Recap from the Dec. 4, 2023 Meeting.
Meeting run by: President- Megan Francis
Thought of the day: Bobbie Holliday
Online Participation: We continue to offer a hybrid meeting each week. Members are invited to attend via Zoom or watch the recorded presentation anytime.
Joining us online: Barth Donald and Melanie Alexander
Rotarian update- Mike Ruby shared that Jim Sturms passed. Jim was a prominent community member and a dedicated Rotarian. Please keep Jim’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Jim Nepple’s daughter passed unexpectedly. Please keep Jim and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Megan challenges every member to share happy news in December to boost our scholarship fund.
Mike Ruby- Pickleball is no joke. Mike enjoyed playing Pickleball despite the resulting soreness. Lisa Heckman- Enjoyed a successful inaugural Tour of Homes to support Habitat for Humanity. The organization raised $8500. Lindsey Phillips- The Holiday Stroll Friday night was a wonderful kick-off to the holiday season. Frank Iliff: Frank is happy to be back at Rotary in person. Due to the change in his position with Rebuilding Together Muscatine County, Frank will be stepping away from Rotary. Thank you for all the support over the years. Marc Hines: $52, $1 for each week his son has been alive. Marc and his family celebrated his son’s first birthday over the weekend.
Club News:
- Please complete the Scholarship Survey to help determine the 2024 scholarship evaluation criteria. https://forms.office.com/r/hwB5S1pawR. The results will be discussed and voted on at next week's meeting.
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- ACH forms are available for easy dues payment.
- Wednesday, December 6th, Freezing for Food at Fareway, 9 am-12 pm. Join us for an hour or two to collect food for the Salvation Army.
- Red Kettle Ring off- Rotary vs. Kiwanis- December 15th, 9 am-7 pm at Farm and Fleet. We will have the new One Tap donation station. Email mfrancis@crossroadsmuscatine.org to sign up.
Presentation-
Seth Francis- Certified Specialist of Wine with Southern Glazers of Iowa
Seth shared wine recommendations and pairings to consider over the holidays.
A Prosecco pairs with the popular charcuterie board. Acidity pairs with fruity components and refreshes the pallet from nuts and crackers. The seafood cocktail pairs well with Riesling.
Pairings for Christmas dinner: Pair duck with Pinot Noir for a light fruit-forward taste. With goose, consider a Barolo. This wine will impress for a special occasion and pair well with rich meat flavors. Another option for goose or turkey is Riesling or Gewurztraminer. The acidity will clean the pallet, and the sweetness counters spices.
If you are throwing a party, serve mulled wine made from red wine with mulling spices or Egg Nog. Finish the holiday season with a classic champagne for New Year’s.
Upcoming Meetings- December 18- Trinity Muscatine Foundation, December 25 & January 1- No Meeting. January 8- Master Gardener’s