Saturday, December 22, 2018

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! This year for our Christmas program, Cheryl and Ann helped bring back an old tradition of singing the 12 Days of Christmas. We split up into 12 groups, and each group had a card for their Day of Christmas. This was followed by some Christmas caroling until our guests arrived.
A group of 30+ students from Washington Middle School stopped by as they were caroling around town. They sang a few Christmas songs for us, and they sounded wonderful! I think it's safe to say everyone left more in the Christmas spirit. 


Ed was joined by his wife, Marj for the Christmas meeting. She even got him to wear a tie!


Ann brought the new dentist in town. Nan Bates is the owner of Dental House of Washington, the former Harris and Harris Dental.


Cheryl's husband, Dean, joined Rotary to help with the Christmas caroling.


Ann lead the singing while Cheryl played the piano for the "12 Days of Christmas"












This group from Washing Middle School sure can sing! It was a pleasure having them at Rotary.






From last week: Becky Patterson shows off the new benches that were purchased, in part, with money from her husband Don's memorial.

May all of you have a blessed Christmas, and here's to all the best in 2019.

Upcoming Events
December 27: No meeting, MERRY CHRISTMAS
January 3: State of the Club - Lynn Koch
January 10: Susan Wellington - Daffodils
January 17: Amber Trettin

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Club Forum

President Lynn Koch hosted a club forum today. Ideas were discussed for future fundraising ideas, including possibly doing a high dollar raffle.
The Christmas committee updated us on the plan for next week. We will meet at our regular meeting time for "12 days of Christmas" and we will get to enjoy some extra singing.
Becky Patterson gave an update about a recent project at the high school auditorium. When her husband Don passed away, memorials were made to Rotary. This money, along with a match by the Betterment Foundation, was used to install benches in the lobby of the Washington Area Performing Arts and Events Center.
A date was set for our end of the Rotary year event. This will be held Wednesday, June 26th, and will again be at the Washington Country Club.

Tsalika (DoDici's Cafe) catered Rotary today, and she brought her 2 month old daughter, Corley to meet everyone! Jaron enjoyed meeting the sweet baby.

Bob Crane visited our club from the Iowa City area.

Upcoming Events
December 20: 12 Days of Christmas
December 27: No meeting, MERRY CHRISTMAS
January 3: State of the Club - Lynn Koch
January 10: Susan Wellington - Daffodils
January 17: Amber Trettin

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Former Hawkeye Quarterback Chuck Long Speaks to Rotary

Jim Mostek invited former Iowa Hawkeye quarterback, Chuck Long, to speak to Rotary. Chuck was the quarterback for the Hawkeyes in the early to mid 1980s, shortly after Hayden Fry became Iowa's head coach. In his senior season, he came in second in what was then the closest ever race for the Heisman Trophy. Chuck went on to play in the NFL where he played for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. He has held several coaching positions across the country, claiming a National Championship as an assistant coach with Oklahoma in 2000, where both of his parents attended school. Eventually, Chuck landed back in Ames, Iowa, where he is the CEO and executive Director for the Iowa Sports Foundation.

Chuck was approached by Aaron Putze, who encouraged him that his story and the story of how Hayden Fry turned the Iowa Hawkeyes around was a story worth sharing. Aaron spent the next few years compiling facts and stories, and Chuck Long: Destined For Greatness was published this past summer. Since then, Chuck has been touring Iowa, doing meet and greets and book signings for the book. Your stories were very interesting, Chuck! Thanks for visiting our Rotary club to share with us.

President Lynn Koch with guest speaker Chuck Long and Rotarian Jim Mostek
Past Rotarian Gene Driscoll joined us last week. 

Mike Doughy is a former Rotarian who visited from Des Moines.

Jim Gorham invited John Runft to join us.

Joe McConnell attended with Craig Davis.

Our program was given by Chuck Long, who also brought his assistant, Angie Peterson. They are pictured with Bob Vittetoe. All three were guests of Jim Mostek.

Paul Horak brought his friend from the noon Kiwanis Club, Marty Beenblossom.

Chuck hung around after the regular meeting to greet fans and sign books. These will make great Christmas presents for Iowa Fans in the area. Thanks for visiting, Chuck!

Chuck Long signs autographs in the book Chuck Long: Destined for Greatness for Washington Rotarians.


