West Chester alumni banquet held

West Chester alumni and guests met at the West Chester Heritage Schoolhouse at 12:30 p.m., June 5, 2016, for the annual banquet and bountiful potluck meal. Ron Bowser gave the invocation.

Janice Statler Gibson, Class of 1956, of Washington, welcomed the alumni and guests. Sharon Hahn, secretary, read the minutes from 2015. The school song, ?Faithful and Ever Loyal,? was sung by the attendees.

Members present represented the Classes of 1945 to 1960. Several area graduates of Mid-Prairie School were in attendance. The Class of 1956 had the largest number of attendees.

Terri Hough Hoffman reported activities for the Heritage Association. Members of the board that oversees the building and its activities are: Bob Hough, president; Dean Greiner, vice president; Vanessa Eastman, secretary; Carman Woods, treasurer; Terri Hoffman, event director; Kristy McCall, museum; Missy Patterson, Kevin Dunbar and Carol Hough.

Terri reported that they are always looking for grants for historical buildings. The school was built in 1917 and will soon be celebrating its 100th year, when more grants will be available.

Last year there were 46 rentals and 15 events. Planned rentals for next year are 34 rentals and seven free events.

Carol Hough reported on the next big event, which will be RAGBRAI, the big bike ride through Iowa. Fifteen thousand to 20,000 people will be riding bikes through West Chester on July 29. Fifteen vendors are setting up on the school grounds of West Chester Heritage. Volunteers will be needed for setup activities. In September, West Chester will be serving as a host to the Iowa Tractor Ride.

Greg Giardino auctioneered donated items at the close of the event. The auction is a fundraiser for maintaining the school building, gym and museum.