#959 Club Bulletin, September 23, 2024

Recap from the September 23, 2024 Meeting.
                                                                                                                 
Meeting run by: President, Mike Wedell
 
Thought of the day: Jim Neppel
 
Welcome Virtual Attendees: Michelle Kelman
 
Welcome Guests: Sam Paul (FFA- Speaker), FFA Students- Cale Lewis, Elsie Lewis, and Cheyanne Moiser.
 
Happy News/Announcements:  All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
 
Megan Francis- The Walk to End ALZ is this Friday, September 27th starting at Pearl City Station. Check-in is from 4:30-5:30, the Flower Ceremony Starts at 5:45 and the Walk starts at 6:15 pm. This year fellow Rotarian Karen Dierks will be holding the Blue Flower. There is still time to register or donate. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/IA-Iowa?fr_id=17575&pg=entry
Barth Donald- Enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy to be in his friend's wedding. Followed that trip up with a banking conference in Des Moines. Now he is busy playing catch-up.
 
Club Business:
  • Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
  • ACH forms are available for easy dues payment.
  • We are looking for members to join the board and/or help with programs and membership. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
  • Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Use the link below to sign up for the next Mobile Food Pantry on September 3. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
  • The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) offers a dynamic learning experience for all Rotary and Rotaract members, regardless of their level of experience.  The next opportunity to participate is on Saturday, September 28 from 8:30 to 3:30. 
  • World Polio Day Gala at the Botanical Center in Rock Island on October 22nd. 6 pm cash bar, 7 pm buffet dinner. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/PEB6ZBFH2TVTE/checkout/XOSAW7G52YBKWPN4AQLRXWZ5
 
 
Presentation- 
Sam Paul- FFA
 
The Muscatine FFA
  • Is the Oldest Chapter In Iowa- Chartered in 1928
  • Has grown from 30 members in 1928 to over 300+
  • Starting with 1 teacher the program now has 2 middle school teachers with over 300 students in classes and 3 high school teachers with over 300 students.\
FFA is more than just AG, students have accomplished the following leadership development events.
  • Leadership Events- over 50 members competed in the 12 different events.
  • Career Events- Muscatine entered 14 of 17 events- 50 + members competed on these teams.
  • This year Ag Mechanics and Meats placed 1st in state and will go to Nationals.
  • 6 other teams finished in the top 5 in State.
The Muscatine FFA story-
  • For many years Agriculture teachers, advisory members, and community members in the district wanted a place for students to get hands-on experience in Agriculture.
    • That was the start of an idea. Build a Barn!
  • The Barn idea turned into a Center, after lots of hard work, fundraising, and networking the Muscatine Agriculture Learning Center was built.
  • In 2009 construction started and classes started in 2010.
  • The Muscatine Ag Center was paid off in 2016.
  • This is a 28E agreement with 3 partners- Friends of the Muscatine FFA, MCSD, and EICC.
The ultimate goal of FFA is to develop a strong responsible citizen base for the future of the Muscatine area assuring its growth and viability.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Passcode: Rotary#1
 
Next Meetings:
September 30- Muscatine Community School District
October 7- Leadership Muscatine
October 14- Offsite at Crossroads