Rotary News  7/11/18

 

President Sara Clausen asked for reports to start the meeting.  Lynn Scarlett reported on the School Supply Drive.  Donations of school supplies can be dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce office during the month of July.  Marty Chitty reported that the county had been busy repairing roads after the recent rains. 

Chris Waddle led the group in prayer.  Rod Biensen played “Take Me Out to the Ballpark” while the club members sang along.  Guests, John Hall, Barb Mittman and Jan Brinkman were introduced. 

Barb Mittman is the coordinator for the Food at First program.  They are sponsoring a “Beef It Up” fundraiser to help purchase beef for the year’s meals.  It will be held July 17^th at the Methodist Church.  Members purchased raffle tickets for the fundraiser.

A sign-up sheet was passed among the group for RAGBRAI.  Rotarians will help watch the intersections during the morning as riders pass through Nevada. 

Harold Brinkman was presented with a pin to commemorate his 53 years of service to Rotary.  He joined the Nevada Rotary Club in 1965.  He has served in many positions with the club and spent countless hours of service to the club and community.

President Sara Clausen gave an address as the new President.  She joined the club in 2005.  Sara is looking forward to continuing many traditions such as the soup supper, Junior Rotarian program and the fall fundraiser.  She would also like to implement an outreach day to meet with other service clubs in the community.

The Literacy team will coordinate with the school to help sponsor Dr. Seuss Day again this year.  Randy and Liz Hertz have coordinated the arrival of Monica an exchange student from Spain.  This year’s fundraiser will go to the “Food for Thought” student summer program.  The club hopes to increase it’s membership to 62 this year.

The club wishes to thank Marlys Barker and the Nevada Journal for their excellent coverage of the Nevada Rotary Club.

 

President Jon Augustus called the meeting to order with reports from members.  Matt Mardesen reported that the city had been busy with the recent rains and storms sewers.  He also gave an update on road work being done.  Marty Chitty said the county was ready for RAGBRAI.  A prayer was given by Chris Waddle.  Rob Biensen played “A Bicycle Built for Two” while the group sang along.

Carol Springer from the Ames Noon Rotary was present as well as guest Katie Cassabaum.  RYLA nominees Alania Hornbuckle and Casey Rewerts introduced themselves and expressed thanks to the club for sponsoring their upcoming week at RYLA.  Gary Clem was presented with a pin to commemorate his forty years of service in Rotary. 

President Jon Augustus gave an overview of the past year in Nevada Rotary.  Under his leadership the club funded 52 bicycles for the World Bicycle Relief Project.  The District purchased 1,918 bikes.  These bikes are sent to underdeveloped nations to help families get to work and school.    Our Wine Tasting fundraiser raised $12,500 for the school back pack program.  This initiative to fight hunger now provides older children backpacks of food to take home over the weekend.  The club was also able to purchase 53 winter coats for children in need.  The Community Resource Center distributes the coats.

Each Rotary Club had a goal to plant one tree for each Rotary club member.  Nevada Rotary planted 63 trees and met our goal.  Rotarians also helped with Food at First each quarter.  Other projects were helping at the Lincoln Highway Days parade and the Soup Supper held each year to raise money for scholarships.  The Nevada Rotary Club provided 292 hours of service to the community this past year.

The 2018-2019 cabinet was sworn in.  Sara Clausen is the President for the coming year.  Past President Jack O’Leary presented Jon Augustus with a pin and a plaque for his outstanding year of service. 

 

 

Jon Augustus and Jack O’Leary

Wednesday’s meeting was opened by President Jon Augustus.  Rob Bacon led the group in prayer.  Emmi Miller introduced Paul Ferrone a guest from Ames Noon Rotary and Dick Pringnitz introduced Davis Axmear an intern with Hertz Farm Management.  Jack O’Leary played the “Welcome Song” as the club sang along.

A Program Signup sheet was passed among the membership.  Next week the 2018/2019 Board of Directors Induction will take place.

Jack O-Leary introduced Tammy Koolbeck, Executive Director of the ISU Center.  Tammy presented a program on the 50^th Anniversary Season at Stephens Auditorium.  She shared that performers were give signature rice crispy treats since they were invented at Iowa State University.  Tickets can be ordered on-line.  Premium seating and a discount are given to customers who order tickets for 4 or more shows.