Upcoming Programs
December 1: LJ Roth Corporation
December 13: Ryan Walker
December 20: 12 Days of Christmas
December 27: No meeting, MERRY CHRISTMAS
January 3: State of the Club - Lynn Koch

Monday, November 12, 2018

District Governor Tom Narak Visits Rotary

This week we were joined by Tom Narak, the District 6000 Rotary Governor. His wife Carol, also joined him on this visit. Tom and Carol entertained us with their story of how they came to be involved in Rotary. Tom initially joined Rotary during his time teaching in Schuyler Nebraska in 1979. Tom and Carol are both retirees of the education system. Because of their careers in education, the Naraks have a passion for helping underserved children. Their focus for Rotary is to push for improved literacy for young children, as well as preventing child abuse, and, of course, ending polio world-wide. They encouraged all Rotarians to "Be the Inspiration" by sharing stories of those involved with Iowa MOST, helping to fix cleft palate in third world countries, and RAG for club foot deformities. Their message was clear, that they hope to inspire everyone to do good in the world, even in the smallest ways, by getting involved in the community.
Tom encouraged the club to think outside the box, to come up with new ways to increase membership, new projects to get involved with, and new ways to organize club events. He wants every club to be individualized to mean the most to its members. One way to go about this is beginning a RotarAct program, to get younger community members involved in service projects even if they aren't Rotarians. Tom would like to see more involvement with Social Media to spread the news of Rotary, so that more people can Be the Inspiration.

Thanks for visiting, Tom and Carol!

You can read Tom and Carol's full biography at https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050027/en-ca/files/sitepage/our-district-governor/our-governors-biography/06-DG-Tom-Narak-Bio.pdf

Rotary 6000 District Governor Tom Narak and his wife Carol

Assistant Governor Bob Freeman joined the club this week to hear Tom and Carol's message.
Bob Freeman, Carol and Tom Narak, and Lynn Kock
 Dick Colby brought Mary Oviatt to Rotary.

 Michelle Redlinger brought Alicia Maurer to Rotary.

Lynn Koch presented Carol with a plaque and gift card as a Thank You for all the work she does as the District Governor's wife.



Last week's Rotary presentation was given by club member Bob Kennedy. 


Upcoming Programs
November 15: Jim Mostek
November 22: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! – NO MEETING
November 29: Brett Pierson
December 1: LJ Roth Corporation
December 13: Ryan Walker

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Business and Industry Day

Rotarians were educated on the benefits of Fiber network during last Thursday's Business & Industry Day. Kalona Cooperative Technology Company (KCTC) gave an informative program about the history of their company (originally called Kalona Swtichboard around 100 years ago) and how they are addressing today's technology needs. The fiber technology is the highest standard in the industry and offers great bandwidth and speed. After adding fiber to 100% of Kalona, they have been expanding services in Washington over the past 5 years. KCTC was the first business to build in the new Business Park south of town and is excited to offer internet, telephone, and television services to Washington.  KCTC also operates iTech in downtown Washington. The retail location offers mobile phones and computer/cell repair. 

In addition to the technology services that KCTC offers the community, they are actively involved in our communities. They offer classes on technology, host membership events in the community, and give back to various organizations. For more information about how KCTC is impacting Washington, please visit www.kctcwashington.com

KCTC's General Manager Casey Peck and Marketing Director Rory White
Rotary was fortunate to have several guests attend Rotary to hear about KCTC as well. Thank you to all of the guests that attended!

Upcoming Programs
November 1: Bob Kennedy
November 8: District Governor Tom Narak
November 15: Jim Mostek
November 22: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! – NO MEETING
November 29: Brett Pierson


Friday, October 12, 2018

Thank You, Christiaan!

We had an interesting week at Rotary! The guest at Rotary this week ended up giving our presentation. Anne Harris brought Christiaan Bates, who is a medical student studying for his board exams. His wife is the new owner of Harris Dental. Christiaan is studying to be a psychiatrist and gave a brief presentation on his schooling and how he chose this career path. Thanks for filling in, Christiaan!



We also got an update from Ray Poe on the Rotary Foundation. He told a story about one doctor's experience with a patient he treated for cleft palate, to remind us of the impact that Rotary has in the world.



Business and Industry Day is next week, so bring a guest! We will possibly be hearing from Brava Roof Tile or KCTC.



Upcoming Events:
October 18th: Michelle Redlinger - Business and Industry Day - Bring a guest!
October 25th: Jim Mostek
November 1st: Becky Patterson
November 8th: Jim Gorham
November 15th:Dennis Hunger

Monday, October 8, 2018

Student Success Project

Justin Davis and Susan Wood visited Rotary at the last meeting. They got to listen in on a presentation given by Curt Mayer and Willie Stone about the Student Success Project underway for Washington's 6th graders. This program is a grant funded program designed to help 6th graders succeed by strengthening families and increasing access to community resources. The grant is for the current 6th grade class to be followed through their 9th grade year, but the ultimate goal is to have a sustainable program that all ages of students can take advantage of.


