Recap from the March 13, 2023 Meeting.
 
Meeting Run by: President Naomi DeWinter
 
Invocation: Carlin Lawhead
 
We welcome the members joining us on Zoom. Melanie Alexander and Shane Orr.
 
Happy News/Announcements:  All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Taylor Thorp- A lot is going on at Addington Place. Lunch for a Cause on April 12th to benefit Rebuilding Together Muscatine County. It is easy, make a reservation, and then drive through and enjoy Lunch for a Cause. If you know anyone looking for Senior Living, make a reservation for Dash and Dine. Schedule a tour with Taylor and grab dinner on your way out.  Addington will host their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 2nd. The Easter Egg Extravaganza Alzheimer’s fundraiser is back. For $25 or $40, cover a friend or family member’s yard with Easter egg fun.
Rich Dwyer- This morning’s news, Muscatine will be the meeting town as RAGBRAI heads into Davenport. Mike Ruby- It is exciting news to have RAGBRAI stop through Muscatine. Frank Iliff- We moved clocks forward Saturday, possibly for the last time. Karen Cooney- Karen is relieved to have a procedure scheduled to correct numbing in her shoulder from previous surgery. Pending school board approval, Ryan Castel is slated to take the principal position at Muscatine High School next year. A screening of Encore for a Murder film will be held in the MCC Black Box Theater on March 31st. It is the perfect follow-up to the Legends Dinner honoring Max Allen Collins on March 30th at the Merrill. Rob Yant- Rob’s wife has joined the bionic club with a new knee. Rob is happy to host a New Member orientation this week to welcome our new members to the club.
 
Paul Harris Presentation-
Presentation of Paul Harris +6 to Jim Stein. Thank you for your continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
 
Club News:  
 
  • The Rotary Club, in partnership with MCC, will host a Poster Contest to bring awareness about Human Trafficking to youth ages 16-22 years old. Contest information will be posted on social media. A contest flyer is included below. Please share the information with the community.
  • Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
 
Presentation-
Special Olympic Hall of Fame
Ron Miller
 
I was born and raised in Muscatine and graduated from Muscatine High in 1963 (yea, I am old.) I entered the Navy in 1965 and served for 4fouryears. I spent nine months of that in Viet Nam! I also became married at that time. Upon my discharge I took advantage of the GI Bill and returned to college and graduated from University of Iowa in 1973. Upon my graduation I attained a position in Dixon, Illinois as a Activity Therapist working with adults and children with Special Needs. One of my main duties was coaching in the Special Olympics. I worked there for 10 years until they downsized and I was laid off. At that time I returned to Muscatine and worked various jobs until being hired as a counselor for the Muscatine County Care facility. They had several residents involved in the local Special Olympic program so I volunteered to assist. That was just the beginning of several years of local involvement. I had 3 children who all graduated from college and 2 of them became teachers starting in the Special education departments. My son took over the local Special Olympic program but has since moved on. I have 6 grandkids from 10 years of age to 19. I have spent about 30 years in the Special Olympic program and received as much back as I gave! I continue to volunteer but am limited due to being OLD!
 
Ron started work with Special Olympics in Dixon, IL. He started the first basketball team in Muscatine. His experience with Dixon advanced the Special Olympics program in Muscatine. Ron built critical relationships with the school, parents, and the community. In 1968, The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, a joint venture between the Kennedy Foundation and the Chicago Park District. Fundraisers for our local Special Olympics include an annual Torch Run and sporting events challenging the First Responders. The Special Olympics vs. First Responders basketball game is scheduled for March 23rd at 6 pm at the Y.
 
Upcoming Meetings- March 20- MPW Power Supply Enhancements. March 27- Amy Clove- World Marathon Challenge.
 
Missed Monday’s presentation? Use the link below to access the recording.
 
Passcode: Rotary#1