Last Call!  Register Now for Move for Mental Health Walk

Grab four friends and challenge yourself to move for mental health! Choose between the 2.5k, 5k or 1/2 marathon (13 miles) routes on the Dickinson County Trails for a walking adventure that will leave you feeling fabulous as you cross the finish line with your friends or family. The Move for Mental Health Walk will take place at 8 am on Saturday, August 26 starting at Tatanka Ska Trace Trailhead in Spirit Lake. The event is a team WALK for awareness - each team will be comprised for four people and proceeds will go to curriculum and speakers focused on mental health in the Dickinson County school systems. MUST REGISTER BY AUGUST 17 TO GUARANTEE GETTING A SHIRT! To learn more or register, click here!
 
Last Call! Register Now for Move for Mental Health Walk 2023-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Congratulations Leo Kofoot - Rotarian of the Year!

Congratulation Iowa Great Lakes Rotarian Leo Kofoot for being named club Rotarian of the Year. District 5970 Governor Don Meyer presented the award to Leo at the local club meeting on Wednesday, June 21. Leo has been a member of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary since 1986 and is currently the Club Executive Secretary. He has been instrumental in coordinating the annual Rotary Car Drop each winter and in helping with setup for the annual Rotary Boji Brew Fest each fall in addition to keeping the club's records current. Congratulations Leo!
Congratulations Leo Kofoot - Rotarian of the Year! 2023-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Tickets on Sale Now for Annual Rotary Boji Brew Fest!

Get your tickets today for the 6th annual Boji Brew Fest hosted by the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary, Okoboji Brewing Company and West O Beer.  The event will be held at Arnolds Park Central Park overlooking West Lake Okoboji on Saturday, August 5th, from noon to 4 pm, and will showcase craft beer tastings from regional breweries, wineries and distilleries. Tickets are $35 per person and you must be 21 to attend. This year's event will feature 20 brewers and your ticket includes a sampling of as many of the brews as you'd like and a souvenir tasting glass - each brewer typically brings 3-5 items to sample! Check back as we continue to add more brewers, wineries and distilleries. Tickets can be purchased by clicking on the link on the home page at the iowagreatlakesrotary.org website or by going to bojibrewfest.com.
 
This event will be held in the center of activity at the Iowa Great Lakes the same weekend as Art in the Park. Proceeds from the event will go toward local service projects, including behavioral health resources, led by the Iowa Great Lake Rotary Club.
Tickets on Sale Now for Annual Rotary Boji Brew Fest! 2023-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Car Drop Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Car Drop! This annual fundraiser for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club gives you a chance to win $1000 when the Rotary car on Smith's Bay falls through the ice at your random time. Tickets are sold for $10 each for each minute of the day and one ticket includes both the a.m. and p.m. time. Last year, all but 7 of the 720 tickets available were sold at $10 each by the time the car went through the ice - so get your ticket early as the club anticipates the tickets selling out this year. Tickets are sold by club members and also online by clicking here
 
Funds raised by Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Rotary are used for community projects including a playground at Shelby Duis Park, Camp Foster YMCA facilities, and other community needs.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Car Drop Tickets on Sale Now 2020-12-07 06:00:00Z 0

Club Meeting Challenges

The past six months have been challenging for us personally, professionally and as a service club.  Going from weekly in-person meetings where we share a meal, a laugh and a connection to our Rotary community to a world where we speak remotely and through the computer has been difficult for us.  Attempts to meet in-person and virtually have met with varied and limited success.  We need to hear from you, our valued members. What can we do to make Rotary a fulfilling and vital part of your life. What works? What doesn't?  Where do we go from here?  
 
Also if you are interested in learning more about what Rotary is all about, our club would love to invite you to join us for either a weekly meeting, a social or a service project. Most are happening online right now, but we are open to ideas on how we can best serve our community during these challenging times. Please contact Membership Chair Kathy Fahy if you are interested in learning more. 
Club Meeting Challenges 2020-08-25 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Gives Back

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was proud to send a vehicle loaded with emergency supplies to assist with derecho recovery efforts in Cedar Rapids on August 17th. Tarps, batteries, chain saw oil, water, diapers and work gloves were among the items packed to help our fellow Iowans in need.
 
On Monday August 10th, a strong storm called a derecho packed 100+ mph winds in a swath from central Iowa into Illinois. Some of the strongest wind gusts were recorded near Cedar Rapids at 132 mph. The entire city lost power and estimates are that 80-90% of homes were damaged.The city lost more than 50% of its trees many of which were over 100 years old. Eight days after the storm, thousands are still without power and supplies are urgently needed to assist.  Thank you club members for your generosity!
 
Rotary Gives Back 2020-08-18 05:00:00Z 0
Polio Plus Update! 2020-08-04 05:00:00Z 0

Thank you Amy Marlow

June 30, 2020 will be the final day of Amy Marlow's role as IGL Rotary President.  We thank Amy for her tremendous leadership, especially in this strange time of zoom meetings, social distancing and uncertainty.  Amy will continue in a leadership role for Rotary as Assistant District Governor.  
Thank you Amy Marlow 2020-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

Value of Rotary Membership

On May 27, Brian King, Director of Membership Development at Rotary International, spoke to our club and shared some great benefits of membership that we thought everyone would like to learn more about in case you missed his presentation. Attached here are his slides on Rotary Fellowships (interest groups of Rotarians from around the world), Global Rewards (discounts and deals for Rotarians), and the Rotary Online Learning Center (online self directed learning modules). Feel free to download the slides here and also log onto Rotary.org to check out some of these optional benefits to your membership.
Value of Rotary Membership 2020-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Virtual International Conference

With Covid around the world, the Rotary International Convention was changed from an onsite convention in Hawaii this year to all virtual online. It is FREE to attend and you are welcome to view as much or as little as you'd like. More information and details are below - but there will be two General Sessions kicking it off this weekend from 8-9:15 am our time both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Then next week will include a variety of breakout sessions - attend as few or as many as you'd like. They will also be recorded for your to view later as well. I'd encourage you to register and if anything, take in at least one of the sessions and explore the Virtual House of Friendship, which is a showcase of projects Rotarians are doing all over the world. Please let me know if you have any questions - otherwise you can register at riconvention.org or go there to learn more!
 
2020 VIRTUAL CONVENTION NEWS

We’re only days away from the first Rotary Virtual Convention! This message includes information you need to know to experience it all, 20-26 June and beyond.

For the best convention experience, use a desktop or laptop computer and the Google Chrome browser. If you don’t already have Chrome, you can download it free. We also suggest that you make sure there are no other heavy uses of your internet connection, such as movie streaming or game playing, when you connect. A download speed of at least 3 Mbps is recommended. (You can test your connection speed for free.)

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

General sessions, 20 and 21 June. To take part in the general sessions, go to the home page of riconvention.org. Click on the button under the General Sessions block, which will say JOIN beginning 19 June. You’ll automatically be directed to a preview page where you can check your connection. Starting 20 June, at 08:00 Chicago time (UTC-5), when you select JOIN you’ll be taken to the current session, and it will play in your browser’s default language. These sessions will also be available to view later.

Walking Challenge, 20-26 June. To participate, register and download the app.

House of Friendship, 20-26 June. Click on the link provided on the activities page beginning 20 June.

Featured Breakouts, 22-26 June. Go to the Featured Breakouts page to see the schedule. To join a session between 22-26 June, click the link next to the session title. These sessions will also be available to view later.

July Breakouts. Sign up for these sessions on the July Breakouts page. See the details about each session by hovering to the right of the session number and clicking the arrows icon to expand the description. In the description, follow the link to register. Check back often for updates.

Virtual International Conference 2020-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary International Statement 

Statement from Rotary International

At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.

We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.

We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice. 

Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.

Rotary International Statement 2020-06-09 05:00:00Z 0

New Paul Harris Fellows

The Iowa Great Lake's Rotary Club added the following members as Paul Harris Fellows during the March fundraising drive.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.  Paul Percy Harris was a Chicago, Illinois, attorney. He founded the club that became the humanitarian organization Rotary International in 1905.
 
Tom Brodie
Ron Knutson
Mel Peterson
Mary Skopec
Greg Richards
Steve Lindeberg
Rachelle Fratzke
Tom Fuhrman
Amy Marlow
 
New Paul Harris Fellows 2020-06-09 05:00:00Z 0

New Billboard Ad!

Look for the new Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on the GrapeTree billboard starting in June 2020!  The ad will run one week a month for the next six months and highlights all the great work Rotarians are accomplishing in the Iowa Great Lakes. Many thanks to Kathy Fahy for designing the sign ad.
New Billboard Ad! 2020-05-18 05:00:00Z 0

Past VP of Rotary International to Address IGL Rotary Club

UPDATE:  Mary will email a link in the next few days of the recorded presentation. Fellow Iowa Great Lakes Rotary members - please join us Wednesday April 19th for a very special Zoom Rotary meeting!  This Wednesday at noon as our guest will be Jennifer Jones, a current Rotary Foundation board trustee and past Vice President of Rotary International. She is a program you won't want to miss! Kathy Fahy says, "I've known Jen for quite a few years now and she has not only been an inspiration to me, but is a mentor and dear friend to me as well. She is dynamic and engaging, and is simply an amazing person who I am excited for you all to meet. She is a fantastic story teller and has some experiential Rotary stories that I'm sure will inspire you as well. Rarely would we get a chance to have a Rotary speaker of her caliber able to join us at one of our weekly meetings, so this is truly a treat to have her be our program." Please plan to attend if you are able and if you have any questions about any aspect of Rotary, Jen will be happy to answer them as well.
Past VP of Rotary International to Address IGL Rotary Club 2020-04-27 05:00:00Z 0

Dr. Mary Berge to present on May  6th 

Psychologist Dr. Mary Berge, a Rotarian since 2002, will present to us on staying sane during the COVID-19 pandemic. She will give practical tips on improving mood, decreasing anxiety and coming out of this uncertain time emotionally stable and perhaps even better.  Dr Berge will present on our zoom meeting link at noon on May 6th.  
 
Dr. Mary Berge to present on May 6th 2020-04-27 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Social -- Virtually!

Join us for our 2nd Virtual Rotary Happy Hour on Thursday, April 16th at 5:30 PM. Let’s share those with each other Thursday night & continue to inspire each other to be people of action in our community!
 
The zoom login information was sent to you by email.  It is not provided in this bulletin to prevent hackers from accessing it.  Please email Mary at mary-skopec@uiowa.edu if you need the log-in info.  You can use your desktop computer with camera, laptop, or smartphone to video chat with everyone.  If you are unable to video chat, but want to hear some friendly voices, there is also a call in number.
Rotary Social -- Virtually! 2020-04-06 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Rush Extended!

Due to the slow-down in conducting business as normal, the District is extending the deadline for the Rotary Rush opportunity to June 10, 2020, the end of the Rotary year.  As you remember, any gift made to the Annual Fund that gets you - half of the way -  to your first or next multiple Paul Harris Fellow level, will be matched with recognition points from a generous donor in our District - up to the next level.  For example, if you are $400 away from your first or next Paul Harris Fellow level, you may give $200 to the Annual Fund, and it will be matched with 200 points to get you there. 
 
Because their offices are currently shut down, The Rotary Foundation staff is strongly encouraging us to make our gifts online at www.rotary.org/donate .  Please be sure to designate your gift to the Annual Fund.  When you receive your gift confirmation email, please forward that to John Wasta at john.wasta@gmail.com and he will file the proper paperwork to get your matching points added.
Rotary Rush Extended! 2020-04-06 05:00:00Z 0

Putting Your Dollars to Work At Home

District 5970 is excited to announce that we have just received a $25,000 grant from Rotary International to respond to the Covid-19 crisis in our area and in our communities.  IGL Rotary has completed a the $1000 grant application to be given to two local food pantries: Good News Community Church and Lake Park Food Pantry.  
Putting Your Dollars to Work At Home 2020-04-06 05:00:00Z 0

Jack Holzhauer

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary lost a cherished member last week.  Jack Holzhauer passed away on April 2, 2020.  Jack was a long-time secretary/treasurer for IGL Rotary and a strong supporter of our community.  He is survived by Betsey, his wife of 65 years and best friend for a lifetime; daughters Pat Moore, Anne Strayer and Katie (Dan) McClurg; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews; his sister, Virginia Scherr; his sister-in-law, Tobie Smith; and brother-in-law, John (Carolyn) Flint.
 
Jack Holzhauer 2020-04-06 05:00:00Z 0

Checking In

The IGL Rotary Club hopes that each one of you is staying healthy during the Covid 19 outbreak.  
If you need assistance at anytime during this event -- please visit the website www.iglcoronarelief.org 
On this site you can find assistance (click on "Need Help?").  Those 60 and under can also volunteer their time on the website to deliver meals or provide care for hospital staff.  The age restriction is in place to minimize exposure for vulnerable populations.
Checking In 2020-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

Chris Furman Inducted

Chris Furman was inducted to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on March 4, 2020. 
 
Chris was raised in and graduated high school from Estherville. He went to the University of Iowa for his undergraduate degree and completed law school at William Mitchell in Minneapolis.
 
Chris was an attorney with Pelzer Law Firm in Estherville for 10 years, but recently started working at Edward Jones in Spirit Lake. He was a member of the Estherville Rotary Club for the 10 years, before moving and joining the Iowa Great Lakes club. In his spare time, Chris enjoys boating and spending time with his family.
Chris is pictured with this dad (Tom, left) and Brad Jungers (membership chair, right).
Chris Furman Inducted 2020-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Car Drop 2020

The Rotary car dropped through the ice of Smith’s Bay on March 12, at 8:38 a.m.  The winning ticket was held by Patrick Lamoureux of Okoboji.  Patrick purchased the ticket at the Dry Dock and was thrilled with his $1000 cash prize.  Patrick remarked that when he purchased the ticket, “I thought all the good times were gone”.  It goes to show that one never knows when the car will take the plunge!  The car was listing heavily to the side on March 11th, before dropping out of sight on Thursday morning.
 
The Rotary Car Drop is an annual fundraiser for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club.  Tickets are sold for each minute of the day and one ticket includes both the a.m. and p.m. time.  Funds raised by Rotary are used for community projects including a playground at Shelby Duis Park, Camp Foster facilities, and other community needs.
 
Rotary thanks the Dry Dock, The Hutt and McKean’s for their partnership in selling car drop tickets.  This year a record number of tickets were sold with only 7 tickets remaining at the time the car went into the lake. 
 
The Rotary car was encased in Iowa when it was retrieved from Smith's Bay on Friday the 13th!
Rotary Car Drop 2020 2020-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

Club Meetings Cancelled

Governor Kim Reynold's proclamation today (April 6th) extends the cancellation of in-person meetings until after April 30th.  Andrew is working on developing virtual meetings for us  -- so stay tuned for opportunities to connect.  
Club Meetings Cancelled 2020-03-18 05:00:00Z 0
March 11, 2020 Noon Meeting 2020-03-11 05:00:00Z 0

Upcoming Social Events

The Social Committee is offering fun events for March/April!
 
1..  April 8th -- 5:30-7:30 pm.  Welcome back snowbirds!  We will gather at The Inn for an informal social.
Upcoming Social Events 2020-03-04 06:00:00Z 0

March 4 Noon meeting

 
Sue Anne Stoermer and Shelly Sindt will present at the March 4th Noon Meeting.  Sue Anne and Shelly will be discussing Elderbridge - Agency for the Aging.
March 4 Noon meeting 2020-03-04 06:00:00Z 0

Value of Volunteering

Kathy Fahy shared this recent report on volunteering with Rotary:
 
The Value of Rotary Volunteering
Have you ever wondered about Rotary’s collective effort and global impact? A special report prepared by the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies found that Rotary members had volunteered a total of 5.8 million hours within a four-week survey period. Extrapolating those results over an entire year, the report gave a conservative estimate of nearly 47 million hours of volunteer effort generated by Rotarians in a typical year.
General Secretary John Hewko said, “This is just the beginning of using the most innovative tools of measurement to capture and enhance our impact.” Download the full report The Impact of Rotary Volunteering --- 47 Million Hours a Year and Counting to learn more about the top ten findings and view visual data and infographics on Rotary's global impact. 
 
Here is the link to the study:
 
Value of Volunteering 2020-02-25 06:00:00Z 0

February 26th Noon Meeting

REMINDER:  The February 26th Meeting is off-site at the Dickinson County Courthouse.  Please come to the Dickinson County Community Room on the first floor.  We will hear from the Communication Center Administrator about the activities with 911 and the amount of calls they receive each year.  A tour will follow.  
February 26th Noon Meeting 2020-02-25 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Rush!

IT’S ROTARY RUSH TIME!
 
District 5970 “Rotary Rush” is on again!  For the months of February and March 2020, the District is offering a significant incentive to all Rotarians who give to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund
 
A generous Rotarian Donor has offered their points as an incentive to help Rotarians easily reach their first or multiple Paul Harris Fellow level.  The Donor is offering a 1 for 1 points to dollars match if a Rotarian contributes a minimum of $100 cash toward their first or next Paul Harris Fellow level.  For example, you may have accumulated $500 in contributions to The Rotary Foundation.  Then, if you add $250 in cash in February or March, our Donor will match 250 points to your giving account which allows you to receive your first or multiple PHF award.  The match is up to a maximum of 500 points.
 
