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What are the odds you could plan a surprise birthday party, invite 50 people, and keep it under wraps . . . in Webster City? Not very good. And, if the party was in honor of a very public, extremely well-connected, long-time resident? OK, just about impossible.
But it happened Saturday night at Mornin' Glory Coffee.
The occasion was Mark Dohm's 80th birthday, and the party was planned by three couples who've known him for decades; Mona and Keith Everson, Eleanor and Leo Moriarty, and Kathy and Greg Olson.
The catered dinner menu matched the festive atmosphere. Owner and chef John Marvel created a meal of international dimension. There were mini tacos representing Mexico; Italian raviolis, albondigas (specially-spiced meatballs) reminiscent of those served in Argentina, and individual-puddings, parfaits and cheesecakes in seasonal flavors: pumpkin, apple, butterscotch and smores. "I drew the inspiration for this food from Mark's extensive world travels," Marvel said.
A short tribute was delivered by Kathy Olson, who told Dohms, his regular lament - that of having no family near-by, wasn't going to cut it tonight. Gesturing to the friendly crowd, she admonished him to, "just look around; here is your family!"
Dohm's Webster City legacy is that of a super-volunteer, who probably has never said no when a local organization asked for his help. His long record of service includes three terms on the Enhance Hamilton County Board; volunteering continuously at Webster City Community Theater since 1999; a 31-year membership in Webster City Rotary Club; a Van Diest Medical Center volunteer since 2009, and 12 years at Arts R Alive, many as its secretary/treasurer.
To ward off boredom in his dotage, he's a reading buddy to students at Pleasant View Elementary School.
In short, Dohms has always exhibited one of the most useful traits of someone who truly cares about his hometown; the ability to roll up his sleeves, become engaged, and keep working for a greater good. In his own words, he says it isn't complicated; "you just serve your time, do your best, then move on."
And, Dohms is moving on. Asked about the experience of turning 80, he replied, "well, I'm not in denial. And this, "he said," waving his arm at a room full of adoring friends, "this was a complete surprise. I had no clue this was going to happen."