Friends of the Hennepin Canal

Sheffield, IL 61361

Thanks to all who attended "A Day of Discovery".  Please feel free to email us your thoughts, comments, suggestions. 

(10/08/07)

Just wanted to let you know...Spencer (my son) had a great time at the event...especially the fishing. we went back this morning  to the lagoon so he could teach ME how to fish  The visitor's center was very quiet and I spent a quiet restful morning watching my son fish...his Hennepin canal memories are just beginning. Thanks Ed for showing him the ropes.

We were featured on front page of the Kewanee paper and received the News Tribune from LaSalle Peru tonight with some wonderful photos.  Will bring them to the meeting

It was a wonderful event..thanks for allowing me to be part of it.  Cathy

(10/08/07)

I think the event was a smashing success too. To add to what Joe said:

- have the walk and bike ride start early and end at the visitor’s center at about the start of the days events.
- the music made the environment warm and welcoming. I was so impressed that there were 3 separate performance areas. There are many blue grass jammers that would come and play.
- the Montreal (huge) canoe was a big hit too.

 Thanks, Yona

(10/08/07)

Thank you to everyone and anyone who helped with the Oct. 7 Day of Discovery. This event – in fact all of the events for the Hennepin centennial – exceeded my expectations. The day was so great that I think the tradition should be continued with a Day of Discovery planned for Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008 . The theme Day of Discovery opened up the event to lots of interest in history and offers a broader appeal to more people than a hiking/biking event which has limited appeal. Given the shortage of volunteers and budget, I think many activities that are already scheduled by FHC can be simply be moved to and held during this time.

Ideas:
* Schedule one of the Hennepin Hikes to coincide with the day and leave from the visitors center (already an activity, should not require more effort)

* Ask the Left Bank Art League or Geneseo Art League or other art groups to host an art fair during the afternoon. Give artists free space to exhibit their art. (Assign to a group so FHC does not need to provide more effort).

* Host Friends’ annual meeting during the event. Great opportunity to recap the year in front a large crowd and solicit memberships, too. (Annual meeting is already an activity and holding it at this time would not require more effort).

* I enjoyed Angie Snook’s presentation. Maybe schedule a speaker every hour on the hour for a 10 or 15 minute presentation like Angie’s?

* Get the bike ride which seemed to be a great success listed in the Quad Cities Bicycle Club 2008 trip directory or at least in their monthly newsletter.

* Ask the Quad City Camera Club to conduct another photo contest in 2008 BUT with a deadline early enough that the entries and winning photos can be displayed at the Day of Discovery.

* What could the Rock Island County Historical Society bring to the event?

 Thanks again for a great event!

Joe Taylor,Quad Cities CVB

(10/10/07)

Ditto to that. What a neat event! Everyone who put this together should be congratulated for a terrific program. I especially enjoyed Dexter’s portrayal of the historical people from the canal’s history. The water harp was interesting (although he could have done less talking and more playing). And the cake and ice creams was really great too.  Congratulations to the organizers!

Kathy C

(10/10/07)

What a wonderful event!! Congratulations Pat and Cathy and anyone else who had any role in the Celebration today!

Terry