A special Board meeting was held on April 16.  Based on the poll results it was decided that there is a strong interest to return to live meetings with a zoom option.  Various locations were reviewed.  Thanks to the efforts of Bruce a deal has been struck with the Czech Museum to again hold our meetings there starting in May.  We are looking at Dostal's to provide food. Complete details are still being finalized and will be announced in the future.  The Board is excited about beginning the process of revitalizing our Club post-pandemic by returning to where we met before the flood of 2008.

 

It was determined that the Big Drop proceeds will be directed to the following areas: Four Oaks Achievement Academy; Scholarships for local high school seniors; and Community Youth Activities.

 

It was shared that TJ has resigned from the Board and as Chair of the Foundation Committee.  This means that we will need to find a new President-elect for next year.  Thankfully TJ will remain a member of the club and will be available to assist with the Foundation transition.  MANY THANKS TJ FOR YOUR SERVICE ON THE BOARD FOR MULTIPLE TERMS.

 

Larry and Nick have agreed to be new Co-chairs of the Foundation Committee.

 

 

April 22 is Earth Day.  We are planning a service project day for our April 21 regular meeting.  There will be no zoom option that day.  Instead, we will be meeting at the Indian Creek Nature Center to help with some work projects involving the hoop house, as well as sprucing up the grounds.  Those attending are encouraged to bring a sack lunch since the outdoor patio will be available.  Liz will bring some of her goodies to share that day as well.  The plan would be to start at 11:30 that day so we can be done by 1.  Thank you Jane S for giving us this opportunity to meet again in person while doing some service work.  Jane suggests you bring gloves and clippers.  

 

The Nature Center is located at 5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids.  Please plan on attending!

Our thanks go to Dennis for doing the news, Jamie for doing the invocation, pledge and 4way test, and to Dana for leading us in song.

 

Larry thanked those people who responded to the "Going Live Poll" that he sent out.  He requested those who had not responded yet to please do so.  To date the poll shows that there is strong interest in returning to live meetings with a zoom option.

 

Jane and Larry covered plans for the April 21 meeting at the Indian Creek Nature Center.  Contact Jane if any questions.

 

Tom announced that the Blues Fest will be held on August 14 and that we will again be handling volunteers for the beer tent.  Further details will be forthcoming in the future.  Mark the date on your calendar and make plans to help and to ask friends and family to help as well.

 

Matt introduced the speaker Kiley Miller from Trees Forever.  Kiley explained the plan for Trees Forever to lead the City's effort to replace trees lost to the derecho.  Trees Forever will help to organize both entities and individuals to provide the trees and do the planting.  A variety of trees that are hearty in Iowa is a must. Kiley also covered other programs Trees Forever provides to educate people.  He mentioned there are a variety of events planned for Earth Week April 18-24. More details can be found at treesforever.org or by calling Kiley at 319-537-1550.

 

John Z announced the book "Little Beaver and the Echo" will be given to Van Buren in Kiley's honor.

Registration for the conference is now open.  This is the perfect opportunity to attend since it will be conducted by zoom so there is no travel involved and there is no cost to register.  A number of excellent speakers have been arranged.  Watch for future notices about the conference and register even if you cannot make all of the events.

 

A silent auction and a duck pluck fundraiser will be part of the events.  Please support those events as well, even if you cannot attend.  Our Club has donated a Cedar Ridge gift box featuring a bottle of  Slipknot No. 9 Reserve signed by the band founder "Clown."