 

Rotary News 6-13-18

 

The weekly meeting was called to order by President Jon Augustus.  Lynn Scarlett gave a report on coming events in Nevada.  Marty Chitty reported on news from the county and Mark Cahill shared the current markets with the group.  Steve Jordening, a visitor from the Nevada Lions promoted their fundraiser.  The Lions will be selling Colorado Peaches in the community.

Many guests were in attendance.  Bob Grathwohl, Ken Jansen and Carol Springer were visiting from the Ames Rotary.  Katie Cassebaum and Scott Henry were also present.  Megan Wessels a local student shared information about herself.  She will be attending RYLA this summer with two other students from Nevada.  Jennifer Wessels, the mother of Megan shared a meal with the membership also.

Rob Bacon offered a prayer and Rod Biensen played the “Welcome Song” for our guests.

Jessica Henry and Rich Parker introduced Mike Naig the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture as our speaker.  Secretary Naig told the group about his background growing up in Iowa on the family farm.  He spoke about the water quality initiatives in Iowa that were funded by the legislature. The state has partnered with private industry on 65 demonstration projects.  Iowa State University has been instrumental in some of the current innovation that has taken place and partnered with the state to implement those innovations.  Secretary Naig answered many questions from the group. 

Rotary News 6/5/18

 

President Elect Sarah Clausen opened the weekly meeting with reports from committees.  Lynn Scarlett updated the group on local events and the success of the city wide garage sale.  This year there were over fifty participants.  Marty Chitty reported on the county primary results.  Dave Deyoe added that none of the Secretary of Agriculture candidates received the required 35% of the vote on the Republican side for a win.  Delegates will decide at the state convention.

Kris Dugger gave a prayers after the group sang “My Country Tis of Thee”.  Rod Biensen played “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain When She Comes” and the group sang along.  Emmi Miller introduced several guests.  Paul Ferrone was visiting from the Ames Rotary Club, Michael Perrin was a guest of Laurie Rohlfing and Caleb, Luke and Leah Biensen were guests of their father Rod Biensen.

Sarah Clausen passed around a sign-up sheet for next year’s greeters and programs.  Chris Dugger announced that three Nevada Students will attend RYLA this year.

State Auditor and past President of the Nevada Rotary Club, Mary Mosiman spoke to the group on the new initiative started in January 2018 impacting government officials.  She explained who the office oversees and audits.  Training is provided for these groups and a new initiative has been started to train officials with the use of YouTube videos.  The videos will be shown to state, local, county and school officials plus many more.  They will showcase basic fiduciary duties and highlight the importance of verifying public purpose for every expenditure.  The auditor’s office has found almost $2.7 million in fraud since August 31, 2018. 

 

President Jon Augustus opened the meeting with local updates.  Lynn Scarlett reported that three members of the Nevada Rotary Club had graduated from Leadership Nevada.  They are Matt Mardesen, Ray Reynolds and Jessica Henry.  Matt Mardesen gave an update on future projects the city was working on.  Marty Chitty said Story County has a new updated website.  The Junior Rotarians gave the group an overview of upcoming track, golf and soccer events at the high school.

 

President Augustus called the meeting to order, then Chris Waddle gave a prayer.  Rod Biensen played “April Showers” while the group sang along.  Emmi Miller introduced three guests, Jolene Goodman, Joy Davis and Josie Bailey.  The group then sang the “Welcome Song” played by Rod Biensen.  The group was reminded to let President Jon know if you have planted or anticipate planting trees before June 30, 2018. Our goal is to plant 54 trees by that date. 

 

A.R. Palanisamy of Rotary India and a recipient of the Service to Humanity Award, presented a program on SEED (Society for the Educational and Economic Development) an organization he founded in India.  Seed serves the needs of disadvantaged children to provide hope and opportunity for a better future.  They cater to the needs of children whose parents are in prison, suffering from disease, orphaned, or victims of national disasters.  The children receive value based education and a secure upbringing. 

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