Program for Today:  Muscatine Power and Water Utility Update 

June 6 Invocation by: Mike Ruby

President Tom Ward in his Rotary moment spoke about Rotary's objectives: vocational service, international service and community service and a newer area is New Generation or Service for Youth.

Nathan Mather sponsored by Mark Mather and Jim Nepple is requesting membership in our club.

The Vocational Awareness Committee will be meeting today (May 23). Members are: Jim Nepple, Tim Nelson, Dave Stanley, Jessica Wittman, Greg Boruff, & James Elliott. Jim Nepple has forms for the award nominations for Club Service.

Lots of happy news: Brooke Mehaffey thanked fellow Rotarians for generous contributions to the "Save the Day" fund. We contributed $404 last week and met the goal of $354.

Rotary Night at the Ballpark will be June 29, 2011. Tickets are available at the back table for $7 with $3 going to Polio Plus. Let's all join in to Pack the Park for Polio and have some fun!!!

Taura Prosek shared the exciting news that the Rotary Bike Rack has been installed in front of the hotel. Taura is also asking members interested in chairing the Community Service Projects and Interact Committees to see her.

Dick Stanley a proud grandpa, told that his grandson has graduated from the Cordon Bleu Chef School and is also employed!!

Sarah Ingstad is proud of her middle sister who just graduated from college with a graphic design degree and will be living in Muscatine with Sarah and Chris this summer.

Bill Phelan, is the father of the groom... his son will be getting married this week. Bill also reminded Rotarians to sign up to volunteer to man "the Fiery Trial Exhibit" over the 4th of July weekend. Call the Chamber to volunteer.

Anna Mack proud MOM, told that her son Ben has graduated from the Drake Law School.

Ann Meeker is very happy that the flood walls are down and that the Paddle Wheeler can set sail for the season including a special June 4th event with the Mad Creek Mudcats from 3-4 P.M.

Program: Paul Carroll shared interesting pictures and stories of the Muscatine Zoo Garden's development. Judi Holdorf from the Community Foundation helped Paul by telling us about funding support for the projects started by the Friends of Weed Park including a Zoo Garden Endowment. Contributions are tax deductible and for a $1000 gift a state tax credit of $250 is available and a Federal Tax deduction of $285.

The plants in the Zoo Garden are plants that are called by animal names. Persons starting the project were Mary Rose Peterschmidt, Marci Stevens and Sue Robison. Community collaborators also were the Master Gardeners, Muscatine Garden Club, MHS and MCC Horticulture classes.