Afton Federated Garden Club
The Afton Federated Garden Club met April 16 at the Afton Community Center for the regular meeting. President Shirley Wallace called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. with 13 members repeating the Pledge of Allegiance to our American flag and do the Club Collect.
Minutes of the March meeting were read by Monica Huddleson. Bonnie Morris made a motion to accept the minutes seconded by Audrey McDowell.
Kathy Tapken gave the treasures report. Ginny Quick made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Iris Smith. President Shirley and Judy Weese presented bills. Ginny Quick made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Bonnie Morris.
Kathy Tapken shared that she had a call from KarenVan Buskirk.
Bonnie Morris read the letter she had sent to Mr. Kasper about the healing garden outdoor classroom at the East Union School. As she hasn’t received an answer, it was decided to table the project until further notice.
Judy presented information on a master gardener online course to be offered July 1 to Nov. 5, 2021. Registration is due by July 1. For more information visit extention.iastate.edu/mastergardener.
Details about whether the club will have the June district meeting and, if so, where, are still not set. The Iowa president’s meeting is May 10 and President Shirley is hoping to obtain clarification at that time. President Shirley passed a sign-up sheet for those who plan to attend. Fees are due by May 1, but refundable if the meeting is cancelled.
President Shirley told us that eight clubs had applied for a stimulus grant and if obtained the money will be split among the clubs.
President Shirley purchased two roses for the club’s butterfly garden – a red rose named Dolly Parton in memory of Olive Kerns and a pink rose named Peace in memory of Doris Porter. Planting time to be determined.
The club discussed where to store its library and AFGC Books of Evidence so they are available to members. Also, looking into a bookcase to store them in. No decision has been made yet.
Bev Rowe brought brochures on “Watch for Jumping Worms” (https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2019/06/watch-jumping-worms) and Stinging Nettles put out by the Iowa State University Extension.
Bev Rowe brought plants to share with members and the club thanks her.
Sandy Rollins made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Iris Smith. Members present repeated the club’s Conservation Pledge.
Carolyn Hubatka gave a presentation on invasive plants, explaining about three very invasive plants: the European Buckthorn, that grows up to 22 feet tall, crowding out native plants and the Multiflora Rose that can be gotten rid of by hand cutting and herbicides; Reed Canary Grass that is very hard to get rid of because it has creeping roots that spread – herbicides can be used, but may require multiple treatments. Carolyn advised that the dandelion isn’t an invasive plant and that up until the 1800s, people pulled out grass to plant them. Carolyn shared that a dandelion seed can travel up to five miles. She told us that all parts of the dandelion are edible and that the greens provide 535% of our daily Vitamin K needs. Carolyn shared that dandelion flowers can be fried and the greens used for salads or to make wine. The club thanks Carolyn for a very interesting program.
Iris Smith and Judy Weese served an assortment of prepackaged treats, bottled water and lemonade.
The next AFGC meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. May 14 at the Afton Community Building. Hostesses will be Audrey McDowell and Bev Rowe. The program will be about cover crops by Monica Huddleson.
3 Mile Sharp Shooters 4-H Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 4:29 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and 4-H Pledge were led by Sarah King. The secretary’s report was read by Brittany Seals and it was motioned to approve the report by Chris Wells, seconded by Kailyn White. The treasurer’s report was read by Hunter Swanson. There was an outstanding bill that the club had to pay and it was motioned by Lundy Sanson and seconded by Nate Wells. The meeting was adjourned at 5:01 p.m., motioned by Lundy Sanson and seconded by Nate Wells. After the meeting there was a family picnic/BBQ held at 5 p.m. There were hot dogs and hamburgers donated by HyVee and a game of 9-square, borrowed from Crest Baptist Church’s Youth Group. The club wishes to thank HyVee for the kind donation as well as to Crest Baptist Church for lending the 9-square equipment.
Awards were presented to participants of the Iowa 4-H Winter Postal Shoot that was held November 2020 through March 2021. Participants competed at their home field and scores were submitted to the state office for comparison to other 4-H shooting sports participants across the state. For the Intermediate Division Shotgun Trap: Lundy Sanson got 2nd place and Christian White got 3rd place. The Senior Division Shotgun Trap: Nate Wells got 8th place, Sarah King got 9th place and Chris Wells got 11th place. For the Junior Division Archery Traditional, Kailyn White got 3rd place. The Intermediate Division Archery Traditional, Christian White got 3rd place. For the Senior Division Archery Traditional, Brittany Seals got 3rd place, Hunter Swanson got 4th place, and Sarah King got 6th place. Congratulations to the 3 Mile Sharp Shooters for their incredible showing in the 4-H Winter Postal Shoot.
Kiwanis
The weekly Kiwanis meeting was held 12:05 p.m. May 11 at Creston Pizza Ranch meeting room with 16 members and one guest present. President Lori Harvey presided, said the prayer and Drew Henderson was the finemaster.
Creston Kiwanis will be meeting weekly moving forward if Covid numbers stay low. The club is following CDC guidelines and new members are always welcome.
The Annual Pancake Fundraiser at the United Methodist Church was held for the first time in two years May 4. Paul Lorenz and Drew Henderson reported on the results which were a little down from the past, but not bad. Club members were thanked for all their help with the event and selling tickets. Final results will take a couple weeks when all money is in from the ticket sales.
The club’s scholarship committee delivered $2500 worth of scholarships to Creston Area High School students who will be attending SWCC in the fall. The names announced at the awards program at the High School May 12, $500 each, were Kaci Abildtrup, Connor Travis, Kolby Hulett and Kendra Mahan. The Kiwanis/Mickey Finn winner of $500 was Karly Calvin.
Creston Kiwanis will also be helping with the BBQ Bash, 4 to 7 p.m. July 3 in downtown Creston, along with the other service clubs. It will be held during The KSIB car show where hamburgers, hotdogs, tenderloins, with chips and drink will be served. Kiwanis members will have tickets available for purchase in June.
The program was given by Denise Kuhns, the new CEO of Southern Prairie Family Fitness Center. She updated the club on the annual fundraising campaign which will include an online auction — going on now. The YMCA has 24/7 access available to members and summer day camps are being planned along with new kickball and dodgeball activities for kids and adults.