#960 Club Bulletin, September 30, 2024

Recap from the September 30, 2024 Meeting.
                                                                                                                 
Meeting run by: President, Mike Wedell
 
Thought of the day: Erika Cox
“National Love People Day”- September 30
From a gentle word to the gift of needed resources, love provides all forms of support to the people in your community. Find ways to show unconditional love for your neighbors, colleagues, strangers, and your community. 
  • Volunteer - When you volunteer in your community, you do several things. You keep resources and dollars local. Your efforts help those in your immediate surroundings, lifting them as you do. You also help create resources that demonstrate your love and that of your community. 
  • Share - Whether you share your bounty or praise others' contributions to their community, you share a message of love and support for your fellow human beings. 
  • Give - Giving to others is an act of love. You may not have much to give, but sometimes people don't need much more than companionship, information, advice, encouragement, or a hug. And all of those are free to give.
 
 
Welcome Virtual Attendees: None
 
Welcome Guests: Dr. Will Hansen- MCC
 
Happy News/Announcements:  All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
 
Mike Ruby- Mike led the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in Coralville over the weekend. He was thrilled to welcome Mark Roberts, the first Rotarian from the Muscatine Club to participate in the program. Frank Iliff- This morning his wife told him he needed to attend Rotary today. Frank learned life runs smoother when he listens to his wife. Rich Dwyer- The Ribbon Cutting for the Mulberry Clinic is Thursday at 5 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
 
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.
  • Applebee’s Fundraiser- October 23rd- We receive a portion of the proceeds for everyone who mentions the Rotary Fundraiser. Please encourage your family and friends to skip cooking and enjoy a meal out to support Rotary.
  • Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Use the link below to sign up for the next Mobile Food Pantry on October 1. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
  • 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- 
Clint Christopher- Muscatine Community School District Superintendent
 
Ongoing/recent construction projects-
            Jefferson Classroom Addition                                    Susan Clark Jr. High Gym Addition
            CMS Deconstruction/Parking Lot                  Centralized Kitchen
            Susan Clark Jr Secure Entrance                     Tom Bruner Field
            Madison Elementary Secure Entrance           Susan Clark Jr High Track Refurbishment
            Grant Elementary Secure Entrance                MHS Wrestling Room Expansion
                                                                                    MHS Softball Field
These projects are funded by leveraging sales tax dollars designated for infrastructure improvements. The centralized kitchen allows our district to offer better food quality and to streamline processes including food preparation and sanitation.
 
The Board will be recognized by the state for their commitment to learning.
 
The Daily Desired Experiences is how we want Students, Staff, and Families to feel within our buildings, throughout the day, and during interactions with our schools. Annual surveys are used to set the goals each year.
 
Updates:
Graduation rates are up 4.5% vs the declining state average.
Testing results are up 4% for ELA and 3% for Math.
The administration has made a significant impact on reducing absenteeism, bringing it down from 34% to 17%, and now to 14% over the past three years. As a result, 900 fewer students are chronically absent.
 
Passcode: Rotary#1
 
Next Meetings:
October 7- Leadership Muscatine
October 14- Offsite at Crossroads
October 21- Muscatine Emergency Management
October 28- Muscatine County Conservation