My position with the City of Ashley began May 1, 2009, before this time I had never been on a board or worked for any branch of Government. Boy was I in for an experience! So, I innocently brought up the fact that our Quasquicentennial was just a few years away and I wondered if anyone was planning it as I was interested in helping

Well, there wasn’t, so I was asked to make some calls to see who would be interested in forming a committee. I then brought the names of 8 people including myself to City Council and we were appointed to form the committee.

We had our first meeting on June 30, 2009 and very much to my amazement I was elected as chairperson ! WOW! What a big job for someone with no experience! So, I jumped in with both feet and quickly learned how to run a meeting, write By-Laws, form a non-profit organization, register a trademark, file for charitable solicitation and the many legal rules of fundraising.

I have had a blast with the fundraisers we have done and I am so proud to be a part of this celebration. I am truly amazed that the people and businesses of Ashley are so giving in this endeavor. We are working together as a Community to make this a special event! The local Quilters are hand quilting 2 quilts, we will have a “Motor Mania” car show several bands for all tastes and ages. Our German-Russian Heritage will be showcased with accordions’ and our Heritage Center, a Carnival craft show and flea market and many more activities.

As a committee we decided early on that we will use local talent and businesses for purchases, printing the book and so forth.

We will use as many local resources as we possibly can through out the journey to 2013.

Out of this we have held our 1^st annual snowmobile poker run with 48 snowmobiles and 68 registrants and we raised $670.00 in profit, our burger feed and meat raffle we had $1317 profit. We are planning many events.