September 14, 2009 Club Bulletin #298

Week of September 14, 2009 Today's Program: Dr. Huss, "Mt. Everest Expeditions" In Case You Missed It Our presentation on Monday was given by Bill Decker Superintendant of Muscatine Schools on PPEL - Physical Plant & Equipment Levy. The PPEL is a voter-approved 10 year special revenue fund for Iowa school districts to help pay for the purchase of equipment and maintenance of buildings, grounds and other infrastructure. Bill was happy to say that due to this levy and other financial resources the school district is and remains to be debt free. This is not a new levy or an increase in tax; it is simply to renew the levy at the same rate. The funds generated from this will be used for the following: life safety and security, ADA compliance, educational technology, and much more. Since 1998, PPEL money has been used at every school building in the district to make improvements such as new roofs, energy efficient windows, security improvements, asbestos abatement, and much more. The vote for the PPEL will be on September 8th. August 31st Guests  Richard Wehrstedt, guest from Germany, staying with Rich Dwyer's family.  Hugo Brissonnaud, exchange student from France, guest of Norm & Marilyn Smith  Bob Fermier, Rotarian guest from Grapevine Texas August 31st Club Announcements  Induction of new members: Please welcome Sean Stewart of SunnyBrook, Jeff Armstong of MCC, and Drew Burkamper of Lee Insurance to Rotary! Sean is sponsored by Kelly Garvin, Jeff Armstrong is sponsored by Vic McAvoy, and Drew Burkamper is sponsored by Zach Klipsch.  There will not be any more morning make up meetings this fall.  Craig Bode needs you! Craig is the new chair for programs and he is looking for monthly program chairs, if you are interested please see him at the meeting or email him at craig.bode@rockvalleypt.com.  Rotary Family Picnic is scheduled for Thursday, September 17th at Weed Park's tennis court shelter at 6:00 PM. We will be having a potluck again this year. Please mark your calendars!  Welcome Hugo Brissonnaud from France! Hugo will be attending MHS as our exchange student this year.  Keith Porter-Great Decisions 2009 series beginning on September 15. This three point series will be discussing "The US and Rising Powers," "Human Rights in a New Era: Wars for Peace?," and "The Artic Age". Great Decisions "is a national, civic education program that encourages participants to learn about U.S. foreign policy and global issues and to discuss multiple viewpoints in a group setting." This series is being offered by The Stanley Foundation and Muscatine Community College.  Fireside Chat on Friday, September 11th at 11:30 at the United Way.  Gladys Reif-Branson on the Road was a great success with nearly 600 people attending. Thank you Rotary for you support of this joint effort. Board News from President Mary Wildermuth September 12, 2009 Yes, your Board met on Wednesday and did the usual approvals of the minutes and treasurer's report.  Discussed the Pack the Park Polio Plus and Branson on Tour events and do not know yet exactly what funds will come from each event but were proud to have member representation at each.  We voted to support the MAC Sportsmanship Award our $175 contribution goes to the purchase of flags that hang in the outstanding Sportsmanship Teams' gyms. We are sad to say it's been a while since the Muskies have received a flag. We hope everyone will continue to promote the practice of good Sportsmanship at our Muskie events.  We also talked about how to recruit members from YPN and Leadership Muscatine.  We also discussed the activities around the District Governor's visit to our club on September 21, 2009. The District Governor, Cal Litwiler and his wife Rachel will be meeting with the Board and committee chairs prior to the meeting. Karen Diercks will be taking Rachel around town during the Board session and Caren Luke will be showcasing Muscatine and our Rotary Projects with both of them after our meeting. Happy News  Scott Ingstad is happy to announce that his son is engaged and his granddaughter, Olivia, was recently baptized.  Melanie Alexander announced that she has accepted a position at the History Center in Cedar Rapids. Melanie thanked Rotarians for their support and friendship. Coming Up. September 17: Rotary Family Picnic, 6 p.m. at Weed Park September 21: District Governor September 28: Jody Landers, "Water for Liberia"