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The meeting was called to order by the Big Toad. Attendees were given a 10% discount coupon from K- Mart and "Beyer's Six Keys to Clear Water". Ada Mae Lewis will arrange purchase of the garden "stakes" (passed around order brochure). Jamie reported that the program booklet is not yet done, but hopes to have it by the May meeting. Minutes of the March meeting were approved and the treasurer noted $3,969 balance with expenditures of $1,000+ dollars for the Bethany Manor project still outstanding. The membership chair will be sending reminder cards to members up for renewal; temporary cards are available. Please update your e-mail address as necessary!
Barb Wheelock, Story County Master Gardener intern, presented a request for four container water gardens for the Ames Hospice House. After much discussion four individual members volunteered to fund the project. It was also suggested we initiate a "grant application" form/process for individuals/organizations wishing to solicit project funds from CIWGA. Discussion included: 1) number of projects per year, 2) "neighborhood" grants available from the city of Ames, 3) funding for CIWGA programs, 4) labor for projects funded by private/company sources, 5) initiating a process for funding applications.
Ed Schroeder reported approx. 20 people attended the Cerro Gordo County area "Top of Iowa" water garden meeting. Next meeting will be Monday, 4/15, will include a social with members bringing pond pictures to share and the group will decide whether or not to become an official organization. Doug Rieck reported approx. 20 people at the March Polk County Chapter meeting. He feels they have a good core group and all will be encouraging other Polk County area ponders to join the group.
Next meeting of the CIWGA Tour committee is 4/22. Tour dates are Saturday, July 20 (Ames area) and Sunday, July 21 (Ankeny, Altoona, East Des Moines area). Volunteers are needed to host the tour sites (mark tickets, chat with visitors). See Greg Knop, tour volunteer coordinator, if available to assist.
Saturday, April 6 was the second official workday at Bethany Manor, with another workday scheduled for April 13. Additional days will be scheduled. Kenn reported good progress being made with lots of attention from the residents!!
CIWGA May 13 meeting at the Alliant Energy facility will feature the annual plant exchange coordinated by Kenn and Dean. Please bring water and yard plants. Place plants in plastic bags (no, not a 30-gal. garbage bag!!) and identify what they are (if possible). Bring plants starting at 6pm, so Kenn and Dean can organize them and help with identification if necessary. Also bring yard/garden stuff to sell at the "White Frog Sale". We will add $1 to price per plant to supplement costs of the Bethany Manor project.
Quick's Hardware in Huxley (S. edge of town on Hwy. 69) is offering 10% discount on garden things except items on sale/specials to members with card. Lincoln Center Hy-Vee is NOT officially offering the 10% discount this year, but if you need ponding supplies, see Kevin Weber for possible individual purchase discounts; the store will be carrying pond plants and pond fish. Lizzy Award went to Al Magruder for his "how NOT to throw a dog onto a dock" lesson (and experience). Thanks to Robin Whetstone and Deb Jetter for the delicious treats!!
Jamie presented the evening's program: a quick discussion of filters, including veggie filters and Jamie's "THE GRID" veggie filter. Fascinating and informative!!