Recap from the April 24, 2023 Meeting.
Meeting Run by: President Naomi DeWinter
Invocation: Mike Ruby
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Thank you to Carolyn Levine for representing our Rotary Club at District Conference and the internet safety resource fair.
Megan Francis- Senior Resources is hosting the first Annual Aging Adult Resource Fair this Friday, April 28th, at the Muscatine Mall from 10 am- 1 pm. Frank Illif- April 29th is Rebuilding Together Day. Frank is looking for volunteers to help with projects throughout the Muscatine Community. Check-in begins at 7 am. Lindsey Phillips- Last week, Officer Gomez provided three Internet Safety presentations. Thursday, he spoke with school staff, Friday community leaders were invited for a Lunch and Learn, and Friday night, over 250 parents and students attended a community presentation and resource fair. John Kuhl- Thank you, Mike Ruby, and everyone who has provided invocations this past year. Please see John to sign up to give an invocation. Barth Donald- The JV Muskie Boys had three games. They won one, tied one, and lost one. Barth is excited about his wife starting a new job. Jessica Wittman- Thank you for the card recognizing her upcoming nuptials.
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. The contest deadline has been extended to April 30th. Contest information is posted on social media. Please share the information with the community.
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
Presentation-
Eric Sanders- County Veteran Service Officer, eric.sanders@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
There are 3500 Veterans in Muscatine County. Veterans face many challenges when returning to civilian life, including physical and mental health issues. The rates of suicide and substance abuse among veterans are very high. Always ask, “Did you serve” to help connect veterans with resources. 19% of veterans are female, an underrepresented population. There are resources to assist with financial concerns, including emergency funds for bills and rent and resources for employment through IowaWorks. Adjusting to civilian life is challenging due to losing the mission, no longer being connected to a common group, and losing identity. A standard intake to begin resources takes 90 minutes.
Upcoming Meetings- May 1- Iowa Farm Bureau, May 8- Muscatine County Area Habitat for Humanity, May 22- Heart and Soul Project