If you choose to participate in this challenge, you will need to fill out Form 123-EN which is available at the Foundation tab on the District’s website at www.district5970.org , or click the link below.  Please email the completed form to john.wasta@gmail.com or mail the completed form to John Wasta, 221 Kent Ct. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA  52402.  If you are paying by check, please make it payable to “The Rotary Foundation”, please include the check with the form. 
 
You may also make your gift online at www.rotary.orgIf you do, please make a note of the amount of your gift on the form and send the form to John to receive your match.  Please do not send credit card information via email. 
 
Rotary Rush! 2020-02-17 06:00:00Z 0

February 19th Noon Meeting

Brandon Rohig will be presenting on the No Boundaries Program on February 19th at noon.
 
No Boundaries is about helping students learn in a passions-based, real-world setting by connecting curriculum with our community to help them become future ready! The No Boundaries team will be touching on the history of the different projects they have done and delve into details about the Hunger Coalition, sharing bins, food pantry videos, and put a plug in for this summer’s Bike N Bite.
 
Check out Ryan and Will's TedxOkoboji talk on the subject:  https://youtu.be/lV8Cupfd6qI  
February 19th Noon Meeting 2020-02-17 06:00:00Z 0

Hope Haven New Member Induction

IGL Rotary Corporate Membership Induction On February 5, 2020
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club inducted Hope Haven into Rotary as a corporate member .
 
Pictured is membership chair Brad Jungers along with new Rotary members from Hope Haven Danette Tolan , LeAnn Blau and Lora Elsenbast and their Rotary Sponsor Kathy Fahy.
Danette has lived in the Lakes area since 1997 and has been with Hope Haven for 13 years.  LeAnn is a native of the lakes area and has been with Hope Haven for 21 years.
Hope Haven is a Christian organization that is over 50 years old and has been serving Dickinson County since the mid-1990's.  Hope Have offers services and support to meet a broad range of needs for children, adults, and families - from physical, mental and intellectual to residential, vocational, and spiritual.
 
Hope Haven New Member Induction 2020-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

February 12 Noon meeting

Rob Waterhouse President of the Okoboji Foundation will present at the Feb 12th Noon Meeting.  
February 12 Noon meeting 2020-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

Food Bank Donation Update

THANK YOU!!
Thank you for all the donations tor the local food bank.  According to Brandon, IGL Rotary "won" the friendly competition for the non-food item donations.  
We brought in 164 lbs and Kiwanis had 34 lbs of the non-food goods.  We had over 300 lbs of food donations combined with Kiwanis! Brandon dropped off the items at the Good News and Lake Park Pantries Friday morning.
 
The pantries were ecstatic that we were able to bring these goods in for them!  
 
 
Food Bank Donation Update 2020-02-03 06:00:00Z 0
February 5, 2020 Noon meeting 2020-02-03 06:00:00Z 0

Omelette Brunch

We are partnering with OST this Saturday selling tickets for the annual car drop at their Pancake Brunch! THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 8:00am - 12:30pm.
The event takes place at the Okoboji Bible Conference in Arnolds Park.

Omelette Brunch 2020-01-23 06:00:00Z 0

Winter Games Weekend 

IT'S WINTER GAMES WEEKEND!
COME FOR SOME FUN AND A PHOTO TOO!
SATURDAY, 2 PM on the Beach at SMITH'S BAY! 
 
Hey Rotarians!  On Saturday, January 25th at 2 p.m. we are going to have a group photo taken on Smith's  Bay with our Rotary Car!
Our friends at Bob's Tow and Repair are unable to have the car on the ice until February 1 BUT it will be on a trailer on the Beach at Smith's Bay! 
Come have some Winter Games Fun while helping to  promote our already famous car drop fundraiser! 
Bring your friends and family - the more the merrier!
 
 
Winter Games Weekend 2020-01-22 06:00:00Z 0

Donations for Food Bank

The Lakes Area food pantries are asking for our assistance to raise non-perishable home items for people in need.  The three pantries are located in Lake Park, Spirit Lake, and Okoboji.  To spice things up, we are also having this as a competition with the local Kiwanis club as to who can donate the most goods.  We will measure the winner by weight.  Please bring items by January 31st to the next Rotary Meeting or drop off at the Arnold's Park Northwest Bank office.
 
Common items to donate include:
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dish soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Tooth brushes
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Q-tips
  • Band-Aids
  • Feminine hygiene products: pads w/wings & tampons, super size
  • Combs/Brushes
  • Cotton balls
  • Lotion
  • Hair gel/Hair spray
  • Sandwich and snack size bags
Donations for Food Bank 2020-01-21 06:00:00Z 0

Jan 22nd Noon Meeting

Arin Miller-Kohn with the Northwest Iowa Humane Society will be our noon speaker on January 22nd.  
"The Humane Society of Northwest Iowa is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal shelter that proudly serves Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto, O'Brien and Osceola counties. Our mission is to promote the ethical and humane treatment of all animals, as well as provide care, housing, and rehabilitation for animals in need while they are with us and promote responsible pet ownership by educating on the importance of spaying or neutering animals."
Jan 22nd Noon Meeting 2020-01-21 06:00:00Z 0

Public Image Grant Awarded

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary chapter was recently notified of our successful grant application for $500!  The public image grant will pay for advertising on the GrapeTree electronic billboard.  Look for our "People of Action" sign later this winter/spring.
Public Image Grant Awarded 2020-01-13 06:00:00Z 0

January 15th Noon Meeting

The 40th Winter Games will be the topic of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Meeting on January 15, 2020.  
January 15th Noon Meeting 2020-01-13 06:00:00Z 0

Grant Check

Brad Jungers presented IGL Rotary President, Amy Marlow with a District Grant check on Dec 18, 2019.  The funds were used in the completion of the pavilion at Camp Foster.  
Grant Check 2020-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

Competitive Wrapping

Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians showed off their skills in a one-of-a-kind gift wrapping competition on Dec 18th.  Four teams of two individuals boxed pantry goods and wrapped them for local charities. However, each teammate was only allowed to use one hand in the competition.  Team Brad-Rachelle finished in record time (albeit with less than perfect assembly) while Team Cari-Brad won the best-looking gift.  Team Kathy-Leo and Team Reed competed fiercely, but ended up short in the final results.  Thanks to all our competitors and for Rebecca for the fun activity!
 
 
Competitive Wrapping 2020-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

December 18th Noon Meeting

The December 18th noon meeting will be a family affair!  Bring a guest and enjoy the company of fellow Rotarians.  The social committee will have some fun games and activities, so plan to join us!
December 18th Noon Meeting 2019-12-16 06:00:00Z 0

December 11 Noon Meeting

Michele Goodenow and Brad Beck presented an update on the Imagine Iowa Great Lakes projects at noon on December 11.   Phase 1 projects include the Mill Park in Milford, improvements to the seawall and boardwalk in Arnold's Park, the Nature Center trail connector and Okoboji Park.  
 
For more information visit the Imagine Iowa Great Lakes website at https://www.imagineigl.com/ 
December 11 Noon Meeting 2019-12-10 06:00:00Z 0

December Calendar of Events

December 18 -- Family Meal and Social (noon; Waterfront)
December 25 -- MERRY CHRISTMAS! No Rotary Meeting
January 1 -- HAPPY NEW YEAR!  No Rotary Meeting
December Calendar of Events 2019-12-10 06:00:00Z 0

Dictionaries for 3rd graders!

Photos: From Top (Cari Jack works with Flat Paul Harris to deliver dictionaries to Okoboji kids; Rotarians Erin Reed and Michelle Schwartz-Webb deliver to Spirit Lake; Rotarian Brad Jungers delivers to Graettinger Terril Schools)
 
Rotarians spread good cheer to Dickinson County area schools the first week of December.  The Dictionary Project aims to make students better writers, avid readers and more creative thinkers by providing dictionaries to kids.  Third grade has been identified as a critical year for students learning to read and write and the dictionaries are a gift that encourages young learners on their journey of life-long exploration.  Thanks to all the Rotarians for contributing time labeling dictionaries, delivering them and supporting this amazing project.
Dictionaries for 3rd graders! 2019-12-10 06:00:00Z 0

Reminder!

The December 4th meeting will be held at 6:00 pm at the Century Farms Distillery in Spencer (on Highway 71 coming into town from the north). Food will be catered in as part of the regular dues.
No regular noon meeting that day!!!
 
Reminder! 2019-12-02 06:00:00Z 0

Thanksgiving Wishes

Warm Thanksgiving Wishes to All Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians!  May your holiday be filled with family, food and love (and not necessarily in that order).
Thanksgiving Wishes 2019-11-25 06:00:00Z 0

November 27th Noon Meeting

Kiley Roth with Dickinson County Conservation Board will be our featured speaker on Nov 27th at noon.  
Kiley Roth is the community relations coordinator at the Dickinson County Nature Center. She is in charge of marketing, the volunteer program and office operations. 2019 has been a big year for the Dickinson County Conservation Board and Nature Center, and Roth will discuss the many updates and new projects that have taken place at parks and areas throughout the county.
November 27th Noon Meeting 2019-11-25 06:00:00Z 0

November 20, 2019 Noon Meeing

Brett Hetland with the Lakes Area Hockey Association will be the noon speaker on Nov 20, 2019.  
"The Lakes Area Hockey Association was formed in 2001. A tough bunch of kids and coaches played outdoors for 11 years while a dedicated group of volunteers worked to raise the funds and build the "Rink of Dreams" that is now the Boji Bay Ice Arena. Our hockey program has grown to over 100 players and has inspired the introduction of other sports to the facility including figure skating, curling, and lacrosse. We are glad to welcome you to the team!"
November 20, 2019 Noon Meeing 2019-11-19 06:00:00Z 0

December 4th Social

 
Century Farms Meeting a HIT!
Rotarians enjoyed a wonderful meal and fun libations at the Century Farms distillery in Spencer on Dec 4th.  A tour of the distillery gave Rotarians the behind-the-scenes view of the process it takes to turn corn from Iowa "century farms" to whiskey and vodka.  Century farms are farms that have been in the same family for 100 or more years.  
 
District President Michelle Bell attended the event and spoke of the importance of Rotary in our communities.  
 
 
December 4th Social 2019-11-12 06:00:00Z 0

November 13 Noon Meeting

 
Chris Yungbluth with Dickinson County EMS and Fire/Rescue will be our featured speaker on Nov 13th.  
November 13 Noon Meeting 2019-11-12 06:00:00Z 0

November 6 Noon Meeting

 
 
The November 6th Noon Meeting will feature Hope Haven Building Projects by Mark Siemonsma
November 6 Noon Meeting 2019-11-05 06:00:00Z 0

November 5th Card Party

Just a reminder that we will be gathering TODAY, Nov 5th at 6:00 pm to sign holiday cards.  We will gather at the Waterfront.  There will be TedxOkoboji presentation practices following, so be sure to stick around for the fun!  
November 5th Card Party 2019-11-05 06:00:00Z 0

October 30th Noon Meeting

Susan Scharnberg will present "What's New in Public Television" at our noon meeting on Oct 30th.  Rotarian Susan Moritz Scharnberg is the President of the Iowa Public Television (IPTV) Foundation.  Susan has been in professional fundraising for more than thirty years, the last 17 with the IPTV Foundation and prior to that with the American Lung Association and Wesley Retirement Services.  She has also served in a leadership capacity at the national level, chairing the national Development Council for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS); serving on the board of the newly created national PBS Foundation; and on the international board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Locally she served four terms on the West Des Moines Board of Education and was recently elected to the Scottish Rite Board of Directors.

 
October 30th Noon Meeting 2019-10-29 05:00:00Z 0

October 23rd Noon Meeting

The October 23rd Noon meeting will feature a presentation on World Polio Day by Steve Lindenberg and Kathy Fahy.  
October 23rd Noon Meeting 2019-10-21 05:00:00Z 0

October 16 Noon Meeting

The Noon Meeting on Oct 16th will feature Seattle Sweeney and her experiences as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student.  
October 16 Noon Meeting 2019-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

Melanie Becker Inducted

Melanie Becker was inducted to the Iowa Great Lakes chapter of Rotary on 10/9/19.  
Melanie was raised in Fairmont, MN, but graduated high school from Lincoln Central in Gruver. Shortly after high school she attended Iowa Lakes Community College and had her first child. She immediately started working for Polaris and has continued to work there for the past 25 years. She is currently in the payroll department.
 
Melanie is married to Brad Becker and they have four children. One is attending the University of Minnesota, one lives at home with them, one lives in Estherville, and another lives in Ames. She enjoys watching Iowa State University Football and Basketball, golfing, crafting, and re-purposing furniture. She also sells Mary Kay products on the side. She is a major fundraising organizer for the Hope Fund through Polaris.
Melanie Becker Inducted 2019-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

October 9th Noon meeting

The October 9th Noon meeting featured an interesting presentation on cyber security by Advanced Network Professionals.  
 
 
October 9th Noon meeting 2019-10-07 05:00:00Z 0

October 2nd Social

Great fun was had at the Rotary Social at the Throwing Post!  Thanks to all that were able to come out and support this fun local business and have a little fun on the side.  
October 2nd Social 2019-10-01 05:00:00Z 0

Tour of Camp Foster

 
Rotary members enjoyed a wonderful meal and tour at Camp Foster on September 25, 2019.  Thank you to Andrew Fisher for hosting us!!
Tour of Camp Foster 2019-10-01 05:00:00Z 0
Oct 2nd Noon Meeting 2019-10-01 05:00:00Z 0

Shelby Duis Playground

  
Iowa Great Lake Rotarians pause for a quick photo during the construction of the Shelby Duis Playground equipment.
 
   
  
 
Team work makes the dream work --- thanks to all the participating Rotary members for your dedication and sweat equity to build the playground at Shelby Duis Park!!
 
 
Shelby Duis Playground 2019-09-24 05:00:00Z 0

September 25th Noon Meeting

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club meeting for Sept 25th will be off-site at the Camp Foster of the YMCA.  Andrew Fisher and Abbie Park will provide a field tour of Camp Foster.  
September 25th Noon Meeting 2019-09-24 05:00:00Z 0
September 18th Noon Meeting 2019-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Serves Beer for Bucks

IGL Rotarians served at the Clay County beer bus to raise money for worthy projects in the Iowa Great Lakes community.  Rotarians showed off their many skills while taking in the sights and sounds of the Country Gold concert.  Thanks to all who came out to help the cause!
IGL Rotary Serves Beer for Bucks 2019-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

Amy Marlow selected for 2019 Leadership Scholarship

2019 Leadership Development Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2019 Leadership Development Scholarship recipients: 
  • John Wasta of Cedar Rapids Rotary Club
  • Amy Marlow of Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club
  • Caprice Jones of Dubuque Rotary Club
These Rotarians will receive funding to attend the Rotary Leadership Development Program in Overland Park, Kansas, Sept. 27-28. At this retreat, Rotarians build their knowledge, skills, and abilities in serving in various Rotary leadership and volunteer service capacities. 
Again, congratulations to our scholarship recipients. We look forward to your leadership in Rotary for years to come. 
Amy Marlow selected for 2019 Leadership Scholarship 2019-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

Josh Pope Inducted to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary

 
Josh Pope was raised in Mankato, MN, where he graduated high school. After school he played football at North Dakota State University. He then transferred to St. Johns University where he earned a degree in Natural Science. He also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. After college he took a position in Houston, Texas as a land development engineer. After two years down south, he moved back up to Mankato to be closer to family. Josh has now been working at Bolton & Menk in Spencer for the last 2 years.
 
Josh has been married to his wife, Jenny, for 10 years, but has been with her since high school. Jenny and Josh have two children – Eli and Isaiah – with another one on the way in February! Kids activities keep Josh pretty busy, but he does enjoy travelling around the Midwest and working on his BBQ pit master skills.
Josh Pope Inducted to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary 2019-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

September 11, 2019 Noon meeting

Michael Ehret will discuss Dickinson County Emergency Services at the noon meeting on September 11, 2019. 
Please take a moment to thank all those who serve as police officers, fire and EMT personnel and military on this day.  
September 11, 2019 Noon meeting 2019-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

Alis Collin Update

Alis' father sent the following message and update about her. 
 
"Alis has spent this summer in our family, which has been appreciated, and she traveled a 2 days trip to Paris to accompany her Okoboji Classroom during their stay in France. And last week we have driven her to her new international UWC High School in Germany.
 
All the support you and the Club members have provided her have been massive, and we feel winning the UWC selection in Paris has made a huge difference for her future.
The only downside is that she told us, beginning this international UWC High School, she would now be out of the family for about 2 years, and her whereabouts in the following years are still unsure … We feel we let the cat escape!
 
She looks very happy and plans to travel to Spirit Lake for working a summer job next summer. 
 
Actually I need to let you know that back to France and then in this school she is so lively and busy, she did not pay any attention to her emails, nor send any of the messages she was supposed to send to all her friends and families in Iowa. Please do not feel bad about this, you will all stay for long the US family she just left the month before!
 
