The Geneva Chamber of Commerce announced that Chuck and Heidi Howlett are the winners of the 2024 Wood Award.

Residents of Geneva for nearly 30 years, Chuck and Heidi Howlett give selflessly to their community in many ways. Originally both from Iowa, Chuck and Heidi lived all over the country until they declared Geneva home. Through the United Methodist Church, Geneva Community High School, the Geneva History Museum, or the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Chuck and Heidi embody community spirit.

As the marshals for the Swedish Days Parade for many years, Chuck and Heidi have volunteered their time to organize the parade and keep it all moving day of. Their tag line, “Turning Chaos into a Single Line” speaks well to what the job entails.

“The Howletts contribute many hours to the community they love. They work behind the scenes, no fuss, no fanfare. They just get the job done,” Jean Gaines, Former Geneva Chamber of Commerce President.

Perhaps their biggest impact in town is the restoration and resetting of over 500 headstones in Geneva's oldest cemetery, the West Side Cemetery. Recognizing the need to restore the cemetery to honor our early settlers, Chuck and Heidi worked tirelessly to piece together the puzzle pieces that were the headstones.

“They should be remembered for their dedication to the preservation of the history of our town and willingness to jump in and make a difference. Their work is selfless. They do not do things in the public eye, but work behind the scenes without much recognition,” Terry Emma, Executive Director, Geneva History Museum.

Mentioned time and again is Chuck and Heidi Howlett’s selfless acts of service for the Geneva community.

Sharon Anderson, Chairperson of the United Methodist Church Council, “They work to improve Geneva in so many ways, always with a smile and humor, without fanfare or self-congratulations. They have made us aware and proud of our rich history in Geneva and the uniqueness of our community.”

At the United Methodist Church of Geneva, they have served in big and small ways. From serving coffee, to organizing the church’s 185th year celebration which included researching historical documents, to heading Church Council. “When there is a need, Chuck and Heidi are there,” Anderson adds.

A retired teacher, Heidi has been a huge asset to the Geneva Community High School as well. Whether serving as a mentor to the Teaching Assistant program, or offerings of field trips focusing on the history of Geneva. Both Chuck and Heidi were leaders in the school’s boosters club, and even spontaneously spiced up a Homecoming Pep Ralley back in the day.

“They have done whatever we needed here at Geneva Community High School,” Tom Rogers, Geneva Community High School Principal.

The Wood Community Service award is presented each year by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner to an individual who has made significant community contributions in the areas of business, education, youth involvement, civic organizations, art, recreation, charity or government.

The award is named in honor of Bill and Elise Wood, and Nell and Burton Wood—four individuals who have all contributed to the growth and health of the City of Geneva.

Press release provided by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

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