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Decorah High School Basketball
May 03, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz Decorah basketball is on the rise as the girls and boys both won NEIC titles this year and are looking to continue to climb. Recapping the last 10 years will be Jonathan Carlson, varsity boys coach and and Brigit Storhoff from the Decorah Basketball Association. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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May 03, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Decorah Community Schools Superintendent
May 10, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz Fellow Decorah Rotarian Mark Lane will reflect on his years in our schools and community as he prepares to finish his service as Decorah Community Schools Superintendent this summer. A native of Jefferson, Mark started his teaching career in Rialto, Calif. as a fifth-sixth grade teacher. He moved back to Iowa and taught sixth grade for the West Sioux School District from 1998-2000 and then taught fifth grade for the Coon Rapids-Bayard School District in 2000-2001. He became an elementary guidance counselor for the Jefferson-Scranton and later Waukee School districts from 2001-2006. He started his administrative career with the West Des Moines School District in 2006 as an assistant elementary principal. He was hired in the Urbandale School district as an elementary principal in 2008 and was promoted to director of human resources in 2013. In 2016, his role changed to associate superintendent of human resources and operations. Mark assumed duties as Decorah Community Schools Superintendent in 2019. Mark has two master of science in education degrees from Drake University and completed the superintendent licensure program at the University of Northern Iowa. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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May 10, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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May 17, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Wrightway Computers
May 17, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet Tyler Wright is the owner and operator of Wrightway Computers in Decorah. He will introduce us to himself and his company, and then share his perspectives on the biggest fundamental technology security issues affecting the public. The most common issue people struggle with is passwords and account management, which is one of the most important and fundamental technology security practices. Tyler believes the more people understand the importance of best practices and how a method/system can make it easier and more secure, the less frustrating the use of technology can be. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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May 24, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Italy Experiences
May 24, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz Decorah Rotarian Uwe Rudolf, his spouse Ruth, and Cy and Mona Nelson will recount their recent trip to Italy, where they visited several churches and other key historical sites. They will also share tips on recommended sites, using AirBnB, and driving on Italian roads. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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May 24, 2022 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Decorah Rotary Club and Decorah Lutheran Church are partnering together to address critical blood shortages. Join us for our first collaborative blood drive with blood donations going to the Red Cross. This event is open to all, and we would love to fill all whole blood and power red donations! You must sign up to donate in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/rotarydlc
Can't donate blood? Sign up to volunteer your time here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4AADAB29A2F94-rotarydlc
Prefer to donate food or beverages? Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4AADAB29A2F94-rotary
You can do all three if you want!
Note: Thanks to our friends at Culver's, this is a Give a Pint Get a Pint event! All donors will receive a free pint of frozen custard from Decorah Culver's!
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May 26, 2022 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Decorah Rotary will be hosting a social and membership event at Xpedition Archery at 5:30 on May 26th. Xpedition is located at 1665 Prosperity Road which is in the area of Toppling Goliath. We will take a tour and for those who are interested, there will be an opportunity to do some target shooting. We will host a social event after the tour with light appetizers and beverages. This is a great opportunity to bring prospective members as they will be able to mingle with other Rotarians. We need a headcount for food so please click here to sign up no later than 10PM Tues, May 24 if you plan to attend. |
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May 31, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Jun 07, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Kid's Lunch Club
Jun 07, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Shannon Duncan Shanna is excited to share the news that Kids Lunch Club is returning this summer after taking time off due to COVID! Throughout the school year students have access to lunch at school but during summer break, many kids and families struggle with food insecurity. Kids Lunch Club serves lunches (and often breakfast too) to ensure children and youth in our community have nutritious meal opportunities throughout the summer. Prior to COVID over 4,000 lunches were served thanks to community support. Kids Lunch Club will expand this summer by not only offering meals but also partnering with local organizations throughout the summer to support family engagement through literacy activities and "pop-up" family events. Kids Lunch Club is looking for community members and organizations to help by signing up for single volunteer shifts, preparing and/or distributing lunches, joining the steering committee, signing up for a long term commitment, and/or making a financial contribution. Shanna Putnam Dibble is the Elementary Learner Advocate for the Decorah Community School District, the Kids Lunch Club Coordinator, and teaches classes across Iowa for teachers, childcare providers and parents. Shanna is active in the community, serving as the President of the FEC (Family, Educator, and Community Organization), a member of the Decorah Public Library Board of Trustees and the Freeport Park Committee, and volunteers with many local organizations. Shanna lives in Decorah with her husband Andrew and their two children. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jun 09, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Jun 14, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health: Promoting Recovery and Quality of Life