I hope Seattle has felt the benefits of her stay in Germany, and that some other students can benefit with these foreign exchanges abroad.
 
I am happy to have had this opportunity to know you all indirectly...."
 
Frederic and Nilgun Collin
RC Bourg-en-Bresse Revermont D1710
Alis Collin Update 2019-09-03 05:00:00Z 0

September 4, 2019 Noon Meeting

Before we do our Rotary Assembly, we will have Dr. David Smith coming to give a brief presentation on the special election on September 10th for the Spirit Lake school district.  The vote will be to extend the district’s revenue purpose statement to do projects at the school.
September 4, 2019 Noon Meeting 2019-09-03 05:00:00Z 0

Volunteer to Help at the Clay County Fair!

We still need 3 to 4 more volunteers to help. Contact Mary Skopec if you are interested!  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club will be helping to serve at the Clay County Beer Bus on Monday, Sept 9th.  We need 15 members to serve from 6:00 - 10:00 pm.  You will receive free admittance to the fair and helping the club earn $300 plus tips!  Brandon and Mary will be sharing a sign-up sheet at future club meetings.
Volunteer to Help at the Clay County Fair! 2019-08-27 05:00:00Z 0

August 28 Noon Meeting

The August 28th meeting will be dedicated to our Rotary committee meetings.  See y'all there!
August 28 Noon Meeting 2019-08-27 05:00:00Z 0

One Rotary Summit

One Rotary Summit
The time is drawing near for the 2019-20 One Rotary Summit (ORS). Our Rotary story is connected through membership, public image, and humanitarian service. Every Rotarian has stories to tell, and these stories inspire current members, attract new members, and can increase Rotary Foundation giving.
This year’s ORS them will be "Connected by Our Rotary Stories." Attendees will have the opportunity to:
  • Learn why storytelling skills are so important in Rotary
  • Gather ideas to distribute Rotary stories in the community and to current and prospective members
  • Take home Personal Action Plans and a One Rotary Toolkit to use in their clubs
Below are the One Rotary Summits scheduled in District 5970:
October 8, 2019 - Rockwell City - Community Center - 424 Main Street - Register
October 17, 2019 - Clear Lake - Best Western Holiday Lodge - 2023 7th Avenue N - Register
October 29, 2019 - Cedar Rapids - Matthew 25 - 2201 3rd Avenue SW - Register
The Summits will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will include dinner.  The cost is $20 and you may send a check to Suellen Kolbet, District Executive Secretary, PO Box 445, New Hampton, IA 50659, or you can pay by credit card when you register, and then the cost is $21.64.  
One Rotary Summit 2019-08-20 05:00:00Z 0

Shelby Duis Playground Help!

In preparation for the new playground equipment coming next month, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary has scheduled a clean up of Shelby's Playground at Elinor Bedell State Park for this Wednesday afternoon (August 21). There is a lot of raking, weed pulling and general cleanup that needs to be done as the rain has really brought out the weeds this year.
 
I will be at the park anytime after 2 pm - so feel free to join for 30 minutes or an hour anytime between 2-6 pm. 
 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians built this park in 2001 - I am excited that we will be able to enhance it with more great items yet this fall. Please plan to stop out and help on Wednesday, even if for only a short time! Hope to see you there!
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Kathy Fahy
Shelby Duis Playground Help! 2019-08-20 05:00:00Z 0
August 21st Noon Meeting 2019-08-20 05:00:00Z 0

BrewFest Success!

 
 
 
Rotary BrewFest was a huge success on Saturday, August 3rd.  We were blessed with a gorgeous day and tasty brews.  Thanks to all who helped organize, set-up, tear down and assist with the event!!
BrewFest Success! 2019-08-06 05:00:00Z 0

August 7th Noon Meeting

The Aug 7th noon meeting will feature a presentation about Nature: A Walking Play that will be performed on the grounds of Iowa Lakeside Lab on August 8, 9, and 11.  
August 7th Noon Meeting 2019-08-05 05:00:00Z 0

July 31st Noon Meeting

The July 31st meeting will be presented by Brad Jungers.  Brad provide the District Governor's report to the Iowa Great Lakes club.
July 31st Noon Meeting 2019-07-30 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Brewfest!

Only a few short days before the Iowa Great Lakes Brewfest!!!  You still have time to buy tickets and support the IGL Rotary Club.  
Rotary Brewfest! 2019-07-30 05:00:00Z 0

Tom Early Presentation

Father Tom Early delivered a humorous presentation about his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago on July 24th!
Tom Early Presentation 2019-07-30 05:00:00Z 0
July 24, 2019 Noon Meeting 2019-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

Steve Lindeberg Paul Harris Fellow

Steve Lindeberg received a Paul Harris Fellow pin on July 17, 2019.  Congratulations to Steve for his achievement and for supporting the work of the Rotary Foundation!
Steve Lindeberg Paul Harris Fellow 2019-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

Kathy Fahy Paul Harris Fellow Plus 8

Kathy Fahy received her 8th Paul Harris pin on July 17, 2019.  Kathy's extraordinary commitment to the Rotary Foundation is her way of "paying back" the Rotary Scholarship she received as a young woman. We applaud Kathy's contributions and her support of Rotary!!
Kathy Fahy Paul Harris Fellow Plus 8 2019-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

Amy Marlow Inducted as President

Amy Marlow was inducted as the new president of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary chapter on July 17, 2019.  Brad Jungers passed the leadership torch to Amy.  The IGL Rotary Chapter thanks Brad for his vision and the renewed energy that he brought to Rotary.  We are confident that Amy will serve us will moving into 2020!
Amy Marlow Inducted as President 2019-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

July 17th Noon Meeting

Tammy Lee will present on the American Red Cross at noon on July 17th at the Waterfront.  "The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​" 
In the aftermath of Hurricane Barry, The American Red Cross is seeking blood donors and financial contributions to help those affected.  
July 17th Noon Meeting 2019-07-17 05:00:00Z 0
July 10th Noon Meeting 2019-07-06 05:00:00Z 0
Happy 4th of July! 2019-07-02 05:00:00Z 0

July 3 Noon Meeting

The Club Meeting for July 3rd will be an informal, social get together at the Waterfront.  Hope to see you there!
July 3 Noon Meeting 2019-07-02 05:00:00Z 0
Boat Cruise Fun 2019-07-02 05:00:00Z 0

New Board Members

The Iowa Great Lakes Board voted to accept the resignation of long-time board members Tom Brodie (Youth Chair), Paula Zenor (Membership Chair) and Peggy Gustafson (PR Chair)
We thank these wonderful Rotarians for their service on the Rotary Board!  New Board members were voted in at the June 18th meeting: 
Rebecca Peters (Social), Rob Waterhouse (Youth) and Mary Skopec (PR).  Brad Jungers will take over as the Membership Chair when Amy Marlow steps into the President Role in July  
New Board Members 2019-06-25 05:00:00Z 0

No Noon Meeting -- June 26th

 
Join us for our summer Rotary social!!
Date: June 26th
Time 6:00-8:00
We will be leaving from Okoboji Boat Works – Diamond Lady. $10 per person, which includes food and the ride. Cash bar. Looks like great weather!
No Noon Meeting -- June 26th 2019-06-25 05:00:00Z 0

June 19th Noon Meeting

Kim Smith will discuss the difficult topic of sex trafficking in the Midwest at the June 19th meeting.  
June 19th Noon Meeting 2019-06-18 05:00:00Z 0

Fun at Shelby Duis

Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians enjoyed a beautiful day at the Shelby Duis playground on June 12th.  
Fun at Shelby Duis 2019-06-18 05:00:00Z 0

Cari Jack Inducted

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Inducts Cari Jack on May 29, 2019.  Cari is pictured with Paula Zenor, Brad Jungers and Kathy Fahy.  
 

Cari grew up in Victor, Iowa which is 30 miles east of Grimes, graduated high school there and then went to Waldorf College in Forest City where she got her degree in Communications.  She is currently the Communications Administrator at the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

Following college, Cari followed her husband, Brian, to various churches until he became the Associate Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Milford, Iowa.  They have 2 children, Blair 11, and Judah 8, both in the Okoboji school system. 

Cari's interests include reading, concerts, performing arts, baking, and watching cooking shows.

Cari Jack Inducted 2019-06-11 05:00:00Z 0

Pikes Point Park Clean Up

Great Job Rotarians!
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members hoisted paintbrushes on June 6th to help spruce up Pikes Point State Park.   Looks like the park is ready for summer!!
Pikes Point Park Clean Up 2019-06-11 05:00:00Z 0
June 12th Noon Meeting 2019-06-11 05:00:00Z 0

With Love from Seattle

Seattle Sweeney sent the following message last week:
 
Hello!!!
 
As I continue to recover from the exhaustion of Eurotour I have time to say thank you to you and the club. I want to say a tremendous amount of ‘thank yous’  especially for the fundraiser you all had for me. I know it really helped me have the chance to go on the trip and I am SO grateful.
 
I had an absolutely amazing time and I got to see so many things that many will never get to see in real life. The sights were amazing and the freedom I had to explore with some of my best friends made the trip 10x more memorable. My favorite city was Paris (I think I was created to live in Paris (and Germany of course)) and Venice came at a close second!
 
I hit the ground running after the euro tour and I have been coming to Hamburg to see rotarians from the district. I got the great pleasure of seeing John Schultz, Jeff Hassman, many others I cannot remember, and ESPECIALLY our very own Kathy Fahy. It was great to get to speak English (with Iowans), to get new Rotary connections for my future in Rotary, and especially to learn more about the new and improved ROTEX program our district is starting up. I am already so excited to get home and stay involved with Rotary through ROTEX. I told John about some ideas and what my vision for a role in ROTEX would be and I am excited to work with him and the others involved.
 
Today is my 10 months-in-Germany-aversary and not only am I proud of myself for how far I have come, but I am also heart broken that I am so close to the end. Life here is amazing and my life is forever changed. There’s only about a month and a half left for me and I plan to make the most of every minute!
 
Thank you again, see you soon, with love, Seattle
 
With Love from Seattle 2019-06-06 05:00:00Z 0

Good-bye Alis!

Alis Collin bid the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary members adieu on June 4th.  Alis' sunny personality and engaging spirit was a joy to all who spent time with her during the past year.  We are excited to see the wonderful things she does in the future and wish her success in the future!!
Good-bye Alis! 2019-06-06 05:00:00Z 0

Okoboji Summer Theatre

Michael and Ruth Ann Burke gave the Iowa Great Lake Rotarians a sneak peek at the 2019 performance schedule at the June 4th Noon Meeting.  
Okoboji Summer Theatre 2019-06-06 05:00:00Z 0
Upcoming Events 2019-05-28 05:00:00Z 0

Service Activites

Rotarians have many opportunities for service in the coming weeks!
 
Dickinson County Veterans Affairs is looking for volunteer drivers to take veterans to the VA clinic in Sioux Falls. For an application call (712) 336-0883
 
 
 
Service Activites 2019-05-21 05:00:00Z 0
May 29th Noon Meeting 2019-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

DNR Update on Curlyleaf Pondweed

Mike Hawkins, DNR Fisheries Biologist, provided an insightful update on the status of curlyleaf pondweed in the Iowa Great Lakes region.  Mike noted the use of the herbicide Aquathol K to control of the pondweed will be expanded to 60 acres this year.   The use of herbicides is significantly cheaper than using a "harvester" apparatus to cut the pondweed.  The herbicide was applied earlier this spring and water quality testing was conducted to ensure that chemicals were not moving into areas used for drinking water.  
DNR Update on Curlyleaf Pondweed 2019-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary District 5970 Conference

President Brad Jungers and President-elect Amy Marlow traveled to Clear Lake on April 26th to attend the Rotary District 5970 Conference with our foreign exchange student Alis Collin.  Great time with old friends and new ideas.  
Rotary District 5970 Conference 2019-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

May 15th Noon Meeting

Mike Hawkins of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will present an update on water quality, zebra mussels, and curlyleaf pondweed on May 15th at noon.  
May 15th Noon Meeting 2019-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Family

front row: Alis' sister Celine and two cousins,
back row l-r: Aunt Marie, Grandfather, and her parents Frederic and Nilgun
Rotary Family 2019-05-06 05:00:00Z 0

May 8 Noon Meeting

The May 8, 2019 Noon Meeting Presentation:
Farmer's Market in the Park - Tracy Evans and Kristine Thiessen
Website: https://farmersmarketinthepark.com/ 
An Okoboji Magazine Article featured Market in the Park -- 20 vendors will sell goods on Saturdays from 7:30-noon near the Majestic Pavilion.  
May 8 Noon Meeting 2019-05-06 05:00:00Z 0

Service Activities

Upcoming Service Activities
 
Wednesday, May 8th– Park Clean Up and Touch Up – Pike’s Point State Park – 4-7pm
We will be making the park look nice, finishing up painting tables, and placing our new Rotary signage.  We will need a handful of members present to paint, pick up garbage, rake, dig a post hole, and mount the sign. Please bring gloves, rakes, shovels if you have them, and clothes that are able to get dirty. We will have sign-up sheets at later meetings.
Signed up: Brandon Rohrig, Brad Jungers, Kathy Fahy, Mel Peterson, Joan Benz, Steve Lindeberg, Amy Marlow, Tom Brodie, Nate Gruys, Erin Reed
 
 
August – Bags Tournament – A Rotary or Kiwanis Park – 1-5pm
We will be having a friendly bags tournament with the Spirit Lake Kiwanis Club.  Details are still being worked out, but we are tentatively thinking that the winner gets to dictate where the loser has to donate X amount of money too.  We would also have a fundraiser on the day of.
Signed up:
Service Activities 2019-04-29 05:00:00Z 0

Blair Martyr Inducted

Blair Martyr was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on April 10th.  Her sponsor was Brad Jungers.  Blair grew up in Oregon and moved to Iowa in the mid-2000s.  She met her husband, Jon when she was hired as a nanny for his daughter Allison following the death of his wife.  Blair enjoys quilting, reading, boating, travel and family.  
Blair Martyr Inducted 2019-04-29 05:00:00Z 0
May 1st Noon Meeting 2019-04-29 05:00:00Z 0

April 24th Noon Presentation

Allison Antoine will present on Kindermusik at the April 24th noon Rotary meeting.  

The story of Kindermusik: Inspiration drives success. While studying in Cologne, Germany, Kindermusik founder Dan Pratt discovered a curriculum that empowered young children to learn through music. Steeped in educational theory, Kindermusik's research-based curricula recognizes the potential in every child and sets a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Today, our programs and educators continue to recognize and celebrate the potential in every child, working to enhance knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm for learning through the power of music-making.

April 24th Noon Presentation 2019-04-23 05:00:00Z 0

Lake Clean-up Effort

Approximately 30 people from Iowa Great Lakes Rotary, Kiwanis, and the Lakes Area Young Professionals gathered in Arnolds Park on Tuesday, April 16th to gather trash and enjoy a beautiful spring night.  Brandon Rohig proudly displays the fruits of his labor (photo above). 
Lake Clean-up Effort 2019-04-23 05:00:00Z 0

Seattle FUNraiser

 
 
Thank you to all who came out to support Seattle Sweeney during the FUNdraiser at Waterfront last Thursday.  A special thanks to our amazing crew of "servers" who looked sharp in their new Rotary t-shirts.
Seattle FUNraiser 2019-04-23 05:00:00Z 0
April 17th Noon Meeting 2019-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

2019 Service Opportunities

2019 Service Calendar
 
Tuesday, April 16th – Community Clean Up – 6-7pm
 
Meet at the Arnold's Park parking lot at 6 p.m.  We will be working with Young Professionals and Kiwanis.  We will be assigned to different beaches and spaces in the vicinity of Arnolds Park.  Clean up locations will be determined based on the number of people in attendance.  Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.  This is a great opportunity for our club members to work with the community.
 
Signed up: Brad Jungers, Brad Simington, Dan Carson, Rob Waterhouse, Tom Brodie, Mary Skopec, Brandon Rohrig, Kiwanians, and Young Professionals.
 
Wednesday, May 1st – Park Clean Up and Sign Mounting – Shelby’s Park – 4-7pm
We will be making the park look nice and placing our new Rotary signage.  We will need a handful of members present to pick up garbage, rake, dig a post hole, and mount the sign. Please bring gloves to protect your hands and if you have them, rakes, shovels, and clothes that are able to get dirty. We will have sign-up sheets at later meetings.
Signed up: Brandon Rohrig
 
Wednesday, May 8th– Park Clean Up and Touch Up – Pike’s Point State Park – 4-7pm
We will be making the park look nice, finishing up painting tables, and placing our new Rotary signage.  We will need a handful of members present to paint, pick up garbage, rake, dig a post hole, and mount the sign. Please bring gloves, rakes, shovels if you have them, and clothes that are able to get dirty. We will have sign-up sheets at later meetings.
Signed up: Brandon Rohrig
 
August – Bags Tournament – A Rotary or Kiwanis Park – 1-5pm
We will be having a friendly bags tournament with the Spirit Lake Kiwanis Club.  Details are still being worked out, but we are tentatively thinking that the winner gets to dictate where the loser has to donate X amount of money too.  We would also have a fundraiser on the day of.
2019 Service Opportunities 2019-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

April 10th Meeting at Waterfront

SCHEDULE CHANGE
Due to road conditions at Camp Foster, the April 10th program will be held at the Waterfront.  The meeting at Camp Foster will be rescheduled for a later date.
April 10th Meeting at Waterfront 2019-04-08 05:00:00Z 0

Who Won??

