RACC planning 25th Trek Fest

By Mary Zielinski
When it started in 1984, few were looking far enough into the future to imagine Trek Fest celebrating a 25th anniversary. Or, that just maybe the five surviving members of the original Star Trek television show may come to it.
It’s a better possibility than ever before, especially since three of them, Nichelle Nicols (Uhuru), Walter Koenig (Chekov) and George Takei (Sulu), have committed to coming to Riverside, the future birthplace of Captain James Kirk.
Announcement came at the Riverside Area Community Club meeting November 20, and was followed by the hope–just maybe–that William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (Kirk and Spock) may beam in.
RACC members approved contract with the three who have committed and to allow another member to “negotiate” for the other two.
Estimated cost for all five is $65,750. The Casino is on board already with contributing meals, a car, hotel for the “stars” and the use of the Events Center for Trek Fest
The event, at the Riverside Casino, was the group’s annual meeting and membership drive and had 40 in attendance.
Guest speaker was Olena (Lena) Popkova of Ukraine, a foreign exchange student at Highland High School this year. She had a slide presentation about her country and its culture.
Sharon Haselhoff, public relations director for the casino, noted that the Casino will help with Trek Fest. The Fest also will mark the 5th anniversary of Invasion Iowa, the faux sci-fi film that Shatner did in Riverside in 2004. Actually, Invasion was a reality television show for Spike television that turned out quite a bit different from what the producers expected.
A number of items from the show are on display at the new museum: Voyage Home and the Riverside History Center that opened in May. The museum is staffed by volunteers, including its president, Paul LaPorte.
According to RACC president Carol Riggan, volunteer hours “to the best of my knowledge is 1,000 so far.”
Among those hours are some 645 from local senior citizens such as Edith Greiner with 285 hours and Marilyn Lee, 197 hours. All volunteers were recognized during the dinner meeting that had sponsorship from Peoples Trust and Savings Bank of Riverside.
RACC seeks more members, especially for the Silver Anniversary event. Annual dues are only $15. More information is available from RACC, P. O. Box 55, Riverside, Iowa 52327.
Besides Trek Fest, RACC sponsors the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Claus visit and aids with local scouts, ball teams, 4-H clubs and provides scholarships for local students. It also is involved with other community and school groups.
Officers for 2008-09 were elected and are Carol Riggan, president; Tim Greeling, vice-president; Diane Poch, secretary; Becky LaRoche, treasurer and board members Andy Rogers and Paul McCracken.