about for him,” Hagedorn said.

arol Dettmer believes in taking action.

“When we let our light shine and put ourselves out there, we are giving other people permission to do the same,” said the 37-year-old Mason City resident.

“It’s easy to act small and pull in, but I think we can inspire others,” she said.

When the Mason City Council was discussing Vision Iowa, she contacted her friends via email to let them know when the issue would be on the council meeting agenda.

Eric Bookmeyer, who later would be elected mayor, “ran with it,” she said, noting he is the one who came up with the name Grassroots for Mason City and started a petition in favor of Vision Iowa that was signed by 2,000 citizens.

Melanie Sewell of Mason City, a friend of Dettmer, said she is “the rare kind of person who thinks, ‘If I don’t do it, then who will?’ ” Sewell said Dettmer is the kind of person who “bids up charity auctions for the sake of doing good, who shops locally and gives generously with her time, talent and resources to this community.”

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Age: 37 Family: Husband, Tim, and three children: Lauren, 11; Adam, 9; and Miriam, 6.

Occupation: Co-coordinator for Parents & Preschoolers Education.

Why I do what I do: I’m healthy and capable, and why not?

Dettmer is a native of Wisconsin. She and her husband, Tim, an ear, nose and throat physician at the Mason City Clinic, have lived in Mason City for six years.

They have three children.

DETTMER IS CO-COORDINATOR for Parents & Preschoolers Education, a North Iowa Community Action program.

She helps coordinate classes in six counties for the parents of preschoolers.

Attendees, who bring their children along, learn parenting skills during the sessions.

“They are fun, interactive, playful classes,” Dettmer said.

It’s a part-time position, so Dettmer, who has a teaching degree from Wartburg College and a master’s degree in educa-

tion from the University of Iowa, can use her skills, “yet balance it with my family.”

Susan Muyskins, the other co-coordinator of Parents & Preschool Education, said before she and Dettmer began working together a year ago, they each coordinated separate preschool parent education programs.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Carol,” Muyskins said.

“She is gifted at putting together a program that supports preschool families in our area.”

She described Dettmer as “friendly, creative, driven, energetic, helpful, dedicated and flexible.”

Dettmer is a Girl Scout leader, serves on several committees at Trinity Lutheran Church and serves as president of the Jefferson PTO and on the PTO at Lincoln.

She enjoys walking, reading, running and swimming.

In March Dettmer went to Guatemala on a medical mission trip. A friend from college who now is a pediatrician in Nebraska and goes every year invited her along.

Dettmer decided to go because she speaks Spanish and had never gone on a mission trip before.

“It was a great way to serve and model for our children,” she said.

CONGRATULATIONS CAROL DETTMER for being nominated as one of

this year’s 20 UNDER 40!

You were chosen because of your talent, skills and your willingness to volunteer your time in helping others!

Carol is Co-coordinator of Preschool Parent Education at North Iowa Community Action Organization. She lives in Mason City with her husband, Timothy Dettmer, a Mason City Clinic physician.

MS-55883

MS-56049

By RAE YOST

Carol Dettmer

250 S. Crescent Drive, Mason City TOLL FREE: 800-622-1411 GENERAL INFORMATION: 641-494-5200

H4 • SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40

NATHAN GANN –

‘You want to serve others. You can’t help but be changed’

By DEB NICKLAY

Nathan Gann

deb.nicklay@globegazette.com

Age: 34.

Family: Wife, Elizabeth, son Silas, 3.

Occupation: Pastor of Rhythm Church in Mason City; architect, Bergland + Cram, Mason City.

Why I do what I do for my community: I don’t want to sound like a cliché, but my answer is “love.” I love my family and friends. I have this crazy idea that someone like God could love an imperfect, messed-up person like me, and I am supposed to do the same.

MASON CITY

athan Gann, pastor of the Rhythm Church in Mason City, leads with his heart, friends say — and he gets their trust and love in return.

“He has a ‘servant heart,’ ” said Tim Murray of Mason City. “He has established a real following in the church because of the relationships he forms.

He puts the needs of the church ahead of himself.”

Fellow congregation member Ashley Peck of Mason City agreed.

“He cares so much for people and he makes them feel like they belong,” she said.

The infant church, launched in September 2010, has drawn almost 200 members from across North Iowa since its inception.

Gann, 34, an architect for Bergland + Cram in Mason City, admits that his love of people, he said, “is why I get up in the morning.”

A native of Missouri, he and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Mason City to be near Elizabeth’s family in Forest City — and, to establish a church.

Gann earned an architecture degree from the University of Kansas and his seminary degree from Talbot Seminary in Los Angeles.

The past year has been

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one of enlightenment and inspiration, he said.

“It has allowed me to change how I really love people,” he said. “That love has broadened. You want to serve others. You can’t help but be changed.

You stop seeing people in the ‘2D’ and start seeing them in the ‘3D’ instead.”

Peck and her family recently moved to the city from Las Vegas.

“One of the things we checked were churches and Nathan and Elizabeth are part of the reason we made

the final decision to move here,” she said. “They make you feel so welcome.”

In turn, another congregation member, Carrie Crum, said Gann “wants us to be leaders in generosity,” she said.

Gann and fellow members mounted a “Rock the Block” block party in the North End this summer, not to “push our affiliation on them ... we just wanted kids to be able to be kids and have a good time,” Crum said.

“Everyone kept saying,

‘Who’s putting this on?

Why would someone do this for us?’ ” The church in its short life has partnered with Life Line Resources in collecting backpack for kids. At Thanksgiving members donated dinners to families in need.

At Christmas, gifts were collected for young ones.

“We want to show people that they are valuable and important,” Gann said. “When you do that, you can start to build bridges.

“We want to be a people who give other people hope. And, it’s about a God we believe is pretty cool.”

AMY FLEMING –

‘I try to be as positive as I can be and be a good role model for my kids’

By KRISTIN BUEHNER

Amy Fleming

kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

Age: 35.

Family: Husband,Troy Elwood; daughter, Madelyn, 7; son,Treyton, 5; parents,Tim and Sue Fleming; brother: Eric, Mason City; sister: Kimberly, Cedar Rapids.

Occupation: Anchor, news content coordinator at KIMT-TV. Why I do what I do for my community: It’s a wonderful community and it’s given so much to me. I want to give back.

MASON CITY

ason City television newswoman Amy Fleming is well known for her work on camera.

But her work off camera is impressive, too.

At 35, Fleming is president of the Cerro Gordo County Free Health Care Clinic, which opened in 2009 to serve county residents who do not have health insurance.

She is also a member of the North Iowa Band Festival committee, with which she has been involved since 2002.

A high school and college athlete, Fleming coaches basketball and softball through the YMCA and Mason City Parks and Recreation Department.