On April 2, 2019 the IGL Rotary Car drop Fundraiser came to an end after the car sank into the icy waters of Smith's bay. 

On Wednesday Bob's Tow and Repair of Spirit Lake and the Okoboji Underwater Rescue Team retrieved the car from the lake and determined the clock inside the car stopped at 4 pm.   The winner is from Des Moines, Iowa and purchased the ticket on line.   

Alex Tow and his Grandfather Jim DeBartolo, enjoy coming to Okoboji to fish.  Alex's grandfather bought two tickets - One for himself and one with his and his grandson's name.  The latter was the 4 pm winning time with a $1,000 cash prize!   Congratulations!

Who Won?? 2019-04-08 05:00:00Z 0

Seattle FUNdraiser This Thursday!

Don't Forget to Come out to the Waterfront Grill on Thursday from 4-8 pm
EURO – mazing Seattle Sweeney  !
Please join us as our club helps raise funds for IGL Rotary Outbound Youth Exchange Student Seattle Sweeney to complete her one year exchange study in Scheessel, Germany.
Seattle will travel with other Rotary exchange students from around the world on a 14 day European Tour which will coincide with her youth exchange study. She will return home this summer to complete her Senior year at Okoboji High School.   Seattle is the daughter of Steve and Mona Sweeney, Arnolds Park.
 
On Thursday, April 18 from 4 – 8 pm members of  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club will be your servers at the Waterfront Grille .  All tips collected during this fundraising event will go towards Seattle’s Euro-Tour!
Please come out and enjoy a great meal at the Waterfront and support Seattle’s  life changing youth exchange with Rotary International!
Seattle FUNdraiser This Thursday! 2019-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Message from Seattle Sweeney

I really appreciate everything the club has done for me in the last year and a half. I think of you all every day. When I think about how happy I am here I think about you guys back home and always say 'Thank you' in my head because I know everything I have experienced is because of you! I also want to especially thank you all for the fundraiser. The Eurotour is something I have looked forward to for my entire exchange and it is going to be the biggest highlight of my life. You guys helping to raise money is going to help my family and me very very much, so thank you for that and everything else! I miss you all and I cannot wait to share everything with you. See you all on July 24th!
With SO much love,
Seattle 
 
Message from Seattle Sweeney 2019-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

WHO Coverage of Car Drop

Thank you Roger RIley, WHO Channel 13, Des Moines for the fun coverage on our Car Drop Fundraiser today, (April 1)! Good thing you didn't wait until tomorrow! It's soon to go down!
WHO Coverage of Car Drop 2019-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Reminder! Indian Tour on Wednesday

Just a reminder -- the regular noon meeting for March 27th will be at the Indian Motorcycle Factory.  We will be meeting at the front entry where the store and displays are setup.  We can park up by the doors where motorcycles typically park.
Reminder! Indian Tour on Wednesday 2019-03-26 05:00:00Z 0

Alis Collin

Congratulations to Alis Collin for being accepted into the prestigious United World College. Alis was also granted a full-ride scholarship to attend. Representing her home country of France, Alis interviewed in Paris France, on March 2 & 3, 2019 along with 26 other high school students. Each student was interviewed extensively by the faculty and was required to present to a large audience on a subject of their choice with the intent to produce discussion and debate.  Alis was selected number 1 of the 27 total students overall. The interview faculty consisted of at least a dozen United World College faculty from around the world.
 
UWC is a global educational movement with the mission to "make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future."  The two year academic program has 17 campuses around the world providing 16-19 year old students an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma Program aims "to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically."
 
Alis will be studying at her preferred choice of UWC Robert Bosch College in Freiburg, Germany. Alis Collin is currently studying her Junior year at Okoboji High School through the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club and Rotary International. Through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, over 8,000 high school students from around the world spend an academic year in another county to learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens.  Okoboji High School Junior Seattle Sweeney is Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club’s outbound student this year studying in Scheessel, Germany. 
 
Rotary International requires the student to live with 3 host families in the community, divided equally during the student’s academic year.  Host parents for Alis include Allison and Dan Antoine, Carry and Kiley Miller, and Mona and Steve Sweeney.  Alis’ is the daughter of Frederic and Nilgun Collin of Bourg en Bresse France. She has a younger sister Celine. 
Alis Collin 2019-03-26 05:00:00Z 0

Rob Waterhouse to Present 

Rob Waterhouse will present on the Okoboji Foundation on March 13th.  
The Youth in Philanthropy Program has quickly become an important focal point of giving in the Okoboji Community:
• Over $260,000 raised in first 8 years
• Teaches our next generation the importance of community giving
• Grants for vital capital projects steered by student decision
• 125 area high school students have participated since 2010.
 
Rob Waterhouse to Present 2019-03-12 05:00:00Z 0

Alis in Paris

Top -- Alis and her dad visit Paris
Bottom -- Alis' Dad
 
Alis sent this happy message regarding her interview in Paris.   "I want to thank you and all the Rotary club, a thousand times for helping me with my plane ticket, it means a lot for me. So impatient to tell you all about my interview. Impatient to see you all."
Alis in Paris 2019-03-12 05:00:00Z 0

Indian Motorcycle Factory Tour Rescheduled

Good news! The tour of the Indian Motorcycle Factory has been rescheduled for March 27th.  
The original tour date was postponed due to the polar vortex weather event.  
Indian Motorcycle Factory Tour Rescheduled 2019-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

Car Drop Tickets

Please turn in any unused Car Drop Tickets or money for tickets ASAP.  
Car Drop Tickets 2019-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

T-shirts have arrived!

Our new Rotary t-shirts are done!  Peggy Gustafson will be bringing them to our March 6th noon meeting. 
Peggy scored an extra discount for us, so the final cost is less than we anticipated. 
Please bring your money for the t-shirts on Wed.  
T-shirts have arrived! 2019-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

Quarterly Meeting

The February 27th noon meeting will be dedicated to our quarterly committee meetings.  Bring your good ideas to share!!
Quarterly Meeting 2019-02-24 06:00:00Z 0

Seattle Sweeney's Valentine Message

Seattle Sweeney posted this message recently:
This year, valentines wasn’t about loving some guy, but it was about loving the life I’ve been given for a year and the people who have helped make this year one to love. Happy Valentine’s Day 💘
Seattle Sweeney's Valentine Message 2019-02-18 06:00:00Z 0

Speaker February 20th

Patti Griffiths will be our noon speaker on Feb 20th.  Patti will discuss the Next Life Foundation. https://www.nextlifefound.org/about.html 
 
Next Life Foundation is a cooperative ministry of two non-profit corporations, NLF - America and NLF - Tanzania. The motivation for the ministry comes from Tanzanians seeking to improve the lives of their fellow countrymen. Next Life Foundation - America is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which is committed to support its Tanzanian counterpart with ministry advice and funding. 

Due to the vast cultural and economic differences between our world and those we seek to support, any advice is offered only to be evaluated by the Tanzanian board of directors. It is their ministry, initiated, planned, implemented, operated, and supervised by them. It is a ministry of Tanzanians for Tanzanians, not an American ministry. They are openly receptive and responsive to any advice that is offered. 
 
Speaker February 20th 2019-02-18 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Car Drop 2020 Update! 2019-02-11 06:00:00Z 0
Speaker February 13th -- Imagine Iowa Great Lakes 2019-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

Noon Speaker -- Paulette Karolczak

Paulette Karolczak from the Child and Parent Council will present at our Feb 6th noon meeting on Child Abuse Prevention.  
"The Child and Parent Council’s overall goals are to heighten community awareness and promote broad base community support for positive parenting.  We do this by providing educational programs and helpful written information that we distribute through faith based organizations, local publications, and public entities such as libraries, doctor’s offices, schools, and daycare centers.   Our council members come from the small communities within our county, so there is considerable overlap in memberships with other boards and civic groups.  This allows us to remain informed about the needs throughout our county and disseminate further awareness to these other groups about the need for community involvement in the support of young families and the prevention of child abuse."
Noon Speaker -- Paulette Karolczak 2019-02-05 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary T-shirts for Sale

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER ROTARY T-SHIRTS (for now)!!!!!
Dear Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians:
Mary Skopec and I will be taking orders for club t-shirts!  Deadline is Feb 15th.
If you’d like to order one we will pass around a sign up sheet the next few weeks at our meetings.  You can also email me your order at peggygustafson33@yahoo.com
It is a high quality t-shirt material that is very comfortable!  It will become one of your favorite t-shirts because of it’s fit! 
Prices and sizes are as follows:
$11 for small – XL
$13 for XXL
$14 for XXL
 
The above prices are based on an order of 24 – 47 T-shirts.
 
We hope to continue to be involved in many community events and projects and what better way to advertise how great our club is than by wearing it proudly on our chest and back!!
 
Front of T -  Centered
 
Back
Rotary T-shirts for Sale 2019-01-28 06:00:00Z 0

January 30th Meeting CANCELLED

Due to the extremely cold temperatures, the January 30th meeting has been cancelled.   The off-site meeting at Indian Motorcycle will be rescheduled for a future date.  Stay safe out there!!! 
January 30th Meeting CANCELLED 2019-01-28 06:00:00Z 0

Amanda Brophy

Amanda Brophy presented on Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia at the January 22nd noon meeting.  
Amanda Brophy 2019-01-28 06:00:00Z 0

Winter Games 2019

Rotary car drop ticket sales have been "brisk" this year!  A few hardy Rotarians braved the cold weather to visit the car during the 39th Winter Games.  
Winter Games 2019 2019-01-28 06:00:00Z 0

Alis Collin Birthday!

Alis Collin turns 17 on January 24th!  Her host families celebrated at the Landings on Sunday with an authentic French meal.  Tom Brodie and Peggy Gustafson attended and honored her with this gift from all of us.  She'll be leaving for a RYE Conference in Tulsa Oklahoma this Thursday thru Monday. Alis said she'll be sporting her new IGL Rotary apparel!! 
Alis Collin Birthday! 2019-01-22 06:00:00Z 0
Presentation January 16th -- Winter Games Previous 2019-01-15 06:00:00Z 0

Dr. Amy Gansemer Presentation Jan 2nd

Dr. Amy Gansemer will kick-off our 2019 speaker line-up with a presentation on introducing a new dog to your home.  Dr. Amy Gansemer is a 2018 graduate of Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine originally from Johnston, IA. Dr. Gansemer has a special interest in fear free handling, feline medicine, and emergency medicine. She has four animals of her own – two cats, a rabbit, and a tortoise. Outside of veterinary medicine her hobbies include hiking, fostering animals, and spending time outdoors. 
Dr. Amy Gansemer Presentation Jan 2nd 2018-12-31 06:00:00Z 0

Father Tom Early Inducted

Father Tom Early Inducted into Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on 12/12/18
 
Father Tom Early was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes chapter of Rotary on December 12, 2018.  He was sponsored by Peggy Gustafson and Jack Holtzhauer
Father Tom is the reverend at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, where he became pastor in July of 2017.  Father Tom grew up in Harlan and graduated from Harlan High School.  Tom attended the University of Northern Iowa where he received a B.A. in Religious Studies.  Following graduation, he remained in Cedar Falls and worked for AmeriCorps for 2 years.  Following his service in AmeriCorps, Tom went to seminary for 3 years at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN.  Tom is married to Sarah Early, who works at the Spirit Lake Medical Center.  His interests include disc golf and walks with Ali, his golden retriever.
Father Tom Early Inducted 2018-12-13 06:00:00Z 0

Holiday Meal

Join us on December 19th at noon for a special holiday meal. 
Guests and family members are invited to attend this fun event.  Please contact Amy Marlow or Mary Skopec to RSVP.  
Holiday Meal 2018-12-06 06:00:00Z 0

Mick Wiederin Inducted

Mick Wiederin Inducted into Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on December 5th. 

Mick grew up in Bedford, Iowa and attended Central College in Pella.  He has a B.S. degree in Accounting and he currently works a staff accountant at Rembrandt Enterprises.  Mick resides in the Iowa Great Lakes with his wife, Sara, who is a physical therapist.  His interests include anything outdoors including ice fishing and baseball.  Mick enjoys the YMCA where he swims and plays basketball.  Mick was sponsored by Rotarian Amy Marlow. 

Mick Wiederin Inducted 2018-12-06 06:00:00Z 0

Jason Harrington

Jason Harrington, President/CEO Lakes Regional Healthcare presents exciting new plans for the Lakes Regional Family Medicine center on December 5th.  
Jason Harrington 2018-12-06 06:00:00Z 0

Upcoming Rotary Schedule


 
Rotary Schedule at a Glance
We've added a new feature in our newsletter!  The schedule at a glance allows Rotarians to see planned activities for the next year all in one place.  
Upcoming Rotary Schedule 2018-12-05 06:00:00Z 0

Noon Meeting November 28, 2018

The Noon Meeting with be a report on the committee meetings last week (Nov 21st).  Committee Chairs will share updates with the membership.  
Noon Meeting November 28, 2018 2018-11-27 06:00:00Z 0

Message from Alis

Dear Rotarians -- we just wanted to share this wonderful message from our youth exchange student, Alis, to Peggy:
 
We just received our basketball uniform today. They are beautiful,  tomorrow we will take pictures with all the team! Thank you  very much for the uniform and all the things that you did  for me. Cross country was a extraordinary  experience for me, even if the first few practices were hard,  it was fantastic. It gives me a lot of confidence in myself, teaches me how set goals and do what it takes to achieve them!
It helps me a lot to make good friends for my first day at  school. For all that, I am very grateful to you, thanks to  you for giving me all this amazing opportunities and make  this experience unforgettable. The basketball season start  just started, our first game is tomorrow and we are all very  excited!
 Many thanks,
Alis
Message from Alis 2018-11-19 06:00:00Z 0

Quarterly Committee Meeting

The noon program on Nov 21st will be dedicated to the quarterly committee meetings.  Please take a moment to review the discussion and decisions from the last meeting in preparation for this meeting. 
Quarterly Committee Meeting 2018-11-19 06:00:00Z 0

Dwight Conover

Dwight Conover presented on the History of Northwest Bank at noon on Nov 14th.  His inspirational message encouraged the students in attendance to be the next generation of leaders.   
Dwight Conover 2018-11-19 06:00:00Z 0

Dwight Conover to Speak

Dwight Conover will present "The Story of Northwest Bank" at noon on Nov 14th.  Mr. Dwight Conover served as Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Financial Corp. Mr. Conover serves as the Chairman of Northwest Financial Corp and The First National Bank in Creston.  
Dwight Conover to Speak 2018-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Pizza Distribution 2018-11-13 06:00:00Z 0

New Member Orientation

New Member Orientation will be held Nov 13th at 6 p.m. at the Waterfront.   New and existing members are invited to attend this social/orientation.  
New Member Orientation 2018-11-13 06:00:00Z 0

Pizza Sales

Reminder -- Pizza sales are due on Friday, Nov 5th and will be distributed on Nov 17th.  
Pizza Sales 2018-11-07 06:00:00Z 0

Dictionaries to 3rd graders

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club has been busy this past week delivering dictionaries to all Dickinson County Third Graders. 
The goal of this program is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come. Educators see third grade as the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn, so we encourage our sponsors to give dictionaries each year to children in the third grade.
The Dictionary Project is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that works with  local sponsors and volunteers.  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club has been handing out dictionaries for more than 10 years.  Helping third grade children in our community improve their communication skills and literacy  makes this a very rewarding project!  
Shown above are the Terril third graders along with IGL Rotarians Janie Eick and Peggy Gustafson.
Dictionaries to 3rd graders 2018-11-07 06:00:00Z 0

Virtual Reality Glasses

Virtual Reality Glasses
Rotarians got to experience life with polio on Oct 24th using virtual reality "glasses" provided by Kathy Fahy. 
 
