President Tara Lawson called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.
Attendees sang ‘No Worries’ and “Happy Birthday” led by Rtn. Aaron Schaefer
INTRODUCTIONS:
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: Cecelia Douglas (Rtn. Usha Balakrishnan), Michelle Boehmer (Rtn. Usha Balakrishna.), Cady Gerlach (Rtn. Nancy Bird), Dina Bishara (Rtn. Ryan Bell), Gregoria Sanchex (Rtn. Tita Coffman)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rtn. Tara Lawson announced that Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was first made publicly available on this day in 1956.
Rtn. Tara Lawson shared the Magic of Rotary – Zoom with Jocoa Kershcen, a former WAS participant who now works for the Peace Corps, teaching chemistry and biology in Tanzania. The students have limited English skills, and their exams are in English. He wants to establish a library with books on a variety of subjects and levels. John Culshaw helped connect him with Books for Africa. We’ll learn more from Jocoa soon.
Rtn. Shannon Ramsay invited fellow Rotarians to join her this Saturday, May 3, in the Mosquito Flats Natural Area, to plant trees and positively impact our local environment. This hands-on service project supports Rotary International’s focus on protecting the environment and contributes to the beauty and sustainability of our community. It is a family-friendly event—no experience necessary—just a willingness to dig in and help!
Dina Bishara announced that Big Brothers Big Sisters will distribute more than 1600 backpacks and supplies. Volunteers and supplies are needed. Rtn. Ryan Bell has flyers if you would like more information.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION: None
GOAT RIDER: Rtn. Jeff Disterhoff
PROGRAM:
Rtn. Nancy Bird introduced our speaker, Cady Gerlach, Greater Iowa City, Inc. - Better Together 2030 who provided an update on Greater Iowa City, Inc. progress and goals. Cady was recently honored as a CBJ Woman of Influence!
Cady gave an overview of Project Better Together (PBT), a coalition of groups that developed a strategic plan for our county. The Iowa City Area Business Partnership, Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), Think Iowa City, and the Iowa City Downtown District are spearheading the initiative. Better Together 2030 sets forth guiding principles of how Johnson County communities can work together toward a shared future.
The strategic plan has five pillars overseen by different community organizations. The Five Pillars are:
- Pillar One: Champions of the natural environment
- Pillar Two: Authentic, vibrant neighborhoods and districts (partners that focus on childcare solutions & wages)
- Pillar Three: A well-connected, mobile region (reliable regional transit & WIFI)
- Pillar Four: A thriving economic ecosystem
- Pillar Five: Re-imagined human and social services (led by United Way and Community Foundation of Johnson County)
What does “Better Together” mean to our community? Thinking Big and Working Together, collaboration, activation along the Iowa River, a flourishing and accessible community, creating a thriving community for the next generation, working in solidarity, innovation and growth focused on our community, bringing everyone together at the same table, engaged local leaders, and finding creative ways to embrace everything special about our community.
The meeting ended with the recitation of The Four Way Test.
NEXT WEEK: Next week, May 8, 2025, Julie Robinson from Iowa LEAP will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for first-generation college students.
Program: Rtn. Margaret Reese; Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members before each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Rtn. Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com