She also helps with Thanksgiving dinner at North Iowa Community Kitchen, rings the bell each year for the Salvation Army and helps with God’s Portion Day at Newman Catholic Schools.

“I try to be as positive as I can be and be a good role model for my kids,” she said.

Mary Woerner of Clear Lake, a nurse, community volunteer and former missionary, said Fleming has undertaken “the considerable task” of helping to raise money to establish and continue to support the free clinic.

“Recognizing the need to provide health care for many underserved individuals in our area, Amy faithfully continues in the role of leading the board, which oversees this extremely valuable service,” Woerner said.

Brian Hanft, an official with the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health and member of the Free Clinic board of directors, said Fleming “has done a fantastic job.”

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“She has served as the liaison between the clinic and the community,” Hanft said. “She kept the dialogue going and getting things going on the right track.”

That included helping to recruit a clinic coordinator, Hanft said.

“I always think there’s a way to get something

done,” Fleming has said.

“I’m not going to take no for an answer.”

Her service as a coach at the YMCA was prompted by the involvement in the Y of her children, Madelyn, 7, and Treyton, 5. She and her husband, Troy Elwood, married in 2001.

“If I can coach my daughter’s team or my

son’s, I’m always happy to do that,” said Fleming, who played basketball and softball in high school and college.

A 1994 graduate of Newman Catholic High School, Fleming graduated from North Iowa Area Community College in 1996 and from Wartburg College in 1998.

She was hired at KIMT in September 1998 and became a news anchor — her ultimate goal — in 1999.

Fleming credits a lot of her later success to the fact that she competed in dancing — tap, ballet and jazz — at a young age.

“I think all of that experience really builds your confidence,” she said. “I think it helped prepare me for what I do today.”

By JULIE BIRKEDAL For The Globe Gazette

MASON CITY

nergy, enthusiasm, humor and heart.

That’s Becky Elsbernd.

Elsbernd works as a parish nurse at Trinity Lutheran Church.

“I promote wellness of body, mind, spirit by integrating aspects of faith and healing through health education, counseling and assisting members of the church body,” she said.

Working for Trinity in health-related ministry is Elsbernd’s dream job.

Church was important to her while growing up. She worked four summers at a Bible camp.

“It was there that I decided I was happiest working in a ministry setting,” she said.

While many of people served by Elsbernd’s ministry are older, Trinity does a health fair for Sunday School children, she said.

The Lenten Wellness Challenge gets participants from ages 5 to 90 competing for the most minutes of physical activity, Bible reading and prayer.

Lunch and Learn, a monthly health program, is open to people who are in the work force or at home.

“I try to keep balance in my life,” Elsbernd said. If she works longer than 20 hours one week, she’ll try to cut back the next.

She and her husband, Randy, a Mason City firefighter paramedic, have a busy household. Not only do they have three young children but a hobby farm where they raise sheep and broiler hens and keep laying hens.

“The lessons you can learn on a farm are so valuable it’s worth the extra work,” Elsbernd said.

The Elsbernds moved to Mason City from Calmar in 2004. They met in Decorah while Becky was studying nursing at Luther College.

Randy grew up on a farm in the Calmar area. Becky grew up in Ellsworth, Wis., but enjoyed visiting her grandparents’ farm.

She learned many life skills as a 4-H member and now helps support the Cerro Gordo Explorers, which is her son Nathan’s 4-H club.

“She’s applying to colead with me, ” said Dr.

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We are honored and blessed to have such a gifted and caring person as you as our parish nurse. Thank you for all you do for us and the community.

MS-55170

We are very proud of you

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‘I decided I was happiest working in a ministry setting’ Becky Elsbernd Age: 37.

Family: Husband, Randy; children, Nathan, 10; Britta; 8; Markus, 6.

Occupation: Parish nurse.

Why I do what I do for my community: I am so blessed in my life that I want to, in return, give back in hopes of being a blessing to others.

Donell Timpe of Plymouth.

“She’s very active as a parent and has been very gracious. … I’ve been really pleased to work with her.

“She’s a very bright, very able, very generous and involved person.”

When their children were preschoolers, Becky Elsbernd enjoyed monthly MOPS meetings. The meetings offer mothers of preschoolers an opportunity for a large group presentation on various parenting topics, small group sharing and support, and time to try an activity like stamping or using soup mixes.

Elsbernd, once the program coordinator, volunteers to provide child care during meetings now that her children are older.

Melanie Sewell, who currently coordinates the MOPS program, said Elsbernd has a joy-filled, servant’s heart.

“She’s very sunshiny and bubbly, just a lovely, lovely person,” Sewell said.

She gives far beyond her work hours to the church, said Marty Greder, director of education at Trinity. She acknowledges that she’s teased Elsbernd, telling her, “You can say ‘No!’ ” Last year, Elsbernd started a Wednesday evening children’s program known as Kids ROC (Kids Relying on Christ) at Trinity.

She’s also involved with the prayer shawl ministry.

“We’re able to give these prayer shawls to people who are going through a hard time as a tangible sign of God’s love and presence with us,” Elsbernd said.

“Whenever our church sends a group out to do mission work, we send some out.

“I love watching things grow, whether it be my garden or all the ministries at Trinity,” Elsbernd said. “I love to plant these seeds and see what God’s going to do.”

Congratulations Becky

Amy Fleming leming ming LARRY ELWOOD CONSTRUCTION 641.423.3261

BECKY ELSBERND –

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Your Trinity Lutheran Church Family

Trinity Lutheran Church 213 N Pennsylvania Ave Mason City Iowa www.trinity-mc.org

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011 • H5

20 UNDER 40

ANDREA GOEDDERZ –

Congratulations

‘Cancer doesn’t define them, but yet it sets them apart’ MASON CITY

ndrea Goedderz had planned on a career as a film producer.

Instead, two years after graduating from Waldorf College in 2007, the 25year-old Royalton, Minn., native wound up working in the American Cancer Society’s Mason City office.

She’s making the most of it.

Goedderz represents Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell and Worth counties in her position as a staff partner and liaison for the Cancer Society.

“It’s always been something that’s important to me, to see how far people (cancer survivors) have come,” she said.

“Being ‘out’ about it is really rewarding. They really own it. The amount of passion that we see is so high. Cancer doesn’t define them, but yet it sets them apart.”

At Waldorf she interned at the American Cancer Society, assuming the responsibility for four Relay for Life events while her supervisor was on maternity leave. She worked for the Cancer Society in Anchorage, Alaska, after graduation, and transferred back to North Iowa in 2009.

Goedderz took the Relay for Life fundraising income from $282,433 to $366,932 and has raised more than $1 million over the past three years for the fight against cancer, through the Relay for Life, Daffodil Days and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiatives, co-worker Julie Bauer said, adding this was during a major recession.