Virtual Reality Glasses 2018-10-29 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Youth Exchange Student Visit 2018-10-23 05:00:00Z 0

Pikes Point Thank You

A big Thank You to all who participated in the Pikes Point volunteer event on Saturday, Oct 20th!
Brisk winds provided ample challenges for the crew, but the work will be appreciated by future visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes. 
Pikes Point Thank You 2018-10-23 05:00:00Z 0

World Polio Social Event

Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians World Polio Day Social.
IGL Rotarians raised $230 for 383 polio vaccinations at our recent social held at Dry Dock.  Thanks to all who donated and showed up for a great cause!! 
World Polio Social Event 2018-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day Donation Challenge

We’re approaching World Polio Day on October 24th and we are asking that you contribute to the Rotary Foundation so that we can finally eradicate this terrible disease. A Polio immunization costs $0.60, and the Gates Foundation will match all donations 2 to 1. So if you give $20, the Gates Foundation will donate $40 and you’ll have helped immunize 100 children! This will also help you earn points towards a Paul Harris Fellowship. If you have questions about the Foundation or about how to donate, please contact our Foundation Committee chair Steve Lindeberg or Brad Jungers.
World Polio Day Donation Challenge 2018-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

Dictionary Label-athon October 24th

Please stick around after the noon program on October 24th to help label 240 dictionaries for local 3rd grade students.
Many hands make light work, so the more the merrier!
Dictionary Label-athon October 24th 2018-10-09 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor Neil Fell

District Governor Neil Fell gave an inspiring presentation on the history of Rotary and the difference Rotarians can make in the world. 
District Governor Neil Fell 2018-10-08 05:00:00Z 0

New By-Laws Approved

The new by-laws were approved by the membership on October 3, 2018.  Thank you to Brad and the Executive Committee for working to update the by-laws!
New By-Laws Approved 2018-10-08 05:00:00Z 0

Rob Waterhouse Inducted

Rob Waterhouse was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes chapter of Rotary on October 3rd.  His sponsor was Dan Carson. 

Rob was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids area (Marion).  He graduated from Regis High School and attended the University of Iowa where he graduated in '91 with a degree in Economics. 

His career began with the American Red Cross in Cedar Rapids with several transfers during the next 27 years:  Sioux City, Madison, WI, Birmingham, AL, and Omaha, NE.  Next were a couple of non-profit health charities that specialized in diabetes and crones disease.  Rob then ran some non-profits in Blair, NE for the next 5 years which then led to the Okoboji Foundation. Rob began as the Executive Director with the Okoboji Foundation last April 2018. 

Rob and his wife, Kathleen, have 4 children, MJ is his oldest daughter and just began her freshman year at Wayne State, Ellie is a junior at Spirit Lake High School, Mattie is a 8th grader at Spirit Lake Middle School, and Robert is a 6th grader at Spirit Lake Elementary School.

Rob's interests include all of his children's activities, golf, lake activities, and leading Boy Scouts.

 

Rob Waterhouse Inducted 2018-10-08 05:00:00Z 0

Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District

Steve Anderson shared his vast knowledge of the complex wastewater treatment system that keeps the Iowa Great Lakes clean and beautiful on Sept 26th.  The IGLSD has been in existence since the late 1930s and was formed following surveys that showed a high level of contamination in drinking water wells.  Today the system has 9,000 connections to the system, 64 lift stations, 140 pumps, 100 miles of pipe and 3400 manholes!  Water flow to the plant is an average of 2.5 million gallons per day.   
 
Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District 2018-10-01 05:00:00Z 0

Erin Reed Inducted

Erin Reed was inducted into The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club on September 26, 2018. 
Erin grew up in Trimont , MN, which is in the Farimont, MN area.  She went to college at Minnesota State (Mankato) for a time.  Erin transferred to Dunwoody Institute in the Twin Cities where she got her degree in Civil Engineering Technology and Land Surveying.  Erin was with the Jackson County Highway Department for 14 years, as an Engineer. 
In 2001 Erin and her family moved to the Lakes when her husband took a District Manager Sales position with Pure Fishing.  Erin became a board member of the Trails Association in 2006 and became the Director in 2016, which is her current position.  We enjoyed hearing about future plans for the Trails at a recent Rotary program, presented by Erin.
Erin and her husband have 2 sons:  Lance, 13, and Evan, 8 and they attend the Spirt Lake Schools.
Hobbies and outside interests include:  music concerts (will travel to attend), bicycling, fishing, and MN Sports (Vikings & Twins).
 
Erin Reed Inducted 2018-10-01 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Summit

You might ask, why should I attend a Rotary One Summit?

 

Participants will…
1) Be prepared to answer the question, “Why Rotary?”
2) Be inspired to build membership, enhance public image, and do humanitarian
service through The Rotary Foundation
3) Understand the value of being a Rotarian
4) Be inspired to be a part of Rotary’s Public Image campaign, People of Action
5) Be the Inspiration, living out Rotary’s theme for 2018-19
6) Take home a One Rotary Toolkit for use in your club

 

Still want to learn more? Please watch this welcome video from Past RI Vice President Jennifer Jones:

 https://vimeo.com/279122191

 

We are offering two sessions, one on October 9th in Mason City - Register here: Link

 and one on October 24th in Marion register here: Link

Rotary Summit 2018-09-25 05:00:00Z 0
Quorum needed Sept 26th 2018-09-25 05:00:00Z 0

Steve Anderson Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District

Steve Anderson will present the History of the Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District on Sept 26th. 
 
The Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District (IGLSD) treats municipal wastewater from several communities around the Iowa Great Lakes including; Arnolds Park, Okoboji, Milford, Orleans, Spirit Lake, West Okoboji, Wahpeton and some of the unincorporated areas around the Iowa Great Lakes.
The District’s collection system includes a service area of approximately 12,000 acres. Municipal wastewater includes wastewater from homes as well as businesses and industries within the service area. The wastewater passes through several treatment processes at the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) to remove pollutants before discharge into Milford Creek. The treated WWTP effluent must meet stringent standards which are defined in the plant’s discharge permit by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The use of the receiving stream determines the level of water quality and the corresponding limitations on pollutants.
Steve Anderson Iowa Great Lakes Sanitary District 2018-09-25 05:00:00Z 0
Historic Arnolds Park 2018-09-25 05:00:00Z 0

Arnolds Park Off Site Meeting

September 19th meeting to be held at Arnolds Park Pavilion.  The program will feature a tour and discussion of upgrades to the park. 
Arnolds Park Off Site Meeting 2018-09-19 05:00:00Z 0

New By-Laws

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club will vote on the amended by-laws at the September 26th meeting.  The board of directors approved recommending these bylaws to the general membership at their meeting on September 12th. In accordance with the current bylaws, this needs to be approved by the membership with a quorum (1/2 of the membership) present, and 2/3 of the members present voting to approve.
New By-Laws 2018-09-19 05:00:00Z 0

Erin Reed to Present on Trails

Erin Reed will present on the activities of the Dickinson County Trails Board on September 12th at the regular noon meeting. 
Erin Reed to Present on Trails 2018-09-11 05:00:00Z 0

Committees Meet

Committee Work Begins!
Rotarians rolled up their sleeves and got to work on Sept 5th.  Committees including Social Events, Youth, Fundraising, Public Relations, Programs, Membership, and Foundation met to plan future activities.  Including committee work as part of the regular meeting schedule was an outgrowth of the recent strategic planning efforts.  Committees will meet once a quarter -- see the meeting calendar for specific dates. 
Committees Meet 2018-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
Kiley Miller Presentation 2018-09-05 05:00:00Z 0

Meeting to Amend By-Laws

A meeting to amend the by-laws of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Chapter will be held on August 30th at 6:00pm in the Waterfront Board Room. 
Meeting to Amend By-Laws 2018-08-28 05:00:00Z 0
Fun night on the Diamond Lady 2018-08-28 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome Alis

Welcome Alis!
Alis is a very, very smart, social, well spoken young lady.  She is filled with excitement and eager to share her stories, photos, and experiences.  She and her family are very involved in Rotary at Bourge-en-Bresse France!
Welcome Alis 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

Michelle Schwartz- Webb Inducted as a new Rotarian on August 15, 2018
Michelle is from Wheatland Iowa near Cedar Rapids.   A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and a chiropractor for 20 years in the lakes area.  She and her husband Mike have an 8 year old son Morgan.  Mike owns Shaw paint and glass.   Michelle sold her Chiropractic business  to focus on family.  She is now the Sales and Outreach director for Keelson Harbor.  Her hobbies include golf, boating, and developing property.
New Member Induction 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

Diamond Lady Tour is Full

August 22nd Social Event -- Cruise on the Diamond Lady is Sold Out!! 
We hope to see everyone tomorrow night for a fun evening of socializing with our fellow Rotarians. 
For information on the Diamond Lady visit: https://www.parksmarina.com/okoboji-boat-works/cruises/private-cruises/
Diamond Lady Tour is Full 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

Estherville Rotarians

Estherville Rotarians
Nancy Anderson and Edith Clarken of the Estherville Rotary Club were our guests today.   They shared a special project for their Rotary Club - getting food to Venezuela where hunger and illness prevail,  especially in Mothers and children. To learn more go to sendinglovevenezuela.com or email Lill.Moeding@genmills.com. Lilly is the daughter of Edith Clarken and she and her family have compassionately dove in to help with this cause helping to ship pallets of food to children's hospitals, orphanages, schools, and homeless shelters.  They work through a Rotary Club in Venezuela and not with the government.
Estherville Rotarians 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor Commendation

District Governor Citation
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was awarded a certificate  "with deep appreciation in honor and recognition of Rotary Club Excellence for 2017 - 2018 " 
The certificate was signed by District Governor, Ralph Smith. 
District Governor Commendation 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

Financial Update

Michael Schlitter - Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Treasurer
Thanks to Michael for going over the financials of our Club including our meal costs, dues, giving, fundraising and more.
Financial Update 2018-08-21 05:00:00Z 0

Dan Carson Paul Harris Fellow

Dan Carson Paul Harris Fellow Plus 1
On August 8, 2018, Dan Carson became a Paul Harris Fellow, which is the highest honor for a Rotarian. The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905.
Dan Carson Paul Harris Fellow 2018-08-14 05:00:00Z 0
Prime and Wine Summit 2018-08-14 05:00:00Z 0

Kathy Fahy Paul Harris Fellow Plus 7

Kathy Fahy received the Paul Harris Fellow Plus 7 Award
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. 
 
Kathy Fahy Paul Harris Fellow Plus 7 2018-08-14 05:00:00Z 0

Tour of Lakes Regional Hospital

Lakes Regional Healthcare's Radiology Suite.
Brandon Rohrig, Director of Population and Public Health at Lakes Regional Healthcare shared the new radiology suite with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on August 1st.  One of the new additions to the radiology clinic is 3-D Mammography, which will help improve patient care by providing clearer images and earlier detection of tumors. 
Tour of Lakes Regional Hospital 2018-08-07 05:00:00Z 0

Brewfest Success!

Brew Fest 2018
Despite rain early in the morning, an enthusiastic group of Rotarians battled the elements and delivered a successful 2nd annual Okoboji Brew Fest on August 4th.  Local vendors West O and Okoboji Brewing Company joined brewers from around the Midwest to delight the crowd with innovative beer flavors with even more creative names.  Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for making this event a special day to remember.
Brewfest Success! 2018-08-07 05:00:00Z 0

Lunch 4 Kids

Lunch 4 Kids
Scott Trautman and Debra McKeever presented on Lunch 4 Kids on Wednesday, July 25th.  This innovative program helps families in need pay school lunch bills and prevents issues with "lunch shaming" students.  Community members can donate to Lunch 4 Kids at Northwest Bank locations. 
Lunch 4 Kids 2018-07-30 05:00:00Z 0

Important Dates To Remember

August 22: Diamond Lady Social (no noon meeting)

August 29: monthly board meeting @ 11:00

August 30: 5:00 meeting at Okoboji Brewing Company to work on amending our Bylaws

Important Dates To Remember 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Upcoming Speakers

Upcoming Speakers:

August 15 - Edith Clarken from the Estherville Rotary Club

                    & Mike Schlitter - Rotary Treasurer

August 22 - No Noon Meeting - Reschedule the Diamond Lady Cruise

Upcoming Speakers 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Strategy Session Kick-off

Thanks to President Brad Jungers as he steps into his new role involving all members and asking for our input. Topics covered included Programs, Fundraising, Leadership Roles, and Membership (new and retaining existing members). The 8:30 a.m. Strategic Planning Session was also held prior to the regular noon meeting.  Approximately eight Rotarians came to share ideas and discuss our Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities.  
 
As part of this session, it was decided that we should re-implement committees, with each member participating in at least one committee.  Members will receive a link to a survey in the near future to sign up for committee work.  Committees are:

-          Social

-          Youth

-          Fundraising

-          Service

-          Public Relations (Peggy Gustafson has volunteered to chair)

-          Programs

-          Membership

-          Administrative

-          Foundation (Steve Lindeberg has volunteered to chair)

 
Strategy Session Kick-off 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Visiting Rotarian

Visiting Rotarian

We were lucky to have John Norman and his son CJ visit our club this week.  John is a longstanding Rotarian from Naperville, Illinois.  He is also a generational lake resident which has him returning to his roots every year to join his large family!  Pictured is John presenting a flag from his club to our club.

Visiting Rotarian 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Ice Breakers Are BACK

Ice Breaker

Under the new direction of President Jungers, Ice Breakers are back as a part of our weekly meetings.   These member spotlights help us all to get to know each other better.  As membership chair, Paula Zenor was the first to give a small five minute speech about herself.  Be ready for your turn in the spotlight! 

Paula Zenor graduated from Drake University in Sociology, Psychology, and English. She and her husband lived in Spencer where they raised their family and her husband worked as the Clay County Attorney. Paula had a career in Human Resource working for a variety of businesses and retiring with Iowa Lakes Community College.  They moved to the lake full time in 2005.  Paula's husband died 10 years. ago.  They have three grown children; Ben, Amy, and Paul.

Ice Breakers Are BACK 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

Paul Johnson was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on July 18, 2018. Originally from Manitowoc, Wi, Paul had a 33 year career with Berkley and  Company (Pure Fishing) as an engineer and working in the Research Department and forming the Golf Division. Paul has 13 US patents and served our community for 16 years as Dickinson County Supervisor where he spearheaded the drive for a new courthouse.  He and his wife Kathy have 4 children, three of which are lawyers.

Paul's sponsor is Bob Sneitzer.  Please be sure to welcome Paul when you see him!

 

New Member Induction 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Going-Away Party!

Please join us in saying bon voyage to Seattle Sweeney, our youth exchange student!

When:

4-6 PM on July 29th

Where:

127 Rohr Street, Arnolds Park

 

Going-Away Party! 2018-07-24 05:00:00Z 0

Youth Exchange

Rotary Youth Exchange
The Rotary Youth Exchange students gathered at the Cedar Rapids home of the district RYE director, Elizabeth Daly this past week.  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary exchange student, Seattle Sweeney is pictured in the center -- second row from the top. 
 

 

 
Youth Exchange 2018-07-17 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Inducted

New Member Inducted

Congratulations to Kate Nowey of Arnolds Park.  She was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on July 11, 2018.  Kate owns and operated Studio Burn 360, a fitness studio that she began 3 years ago. 

Kate was born and raised in Chicago and attended the University of Iowa and University of Illinois where she obtained her kinesiology degree.  Please be sure to introduce yourself to Kate!

Welcome to the club!

New Member Inducted 2018-07-16 05:00:00Z 0

Strategic Planning Session

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REMINDER!  Please join us for our strategic planning session on Wednesday, July 18th at 8:30 a.m.  We will meet at the Waterfront and Brad has promised plenty of coffee and donuts to power up the good ideas.  We will continue at noon with the normally scheduled meeting. 
Strategic Planning Session Mary Skopec 2018-07-16 05:00:00Z 0

Brad Jungers Inducted as New President

New President

Brad Jungers officially became the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary President as he was inducted this week, July 11, 2018.

Brad takes the reigns of President Tom Brodie as he completes his term.

Congratulations to Brad and a sincere thank you to Tom for his many accomplishes as he led our club this past year!

Brad Jungers Inducted as New President 2018-07-16 05:00:00Z 0
Strategic Planning Session 2018-07-10 05:00:00Z 0

President Induction set for this week

Posted on Jul 09, 2018

Incoming President Brad Jungers
The New Rotary Year Begins! 
Thanks to everyone who came to be inspired by our new president.  
President Induction set for this week 2018-07-09 05:00:00Z 0

New Paul Harris Fellows 

 
Congratulations to Leo Kofoot and Brad Jungers for recently  being recognized for Paul Harris Fellow level of giving to Rotary!
Thanks for your commitment and dedication! 
 
New Paul Harris Fellows 2018-07-09 05:00:00Z 0

No Meeting this week

Happy 4th of July! 
May everyone have a safe and happy holiday celebrating  freedom with  family and friends! 
 
No Meeting this week 2018-07-02 05:00:00Z 0

New Date Set for Diamond Lady 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Diamond Lady Cruise Ship Event Now Set for August 22nd
 
Mother Nature had different plans for our June 20th planned event as we prepare to bring in  a new fiscal year at Rotary! 
The heavy rains threatened all outdoor activity! 
We will have a new sign up sheet at future meetings for the rescheduled date of August 22nd.  The boat leaves the dock at Okoboji Boat Works at 6 p.m. 
A great way to socialize and get to know your fellow Rotarians even better! 
 
