I wanted to update everyone regarding the flood that we had at the IRIS office on February 28, 2012. Those of you who live in our area my remember the rain and snow mix that we go that afternoon and evening. It was a nasty mix of cold, wind, rain, sleet, and snow. Not pleasant for anyone, especial for those who where outside trying to stop a plugged storm sewer from backing up in the street. The plugged storm sewer flooded and as it continued to pour the water from the street, the city hall parking lot, and the 18 hour parking lot (behind the building) had no place to go except into the stair well to the Chase Bank Building and directly into the IRIS office that occupied the lower level.

 

At 6:45 pm when I came into open the office for a support group meeting the water way coming in from under the door and was out about 3 feet from the door. Sue and Tony Reuvers and their family along with the owners of the building Dick and Anna Kettering and their son Richard came in for clean up.

 

By 8:00 pm when the parents left the meeting (early because of the weather and noise from clean up) the water was about 6 feet from the door and declared cleaned up with plans being made to go home.

 

By 8:15  pm the water was coming in around the basement door frame 2 ½ feet off the ground. Within minutes the entire lobby and parents rooms were under inches of water.

 

By 8:30 pm a call for help went out on Facebook.

 

By 8:40 pm volunteers where there helping to pump the 2.5 feet of water out of the stairwell and move IRIS items upstairs.

 

By 9:15 the power had to be turned off because of water.

 

By 11:00 pm volunteers were still coming to help.

 

By 11:30 pm we had moved all of the items that could be moved upstairs. By doing so, we closed the 3 businesses located on the main level as they could no longer get to their office doors.

 

By 11:30 pm a cleaning crew was on site and cleaning up the water.

 

February 29, 2012 At 8 am there was still approximately 1 inch of water standing on the floor of the IRIS office and there was a not so wonderful aroma coming from the basement.

 

By 8:30 am it became apparent that we would have to leave our home of 17 years. More volunteers were again called in via Facebook and everything remaining in the basement and the items move upstairs the night before were moved into 2 – 16 foot trailers and the trailers stored.

 

By 6:00 pm the hunt had begun for a new location for IRIS. It became very apparent that this was going to be no easy task.

 

On March 16^th a lease was signed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On March 19th IRIS began moving into our new home! The IRIS office is now located at 112 Third St. NE in Faribault MN! We are 2 1/2 blocks east of our previous site, and located between the Post Office and the Depot Bar and Grill!

Countless volunteers, Sue Reuvers (our new administrative assistant), board members, and I have spent many hours moving our belongings into our new home and inspecting each item for damage. As you can imagine this has been no small task. The water and moving without proper packing has done significant damage. The quilts, computers, and most keepsakes have survived without much harm. Paper items have been the hardest hit; they have picked up a sour smell that forces us to discard them.

As we continue to unpack we ask again for your patience, understanding, and prayers. We understand your fears, concerns, and emotions regarding our move, but would like to remind you that visiting is the best way to see for yourself that IRIS is bigger and better because of the flood. Consider stopping in for a visit! We would love to have you!