Colfax Historical Society
The June 16 meeting of the Colfax Historical Society was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by president Kevin Williams, who thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Aaron Bartholmey, Steve and Cindy Van Dusseldorp, Larry and Charlet Daft, Stanley Daft, Peggy Dvorak, Don and Joyce Jessen, Rachel Wilty, Kathy Mathews and Chris and Tranquillity Smith.
Minutes of the May 19 was read. Treasurer’s report was presented.
The facility manager Tranquillity Smith reported we have two weddings scheduled.
The Dave Baker program on coal mines will take place at our facility in the evening on June 24 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available and the museum will be open. Those donating cookies are: Peggy, Karen, Charlet, BJ and Cindy L.
Aaron received the LaFemme Women’s Club past records for our museum.
Kevin gave us more information from Josh on the Eagle Scout Project, such as design, fundraising, donations and they will be starting to work on it the first week in July.
Aaron will be obtaining a new 4 x 6 American flag.
Joyce will be getting more information on the two large bricks.
We discussed the possibility of the naming of the football field in honor of Joe Laws. He played football at Colfax High School, University of Iowa and Green Bay Packers.
Sunday, June 22, will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. with Charlet and Larry Daft volunteering. Sunday, June 29 will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. with Don and Joyce Jessen volunteering. Sunday, July 6 we will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. with Kevin & BJ volunteering. Saturday, July 12 will be open from 10 to noon with Kevin and BJ volunteering and with Charlet and Larry Daft volunteering from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13 will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. with Tranquillity and Chris volunteering. Admission is free.
This summer we will be open every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. with volunteers available.
A big thank you to all of our volunteers who help in so many ways!
The next meeting will be on Monday, July l4 at 7 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Baxter Garden Club
The June 12 meeting of the Baxter Garden Club was called to order at approximately 6:35 p.m.
Our first speakers were Baxter residents Natalie Moorman and Ed Schmidt. Natalie presented results from the spring Vision Grant group. There will be a group at Fun Days asking opinions on local transportation and recreation as well. Ed Schmidt requested our consideration in helping with upgrades at the sports complex. New trees, schrubs, perennials and concrete are needed. Jerry Ratliff from Jasper County Conservation shared updates on the new county Nature and Educational Center under construction, updates at Mariposa Park, Ashton Park and other areas.
Ten members answered roll call: “What is your favorite Jasper County Park?” Macy read minutes from May 8 special meeting. Janet presented treasurer’s report.
Old/New Business
The garage sale went very well with generous donations from community members and club members. Barb Berry will sent thank you notes to non-members donating items. Items not sold were donated to the Well in Newton and a few placed curbside for the taking. The planters are doing well in general. Both cemetery and welcome sign beds need attention before the WHO Tractor Ride comes to town. More black mulch is needed. Deb Hansen offered natural wood mulch available also. Yard of the Month signs are in place in three yards. Peggy Smith and Diane Halter chose the three and are watching for next three yards. We will decorate Peggy’s golf cart for Fun Days parade the Thursday night before the event. The sign may be “Flower Power”. HyVee floral will donate 50 carnations to be handed out to older ladies and club will purchases candy for the children. Peggy has a contact that has a children’s activity with a foam machine. We voted to pay $250 towards the cost. Peggy made the motion with Cindy Brunner, seconded. Macy will present this activity to Bethany Church in hopes they will donate the remainder of costs. District meeting in Knoxville went well with many positive comments on the breakfast items our club served. Beth made a list of items needed for next year’s breakfast. Both speakers at district meeting were interesting, plant sales, and lunch were good. Next year will be in Osceola. Macy attended State Meeting at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids. Attendance has improved this year. She gave several updates from the meeting. Beth discussed contacting the State Treasurer of Garden Club getting a new copy of non-profit status. Copies will go to all officers. Peggy’s birthday is July 14. Next meeting is July 17. We will meet at city hall and carpool to Brunner Vineyard at 5:30 p.m.
Baxter Country Stores graciously donated cookies for our meeting. Peggy Smith provided drinks and table service.
Adjourn 8:35 p.m.