Kalona, Wellman, Washington libraries awarded at Annual Dinner

By Cheryl Allen

The News

RIVERSIDE

Over 300 business professionals and community members gathered at the Riverside Casino Monday night, dressed to the nines for the Washington Annual Dinner & Awards Night. After enjoying social time followed by a meal buffet, they appreciated the words of keynote speaker Dr. Eric Recker, who entreated them to find their “why” when it came to tackling mountains in their personal and business lives.

The awards presentation then followed. The Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) awarded the Harvey Holden Award to the three Washington County Libraries – Kalona, Wellman, and Washington.

“Mr. Holton was passionate about Washington and dedicated service. He exemplified the spirit which we honor yearly. With this award in his memory, we recognize individuals who continue his legacy of exceptional dedication to our community,” Ryan Schlabaugh said, introducing the award.

The city administrator for the City of Kalona then presented Trevor Sherping, past director of the Kalona Public Library, with an award, explaining that current director Olivia Kahler could not be present that evening.

“It is truly an honor to recognize not only Kalona Public Library, but the libraries in Washington County as this year’s recipient of the Harvey Holden Outstanding Service Award. Our libraries are not just buildings filled with books, they are vibrant community hubs that provide invaluable resources and programming for all ages, from young children to senior citizens,” Schlabaugh said.

“The Kalona Public Library exemplifies this mission through its commitment to lifelong learning, offering engaging programs that foster literacy, creativity, and connection. From story times and STEM activities for youth to technology classes and discussion groups for adults, a library continually adapts to meet the ever-changing needs of our growing community.”

Nathan Klostermann, Wellman City Council member, presented an award to Carrie Geno, director of the Wellman Public Library.

“This past year, Wellman Public Library embarked on a journey to refresh and modernize the library space, assuring it remains a welcoming, functional space for all comers,” he said. “The Wellman Public Library has worked hard to ensure that it isn’t just a place where books live, but also a hub for dynamic events and programs that serve the diversities and interests of our community. From educational workshops and digital literacy classes to kids’ story hours and adult book programs, our programing has reached new heights. This year, we saw remarkable increases in participation. Our library is buzzing with excitement as people of all ages come together to learn, engage, and grow.”

Cary Ann Siegfried, director of the Washington Public Library, also accepted an award.

Main Street Washington awarded three awards at the March 10 event. The individual Heart of Main Street awards were bestowed on Jena Steele, who serves on four committees and helps with events, and Wilson Leppert, who has shares his photography skills. The business Heart of Main Street award went to Deana Delong of Lux Suites, who revitalized a downtown space.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce named Washington County Hospital and Clinics (WCHC) it’s 2024 Business of the Year, for having “long been a pillar of healthcare excellence in our region. Over the past few years, they haven’t just grown, they have raised the bar in patient care, innovation, and economic impact.”

The Washington Chamber’s 2024 Citizen of the Year is Darren Brown, “a man whose dedication to service has transformed lives in our community; a man who saw a need, felt a calling, and took action, creating a refuge for those without a home, a support system for those in crisis, and a second chance for those seeking hope.”

Brown is founder and director of Tribulation and Trust Ministries and The Lighthouse Center, organizations that provide emergency shelter, food, clothing and counseling to those in need.