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.

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 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.  Perhaps Liz can 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.  Further details will be given as we get closer to the date.  In the meantime, thank you Jane S for giving us this opportunity to meet again in person while doing some service work.  Please reserve the date and plan on attending!

Many thanks to Mike for the news, Matt for the invocation, pledge, and 4way test, and to Charles for entertaining us with an Irish song in honor of St Patrick's Day.

 

Tom advised the group that the Blues Festival is still not a certainty this year.  If held it will be August 14 from 4-10pm.  Tom took a poll to determine if there was sufficient interest of the people in attendance at the meeting to work the tent.  By a show of hands there was sufficient interest so Tom will continue to plan accordingly.

 

Janette introduced our speaker Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op.   Frontier was established in 1976.  Tony explained how Frontier was driven by the simple purpose to do good by our people and our planet.  Frontier's produces high quality spices, herbs and botanical products from across the world.  It has several facilities and operates under several brands (Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic, and Aura Cacia).  Frontier has innovative employment practices including giving former incarcerated individuals an opportunity to succeed, as well as tuition reimbursement, onsite child care, and an organic cafe for its employees.  Further, Frontier creates other life changing opportunities for growers and for other partners.

 

Larry stated a book will be donated to Van Buren in Tony's honor.

Rhonda has been organizing our teacher recognition program.  So far the following teachers have been scheduled for our zoom meetings.  

 

February 3--Kat Power from Linn-Mar HS

February 10--Dennis Hynek from Kennedy HS

February 17--Joe Link from Jefferson HS

February 24---Erica Ireland from Xavier HS

March 3--Ann Van Etten-Janey from Metro HS

March 10--Gretchen Mundorf Marion HS

March 24--Jason Nell Washington HS

March 31--Colin O'Brien from Prairie HS

 

Congratulations to each teacher.  Also thank you Rhonda for organizing and Jim C for doing the certificates they are receiving.