November 22, 2010 Club Bulletin #351

November 15, 2010 Guests: Paul Brooks, Director of the Flickinger Learning Center and Jeremy Heinesh, Rotary Exchange Student

Happy News:  Kip Fisher was glad that Iowa won and that he had gotten to see Herb Wilson.

Barb Christensen reminded us of the Festival of Wreaths on Saturday, November 20, 2010 and was delighted with the success and great attendance at the Sunday with Santa activities at the Art Center.

Tony Joseph was pleased to share news of his son...placing 3rd in the Quad City Orchestra Event !!

Rick Ray told us that the Red Kettle Campaign is having it's kickoff on Friday at Krieger's.  

Lori and Paul Carroll had lunch with John Stevens who asked them to greet everyone!!

Karen Diercks was appreciative that the Christmas Open House downtown was a good one this past Sunday!!

Mary Wildermuth was recognized as a sustaining Paul Harris recipient. Barb Christensen shared a brief bio and presented her with the PHSF pin and Tom Ward presented her with the Rotary Certificate.  

Dan Ramsey,  Director of Muscatine Center for Social Action provided an informative program about the Center and the people who use it's services.  It is a 100 bed homeless shelter compared to the 70 bed one in Iowa City.  Dan cited statistics indicating that poverty within the community has increased over the 2007 figures of 11.5% and as of 2009 was 16.4%.  His goal and that of the MCSA Board is to help the people coming to MCSA achieve what they want in life.  

He provided a continuum of need indicating where persons are along the continuum in regard to their needs and skills.  The Board is working toward "the prevention of Homelessness" through ideology and community programming.

Dan, told of the Channel 9 Telethon from 6-8 PM, on Monday evening, November 15, 2010 which is being held for the first time to fundraise for MCSA Programs.  He asked us to consider investing and helping persons within our community.