Thursday, January 2, 2014

The YMCA board is Commited to do Something

New Rotarian John Thorne can play the piano! No one knew that he had that special talent, maybe not even John.

Thanks for helping with the songs!


We sang to January Rotary birthdays - Larry Fishback, Ray Poe, Hannah Purner, Don Patterson, and to wedding anniversaries - Ed & Marjorie Lins, and Ray & Alta Poe.

We also acknowledged those that joined Rotary in Januarys past - Michelle Redlinger ('13), Jon Thompson ('13), Eric Turner ('05), Kathy Salazar ('02), Don Vittetoe ('98), Nancy Rash ('96), and Harvey Holden ('71 - 43 years!).

Welcome to new Associate Rotary member, Ed Rustioni! Ed is the new American Cancer Society community relations representative in Southeast Iowa (what Kierstan Peck used to do before a promotion).

Ed's special talent is being English.

Ed Rustioni (right) thinks before making a vegan joke

Also, welcome guest Amy Schulte! Amy is the new finance director at the Washington YMCA, working with Rotarian Becky Harkema.

Formerly, Amy worked as a bookkeeper at Blue Ribbon Accounting/Koller & Company with Rotarian Mark Kendall. As Kendall was over heard at Rotary, "she is dead to me now."

Amy Schulte (right)

The YMCA Board is Committed to do Something

Thanks to Rotarian Becky Harkema for giving the club an update on the YMCA's facility planning process. Starting in 2013, they did community surveys and conducted interviews with community leaders. 

They have hired SVPA Architects of Des Moines, who designed the new Washington High School (and are working on the proposed new Auditorium). They also hired Carl A. Nelson of Burlington as a construction consultant and project manager. Carl A. Nelson staff have worked on the Marr Park Education Center, new Washington High School, Stewart Elementary improvements, Washington Free Public Library, St. James Catholic Church expansion, the new Washington County Hospital & Clinics, and are partnering with SVPA on the proposed Auditorium.


Becky encouraged all Rotarians and the community to attend one of their upcoming community input sessions on the future location of the YMCA. These meetings will be held in the 3rd floor Y's Men room where we have our Rotary meetings. 
  • Monday, January 6th at 6:00pm (Next Monday!)
  • Thursday, February 27th at 6:00pm


UPCOMING PROGRAMS

January 9: Dennis Hunger - TBA but something special I'm sure
January 16, 7:00am: Rotary Board Meeting, WCHC
January 16: Club Forum!

January 23: Paul Horak - planning for Blood Drive!