Walter Schaben and Carlie Noska Receive Quarterly “That’s How It’s Dun” Award
Jill Schaben, Dunlap Correspondent
The Dunlap Community Development Corporation has named Walter Schaben and Carlie Noska the recipients of its quarterly “That’s How It’s Dun” Award, recognizing residents who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through service, leadership and volunteerism.
For Walter and Carlie, giving back to Dunlap has taken many forms — from volunteering at community events and supporting local fundraisers to mentoring youth, serving on community boards and even creating a new recreational opportunity for residents.
Walter was raised in Dunlap, while Carlie grew up in Solon, Iowa. Today, the couple has made their home in Dunlap, and they plan to be married in November. Walter works as freight manager at Sullivan Supply, while Carlie operates an in-home daycare.
Over the past several years, they have become familiar faces behind the scenes at many Dunlap events.
Walter guest-hosted a putting green during the inaugural Dunlap Putt the Putt event, while both Walter and Carlie have helped with setup for Dunlap’s annual Art at the Park. During Dunlap’s RAGBRAI stop, Carlie volunteered at the community information booth, welcoming visitors to town and encouraging bicyclists to place pins on U.S. and world maps showing where they had traveled from.
The couple also served as hosts for the Boyer Valley Parent-Teacher Organization’s Ride Around Town event and previously organized the Fourth of July 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
More recently, Walter and Carlie initiated Dunlap’s first pickleball league, creating an opportunity for both newcomers and experienced players to get involved. They organized weekly matches throughout the season and capped off the league with a tournament.
Their community involvement extends well beyond events and recreation. Walter has helped the Dunlap Senior Center with some odds-and-ends projects and was elected to serve on the DCDC Board. He is also a mentor with the Boyer Valley TeamMates Mentoring Program and was recently elected president of the organization.
Walter and Carlie were both heavily involved in the Dunlap Community Foundation’s inaugural fundraising auction, volunteering during the event and donating items to help make it a success. They have also donated items to Dunlap Golf Course fundraisers and Boyer Valley After-Prom fundraisers, and Walter volunteered as a bartender during the Dunlap Golf Course’s Tees & Tinis event.
For Walter, giving back is a way to continue the tradition of community service he experienced growing up in Dunlap.
“I feel like it’s important to serve because so many people have done the same for me when I was a kid growing up in Dunlap,” Walter said. “That has always meant a lot to me, and I am excited to be able to serve the community in similar ways. I also like showing Carlie how amazing Dunlap is.”
Carlie said volunteering is important because community events and activities only continue when people are willing to step forward and help make them happen.
“I think it’s important for people to serve their communities,” she said. “There are so many important people that step up and put in their time and effort to put on or be a part of these events. I love attending events like Tees and Tinis, and I want to continue to be able to enjoy things like that, so I try and support in any ways that I can.”
While Walter has lifelong ties to Dunlap, Carlie said she has found a home in a community smaller than she ever expected.
“I love that Dunlap is so tight-knit and friendly,” Carlie said. “I never thought I would live in a town smaller than my hometown, and I’m so glad I do. I love that there are so many friendly faces around town and everyone is always willing to lend a hand when you need it.”
Walter said one of his favorite things about Dunlap is seeing that Carlie has come to love his hometown, too.
“My favorite part about Dunlap is that my future wife loves living here,” he said. “I love that the community comes together and works hard to make Dunlap such a great place to live.”
And despite the time commitment that comes with volunteering, both say the experience itself is part of the reward.
“It’s a great feeling to know that you’re volunteering for something that brings so much joy,” Walter said. “It’s also pretty cool to see everyone having such a great time.”
Carlie offered a similar message for anyone who has thought about getting involved but hasn’t yet taken the leap.
“I have never volunteered at anything I didn’t have an absolute blast being a part of,” she said.
Whether they are organizing a new activity, volunteering behind the scenes, mentoring young people or simply stepping in when an extra set of hands is needed, Walter and Carlie have demonstrated the spirit behind DCDC’s “That’s How It’s Dun” Award: people willing to show up, get involved and help make good things happen in Dunlap.
