|
|
The DM area group (is that what we're called now, I forget!) met on Tuesday night July 27th at the pond of Judy Anderson and Tom Leffler. Thanks Judy and Tom, for showing us your unique pond and lovely yard as well as serving lemonade and cookies fresh from the Johnston Farmer's Market! Judy and Tom have an interesting pond arrangement that appears to run under their deck with a stream and several small pond areas. Several new members were present and received some helpful information about pond building.
Next month, August 24, we will meet at the home of Barry and Cari Spear to view their ponds. This is a "must see" pond set-up so you won't want to miss this meeting. Barry and Cari's ponds were on the DM area tour two years ago. Directions to their home at 3705 SW Court Ave., Ankeny are to take exit 90 off I-35 (Oralabor Rd) and go west to Irvindale Rd. (about 4 miles). Turn right (north) and go about 1 1/2 miles to Court Ave. (Country Club entrance) and turn left (west). Court Ave. curves around and you will go clear to the end.
For our September 28 meeting, Robin and Dennis Wineland (244-1150) will be graciously opening their yard and pond for us to see. They live at 4330 N. Baseline in Des Moines. Coming either from the north or south you will want to get to 2nd Ave. (across from the Firestone plant) and turn east on 43rd.
Continue a long block east and turn left (north) on Baseline.
Carol Culmer
On July 19, 2004 we met at the home of Merv & Vonnie Koozer in Hampton. They have a wonderful location with undulating hills, water features and flowerbeds. After relaxing and touring their gardens, we got down to the business at hand-the upcoming pond tour.
Publicity: We voted to spend $34.00 for an ad in the Hampton paper. Chuck Hall sent info to the Globe Gazette. They will send someone to do a photo op and feature article. Chuck has promoted the tour on radio and Deb O'Banion on tv.
Host Letter: Mary Schultz will send a 3rd and final host letter listing duties prior to, during and after the pond tour. Also included will be the letter sent to volunteers and a spreadsheet of volunteers, locations, and hours working.
Volunteer Letter: Mary will send a letter to volunteers listing duties. She will also include a free ticket and a spreadsheet of volunteers, locations and hours working.
Host Site: It was decided to place Top of Iowa Water Garden Association brochures at each site. A spiral notebook listing name/town/number/ will be at each site to help keep track of visitors. A piece of Fenton glass has been donated. A drawing will be held to determine the winner. The glass will be displayed at the home of Don & Glennis Lee. Hosts can promote and/or sell items at pond sites.
Hosts: Deb addressed and brought the host packets. They are to include two free tickets, tickets to sell, markers, and a visitors' notebook. Ed Schroeder will deliver the packets, a garden flag and stand and directional signs to hosts prior to the tour.
Tickets: Deb brought tickets and maps and they were divided into hosts' envelopes. We were short tickets. Becky Litterer has more. Hosts and volunteers still need to receive one free ticket. Mary will send two free tickets to Jamie Beyer for all his assistance during the past years.
Brochures: Deb will print more brochures for Ed to put in packet and distribute.
The best part of the evening came when it was time to draw for Izzy (short for Lizzie2). Merv had a basket with little rocks. He put in just enough rocks for each person, not counting himself. On one rock he printed the name "Izzy". The one who drew her name got to take Izzy home for the month. All the rocks went around and no one drew her name. The basket went back to Merv and he pulled out the last rock-with the name Izzy. Everyone had a great laugh, and we decided to do it again. Obviously there was one too many rocks in the basket. We couldn't believe that no one had drawn Izzy and Merv got her. Merv took out the extra rock and passed the basket again. And again it was down to the last rock (or rocks). It seemed there was still an extra rock. And the winner was... Merv. He drew Izzy's name again. The laughter shook the roof. Everyone was calculating the odds of Merv drawing Izzy's name twice and trying to figure out how there was still an extra rock. Comments heard were: "What are the odds?" "I bet a million to one." "Izzy doesn't want to leave." "Izzy needs to stay and is trying to tell you something." "Izzy likes it here." "This is unreal." Needless to say it was a great end to a great evening and in the end, Don & Glennis Lee took Izzy home to put her on display during the tour. You'd have to check with Duane O'Banion about the extra rock!
Next Meeting: Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Algona along with the Central Iowa Water Garden group. For directions we will be coming from the east on Highway 18 and go to the parking lot just east of the Hwy 169 Junction by the gas station.
As always, if you have questions, contact Ed Schroeder at 641-923-3512.
Mary Schultz, Secretary
Below is the meeting schedule for the Top of Iowa chapter. All meetings are open to members and the public.