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New Date Set for Diamond Lady 2018-05-31 05:00:00Z 0

June 6 program

 
June 6 Program - Ruthann Burke  and Stephen Brotebeck -  Okoboji Summer Theatre 
A sure sign of summer is the opening OST! 
A big thank you to Ruthann and Stephen as they shared the great things we can expect at the Theatre this summer! The first show is Godspell and opened this week! 
Since 1958, the Okoboji Summer Theatre has presented more than 550 plays to an audience of 1.5 million. 
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June 6 program 2018-05-31 05:00:00Z 0

Brewfest Updates

 
 
   NEXT PLANNING MEETING:  7/11 - West O at 5:30:
Please join us as we plan our 2nd annual Boji Brewfest that takes place August 4.
Get involved in the planning stages!
Future Meetings are as follows:
7/25 - Okoboji Brewing at 5:30
8/1 - West O at 5:30
THE MONEY WE RAISE FROM THE BREW FEST GOES TO IMPROVEMENTS AT 
SHELBY'S PLAYGROUND! 
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Every year the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club takes some time to spruce up the playground they built 17 years ago at Elinor Bedell State Park on the East side of East Lake Okoboji.  Pictured above are some of the Rotarians taking a break from clean up tasks last Wednesday, May 30. 
 
The playground and park is a popular spot for people of all ages.  However, the playground equipment is especially designed for younger children in memory of two year old Shelby Duis who died of child abuse in her Spirit Lake home in January of 2000. 
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club continues their commitment to the playground not only with annual clean ups but with fundraising for new equipment and improvements to the playground. The Rotary Club is preparing for their 2nd annual Boji Brew Fest which will take place on August 4th in Arnolds Park
The laid back event will run from 12 - 4 in the afternoon with general admission tickets $30 and VIP tickets $45.  For more information and to purchase online ago to :  Iowagreatlakesrotary.org and click on the link to Boji Brew Fest. 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is growing and always looking for new members who are dedicated to our community and believe that service above self is the best way to make our community and world a better place.  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at The Waterfront located at Bridges Bay Resort on East Okoboji. For membership information contact Paula Zenor at (712) 346-8135.
 
(Picture l-r  Kathy Fahey  Tom Fuhrman  Steve Lindeberg and  Tom Brodie)
 
 
 
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Brewfest Updates 2018-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Exchange 

 
 
Inbound Student Alis Collin
We are excited  for  Alis Collin from Bourge En Bresse, France to be our Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound student coming into our community for the 2018/ 2019 school year.   
 
Would you and your family like to be a host family? This is a very rewarding opportunity that will bring  an international experience directly into your home! If you would like to participate, please contact Tom, Peggy, or Amy! The commitment can be a minimum of 3 months which allows the student to rotate into other homes. 
Alis will be entering her Junior academic year and comes to us with a long list of achievements and is very goal driven.  Her father is a Rotarian in their community!
Tom Brodie - (712) 336-6139
Peggy Gustafson (712-320-0192
Amy Marlow (515) 341-0720
Any one of us would be happy to visit with you in detail about this opportunity!  We are here to help you and your family through the preparation process so that is is an exciting and enjoyable time for all involved! 
-------------------------
Local Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2018/2019  Seattle Sweeney - Okoboji High School
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is pleased to announce  Okoboji high school student Seattle Sweeney has been selected as an outbound student for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program!  Seattle has gone through a rigorous  interview process with our district.  You may have met Seattle as she visits our club's meetings whenever possible.  Please be sure to say hello when you see her! 
We support  Seattle and wish her all the best as she moves forward with preparations
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Rotary Youth Exchange 2018-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

Brewfest set for August 4 

Boji Brew Fest Returns for Second Year on August 4th
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is excited to announce the date of its second annual Boji Brew Craft Beer Festival to be held on August 4th! Twenty craft breweries from around the region, including our two local breweries - Okoboji Brewing Company and West O Beer, will participate in the beer festival.  
 
Proceeds from the Boji Brew Fest event will go toward renovations and improvements at Shelby’s Playground at Elinor Bedell State Park on East Lake Okoboji that are being spearheaded by the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club.  The playground was built by the local Rotary club in 2000- 2001 to honor the memory of a young Spirit Lake chlld who died from abuse. The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club with the help of other partner organizations annually plant flowers, pull weeds, prune shrubs and provide general maintenance for the playground each spring.  The money raised will go towards new equipment, benches,signage and other maintenance updates for the playground.
 
Tickets are on sale online now! Like last year, Boji Brew Fest will take place in Arnolds Park at the Central Park Shelter House located just south of Yesterday’s Restaurant and Arnolds Perk Coffee Shop. Art in the Park, sponsored by the Pearson Lakes Art Center, will also be that day. The Boji Brew Fest area will be secured and monitored for 21 and over attendees only. 
 
Tickets are limited for the craft beer festival to allow ticket holders to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience to engage in conversation with the brewers and avoiding long wait lines to sample the beers. Only 600 tickets are available online: go to Iowagreatlakesrotary.org and click on the link to Boji Beer Fest. General admission tickets are $30 and VIP tickets are $45. The event on August 4th will start at 12:00 noon for VIP ticket holders and 1:00 pm for General Admission tickets, and will run until 4 pm. VIP ticket holders will get an extra hour of sampling, in addition to some limited specialty beers the breweries will only offer during that initial hour.
  
Plan now to attend and support a great cause while mingling and enjoying a few brews!  For more information about the Boji Brew Fest or park project, contact Rotarian Kathy Fahy at (605) 359-7177.  
Brewfest set for August 4 2018-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

 May 23 program 

WINGS OF REFUGE - ASHLEY RYKER  May 23 
WINGS OF REFUGE IS A CHRIST-CENTERED HOME FOCUSING ON THE RESTITUTION OF DOMESTIC HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS.
A VERY INTERESTING AND EYE OPENING PROGRAM ON A WORLD WIDE ISSUE PRESENTED BY AREA NATIVE ASHLEY RYKER. 
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May 23 program 2018-05-14 05:00:00Z 0

May 9, 2018 Program 

 
Mary Mosiman - State Auditor
Don't miss Rotary this week as we welcome our State Auditor to our meeting this week! 
Mary is honored to serve as Iowa's State Auditor since May of 2013.  Mary is the first female elected State Auditor in Iowa history. Come and learn about what makes
The Hawkeye state a great place to live, work, and play! 
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May 9, 2018 Program 2018-05-07 05:00:00Z 0

May 9 State Auditor Mary Moisman 

 
Pictured: MARY MOISMAN and IGL Rotary Club President Tom Brodie
Serving as Iowa’s State Auditor since May of 2013, Mary was became the first female elected State Auditor in Iowa history. Mary explained  the fiscal responsibility of the state auditor's office as well as prevention and action on fraud in government entities.  The Iowa Auditor's office is the Taxpayers' Watchdog!  Thanks to Mary for an information filled program!  
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May 9 State Auditor Mary Moisman 2018-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Latest Car Drop In History! 

 

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary car on Smith’s Bay has finally disappeared below the blue waters of West Lake Okoboji.  Official time was 3:17 P.M. on April 26, 2018 which is two months later than the car’s plunge in February 2017.

Our Rotary Car broke ice and settled ~7 feet to the bottom of Smiths Bay.  Our winner, Kyle Jungers from the twin cities.  Carey has contacted him with congratulations. Carey reports he was very surprised and excited.
 
Bob Kirschbaum removed the car the same day at 6:30 PM.  Bob's crew did all of the diving and removal...safely and to perfection.  Leo removed the clock, which worked as Leo designed.  President Brodie and Leo both verified 3:17 PM.  A picture of the clock and time can be seen on ExploreOkoboji.com
 
Congratulations to all of you for your participation in the this years car-drop.  We sold all 720 tickets, a record!!  With the late spring coupled with each of your efforts, we met our club goal.  All to the benefit of our community service and youth exchange program commitments.
 
Can't wait until next year.
 
Best,
Tom    

And From Carey Wilkens:

The $1,000 check for the winning time will be presented to Kyle Jungers, a Quad-City resident, who purchased his ticket while visiting the Iowa Great Lakes last fall.

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary expresses their appreciation and thanks to Bob Kirshbaum and his divers for their effort in retrieving the vehicle late Thursday afternoon.

    Rotary president, Tom Brodie, praised the efforts of Rotary club members, Dry Dock, The Hutt and Okoboji Summer Theatre for their support and effort which benefit the club’s community service and youth exchange programs.                                                   

Latest Car Drop In History! 2018-04-30 05:00:00Z 0

April 25 off site meeting at Lakeside Lab!

APRIL 25 
 
Thanks to Rotarian Dr. Mary Scopec for a great program on the Iowa Lakeside Lab! Lunch was catered by Hy-Vee in the Dining Hall, at the north end of the campus. Mary gave us an overall of the lab and it's many programs and opportunities that help to make our Iowa Great Lakes some of the best lakes in Iowa and throughout the country.  The lab also has many ways in which to volunteer so please consider and contact Mary or the lakeside lab! 
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April 25 off site meeting at Lakeside Lab! 2018-04-24 05:00:00Z 0

End Polio Now



_____________________________________________________________________________________________
End Polio Now 2018-04-24 05:00:00Z 0

May 2 - Next Life Foundation 

Posted on Apr 16, 2018
 
 The Next Life Foundation
 
Rotarian Patti Griffiths pictured above with her "Tanzania Son" Laurence are helping to improve lives in one of the most impoverished villages in Africa.   The unlikely pair initiated a vocational school less than three years ago.  The ministry located and refurbished a school building and the first tailoring class began.  A carpentry class was added which required moving to a large facility.   The first 20 tailoring students have completed a two year training and have graduated!  Many more students are eager to enter the program!The vision and hope for the future continue to grow.  Laurence and the Next Life Foundation Tanzania Board have demonstrated amazing ability to provide leadership and direction!  
Next Life Foundation is  partnering with www.mostministries.org for a mission trip to the Tanzania  site and others in northern Tanzania January 5-17, 2019.  Please contact Patti if you are interested.  
  
If you would like more information please visit http://nextlifefound.org/ 
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May 2 - Next Life Foundation 2018-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

Board Minutes for March '18

IOWA GREAT LAKES ROTARY BOARD MINUTES 3-21-18

 

Board members present: Brodie, Carson, Gruys, Holzhauer, Marlow, Schlitter, Wilkens, Zenor.  

Board Members absent: Gustafson, Jungers.

 

Meeting called to order by Pres. Brodie at 11:05 am.

 

1. Motion to approve minutes of February 21, 2018 as presented.  Gruys/Carson.   Passed

 

2. Treasurer’s Report   Nate Gruys presented the club P&L through 3-21-18. General comments centered on the continuing fund-raising efforts for the Shelby Duis Playground Improvement project. Our efforts now are awaiting the outcome of our grant application to the Okoboji Foundation. In addition, we are awaiting an approved Rotary District Grant.  There was some discussion on the disbursement of 2018 Brew Fest revenue, with the possibility of dedicating some of the revenue to our exchange student initiative and the balance to the Shelby Duis project.  Kathy Fahy to present the 2018 Brew Fest budget at the April board meeting. We can also expect our gross Car Drop proceeds to be about 700 tickets vs 450 in 2017. We confirmed our club’s participation in the District Annual Conference Duck race.

 

Motion to approve the treasurer’s report as presented. Wilkens/Carson.  Passed

New Business

1. Michael Schlitter, our next treasurer will be working with Nate over the next couple of months during this transition time. He offered that he had been with Erpelding Voight as an accountant for about 5 yrs. now.

2. Tom Brodie spoke to the voting the club did regarding our potential move to the Waterfront for our meetings. The voting was split 14 yes, 14 nos with 9 members who voted no preference.  The total votes exceeded a 60% quorum.  The board agreed an edge for Waterfront as per a motion: Wilkens/Zenor. Passed.

Tom will announce the decision at today’s meeting.

3. Dan Carson said that there are only two open program dates left in May which have been assigned to members to fulfill. 

4. Pres. Tom remarked that we need to get cracking on getting host families for our incoming exchange student. He hoped the Okoboji School District will be able to assist.

5.  Chuck Skogerboe has elected to resign from the board.  He felt it was time for him to turn over the reins and play more golf.  The board appreciates all that Chuck has contributed.  Truly service above self.  Thanks Chuck.

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned at 11:56 am. Carson/Gruys

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jack Holzhauer, Sec’y.

Board Minutes for March '18 2018-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

Blain Andera IGL Chamber 


Blain Andera
Thanks to Blain for an informational program about our Chamber of Commerce. 
 Blain is the  CEO of both the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. 
He  shared news of upcoming events as well as the  progress that is taking place at the Chamber and throughout our Iowa Great Lakes community.
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Blain Andera IGL Chamber 2018-04-09 05:00:00Z 0

April 4 Program 


PASTOR CLINT LOVEALL 
 Thanks to Pastor Clint Loveall from the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake for speaking to us on the subject of  Human Trafficking. Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the United States and is second in profitability only to drugs.  A runaway in Iowa will be approached within 72 hours by a human trafficker.    
Clint participates in a 200 mile bike ride from Des Moines to Okoboji every year to help raise funds and awareness for this global problem. The OKO 200 "Stop The Traffic" ride this year will take place on June 22, 2018.  Approximatley 40 people make the trek at an aggressive 18 mph stopping just a few times along the way.   Another group of cyclists leaves Minneapolis at about the same time to end in Okoboji as well.  If you are interested in hosting some cyclists overnight, please contact Pastor Clint Loveall at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake.  
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April 4 Program 2018-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

February 28 Program 

 
  Kurtis Meyer
 
 
 
 
Thank you to Kurt Meyer from St Ansgar, Iowa for enlightening us about Iowa's first 2 pulitzer prize winners! 
Energetic and engaging, he spoke about Hamland Garlund and Edna Ferber, both authors born in the late 1900's.  Meyer's pulitzer talks are supported by Humanities Iowa through libraries.  
(Apologies for last week's incorrect information in the newsletter!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
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February 28 Program 2018-02-26 06:00:00Z 0

February 21 

 
Thanks to Dickinson County Treasurer Kris Rowley as she had a very informative program about our taxes.  53,157,505.00 were collected for our current fiscal year. These taxes stay in the county and are distributed to several areas including our schools, etc.  Kris is the wife of Rotarian Dave Rowley 
February 21 2018-02-14 06:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Awards 

Congratulations Paul Harris Fellows – Six Rotarians were recognized on Fe b. 7 for reaching the next level of giving to earn their new Paul Harris lapel pin for reaching or exceeding $2,000 in giving to the Rotary Foundation.  Recipients (alphabetic order) include: TOM FUHRMAN, JACK HARDIE, DEBBIE JOHNSON, STEVE LINDEBERG (not available for picture), ROBERT SNEITZER and CAREY WILKENS.  Other recipients not listed for this year include KATHY FAHY and JUDY HAVILAND.  Congratulations to all the PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS.  Any Rotarian who would like to investigate becoming a Paul Harris Fellow by donating to the Rotary Foundation is encouraged to contact Foundation Chair, Carey Wilkens.  Phone: 712-330-9175 or wilkensinc2017@gmail.com.
Paul Harris Awards 2018-02-10 06:00:00Z 0

December 20th - Meeting at The Waterfront 

 
 
Juilie Siebrecht 
 TheWaterfront Restaurant located at 610 Linden Drive, Arnolds Park (at Bridges Bay on East Lake Okoboji) was the location of our meeting.
Thank you to Julie Siebrecht - Director of Homecare and Hospice - Lakes Regional Healthcare for the program. 
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December 20th - Meeting at The Waterfront 2017-12-18 06:00:00Z 0

December 13, 2017 Program 

 

Kyle Ingwersen, PT, DPT

"MOTION IS LOTION!"
The above saying is one of many that Dr Ingwersen used during his presentation for our club. Physical Therapist Kyle Ingwersen  works at Okoboji Physical Therapy located at 1380 Lake Street in Spirit Lake  (East of Hy-Vee)  Ingwersenattended Iowa State University and obtained a bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology, with a minor in Psychology.  He went on to  Des Moines University, Physical Therapy program, and graduated with a Doctor in Physical Therapy degree in May 2016. Des Moines University emphasizes hands-on training strategies,  A very informational program
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December 13, 2017 Program 2017-12-12 06:00:00Z 0

Random Acts of Kindness Card Making 

Last Wednesday, a group of Rotarians met at the Okoboji Brewing Company for another round of Random Acts of Kindness.  Get Well Cards were made to give to Lakes Regional Hospital for distribution to patients.  We also made Reindeer Candy Canes to give away before the holidays!  Pictured are some of the participants!  Peggy, Kathy, & Kelly!  
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Random Acts of Kindness Card Making 2017-12-12 06:00:00Z 0

The latest on Rotary Youth Exchange 

 
Thanks for Becoming a part of our Rotary Family Seattle! 
Local Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student 2018/2019  Seattle Sweeney - Okoboji High School
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is pleased to announce  Okoboji high school student Seattle Sweeney has been selected as an outbound student for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program!  Seattle has gone through a rigorous  interview process with our district.  You may have met Seattle as she visits our club's meetings whenever possible.  Please be sure to say hello when you see her! 
We support  Seattle and wish her all the best as she moves forward with preparations
 
Inbound Student selected is from France
We are excited to announce that Alis Collin from Bourge En Bresse, France has been selected to come to our community for the 2018/2019 school year.  She will be entering her Junior academic year and comes to us with a long list of achievements and is very goal driven.  Her father is a Rotarian in their community!
 
