Educational / Outreach

The mission of the Educational Outreach Committee of the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust is to create activities that promote and enhance educational opportunities for people in our community at the Ringland-Smeltzer House.

Members of the Educational/Outreach Committee

Rita Schmidt, Chair
Branden Hansel

The committee meets the first Wednesday of the month to plan and coordinate educational opportunities at the Smeltzer home.

Annual Activities

Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust Easter Egg Hunt

Celebrating the arrival of spring this annual event is held the Saturday morning before Easter on the lawn of the Fort Dodge Public Library. Aided by a dedicated group of volunteers, hundreds of colorful eggs are stuffed and placed on the lawn for the annual hunt. Children ages 3-8 years old and their parents are invited to collect eggs and enjoy a morning of family fun. Designed for the younger set every child leaves not only with a predetermined amount of eggs each but a Springtime treat as well. A free ticket is required for each child who participates. Tickets for the event may be picked up at the Fort Dodge Public Library by parents on a date announced prior to the event.

Family Victorian Evening

Our annual evening picnic for families is held approximately mid June. Members of the Educational Outreach Committee serve a free simple picnic dinner to everyone in attendance. Families bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy entertainment that in the past has included a juggler, puppeteer and a magician. Games reminiscent of yesteryear are played on the lawn supervised by members of Webster County 4-H clubs. Gunny sack races, egg toss and bean bag throws are a few of the favorite games. A free ticket is required for each family member who attends. Tickets for the event may be picked up at the Fort Dodge Public Library by parents on a date announced prior to the event.

Christmas at the Ringland-Smeltzer Home

The Educational Outreach Committee coordinates the annual holiday decorations for the house. Preparations begin in the fall to welcome the public to the home each December. Led by the design team of Cynthia Fallon and her brother Scott Gernhart the home is decorated both inside and out by the committee and a dedicated group of volunteers. The home is often featured on the Fort Dodge Symphony Holiday Tour of Homes and is available to rent for private events during the holidays.

Click here to fill out a grant application relating to the Educational/Outreach Committee.