Ainsworth Sacha Club meets

Nine members attended the May 23 meeting of the Ainsworth Sacha Club at the home of Ann Freyenberger.

President, Rachel Carstensen led the business meeting.

Karen Megchelsen gave a report on the Easter Egg Hunt held at Mary Marr Lodge in Marr Park on April 16th. Approximately 95 children participated. Many parents and children spent time in the lodge since it was a chilly day. Cookies and beverage was served to all who attended.

Rachel Carstensen and Karen Megchelsen reported that our annual Scholarship was awarded to Highland graduate, Dakota Longbine for $750.00.

On April 30, seven members and six guests attended a Amish meal prepared and served by Ila Fern Miller at her home in Kalona. It was a great home cooked meal which was enjoyed by all. Several members went shopping in Kalona before and after the meal.

Brenda Bean shared the meeting hostess/programs/committee sign-up sheets for next year, beginning in September. The members discussed program ideas and sign up was initiated.

Election of Officers was held. The new officers are: Brenda Bean — President; Jolene Colthurst- Vice President; Linda McNeil — Secretary/Reporter; Liz Kaufman — Treasurer; and Linda Lord — Historian.

Discussion held on recruiting new members. It was suggested we host a meet/greet night. Each member can invite prospective new members. We would share with them the history of Sacha Club, and our community projects. Further planning will be done soon.

Ann Freyenberger presented a very informative program on “Bridges Out of Poverty,” a national program. Ann and Kathi Bean, representing Ainsworth Community Church Mission Committee, attended workshops on this program before the pandemic. A countywide Community Training Program was held at Dallmeyer Hall/Washington County Fairgrounds in 2019. The next step is for the community to determine how to approach this initiative. Due to the pandemic, this program has not been activated in Washington County. Bridges is free training to educate people who are trying to survive with daily struggles of poverty. Classes are held for 12 participants for a 16 week course. Free transportation, child care, meals and a monetary stipend are offered to remove hurdles people face in being able to attend classes. The education include available local resources, how to access these resources, support personnel, and sustainability beyond the classroom. This program is very successful in many communities. We are looking forward to seeing it established in Washington County.