Et cetera : Vinton Garden Club News

The Vinton Garden Club, member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., District II, and Central Region met 11:30 am February 26, 2014 at Vinton Family Restaurant for lunch with Joyce Bratten as hostess. After lunch club members went to Joyce’s home for the meeting and program on “Outside Air Quality” by Kaitlin Emerich, MPH, with Linn County Public Health Department. Kaitlin Emerich gave a presentation about National Ambient Air Quality Standards which were established under the Clean Air Act. These standards are used to protect public health. Kaitlin went over the hazardous air pollutants and the formation of criteria air pollutants and how these effect our health focusing on sources of particulate matter and where Linn County has air quality monitoring sites. Kaitlin also handed out a booklet “A Citizen’s Guide to Radon” going over where radon can be found, how to test for it, and some of the ways to correct the levels in your home if your home tests over the limit for radon. President Fran Stueck called the meeting to order at 2:10 pm. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the conservation pledge. Nine members answered roll call “What do you do to improve air quality?” Secretary, Kelly Kaut, read the minutes, they were approved as read. Treasurer, Joyce Bratten, gave the treasurer’s report and it will be filed for audit. Correspondence - Green Scene Symposium in Waterloo, Iowa on March 1st Fran Stueck read who will be giving presentations. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation sent a thank you for the club’s donation Committee reports - Photography and publicity will be given to local newspapers on a monthly basis. Get well cards were passed around for Anne Dake and Connie McClintock for members to write a short note. Unfinished business - The 2014 program books were handed out to members. President Fran Stueck donated her time and paper for the project. Rita Glime gave a report on the Winter Gardening Fair held in Cedar Rapids. The local Smokey Bear Poster winners 1st grade thru 3rd won at State level and were sent on to Regionals. We are hoping to get one sent on to National. New business - Three members, Joyce Bratten, Sharen Stueck, and Fran Stueck, attended the Buchanan Master Gardener Symposium on February 22nd in Independence. Fran gave some tips on gardening. Plant heirloom marigolds to deter insects in garden. Plant garlic or scented geraniums by your roses to keep Japanese beetles away. To attract Mason bees, take an empty coffee can and fill it with paper rolled around a pencil 5/16” and pack it in the can. Hang it so it doesn’t move on a post, you can use a black marker on the ends to attract bees face it southeast. They lay in spring and come out the next spring. When pruning dip shears in 9 parts water to 1 part bleach after each cut. Fran reported that when you are hostess you have to notify members when changes are made and send out cards to membership. The basement in the library is available for programs and meetings at no charge and you can take in refreshments. You need to reserve in advance if anyone decides to use the facilities. Fran will check with Park and Recreation department and fairgrounds to see if they could use a tree somewhere for our Arbor Day planting on April 25th. Therapy at Cedar Valley Ranch is Tuesday, April 8th at 9:00 am. The next meeting will be March 26th with Cam Wood as hostess. Meeting adjourned.