We are still searching for host families for Alis!  This is a very rewarding opportunity that will bring  an international experience directly into your home! If you would like to participate, please contact Tom, Peggy, OR Amy! The committment can be a minimum of 3 months which allows the student to rotate into other homes. 
 
Thanks to our president, Tom Brodie for leading our club towards participating in a Foreign Exchange Student Program through Rotary International.   Amy Marlow and Peggy Gustafson are also part of the Rotary Youth Exchange team as we prepare to receive an inbound student into our community.  We welcome any ideas for host families from you too!  Here is how we can be reached: 
Tom Brodie - (712) 336-6139
Peggy Gustafson (712-320-0192
Amy Marlow (515) 341-0720

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The latest on Rotary Youth Exchange 2017-12-04 06:00:00Z 0

December 6 Program

Financial Market Update


Thanks to our own Tom Fuhrman for sharing his expertise in today's financial market!  Lots of great information! 
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December 6 Program 2017-12-04 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Foundation

Posted by Carey Wilkens

100%-4-$200K

Have you set your goal for Rotary Foundation giving for this year?  You should have received a letter from me outlining your numbers needed to reach your personal goal of a Paul Harris Fellowship.  If not, please send me an email: careywilkens@hotmail.com or text to (712)330-9175. I will be happy to confirm your numbers. PLEASE REMEMBER:  The next level of recognition is not the #1 goal of the 100%-4-$200K.  It is participating at a level of contribution that fits your budget.  And a reminder, all contributions to the Rotary Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.  Questions: Contact Carey.

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Rotary Foundation Carey Wilkens 2017-12-04 06:00:00Z 0

New Members 

2017 New Members
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship.
Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
Congratulations to the 2017 new IGL Rotarians: 
Joan Benz - Owner Sunset Travel - November 25
Becky Peters - Okobji Tourism Director September 27
Janie Eick Lakes News Shopper Advertising Representative, September 12 
Branden Rohrig  LRHC Director of Public Health , August 1
Kelly Schatz, Owner of Hey, Good Cookies Cafe, August 9 
Bob Kirschbaum - Executive Director of Pearson Lakes Art Center - August 9 
Allen Batschelet - Retired Army General - July 19 
Michael Schlitter  Erpelding & Voight CPA - June 20 
Thomas Rohlik Beck Engineering Civil Engineer  - May 10 
Gary Hurley - Retired Insurance Industry - May 10

Brad Jungers - NW Bank Commercial Banker - 4/11/17
Ty Adams - Realtor - 4/4/17 
Sarah Rohret - Calvary Methodist Church Pastor  Date inducted - 10/19/16
 
New Members 2017-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Nov. 29 Program At Matuska Taxidermy 


Thank you to Vicky Matuska as she presented a very interesting program about their business which inludes Taxidermy School,  manufacturing and catalog orders of taxidermy supplies, and a studio filled with a variety of animals including exotic species from around the world!  Her husband Tom started the business in their garage over 30 years ago.   
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Nov. 29 Program At Matuska Taxidermy 2017-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Foundation Support Carey Wilkens 2017-11-27 06:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CAR DROP FUND RAISER 
 


I
CAR DROP TICKET SALES – 
 
Tickets are also available  from Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians and at The Dry Dock Lounge and The Hutt, both in Arnolds Park.  To buy online  visit iowagreatlakesrotary.org. 
A friendly reminder to everyone....
If you have sold tickets - please turn in the ticket stubs and money as soon as possible.  
The goal is to sell 720 tickets for the 2019 event.  Thanks to all IGL Rotarians for helping to make this one of our biggest fundraisers to help support great community minded  and youth related causes. 
ROTARY CAR DROP FUND RAISER   2017-11-20 06:00:00Z 0

New Member Inductions 

November 15 - Joan Benz
Joan owns and operates Sunset Travel Agency in Milford.  Thanks to Joan for becoming our newest member!
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New Member Inductions 2017-11-20 06:00:00Z 0
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 2017-11-20 06:00:00Z 0

November 15th Program 

 
 
Our Spirit Lake School District takes pride in its many achievements both athletically and academically. Spirit Lake High School Superintendent Dr. Smith & Mr. Josh Bolluyt  spoke to our club about the districts facilities, finance, learning and culture.  
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November 15th Program 2017-11-13 06:00:00Z 0

Okoboji Student Guests 

March 7, 2018
February 28, 2018
 
 
December 6th - Luke Thompson, Kiana Svoboda, Izic Brouwer & Kaylee Hinshaw.  
November 8 - Okoboji High School students Ethan Tanner, Taylor Langel, Sophia Hackbarth and Taylor Hackbarth.
 
 
October 24thr Senior students from Okoboji High School t
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Okoboji Student Guests 2017-11-09 06:00:00Z 0

November 8 Program

 
Home Services
Dee Bouloun will be our guest speaker this week as she tells us about the many home services she provides to her customers.  Your home is your most valuable asset...Whether you're away for the winter or need assistance in a variety of ways, Dee can guide you! 
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November 8 Program 2017-11-06 06:00:00Z 0

Spirit Lake HS Students 

February 28, 2018
 
 
January 24, 2018 - Marisa Weeks, Haleigh Hawkins, Greta Goodlaxson, Kelsey Kannenberg
December 13, 2017:  Laura Goth, Brooklyn Ericksen, Emily Lehner
Nov.15th SL Students 
 
  Emily Schaefer- Okoboji Counsellor,  SLHS Stents  Pressley Cochran-Bray, Mikala Gorstill, Sage James,  Abby Tilletson & Natasha Nelson- SL 
 
 
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Spirit Lake HS Students 2017-11-01 05:00:00Z 0

Okoboji Student Guests

 
Pictured above our Senior students from Okoboji High School that joined us at the Pearson Lakes Art Center for our meeting this past week!   We wish them all the best as they near the end of  their High School careers
and begin new adventures!  We hope they enjoyed attending Rotary!  
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Okoboji Student Guests 2017-10-30 05:00:00Z 0

October 25th Off-site Meeting at Pearson Lakes Art Center

The Pearson Lakes Art Center
Rotarian and Executive Director of the art center, Bob Kirschbaum lead an informative program on site this past meeting.   Assisting him were staff professionals  Amanda Schindler and Holly Zinn.  Amanda is the director of performing arts while Holly is the director of education.  
The art center has  six galleries, a performing arts theatre, an interactive gallery, classrooms, pottery room, library, events hall , gift shop and much more!  Additions coming  in the near future will be an outdoor classroom and performance stage.  They've also recently added a relaxing patio with a beautiful view where you can enjoy a cup of coffee from Hey, Good Cookies!   
Lunch was also provided for our meeting by Hey, Good Cookies which is owned and operated by our Rotary member Kelly Schatz!  Thanks Kelly for an excellent lunch! 
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October 25th Off-site Meeting at Pearson Lakes Art Center 2017-10-23 05:00:00Z 0

Spirit Lake Students 

Thank you to Spirit Lake Students Allison Schroeder and Madison Meyer; Seniors from the Spirit Lake School District who joined us October 18.
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Spirit Lake Students 2017-10-19 05:00:00Z 0

 Oct. 18 

 
John Wills
Iowa State Representative John Wills from the 1st District was our guest speaker.  He  informed us about important topics and bills that he is concerned about for the district and the state.
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Oct. 18 2017-10-16 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome Students

 
A long standing tradition for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is to invite Senior students from the Okoboji and Spirit Lake Government Classes to attend a meeting during the school year.   It gives them an opportunity to experience Rotary and for us to learn about them.  We ask them to introduce themselves and tell us a bit about themselves such as who their parents are, what they are studying, other activities they are involved in and what they want to do after high school!  Pictured above are the visiting students from last week from Okoboji High School:  Lindsay Kujanson, Laura Nielsen, Elle Olthoff and Ali Goehring. 
Thank you and good luck to you in your big bright future! 
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Welcome Students 2017-10-16 05:00:00Z 0

End Polio Now Livestream Tuesday, October 24

 
 
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club helped to mark historic progress toward a polio-free world
Members of the club participated in a livestream video on October 24, 2017 along with thousands of others world wide.  The event's goal was to raise awareness, funds and support to eradicate  polio in every country on earth.  
  Polio is  a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.  As long as it still exists, it is a threat to all.
 
  Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago.  The disease has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016.
 Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. 
 Joining in the event locally and
 pictured here  l-r: Gary Hurley, Jack Parkins, Janie
 Eick, Steve Lindenberg, Chuck Skogerboe, Jack Holzhauer, Tom
 Brodie, Paula Zenor, Peggy Gustafson,Bill Carmichael.  
 
 
End Polio Now Livestream Tuesday, October 24 2017-10-04 05:00:00Z 0

October 11 Program

Megan Fuhrman
MEGAN & CO.  - HERBAL APOTHECARY AND CLINIC
 Megan is a local businesswoman and store owner of herbal apothecary.  She became interested in clinic apothecary as she struggled with epilepsy - discovering it's healing powers and also her passion in life! 
Megan is a graduate of  Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, CSCH.  Megan & Co is located at 1711 Hill Ave, Sprit Lake.  She and her husband live on a farm near Milford.  Thanks to Megan for sharing her knowledge with us about herbal apothecary, it's history, and benefits.  
An additional thanks for the great introduction given for her by her father and our fellow Rotarian Tom Fuhrman! 
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October 11 Program 2017-10-04 05:00:00Z 0

Becky Peters - New Member Induction 

 
 
Our club is very pleased to welcome Becky Peters who was officially inducted into the club recently.  Becky grew up in Le Mars , went to Drake and is currently working as the Okoboji Tourism Director. Pictured is Becky, Paula Zenor, Tom Brodie and Rosemary Sackett.   
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship.   Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.   If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining please invite them to attend one of our meetings.  We are growing and excited about the future of Rotary in our community! 
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Becky Peters - New Member Induction 2017-10-04 05:00:00Z 0

October 4, 2017 Program 

Posted by Carey Wilkens
 
 
 
Rotary  Foundation Giving
  Donald Meyer, District Foundation committee person and chair of the District Grants committee gave our club a great presentation. During the introduction, Carey recognized our 17 current Paul Harris Fellows as well as one spouse from our club. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The Foundation supports worldwide as well as local causes from "End Polio Now" to Clean water, education, scholarships and much more.  Don also explained the matching points system which helps fellow Rotarians reach the Paul Harris Fellowship thorugh a point system.  To find out more, our Foundation Chair, Carey Wilkens can assist you! 
Visit the link to the  October Foundation newsletter: 
http://district5970.org/bulletin/viewsent/8b287b66-adbe-41dd-b46e-2a636af2950a/0936510d-924c-4e5f-b529-26afa4018a5b?mid=iQ+MGjeWbv5BYo7EYjtyng==&type=m
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October 4, 2017 Program Carey Wilkens 2017-10-02 05:00:00Z 0

September  27 off site program at Nature Center 

The The Dickinson County Nature Center is open year-round and is a mecca for environmental learning and fun. There is always something to see and do, whether it be a visiting exhibit or some of our permanent displays.  Thank you to staff and volunteers as we learned about this back yard jewell in our community!  Pictured above is DCNC Volunteer Delores Maser.  
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September 27 off site program at Nature Center 2017-09-22 05:00:00Z 0

September 20, 2017 Program 

 
Local Author Mary Meinking Chambers
We were pleased to have local non fiction children's author Mary Meinking Chambers as our speaker. Mary has combined her love of facts with her passion for writing and is a published children's author of over 40 books.  She also speaks at schools and libraries throughout the midwest and has an upcoming speaking engagement in the Davenport school district.   Thanks to Mary for enlightening us on this very interesting topic!  
 
September 20, 2017 Program 2017-09-19 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

 
Janie Eick joins Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club
Congratulations  to our newest Member Janie Eick.   Janie recently joined the sales staff at the Lakes News Shopper and is excited about meeting new people through Rotary !   A resident of Terril, she grew up in Kinglsey.  Janie attended Morningside College with a degree in education. Janie and her husband, Ryan, have four children.  Alexis is a sophomore and Gabe is a freshman at Okoboji High School.  They also have 18 month old twins Kyann and Brielle.  When not busy with her children and their activities, Janie is also involved as a committee member with Okoboji Pioneer Booster Club and a volunteer at Calvary United Methodist Church.  
Pictured above is  Janie's Sponsor, Peggy Gustafson, Janie, President Tom Brodie, and Membership Chair Paula Zenor.
 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
New Member Induction 2017-09-18 05:00:00Z 0

September 13, 2017 Program 

Bob Kirschbaum, Executive Director PLAC 
 IGL Rotarian Bob Kirschbaum shared some fascinating points about the Pearson Lakes Art Center! The variety of opportunities at the Pearson Lakes Art Center guarantees a place for you to enjoy, grow, learn and create.... young and old alike! Thanks to Bob for a very informative program and the bonus of a little  magic trick!   
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September 13, 2017 Program 2017-09-11 05:00:00Z 0

Papa Murphy's Pizza Fundraiser! 

Papa Murphy's Pizza Fundraiser~
Thanks to the members who participated in selling pizzas this year!  
 
Only 17 Rotarians participated in Pizza sales... 39.3%.  However, along with 7 members donating monetarily( $360 ) we raised 989.23 which will go to many great causes throughout our community! 
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Papa Murphy's Pizza Fundraiser! 2017-09-04 05:00:00Z 0

September 6th program

Jeremy Parsons  CEO/ ED Clay County Fair
The World's Greatest County Fair has begun.  Last week we were fortunate to have Jeremey Parsons  CEO/ED of the  Clay County Fair as our program.  This year marks the 100 the year of the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa! Generations of families have travelled from all over the state and beyond for the many fun things the fair  has to offer! 
 Thanks to Jeremy for a great program! 
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September 6th program 2017-09-04 05:00:00Z 0

DECLARATION

 District Governor 5970 Ralph Smith has declared that the month of September to be declared as:   
"TAKE YOUR CHILD/ GRANDCHILD TO ROTARY"
The presence of children invigorates all Rotarians and exposes the young people to the values of Rotary that we wish our children to integrate into their lives. 
Let's see how many we can bring to our club this month!  It will be fun to see the variety of ages too!  
 
DECLARATION 2017-09-04 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

Congratulations to our Newest Member, Branden Rohrig
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is honored to welcome Branden as one of their newest members.  He is the director of Population and Public Health for Lakes Regional Healthcare.  
Branden grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota.  He graduated with a BS in Dietetics at the University of Wisconsin, Stout at Menominee, WI. He also received his MS in exercise Physiology at Minnesota State.   
He and his wife, Rebekah are the proud new parents of one month old daughter Freya.  Branden's interests include reading, sports, working out and enjoying his new daughter! 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
Pictured above is Branden's sponsor Sonya Hamm, President Brodie, Branden, and Membership Chair Paula Zenor. 
New Member Induction 2017-08-23 05:00:00Z 0

August 30 Program 

 
A ver
A very  heartwarming presentation was given this past Wednesday, August 30th with Miss Amazing Teen Iowa, 2017,  Megan Vierkant !  Megan is from Spirit Lake andrecently won the teen division of Miss Amazing!  She went on to compete at the national level in Chicago.  Along with her mom, Nancy, the two gave a terrific program.  The Miss Amazing pageant is made up of  a community of people that invests in the strengths
of girls and women with disabilities.  Come and meet
Megan is a living testament that girls with disabilities can and do accomplish amazing things! 
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August 30 Program 2017-08-23 05:00:00Z 0

August 23rd Meeting 

 
District Governor Ralph Smith & IGL President Tom Brodie
A hearty welcome awaited Rotary District  Governor 5970  Ralph Smith as he visited our club this week!  Ralph is a retired attorney from Charles City. Thus far he has visited 21 clubs in our very large district.  His message focussed on the benefits of what "Rotary Can Do For You".   Thanks to Ralph and all the best as he represents our Rotary district this year! 
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August 23rd Meeting 2017-08-17 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome New Members 

 
 
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is pleased to welcome two new members!
 Kelly Schatz, owner of Hey, Good Cookies has owned and operated this popular Spirit Lake Coffee Shop since 2014.  Kelly grew up in Fremont,Ne and was in the banking industry for 13 years.  She also started an IT consulting firm in Omaha before moving to the Lakes Area with her husband Greg.  Kelly has two adult children Kelsey and Kirstie.  Kelly enjoys community service, reading and golf.  She is the chair elect of the Chamber of Commerce member of the BOD of the Taxpayers association and is also a sailing judge for the Okoboji Yacht Club.  
Bob Kirschbaum is the Executive director of the Pearson Lakes Art Center.  Bob grew up in Defiance and played baseball at Moringside while studying his major; Political Science and Education.   Bob taught and coached at Lawton/ Bronson School district. Later he was the elementary principal in Spencer, and then executive director of the Red Cross before coming to the Iowa Great Lakes.  Bob and his wife Sharon have 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.  He enjoys reading, sports, water activities, and magic tricks! 
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club members are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
Picured l-r:  Peggy Gustafson - member sponsor, Kelly Schatz, Dan Carson - member sponsor, Bob Kirschbaum, Rotary President Tom Brodie, and Membership chair Paula Zenor. 
 
