#574, Club Bulletin, September 21, 2015

Posted by Mary Wildermuth 
on Sep 21, 2015
 
 
Program for September 21, 2015: Quad City Airport Update with Cathie Rochau
Invocation:  Sal LoBianco
Rotary News:  Two potential new members were present Naomi DeWinter and Alan Ostergren. 
 
Happy News: Shane Orr updated the club on the next Service Project citing that we would again participate in the Warm Coat Campaign. Contributions are needed to raise the $500 for the club.  Checks should be made to Muscatine Rotary Club.  Mike Ruby told us about his Rotary training to assist in becoming District Governor.  Diana Broderson announced that the Community Block Party was a big success and she is running for Mayor.  Carlin Lawhead is happy that the Hawkeyes won, along with Scott Ingstad who included the Muskies.  Judi Holdorf was happy to announce that Andrew Anderson is joining the Community Foundation as Public Relations Specialist.  She was also happy that the Hawkeyes won. Shane Orr announced that the United Way Kickoff will be on Tuesday from 5-7:00 pm at the Riverfront!!
 
Program: Pam Collins introduced Erik Aker who is a Wildfire Specialist. Erik has just returned from Washington State where he has been for the past two weeks.  Erik's normal territory is local in Louisa County and he manages in excess of 18,000 acres of land.  Wildfires start up depending upon the fuel, whether it is brush, grass, timber or etc..    There are direct and indirect firelines and various ways to fight the fire whether it is to contain or control it.  Containing is putting a defensive line around the fire. Controlling is keeping the heat inside so that you know it is not going anywhere and it is going out.
 
Lightening is the main cause of fires.  Five to seven resources are available to use in fire management including manpower, helicopters, planes, and tankers. The camp that is used to fight big fires is similar to a small town with sleeping, catering, showering, laundry and etc. stations.  A typical day starts at 4-5 am and goes for 14-16 hours. Imagine keeping up this pace for 2 weeks!!