Jun 14, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom Charlie Woodcock, Executive Director, and Becky Loven, Clinical Director, will be presenting the programs and services that are provided by Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health, which is the appointed Community Mental Health Agency (CMHA) for the region. The agency serves the five counties of Northeast Iowa with seven service sites. The presenters will also discuss the increased need for mental health services due to the pandemic and the strategies that the agency is using to address those increased needs. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jun 16, 2022 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Our club is in the process of wrapping up our 2021-2022 district matching grant project in which we contributed $5000 to the new Veteran's Memorial that is being constructed at Mary Christopher Park. The project is now at a point where our membership can step in and do our part. In this case, we need to rake the ground to prepare it for hydroseeding. There may be other small landscaping opportunities as the project evolves however this step will fulfill our grant requirement of hands-on participation in the project. Please text or email Shannon Duncan if you are able to participate. |
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Jun 21, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Home Security Dos and Dont's
Jun 21, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom As the owner and security technician of Driftless Security Solutions, Mike Kozelka will demonstrate how our home and business security can be easily compromised through devices readily accessible on the internet, and how we can protect our homes and businesses through new means of security. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jun 23, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Project Linus
Jun 23, 2022 5:30 PM
Elise Skellenger, Chapter Coordinator for Project Linus - Northeast Iowa, will join the After Hours Rotary group to share information about this admirable service organization. Project Linus is a national non-profit organization that collects new, homemade blankets from “blanketeers” and then works with partner organizations to distribute these blankets to kids in need of comfort. The Northeast Iowa Project Linus chapter began in 2019. This chapter has already distributed over 500 blankets to local hospitals, house fire victims, children in foster care, and other worthwhile recipient organizations. Elise grew up in Lake Mills, Iowa and moved to Decorah in 2008 to attend Luther College. At Luther she studied Business Management and Communications Studies. She lives in Decorah with her dog, Murphy. She works as a full-time realtor with Harman Realty. She enjoys quilting, knitting, and reading. In addition to Elise's work as coordinator of the local Project Linus chapter, she is a member of the Luther College Women’s Club, serves on the board for Friends of the Decorah Public Library and is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. For more information please visit the Project Linus Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/projectlinusneiowa. |
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Jun 28, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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The Decorah Real Estate Fund
Jun 28, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Alan Lerstrom DRC member Dacia Monson is a Decorah native and a real estate agent affiliated with the A&J Petersburg Agency. She will be sharing details on her participation in the Oneota River Development team and its efforts to establish the Decorah Real Estate Fund. Oneota River Development is a local group of investors whose mission is to form a Community Real Estate Fund for the purpose of investing locally in the Decorah community. The intent is to have a positive impact on Decorah while generating a return for its investors. In partnership with Rebound Partners and REVocity, the group has embarked on an initiative to form the Decorah Real Estate Fund. This fund will be an impact investment opportunity for people in the community including individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations with portfolios emphasizing local investments. These local investments will serve to enhance the community where we live, work and play. For more information on Rebound Partners and REVocity please visit their website at Rebound Partners. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jul 05, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Senior Citizens Hospitality Center
Jul 05, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Shannon Duncan The independently-owned Senior Citizens Hospitality Center is located at 806 River Street and has been the focus of quality senior activities since 1978. Marilyn Bassford will share an overview of the Center’s past, present and future and its services to the "Older Kids" who comprise its client base. The Center recently announced plans for facility enhancements. The organizers note that seniors now comprise 25% of the Decorah's population and many of these folks have been instrumental in helping to build and support our community throughout the years. They are eager to have the facility reflect the growth from the days of card playing and quilting to today's health-related and creative activities. Plans include updating the main area and card room along with revitalizing the kitchen. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Jul 12, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Shannon Duncan Kerry Brennan, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Coordinator for Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek County, will share information with our club about this important volunteer organization. She has served as the CASA Coordinator in northeast Iowa since December of 2010. The purpose of CASA is to amplify the voices of children who have been judged as "children in need of assistance" by the state. CASA trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for a safe and permanent home for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and works collaboratively to ensure their voice is heard. Ms. Brennan holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Luther College. Since 1993 she has worked in the child welfare field for the majority of her career. Prior to her work with the Iowa Child Advocacy Board she worked in the substance abuse prevention field and served many years as a family team meeting facilitator in northeast Iowa. For more information please visit the CASA of Iowa website at https://childadvocacy.iowa.gov/basic-page/you-are-casa. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email.
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Jul 12, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Jul 14, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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The 1912 Villisca Massacre
Jul 14, 2022 5:30 PM
In the early hours of June 10, 1912 the lives of the citizens of Villisca, IA were forever changed when a local family was found murdered in their home. To this day, the who, how, and why of this brutal massacre remain unsolved. Decorah native Dr. Ed Epperly, a retired Luther College education professor, will share his decades-long research and answer your questions. He has been researching the Villisca axe murders for over 60 years, since his days as a college student. He has written dozens of articles and blog entries, and appeared on CourtTV and other radio and television programs. Dr. Epperly has presented his work at enumerable colleges, universities, historical societies, museums, libraries, and book stores. His research journey was the subject of the award-winning short documentary film AXMAN. Dr. Epperly's book, "Fiend Incarnate: Villisca Axe Murders of 1912", is available for purchase at Dragonfly Books or on Amazon in multiple formats. --- |
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Jul 19, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Mill Street Mocha
Jul 19, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Ivan Hackman The program for this meeting is being shared by Michelle Barth from Mill Street Mocha -- a locally owned coffee shop built on friendship. In October last year, Michelle and her business partner, Deneen Hovden opened Mill Street Mocha at 909 S. Mill Street in Decorah. They are a locally owned, drive-up/walk-up coffee shop serving specialty drinks, breakfast, snacks & lunch options. They are committed to strengthening the community within the Decorah area by providing premium service through efficiency and positivity to offer the drinks and food you love. Feel free to check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MillStreetMocha/. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jul 25, 2022 7:30 AM - Jul 26, 2022 5:00 PM
The Freeport Park playground equipment has arrived and is set to be installed on Monday, 7/25, and Tuesday, 7/26. The installation company will be onsite on Monday to provide assistance. The Winneshiek County Conservation Board reached out to Rotary asking for volunteers. Our primary responsibility would be unpacking the equipment. I don't know what will be on hand for tools so if you are volunteering, please bring a box cutter or utility knife if you have one |
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Jul 26, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Brain Game
Jul 26, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Shannon Duncan The Rotary Club of La Crosse launched The Brain Game in 2001, a free resource for new parents that highlights activities and milestones critical to positive early childhood development. The Rotarians collaborated with early childhood development experts at Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in creating the parent resource. They were originally inspired by Nan Brien of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, who shared research indicating that parental involvement during the first three years of a child’s life is key to brain development. Interested in getting this information into plain English (and later Spanish), which regular parents could use, a coalition was formed. This group effort involved pediatricians, early childhood development experts, neonatologists, in partnership with the two major medical centers, local schools, and parenting resource agencies. After two years of research, the first book was published. Since its inception, every new parent who visits an obstetrician or pediatrician within either of the aforementioned healthcare center systems receives the book. The book has been purchased for use by major city charities, medical centers in many states, and service clubs across the US and Canada. It has been updated to reflect current early childhood development standards and recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and now exists as a third edition. Since The Brain Game was first printed in 2001, over 85,000 copies have been distributed in at least 32 states and three countries. Bill Hoel is a member of the La Crosse Downtown Rotary Club and a past club President. He served as Rotary District 6250 Governor from 2018-2019. He serves on the Board of Directors for Rotary Lights in La Crosse, as well as on the Board of The Brain Game. He’s a member of the Board of the 7-11 Club, a group of Rotarians interested in preserving the history of Rotary, and serves as the regional membership coordinator for part of District 6250. Bill also serves as a Director of Freedom Honor Flight and is Chairman of the Board of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Decorah Rotarian Steve Slessor is Chief Administrative Officer at Winneshiek Medical Center (WMC), having been appointed on June 1, 2021. He served as the chief executive officer for Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa, and had been in that role since 2013. Prior to serving there, he held various leadership and administrative roles at UnityPoint Health Allen in Waterloo, Iowa, including Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Vice President of Operations, Senior Director of Strategic Development, and Director of Business Planning and Development. He received his Master of Health Administration from University of Iowa, and his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from University of Northern Iowa. Steve is interested in bringing The Brain Game to our local hospital so that every child born at WMC and their parent/s get a copy of the book. For more information about The Brain Game please visit their website at https://thebraingame.org. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Jul 28, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Decorah City Forester Duties and Responsibilities
Aug 02, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski Decorah City Forester Sam Hogenson will join us to present information describing his duties and responsibilities, ongoing partnerships with the Decorah Tree Committee and various volunteer organizations, and his plans and priorities for a "green" Decorah. Hogenson, who grew up just south of Decorah, earned a degree in arboriculture from NICC. After earning his degree, Hogenson spent six years with Stevenson Total Tree Care, followed by six years as a utility arborist. He was appointed to his current position in July 2019. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Aug 02, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Aug 09, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Winneshiek County Dispatch Telecommunication Supervisor
Aug 09, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski When you dial 911 in an emergency, the voice of the dispatcher is the first you hear. Emergency dispatchers are tasked with life-saving duties like coaching people through medical emergencies and keeping them calm. They provide timely and critical direction to local police, fire and ambulance crews. In Winneshiek County, dispatch falls under the umbrella of Emergency Management. Over 3,000 calls per year to 911 and nearly 30,000 total annual calls for assistance have been managed by the dispatcher in recent years. All calls are treated with diligence and care given the fact each one potentially represents a particular state of emergency. Ronda Hansen serves as the Dispatch Telecommuncations Supervisor for Winneshiek County Emergency Management. She will be offering insights into the never-dull world of emergency dispatch. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Aug 11, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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The Decorah Community Food Pantry
Aug 11, 2022 5:30 PM
DRC After-Hours Sponsor: Samantha Spilde The Decorah Community Food Pantry shares food with local Iowans facing food insecurity. It is open every weekday for clients to shop for food and other essentials. It started as a project of First Lutheran Church but has been established as an independent organization since 2017. Every year it serves over 4,000 clients and distributes around 200,000 pounds of food to people in need. Steve Zittergruen, Vice President of the Decorah Community Food Pantry, will provide an update on recent developments in the organization. He has served on its board and as a volunteer since 2017. He also serves the community as a member of the Decorah City Council, a member of Decorah Jobs, and on the Board of Directors of Kinderhaus - a local early childhood education center. His primary vocation is as a homemaker for his two children and his wife. Some of his other interests are time spent outside, golf, playing guitar, and cooking. For more information please visit their website at https://www.decorahpantry.org. --- |
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Aug 16, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Meet the New Decorah Community Schools Superintendent
Aug 16, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Lorraine Borowski The Decorah Community School District Board of Education named Dr. Tim Cronin as the district’s superintendent this past February. He formally assumed those duties on July 1st. He will be introducing himself to our members, talking about his background and priorities, and answering questions. Since 2013, Dr. Cronin has served as superintendent of the Central City Community School District, which has had a “shared superintendent” arrangement with the nearby Dunkerton district. There, he has gained key experience and skills related to school finance, human resources, and providing professional development opportunities to staff. He developed and supervised a $3.5 million track, transportation, and HVAC construction project, along with a $5 million elementary school addition and a $2 million gym rebuild. In addition to his role as superintendent, Dr. Cronin has served as curriculum director, elementary principal, director of human resources, and director of special education. Dr. Cronin is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Iowa, where he has worked with the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency programs to develop and teach graduate-level classes. He has served in leadership roles on committees for the Grant Wood and Central Rivers Area Education Associations, and the Superintendent Leadership Team of the Tri-Rivers Conference. Dr. Cronin holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Iowa and took part in graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Luther College. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Aug 23, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Aug 25, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Aug 30, 2022 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Decorah Rotary Club to sponsor Trout Run Trail tours |
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Aug 30, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Sep 06, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Luther College Office of Development
Sep 06, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsors: Nate Ersig and Kim Bonnet President Jenifer K. Ward announced the appointment of Mary Duvall as Vice President for Development at Luther College in April of this year. In this role, Ms. Duvall provides strategic direction for all aspects of the college's fundraising and external engagement efforts and serves as a key member of the President's cabinet. She is tasked with formulating a fundraising plan for the college that harnesses the momentum of earlier, successful campaigns. She will be visiting our club and will be sharing information and insights on her first few months as part of the Luther front office team. Mary Duvall has 15 years of experience in non-profit management, including mission-driven fundraising for Lutheran organizations. She comes to Luther from Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, Washington, where she worked since 2015. Duvall began employment at the university as Executive Director of Advancement, was promoted to Associate Vice President of Advancement in 2018, and most recently she served as Associate Vice President of University Relations. During her tenure at PLU, she managed teams that grew the institution's annual giving, built a newly integrated alumni engagement and career development team, and led the division's annual strategic planning process. She also served on a variety of cross-campus committees, including PLU’s Diversity Committee which operationalized the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan. Ms. Duvall earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. She earned her Master's of Nonprofit Management degree from Hamline University in Saint Paul and a certificate of advanced leadership studies from St. Catherine’s University. She also was a recent Lutheran Educational Conference of North America Fellow, a program that provides a year-long leadership development experience organized around vocation and calling, sustainable leader development and visionary organizational leadership. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Sep 08, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Toys Go 'Round
Sep 08, 2022 5:30 PM
DRC After-Hours Sponsor: Samantha Spilde Toys Go ‘Round (TGR) Toy Lending Library was the dream of a group of child care providers who met on a regular basis to provide support and encouragement to each other in their chosen career field. Armed with a desire to provide a variety of tools (toys) for the children in their care, to encourage learning through play, they voted to begin the process of establishing a community toy lending library. Thirty years later, the toy library is located at 607 Washington Street and offers over 1,000 toys for check out. The toy library serves families, grandparents, teachers, non-profit agencies, individuals and (of course) child care providers! Ana Olson Johnson and Matt Tapscott will give you all the details of this very unique toy lending library located right here in Winneshiek County. Ana Olson-Johnson graduated from Luther College in 1999 with a degree in political science. She has worked as the middle school science teacher at South Winneshiek Middle School for the past 12 years and taught in other schools for three years prior to that. Ana feels strongly that we learn best by a combination of methods, including play. Ana has been a member of TGR for more than 10 years and uses toys regularly at home and in the classroom. Ana, her husband and their two children live outside of Decorah. She enjoys reading, gardening and Christmas baking. Matt Tapscott has been a TGR Member since moving to Decorah in 2010 and has been a TGR Board Member for the past three years. Matt has been professionally involved with Early Childhood Care and Education for nearly 35 years. Just recently he closed his Family (In-Home) Child Care business. In his free time, he enjoys his family (wife and three young-adult children), gardening, biking and hiking NE Iowa, as well as Iowa politics. Matt just accepted a part time position with the Decorah Community Food Pantry. --- |
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Sep 13, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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Introduction to Blazing Star Eats
Sep 13, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet Hannah Garry from Blazing Star Restaurant will join us to talk about her new business venture. She and her business partner Sarah Cousins work primarily with local ingredients, as well as vegan and vegetarian food items. They are located at 120 East Water Street in Decorah (site of the former Rubys Restaurant). Established by Ms. Garry and Ms. Cousins in 2020, Blazing Star came from a desire to see more vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free dining options in Decorah that celebrate the amazing food growers and producers in the region. What started off as a small event catering business soon expanded to weekly pop-ups featuring rotating seasonal rice bowls, salads and simple house-made dessert options. They opened their cafe in downtown Decorah in June 2022, offering hours Thursdays – Sundays. They use as many local ingredients as possible for their rotational menu. For more information and online ordering please visit https://blazingstareats.com. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Sep 20, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Sep 20, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet Decorah resident Jim Sims is a volunteer counselor for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work with SHIIP and will join us to offer our members more information about SHIIP and its value to the community. SHIIP is a free, objective and confidential service created in 1999 and offered through the state of Iowa to help people sort through confusing information about Medicare and health insurance. Trained and certified volunteer counselors assist thousands of Iowans annually, helping them save millions of dollars. SHIIP counselors are trained by the state and do not sell or promote any insurance companies, policies, or agents. Local SHIIP volunteer counselors are able to answer questions and provide one-on-one help. For more information on SHIIP in Iowa please visit their website at https://shiip.iowa.gov. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Sep 22, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Thunder Rode
Sep 22, 2022 5:30 PM
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Sep 27, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Strategies for Electrification
Sep 27, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Kim Bonnet Converting our buildings to run on electricity instead of fossil fuels is the most straightforward path to reducing carbon emissions. Paul Cutting from Winneshiek Energy District will present strategies for building electrification, and how these changes can save money and make buildings more liveable and enjoyable. Paul will also present on current happenings at Winneshiek Energy District and share how you can become an active participant in the local energy transition. Paul has an extensive and unique background in teaching and carpentry. He was formerly a high school industrial tech teacher in Lanesboro, MN where he taught carpentry, cabinetmaking, electricity, engineering design, graphic design, computer aided desigbn, entrepreneurship, and more generally, enjoyed helping youngsters grow into capable and confident young adults. Prior to his teaching experience, he spent several years as a carpenter disassembling and reconstructing 19th century Norwegian-built log buildings for clients. His restoration artistry caught the eye of New York City photographer Angela Cappetta who subsequently published an extensive online interview (<- link) about his work. He also worked several seasons for HistoriCorps, a non-profit that pairs volunteers with hands-on historic preservation projects throughout the mountain west. In addition to his service for the Winneshiek Energy District, he formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Porter House Museum. In his free time Paul enjoys making furniture, trail running with his dog Bobo, hunting for mushrooms, scheming backpacking trips out west, camping in his homemade teardrop camper, and rehabbing his 170 year old brick house. For more information on the Winneshiek Energy District vist their website at https://energydistrict.org. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Oct 04, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Reflections on Queen Elizabeth II and Great Britain
Oct 04, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow Luther College Professor Emerita Rachel Faldet will join our group to speak about the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family in general, and to reflect on her considerable experiences in Great Britain. Elizabeth II was was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death on 8 September 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and 15 at the time of her death. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch, the longest recorded of any female head of state in history, and the second-longest verified reign of any sovereign in history. An alum of Luther College, Rachel Faldet grew up in small town Wisconsin and holds a degree in what is now the Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa. An active essayist, she is editor of the anthology Our Stories of Miscarriage, which helped break the media taboo surrounding the emotional aspects of pregnancy loss and landed her on NBC’s Today show. In one of her favorite freelance projects she worked with Decorah’s Spectrum Network, developing and editing From My Perspective, a collection of essays written by people with disabilities, celebrating their stories, their voices. A three-time co-director of Luther’s year-long Nottingham Program in England and frequent January-term co-leader to the United Kingdom, she has a harmless obsession with the British royals. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Oct 11, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Tenkara in the Iowa Driftless