Goedderz was a member of the Leadership North

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Don and Sharon Sapp Mason City

MS-55025

For The Globe Gazette

Keep up the good work

Andrea Goedderz Age: 25.

Family: Single.

Occupation: Community relations representative and staff partner at the American Cancer Society office in Mason City.

Why I do what I do for the community: Basically, because I can. I’m young and I’m able and I want to make a difference, so I want to do this for as long as I can.

Iowa class of 2009 through the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, is 2011 individual development chairwoman for the Mason City Jaycees and received the Top New Member Award from the Iowa Jaycees in 2010.

She’s a founding member and current chairwoman of North Iowa Connect, a networking and development group for young area professionals.

“ANDREA BEGAN HER ASSOCIATION with North Iowa Connect working on the social aspect, and brought her experience and ideas to the table to get young people more involved and networking,” Bauer said.

“She has chaired and co-chaired several chapter projects and brings enthusiasm and new ideas to the chapter. Andrea is passionate about North Iowa, and it shows.”

Erica Weiland Genise, project manager for the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp., said Goedderz is “a tireless advocate for North Iowa and is involved in countless personal and professional ways.”

“When I think of ‘North

MS-55884

By RICHARD JOHNSON

Brenda Harris

Iowans Who Make A Difference,’ Andrea is at the top of my list,” Weiland Genise said.

All those volunteers, Goedderz said, hope to put the Cancer Society out of business.

They include Justin Anderson, an inspirational young Mason Cityan who suffers from brain cancer.

“People talk about their cancer. It’s volunteers like him who really get you up and get you motivated on those hard days,” she said.

Goedderz’ middle name is Mary, in honor of her grandmother, Mary Micheletti, who died of

lung cancer when Goedderz was 2.

Hence, she’s intent on helping end the insidious disease.

“It’s finding the little clues, the bread crumbs, that might lead us to the answer,” she said. “We need to get the point across, what we’re doing, where the money goes, what we believe in — and our mission.

“You just take it all in.

The big thing is just to listen. I’m very lucky to work in North Iowa. All the communities I represent are very giving. They’re all willing to help you out.”

To all the 20 Under 40 recipients On your well-deserved honor Keep up the good work

MS-55365

Main Branch - 640 S. Federal Ave., Mason City • 641-424-2281 West Branch - 4063 4th Street SW, Mason City • 641-423-2281 Toll Free 888-424-2281 • www.NICCU.com

Growing with North Iowa Businesses since 1956

ROB HEIMBUCH –

‘I knew I could make a difference. It’s Congratulations just regular people doing that position’ To this year’s 20 under 40 Honorees

By JARED PATTERSON

Rob Heimbuch

jared.patterson@globegazette.com

Age: 35.

Family: Wife, Dana; daughter, Mara, 10; son, Max, 7.

Occupation: Automotive instructor at North Iowa Area Community College.

Why I do what I do for my community: I knew I could make a difference.

MASON CITY

ob Heimbuch wants his reputation to go far beyond twisting wrenches and putting engines back together.

Heimbuch, 35, wants to make a difference.

That goes for the time he spends at his day job as an automotive instructor at North Iowa Area Community College and the hours he spends on the West Fork School Board.

A 1994 Mason City High graduate, Heimbuch moved to Rockwell when he married his wife, Dana.

In 2008 he was elected to the Rockwell-Swaledale School Board.

“I knew I could make a difference,” Heimbuch said. “It’s just regular people doing that position.”

Regular people doing important things.

Heimbuch’s reason for getting involved in the School Board was simple: When talks were swirling about the potential combination of the RockwellSwaledale and SheffieldMeservey/MeserveyThornton school districts, Heimbuch didn’t want anybody to get left behind.

Not Rockwell. Not Sheffield. Not anybody.

“When dealing with different towns, you want to keep a community’s identity,” Heimbuch said.

“I wanted to make sure everything didn’t get shifted from Rockwell to Sheffield or Sheffield to Rockwell.”

The transition was a success and Heimbuch still serves on the School

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Board — the one at West Fork, the combination of the two districts.

Just as important to him is his role at NIACC, where he has been named the Teacher of the Year for the industrial tech division.

“ROB DOES A GOOD JOB of connecting to the students and making the automotive technology curriculum interesting and reallife,” said Josh Byrnes, the division chairman of the industrial tech division.

“The program is very hands-on and Rob does a good job of simulating that shop experience to capture and hold the stu-

dents’ attention.”

Teaching is in Heimbuch’s blood. He just wasn’t sure when it was going to become a reality for him.

Heimbuch’s parents both taught, his mother for 30 years in the Mason City district.

He worked as a mechanic at Don Lafrenz Ford in Mason City before an opening arose at NIACC 13 years ago.

He’s been there ever since.

“The biggest goal is to make that difference so people get started and make sure they get the right start so they can move on and stay with it,”

Heimbuch said.

“I’m building building blocks. It’s a foundation for them to build on. I have students who are light years ahead of me with their abilities, and that’s to be expected.”

Expected from Heimbuch and appreciated by former students.

“They just tell me to keep doing what I’m doing,” he said.

He has drawn praise from many he has been associated with along the way.

“Rob is a student-oriented instructor who takes the initiative to get to know his students as individuals,” said co-worker Greg Arrowood, also an instructor at NIACC. “By treating them with respect, he develops a rapport that encourages open communication and learning.”

It’s always great to read about people who are doing things to make their communities a better place to live and work in.

Josh Byrnes

As a former 20 under 40 honoree I wish to offer my sincere congratulation to this year’s group. Your efforts are appreciated and it is my sincere hope that you as well as others will continue to serve your communities and help us all make North Iowa a better place.

MS-7768

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H6 • SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40 BRENDA HARRIS –

‘It’s really important they learn you need to give back’

By LAURA BIRD

Brenda Harris

laura.bird@globegazette.com

Age: 35.

Family: Husband, Brian; daughter Jayden, 13, and son Lane, 10.

Occupation: Print and digital sales consultant, Globe Gazette, Mason City.

Why I do what I do for my community: I want to teach my kids that they need to give back and teach them what you have in life is important, but so is giving back to your community.

MASON CITY

hen Brenda Harris was a child her mother often volunteered, whether it was as a room mother, 4-H leader or something else.

It taught Harris about the importance of giving back to others, and today, as a mother herself, she’s trying to teach the same thing to her children.

“It’s really important that they learn that you need to give back,” Harris said.

Her two children, Jayden, 13, and Lane, 10, are learning about giving back though Harris’s various involvement including their sports activities.

A few years ago she began helping with coaching through Mason City Parks and Recreation activities.

Today, she coaches her daughter’s traveling volleyball team and is part of the Mason City Booster Club.

“It’s fun,” Harris said about coaching. “It’s fun to see them improve. It’s also a good way to get to know the parents.”

