Club News

Colfax Historical Society

The May 15 meeting of the Colfax Historical Society was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by president Kevin Williams and he thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp, Larry Hurto, Stanley Daft, Don and Joyce Jessen, Larry and Charlet Daft, Aaron Bartholmey and guests Teresa Faidley and Kim Beard. Minutes of the April 17 meeting was read and corrected. Treasurer’s report was presented.

Aaron is entering his pencil collection to Guinness Book of Records here on July 1 and it is open to the public.

Teresa and Kim were representing the Class of 1978 and they are wanting to donate a bench and maybe a tree to us in memory of Shawn Cogley. We are happy to accept this project and will wait for further information later.

BJ prepared a thank you basket of several items to be given to John McLaughlin in appreciation of his volunteering his time removing snow from our property after it snows. It is very much appreciated.

Aaron had help delivering a display case to us from the Colfax Library and a thank you note was sent to them.

Larry H. suggested we work on a Military display, including information on Pete Briles.

The C-M sixth grade class visited our museum on April 27 and received information about the coal mines, etc. from Kevin, Larry H, Larry D and Peggy participating with information in several areas of the museum. Justin Teed and Brittany Johnson are the teachers and they thanked everyone who helped. We hope they will bring their classes next year.

A library summer reading event at the museum will be June 22 with Kevin, Peggy, Judy and Cindy L. helping.

Kevin reported he submitted the grant application to Jasper County Foundation and we should know in six to 10 weeks if we will receive an award or not.

The Dinner Theatre was April 29 at 6 p.m. catered by Brad Magg. A matinee was also held April 30 at 2 p.m. with dessert. Joyce was in charge of a raffle for several items. We had a very good attendance and everyone really enjoyed the play. Aaron gave us the dollar totals on each: Ticket Sales $3,145, Raffle $720, Gift Shop $53 and donation $40. We should hear the total of expenses at the next meeting.

The Joseph Myhra Celebration of Life will be held here June 16 and 17.

Kevin contacted the IDOT about the erosion problem and we are on the list.

Cindy L. has approval to donate 1966 and Centennial books to Genealogy Society in Des Moines.

We will be open the second Saturday of the month on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers will be Charlet and Cindy L. from 10 a.m. to noon and from noon until 2 p.m. will be Don and Stanley. Admission is free.

We will have the museum open on Sundays beginning May 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. and ending on Sept. 3. It will also be free admission.

Next meeting will be June 19 at 7 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Baxter Garden Club

Baxter Garden Club met at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at the community building. The program was on wildflowers, birds, butterflies, trees and recycling/repurposing farm materials. Eleven members and one guest answered roll call, “What’s your favorite wildflower?” Secretary and treasurer reports were given.

Six members cleaned flower beds April 29. Planter to be done May 13.

Five members plan to attend the district meeting June 5.

Garage sale day will be June 10 at Bar Berry’s garage.

National Garden Club Week is June 4-10.

We will donate 3 garden theme books for kids to the Baxter library.

Next meeting will be June 8. Meet at city hall at 6 p.m. to carpool to tour Betty Nikkel’s gardens.