Summary of Iowa City Noon Rotary Meeting on July 9, 2015
Posted
on Jul 10, 2015
Scott Hansen and Jill Kromminga on Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Johnson County
Steve Quigley introduced speaker Scott Hansen, Executive Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Johnson County who shared a recap of his three year mentoring relationship with a student at Mark Twain Elementary. The organization provides 5 great ways to make a lasting difference through volunteering by providing Community-Based Mentoring, School-Based Mentoring, Sports Buddies, Brothers Achieving Manhood and Power Hour+ programs for youth in our area. Scott introduced Jill Kromminga who spoke on how the organization has changed over the years and how it has adapted to what is needed in the community. The mentoring has proven to help children improve their grades, help children avoid drugs, alcohol and fights and to build better relationships with their peers.The one thing that has never changed is the importance of creating a bond and helping a child reach his or her potential. Become part of something BIG! For more information visit http://www.bbbsjc.org/#!
Barb Thomas presented an update on sponsors for the Centennial celebration.
President Thais had the following announcements:
- Welcomed Sean McIntyre and Kristin Reynolds into “more formal roles” Sean’s volunteer duties primariy focus on membership while Kristin’s primarily focus on the weekly meetings and the newsletter.
- The next “Come Paddle with Friends” is on Saturday, July 18th on the Iowa River starting at 10 a.m. Naturalists will be along to talk about river life. While there is no cost, registration is requested at jdchris36@gmail.com. See www.iowariverfriends.com for more information. John Gross was available at the bar to answer questions after the meeting.
- Raffle tickets will be at the back bar at every meeting if members have questions, need to turn in money or require additional tickets.
- A reminder that there will be New Member Committee meetings after the July 16 and July 23 Rotary meetings.
Steve Quigley reminded members that membership dues are now due.
Oct. 1 – Joint Service Club Luncheon at the University Club
Nov. 5 – Noon Rotary Centennial Celebration at the Iowa Memorial Union
MEETING
Singing
Bob Crane led the singing of America the Beautiful and Smile with Jim Conard on the piano.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians
Adam Pretorius introduced Visiting Rotarian Jack Camera (Iowa City AM), as well as guests Jill Kromminga (Steve Quigley), Scott Hanson (Steve Quigley), John Lee (Gary Pacha), Elena Osinskaya (Usha Balakrishnan), Devin Van Holsteijn (Lynette Marshall), Katharine Marshall (Lynette Marshall), Deborah Hoffman (Usha Balakrishnan), Christina Kimerle (Usha Balakrishnan), Marinan Coons (Joe Hughes), John Phipps (Colleen Brown).
New member Mary Ellen Lewis, an immigration attorney, shared her deep Iowa roots and why she chose to leave California to come to Iowa City to be among “her” people. Her great, great grandfather Richard Williams was a mill owner in the 1850’s and the town of Williamsburg was named in his honor. 100 years later her grandfather loaned $400 to Roland Holden to start his seed company. And finally, the delight she experienced when she moved in next door to fellow Rotarian, Usha Balakrishnan.
Rotarian Steve Quigley introduced Casey Kidwell, an Iowa City native who graduated from City High School, the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and just finished his first year of law school at the University of Iowa. In addition to his studies, he is a research assistant at the law school and is working this summer for Keegan and Farnsworth PC as a law clerk. Casey is also a volunteer and mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County.
Program: Tom Cilek; Attendance: Nancy Droll; Greeters: July 16 – Jerry Waddilove and Adam Pretorius, July 23 – Nancy Droll and Shawn Wax, and July 30 – Patrick Donnelly and Tom Cook.