As for the booster club, Harris became involved in it 1½ years ago and helps with the Spirit Store, which sells Mohawk gear.

Harris has also been trying to make a difference through her work at the Globe Gazette in Mason City.

Shortly after she started at the Globe Gazette, Harris was asked to help with the Christmas Cheer Fund and “it just grew from there,” she said.

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peggy.senzarino@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

eWitt native Jacob Lee came to Mason City several years ago to play soccer at North Iowa Area Community College.

What he found was a wife, a career he loves and a community he is proud to serve in many capacities.

Lee, 25, has been involved in the one-onone mentoring program in Ventura and Clear Lake.

He serves his church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Mason City.

Although he lives in Mason City, Lee works as a marketing coordinator at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. He is very involved in Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce activities.

“Jacob is a great volunteer for the Chamber,” said Chamber Executive Director Gary Bright. “He is on our First Mates Committee and always attends ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours and Customer Service Award Presentations.

“He was a co-chair for the first End of Summer Beach Party and was always asking people to volunteer to help out,” Bright said.

D

“ONE THING THAT STANDS OUT in my mind and best tells the kind of person Jacob is, he is the president of the Clear Lake Noon Rotary Club and every week he goes around the room and shakes hands with all the members of the club.

Seems like a small thing, but how many presidents of service clubs do that?”

Lee said he loves both communities.

“They are both great places for raising families,” he said.

Jacob and his wife are expecting their first child next year.

It was his love of children that led to his involvement in the mentoring program.

“I really wanted to be a positive influence in a child’s life. I thought the best way to do it was through the mentoring program,” Lee said.

He was paired with an 11-year-old boy last year.

He is waiting for a new

Jacob Lee Age: 25.

Family: Wife, Teresa Lee. Occupation: Marketing coordinator at Oakwood Care Center/ABCM Corp.

Why I do what I do for my community: I do it because I love my community.

match.

“One of Jacob’s strongest attributes as a person is his willingness to get involved with the community in a number of ways that involve all age groups,” said Sheri Weaver-Isvik, Oakwood Care Center administrator.

“FROM HIS MENTORING of young children, to volunteering his time for a number of community and area events, to being readily involved in many areas with the elderly, Jacob is always willing to support the groups he belongs to as well as lend a helping hand whenever he learns of someone needing assistance,” Weaver-Isvik said.

Lee is now working on developing a Rotary-sponsored Youth Exchange Program in Clear Lake. He is also the vice president of the North Iowa Aging Services Coalition.

“Jacob is an absolutely marvelous young man with such a positive outlook on all aspects of life.

He is truly a wonderful asset to the community,” Weaver-Isvik said.

Lee recalled coming to Mason City to play soccer at NIACC. That was where he met his wife, Teresa.

“I guess at NIACC I got a degree and a wife out of the whole thing,” he said.

He graduated from NIACC in 2007 and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business management from Kaplan.

“I love living here. The snow in the winter; we all know it’s going to happen.”

He has had to make some adjustments since moving three hours north of his hometown of DeWitt.

“You get about three times as much snow. I guess that goes with every hour you travel north.”

SHE SPENDS PART OF THE YEAR planning fundraising events for the Cheer Fund and the other part of the year for the Globe Gazette’s Cerro Gordo County Relay for Life team.

Fundraising events include snack days, silent auctions, a lunch/potluck for the entire building and other activities.

“Brenda commits her endless energy and enthusiasm to a variety of projects that improve the lives of others,” said Ruth Miller, marketing director of the Globe Gazette. “She’s really done a lot.”

The fundraising efforts have also lead Harris to become involved in the Cerro

Congratulations 2011 20 Under 40 Honorees !

Thank You for Your Contributions to Our Community!

Congratulations Brenda!

Love, Mom

JoAnn Peterson Independent Longaberger Consultant 311 7th Ave • Charles City, IA 50616-2421 Telephone: (641) 228-9975 or (641) 330-1135 jdtinc@fiai.net www.longaberger.com/joannpeterson MS-54141

“BRENDA IS REALLY THE EXAMPLE of a truly passionate volunteer,” said Andrea Goedderz, community relations specialist with the American Cancer Society in Mason City.

“She gives not only her time but volunteers her family time to really truly be involved in the fight against cancer. We’re very lucky to have a volunteer like Brenda involved in our organization.”

Harris became involved in the event because she has lost family friends and a classmate to cancer.

“That event really is amazing what we do in a short amount of time,” Harris said.

Relay for Life has led to volunteering for another event. Harris has been helping with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of North Iowa since it started three years ago.

Through the event she has helped with the silent auction and other aspects.

Jayden and Lane also participate and help.

Harris also serves on the education committee and helps plan events at the First United Methodist Church, Mason City.

“I’ve met a lot of nice, great people” through volunteering, Harris said.

MS-54383

By PEGGY SENZARINO

Gordo County Relay for Life outside of the Globe Gazette’s team.

She served as chairwoman two years ago and treasurer in recent years.

She has also volunteered to help out the day of the event, and her children usually attend so they can help out and see firsthand what it’s like to give back.

A BASKET FOR ANY SEASON OR REASON

o i ns t a l u t a r g Con Brenda!

1515 18th SW, Mason City, IA

MS-54954

‘I really wanted to be a positive influence in a child’s life’

423-0734

MS-55888

JACOB LEE –

Love, Brian, Jayden & Lane

Congratulations Brenda!

PROUD OF ALL YOU DO! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Love, Dad

DON PETERSON

2111 S. Federal Ave., Mason City

JD Trucking Inc. • Charles City, IA

641-424-4973

www.hawkeyeautobody.com

MS-54139

Brenda Harris our 20 Under 40 recipient!

Thank you for all you do!

We are proud of you and your many endeavors!

MS-55455

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011 • H7

SYBIL SOUKUP –

‘I am very involved with and very passionate about animal welfare’

By JUDY DELPERDANG judy.delperdang@globegazette.com

CLEAR LAKE

ybil Soukup learned advocacy from her parents.

She grew up in a political household. Her mom, a coal miner’s daughter from Appalachia, became an Iowa state senator.

Her factory worker dad “turned into a political activist, congressional aide and presidential appointee,” Soukup said.

“They’ve always served something greater than themselves.”

“I spent my childhood door-knocking, putting up signs, working the polls,” Soukup said. “It gave me a lot of unique opportunities to meet interesting folks — presidents, Nobel prize laureates, civil rights leaders — people who changed the world.”

It has served her well in her professional and personal life.

In 2002, she was elected to the Cerro Gordo County Iowa State University Extension Council, a position she still holds.

Though not an ISU graduate, farmer or “4-H kid,” she is passionate about Extension. She serves on its Citizens Advisory Council and has gone to Washington, D.C., to lobby for funding.

Soukup cites ISU’s strength in education, agronomy and science as a great resource for Iowans.

