IWPF Recap, And Just In Time, Here Comes Summer

Kicking off 2025, IWPF hosted its first "Mix + Mingle" on January 30 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells. We welcomed 80 attendees, gained enthusiastic new members and highlighted past and future activities for the year ahead.

On February 12, in partnership with City/Community Activities Committee Wellness Week, IWPF led 12 participants on a personalized "Walk the Wells", a historic 2-mile walking tour of Desert Bel Air Estates including two hip homes and serene Fairway Park.

"Manitou Springs Mod: A Legacy Tour in Indian Wells Country Club" on February 13 marked the 10th Year the City of Indian Wells participated in Modernism Week drawing 105 participants from 13 states, Australia, Canada, and United Kingdon. The celebrated Lawrence Welk (1903-1992) house built in 1972 served as a centerpiece, and its centenarian homeowner who purchased the home in 1979 charmed and graciously greeted every participant.

February 28 heralded our "Foundation Fundraiser" at the storied Indian Wells "Petrie House", designed in 1963 by William Cody, as a mid-century modern Spanish Monterey Ranch. One hundred ten attendees enjoyed a curated tour by the homeowners and Hawaiian-themed reception by Hot Dish Catering.

Sixty members graced the Foundation’s March 19 "Annual Meeting" at iconic Indian Wells Country Club with guest speakers Joan Gand and Mimi Fisher, PS Mod Com mavens. They dazzled the audience with "Discover Desert Modern 101", a humorously informative, illuminating talk on this local architectural evolution.

April brought a double-header also in collaboration with the Community Activities Committee. April 8 convened 90 attendees at City Council Chambers for "20 Years of Modernism Week" with Keynote Speaker Lisa Vossler Smith, MW CEO; David Dixon, MW Creative Director, "A Historical Perspective"; Lance O’Donnell, AIA, "Contemplations from an Architect", and Linda Blank, "Reflections Over 10 Years of MW Events in Indian Wells".

On Earth Day, April 22, 40 participants assembled at Indian Wells Golf Resort where Councilmember/IWPF Liaison Brian Penna advocated "Stewardship: Thinking Ahead, Getting Involved", and Organizer Sue Shigenaga, Clinical Naturalist/Community Scientist moderated Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Panel on "The Desert Tortoise Under Siege", Dr. Luis Ramirez, Curator of Conservation, and "Trash Talk", Alexa Lonetree, Associate Social Scientist. Katie Barrows, Active Member, Protect California Deserts, concluded the panel with highlights and insights about the newly designated "Chuckwalla National Monument".

Another ode to spring for the Board was engagement in strategic planning to set our course for the next two years.  Look for our June 30 blog post announcing vibrant plans and programming for Historic Landmark #8, forthcoming 2025-26 activities and related new Volunteer Program. Here comes summer!

Special thanks for the continuing support and collaboration with the City of Indian Wells and deep appreciation to our growing membership and corporate sponsors. The IWPF Board salutes Dan Hamilton who concluded his productive, game-changing Board tenure as Digital Strategy Director and former Secretary on May 30.

IWPF BOARD: Linda Blank, President; Kevin Mead, Vice President; Ginny Whitman, Secretary; Kim Wilson, Treasurer; Katherine Mead, Creative Director; Donna Griffith; Director-at-Large; Brian Penna Councilmember Liaison