Our first Meeting of the Rotary year was called to order by President Steve Quigley in our new July location at Big Grove.
Announcements:
Rtn. Sara Sedlacek announced that July is Food Fight Month for CommUnity. Why do we participate in Food Fight Month? We do this because food donations from the community to CommUnity of Johnson County Food Bank have steadily declined and the Food Fight is designed, in part, to raise awareness of food insecurity. Rotary members are challenged to collect money and food for the Food Bank at CommUnity, formerly Crisis Center of Johnson County as part of their Thanksgiving in July campaign.
Your cash and food donations are requested to help with our Club’s participation of this year’s Food Fight.
Using the Food Bank calculations, Rotarians in past years have contributed an amount equal to an entire week’s worth of food to nearly 1,000 individuals who need to supplement their food supplies through the Food Bank.
The Food Fight also features friendly competition between the Rotary clubs; the coveted “Golden Turkey” trophy is awarded to the club with the most donations per member and Sara reports that we have a chance to win! Sara will take financial and food donations at our July Rotary meetings.
Rtn. Christina Kimerle announced that the Rotarians supporting Women Committee next meeting will be Monday evening, July 15th at 6PM at 2315 Princeton Rd, Iowa City. We will be planning our 2019-20 fiscal year, so please bring your ideas for projects. We can continue to support UAY or partner with another organization. We’ll also review the scholarship process and logistics for the coming year. If you are unable to make it, but want to share your ideas with the group, please email Rtn. Christina Kimerle or Rtn. Tara Minetos, and they will share your comments at the meeting. All are welcome, both men and women may join this Committee. Wine is served at the meetings!
President Steve Quigley shared comments regarding his year as our Rotary Club President. President Steve was honored to serve as president elect and president. Although it was more work than he expected, the rewards outweighed the challenges. During the last year, we had 12 new members join our club. President Steve reviewed some of the projects our club took on; Bird house, tree planting, take a kid outdoors and I-80 clean up as well as our annual work in Xicotepec, Mexico. Our Club is in excellent financial shape, exceeding our budgeted incomes. Steve thanked Rotarians for their help throughout the year. The following were asked to stand and be recognized:
- Board Members
- Committee Chairs & Co-Chairs
- Sergeant at Arms & those who will help with audio/visual
- New Members
- Senior Members, those with service + current age = 100+ yrs
- All Members
President Steve Quigley presented a Rotary pendant and the gavel to incoming President Jim Conard.
President Jim Conard presented Past President Steve with a recognition plaque for his excellent leadership during his presidential year.
President Jim shared the goals he’d like us to work towards for the upcoming year:
- Grow Rotary – stabilize our membership numbers
- Focus on Service above Self – Will increase awareness & education on the important programs we support
- Increase Meeting Attendance
Our Thursday, July 18th meeting at Big Grove will feature Big Grove chef, Ben Smart as our program speaker.
The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as President Jim Conard led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.
The Club enjoyed singing America the Beautiful, led by Rtn. Bob Crane.
