Club News

Fleur-de-Lis Club members met at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Kalona Chocolates located at 211 Fifth Street, in Kalona.

Dorcas Jarrard was hostess and had arranged for a tour of this downtown business. The shop is owned by Lyndon and Mattie Hershberger. Mr. Hershberger gave members a tour of their kitchen and told a bit about the business started in 2009 in their home and in 2011 moved to their present location. He and his wife home-schooled their four daughters and wanted to incorporate some type of business in their studies. Several of the daughters are still active in the business. Their chocolates can be found locally in Washington at The Village.

They have their retail business in addition to mail orders, but find that summer months are not as conducive for mailing due to weather heat conditions.

October through February is probably their busiest time. Fudge, toffee, caramels, and tadpoles are some of the candies they make. Their tadpoles (their name for turtles) are one of their more popular items. Candy making is very labor-intensive. The chocolate comes in 10-pound slabs (milk chocolate, dark chocolate and sugar free) for use in their candy making. They also have a seating area where their chocolates and desserts can be purchased and enjoyed and also view on a big screen some of the candy making and dipping.

Following the tour and talk, the group met for a short business meeting conducted by president, Nancy Kimmel. Roll call was answered by each telling of a favorite dessert. The secretary and treasurer reports were given by Linda Birney. A sympathy card had been sent to former member, Linda Mangold, with the passing of her husband, Richard. Election of officers was held with Bev Krotz making a motion to retain the previous year officers and this was seconded by Theresa Hora. Officers held over for another year will be president, Nancy Kimmel, vice-president, Bev Krotz, and secretary-treasurer, Linda Birney. The Remembrance Committee will be Bev Crandall and Theresa Hora. A sign-up sheet was passed around for hostess months for the coming year and program booklets will be available at the May meeting and dues were collected for the coming year.

Members enjoyed candy samples provided by Kalona Chocolates and the hostess in addition to tasty muffins. Visiting and catching up on family was enjoyed before members departed for the afternoon.

The next meeting will be May 25, with Bev Crandall as hostess at 9 a.m.