Nicholson Honored by Oskaloosa Optimists
Long-time businesswoman Jane Nicholson was honored in December as Friend of Youth award winner for 2018 by the Optimist Club of Oskaloosa.
Club members and past winners gathered to honor Nicholson at On the Green in Oskaloosa.
Nicholson was introduced to those gathered by Lorraine Sinnott and club secretary-treasurer RD Keep presented why she was selected for the club’s highest award.
“Jane has been a strong supporter of all of our area schools and hosts special events for various reasons,” said Keep. “One of the most prominent is the number of young people she employs to give them leadership and customer service skills. Over the years there have been some of them who have come back to continue working in the store.”
Nicholson is known for her work to ensure her store is a part of the community. Her husband John placed Christmas lights on the store to replicate the lighting style exhibited downtown on the square. The store has hosted special events to aid those battling disease, injury or other causes. Mahaska Drug has been a strong supporter of after prom parties in the area and the Positive Behavior and Intervention program at Oskaloosa Middle School.
Katelyn Nimtz, president of the club, presented Nicholson with a plaque and also thanked her for work with the youth of Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. Nicholson joins nearly two-dozen community members who have been given the award. Other honorees include, Bruce Sedrel, Burdell Hensley, Charlie Kentfield, Jack Tucker, Burt Frey, Frank Sturing, Albrt Stewart, Henry Meinders and Scottie Moore. Also, Leon Richardson, Charles and Barbara Oldham, Ivan Hankins and Phil James, Ace Toll, Linda Fox, Emory Stewart, Pete Eyheralde, Marlowe Dickinson, Vern Bunnell, and Cynde Briggs and Candi Slobe.