Oct 11, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow During the recent pandemic, DRC member Gary Mineart developed an affinity and became a student of tenkara, a form of fly fishing originating from Japan. This affinity blossomed into a passion as a result of the superb match between the local trout waters in the Driftless Region and this special fishing technique. Gary will explain the concepts of tenkara, contrast it with traditional western fly fishing, and display some of the associated equipment. Tenkara (テンカラ釣り, literally: "fishing from heaven", "sky fishing", or "empty sky fishing") is a type of simple rod angling traditionally practiced in Japan since the 1600s. It originated with professional anglers who found it an effective method of catching the local mountain stream fish, yamame, iwana, and amago. Primarily used for mountain stream trout fishing, tenkara is still a fairly rare method even among freshwater anglers in Japan, and little was known about it outside of the country until after 2009. The appeal of tenkara is its elegant simplicity. There are advantages of using tenkara rods when fishing in small streams, primarily the lightness of the line and delicate presentation. The rod allows for precise placement of the kebari (i.e., artificial fly) on small pools and for holding the kebari in place on the other side of a current. The other main advantage is precise control for manipulation of the kebari. Tenkara fishing can be seen as a streamlined counterpart to western fly-fishing. The equipment is designed to focus on the actual process of fishing and avoid preoccupation with managing the equipment. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Community Engagement at Helping Services
Oct 13, 2022 5:30 PM
DRC After Hours Sponsor: Brecka Putnam Our club is excited to welcome Ben Krouse-Gagne, the Director of Community Engagement at Helping Services for Youth and Families, to this week’s Rotary After Hours meeting. He is responsible for fundraising, communications, and community partnerships. Helping Services’ major fundraising event is Holiday Lights. Holiday Lights is entering its 18th season and sees over 6,000 visitors each year. It takes over 400 volunteers to make this event run smoothly. Founded in 1973, Helping Services provides children, teens, and adults with the skills and knowledge to bring about positive changes in their lives and in their community. Their programs include domestic abuse resources, family education and support, substance and drug abuse prevention, and youth mentoring. You can learn more about this organization at Helping Services for Youth and Families. --- |
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Oct 13, 2022 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
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Oct 15, 2022 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Fall Roadside Cleanup is Saturday, October 15, at 8:00, AM starting from Whalen Cabin. This is a great time to work alongside Rotarians who attend both meeting times, as well as other service minded community members. We will be partnering with at least one other service group! Ward Budweg, who is currently out of the country, will be organizing the event again this year. Please help me surprise Ward by having a completely full sign up waiting for him when he returns. Here is the link to sign up and select your road section: https://www.signupgenius.com/
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Oct 18, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Northeast Iowa Community College - President's Update
Oct 18, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow On July 1, 2022, Dr. Herbert Riedel assumed duties as President of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). He will be on hand to introduce himself to our membership and provide an update on progress and recent initiatives at the College. Dr. Riedel previously served at President of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia, Alabama, where he introduced program offerings in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and short-term skills training, as well as an honor's program and the College's first student housing complex. Prior to that, he served as Vice President for Instruction and Student Development for Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Dr. Riedel is internationally educated, having attended six schools on four continents. He earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Pretoria, in Pretoria, South Africa. He is knowledgeable in six languages, being fluent in German and conversational in Spanish. Dr. Riedel and his spouse Lisa have two grown children. NICC serves eight counties in northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. Offering academic programs of study in a variety of disciplines, in addition to online and blended learning, customized business and industry training, short-term certification options and adult education and literacy, the College is committed to affordable, high-quality education and training to ensure the growth and vitality of northeast Iowa. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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An Update from the New Seed Savers Exchange Executive Director
