Program for January 28, 2013: Interact with Elizabeth Sturms

Invocation By: Shelley Sides

Guests on January 21, 2013 : Cassidy Flowers, Abigail Lange, Matt Kreuger, Jami Hopkins, Scott Naumann and Shelley Sides.

Rotary Update: Mike Ruby joined by Scott Naumann from Bettendorf talked about the Lobster Fest that Bettendorf uses as a fundraiser for community support and projects.  Mike also told us he went shoe shopping with the $184 put in the shoes last week.

Happy News: Dick Stanley was happy that he was over the flu but more than that happy this his oldest grandson had just gotten married to a lovely gal !  Bob Lande was happy to share that his daughter Heather has gotten engaged. 

Program: Bob Allbee introduced Sam Paul, Dave Tometich and Dave Fowler who run the Ag Learning Center.  It is a collaborative 28 e agreement with the Ag Learning Center Board, the Muscatine Community School District and Muscatine Community College.  Sam provided an overview of the day to day activities at the center including events, programs and classes held there.  Dave Tometich discussed the financial picture and discussed the changes that have been made over the past 6 months.  Dave Fowler the most senior of the speakers spoke of great appreciation to the community for their support.  Dave is retiring this year and through his discussion he talked about the success story that the center is.  He mentioned that Des Moines Schools had visited recently to learn about the Center and the programs available.  We were reminded that Iowa State University can brag of 100% employment for their School of Agriculture students.  Dave concluded by reminding us of his enjoyment of being a teacher!!

A vast array of events is being held at the Ag Learning Center:  Garden Project including sweet corn sales, visits with Chinese Students, Equine Events, Cattle Shows, Dog Agility Events, Extension Projects, Equipment exhibits by Cat and Deere!!  Daily students from MHS and MCC attend classes here, while Muscatine Middle School Students come once a week!!