I hope you all are staying warm and either safely cleared all of the snow or have just decided to just let it melt on Friday!
We have a great program on tap for tomorrow and hope you can join us.
Service above self,
Mike
This Week: Kathy Good, Mercy Medical Center
Greeter: Amy March Cashier: Kim Kudej
Kathy Good is Sr. Director of the DeWolf Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia. She is passionate about elevating dementia care in our community, both for those living with the disease as well as their care partners. Linn County joined the national Dementia Friendly America Network in 2024; and Mercy Medical Center was officially designated as a Dementia Friendly Organization in Dec. 2025. These designations reflect the community’s, and Mercy’s, ongoing commitment to compassionate, person-centered care for all people.
Kathy will share how many people are living with dementia; the forecast for future diagnosis of the disease; how we are re-thinking the approach to caring for those individuals; what takes place at the Innovation Center; what services are offered; the needs of caregivers and how those needs are being met.
Last Week: Jill Cejka, Deafinitely Dogs
Greeter: Claire Murphy Cashier: Grace King
Who knew that local dog trainers are placing service dogs all around Iowa, the rest of the country and even to Space Force?
Jill Cejka shared the story of Deafinitely Dogs and how it is making a last impact on the lives of people who rely on these service animals in order to re-integrate into society. I think she even left the meeting with at least one new volunteer puppy sitter!
Deafinitely Dogs! is a non-profit organization that enriches the lives of people with disabilities by placing highly-trained dogs, trained specifically for their individual needs. Click here to learn more about Deafinitely Dogs.
Next Week: March Service Event
Next week is our March service event. Chuck was planning this and I didn't get any information from him before he left for vacation. He gets back Thursday or Friday. Once I have a second to get the details, I'll send out an extra newsletter later this week.
How well do you know your Rotary Basics?
Rotary Basics is a comprehensive overview of Rotary’s extensive history, from how it was founded to how we operate today. The updated guide tells all about Rotary, including our structure, values, international offices, The Rotary Foundation, and more. It can help inform new members who are beginning their Rotary experience and refresh the knowledge of longtime members. You can even share it with nonmembers who want to learn more about Rotary.
2026 Schedule
March 18: Kathy Good, Mercy Medical Center
Greeter: Amy March Cashier: Kim Kudej
March 25: March Service Event; TBD
Can't make the meeting in person? Click here to join us on Zoom. Please tell us if you use this option as we evaluate what to do with our Zoom subscription.
