Our meeting was called to order by President Jim Conard. President Jim took a moment to look back at last week’s program acknowledging RYLA and the young guests who attended. President Jim read a letter from an attendee of the Youth Leadership program expressing what the experience meant to her and thanking the Rotary for sponsoring her. President Jim also noted there were no new members to announce and reminded everyone that it is common to lose around 10% of membership annually. The goal this year is to work towards getting 30 new members to keep our Club stable at 300 total members.
He encouraged everyone to think about any friends, family, co-workers or associates that might be a good Rotarian and bring them to our meeting as a guest.
Announcements: Aaron Schaefer member of the Youth Leadership Committee thanked everyone who already contributed towards the next class of RYLA and announced there was information and a pledge card on the tables for those who might still be considering becoming a youth sponsor.
Program Speaker Jon Kerstetter introduced by Mike McKay. Jon’s opening remarks recognized the great work Rotarians do around the world. He had two personal experiences; one with a medical student whose education was paid for through a Rotarian scholarship and another experience with a Rotary International Club who gave financial assistance to a refugee camp to buy medication. Jon shared his life story and is best recapped in the book he wrote – Crossings: A Doctor-Soldier Story. His life began in poverty on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin. Jon’s life journey took him from a civilian to doctor to soldier. He trained as an emergency physician, then life led him to volunteer in war-torn Rwanda, Kosovo, and Bosnia. He joined the Army National Guard and had three tours in the Iraq War. He was wounded and sent home. During a surgery he had a stroke that ended his careers as a doctor and a soldier. The stroke led to serious cognitive and physical disabilities. After years of therapy and recovery he now is a writer and inspirational speaker.
The Club enjoyed singing America the Beautiful, led by Rtn. Bob Crane.
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.
MEETING:
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Jon Brown or 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 or Jon Brown at mjonBrown@taxesplusiowacity.com
For questions related to Club administration, please contact us at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.
It is our policy to have all members silence their cell phones before the meeting and refrain from answering their cell phones during the meeting out of respect to the speaker and fellow members.
Our Greeter, Rtn. Brad Baldes announced visiting Rotarians: Elsa Janle from Lafayette. She has just moved to the area and is looking for a Rotary Club to join. Pat Airy from Cedar Rapids Rotary Club and will be our program speaker next week.
Guests of Rotarians: Austin Mueller (Stephen Bowers); Kelly Stobb (Renda Greene-Fishman); Taylor Westhoff and Austin Hrdlicka (Charlie Funk); T’Shailyn Harrington and Jake Masters (Angelica Vannata); John Greenwood (Devon Inman); Mark Butland (Eric Weiler)
Program: Devin van Holsteijn; Attendance: Nancy Droll