Oct 25, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Jim Morrow Mike Bollinger was recently named as the new Executive Director of Seed Savers Exchange. Decorah Rotarians may be familiar with Mike, his River Root Farm certified organic family farm business, and co-owner Katie Prochaska from their visit to our club in September 2018. Mike will join us to provide unique insights into the Seed Savers Exchange organization and operations. Seed Savers Exchange conserves biodiversity by maintaining a collection of over 20,000 different varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated plants, varieties with the ability to regenerate themselves year after year. These seeds (and tissue cultures or other plant materials, depending on how a plant reproduces) have the power to withstand unforeseen pestilence and plant disease, climate change, and limited habitat, and to stop dinnertime boredom forever. The Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm, located near Decorah, serves as the headquarters of Seed Savers Exchange. This facility includes the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center and Gift and Garden Store, miles of hiking trails, a trout stream, display gardens and a historic orchard. The Heritage Farm serves as the principal location for housing the extensive seed collection and for hosting special events. The entire Seed Savers Exchange team (including preservation and education staff, donor and member services, the garden crew, and order fulfillment team) is also based at their Decorah location. For more information on Seed Savers Exchange visit https://www.seedsavers.org/. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |
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Oct 25, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Click HERE to see information about today's Program presentation.
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Oct 27, 2022 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Please join us for our annual Rotary Halloween Party on October 27, 2022 from 5:30-7:30. We will be meeting at Pulpit Rock again however instead of meeting in their event room on the right, we will be to the left of the bar/main area where they used to have the brewing equipment. Our exchange student, Fran, will be joining us, as will her host families. This is a great opportunity to meet them.
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Nov 01, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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The Around-the-World Flight to End Polio
Nov 01, 2022 12:00 PM
DRC Sponsor: Don Holmertz **Please note the special meeting location for this day will be the Decorah Municipal Airport** In late Spring of 2023, Rotarian pilots Peter Teahen from Cedar Rapids and John Ockenfels from Shueyville will climb into Teahan's 1978 PA-32RT-300 Piper Lance. They will depart Cedar Rapids and head east on an amazing, seven week, 20,000 mile around-the-world flight to raise awareness for Rotary International's polio eradication campaign. Our club is fortunate to host these action minded, courageous, and philanthropic Rotarians in order to learn more about the details and plans for this incredible journey. As members of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians, Teahen and Ockenfels hatched the idea of using the global flight as a fundraiser for Rotary's three-decade quest to finally eradicate polio. The two pilots set a goal to raise $1 million with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Rotary International’s “Polio Plus” program. All flight expenses will be paid by Teahen and Ockenfels. When the two-man crew takes off from Cedar Rapids, it will become the “Flight to End Polio.” At each of the 29 stops in 17 countries, the pilots will raise awareness by meeting with other Rotary members, humanitarian workers, and government officials to discuss the progress of polio eradication and the ongoing need for assistance for families still affected by the devastating disease. Peter Teahen is president of Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an author, and a mental health professional. He serves on the faculty at the University of Iowa and is the founder of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. He has served in leadership roles on 67 major disasters throughout the world. He is recognized for his work on aviation disasters and is internationally known for his work in critical incident stress management and the psycho-social impact of disasters. He has served for 19 years as a national media spokesperson for the American Red Cross. John Ockenfels maintains World War II aircraft, including his own North American Aviation T-6, a Boeing Stearman, and a Cessna 182 Skylane. Prior to his retirement, he served as the chief executive officer of City Carton Recycling, based in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa and served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976. For two of his four years in the Air Force, he was a crewmember onboard an AC-130 Hercules in Thailand. To learn more about this epic journey, visit their website at https://www.flighttoendpolio.com/home. --- **Please complete your meal sign-up prior to the meeting, preferably not later than close of business Monday. Our face-to-face meeting will be hosted at the VFW. The meal sign-up, meeting announcment, and any other logistical information will be distributed in advace to all members by email. |