“Everybody should be taking advantage of it. I

S

MS-55875

think that ISU Extension is one of the best-kept secrets in the state.”

She has been a diplomat for the Mason City Chamber of Commerce since 2010. She said the Chamber does a great job representing Mason City around the world.

Soukup is also active with the American Cancer Society, a cause she fights for her dad, “a survivor and now a battler.”

She is co-chairman with Sandi Lincoln of Little Black Dress Night, a fundraiser for Relay for Life. It raised more than $6,000 this year.

Lincoln said her friend is “like sunshine.”

“HER ENERGY AND CREATIVITY are both boundless and endless,” Lincoln said.

“Together we are accomplishing amazing things.”

In 2008 Soukup was hired as executive director the Humane Society of North Iowa. Before that, she was procurement manager for Niman Ranch, a free-range pork company based in Thornton.

She joked it was a “natural progression from hogs to dogs.” But she called her experience with Niman Ranch “eye opening.”

“I am very involved with and very passionate about animal welfare because of that job.”

“Sybil is one of the most ardent advocates of animals but she is also an advocate for people,” said

Sybil Soukup Age: 37 Family: Mother, Betty, father Bob, older brothers Hans and Zach.

Occupation: Executive director, Humane Society of North Iowa.

Why I do what I do for my community: Those that know me personally will tell you my voice is my most distinctive characteristic.

I try to use it to the best of my abilities to be a voice for those who don’t have one.

Rod Pump of Clear Lake.

“If you are lucky enough to have her as a friend, she will support you through the good times and the bad.”

Soukup encourages others to volunteer.

“It’s imperative that you give of yourself,” she said. “People don’t often understand the impact they can make in the life of another.”

When the Humane Society took in dogs from an Iowa puppy mill recently, Soukup put out a plea on Facebook for “lap therapy” for the dogs who were not used to being held. That included Daisy, who accompanied Soukup on this interview.

“She became an adoptable dog because someone gave 20 minutes of their time to change this dog’s life.”

TEAMWORK. You can’t succeed without it.

POET Biorefining–Hanlontown POET Biorefi ning-Hanlontown congratulates Sauer for for congratulations Matt Joe Rowe his valuablecontributions contributions his valuable to to ourour community and company.

We are community and company. We are proud to have him on our team. proud to have him on our team. poet.com/hanlontown poet.com/hanlontown MS-54781

biorefining

H8 • SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40

JENNIFER PEARCE–

‘I’ve always been blessed to have giving people around me’

By JULIE BIRKEDAL For the Globe Gazette

MASON CITY

uggling business appointments, volunteer duties and family is routine for Jennifer Pearce.

Pearce has enthusiasm and energy to share, said Marty Walsh, executive director for Main Street Mason City. She’s always willing to help, with a smile.

For 15 years, Pearce managed Musicland or Sam Goody stores. From 1993 to 2006 she managed the store in Southbridge mall. When the store closed, she went to work for Mason City Business Systems Inc. A senior sales account manager, Pearce sells copiers, other office equipment and furniture to businesses within Cerro Gordo County.

Alongside her work, Pearce balances varied volunteer responsibilities and a family of four ranging in age from preschool through college.

“I’ve always been blessed to have giving people around me,” Pearce said.

She’s the kind of friend who’s more like a sister, said Kelly Fullerton, who has known Pearce for 12 years.

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Jennifer Pearce Age: 39.

Family: Husband, Brian; daughters, Alexis, 18; Jordan, 14; Kenadie, 3; and son, Brayden, 4.

Occupation: Senior sales account manager for Mason City Business Systems Inc. Why I do what I do for my community: Because I feel a sense of responsibility to be involved and to be an example, especially for my children. I think it gives you a certain sense of pride.

“I know I could call her at noon or at 2 in the morning and there’s times that’s happened,” Fullerton said. “If someone needs her to be there, she doesn’t think twice about doing it.”

PEARCE GREW UP IN smalltown Iowa. Woden and Titonka were not only the kind of towns where people knew you and waved, but where people took care of one another.

During her third-grade year, her family’s house in Woden caught fire.

“Our house burned down five days before Christmas,” Pearce said.

“The way people came together in that commu-

nity and gave of themselves and helped us get back on our feet, I think that impacted why I think it’s important to give to people and community.”

Pearce recently started her third year serving on the Main Street Mason City board and is serving her second year as president.

MAIN STREET MASON CITY is the downtown organization which serves as liaison between downtown businesses and the city. It recently started working on a project that will see 14 downtown properties get new facades through a Community Development Block Grant project.

“I’m very lucky. My employer is very supportive of my work with Main Street and being involved,” Pearce said.

Other volunteer efforts have included organizing a softball tournament a year ago for a friend contending with cancer and contributing to North Iowa Youth Center.

Pearce sang the national anthem with the youth singers before a men’s basketball game at University of Iowa, and Mohawk and Outlaws hockey games.

She’s served on the board, said Regan Banks, youth director.

Volunteering is something Pearce learned from her mother. Her mom,the late Kathy Buffington, was awarded a volunteer award

by Gov. Terry Branstad in 1990. This summer Pearce received a volunteer award for her efforts with Main Street Mason City from Branstad.

“My sister is just a really awesome person. She always puts someone else’s needs before her own,” said Kristy Buffington of Sioux City, who calls her sister her best friend. “Four kids, a husband. She amazes me.”

“I think it is important to give back to your com-

munity and to find a way to be involved,” Pearce said. “I want to keep my mom’s legacy going and set an example for my kids about giving back to the community.

“If you can impact even one person … I think you get back much more than the time you gave up for it.”

MATT SCHONEMAN –

‘Our roots are pretty deep in Garner and North Iowa in general’

By RICHARD JOHNSON For The Globe Gazette

GARNER

att Schoneman was a welder at Stellar Industries in Garner while working out his life’s plan.

Ultimately, being a member of a family stocked with real estate agents (including his grandfather, Marvin Schoneman, now 94), he returned to school and earned his real estate license in January 2000.

Schoneman then returned to his native Garner to work and give back.

Now 34, he’s president of the Garner Rotary Club and of the North Central Iowa Board of Realtors, vice president of the Hancock County Conservation Board, member of the Hancock County Compensation Board and the Prairie View Home Apartments board of directors.

He also coaches his son Cole in youth football and baseball leagues, and enjoys the outdoors — particularly bow-hunting.

M

“I GUESS I WANT TO DO ALL I CAN. I’d get bored if I was sitting around,” Schoneman said. “I wish there was more time to spend with my kids. But it keeps me young. They say busy people get things done.”

“Matt’s enthusiasm for Garner is contagious, said

Lisa Formanek, executive director of the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

“When you want to get a project done, call Matt.”

