Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting – Zoom
February 16, 2021
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Greg Hinshaw, Brendon Comp, Keith Gary, Mary Ann Stroeh, Ed Armantrout, Bonita Ramirez, Kat Knox-Blankenbaker, Maureen Walby, Dustin Humm, Sarah McCord, Carly Acree-King, Mark Goodpaster, Tim Carter. Pete Olson, David Spaw, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Did you spend money for Valentine’s Day and if so, did you spend it locally? Most responded they had spent money for Valentine’s Day and most had spent it locally.
SECRETARY REPORT: Approved as submitted
TREASURER REPORT: Ed Armantrout – Approved as submitted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee is in place for Walkabout Wednesday for the Greens Project. More information will be forthcoming after the committee meets.
Nothing new to report for Four for the 4th at this time.
SCHOOL REPORT:
School was closed for E-learning day, and are not sure about the remainder of the week due to weather concerns. The schools are actively pursuing a summer remediation program for students who have not done well during the school year. Plans are in the works for a permanent virtual program and will have the curriculum in place for K-8. Construction is going well and on schedule for a 2022 completion. Bids were opened for the new tennis courts and all came in under budget. Covid update included a more relaxed contact tracing procedure, however, contact tracing for athletics has been tightened. Staff was commended for their excellence during the Covid restrictions.
TOWN REPORT:
Pete was shoveling snow.
LUNCH AND LEARN: – Brendon Comp –Reported that the programs offered by Shafer were going strong with attendance open to all members through Zoom. Members were encourage to check the Shafer Website for learning opportunities. Discussion continued about providing emails and contact information to Shafer so they will be able to contact Chamber members about learning opportunities and programs. It was agreed that this information would be provided to Shafer.
PROGRAM: Tim Carter – Rinard Greenhouse – Environmental Education Center including Christy Woods, Miller Wildlife Area, Skinner Field Area, Cooper Farm, Hults Environmental Center, and Ginn Woods. The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse is a teaching and research facility and is the largest collegiate facility in the United States. The original orchid greenhouse began in 1970 with a donation from a private collection and then in 2014 Dr. Joe Rinard donated the greenhouse in honor of his wife, Alice. The outreach and education development hosts programs for more than 6,000 visitors per year with programs for children, adults, and students. Hands-on learning includes such topics as how to grow food, nature/wellness, and a master naturalist program.
As the current facility is small, plans are being formulated for the expansion of the current facility to include a nature lab and outdoor courtyard, roof top solar, and pathways connecting to the community. Estimated completion of this project is October, 2021, with dedication slated for spring, 2022. The goal of this new project is to create a new and exciting learning environment for East Central Indiana and will be double the size of the current facility in order to accommodate more visitors.
Further information can be found on the Rinard Greenhouse Face Book page. Other educational opportunities now being formulated include learning boxes for teachers which can be used as teaching modules for their students. The Greenhouse also hosts an annual plant sale scheduled for April, 2021.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Applications for Yorktown Endowment Fund will be available March 1, with a deadline of May 1; Yorktown Kiwanis is again doing taxes and slots are filling up quickly. Contact Ed Armantrout for further information at 765-749-4354.
TIP OF THE MONTH: Mark Goodpaster – Be prepared for snow storms by keeping extra supplies in your vehicle. These should include food, water, extra clothing, a blanket, and cell phone. Keep your gas tank filled and tell someone of your destination. In case of emergency, stay with your vehicle, tie a rag or cloth to the top of your antenna, use the heater for 10 minutes every hour, move your arms, legs and fingers frequently. Finally keep one window in the vehicle slightly opened.
MEETING ADJOURNED: Next meeting – March 16, 2021