Coalition honors dedicated volunteers, members

     The Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition recently acknowledged several of its members for their dedication and volunteer efforts in promoting the mission of the Coalition.

     The following is a summary of why these members were honored:

Sabrina Rogers

     Rogers runs her own therapy business in Anamosa: Health Hope Harmony, LLC.

     She attended the Coalition’s annual purse sale/fundraiser well over a year ago and quickly became active with the Coalition. Rogers started attending monthly meetings, as well as volunteering and chairing the Coalition’s Outreach Committee. She also led the Coalition’s food stand efforts at the Scotch Grove Flea Market.

     “What an amazing job she did!” praised Coalition Project Coordinator Jennifer Husmann.

     This summer, Rogers also offered a hand with the Coalition’s Planning Committee for a short time.

     Now, Rogers is the President of the Coalition’s Executive Committee. She tries to attend every training and Coalition event that she can, while running her own business and being a full-time mom.

Caroline Olson

     Olson is a freshman at Monticello High School. She’s been involved in the Coalition’s BEASTS (Being Excellent And Staying Totally Safe) youth advisory group for two years now.

     She’s assisted in putting up posters throughout Monticello.

     Olson was also the star of the Coalition’s “What’s Your Natural High?” poster and billboard campaign. The billboard can be seen on Business Highway 151 South in Monticello.

     Olson’s other list of accomplishments concerning the Coalition include: working at the Scotch Grove Flea Market food stand, the “Better Together” block parties in Anamosa, and other events with her mom, Michele Olson.

Amy Doerrfeld

     Doerrfeld is an ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council) prevention specialist who works hand-in-hand with the Coalition. She’s been with the Coalition for 10 years now.

     Her list of Coalition accomplishments includes: BEASTS coordinator, Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol, and Drug Free Communities Grant assistance. As part of that grant, Doerrfeld helped with youth programming, prescription drug drives, TIP trainings, and focused on tobacco and prescription drug prevention in the community, with businesses, and with doctors’ offices.

     “Amy has spoken at Rotary meetings and church groups and attended many community meetings,” said Husmann.

     Doerrfeld is also on the Coalition’s Marketing Committee, in charge of ordering materials and designing prevention campaigns.

     She’s also helped recruit Jones County youth for events such as Day on the Hill and the Take Charge Conference.

     “You will never know a kinder person or a better listener,” Husmann added.

Jeff Meyers

     Meyers is also an ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council) prevention specialist. He’s worked with the Coalition for a few years now.

     Meyers coordinates and promotes the TIPS trainings, and also sits on the Policy Committee.

     He also runs community-based support groups with several elementary and middle schools, teaching Life Skills Training and other evidence-based curriculum at the schools.

     Meyers helps communities and businesses work on tobacco/nicotine-free policies. He also helped secure signage for the Text2Tell program on display inside businesses and on law enforcement vehicles.

Sheri Gilds

     Gilds has been an office volunteer for the Coalition for about a year now. She tracks all of the organization’s donations, keeps the mailing address list up to date, works on mailing pieces, assists with the in-kind reports every month, works on the Coalition’s newsletter, updates the Coalition’s website, sends thank-you notes, searches for grant opportunities, and keeps lists of those potential grants and donors.

     Prior to assisting the Coalition, Gilds was a director of finance for a non-profit agency.

     She has also cooked for the Coalition’s lunch meetings.

     “It has been such a blessing to have her help,” said Husmann.

Richard Tapia

     Tapia is from Monticello, and started getting involved with the Coalition last fall. He now sits on the Outreach Committee.

     Tapia led the Coalition’s Diversity Training workshop over the summer, and has plans to lead two more similar trainings yet this winter.

     Tapia started the Voices of Jones County podcast radio show, which also helps promote the Coalition’s efforts.

     Husmann said whenever Tapia has an idea, he will usually make it happen.

     Aside from his assistance, Tapia’s wife has even gotten involved baking for the Scotch Grove food stand.

Jon Zirkelbach

     Zirkelbach is a Jones County Supervisor, and joined the Coalition two and a half years ago. He sits on the Executive Committee, and is a member of the Sustainability Task Force for the Coalition.

     Zirkelbach is also on the ASAC Board of Directors, which oversees the Coalition.

     “We are thankful for his support of our policies and prevention work with the Jones County Board of Supervisors,” said Husmann.

LaVonne Owen

     Owen’s husband, Phil, accepted the award on her behalf. LaVonne passed away in June, and was definitely an outstanding Coalition member.

     “She wanted nothing more than to improve the lives of the youth in the community,” recalled Husmann.

     The Owens made sure to attend as many Coalition events and meetings as possible, always keeping track on her calendar.

     “As a couple,” said Husmann, “they will likely hold the record for many years to come for the most Coalition meetings and events attended.”

     Owen kept many people in her prayers on a daily basis. She cared for others.