Recap from the February 24, 2025 Meeting.
Meeting run by President Mike Wedell
Thought of the day: Jessica Pfab
Welcome to Online Members: Melanie Alexander, Barth Donald, Kim Warren.
Welcome guest: Brandy Marquez (Serve Pro)
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Lindsey Phillips- Family enjoyed a fun day at SnowStar. Mike Wedell- Thank you Mark Roberts for attending the Rotary grant seminar over the weekend. More discussion on grant ideas to come next week. Marc Hines- Marc shared important legislative issues affecting people with disabilities including a lawsuit to repeal Section 504 which ensures people with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, and essential services. Another bill gaining momentum is HSB 241, also know as the Work Without Worry bill. The bill allows people with disabilities to work as much as they want for a fair wage without worrying about losing their healthcare. We ask you to learn about these issues and make your voice heard.
Club Vote:
Scholarship Information: Thank you Shane and Mike Wedell for volunteering to help review scholarship applications.
Last year, our club lowered the GPA requirement to expand the applicant pool. While this broadened access, it did not effectively target the students who would benefit most from our $1,000 scholarships. To better align with our mission, we propose capping the GPA eligibility at 3.5.
Motion to cap scholarship eligibility at a 3.5 GPA- Karen Cooney, 2nd Shane Orr- motion carried.
The board received a request to offer a scholarship for graduate studies. In response, we propose establishing an annual $500 post-graduate scholarship for students pursuing careers in education or the nonprofit sector.
Motion to establish a $500 annual post-graduate scholarship for candidates in education or nonprofit fields. Clint Christopher, 2nd Chuck Moody- motion carried.
Club Business:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- 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.
- Hancher Ticket Fundraiser- Purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win 2 tickets to Tina Turner the Musical at Hancher on March 31st. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. Raffle tickets are open to the public. Please share this fundraising opportunity. Tickets can be purchased at the Rotary meeting until Monday, March 3rd, or email Lindsey Phillips at lphillips@muscatiney.org
- Blood Drive at Impact Life- February 24- March 1. Encourage family, friends, and coworkers to schedule a donation.
- Lisa Heckman is looking for volunteers to share a Thought of the Day. Please email her at heckmanlisa@hotmail.com to get on the schedule.
- Volunteer Opportunities:
- Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are still needed for 4-5:30 on March 4. Use the link below to sign up if you are available. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
Presentation-
Muscatine Triathlon – Detective Adam Raisbeck
The Muscatine Triathlon, presented by Squincher, will take place at Deep Lakes Park on August 2. The event combines the goal of promoting a health-focused fitness experience for our community with the economic impact of bringing tourists to our community and customers to local businesses. Registration is now open for the USA sanctioned event. The goal is 500 registered participants. Event logistics cost over $100K with entertainment, event, and marketing. Event day entertainment will include family friendly events and entertainment and a Farmer’s Market.
Missed today's meeting? Use the link below to watch the recording
Passcode: Rotary#1
Next Meetings: