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Decorah City Water Department
Feb 07, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Don Arendt Decorah Water Department Superintendent Todd Ihde and Waste Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Mike O'Hara will share their insights into the operations, activities, and plans associated with the City of Decorah's Water Department. The City of Decorah Water Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of six city-owned wells and water main infrastructure. Their primary goal is to ensure that the people in Decorah have access to an adequate supply of high quality drinking water, as well as sufficient supplies for fire protection. |
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Feb 07, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Mayo Clinic Health System
Feb 14, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski In 2014 Keith Christensen, DRC member and the most imposing Uncle Sam ever to grace the DRC Phelps Park Fourth of July Event, assumed responsibilities as Principal Gifts Officer for the Mayo Clinic Health System region that includes the states of Illinois and Missouri. Keith will share information with the club on the inter-workings of the Mayo Clinic Health System and his experiences since joining the organization. With more than 60 locations and 1,000 providers, and services such as AskMayoExpert, Mayo Clinic Outreach Physicians, Telemedicine, and seamless transitions into the Rochester facility, the Mayo Clinic Health System strives to maximize patient convenience and flexibility. |
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Feb 14, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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People and Parks; Pastoralism and Conservation in East Africa – Luther Paideia
Feb 21, 2017
DRC Sponsor: John Moeller This recent Luther College Paideia course of study examined the tension between the national parks movement and pastoralist societies; and how wildlife conservation efforts and ecotourism have impacted relationship of Maasai people and their environment. DRC Member and Luther Professor John Moeller will provide the club with a fascinating, thought-provoking, and entertaining recap of this recent Luther course offering. |
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Feb 21, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Imagining a Sustainable Future: Scandinavian Model
Feb 28, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski Luther College Social Work Professor Craig Mosher and his cadre of January Term students traveled to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to explore Scandinavian modes and culture. The goal was to understand the Scandinavian model of sustainability and to help understand what portions of that model might be applicable to our own efforts to create a sustainable world. They plan to share their unique and interesting experiences and thoughtful observations and conclusions with the club. |
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Feb 28, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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War, Peace, and Reconciliation in Cambodia
Mar 07, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet Branna Elenz, a senior at Luther College, had the opportunity to travel to Southeast Asia during the most recent January Term (J-Term) 2017 as part of the "War, Peace, and Reconciliation in Cambodia" course offering, under the guidance of Char Kunkel, Professor of Sociology and Scott Hurley, Associate Professor of Religion. The study abroad was designed to explore how a young Cambodian population is rebuilding after having lost many men and elders to the Khmer Rouge regime. The students also examined the roles that women and children play in contemporary Cambodian society, met with local citizens, engaged in service learning projects, and studied the political and religious background of the area from native experts. Branna will share her first-hand, powerful personal experiences during this J-Term adventure with our club. |
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Mar 07, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Fake News
Mar 14, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Paul Scott Fellow DRC member Paul Scott will share information and views on ethics in journalism, specifically regarding recent national and local attention on truth, falsehoods, and bias in the mainstream and alternative media. Paul offers a unique perspective as a result of his work as owner, editor, and writer for decorahnews.com. |
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Mar 14, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Upper Iowa River Watershed Management Authority
Mar 21, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet In response to the major statewide flooding event in 2008, the Iowa State Legislature in 2010 established watershed management authorities to serve as a mechanism for cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, and other interested parties to engage cooperatively in watershed planning and management. The Upper Iowa River Watershed Management Authority (UIRWMA) was formed after the region was awarded $5.5 million last year as part of a National Disaster Resiliency Competition grant, which allocated a total of $96.9 million to nine watershed authorities across the state over the next five years. The grant funding is primarily targeted towards the construction of impactful conservation practices on private land. The current Chairman of the UIRWMA, local businessman and farmer, and former State Representative for the Iowa 16th District (Natural Resources Committee Vice Chair) and Winneshiek County Supervisor, John Beard, will be sharing information about UIRWMA and progress on implementation of a variety of conservation projects. |
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Mar 21, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Mar 28, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Consumer Fraud: Trends, Cases, and Tips
Apr 04, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow The term "consumer fraud" describes any instance consumer in which an individual suffers a financial or personal loss because of unfair, deceptive, false, illegitimate or misleading business practices. It extends to the defrauding of a consumer of various products and services which do not perform as advertised. There is an underlying perception that the Decorah community is relatively immune from consumer fraud but that perception is erroneous. In fact, our local Decorah Bank & Trust (DB&T) has one staff member who is essentially dedicated full-time to handling one specific type, that being debit card fraud. Dallas Steffen is a Decorah native and presently serves as DB&T's Customer Support Manager. His talk will cover local experiences with consumer fraud and trends being observed in fraud prevalence and type. He will also share tips on consumer best practices and ways to avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud. |
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Apr 04, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Decorah Power Initiative
Apr 11, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Phil Iversen Decorah Power is a new, local, active non-profit organization comprised of area residents formed to investigate the feasibility of the City of Decorah becoming its own municipal electrical utility (MEU). There are already 136 MEUs in Iowa, which on average provide rates competitive with or more affordable than those offered by local commercial utility providers. City ownership of an MEU has the potential to provide a competitive edge for a community when it comes to attracting new businesses and jobs. An MEU can also provide the community flexibility in developing renewable energy projects such as consumer-owned solar farms and shared renewable energy sources. In early March of this year, Decorah Power presented their findings and recommendations to the Decorah City Council's Utility Committee and received broad support for initiation of a feasibility study. Decorah Power Board Members Larry Grimstad (President), Tim Wagner, (Vice President), Andy Johnson (Treasurer), and Joel Zook (Secretary) will be on hand to offer additional insights into the Decorah Power Initiative and the anticipated implementation milestones going forward. |
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Apr 11, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Apr 15, 2017 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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The Maasai Guys
Apr 18, 2017
DRC Sponsor: John Moeller The friendship and association between Leboy Oltimbau and Musa Kamaika and Luther College students and faculty was cultivated during a recent January Term (J-Term) Paideia trip to Tanzania. They will be visiting Decorah in mid-April and have graciously agreed to share their personal stories with our fellow Rotarians. Come help us welcome Leboy and Musa to our community and join us for a fascinating, first-hand account of the Maasai culture, their lifestyle and traditions, and their efforts to balance traditional practices with new ideas and technologies. |
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Apr 18, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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History of Girls Sports Organization in Iowa
Apr 25, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Mark Donhowe Noah Lovelace, a Decorah 8th Grader, will present his National History Day video documentary. His subject is the history of the girls sports organization in the State of Iowa with a focus on E. Wayne Cooley, who was a primary driver in the success of Iowa girls sports for many years. Noah’s grandfather, DRC member Mark Donhowe, worked for Mr. Cooley for several years. Noah's video documentary has qualified for the State of Iowa National History Day competition. Those who have previewed this documentary report that it is excellent and engaging. Come join us at our weekly meeting and check it out for yourself. |
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Apr 25, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Shop Local
May 02, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Matt Burkey Small towns in Iowa and across the Midwest have seen their main streets and retail stores close their doors permanently in recent years, but the Decorah area continues to have vibrant and varied shopping districts. Contributing to this downtown vitality are the efforts of the local Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, whose mission includes keeping the local business and retail sectors strong and growing. Our club will hear from business owner Valerias Kishkunas, representatives from the Decorah Chamber, and local shop owners who will talk about special events and promotions upcoming for downtown Decorah. |
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May 02, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Why a Y for Decorah?
May 09, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz The YMCA, or simply the "Y," is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. For nearly 160 years the Y has brought a centered, connective, nurturing, presence to local communities in order to provide individuals the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive and to facilitate lasting, meaningful change. DRC member Harlan Satrom, along with others from a local Y task force, will tell about their exploratory work in laying the foundation for a YMCA-type organization and facility in Decorah. They will help demonstrate the need and give an update on the contacts, connections, and plans that have been considered thus far. |
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May 09, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
May 16, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, travels deep forests, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range. Thousands of hikers and equestrians enjoy this international treasure each year. Some only travel a few miles, while others complete every mile in a single season. Andrea Springmeier, who is employed at our local Oneota Co-Op, will share photos and tell stories from her extensive backpack trip on the PCT last summer. |
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May 16, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Luther College Zero Waste Initiative
May 23, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz Luther College holds itself to a high standard of sustainability. The college recognizes that sustainability goes hand in hand with a just, equitable, and prosperous society. The Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities coordinates all sustainability initiatives at the institution. The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region. Among recent distinctions, Luther College earned a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System) silver rating, a 2012 Second Nature Climate Leadership Award, and, in 2013, a listing as a top green college in The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges and recognition by the Sierra Club as one of the nation's greenest universities. Having grown up in rural Wisconsin, Maren Beard attended Luther College, fell in love with the area, and went on to earn a Masters of Science in Sustainable Food Systems. She now serves as the Assistant Director for the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities. Maren will share information with our club on the various programs that the Center is coordinating with a special focus on the Zero Waste Initiative, which is especially important as students move out of their dorms during the Month of May. |
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May 23, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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May 30, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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"Ironhead" -- The Story
Jun 06, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom Human beings have been described as "story telling animals." Thomas Johnson tells his stories through documentaries. During the meeting we will watch and discuss "Ironhead," Johnson's documentary on ironmonger Kelly Ludeking. Mr. Ludeking graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 1997 with a BFA in sculpture and furniture design. Here he was introduced to the feral fires of iron casting and the precision of fine furniture crafting. Ludeking has participated in, facilitated and hosted over one hundred iron pours since. In 2008 he co-founded Ironhead Sculptural Services, LLC, a traveling iron foundry that shares the art and appreciation of cast iron sculpture and performances with local community members. Dr. Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Communications Studies at Luther College. He produced his first documentary film while studying as an undergraduate. Johnson became more involved in film work during his junior and senior years at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. From there, worked with various video production companies, as well as BBC-Wales and PBS. During his time at Luther College, Johnson has produced a series of noteworthy biographical films. |
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Jun 06, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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My Experiences as a Basketball Official
Jun 13, 2017
DRC Sponsor: John Baker Decorah native Marissa Nordschow will share her many interesting experiences while serving as a basketball referee, both at the high school and college level. She and her husband Scott own and operate Ridgetop Acres north of town. In addition to her work as a basketball official, Marissa enjoys biking and running and has been a perennial top-ten female finisher in the Loop de Loop Half-Marathon.
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Jun 13, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Luther College Athletics Program
Jun 20, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom On July 1, 2015 Renae Hartl was appointed Director of Athletics at Luther College, succeeding 20-year incumbent and former DRC member Joe Thompson. She has been the head softball coach at Luther since 2001 and served as the Associate Athletic Director and NCAA Compliance Director for the College during the four years prior to her appointment. In her role leading Luther's softball program Renae has enjoyed unprecedented success, her teams compiling an overall record of 473 wins to 166 losses (including a 40-5 record in 2017), a .740 winning percentage. She has received multiple honors including several Iowa Conference Coach of the Year awards, and her coaching staff has been named the NFCA Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year on a nearly annual basis. Renae received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Fitness Management from Wartburg College, and a Master's degree in Human Performance from Minnesota State University at Mankato. She will address the state of the Luther College athletics program and facilities with our club. |
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Jun 20, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Jun 27, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Jul 04, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Rotary Foundation
Jul 11, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Jeff Tomlinson Michelle Bell is the Rotary District 5970 Foundation Chair. She will be providing our membership with interesting and useful insights into the Rotary Foundation and the many benefits, not only to our local community but also at the national and international level. The Rotary Foundation is organized as a public charity operated exclusively for charitable purposes and governed by a Board of Trustees. The operations of Rotary International, a member organization, are overseen by its Board of Directors. The headquarters of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are in Evanston, Illinois, with associate foundations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom. |
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Jul 11, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Thunder Rode
Jul 18, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Shannon Duncan Thunder Rode Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Horse Grooming, located just north of Decorah, provides confidence building and rehabilitative training to individuals of all ages with special needs, within the aspects of the equine industry. This program has no boundaries regarding developmental growth, program growth and learning potential for individuals, enhancing their abilities to live and work successfully within the community. Michelle McClain Kruse from Thunder Rode will speak to our club on their mission and services with an emphasis on their Sports Therapy, Iowa Thunder Youth Empowerment, and Tri-State Thunder Veterans services. |
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Jul 18, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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51st Annual Nordic Fest
Jul 25, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Cindy Schissel On the eve of the fifty-first annual Nordic Fest celebration in Decorah, Laurie Mehinholz, President of the Nordic Fest Board of Directors, will update our club on all of the traditionally popular and exciting new activities and events association with this year's Fest. Since its beginnings in 1967, the Nordic Fest has maintained its founding goals: to celebrate both the energetic community spirit of Decorah as well as our city's important and noteworthy Scandinavian heritage. Non-commercialism has been an important guiding principle of Nordic Fest. The all-volunteer board of directors do the main planning and organizing, made possible by year-round volunteer support from an engaged and supportive Decorah community. |
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Jul 25, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Kids Lunch Club
Aug 01, 2017
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski Kids Lunch Club is a local community organization providing free lunch for any child in need every week day during the summer. Local faith communities, businesses, the school district, and the City of Decorah have collaborated to provide this opportunity for the Decorah area. Kids Lunch Club is operated entirely by community volunteers who help to pack lunches twice a week and serve on a daily basis. Lunch makers must be 16 years old to volunteer by themselves, although those under 16 may have a supervising adult present for packing. Kids Lunch Club Summer Coordinator Kathryn Thompson will describe the details of this important local program to our members. |
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Aug 01, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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