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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Friends of Geode is not resting on its laurels
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The 2024 recreational season at Geode State Park is winding down. The Friends of Geode accomplished many tasks during 2024. They completed the year with very successful Geode Challenge races. They are now looking forward to 2025, setting goals for next year’s projects and discussing ideas for new activities.
Fundraising is always ongoing. Providing firewood for the campground and beach fire pits is an ongoing project. The past two Saturdays, volunteers have worked splitting and storing fuel for 2025. A huge thank you was issued to everyone who helped. Stew’s Lawn Service provided his firewood processor. Mike Fortin brought his skid loader and many needed tools. The good equipment and dedicated volunteers have ensured a good supply of wood. The shed is filled and a nice pile is ready for restocking. The Rockstar” cooks were given special recognition. The delicious lunch break is always a welcome part of the workday.
On Nov. 3, a General Meeting was held. After approving the minutes, the Treasurer reviewed the financial status of the organization. All the bills have been paid.
The committee reports are as follows:
- Nominating committee — the positions of President, vice President, Treasurer and one At Large Board member must be filled.
- Geode Challenge Races — Kathi Myers reported many positive comments were made by runners. Next year the cost should increase by $5. Kathy also wants to place more signs so there is no confusion regarding the paths to be taken.
- Concession Building — A meeting is being held with the electrician to assess the electrical work. The soffit and fascia is nearly completed. A building inspection by the state will be done soon. Information is needed on the foam insulation and the drywall. A tree needs to be removed and the Park Manager has approved the Friends to remove the tree but it must be done by a licensed and insured contractor.
Items discussed under old business:
- More bottle/can receptacles are needed in the park. A materials list is being prepared and volunteer welding is a possibility.
- Bylaws need to be changed and brought up to date. Work has begun on this project.
Items discussed under new business:
- Proposed event budgets are due by the end of March to the current President.
- An anonymous donor has proposed a matching grant to the Friends of Geode. The matching amount is $15,000. The time period is Oct. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2025. The donor will allow us to use volunteer hours toward the goal. Everyone will need to keep good track of their hours. Jill will document these hours, make a copy for the DNR and keep records for our documentation. Letters have been sent to individuals and businesses already. A brochure is currently being designed. Businesses will be approached soon as they need to plan their donation budgets soon.
- Fundraiser ideas were shared. Some of the ideas were sponsoring a Paint a Picnic Table, Yak Attack Breakfast, Bike a Thon. Members are asked to forward their suggestions to the Board. All ideas are welcome. Reaching our matching goal is very important.
Scheduled Meetings
- Executive Board Meeting — Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fullenkamp home.
- General Meeting — Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Bob Dodds Insurance Meeting Room, Danville.
