Many thanks to Dennis for the news, Larry for doing the invocation, pledge, and 4way test, and Dana for leading us in a (much appreciated) abbreviated version of 99 bottles of beer on the wall. 

 

Birthday wishes were extended to Charles and Jeff. 

 

Teacher recognition was held with Jeff Gustason from Linn-Mar intoducing Kat Power and describing the many wonderful things Kat does.  Kat was very appreciative of the honor. 

 

Kim shared with us some of the thank you cards sent to us by Van Buren students.  (A photo of all the cards has been posted to our website!)  Larry stated he delivered a box of books and HyVee receipts earlier in the week.  He also reminded people to continue to save those receipts.  You can mail them to Kim until we start meeting again in person.

 

Bruce introduced our speaker Doug Alberhasky from John's Grocery.  Doug shared with us a history of Iowa City's development around John's location at Market and Gilbert for the last 173 years. He talked about a number of breweries, bars, and of course grocery stores being in that area.  Czech immigrants primarily settled on the North side of town which include that area.  John's was established in 1948.  Doug started in the business at the age of six.  John's is known best for its huge beer and wine selection, although in 1950s it was sometimes known as Dirty John's because it sold Playboy magazines.  Needless to say it was a very interesting presentation.  Unfortunately, he could not share samples of his products.  However, based on personal experience I can attest to their quality.

The Board met on February 4.  Minutes are posted to our club site.  Briefly, highlights include:

 

 

We are starting to think about the Big Drop.  While Tom and Janette are willing to help again, it takes a village (a committee in our case) to make this happen without putting undo burden on them.  If you were on the committee last year, we will assume that you will help again this year unless you let Larry know.  Also, we need new blood to assist and learn the ropes to permit transition.  If interested, please contact Larry or Matt.

 

It is our hope that in person and perhaps hybrid meetings will happen as the weather warms.  We will do a survey of members before that happens.  We would like to find a venue in the $50-75 range per meeting.  Unfortunately, our club has been losing members for various reasons.  As result our space requirements have been reduced.  If you have any ideas, please contact Larry or Matt.

 

We are ordering a plaque to be placed outside the piano lab.  It will be presented in April when we have a program about the lab.