Traer Historical Museum volunteers Joan Reuman (left photo, center) and Sharon Stoakes (right photo, center) were honored last week Tuesday, June 25 during the 40th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Award ceremony held in Ankeny. Reuman and Stoakes are both pictured alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADISEN GASKIN

ANKENY – Volunteers from across the state including two from Traer were recognized on June 25 in Ankeny as part of the 40th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

“Those being recognized are the people who invest in others without expecting anything in return – except, of course, for the fulfillment that comes from doing their part to give back to their community,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said during the ceremony. “This collective impact is nothing short of remarkable.”

The Governor’s Volunteer Award program provides a way to honor the dedicated people who volunteer their time and talent to help an agency or organization deliver on its mission.

Joan Reuman

Locally, Joan Reuman was nominated by the Traer Historical Museum for her dedication to the museum. She was involved when the museum was simply an idea, and then officially began helping the museum as a board member in 2006. During her time on the board, Reuman created and organized scrapbooks about advertisements, business history, obituaries, etc. In 2004 she created a ‘History of the Traer Fire Department’ for their 125th anniversary. Reuman retired from the board in 2014 but continues to support the museum, including creating a quilt that was raffled so the money raised could be donated to the Winding Stairs fund. She has also been a member of the Traer Chamber of Commerce and served as an elder or deacon at her church.

Joan Reuman, center.

Sharon Stoakes

Sharon Stoakes was also nominated by the Traer Historical Museum due to the countless hours she has dedicated to the museum over the years. Stoakes has been a part of the museum since 2007, and she seems to know everything there is to know about Traer’s history. Her knowledge of items held by the museum is remarkable. Stoakes is the face of the museum. She donated a total of 1,038 hours to support the museum last year, equating to 30% of the total hours worked by all volunteers. She has been known to stay 6-8 hours a day to do the work needed to keep the museum organized and functioning. Stoakes has a busy life outside the museum as well, doing lots of work with her church and supporting her husband on their farm while also being very involved in her grandchildren’s activities.

Sharon Stoakes, center.