March Newsletter and Dinner Wed, March 15
/A Note from the President
We really are blessed to have such a concerned, strong member base and leadership group to keep our pristine grounds maintained for future generations to enjoy. We want to thank all of our loyal members that renewed their memberships and welcome all our new members to the oldest continuing green organization in Michiana. It is never too late to join or renew!
Two words to every member: Get Involved! Visit the IKES as often as you can, come out to the events that we offer, join the Board of Directors and give your time and resources to help perpetuate our environmental mission.
Please make an effort to attend our dinner/programs. They feature top notch speakers like Pokagon Band culture and language director Marcus Winchester on March 15th. Please call in your dinner reservations by Monday, March 13th. It is imperative that our caterer has an accurate count so everyone has enough to eat. Bring a friend or guest! Our ever popular tree seedling give away in April will be Wednesday, April 26th. Start to make decisions on where you will plant your trees!
Our membership is currently around 240. Renewals have been sent out. Please renew your membership soon. They have to be processed through the National Izaak Walton Division. This takes a little while so be patient. Please wear your badge at all times and obey the ground rules. Enjoy your visits and remember if you pack it in, pack it out! Help keep our park the most diverse, unique and clean in the County! See you at the IKES!
March Dinner and Speaker
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
We welcome Mr. Marcus Winchester, language and culture director for the Pokagon band of the Potawatomi, to the IKES on Wednesday, March 15th. Mr. Winchester will present a program rich in facts describing the genius of how Chief Leopold Pokagon negotiated to keep his band of 280 in the Saint Joe River Valley when 11 other Potawatomi bands were forced to move out West after the 1883 Chicago Treaty.
Marcus will describe the tactics used by Chief Pokagon and will also discuss how after years of petitioning, the Pokagon gained recognition in 1994 to restore self government. Due to the decreasing amount of elders, there is a now a program in place to restore the teaching and use of the Potawatomi language. Do not miss this event!
When: Wednesday, March 15. Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M. All are welcome.
Menu: Corned beef and cabbage with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults, $5 for 12 and under
Please call in your reservations by Mon. March 13th at 272-3660. We need an accurate count for the caterer.