Recap from the Aug. 4, 2025, Meeting.
Meeting run by President, Mark Roberts
Welcome to the online members: Melanie, Shane, Jim, Monica
Welcome guests: Troy Kullant (MCSD), Joe Myers (Speaker)
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Rich Rwyer: Congrats to everyone involved in the Triathlon this past weekend! Also survived his 10th RAGBRAI. Mike Wedell: Looking for a dog sitter during an upcoming family trip. Talk to Mike if you can help. Jenny Tobin: Her son Braxton won Jr. Camp over the weekend! Jenny, Director of Sales at Addington, is also proud to share the building hit 100% occupancy last Friday. Naomi DeWinter: Sister Cities is holding an event tomorrow at 6 PM in the Japanese Garden at the Art Center. Lisa Heckman: Tuesday is Lindsey’s birthday! Also breaking ground this week on the 15th Habitat for Humanity house.
Marc Hines: Save the date—September 12, 4–8 PM at Contrary for the FestivALE release party! It’s all leading up to FestivALL on September 20, featuring Winterland (Grateful Dead cover band) and The Insiders (Tom Petty tribute band).
Marc Hines: Save the date—September 12, 4–8 PM at Contrary for the FestivALE release party! It’s all leading up to FestivALL on September 20, featuring Winterland (Grateful Dead cover band) and The Insiders (Tom Petty tribute band).
Paul Harris Recognition: The club recognized Tony Joseph as a Paul Harris Fellow +8. We thank Tony for his continued dedication and generous support of the Rotary Foundation. His commitment to creating meaningful impact, both locally and globally, is a true example of Service Above Self. Thank you, Tony, for leading with purpose and generosity.
Club Business:
- Pocket Park dedication is delayed. We will update everyone once information is available.
- Mike Ruby is doing well. He hopes to return next week.
- There is a public image training in Des Moines on Saturday, August 9. If anyone is interested in the opportunity to represent our club.
- Sorry to share that fellow Rotarian, Jim Nepple, passed away last Friday. His obituary can be found at https://www.wittichfuneralhome.com/obituary/James-Nepple
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- We are looking for members to join the board. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
Presentation-
Joe Myers, JROTC – MCSD
Muscatine High School's Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program is part of a growing effort across Iowa to help students develop leadership, citizenship, and academic success. Muscatine is one of four high schools in the state offering Army JROTC, and the program is already showing strong results in key areas like attendance, GPA, and graduation rates. The curriculum includes leadership training, health and wellness, American history, and emotional intelligence. The program will gradually expand each year, with full four-year coursework expected by the 2028–2029 school year.
In addition to classroom instruction, cadets will participate in extracurricular teams such as archery, drill team, drones, robotics, and Raider competitions. The program includes partnerships with local organizations like the National Guard and American Legion, and it will offer cadets unique experiences, including leadership camps and joint events with other JROTC programs. The school is preparing facilities, staffing, and equipment needs to support long-term growth, with the goal of motivating young people to be better citizens and strong leaders in their communities.
Missed Monday’s meeting? Catch up using the recording link below.
Passcode: $%?Ht*06
Next Meetings:
August 11- Clarissa McNally- VFW Girl Scout of the Year
August 18- Dee Gertz- Leadership Muscatine
August 25- Katie Hammond- Muscatine County Conservation
September 1- Holiday- No Meeting