#645, Club Bulletin, April 3, 2017

Guests today: Micah Colbert, Michelle Kottman guests of Naomi DeWinter, John Hendrickson potential transfer member from the Mt. Pleasant club, Kevin Johnson, Megan Francis and Stephanie Metnick, new members to be.

 

Happy News: Naomi DeWinter was happy to see her former town of Potaski, Michigan featured in the Rotarian for their fundraiser. Sarah Lande encouraged attendance at the Community Foundation fundraiser on April 1st. Charla Schafer invited everyone to come see a speaker about poverty on April 4th. Mike Hagerty happy that the bee program was kicking off at the schools again. Tony Joseph was happy about his trip to India where he connected with some fellow Rotarians. Paul Fitzpatrick attended Rotary leadership training in Newton and was impressed with Mike Ruby's leadership. Kevin Jenison was happy with the Muscatine Fire Department during their training burn last weekend. Keith Porter was happy that baseball season was starting this weekend. Melanie Alexander was happy that the Muscatine Art Center was offering public programs again. Judi thanked Paul Fitzpatrick, Shane Orr, and Chuck Moody for filling in for Mary Wildermuth today. Cath Hahn gave a RYLA update, mentioning that applications were now open for students to attend. Judi mentioned that we would be at MCC at least one more week, but we would be looking for a long-term solution since Wesley Family Life Center wouldn't be available due to tornado damage at Wesley Church. Bobbie Holiday paid out winnings for the NCAA March Madness fundraiser.

 

Program: Mike Johannsen of Muscatine County Community Services spoke about his two main areas of interest for his position - welfare and services for people with disabilities. Members were led through a Human Services Quiz about some of Muscatine's numbers as they relate to poverty and the services Muscatine County provides. Mike also highlighted changes that he has seen in his 37 years with the agency. While he's retiring on June 30th, he has laid the policy groundwork to leave the agency in good hands. Mike also discussed changes caused by regionalization and how some of the newer changes will strengthen crisis management in Muscatine County.