Year in Review

2022-2023

Annandale Improvement Club

The Beautification committee team led by Judy Grabham, Linda Leuer, Carleen Hart, Liz Leitch-Sell and Barbara Lundberg, friends and volunteers, including the Key Club at AHS prepared gorgeous grounds and flowers in the Annandale Pelto Garden and in all the rounds around the town and in the two cemeteries, both in spring and winter, wearing stylish hot pink AIC Garden apparel. The Beautification team continues to nurture AIC’s relationship with the city of Annandale staff which makes for a more beautiful Annandale area.

The Beautification committee coordinated a winter décor project: Spruce Tips packs available to members for a donation. The project went over big! So, that will continue in 2023.

Thirty-two members of AIC were recognized (10/6/22) for supporting AIC for 15+ years! Jill Bishop (1996), Barbara Brauer (2005), Joyce Dahl (2005), Marlene Dingmann (1996), Phyllis Fering (2005), Jan Foldenaur (1999), Meredith Froehlich (2006), Betsy Gridley (1994), Ruth Gruys (1954), Bonnie Gutzwiller (2004)m, Lajla Hood (2004), Mary Iverson (1990), Judy Johnson (2003), Dayle Lampi (2003), Bev Lindgren (1983), Barb

Lundberg (1997), Vicki Morgan (2004), Julie Olson (2004), Sandy Oto (1976), Barb Owen (2003), Sharon Peterson (1988), Jan Quinn (1994), Judy Seaberg (2004),m Julie Sedey (2002), Char Shadduck (1990), Sally Smith (2003), Patti VanDorp (2000), Lynn Vogt (2002), Betty Waldenauer (1997), Gloria Warner (2007), Kathleen Wenngatz (1990), and Doris Wynia (1981).

AIC awarded two $1,000 scholarships to students at Annandale High School: Faith Mader and Madigan Kuser earned their scholarships through consistent interests and actions supporting the Annandale community, personal academic achievements, and school involvement. Sally Smith represented AIC at the AHS ceremony.

“…By awarding me this scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus on the most important aspect of school: learning! I hope to one day be able to support students in achieving their goals just as you have supported me! – Madigan Kuser.

 

 

“…I am beyond grateful for the scholarship and everything this club does for our beautiful city. I cannot thank you enough for your generous financial support towards my higher education at University of Utah! – Faith Mader

This year proved to be a re-staging year for AIC members from being unable to meet for so long due to COVID-19. Bringing dues up to par and fundraising in the community gathered momentum as the year played on. Vicki Greene coordinated AIC volunteers to work Meat Raffles at Billy D’s. (And in April we began at The Stadium on Saturday nights in the month of AIC choice. Annandale Lions Meat Raffles at Billy D’s successful

generated $1,632.00. (March proceeds were reported in May as $915). Grand total: $2,547 for the efforts. The

$915 will be reported in the 2023-2024 fiscal as it was not received until April. Fundraising expanded for the 2023-2024 year to include several months working at The Stadium Meat Raffles and at Billy D’s. How grand for two hours work once a week! It is projected that, through this type of fundraising, AIC projects will gain over

$3,000.00.

And, as AIC resumed normal operations, members decided that consistent follow-up following a meeting with those who made reservations yet did not come or cancel on time must occur for payment to be made (known as Late lunches on the Treasurer report), including the Christmas Tea. It is simply the responsibility of the secretary to follow up. Results: Most members responded to the nudge by paying the outstanding reservation.

Nonprofits helped this year through AIC member and guest donations at each meeting included Annandale Youth First ($116), Village Ranch School for Girls ($119), Citizens Climate Lobby ($89), Share Your Christmas ($170), and True Friends ($79). This total does not include late donations. Total giving: $573.00

What did we learn about this year? AIC members and guests got the latest on the state of our fair city and surrounding area from Mayor Shelly Jonas and City Administrator Kelly Hinnenkamp. The State of the City presentation is an annual presentation to AIC. Kathy Larson introduced members to the new Lakeside Garden Center, and connection with sister nursery, Butterfly Gardens. Julie Starkey, of Keys to Living Light, reminded AIC members and guests that in home organizing, “Keeping everything makes nothing important.”

Elizabeth Bayer of Annandale Art & Textile introduced us to products woven by creative weavers at the shop, discussed the benefits of weaving for persons with disabilities and in general, and described the shop expansion, and financials in general. Global Warming effects, mitigation, and the state of the earth, described by CCL-St Cloud Convener Lee Morgan, focused us on the state of our earth and international conferences and alliances to mitigating the global warming. “How would you like to go?” - Mike Messina, of Dingmann Funeral Care, Burial and Cremation Services in Annandale, discussed values and benefits of funerals. He described current options, including green burial, for funeral arrangements including general costs.

The August Picnic was fun with Sally Smith leading us in a game of Trivia about Annandale and about AIC. Cottage Gourmets catered the event. That catering is an annual arrangement now too at the Annandale Pavilion.

 

Membership: a Photo packet of Membership information, replaced 3-ring binders of Member listings, due to an increase in costs. Appreciation to Jill Bishop for designing the Photo member sheets that helped make this transition possible. By March 31, 2023, AIC has nine (9) Honorary Members, and 74 regular, paying members. The club is open to female and male members. Annual dues remain at $35.00. Luncheon fee remains at $13.00.

In memorial: Margaret Mary (Margi) Kronquist (1951-2023)

 

 

Bylaws and Guidelines updated, to be addressed again in five years, if needed.

 

 

Executive Committee: met twice this year.

AIC nonprofit 501 (c)3 status renewed during this period with the Secretary of State and with the IRS.