Kalona

Donna Merck was named the 2026 Kalona Optimist of the Year during the club's annual installation banquet last Thursday.

The club also recognized Optimists of Kalona President Jon Eggert for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the organization.

The banquet took place at the club's usual gathering spot, Miller Homestead Cooking in Kalona, where members heard from Iowa Optimists District Governor Joleen Jorgensen.

Joining Jorgensen were Lt. Governor Marge Hopkins and District Secretary-Treasurer Gerri Barnett.

During her remarks, Jorgensen spoke about the theme for the year, which she described as “Tune into Optimism.”

She encouraged members to live out the Optimist Creed by staying positive and encouraging their family and friends to be healthy and happy.

While reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2027, Jorgensen also discussed ways to recruit new members, suggesting that current members reach out to people such as “your hairstylist or someone from church.”

Along with recruiting new members, she encouraged the club to make newcomers feel welcome by writing handwritten notes and promoting the organization at parades, fairs and other community events.  The Optimists of Kalona welcomed three new members in 2026: Jim Gingerich, Sandy Gingerich and Blake Peck.

In addition to welcoming new members, the club also recognized longtime members for their years of dedication and service.

Members

34 years - Moe Nagel

26 years - Ron Slechta

23 years - Anna Yoder

22 years - Bob Miller and Sheryl Miller

18 years - Denny Phares

16 years - Alvin Kramer, Julia Kramer and Deanna Poe

15 years - Donna Merck and Kenneth Wehr

13 years - Al Coblentz

12 years - Tyler Coblentz

11 years - Clair Miller

8 years - Andrea Naraine and Roger Weber

6 years - Nicole Naraine, Ryan Schlabaugh, Brandon Wieland, Jenna Wieland, Charlie Williams and Mary Williams

5 years - Ann LeRoy and Laura Geno

4 years - Jon Eggert, Dale Kraus and Mary Jo Kraus

2 years - Jacob Slabaugh and Tim Sullivan

Friends of Optimist

13 years - Kalona Auto Service & Parts and Kalona Tire

11 years - Kalona Coop Technology Co., Beatty-Peterseim Funeral Home and The News

10 years - Kalona Builders Supply Co.

9 years - CS Auto Body LLC and Tuscan Moon

8 years - Hills Bank & Trust Company

7 years - Allen Mitchell CPAs and Consultants, Kalona Chocolates, Kalona YMCA Rec Center and the City of Kalona

6 years - Kalona Golf Club and Shawn Powell / Southeast Iowa Insurance Service Corp.

R.I.P to members 

The club also remembered two members who have passed away: Emil Schlabaugh, a charter member who lived to be 99 years old, and Larry Geno, who had been a member for five years.