Iowa City Noon Rotary

Rotary Minutes 03.09.23
 
 
 
Our Meeting was called to order by President Ry-guy.
 
“…Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…”  Once again the Weather Gods frowned on our Thursday, but we nevertheless enjoyed dazzling piano accompaniment courtesy of “Dutch” van Holsteijn, who led us through the singing of “America the Beautiful” (and later, “Smile”).   In spite of weather-dampened in-person attendance, the Air Force was well-represented with twenty-two “Zoomies”.
 
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
P. Ryno called for a moment of silence in memory of Rtn. Dan McGivern who passed away recently, and again out of respect for the people of Syria and Turkey, victims of last month’s earthquakes.  After, he again reminded the assembly of the upcoming District Conference on April 22/3.  There will be two (2) opportunities to plant trees that weekend, and there will soon be an online link available to allow attendees to sign up for other service projects that will be incorporated into the Conference’s agenda. Ry-guy also noted that our Club was out-in-front of other clubs in our District, owing to the work of our DEI committee.  Finally, he congratulated Rtns. Brianna Wills and Thais Winkleblack upon their inclusion in this year’s honors list for “Women of Influence” in our community.  You go, girls!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rtn. Linda Farkas thanked all who dined at Stella’s on 2/22 and/or 3/1.  You ate and drank your way to a donation of $ 1,180 for our Club’s youth leadership development programs.   That’s something you can say grace over. Thank you, Stella’s.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION:
 
Dr. Marty Scholtz, Vice President of Research at the UofI, sponsored by Rtn. Usha Balakrishnan.
 
PROGRAM:
 
Rtns. Usha Balakrishnan and Gregs Thomopolous introduced today’s program, “Writing in the World/Translation at Iowa”, presented by Professor Aron Aji.  Dr. Aji is Director of the Division of World Language, Literature and Culture, a department of the Iowa Writers Workshop (IWW).  Professor Aron has been a leader at the UofI in championing MFA and BA degrees in the Department of Humanities in language translation.
 
Dr. Aji gave a brief history of the development and growth of the translation program within the IWW, including the award of a $1-mm US Dept. of ED grant in 2022, enabling the establishment of the Center for Translation and Global Literacy.  The Center will offer a broad range of programs, focusing on curriculum and faculty development. 
 
The professor spoke with obvious passion, explaining that second-language speakers, no matter how fluent, are handicapped in expressing their ideas in an increasingly global community.  The Center will be forming an advisory board soon.  Those interested in serving on the board or providing financial support, or who have specific language translation needs, or who are in a position to provide student internships are encouraged to contact him at his office. 
 
The meeting ended with P Ryno leading the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.
 
MEETING:
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Again, none. 
 
Guests:  Via Zoom, Kelly Baker and Roger Williamson (Usha Balakrishnan); Wayne Brewer and Justin Thomas (Barb Thomas); and Marty Scholtz (see New Member Induction section).  
 
Program: Devin van Holsteijn; Attendance: Nancy Droll, ailing slightly but assisted by Verne Folkman; Greeter: Dave Siebert. 
 
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com
 
For questions related to Club administration, please contact us at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.