Curt Mayer and Willie Stone educate Rotary about Washington's Student Success Program

Upcoming Events:
October 11th: WCHC Corp
October 18th: Michelle Redlinger - Business and Industry Day - Bring a guest!
October 25th: Jim Mostek
November 1st: Becky Patterson

Thursday, October 4, 2018

The Voice of Iowa Track and Field

At last weeks Rotary meeting, Jim Gorham invited Mike Jay to speak to the club about his experiences as a track and field announcer. Mike has been passionate about track and field since his early teenage years when he was first introduced to the sport watching his big brother run for Columbus Junction. Mike has spent several years as the announcer for the annual Drake Relays, as well as the Iowa High School State Track and Field meet hosted at Drake each spring. He also does events for the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, such as the Big 10 championships.
He also announces for track meets hosted by the Washington Demons!

Jim Gorham and speaker Mike Jay


Rotary was also joined this week by Sony Kwang (sorry if spelling is incorrect), guest of John Moenck. Sony is a minister in Washington.


Upcoming Events:
October 4th: Terry Engelken
October 11th: WCHC Corp
October 18th: Michelle Redlinger
October 25th: Becky Patterson

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Rotary Learns about Wolf Floral

At this weeks Rotary meeting, club member Laura Bombei informed us about the history of her store, Wolf Floral. She also explained where the flowers that she uses come from, and the journey they take to get to her bouquets. Most of her flowers come from Columbia and Ecuador, fly into Miami, and are then shipped to Wisconsin, where they are loaded onto a truck and delivered to her 2 days a week.


The club was also joined by Willy Stone, the new superintendent of the Washington School District. Willy, who is already a Rotarian, will be transferring in to the Washington club.


We also received an update from the Turkey Dinner (pictures hopefully to come later). Over 600 tickets were sold, with over $4,000 in profits made. Thanks to all club members who helped to pull of another successful turkey dinner!

Upcoming Events:
September 27th: Jim Gorham
October 4th: Terry Engelken
October 11th: WCHC Corp
October 18th: Michelle Redlinger
October 25th: Becky Patterson

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Club Forum

At the last rotary meeting, President Lynn Koch hosted a club forum. Different committee heads gave brief updates on the current states of their committees, and club members were asked to share their opinions and hopes for the coming year.

Claire Horak was honored as a Rotary Youth Leadership Award winner. She was given a plaque, and said a few quick words detailing her excitement at being chosen for the award. She is currently attending the RYLA camp this week.

 Gary Murphy's son, Matt Murphy, and son-in-law, Jess Menzia, attended from out of state.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Winner Claire Horak, with father Paul.
 Claire Horak, with her dad Paul.



REMINDER: No Rotary meeting this week (7/18/18) due to the Washington County Fair. Also, the Board Meeting has been moved to the last Thursday of July this month.
Thank you to all who helped with ticket sales throughout the week.

Upcoming Events:
July 26: Gary Murphy - Matt Murphy on his trip to Liberia for Ebola
August 2: Ray Poe - Bob Bartles on Hope Haven, a non-profit for disabled
August 9: Ryan Walker - TBD
August 16: Larry Fishback - TBD
August 23: Denise Erpelding - Turkey Dinner Update

Saturday, June 30, 2018

2018 Washington Rotary Club Awards Dinner

Our 2018 Annual Rotary Awards Dinner is in the books! Attendance was high, and the food and company were fantastic.

Thank you to all who helped plan, and everyone who attended. Congratulations to all the scholarship and award winners from 2018!







We were honored with the attendance of Assistant District Governor Bob Freeman.








The evening included honoring our 2018 Rotary Scholarship winners: Mark Engelken, Trevor Moravec, and Meredith. Mark and Meredith were also recognized with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.



Also honored was the 2018 John Prochaska Rotary Service Award recipient, Jessica Hora for all her community service throughout her high school career. Lyle Moen was awarded the Bill Sitler Rotary Community Service Award for all the volunteer work he has done in the Washington Community over the years.




Club member Sue Baston was recognized as Washington's Rotarian of the year.


Sue Baston, Rotarian of the Year



Michelle Redlinger was honored by Lynn Koch with a gavel plaque to commemorate her time as Rotary President.





The evening wrapped up with the Passing of the Gavel from former President Michelle Redlinger to the 2018-2019 President Lynn Koch.





Mark Engelken, with his parents Terry and Becky.


Mark Engelken, Rotary Scholarship recipient, and Rotary Youth Leadership Award winner

Jessica Hora, with her parents Andy and Mary.


Jessica Hora, John Prochaska Rotary Service Award winner

Lyle Moen and wife Nancy Rash.



Lyle Moen, Bill Sitler Rotary Community Service Award winner