Recap from the Nov. 2, 2026 meeting.
Thought of the Day: Marc Hines
Welcome Guests: Assistant Governor, Doug Peterson
Welcome Online Members: Kim Warren
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News donations support Rotary scholarships.
- Jim Stein- Celebrating Iowa State's win!
- Mike Ruby- Welcomed Doug Peterson, our area's Assistant Governor, who serves as a mentor and resource for club presidents.
- Marc Hines- Looking forward to campaign ads ending in 24 hours. Crossroads' new Day Hab Center is ready to open soon, thanks in part to funding from HNI and additional supporters who will be announced soon.
Voluntell:
Volunteer Hours Reported:
- Mike Wedell: 2 hours of genealogy volunteer work.
- Heidi Fields: 5 hours supporting the Red Kettle Campaign.
- Cherie Linderman: 2.5 hours serving on the MakeItOK board and another planning committee.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
- Highway Cleanup: Friday, November 13, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Meet at Crossroads at 1:30 pm.
- Adopt a Senior: We're adopting three seniors for our December 7 in-meeting service project! We'll assemble the gift baskets together during our December 7 meeting. Please use the Wish List Google Form to sign up to contribute items for their gift baskets.
- Ongoing opportunities with The Bridge, Junior Achievement, and Flickinger Center.
Club Business:
- Please consider supporting the Rotary Foundation, which funds both local and international service projects. Contributions may be made by ACH or check. Please contact Lindsey for more information. Thank you for your impact through Rotary membership and giving.
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine Facebook page at @MuscatineRotaryClub.
THIS WEEK: Rotary Social Gathering
📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026
⏰ 5–7 pm
📍 The Creek: Ardon Creek Tasting Room, 411 W Mississippi Dr., Suite 2, Muscatine
⏰ 5–7 pm
📍 The Creek: Ardon Creek Tasting Room, 411 W Mississippi Dr., Suite 2, Muscatine
Join us for a relaxed evening of wine, charcuterie, and conversation! This is a great opportunity to introduce friends, colleagues, and prospective members to Rotary and the impact we make in our community. Please share the event and invite someone to join you!
Presentation:
Lucas Gantner, Heidi Fields, and Lindsay Trumbull | Salvation Army
Lieutenant and fellow Rotarian Lucas Gantner, new Rotarian Heidi Fields, and Lindsay Trumbull shared an overview of the Salvation Army's 2026 Red Kettle Campaign and the many ways our community can support families in need this holiday season.
They reminded us that donations to the Red Kettle Campaign do much more than provide holiday assistance. They support Salvation Army programs and services throughout the year, including the food pantry, meal site, and youth programs. Locally, the Salvation Army serves approximately 40 children in its after-school program and another 40 during its summer program, with waiting lists demonstrating the ongoing need.
The Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff will take place Saturday, November 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hy-Vee. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches will serve as special guest bell ringers, and the large red kettle will return to the front of the store. Visitors can sign up to ring bells, select Angel Tree tags, and help kick off the holiday giving season.
This year, the Angel Tree program has more than 600 tags, approximately 100 more than last year. Each tag represents a local child whose Christmas wishes community members can help fulfill.
Bell ringers are especially needed! Unattended kettles receive fewer donations, so volunteer coverage is a priority. One-hour shifts are available, this is a great activity for families, friends, businesses, and community organizations. A new online registration system takes a few minutes to set up but saves volunteer information for future opportunities throughout the year. Lieutenant Gantner hopes Rotary and Kiwanis will bring back their friendly Battle of the Bells competition!
Registration Link: https://volunteer.central.salvationarmyusa.org/?tags=Bell%2520Ringing&dctx=333165
Other ways to help include filling Red Bags with nonperishable food items for families in need, selecting Angel Tree tags, and volunteering to help package and distribute holiday gifts.
Whether you ring a bell, fill a bag, purchase a gift, or make a donation, every act of generosity helps the Salvation Army continue serving our Muscatine community.
Let's help make this holiday season brighter for our neighbors!
Missed Monday’s meeting? Use the link to enjoy the recording.
Passcode: 0C!#t@#3
Upcoming Meetings:
November 9 – National Direct Support Professional Ambassador
November 16- Off-site Meeting at MCC
November 23- Trinity Muscatine Updates