Recap from the Aug. 17, 2026, meeting.
Thought of the Day: Mike Wedell
In honor of his daughters attending today’s meeting, Mike shared a heartfelt message about how Service Above Self starts at home. We share the value of service with our families and children by leading by example, both in our community and in our homes.
Welcome, Online Members: Shane Orr and John Kuhl
Guests: Mike Wedell’s daughters Natalie and Lauren
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News donations support Rotary scholarships.
- Naomi DeWinter: Happy to welcome Mike’s daughters, Natalie and Lauren.
- Mike Wedell: Thankful for a successful Genealogical Society class at the library.
- Mark Roberts: Excited that his granddaughters’ first football game of the season is quickly approaching. Everyone is excited for another season.
- Marc Hines: FestivALL returns to downtown Muscatine on September 19 from 1-7 p.m.
Voluntell: Volunteer Hours & Opportunities
Volunteer Hours Reported:
- Mike Wedell – 3 hours total: 2 hours volunteering with genealogy research at the library and 1 hour leading the Genealogical Society class.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
- Watch for more information about two upcoming opportunities:
- September 1-9: We will participate in the United Way Halloween Costume Drive
- The week of September 21, we will partner with the United Way for an in-meeting diaper drive and service project in honor of National Diaper Need Awareness Week.
Club Business:
- Service Project: Fall Hwy cleanup is set for October 9.
- Iowa Nature Conservancy seed gathering project update: The crop did not come in as expected, so seed gathering is not needed at this time. They will reach out for the next opportunity.
- Please consider supporting the Rotary Foundation, which funds both local and international service projects. Contributions may be made by ACH or check. Please contact Lindsey for more information. Thank you for your impact through Rotary membership and giving.
- We are currently accepting donations to purchase a tree in honor of Marv Krieger. Please see Lindsey if you would like to contribute.
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine Facebook page at @MuscatineRotaryClub.
Presentation:
Linda Wood- Junior Achievement of the Heartland
Junior Achievement of the Heartland is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Linda recognized two JA board members in the room, Naomi DeWinter and Clint Christopher. During the 2025-26 school year, Junior Achievement served 3,707 students in Muscatine County with the help of 201 volunteers, providing 170 K-12 learning experiences.
Getting involved is easier than you might think. Traditional classroom volunteers spend about 35-45 minutes a week for five to six sessions, with JA providing the training, materials, and support needed to lead the lessons. Outside of classroom sessions, popular JA experiences include BizTown and the JA Inspire Career Expo, which will return to Muscatine on April 22, 2027.
JA also invited members to Boos and Bites on October 22 from 5-7:30 p.m. at The Merrill Hotel. Tickets are $30, with proceeds supporting JA learning experiences for local students.
Missed today’s meeting? Use the link below to catch up.
Passcode: w5KsYH=4
Upcoming Meetings:
August 24- Haiti Eye Clinic through the Global Eye Project
August 31- Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GMCCI)
September 7- No Meeting- Labor Day