Schoneman Realtors was established in 1976 by Greg Schoneman and his parents, Marvin and the late Kathleen (“Kaye”) Schoneman.

The business now includes Greg, Matt and Matt’s brothers Brett, Chad, Cody and Kyle Schoneman.

Schoneman said he always wanted to sell real estate.

It’s a family tradition, after all.

“I THINK DAD KNEW WHAT HE WAS UP TO,” he said. “We’ve always been a very close family and we don’t have any issues. It’s all we’ve ever done.

“Our roots are pretty deep in Garner and North Iowa in general.”

Schoneman joined Rotary partly for the networking possibilities.

That ultimately led to his election to the 15member board of Prairie View Home Apartments, giving back to the residents of the retirement community which Garner’s Rotary Club helped establish in the early 1960s.

Schoneman exemplifies Rotary’s mission — service above self — and he’s

Matt Schoneman Age: 34.

Family: Wife, Tanya; sons Alex 16, Cole 10, and twins Gavin and Victoria (Tori), 10 months.

Occupation: Broker associate, Schoneman Realtors, Garner.

Why I do what I do for the community: I have interests. I guess if I have something to offer others, that’s why I do it. “very giving of himself,” fellow Garner Rotarian Barb Eisenmenger said, noting that he’s now working to convince local high school students to try the foreign exchange program.

“He shows great leadership skills,” Eisenmenger said. “He comes to board meetings well prepared and has suggestions for club projects and ideas.

“He has a deep commitment to Garner and the community.”

Being involved and “knowing a little bit about everything” is most rewarding, Schoneman said.

“I’m not afraid to try something different, instead of the way things have always been,” he said.

“Everything changes, and you’ve got to be willing to go with the flow.”

Congratulations Matt!

We Are So Proud To Have You As Part of Our Schoneman Team!!

“A small gesture,” Joe said, “but it filled an immediate need.”

A couple of years later neighbors planted the oat crop when Rowe’s father, David, became ill.

That’s just the way it is in North Iowa.

“Neighbors helping out neighbors in the community,” Rowe said.

MS-56038

ROWE: Farming looms large in his memories From H11 Rowe said. “Her schedule makes mine look pale in comparison. I don’t know how she does it.”

Farming looms large in his memories.

Rowe was about 6 when fire destroyed a neighbor’s barn.

The Rowes came over the next day with bales of hay for the neighbor’s animals.

Matt Schoneman Broker Associate

Mason City 1819 4th St SW 641-423-0500

Clear Lake 302 Main Ave 641-357-0500

Garner 465 State St 641-923-2813

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011 • H9

20 UNDER 40

BRANDI HISCOCKS –

‘At 8 I helped deliver my sister. I suppose if I can do that I can go into nursing.”

By CAITLIN LEITZEN For The Globe Gazette

BRITT

randi Hiscocks believes women thrive on chaos.

“We think we can do just one more thing.”

Hiscocks may have been talking about her friends in her hometown of Britt, but she was also describing herself.

As an instructor of practical nursing at North Iowa Area Community College, volunteer counselor at the Caring Pregnancy Center, Bible school organizer and Sunday school teacher, member of the West Hancock Parent Advisory Committee and mother to three daughters, Hiscocks keeps herself busy professionally and personally.

Hiscocks decided to become a nurse because of an unusual event in her childhood.

“At 8 I helped deliver my sister,” Hiscocks said.

She said she thought, “I

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suppose if I can do that, I can go into nursing.”

Suzanne Murphy shares responsibilities with Hiscocks as another practical nursing instructor.

“I COULDN’T ASK FOR A BETTER COLLEAGUE,” Murphy said. “And the students respond to her so well, too. They look up to her as a role model.”

Pat Byers, a retired registered nurse from Britt, nominated Hiscocks for for 20 Under 40 honor for her ability to “handle major hurdles all at once.”

“Some people can’t seem to fit everything into their schedule,” Byers said. “But when I look at Brandi, she can handle a job, a family and volunteerism.”

For Byers, what stands out about Hiscocks is her work as a counselor at the Caring Pregnancy Center in Mason City, which offers services to meet women’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs

Brandi Hiscocks Age: 35.

Family: Husband, Ryan; daughters Riley, 9; Parker, 7; and Brinley, 3.

Occupation: LPN instructor at North Iowa Area Community College.

Why I do what I do for my community: Serving other people comes naturally to me. I get a lot of fulfillment out of helping other people. in crisis pregnancies, according to its website.

“You can see the caring and compassion when she speaks,” said Byers, who has known Hiscocks since she was a baby.

As a nurse for 46 years, Byers also watched Hiscocks mature from volunteering as a candy-striper to earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Winona State University in Minnesota.

Hiscocks’ peers see a bright future for Hiscocks.

“When I think of Brandi I think of how she has contributed to so many things,” Byers said. “In my

heart I don’t think Brandi has reached her peak yet.”

“Whoever nominated her made such a wise

choice,” Murphy said.

“She is a dynamic individual with such a caring, open personality.”

JEFF RECKER –

‘I needed to be working with people’

By EMILIE NELSON

Jeff Recker

For The Globe Gazette

Age: 34.

Family: Wife, Gabrielle; son, Brody, 5; daughters Callie, 4, and Grace, 2.

Occupation: Principal, West Hancock High School.

Why I do what I do for my community: It’s been a great way to get to know people in the community outside of the school and to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us.

BRITT

eff Recker knew from a young age he wanted a job that required frequent contact with people.

A summer job during his college years led him to that realization.

“I had a summer job cleaning LP tanks once,” Recker said. “They gave me a schedule and a truck and I went out to work alone. But for someone like me, working alone just wasn’t my thing. I knew it then, I’m a people person, and I needed to be working with people.”

Recker’s interest in history, government and sports and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people led him to the University of Northern Iowa where he studied education.

“I always really enjoyed social studies and athletics,” Recker said. “Being in education was always something I wanted to do and my interest in those subjects led me into teaching.”

Recker taught social studies and coached at the MFL-Mar-Mac Community School in Monona for seven years prior to coming to West Hancock in 2007 as principal.

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involved. They’re involved in the town and in the schools and they are giving back.

“I appreciate that, and this is my way of giving back to them.”

Congratulations e Th

“IF THE LIONS ARE UP TO SOMETHING he is always

there,” Weiland said. “He is always out in the community and showing his support.”

West Hancock Superintendent Wayne Kroneman said Recker is a very approachable principal.

“He works well with his staff,” said Kroneman. “He listens well to them and

wants their input. He takes their suggestions into consideration when making decisions.”

Kroneman has also taken notice of Recker’s involvement in making Britt a better community in which to live and work.

“He’s very involved,” Kroneman said. “He defi-

Thanks to you and your family for your efforts, dedication and leadership.

Your commitment is vital to the future of Mason City and North Iowa. I applaud and value you as a former member of the club.

