April 22 is Earth Day.  We are planning a service project day for our April 21 regular meeting.  There will be no zoom option that day.  Instead, we will be meeting at the Nature Center to help with some work projects involving the hoop house, as well as sprucing up the grounds.  Those attending are encouraged to bring a sack lunch since the outdoor patio will be available.  Perhaps Liz can bring some of her goodies to share that day as well.  The plan would be to start at 11:30 that day so we can be done by 1.  Further details will be given as we get closer to the date.  In the meantime, thank you Jane S for giving us this opportunity to meet again in person while doing some service work.  Please reserve the date and plan on attending!

Our thanks go to Mike for the news, Janette for the invocation, pledge and 4way test, and to Charles for leading us in song.

 

We recognized Marion Independent HS teacher Gretchen Mundorf for her great work.  She was nominated by administrator Greg Semler.  Since Greg was delayed in joining us, Gretchen had to do a self-introduction.  She has been a teacher for fourteen years and teaches English at the high school.  In addition she has numerous additional duties, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and faculty advisor for student publications and broadcasts.  Congratulations Gretchen for your great work.   Thanks again Rhonda and Jim C for handling the arrangements for these much appreciated recognitions to some very deserving teachers.

 

Larry introduced our District Governor Lowell Stoolman from Rockwell City.  Lowell is a retired Police Chief and retired Utility Superintendent for Rockwell City.  He served there for 35 years.  He has been a Rotarian for 32 years serving in numerous roles.  He has been married to his wife Peg for 43 years.  She is also a Rotarian.

 

Lowell gave a PowerPoint presentation about Rotary.  He explained his vision as District Governor is to instill a sense of community pride and a willingness to give back following the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

 

John Z advised Lowell that a book (The Seed of Friendship) would be donated to Van Buren in his honor.

Registration for the conference is now open.  This is the perfect opportunity to attend since it will be conducted by zoom so there is no travel involved and there is no cost to register.  A number of excellent speakers have been arranged.  Watch for future notices about the conference and register even if you cannot make all of the events.

 

A silent auction and a duck pluck fundraiser will be part of the events.  Please support those events as well, even if you cannot attend.

Rhonda has been organizing our teacher recognition program.  So far the following teachers have been scheduled for our zoom meetings.  

 

February 3--Kat Power from Linn-Mar HS

February 10--Dennis Hynek from Kennedy HS

February 17--Joe Link from Jefferson HS

February 24---Erica Ireland from Xavier HS

March 3--Ann Van Etten-Janey from Metro HS

March 10--Gretchen Mundorf Marion HS

March 24--Jason Nell Washington HS

March 31--Colin O'Brien from Prairie HS

 

Congratulations to each teacher.  Also thank you Rhonda for organizing and Jim C for doing the certificates they are receiving.