The primary focus of this meeting, hosted by Daryl Empen, was to review nominees for our annual awards and make the selections.

Prior to the award review, President Linda Anderson introduced a few business issues.

Treasurer Terri Cone said the current total balance is $7612.60, with $4167.65 in the Villa Arch account and the remainder, 3444.95 in our regular accounts. Diane Oestreich reviewed and audited our books and found everything in order.

Diana Alm said that Neighborhood Partners will continue their Financial Peace class beginning next September. It costs $100 per family with a rebate of $50 from NP. Linda said that the presenter can be heard on Cedar Rapids “Radio 600” between 7 and 9 pm.

Clayton Peterson has reviewed our constitution and by-laws and has recommendations for change. They will be forwarded to the membership later. Clayton also sent a sympathy note to the family of member Jane Commander this past month.

Pam Saunders is pinning down the date – last Saturday in April or first in May – for the Clock Tower tour.

Diane asked for volunteers for the Broadway Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 16, to work at the Brauns’ home.

The outstanding article Alma Gaul researched and wrote about our recent presentation of the Mark Cook painting to the RI Parks was noted. If you missed the Sunday QC Times, you can see the story at qctimes.com

Be sure to look at the pictures, including two vintage ones from Mike Hammer’s collection that Daryl sent Alma.

Moline Preservation Society is having their social meeting on Thursday, March 25, at Butterworth Center. There’s a lasagna dinner at 6:15 with a program at 7. The program will feature the writers of the recent compilation of Riverside Cemetery history. Details available at qctimes.com

AWARD SELECTION

Daryl photographed over 30 candidates throughout the city that had been suggested during the past months. Many, both new and old candidates, were clearly incomplete. Others had only a relatively small amount of work that needed to be done to be complete, but it was decided to wait for such work. They will be maintained on a list for next year. Some houses had significant improvements but were clearly non-preservation improvements. We do not give awards for vinyl siding or new windows, even if the house appearance is improved. After much discussion and evaluation, we finally decided that we will give Four Awards,Two Special Recognitions, and Three Certificates.

There is one possibility for another award, but Daryl has not been able to contact the owner to determine the level of work done. Terry Anderson will try, but we will probably postpone this until next year.

AWARD PRESENTATION DETAILS: Clayton will coordinate with the City Clerk to determine a date for presentation before the City Council. He will also see if we can use a conference room for a brief reception afterwards so that we do not disturb the council meeting with people talking in the anteroom.. Diane will prepare press releases and also send letters to the award recipients. Linda will prepare the presentation. Martha Dismer will buy frames and matting materials. Daryl will take good photos and prepare and frame the awards for presentation.

Meeting adjourned by consensus.

Diane Oestreich
(309) 788-1845
blueskies78900@yahoo.com