April 2022

 DMARSPA MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2022

1. President Marla Carr welcomed DMARSPA members to the April 28, 2022, meeting.
2. Sherry Wilkinson introduced the speaker Pat Meiners, who spoke on the revitalization of the
East Side. Living in Des Moines most of her life, Pat graduated from North High School
and attended Evangel University, Drake University and DMACC. Her professional
accounting resume’ includes various Des Moines companies, the State of Iowa and a family
business. Among her claims to fame are being interviewed by the late, great George Mills
in 1980 at the Iowa Capitol, speaking with Governor John Connolly of Texas who was in the
limousine with President Kennedy when he was assassinated and being one of the riders
on the last Minneapolis and St. Louis passenger train run out of Des Moines on March 7,
1959. She researches and is part of Des Moines history. Seeing the great need for a group
dedicated to preserving the history of Des Moines, Pat led the establishment of the Des
Moines Historical Society in 2009, and was one of the founders of the Des Moines Heritage
Trust in early 2017 which has restored the 1909 East Union Depot. She has a large
personal collection of Des Moines memorabilia and information. Her interest in history was
heavily influenced by her father, Bob Wynn. Pat has been a part of several local television
reports regarding Des Moines history and has presented many historical programs,
including; “Notables of Des Moines,” “Des Moines Shopping in the 1950’s” and “Prohibition
in Des Moines” at the DM Historical Society quarterly meetings and to other groups. She
has led tours of Sherman Hill and other tours for the Des Moines Leadership Institute,
Central Iowa Model A Club and others. She is married to Rick Meiners and they have one
adult son.
Pat told about the 1909 depot on the East side. The depot is in the market district
which is east of the East Village. Now it is a totally modern events center. A map showed
green areas where parks are planned. A lot of building on the east side. Scott Street -
Roadside Settlement House; name came from a poem. Called Rose Manor now and is a
private residence. The old fountain there has been moved. It originally was near the Capitol at
Penn and Grand. The streets were mud and the fountain was moved. Fairgrounds Hardware
was lost. She told of more improvements planned, such as; the market building, the Eagle
View Lofts, Iowa Cat Room, Molly’s Cupcakes in Dilly Manufacturing, The Brewery, Climb Iowa,
The Breakfast Club, The Connolly Lofts, the old A & P. Near the Depot is planned a
neighborhood grocery store. The Federal Court House, built in 1928, was replaced by the new
building. It is not known what will be done. There is no Des Moines museum. One is
needed. They are trying to not have the Capitol view obstructed. Many buildings are from the
1870’s on the east side. A promenade is also planned. The North Western Hotel is still there
and being renovated. It’s hard to get the City to be interested in Des Moines history.
3. Monetary donation for the Food Pantry can put in the basket during lunch. T-shirt
donations to make grocery bags or plastic bags, please leave on the back tables.
4. Celebration of April birthdays.
5. Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.
6. Lunch
7. Visitor introduction
8. Introduction of Scholarship Recipients - Dee Fleischacker. Three Scholarships were given
this year. All three will be going into education. Ella Moss is from Grandview University
majoring in elementary ed, special ed. She has a Spanish speaking background. She lives
with her family on a farm in Adel, and would like to teach in a rural area. She will be
student teaching in Waukee and Panorama. Dustin Haines is from Central College and his
major is PE. He belongs to the Central Teacher Academy which pairs them with teachers
who are mentors. Sigourney is his hometown. He will be certified K-12 in PE. Justin
Forteo is also from Grandview University and is majoring in special ed. Right now he is
taking classes toward his master’s degree and subbing. He is particularly interested in
autism.

9. Business Meeting:
A. Secretary Report - Sherry Wilkinson. Report approved as read.
B. Treasurer’s Report - Sandra Petre. General Account: Balance on hand March 24,
2022: $4320.64. Deposits: $1504.00. Expenses: Baratta’s - $1040.00, Warren
Pitcher - $28.84. Balance on hand April 28, 2022 = $4756.80. SCHOLARSHIP
ACCOUNT: Balance on hand March 24, 2022 - $2137.16. Deposits - $521.00.
Interest - $.09. Balance on hand April 28, 2022 - $2658.25. TOTAL APRIL 28,
2022 - $7415.05. Dues of $18 need to be paid by June 30 and
may be paid at the meeting or sent to Sandra.
C. Old Business:
1. Volunteer hours.
D. New Business:
1. Increase membership.
2. Program committee
10. Announcements:
A. Anyone who would like to walk along the river after DMARSPA meetings, please let
Marla know.
B. Sign up for the cashier job.
11. Door prize winner - Joan Hooker
12. Cashiers for next month - Dee Fleischacker, Janet Linn
13. Table decorations given to any members who would like them.
May Program - “Seniors on The Move.”
Adjourned at 12:42 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
sherry Wilkinson
Secretary