|
|
The Capital City Chapter will meet on Monday, October 25, at 7:00PM (Note the special night). The meeting will be held at the ISU Extension Office, 5201 NE 14th ST., Des Moines. Doug Rieck will lead a discussion on winterizing the pond and plant care. Several members will explain their ideas for adding oxygen to the winter pond.
Twenty Top of Iowa members choose a perfect night to drive to the home of Patty & Roy Marquardt's home and visit their beautiful gardens on September 20, 2004. After touring the gardens we feasted on cheese, crackers, treats and beverages provided by Nels & Pat Dall- Winther. Don introduced his two guests.
Ed opened the meeting and the topic immediately turned to our successful first year pond tour. We estimated 240 people attended. Members shared all the positive comments they heard. Two themes repeated throughout the night were great organization and signage. Suggestions for next year: hosts/volunteers have an identity badge, wrist bands, including information about the Top of Iowa on the tickets, and having the tickets professionally printed along with printing more tickets.
Thank you letters were sent to hosts and volunteers. Businesses' were thanked when tickets were picked up. Ed will send additional thank you letters to the Hampton paper, Globe Gazette, Marilyn Jorgenson for Fenton glass donation and a letter to the MC editor thanking businesses and guests for their support.
It was moved and seconded to donate $1,000.00 toward Central Gardens. It was moved and seconded that these funds be earmarked for a designated water feature. Both motions passed. Ed will contact Central Gardens and the Globe Gazette to see if we can present them with a check in the above amount at our next meeting. Our next meeting will be Monday, October 18 held at the Clear Lake Band Shell in the Lake Room at 7:00 p.m. Patty Marquardt offered to bring refreshments. Central Gardens of North Iowa will be giving an update on the progress of Central Gardens and show the plans for the water garden feature.
Last month's private tour in Algona was fantastic. Members shared pictures and stories. Members also shared pictures of our pond tour. Kathy is going to put together a scrapbook.
After residing with Don & Glennis Lee for two months, Izzy is moving to go to Osage and stay with Jim for a month.
Roy shared information on the upcoming pumpkin growers contest Saturday 25 in Austin. Last year's winning pumpkin weighed 1,022#.
Deb O'Banion will print membership spreadsheets and bring them to the next meeting to hand out. If you will not be at the meeting, but would like a list of members, please contact her.
Members were reminded that next month is our last meeting until after the New Year. Please check the newsletter for upcoming dates and locations.
Meeting adjourned in record time. We then sat and discussed how to winterize ponds.