RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of North Central Iowa celebrated volunteers in June at their annual volunteer recognition event. 289 volunteers were honored. Cumulatively, they served more than 7,000 hours during the 2021-2022 program year throughout six counties. (Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth)

The ceremony featured messages from both Alison Mason, RSVP director and Patti Hanson, Dean of Continuing Education. The event concluded with a video featuring area school teachers, nonprofit leaders and students who shared thanks to volunteers for their service and positive impact.

The focus of RSVP of North Central Iowa is childhood literacy. In addition to their school-based programs, Reading Buddies, Pen Pals and Reading Coaches, RSVP also partners with local organizations to provide volunteers. These agencies include: Cerro Gordo Public Health, Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Emergency Management. To learn more about how to get involved with RSVP, please call 641-422-4303 or email rsvp@niacc.edu

During the ceremony, 27 volunteers were recognized for their service. Awards are based on total hours of volunteer service.

Bronze Award recipients, who have completed 100-249 hours are:

• Linda Bottorff, Mason City
• Jeanne Burgart, Clear Lake
• David Curtis, Clear Lake
• Elaine Fratzke, Clear Lake
• Connie Graber, Forest City
• Kathy Hanson, Northwood
• Gayle Heimer, Osage
• Robin Koob, Alexander
• Adriane McKinley, Osage
• Marilyn Moore, Clear Lake
• Harlan Rodberg, Forest City
• Phyllis Rush, Mason City
• Pam Stemmerman, Mason City
• Karolyn Hornung, Mason City

Silver Award Recipients, who have completed 250-499 hours are:

• Nickie Baker, Sheffield
• Star Barnes, Clear Lake
• Don Gettner, Mason City
• Sue Hoeft, Forest City
• Nancy Huber, Clear Lake
• Kathy Johnson, Kanawha
• Larry Kollman, Mason City
• Joyce Nuehring, Manly
• Vicki Robertson, Mason City
• Alan Steckman, Mason City

Gold Recipients who have completed 500+ hours are:

• Annette Bruns, Forest City
• Gwen Suntken, Mason City

For information on RSVP of North Central Iowa, visit www.niacc.edu/community-and-continuing-education/continuing-education/rsvp or contact 1-888-466-4222 ext. 4256, (641) 422-4256 or rsvp@niacc.edu.  RSVP of North Central Iowa serves the counties of Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago and Worth responding to priority community needs by providing meaningful, purposeful volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and over. RSVP is sponsored by North Iowa Area Community College and is partly funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, State of Iowa, United Way of North Central Iowa and local county governments.

North Iowa Area Community College, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  NIACC welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years. Are you ready to become a Trojan? Apply Today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/

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