Club News

The Washington Chapter of the American Association of University Women met Tuesday, March 14 in the Halcyon House Game Room. Co-hostesses were Linda Sturdevant and Rose Ellen Stelton. The program, ?What?s New in Farming,? was given by Paul Reed, Rose Ellen?s nephew. He was assisted by Kevin and Ken Reed.

Paul said that living in Washington County is like living in the ?golden buckle? of agriculture. He said that area farmers farm in one of the top ag-producing areas of the world and he had high praise for the innovative means of farming that not only protect the soil but are rebuilding the soil. He hoped that the club members would leave the meeting feeling truly blessed.

Washington County is No. 1 in the state in producing solar energy. He credited his brother Ken with spearheading solar power. Paul said the seven farms in the family are all powered with solar energy. The cost of installing solar power was wiped out in one year.

Paul went on to talk about new techniques farmers use to conserve soil, including planting cover crops, which stabilizes the soil, builds organic matter back into the soil and controls weeds.

Kevin spoke about the West Fork Crooked Creek watershed improvements that help keep nitrogen from running off the soil and into creeks and streams.

Washington County is first in the state in pork production and fourth in the United States. Paul said that 94 percent of hog farmers are family farms. He spoke about manure management plans that must be submitted once a year at a cost of $50 to $100 per acre.

The club women were impressed with all they learned from the Reed brothers.

The business meeting followed the program. Minutes of the Feb. 14 meeting were read and approved. Treasurer Patty Roe reported that a check for $225 was written for Camp Invention. The balance reported was $1,666.13.

President Millie Youngquist reported that the STEM event at Kirkwood for Washington eighth-graders was a success. A date will be picked for next year?s event.

Linda Sturdevant reported that the scholarship committee has three names plus recommendations for the AAUW scholarship. The deadline was April 3. The committee planned to meet during the first week on April to make a decision.

The club received an update on speakers for the WRAP Center.

Millie passed out information concerning the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center. Opera Iowa will present ?The Barber of Seville? at the center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. Opera Iowa will also do a full day of workshops and a special performance for Washington Elementary and high school students during the day.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the UP Home Dining Room. Co-hostesses will be Kitch Shatzer, Marie Dare, and Mary Wagamon. The program will be ?What is Music Therapy? by Elisabeth Tinnes of The Joy of Music.