Rotarians met at Indian Creek Country club on Wednesday for their weekly meeting.  Guests present were Tom Hertz from the Ames Noon Rotary Club and Gina Lohr daughter of Rotarian Randy Hertz. 

 

Lynn Scarlett updated the members on upcoming events in Nevada.  Matt Mardesen said planning was starting to revamp 6^th street.  He also said the new High School baseball field had started and that there would be new concrete in front of the fire station.  Marty Chitty reported for the county that four new subdivisions in Story County had been approved recently.  Mark Cahill updated us on the current markets.  The Junior Rotarians have two months until graduation and reported on upcoming track events.

 

Chris Waddle gave the opening prayer followed by the singing of “Easter Parade” played by Rod Biensen.  Rod also played the “Welcome Song” for our guests.  President Jon Augustus reminded the group that Membership Day would be April 4, 2018 and Tree Planting Day would be held May 5, 2018.  A goal of Rotary International this year was for a tree to be planted for each member.  Members also had an opportunity to share input on our programs for the coming year.  Sergeant of Arms Ray Reynolds fined members who did not wear their Rotary pins and those who had brags to share with the group.

Rotarians met at the Indian Creek Country Club for their weekly meeting.  Lisa Markley was in attendance as a guest of Marty Chitty.  Lynn Scarlett gave the club an update on events being planned by the Nevada Chamber of Commerce.  Upcoming events include a city-wide garage sale on June first and second, and the 2018 Annual Chamber Golf Outing which will be held on June 8, 2018. 

 

Marty Chitty informed us that a final candidate for the risk management director position has been chosen.  This is a new position for the county.  Junior Rotarians will have spring break next week.  This weekend state speech contest will be held in Nevada at the school.  Mark Cahill reported on the mid-day markets.

 

A prayer was given by Chris Waddle and Rod Biensen played “Peggy O’Neil” and the “Welcome Song” for our guest.  Many of our club members participated in the reading event at Central Elementary.  Members read storybooks to students and several Dr. Seuss books were donated to the Central Elementary library.  The event was held on the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  The Nevada Rotary Club has participated in reading to elementary students for many years.

 

Several students have applied to RYLA (a Rotary sponsored youth leadership camp).  Kris Dugger said the committee will make selections soon.  Any Rotarians that wish to volunteer at the camp should contact Kris.  This event is held in Grinnell each summer.

 

The Toast of Rotary meeting will be held in Des Moines on Saturday.  Michelle Cassebaum encouraged members to attend this special event.  It is a chance to learn what other clubs are doing in our district and across the world.  Several members of our club will be attending.

President Jon Augustus called the meeting to order with thirty-four Rotarians and Junior Rotarians in attendance.  Lynn Scarlett reported for the Chamber of Commerce.  She reminded the group of upcoming activities and announced the AARP Foundation would provide a tax-aide at the library from February 5 through February 16.  You can call the library for appointments.

Marty Chitty announced that Story County now has a balanced budget.  He also shared some projects that will soon be discussed by the Supervisors.  Matt Mardesen shared that the Vision 2020 project is moving forward and discussions for the new ball park and rec center are being held.

The Junior Rotarians reported on events taking place at the high school.  Chris Waddle gave the prayer then Rod Bienson played “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” as the group sang along.  A final report on the Annual Soup Supper proceeds will be ready next week.  Kris Dugger said the registration for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) will begin February 1, 2018.  Applications are at the high school.  RYLA also needs Rotarians to volunteer to help at RYLA.  The event is held in July at Grinnell College.

Michelle Cassabaum inducted Tracy Brown into Rotary as a new member.  Tracy was sponsored by Rotarian Doug Jones.  Tracy works at Burke and moved to Nevada with his wife and two children. 

 

 

 

Mike Cox, Conservation Director for Story County, spoke on the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor in Ames.  The park includes thirty-seven acres and is located in the Research Park.  It is a partnership between the Iowa State University Research Park, the Story County Conservation Board, and the Story County Board of Supervisors.  The park will be a live learning laboratory showcasing and exploring conservation techniques complete with paved trails and an outdoor amphitheater.  The park will be open to all and is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

 

Paul Harris Society: Michelle Cassabaum

PHF+2 Rod Biensen,

PHF+1 Jon Augustus

PHF+2 Rich Parker

Foundation Chair Dick Pringnitz

Not Pictured: PHF+1 Stephanie Roscoe, PHF+2 Bernie Stephenson, PHF+2 Steve Cassabaum