Friends of
Shimek
2022
I’d like to take a few minutes to Recap the accomplishments of
Friends of Shimek during the past year.
It doesn’t seem possible we are staring at a new year already.
The early months of 2022 were cold, snowy, icy, slick, and sloppy
all at the same time.
Rain was a big factor from
April through June keeping the dirt trails closed. However, the Wet Weather Trails remained open for riding and hiking. We are very fortunate to have them to enjoy during the rainy season. The DNR staff to an amazing job keeping any downed trees and debris cleared on these trails.
A new 911 sign was placed at the entrance of the Lick Creek Unit.
Yes, Shimek Forest has an official address. (Shimek State Forest – Lick Creek
Unit, 1176 Highway 2, Farmington, IA 52626. No, it’s not a mailing address
rather an address for emergency services such as medical, police, or fire
services.
Due to Covid restriction, workdays were not scheduled for safety
purposes. Finally, in May a workday could be scheduled with many workers showing up to lend a helping hand. Additional stalls were constructed. The
interior walls were completed. Gates were hung. Some old
hitching rails were removed and replaced with much nicer sturdy ones. Trash was cleaned out of the firepits and
around the camp sites.
A Huge Thank You to all volunteers who assisted Forester John
Byrd, Technician Patrick Thomas, and the DNR crew that contributed time and
effort in accomplishing so many improvements that day! It takes group effort to accomplish these
tasks to make the Lick Creek Unit a better place to ride and shelter the
animals. As 2022 gives way to 2023 we will be having changes within the Friends of Shimek board officers. We want to say Thank you for your service and a job well done to two of our board members who will be leaving their positions.
Ringo Covert – has resigned his position as President at the
close of this year. He has been a great
leader and was crucial to the board in making decisions that help further the
mission of Friends of Shimek. His
knowledge and ability to lead will be greatly missed.
Thank You, Ringo, for all your hard work, your positive influence
on all people you encounter, and your ability to work through every
situation. You have been an inspiration
to all the board members, past and present.
Bonnie Moothart – has resigned her position as Fundraising
Coordinator. She has been phenomenal in
organizing, creating, and orchestrating fund raisers to provide funds to
further the improvements to the Lick Creek Unit. Bonnie, Thank You, for all the expertise in
the area of fund raising and for being a big part of volunteering on workdays. You will be greatly missed.
With that being said, we have acquired three new board members as
of November. They are Lala O’Hara,
Teresa Murray, and Herman (Sonny) Gipe.
We will be posting more information about these three on the blog and in
the next newsletter.
They will be a great asset to the board. Each of them brings new ideas, encouragement,
and a willingness to work toward the main goal – maintaining and assisting the
DNR staff in preserving Shimek Forest.
As always: May your troubles be less, your blessing more, and may
nothing but happiness come through your door. (BG)
Until then,
Stay safe, be kind, and smile because it looks good on you.
Kathy
Editor
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