Happy St. Patrick's Day, Rotarians! Robert Kennedy knows how to get into the Irish spirit.
Bob Kennedy and Becky Patterson |
AG DAY
Thanks to Don Vittetoe for inviting ISU Extension's Chad Hart to speak about agriculture in Iowa. We had about 15 guests that came to hear Hart's presentation and to enjoy Rotary.
The price of farm ground has really taken off in the last few years. Another factoid from Hart: 60% of Iowa farm ground is leased.
Also, thanks to Susan Wellington for inviting Jacki Harlow to Rotary. Jacki is a a new social worker at Wesley Halcyon House.
Jacki Harlow from Halcyon House |
Member Spotlight
Becky Patterson had the program today and gave an a little background on herself. She is a past Washington Rotary club president, and has been Assistant District Governor (while her husband, Don Patterson, was the District 6000 District Governor).
Becky and Don have 3 sons, and 5 grandchildren. She is also a (retired) nurse.
Her moonshine comes from a family still back in West Virginia.
Washington County Hospital & Clinics
Hospital CEO and Rotarian, Dennis Hunger gave a presentation last week on the Washington County Hospital & Clinics.
Hunger said the guiding principles for the Hospital in its decision making and strategy are Service, Quality, People, Finance, and Growth.
Hunger noted that the hospital is seeing its revenues climbing as it strives to provide more medical services in Washington County rather than allowing them to escape to Johnson County hospitals. He added that they are looking for more doctors to help the existing 15 providers meet the 72,000 patient visits each year.
You can review and compare the WCHC against other nearby Hospitals.
He also updated the club on other recent highlights, including refinancing some debt at 2.48% interest, purchased Bean's Pharmacy to allow WCHC to have a retail pharmacy, and opened a new clinic in Kalona.
Thanks to Dennis for inviting Dr. Steve Schomer, MD to Rotary.
Hunger said the guiding principles for the Hospital in its decision making and strategy are Service, Quality, People, Finance, and Growth.
Hunger noted that the hospital is seeing its revenues climbing as it strives to provide more medical services in Washington County rather than allowing them to escape to Johnson County hospitals. He added that they are looking for more doctors to help the existing 15 providers meet the 72,000 patient visits each year.
You can review and compare the WCHC against other nearby Hospitals.
He also updated the club on other recent highlights, including refinancing some debt at 2.48% interest, purchased Bean's Pharmacy to allow WCHC to have a retail pharmacy, and opened a new clinic in Kalona.
Thanks to Dennis for inviting Dr. Steve Schomer, MD to Rotary.
Dr. Steve Schomer and Dennis Hunger |
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 31: Becky Harkema - Jeff Vetter on RAGBRAI WashingtonApril 7: Chris Marshall - TBA
April 14: Eric Turner - TBA
April 21: John Winga - TBA
Miscellaneous
Washington Rotary is playing a big part of the RAGBRAI Washington leadership team planning for July 29th. Pictured below are Rotarians Craig Davis, Denise Erpelding, Brent Hinson, Dani Kane, Ed Raber, Nancy Rash, and Michelle Redlinger. Can you find them all in this picture?
If that was easy, see if you can identify Rotarian Craig Davis and visiting guest Dr. Steve Schomer from their Westridge Afternoon Kindergarten in Harlan, Iowa from 1966-67. Be ready to cast your vote at Rotary from the numbered pictures below. We tried to just number what we thought were the boys pictures.
Extra credit for identifying Jane (Nobel) Davis' big sister Cindy in the picture (not a numbered photo).