Eric Bookmeyer Mayor of Mason City MS-55456

21 Main Avenue North Britt, Iowa 50423

(641) 843-3512

Congratulations Jeff & Brandi

KELLY REAL ESTATE

(641) 843-3080 1 Main Ave. S., Britt, Iowa JoAnn Burgardt, Owner

For Your Investment Into Our Communities’ Future.

Congratulations

BRANDI & JEFF!

Brandi

45 Main Ave. S., Britt, IA

641-843-4102

MS-56890

MS-56030

well at the concession stand.”

Recker said, “I have enjoyed seeing the continued improvements at the pool. It has been a very positive addition for the community.”

Although he is frequently out in the community for his everyday job, Recker has attended numerous City Council meetings to update the council on Parks and Recreation happenings.

He is also a member of the Britt Lions Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

MS-55869

COBBLER SHOPPE

You both are great assets to our community.

MS-55868

Brandi & Jeff

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SINCE ARRIVING IN BRITT, Recker has been involved in many aspects of the community both in and outside of the school including serving on the Parks and Recreation Board.

“Jeff has been very involved with our Parks and Rec Board,” said Britt City Councilman Doug Weiland, who serves as the council liaison to the board.

“He was very involved in helping our community get a new pool up and running,” Weiland said. “He had just gone through that process where he came from and helped us to get ideas from staffing and supply orders to what sells

nitely enjoys getting out into the public.”

Recker said the community’s involvement in improving the quality of life in Britt has been impressive.

“That’s the great thing about this community,” Recker said. “People are

www.ftsbbank.com

H10 • SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011

THE GLOBE GAZETTE

20 UNDER 40

CALLY NIESS –

Cally Niess

‘I think it is important to put other people ahead of yourself’

Age: 17.

Family: Parents Scott and Julie Niess; one older brother Cody, all from rural Osage.

Occupation: Senior at Osage High School.

Why I do what I do for my com munity: I do what I do because I believe it is important to put other people and their needs before my own.

By DAVID NAMANNY For The Globe Gazette

OSAGE

sage’s Cally Niess may only be 17, but her peers, teachers and coaches at Osage High School say she is a not only a role model in the school, but a role model for the entire community.

Along with a nearly perfect grade-point average as well as her involvement in track, volleyball, band, chorus and show choir, Niess also makes “chemo bags” to help cancer patients and their families get through chemotherapy.

Niess sews each bag and fills it with items needed for those going through the process. The effort has been dubbed “Cally’s Cause.”

Niess said the idea for the chemo bags started more than three years ago when her mother, Julie, was undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

“We were taking two bags of things and putting things in our pockets,” she said. “We didn’t have a bag big enough for everything.”

As a result, Niess went to work using skills that she learned at a 4-H workshop which taught 4Hers how to make a bag, and it kept spreading from there.

So far, Niess has sewed and

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donated 84 of her chemo bags to cancer patients not only within the community but in other states.

“Word has gotten out about the bags, usually through family and relatives of cancer patients,” said Niess. “They just contact me and I ship them the chemo bag.”

Included in the chemo bags are items such as lap pillows, heating pads, Q-Tips, gauze pads, instant ice packs, stool softener, plastic utensils, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lip balm, Kleenex, vinyl gloves, hand lotion, snacks and other things.

Georgia Knudsen of Osage was one of the many recipients of a Cally’s Cause chemo bag when she underwent cancer treatments last fall. Now cancer-free, Knudsen said she will always remember Cally and what she did.

“I WAS SO VERY IMPRESSED that someone her age would take the time to be so caring,” said Knutson. “It really restores peoples’ faith in the giving spirit.”

And that giving spirit has spread as countless items and cash contributions for the bags have been donated through individuals in the community and several Cally’s Cause fundraisers that are held throughout the year

example of that.

Olson helped organize the latest fundraiser during a recent volleyball game against Lake Mills.

Olson said Cally’s generosity and caring attitude have provided an example for young and old alike, both in school and in the community.

at sporting events.

“I am so proud of Cally and her efforts in Cally’s Cause,” said Osage volleyball coach and

teacher Andie Olson. “There are not many high school kids that put the needs of others ahead of their own and Cally is a perfect

“I KNOW THAT FOR ME, PERSONALLY, it has made me stop and think about what others are going through — cancer has touched all of our lives in some way,” Olson said. “I’ve seen how much Cally has touched the lives of so many people and I can’t express how grateful I am to be a small part of helping her get the word out there.”

Niess plans to attend Iowa State University this fall to major in architectural design.

She still hopes to continue the Cally’s Cause program with the help of others like Debbie May of Debbie’s Quilt Shop in Osage, who has donated much of the materials used in the bags.

“I’m hoping someone else in the school or a 4-H group will step forward to keep the cause going,” said Niess. “I think it is important to put other people ahead of yourself and be the best you can be to other people.”

Dr. Aaron Street & Cally Niess You make us all proud!

THANK YOU Cally and Dr. Street

CONGRATULATIONS TO

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Cally & Dr. Street

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE

SUNDAY, OCT. 30, 2011 • H11

20 UNDER 40 AARON STREET –

Dr. Aaron Street

‘I would like people to be proactive with their health’

By JIM CROSS For The Globe Gazette

OSAGE

r. Aaron Street said one of his major goals — promoting health and wellness — is “to keep everyone living at their best.”

“Everyone that I see at my practice becomes like family and friends,” said Street. “I want them, as well as anyone I come in contact with, to know the importance of being healthy.

Street, 35, is the director of “Creating Wellness” program at the Cedar River Complex in Osage.

And wellness is his gig both in and out of the office.

The Osage native suffered a severe injury during a college wrestling meet and realized the ben-

D

efits of chiropractic. His recovery inspired his own career choice.

Street said his goal is to empower people by providing realistic means for their success.

“People are reactionary to their health concerns. I would like for people to be proactive with their health concerns,” he said.

He is a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly and earned his doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport. He opened Street Chiropractic in Osage 10 years ago.

“Healthy living is extremely important to Dr. Street and can be seen through his holistic approach to patient care,” said Amy Uhrmacher, wellness coordinator for

Age: 35.

Family: Anne, spouse, and three children, Meredith, 7, Quinn, 4, and Cooper, 1. The couple are expecting their fourth child in mid-November.

Occupation: Chiropractor Why I do what I do for my community: My purpose is to promote health and wellness and to keep everyone living at their best.

Street Chiropractic.

“I’ve often heard Dr. Street say that he would love to see Mitchell County be the healthiest county in Iowa, and he is actually doing something to make that happen.”

Laura Wynohrad, CRC wellness instructor, said she is “impressed with Street’s enthusiasm and endless wealth of ideas to bring better health and wellness to our community.

