Recap from the Aug. 11, 2025, Meeting.
Meeting run by President: Mark Roberts
Thought of the Day: Kent Nelson
Welcome to the online members: Shane, Monica, and Kim
Welcome guests: Clarissa McNally (Speaker) and Melissa McNally (Clarissa’s Mom)
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Diana Gradert: Attended the Hoover Presidential Museum board meeting last week and enjoyed an update on the upcoming exhibit and renovations. Everything sounds exciting. Plan a visit when it reopens in 2026. Mike Ruby: Missed the last three weeks while recovering from surgery following a routine cancer screening. We’re so glad to have you back! Naomi DeWinter: Recognized the McNally family’s visit, their wonderful project, and celebrated Clarissa being named a Presidential Scholar for Muscatine High School. Mark Roberts: Enjoyed a quick weekend getaway to the Ozarks.
Club Business:
- The Pocket Park dedication is delayed. We will update everyone once information is available.
- 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-
Clarissa McNAlly- VFW Scout of the Year scholarship winner
Clarissa has been a dedicated Girl Scout for 13 years, earning all three of the organization’s highest awards, the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Through Girl Scouts, she has built courage, confidence, and character while creating lasting friendships and memories. For her Bronze Award, Clarissa learned and taught proper flag ceremony procedures to campers at the summer Girl Scout camp. Her Silver Award project involved honoring veterans by surveying two local cemeteries, ensuring each veteran’s grave had a medallion. She purchased and installed about 30 new flag holders and worked with cemeteries and funeral homes to maintain this recognition moving forward.
For her Gold Award, Clarissa focused on educating the community about Iowa’s funeral procession law. She created a brochure, partnered with multiple funeral homes and libraries across the region to distribute the materials. Her work earned her the Gold Award in April, followed by her high school graduation in May, where she proudly wore a stole with her Girl Scout achievements. Clarissa applied for the VFW Scout of the Year scholarship, winning the local and state awards, which led to a feature on WQAD’s The Current to share her message.
Missed Monday’s meeting? Catch up using the recording link below.
Passcode: =E$7*ex#
Next Meetings:
August 18- Dee Gertz- Leadership Muscatine
August 25- Katie Hammond- Muscatine County Conservation
September 1- Holiday- No Meeting