A multitude of thanks are due to many angels who helped facilitate the “Sunset Wine, Cheese and Auction” to benefit the Friends of Marshall County Conservation on Oct. 12. We are grateful that, when we learned our event had to be moved, Barb Hagstrand was willing to accommodate us at Van Gogh’s. It was a lovely, cozy space. Many thanks to Barb for her spontaneous hospitality.

Thanks to musicians Janet Collison on harp, the MHS Jazz Band led by Brett Umthun and to Mark Nord together with Karyssa Kieser, performing as “Karma.” Thanks also to Marshall County Conservation naturalist, Emily Herring, for her expert help and for the use of the marvelous live-edge charcuterie board. Luisa Ortega, of Midnight Ballroom, worked tirelessly to fulfill all the regulations required by the county to host the wine part of the wine and cheese event. Luisa and her staff performed cheerfully and efficiently.

An abundance of auction items were donated to help the Friends group enhance Marshall County Parks alongside the Marshall County Conservation Board. A giant thank you for auction items goes to Martha and Dean Isaacson, Black Tire Bikes, N&D Photography, Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, Hair Club of Des Moines, Earl May, Thomas Taylor Designs, Helen Degner, Marvis Drew, Yvette Meyer, Roger and Emily Grimes, Kathy Ross, Tom and Janey Swartz of Woodland B&B, JBS Swift, Tami Krough, Steve Sodders, Orpheum Theater, Mark Smith, Loren and Diane Upah, and Aviva Alter of Chicago.

The Friends of Marshall County Conservation plan to establish an endowment fund in order to give donors the best possible tax benefits available in donating to our beautiful, popular county park system. “Embrace Nature’s Harmony” is the tagline for the Friends group. Anyone and everyone is invited to become a member of the Friends group to support our parks financially, by volunteering time or talents or by sharing ideas. To become a member people may contact Carrie Barr, 641-750-2890, grimesbarr@gmail.com.

The Friends of Marshall County Conservation thanks everyone who attended the Oct. 12 event. Stay tuned for more educational and recreational activities in your county parks.