Recap from the November 27, 2023 Meeting.
Meeting run by: President- Megan Francis
Thought of the day: Monica Koechle
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: Carol Webb and Mike Wedell
Rotarian update- Mike Ruby shared an update on Jim Sturms. Jim was a prominent community member and a dedicated Rotarian. Jim was put on hospice this past weekend. Please keep Jim’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Ryan Streck- Ryan’s house is for sale! During house showings, Ryan took his three dogs to the dog park. It was great to see the Rotary benches at the dog park.
Mark Roberts was in Atlanta recently to celebrate his parents’ 70th anniversary. His granddaughter accepted a college scholarship.
Rich Dwyer- Volunteered at iLLUMINATE. He encourages all to go and see the lights. Over 1000 visited the light show this weekend.
- Please use the Amazon wish list for Sleep in Heavenly Peace to donate supplies to further the mission to provide a bed for every child in Muscatine. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3VZ8D79IDUCR6?ref_=wl_share
Club News:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- ACH forms are available for easy dues payment.
- Mobile Food Pantry Tuesday, December 4. Sign up to help distribute food. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
- Wednesday, December 6, 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.
Presentation-
Krista Regenitter- Program Officer, Global Education
Charla Shafer- President, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine
Susie Clark: The Bravest Girl You’ve Ever Known
The Susie Clark book shares the story of the desegregation of schools in Iowa. The Stanley Center and the Community Foundation created the Susie Clark storybook to share the story with school children. Once the Author and illustrator were selected, the story began to take shape. Historical pictures from Muscatine inspired the illustrations. Students and teachers were part of the creative process by providing feedback along the way.
The Susie Clark book shares the story of the desegregation of schools in Iowa. The Stanley Center and the Community Foundation created the Susie Clark storybook to share the story with school children. Once the Author and illustrator were selected, the story began to take shape. Historical pictures from Muscatine inspired the illustrations. Students and teachers were part of the creative process by providing feedback along the way.
A book launch was held at the library, and the Author had a great turnout. The goal for both organizations is not to make a profit but to get the story out and have it accessible to all. A video of the Author reading the book and free access to the e-reader is available. Copies of the book will be distributed to all elementary school classrooms. You can also purchase it online.
In 2024, there will be a Spanish translation and educator’s guide to accompany the book, and a middle school story titled “The Time I Was Susan Clark” is in the works.
In addition to sharing the Susan Clark story, the Alexander Clark Foundation is working to get the home on the historical home list.
Missed Monday’s meeting? View the presentation recording using the link below.
Passcode: Rotary#1
Upcoming Meetings- December 4- Holiday Wines 101, December 18- Trinity Muscatine Foundation, December 25 & January 1- No Meeting.