IMFHG Fall Meeting 9-8-23:  Holiday Inn, Des Moines Iowa
President Joyce Gauger called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m., with the theme of “Good Ole Summertime”.
Vice-President Mari Lynn Heineman gave the invocation, followed by the singing of the Master Farm Homemakers song, which was led by Darla Thompson. Secretary Carol Gilbert led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The president introduced our four guests who are being inducted into our Guild at the noon luncheon. They are Carolyn Adolphs from Tama County, Mary Boysen from Louisa County, Donna Williams from Louisa County, and Cherie Westerkamp from Marion County.
Roll call began with honoring those members in attendance who were celebrating induction anniversaries and not honored at the Spring meeting. They were Lisa Tapper, Nancy Beyer, and Carol Gilbert, all inducted in 2013.
Roll call continued with Guild members introducing themselves, the year they were inducted, the county they were inducted from and any guests that were with them. A total of 27 members were present: five members from 1980-89, four members from 1990-99, six members from 2000-2010, eleven members from 2011-2019, and one member from 2020 to present. Special recognition was given to the four members in attendance over the age of 90.
The secretary presented the minutes from the April 2023 meeting, which were sent to all members for reading ahead of the fall meeting. The president called for any corrections or additions. A correction was made on the number of Ruth B. Sayer scholarships that could be given each year. Following discussion, Ann Marie Nelson moved to accept minutes as corrected; seconded by Dorothy Russell; motion carried.
The vice-president led the memorial service with a beautiful reading entitled “God Made a Farmer’s Wife.”  Ribbons were placed on the wreath to honor six of our members and/or their spouses that passed away this past year.
Treasurer JoAnn Alumbaugh gave the Treasurer’s Report. The starting checkbook balance was $3,580.85. Total income - $8,051.21. Total expenses - $1,966.85. Ending checkbook balance - $9,665.21. Foundation investments with Edward Jones - $64,568.12. Total assets to date - $77,045.24. Lea Maass moved to accept the report, Coleen Van Dyke seconded; motion carried. Donation bags were passed for both the Ruth B. Sayre and IMFHG Scholarships.
Old Business: Marylou Ahrens reported on the newly created IMFHG Scholarship. 33 applications were received. Those who evaluated the applications included teens, educators, and members of our Guild. A thank you note was read from Alison Rygh of Lake Mills, our first scholarship recipient. Darla Thompson shared more about Alison, who is from her county.
Kelly Keitzer gave an update on the IMFHG website. The current web program is old and has some challenges and limitations. Kelly is working with Darla Thompson to add pictures and new Guild information. Darla and Kelly will investigate the cost of a new web program. Kelly and Joyce shared plans for sewing more Quilts of Valor tops together.
It was shared that thirteen Guild members attended the National Master Farm Homemakers in Colorado this summer.
Loy Walker gave a report on Country Women’s Council (CWC) and handed out information on CWC and the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) providing a better understanding about both organizations. Loy traveled to Malaysia for the Triennial in May 2023 and carried our vote as a delegate. She highlighted CWC service projects that are improving communities and people’s lives around the world. IMFHG has been a member of ACWW for the past 55 years, which provides a connection to the world. Loy encouraged the Guild to continue being an ACWW member as a group.
Mary Lou Ahrens announced that a revised nomination form for potential Guild members has been developed. She welcomed any comments or suggestions before the form is finalized.
New Business: Mary Lou Ahrens reported on IMFHG’s fall volunteer service project of cooking an evening meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Central Iowa and Mercy One House, both in Des Moines. Six Guild members prepared and delivered a meal for 50: chicken alfredo, bread sticks, watermelon, and poke cake.
Joyce Stover gave an update on the Quilts of Valor volunteer sewing group, which worked on 2 two large quilt tops and one child’s quilt top for the Ronald McDonald House. Joyce entered two Quilts of Valor, made at the Spring Meeting, at her County Fair and received 1st and 2nd places.
Ann Marie Nelson shared information about matching donations for the Sukup Safety Homes. Thanks to Roach Ag sponsorship and other anonymous donors, the first $100,000 will be matched! A Safe T Home® costs $5,700 for nonprofits intending to use the grain bin house for humanitarian efforts.
Treasurer JoAnn presented a recommendation from the Executive Board to use up to 5% of the Foundation’s Fund balance (which is determined on each December 31) to support the Guild’s local, state, and national philanthropy/service projects. Shirley Yungclas moved the motion; Chris Cornelius seconded; motion carried.
Carol Messer moved to reimburse expenses for the food and cost of the Hospitality Room. Lean Maass seconded, motion carried.
Darla Thompson moved for the Iowa Master Farm Homemakers to become a group member of ACWW for a cost of $80/ year. Barbara Oldham seconded; motion carried.
The 2024 spring meeting of the IMFHG will be held Saturday, April 13th. at the Hansen Dairy in Hudson, Iowa. The day will include a tour of the 150-year-old dairy farm. Members and guests will learn about the milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream that is produced in their creamery and interact with their cows and kangaroos along the way. More details to follow.
Nomination Committee Chair Leah Mass presented the slate of officers: President – JoAnn Alumbaugh and Treasurer – Mary Lou Ahrens. There were no nominations from the floor. Barbara Oldham moved to accept the slate of officers as presented. Chris Cornelius seconded; motion carried.
Incoming President JoAnn Alumbaugh handed out a new IMFHG tri-fold brochure, which lists officers and their contact information; explains IMFHG history, our commitment to philanthropy and community service projects; and includes information on the Guild’s Iowa scholarship.
Mary Lou Ahrens moved to adjourn the meeting. Carol Messer seconded; motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Members and guests then attended the awards program and luncheon, with the induction of four new members. Door prizes were given out.