“Dr. Street is a visionary. He is always thinking bigger than the rest of us and comes up with many creative ideas to improve the health status of Mitchell County,” she added.

“I am motivated to get the word out to people about what is important for their health and well-

being, not just for today but for their future,” Street said.

He is also a member of the Osage Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Osage Education Foundation and was a Little League coach.

“Even though he’s a very busy man, he has always helped support our Kiwanis Club’s youth programs with his time, along with his financial support,” said Craig Snider, Town & County Insurance. “Both things are very important to our projects.”

His 80-something grandmother, Dorothy Krogstad, is a volunteer with the Mitchell County Conservation Board and

the County Historical Society’s Cedar Valley Memories historic site.

“She’ll outlive me,” See ROWE, H8

tomers, the same as she does for the community with volunteer work.

Seeing the faces of people who are being helped is the most rewarding factor in volunteer work, said

Woods. As her children grow, she hopes to spend more time with youth organizations.

Humbled by the recognition, Woods said, “So many do a lot more.”

JOE ROWE –

‘You just make it work. You try and keeping moving in a forward direction’

By RICHARD JOHNSON For The Globe Gazette

MANLY

oe Rowe works at Poet Biorefining in Hanlontown, and he waxes poetic when discussing his 170 acres of corn south of Osage.

He farms nights and weekends to build organic matter and help the soil hold moisture so it performs well for Rowe (pronounced “Rau”) and possibly his sons, Adler, 4, and Cohen, 6 months.

“I’m just a caretaker, a trustee,” said Rowe, 32. “I’m entrusted with this ground, and I feel it’s my obligation to do what’s right for it for the next generation.

“Even if the boys don’t farm, it’ll provide for them by renting it out. I look at it as a long-term family investment.

“Farming is my first love,” he said. “I love modifying equipment. I like restoring stuff.”

The 1997 Osage High

J

Joe Rowe Age: 32.

Family: Wife, Pam; sons Adler, 4, and Cohen, 6 months.

Occupation: Environmental, health and safety (EHS) specialist, Poet Biorefining, Hanlontown.

Why I do what I do for the community: It’s who I am. But who I am is based on where I came from.

School alumnus earned a major degree in agricultural studies and a minor in ag systems technologies at Iowa State University, in just 3½ years.

Rowe helped start up Poet’s distillation system when the plant opened in 2004 and is now its environmental, health and safety specialist.

That means much work with regulations, state compliance laws and such.

“It’s definitely differ-

ent,” he said. “There never seems to be a day where there’s no new regulation to be aware of. It’s unique.”

“Joe does a great job teaching us how to be safe and helping us to meet environmental standards,” said Poet Controller Dennis Koenigsberg. “He knows our plant extremely well and is well-respected by everyone he works with.”

Rowe also is captain and trainer for the Plymouth Fire Department. He has served as secretary-treasurer and led the grantwriting efforts which allowed the department to update its breathing apparatus and purchase new Jaws of Life rescue tools.

He is a trustee on the council at Rock Creek Lutheran Church near Osage, and works with Z and J Farms of Cascade, selling fuel caddies and seed tenders to farmers and contractors who need them to haul seed to fields and into planters.

“He’s just a really stand-up guy,” said Zach Reiter, a longtime friend who co-owns Z and J Farms. “He puts a lot into his community. He really is community-oriented.

“He’s just always been a real good guy. He stands behind his word and really puts his all into whatever he goes after.”

In his free time Rowe enjoys shooting sports and hunting.

That’s one busy schedule.

“You just make it work,” he said. “You try and keeping moving in a forward direction. My wife (Pam) has that same drive.

We know who we are and what we want to do.”

Rowe’s civic-mindedness probably came from his mother, Jane Rowe, an active member of the Osage American Legion Auxiliary, volunteer at the Mitchell County Care Facility and frequent quilter for charitable causes.

MARY ANN WOODS –

‘So many do a lot more’

Congratulations Mary Ann Woods!

MASON CITY

ollowing a family tradition, Mary Ann Woods started as a volunteer when she was just a little girl in Girl Scouts.

Both of her parents are heavily involved in volunteering and passed it along.

She was on the student council in junior high and in high school she was involved in clubs, the newspaper, Y-Teens, and visiting nursing homes, where she once helped create a haunted house.

Raised in Creston, Woods moved to Cedar Falls with her family in 1995. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in communication and a minor in psychology and started 11 years in mortgage banking, where she got to work with people one-on-one and follow her personal goal of helping people.

It satisfied her need for a “people fix,” she said.

She is now a personal banker with US Bank and appreciates the bank encouraging employees to

F

Mary Ann Woods Age: 36.

Family: Husband Chris; son Calvin, 8, daughter Rachel, 4.

Occupation: Personal banker, US Bank.

Why I do what I do for my community: I feel like I’ve been blessed with so much. do volunteer work.

Woods and her husband, Chris, moved to Mason City nine years ago when he had a good job offer. She likes the size of the community, the opportunities and the small-town feeling.

HER FAMILY IS HER PRIORITY, and they were getting ready for their first child when they moved to Mason City. After a year, Woods first worked for a bank before joining United Way of North Iowa, which deals with broad objectives for organizations.

With personal banking, she likes sitting down with people one-on-one.

Currently, Woods does a little work with many groups, taking her children Calvin, 8, and Rachel, 4, along with her.

MS-55118

For The Globe Gazette

From the entire staff at...

www.thesportstew.com

MARY ANN WOODS For your nomination as one of the 20 UNDER 40!

She is a Diplomat Team Member for the Chamber of Commerce and serves Habitat for Humanity as a member of the Family Selection Committee. She is also active with service activities for Kiwanis.

As a diplomat, Woods works on retention of members for the Chamber.

“She is always ready to tackle new opportunities, and her smile and friendliness are contagious,” said Colleen Young, Chamber membership and marketing director.

“She has shown great

We’re proud to have you as part of our US Bank Team!

support for the Chamber by her volunteerism for the past three years.”

AS A MEMBER OF the Family Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity, Woods is a “wonderful member, bringing needed skills to the endeavor, and is very devoted to getting homes for families,” said Melissa Schoneberg, director.

At work, Laurie Richards, US Bank sales and service manager, sees Woods as a “very sincere and genuine person,” providing the best for cus-

Mary Ann Woods Personal Banker Regency Office

MS-55794

By JOY DRENNEN

124 N. Washington Ave. Mason City, IA 641-494-2166 Member FDIC

555 S. Illinois Ave. Mason City, IA 641-424-2103

usbank.com

Globe Gazette, October 30, 2011

Congratulations to the 2011 20 Under 40 Recipient’s You are all shining stars of our community, Thank You!

2011 20 Under 40 Proudly Sponsored by Corporate Farmer 1307 6th SW, Mason City 641-424-4170 www.corporatefarmer.com MS-54523