Recap from the April 8, 2024 Meeting.
Meeting run by: President, Megan Francis
Thought of the day: Naomi DeWinter
Online Participation: We continue to offer a hybrid meeting each week. Members are invited to attend via Zoom or watch the recorded presentation anytime.
Welcome online members: Shane Orr.
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Lisa Heckman: Yesterday, Habitat for Humanity held a soup fundraiser. Overall donations were more than anticipated; one family generously donated $1,000. Everyone is invited to Real Estate Resource Associates Business After Hours on April 16th from 4-6 pm. Naomi DeWinter- MCC is hosting two events this week. Tomorrow, China Town Hall will be held from 6-8 pm, and on Thursday, Remembering the Holocaust, there will be a talk with a Survivor from 1-2 pm. You can follow all MCC events at https://eicc.edu/events/
Club News:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- ACH forms are available for easy dues payment.
- Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Use the link below to sign up for the next Mobile Food Pantry on May 7. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
- April 13th: Trivia Night for Sleep In Heavenly Peace. We are still accepting silent auction items.
- Sign up for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build event on Saturday, April 20th. Shifts are 8:30-10:30 am or 10:30-12:30 pm. https://x.gldn.io/e/t4TXTFocBHb.
- Barth has been working with the City of Muscatine to secure trees for an Arbor Day tree-planting project. Rotary will match a $2,000 grant. Donald Consulting, CBI, and Rotary have committed $500. Looking to secure the rest, please talk to Barth.
- Steve set a date for the garage sale fundraiser. All proceeds will support Rotary projects. May 11th, 8 am-3 pm. Donations can be dropped off at Crossroads the week prior and will be held there. We will have a pricing event on May 10th. Email Steve and Lindsey at lphillips@muscatiney.org to let them know how you will participate.
Presentation-.
Sarah Walsh- Sleep in Heavenly Peace Update
Getting Children Off the Floor!
Mission: We believe that “No kids sleeps on the floor in our town”, but we want to make OUR town EVERYONE’S town. Families can apply at https://shpbeds.org/apply/
The core team has grown to 40 members. We have one of the largest and most supportive core teams out of all the SHP chapters!
Current Statistics:
- Began delivering as a chapter in late June 2023
- Delivered 187 beds to 52761 zip code
- 37 children on the waitlist currently
- Will have over 250 beds built in 2024
- Plan is to stockpile for winter months
- Opened up to Fruitland at the beginning of April
- Will open up to Wilton tomorrow
- All other county zip codes TBD
Estimated need in Muscatine County: 1,500 beds
Sign up for and help promote our Community Build Day on April 20th. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. https://x.gldn.io/e/t4TXTFocBHb.
Megan Francis
Senior Center Update
A 2023 feasibility survey identified the critical need for a centralized hub catering to seniors aged 60 and older. The Senior Center, which will open on May 6th at the Musserville Church at 1001 Oregon St, promises to be a cornerstone of socialization, wellness, and leisure opportunities for active aging older adults in Muscatine County.
The focus for our pilot year will be right-sizing operations to meet our community needs and identify donors, funders, and volunteers for long-term sustainability. Donors who give over $1,000 in 2024 will join our founding member circle for special recognition at the center and special events in the coming years.
Anyone interested in learning more about the center can attend the Aging Adult Resource Fair on April 26th from 10- 1 pm at Musserville Church.
Next Meetings: April 15th- Chamber Update; April 22nd- Alzheimer’s Association; April 29th – In Meeting Literacy Service Project; May 6th- Flickinger Center