Prior to the April meeting of Iowa ET of the National TTT Society, members observed Founders Day in honor of the six Mount Pleasant women who dreamed and then organized what has become a nation-wide charitable society. According to the historical script used in the ceremony, in June, 1911, they met to celebrate their friendships, but imbued in the society a loftier purpose, that of charity – and in the 114 years since, providing summer camping opportunities for 10-year-old local girls has become the sole mission of the organization.

Sue Cope, president, led the ceremony, and members Susan Baker, Bonnie Bradbury, Karen Colwell, Maria Hazen, Margaret Johnson and Lorraine Schultz took the roles of each founder, lighting a candle in each woman’s honor.

Main items of business when the chapter met at The Embers recently, were a report from the recent Iowa State TTT Convention in Burlington, preliminary information on the selection of 2025 summer campers and the promotional and committee schedule for the Aug. 23 TTT Golf Tournament and fundraiser, which will be at the American Legion Golf Course.

Katie Lundberg and Kayla Elliott were ET delegates to the state convention. Because they also represent ET’s Camper Committee, they attended sessions related to preparing for camp and also the convention marketplace where they were able to purchase some camper supplies. The 2026 convention will be at Stony Creek, Johnston, and Elliott noted the State Board has some new incentives planned to increase attendance.

Lundberg and Elliott reported on initial contacts with families who were recommended by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, with daughters who would benefit from a camp experience. Traditionally the prospective campers are guests at the chapter’s May meeting, the early part of the summer is spent shopping and preparing for camp, and camp is Aug. 3-9 at the Des Moines YMCA Camp at Boone. All members volunteer to assist with camp preparations, and a full schedule of responsibilities will be available in May.

Honest Heating & Cooling, Marshalltown, is the Title Sponsor of this year’s golf tournament. This is the first year it has been in August, and Lisa Dougall, tournament coordinator, says she’s excited about the potential for the late-summer event. Members will be distributing posters and contacting potential sponsors for golf course holes in the next 3-4 weeks, and they also discussed committees as well as other promotional efforts between now and August.

The next meeting is May 20 and the annual June Brunch will be at 9 a.m. on June 28, both at the Embers.