Sunday, July 24, 2016

Lake Darling and County Fair

Member Spotlight - Sue Basten

Sue Basten had todays program and gave a little bio. Sue and husband, Tom Basten, have been in Washington for about 10 years. She was born in Gilmore City, and went to the University of Northern Iowa where she met Tom. Sue and Tom moved frequently because of Tom's Iowa DNR position. Sue has been a K-mart store manager, 4-H coordinator, economic development and Main Street coordinator, and banker.

Sue is an executive Vice President at Washington State Bank, and serves (or has served) on several non-profit boards, including the Washington Economic Development Group. Sue was Rotary club president in 2007-08.

Sue Basten

Zach Haworth and Lake Darling State Park

Zach Haworth has been the park ranger at Lake Darling State Park for the past two years. In addition to him and the park manager, there are 5 seasonal workers that help keep the park looking great. 

Zach said that Lake Darling has 80 campground sites, and that the sites with electric service have been full since Memorial Day. Next to the campground are 5 small cabins that are very basic.

The big excitement are the 6 new 2-bedroom cabins that will be ready in just a few weeks. During the summer season, these cabins will be rented with a 5-day minimum. In the off season, the cabins can be rented for 2-days. There is also a new trail that will link the cabins area with the popular day lodge.

Zach noted that fishing at Lake Darling is good, and that the growing fish will be good sized in just a couple more years.

IDNR's Zach Haworth

Washington County Fair

Thanks to John Moenck, Ed Lins, and others for coordinating gate watchers for the Washington County Fair. It is a fun time working with other community members to staff the ticket gates each year. It is a great way to serve the community.

Somehow, only one picture was submitted of Rotarians helping at the County Fair. Jim Mostek was spotted in the bucket of a lift, getting above the motocross races to get the perfect photograph.

Washington County Fair photographer

Upcoming Events

July 28:  Gary Murphy - working in Ethiopa
August 4:  Ray Poe - Assist. District Gov.
August 11:  Ryan Walker - TBA
August 18:  Larry Fishback - TBA
September 12: ROTARY TURKEY DINNER














Tuesday, July 19, 2016

DG Knapp, BPA and Babies

On July 7th, we were honored to host District Governor Chris Knapp and Vernette from Iowa City, along with Assistant District Governor Bob Freeman of Wellman.

President Cheryl Kurtz presided over her first board meeting that morning with DG Knapp speaking encouraging words and conveying a message from RI President John Germ.
Washington Rotary Board Meeting
President Cheryl Kurtz slipped out momentarily after the board meeting while we snapped a pic with Rotary dignitaries highlighting Rotary's continued mission to End Polio Now.

Past Pres. Tsalika Rich, Assist DG Bob Freemen, DG Chris Knapp,
and Past DG Don Patterson "End Polio Now"
Past President, Tsalika Rich accepts the first of three  Rotarian In Training - Diaper Awards, on behalf of Colin Rich, from DG Chris Knapp and ADG Bob Freeman.

Tsalika Rich, Colin Rich, ADG Bob Freeman, and DG Chris Knapp

ROTARIAN BIO

Before introducing his program, Steve Olson gave a riveting bio of his life. Grew up in Northwest Iowa, went to a now-defunct college, got in to banking in the 80s, couple of grown kids, married to retired dentist Heather Heddens, president at CBI Bank & Trust, is a Hawkeye fan.

Steve Olson
Steve Olson's program on July 14 was a quartet of Washington students that are members of the WHS chapter of Business Professionals of America. They spoke about the BPA Conference they recently attended, and the WHS BPA Chapter and their activities, fundraising, and competitions.

WHS BPA members: Peyton Cuddeback, Kylee Porter, Brenna Weidman, and Kinsey Duwa
Gary Murphy always smiles as he pays a fine. Maybe for bringing his son-in-law Jess Menzia, or maybe for the "Kiss Me I'm Iowish" shirt.

Jess Menzia and Gary Murphy
DG Chris Knapp left two additional Rotarian-In-Training - Diaper Awards for Rotary Secretary, Kierstan Peck and Anders, and President Elect Michelle Redlinger and her, well, future baby.

Kierstan Peck, Anders, and Michelle Redlinger

BREAKING NEWS

Michelle and Shawn Redlinger are pleased to announce the arrival of Cavan John Redlinger. He arrived Tuesday, July 19 over the lunch hour, and was 6lb 12oz, and 20".  All three are doing well.


In case anyone is keeping track, that is three baby boys born in to the club in 2016.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 18-22: Fair Week - Rotarians work the Fair gates!
July 21: Sue Basten - Zach Hayworth
July 28: Gary Murphy - TBA
August 4: Ray Poe - TBA
August 11: Ryan Walker - TBA
September 12: (Monday) ROTARY TURKEY DINNER

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Rotary Awards Dinner 2016




The Rotary Club of Washington held our annual Awards Dinner at Marr Park on June 29, catered by the Applewood Bistro.

Tsalika Rich
Thank you Tsalika Rich for a great Rotary year! Your leadership is most appreciated. PLUS, YOU HAD A BABY IN MAY!

Cheryl Kurtz
Club president Tsalika Rich pinned the Presidents pin to incoming 2016-2017 club president Cheryl Kurtz. We're looking forward to a great year with you, Cheryl!

Past DG Don Patterson, Tsalika Rich, and Becky Patterson

Don Patterson was honored with the Bill Sitler Rotary Community Service Award for his years of service to Rotary and the Washington community. Don is the Past District Governor of District 6000.

Terry Engelken was selected as the Rotarian of the Year! Thanks, Terry for all your contributions.

Rotarian of the Year, Terry Engelken, and Club President, Tsalika Rich


Assistant District Governor Bob & Pat Freeman

Bob Freeman, Assistant District Governor, and his wife, Pat, attended the awards dinner and spoke to the group. Thanks for your commitment to Rotary, Bob, and your message to the club.

Cheryl Kurtz, Tsalika Rich, Terry Engelken, Libby Schnicker, Harvey Holden, Bob Freeman

Libby Schnicker received a Rotary Scholarship toward her studies in agronomy at ISU. Stinker was also honored with the John Prochaska Rotary Service Award. She is the daughter of Perry Schnicker and Melinda Schnicker.

McKenna Brinning, daughter of Shane and Kathleen Brinning, received a Rotary scholarship toward her studies at ISU. McKenna is not pictured.


Reed Basten, son of Tom and Sue Basten, and Aaron Vittetoe, son of Don and Alicia Vittetoe, were the Rotary Youth Leadership Award winners for 2016. They will attend RYLA at Grinnell College later in July. Reed and Aaron are not pictured.

Harvey Holden, Rotarian Emeritus, attended as a special guest of the club. 

To see historical award and scholarship winners, check out our club's Awards page.

DG CHRIS KNAPP ON JULY 7th

Don't forget that on July 7, incoming DG Chris Knapp from Iowa City will be visiting our club. Take a minute to check out Chris' biography and Welcome Message on the Rotary District 6000 website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 7 - 10:30am Club Board Mtg. w/ DG Chris Knapp
July 7 - District Governor Chris Knapp
July 14 - Steve Olson: Peyton Cuddeback on the National BPA Conference
July 21 - Sue Basten: TBA
July 28 - Gary Murphy: TBA