Recap from the Nov. 10, 2025, meeting.
Meeting run by President: Mark Roberts
Welcome to the online members: None
Welcome Guests: None
Thought of the Day: Johnnie Arnett
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Mike Ruby- Thank you, Muscatine Rotarians! Your very generous donation of $323, collected on the spur of the moment at last week’s meeting, helped fill the shelves at the Salvation Army food pantry. Last Monday afternoon, my wife, Jo Anne, and I filled 2 large shopping carts and delivered about $225 of food by 4:00 that afternoon. Typical items we purchased were canned vegetables, crackers, rice, pancake mix, muffin mix, peanut butter, and pasta sauce. Later in the week, we purchased the remaining $100 worth of food, and that was delivered today.
Megan Francis- My son and his soccer team enjoyed getting out of the cold and playing a pick-up game at the Musco Sports Center this weekend. And a reminder about the Clinic 1-year celebration Open House is this Thursday from 5:30-6:30. I hope to see you all there.
Club Business:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- We are looking for members to join the board. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
Presentation-
Kara Schlawin - Muscatine RYLA Participant
Kara Schlawin shared highlights from her experience at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a week-long leadership program held at Grinnell College. Throughout the week, students are immersed in leadership development activities, with no phones or watches, to encourage full engagement.
Participants are divided into work groups of about ten students, each supported by a team lead and a Rotarian. Each day concludes with a group debrief to reflect on lessons learned and identify three key accomplishments. Focus areas include communication, social skills, and leadership growth.
Kara shared stories from her week, including sessions with excellent speakers such as Haley DeVries from the Gary Matter Collective. She said the experience was both relevant and inspiring, especially as she applies what she learned through her involvement in high school leadership clubs.
Kara expressed her appreciation to Rotary for providing this opportunity and shared that she hopes to return next year as a group lead. She noted that the experience gave her greater confidence to take on leadership roles and build meaningful connections.
During the discussion, Kara suggested promoting future RYLA opportunities through student groups that focus on leadership, such as the Student Council, FFA, Key Club, and the Band.
Missed today's meeting? Use the link below to catch up.
Passcode: HS94^?1C
Next Meetings:
November 17- Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
November 21-John Neinhaus, West Point Cadet
November 28- Rachael Patterson-Rahn, I-Smile Program