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Welcome New Members 2017-08-17 05:00:00Z 0

Board Meeting Minutes 

IOWA GREAT LAKES ROTARY BOARD MINUTES 8-16-17

Board members present: Brodie, Carson, Gruys, Gustafson, Holzhauer, Skogerboe, Wilkens, Zenor

Members present: Fahy, Marlow 

Board Meeting Minutes 2017-08-14 05:00:00Z 0

August 16th Meeting 

 
Brandon Rohrig. 
Director of Population and Public Health at Lakes Regional Healthcare, Brandon has been at his post for 3.5 months.  His position helps him to balance the factors that influence health matters in our community with public health which focusses on prevention. 
Some of the talking points were: 
West Nile Virus was detected this summer in our county.  
Flu shots for all residents are encouraged! You should not get your flu shot too early as it could wear out before the flu season ends. 
 Dickinson County is rated number 1 of the 99 Iowa Counties for Qualtiy of Life. 
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August 16th Meeting 2017-08-14 05:00:00Z 0

September Speaker Ideas? 

Rotarian Dan Carson who heads up our weekly programs announced at last week's meeting that if you have an idea for a program or would like to help schedule some programs for September, please get in touch with him!  Dan is doing a great job finding engaging and compelling community related topics for programs!  His ideas are endless but will still welcome a helping hand!  
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September Speaker Ideas? 2017-08-14 05:00:00Z 0

August 9, Meeting at HIggins Museum of Money 

 
 
Larry Adams, Curator at  The Higgens Museum of Money 
A nice number of Rotarians attended this week's meeting which was held in Okoboji at the Higgens Museum. Curator Larry Adams, was the  speaker.  He is originally from Boone  but has been a resident here since 2007. 
The museum has two Libraties and holds the largest collection of National Bank Notes on display anywhere. 
 Thank you to Kelly Schatz, owner and operator of Hey, Good Cookies for providing lunch.  The museum is located west of Kum and Go in Okoboji  at 1507 Sanborn Ave. 
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August 9, Meeting at HIggins Museum of Money 2017-08-02 05:00:00Z 0

Did You Know? 

DID YOU KNOW? 
15 Car drop tickets have already been sold and the lake is far from frozen!  Thanks to Carey and Paula for manning a table at the Boji Brew fest to get a jumpstart on this annual fundraiser!  Be sure to thank Bob's Tow and Repair for donating $250 to our club this year for this fundraiser!  We hope to have new paint and/or signage on the car with his donation! 
 
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Did You Know? 2017-08-02 05:00:00Z 0

August 2nd Meeting 

 
 
Rotarian Kathy Fahy shared her many experiences at this year's  Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia in June.  As Public Image Coordinator for Zone 28 Kathy led a discussion at the convention!  "Rotarians are People of Action."  Some of her other high notes at the convention were hearing Bill Gates push to end polio, Ashton Kucher's speech to combat human trafficking.  She also listened to Jack Nicklaus, John Cena, Andrew Young and others!  With 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries, there are more countries in the world that belong to Rotary than to the United Nations! 
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August 2nd Meeting 2017-07-31 05:00:00Z 0

July 26 program 

 
July 26 – ROB DOYEN,
Thanks to Mr Doyen for an engaging program about his years with the Okoboji Summer Theater!  Rob has been a  fixture with the Okoboji Summer Theatre for 40 years with plenty of stories to share!  Joined by Executive Director, Ruth Ann Burke, the pair help to make our community more vibrant in the arts with their passion for carrying on the tradition of the OST!  We are grateful and appreciative of there dedication and passion. 
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July 26 program 2017-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
New Member to our Club 2017-07-25 05:00:00Z 0

July 19th Program 

Bob Kirschbaum Recognition Luncheon -
For nearly 20 years, Bob  Kirschbaum of Bob's Tow and Repair has been an important part of the Lakes Area annual car drop fund raiser currently sponsored by Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. During Rotary’s involvement with the fund raiser, he has provided the DNR approved vehicles for the event, got the vehicles on the ice and assisted in the retrieval of the vehicle once it disappeared. He has never excepted a dime for his efforts. He says, it’s my contribution to the community.
“THANK YOU – BOB KIRSCHBAUM for your service”.
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July 19th Program 2017-07-17 05:00:00Z 0

Help Prepare Shelby Duis Playground For  Memorial Service 

Thursday July 20, Anytime after 4 p.m.
 
ALL IOWA GREAT LAKES ROTARIANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO COME AND HELP MAKE THE PLAYGROUND LOOK THE BEST THAT IT CAN BE! COME AND JOIN IN !  
A Memorial Service will take place this Saturday for Elinor Bedell at the Park!  Memorial gifts are being designated to the Park's playground.  Our club is leading the way for improvements to the playground with the help of a local PEO Chapter. Let's show our support in helping with this very special cause that we spearheaded in 2001.   
SEE YOU THURSDAY FOR THE CLEANUP BEFORE THIS VERY SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE! 
 
 
jkjkj
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Help Prepare Shelby Duis Playground For Memorial Service 2017-07-17 05:00:00Z 0

Board of Directors Meeting

 

July 19th IGL Rotary Club 

BOARD MINUTES 7-19-17

 

Board members present: Brodie, Carson, Gruys, Gustafson, Holzhauer, C. Skogerboe, Wilkens, Zenor

Members present: Fahy, Marlow

 

Meeting called to order by Pres. Brodie at 11:05 am.

 

1. Minutes of June 21, 2017 approved as presented. Wilkens/Gustafson

 

2. Treasurer’s Report for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 was presented by Nate Gruys. Gruys commented that the Rotary bookkeeping has been successfully transferred from the club’s laptop to the on-line system of QuickBooks. This will enable deposits and checks to be automatically posted to our on-line QuickBooks accounting module. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented: Skogerboe/Carson

 

Carson noted that we had not made our yearly contribution to the Lakes Art Center for this year although it had been approved. Motion to make that $500 donation. Wilkens/Zenor Passed

 

Motion to ensure that all requests for donations come to the board for approval. Skogerboe/Carson Passed

 

3. New Member Recruitment, a lively discussion followed regarding how we might increase our membership. Several ideas were brought forth such as dividing the club membership into several small groups and having those groups be responsible for inviting members of the business community to a meeting in hopes of getting them interested in becoming Rotarians. Skogerboe and Zenor, as co-chairs of the membership committee will explore these ideas and report back at the next board meeting.

 

4. Club Programs, Dan Carson will continue as Program Chair but hopefully he will be able to adjust the way we are getting program suggestions. He has done the whole job himself and has accomplished it beautifully, but it’s time to get other club members involved. He will be working with Pres. Brodie as well as other members of the board to improve the overall process, including devising a set of guidelines for speakers, and to somehow open the speaker selection to more members.

 

  • Dan advised us that the August 9th meeting will be at the Higgins Museum of Money, and a box lunch will be provided by Hey Good Cookies. We will need to give them an idea of how many lunches will be needed.

 

5. It was suggested that the club could use a Project Coordinator/Organizer to keep track of our various projects and to report back to the board at regular intervals as to progress, etc. There was consensus to that effect.

 

6. Pres. Brodie brought up the suggestion that we should look for another time or place to hold our board meetings. Having them in the regular meeting room is not too conducive to get much accomplished what with the general hubbub that occurs as members arrive for the regular meeting. At this point it was decided to keep the start time at 11 am., but to move to another meeting room at Arrowwood. Our next meeting will be August 16th and the 23rd we’ll have our BOD meeting with the District Governor, Ralph Smith.

 

7. Kathy Fahy reviewed for us the progress that has been made with the plans for the Okoboji Brew Fest. So far, we have 17 brewers signed up and all the other details are on schedule. Tickets are available on line and there will be three local outlets for tickets, the Three Sons in Milford and the two local breweries.

 

Motion to adjourn at 12 pm. Gruys/Wilkens

 

All members are welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings  which take place the third Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m.

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Congratulations to Kathy Fahy and Carey Wilkens for their new Paul Harris Fellowship designations! The new designations, PH+5, means each Rotarian has contributed more than $6,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Currently the club has 27 Paul Harris Fellows, and only three have higher designations, Neal Christensen, Judy Haviland and Don Wandling.

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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was ranked 10th out of 57 District Clubs for the 2016-2017 Rotary year in giving to the Foundation. Congratulations and thanks to all members who contributed to this year’s effort.

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Board of Directors Meeting 2017-07-10 05:00:00Z 0

July 12 meeting 

Ann Miller - Dickinson County Veterans  Office  
Last week's program to kick off our new fiscal year was given by the director of our Dickinson County Veteran's office!  Ann  Miller spoke to the club about VA benefits and how our Sioux Fall VA is a cut above!  There is pending hope for a VA clinic in Spirit Lake which will be determined in the near future.  Thanks to Ann for a great program! 
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July 12 meeting 2017-07-10 05:00:00Z 0

JULY 5TH MEETING 

 
New Fiscal Year At Rotary
 
Welcome to our new Iowa Great Lakes Rotary President Tom Brodie! 
Great leadership for us as we continue to increase our membership, provide community service, and continue to make an impact and presence throughout the Iowa Great Lakes!  
 
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JULY 5TH MEETING 2017-07-05 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction 

 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary inducted Michael Schlitter as their newest member. 
Michael was sponsored by Nate Gruys.
Michael grew up in Spring Valley, MN, just south of Rochester and
graduated high school there.  He attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA
and graduated with a BA in Accounting.  Immediately following
graduation,Michael joined Erpelding & Voight in Okoboji as a Staff
Accountant.  

Michael has assisted with IGL Rotary’s filings and taxes.  Erpelding
& Voight encourages staff members to become involved in community
activities which is why Michael joined Rotary. Michael is
interested in all outdoor activities, sports, and travel.
Congratulations to Michael Schlitter!  Please be sure to extend a personal welcome to our newest member! 
 
New Member Induction 2017-06-26 05:00:00Z 0

Quarterly Statements 

At our recent board meeting a concern was brought up that not everyone may be receiving their quarterly statement via email.  If you did not receive your April statement in your inbox, please let our treasurer, Jack Holzhauer know! 
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Quarterly Statements 2017-06-24 05:00:00Z 0

June 21 Program 

Curt Schnell of Okoboji View Golf Course.
Thanks to Curt for speaking to our club on June 21. The Schnell Brothers of Milford, Iowa purchased Okoboji View Golf course in 2005.
Curt and his wife Bennie are the club managers. Curt is the Head PGA Professional and has been a member of the PGA since 1988. He has also been named one of the top 100 teaching pros in the country, according to Golf Magazine. 
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June 21 Program 2017-06-19 05:00:00Z 0

June 14th Program 

 
 
 "Dementia Education"  was the focus of this week's program given by  Der. Andrew Mueting of  Lakes Regional Healthcare.
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June 14th Program 2017-06-13 05:00:00Z 0

June 7th Program

Celebrating 60 years of live theatre.

 

Thank you to our guests last week from the Okoboji Summer Theatre!  The OST is celebrating 60 years of wonderful summers filled with comedies, classics and musicals. Pictured is Ruth Ann Burke, Executive Director of the Summer Theater.  Along with Artistic Director  Gail Humpries Maridirosian , they gave our club a great program! We are fortunate to have such an amazing theatre in our community! 

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June 7th Program 2017-06-13 05:00:00Z 0

June 28 Meeting

 

June 28 Meeting Aboard The DIamond Lady 6 -8 pm

Presidential Bon Voyage Cruise was celebrated with our outgoing president Carey WIlkens  with  a ride on the waters of beautiful West Lake Okoboji!      

Thanks to Carey for a great year.  His dedication and commitment to Rotary helped our club in so many ways!  

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June 28 Meeting 2017-05-30 05:00:00Z 0

May 31 Program 

 

Next Life Foundation - Trip to Tanzania last January
Thanks to our own IGL Rotarian Patti Griffiths  for sharing her experiences on her most recent trip to Africa!  
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May 31 Program 2017-05-30 05:00:00Z 0

Rockwell City Rotary 

 
The ride begins in downtown Rockwell City traveling north to Twin Lakes and back to Rockwell City - a 20 mile trek on paved county roads and the Twin Lakes Bike Trail. Registration time is 8 to 8:45 am in Rockwell City on the Courthouse square. The ride departs at 9 am sharp - rain or shine. Registration is $15 in advance $20 the day of the event. T-shirts and Tank Tops available through advance order online. Breakfast and planned stops are included in the registration. 9 AM REGISTER ONLINE WWW.ROCKWELLCITYROTARY.ORG
Rockwell City Rotary 2017-05-30 05:00:00Z 0

May 24 Program

 
Renew Spokesperson Chris Fontenot 
 Chris Fontenot presented a program about ReNew of Spirit Lake.  ReNew helps make affordable home improvement materials available  in our area as well as 
keeping valuable building materials out of the landfill.  Thanks To Chris for the interesting program! 
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May 24 Program 2017-05-22 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction Thomas Rohlik

Congratulations to Thomas Rohlik  as he was inducted as our newest member on May 17, 2017!  Thomas lives in Milford but grew up in Marshall, Mn.  A graduate of SDSU,  Thomas is a civil engineer with Beck Engineering.  Growing up on a farm, he now lives on 80 acres near Milford and and raises chickens.  His other interest include hunting, farming, and boating. Thomas is the youngest of four children.  Thomas is sponsored by Rotarian Andrew Fisher. Pictured above is Andrew, Thomas, and membership chair, Paula Zenor.  Please be sure to welcome Thomas into our Rotary Club! 
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New Member Induction Thomas Rohlik 2017-05-17 05:00:00Z 0

Boji Brewfest in the Books! 

 
  
  
Boji Brewfest '17 in the Books!
 The first ever Brew Fest took place July 29 at the Arnold Park Central Park Shelter house  with great success! Thanks to the many Rotarians that worked in conjunction with the local PA Chapter of PEO! Attendance and fundraising numbers made this event well worth our efforts.  A special thanks to Kathy Fahy for spearheading the project and giving it wings!  
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Boji Brewfest in the Books! 2017-05-15 05:00:00Z 0

May 17th Program 

 
Guest Speaker: Eileen Skogerboe of Dickinson County Human Services 
Eileen supervises the  Dickinson County Human Services staff that oversees application for Food assistance, Medicaid and Family assistance.  Eileen stressed the importance of these needs and the structure for which individuals and families qualify. She has been with DHS since 1990.  Thanks to Eileen (wife of Jed and daughter-in-law of Chuck) for the informative program! 
May 17th Program 2017-05-15 05:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

 
The IGL Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Gary Hurley as their newest member.  Gary is from McClelland, Iowa, and went to University of Nebraska in Omaha majoring in business.  His career in the insurance industry started with Travelers Insurance for 7 years with specialized training.  He then moved to an independent agency in Council Bluffs called the  Silver Stones Group, where he eventually became owner and president,  with 170 employees, retiring  in 2001.
As a Rotarian for over ten years in Council Bluffs, he and his wife Beverly have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. One of his children lives in Spirit Lake! 
His Hobbies include golf, motor home travel, and reading. 
Please be sure to extend a warm welcome to Gary Hurley! 
 
 
New Member Induction 2017-05-15 05:00:00Z 0

May 10th Program 

 
 
Rotarian Sarah Rorhet.
Respite Angels is a group care program for adults that takes place every Thursday from 9-11:30 at Calvary United Methodist Church.  Sarah gave us information about the program which offers social time  with friends that care and also allows a break for the caregiver. Sarah has been the Pastor at Calvary UMC in Arnolds Park.  since 2005 and joined Rotary in December of 2016.  Thank you to Sarah for sharing her passion of making a difference in people's lives. 
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May 10th Program 2017-05-09 05:00:00Z 0

ROTARY SOCIAL -  May 24

BURGERS AND BRATS Social Time

All Rotarians and significant others are invited to a deck party at the HUTT Bar and Grill in Arnolds Park!  It is all happening Wednesday May 24 at  5 p.m. Admission only $10.00 which includes the first beverage of your choice and  your choice: a burger with all the fixing or a mouth-watering brat cooked to perfection.  There will be a sign-up sheet at the next two Wednesday meetings.  Come join the fun! BE THERE!

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SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ROTARY THROUGH RAFFLE OF SPIRIT LAKE PRINT!

There is a raffle going on at Rotary!  Be the proud owner of a limited edition print of old town Spirit Lake.  Matted print was donated by past Rotarian, David Kerr.  Tickets are $3.00 each or two for $5.00.  Tickets are available at Wednesday meetings until May31st when the lucky ticket will be drawn and the winner announced.  Get your tickets, now!

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ROTARY SOCIAL - May 24 2017-05-09 05:00:00Z 0

May 3, 2017 Program

 
 Our May 3rd program was Mike Hawkins, Department of Natural Resources Marine Biologist who talked to our club about ​ Lost Island Lake restoration
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May 3, 2017 Program 2017-05-02 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference Award

 
IOWA GREAT LAKES ROTARY CLUB WINS AWARD FOR GIVING
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was presented with a certificate of appreciation for the club’s financial support of the End Polio Now campaign.  This is an ongoing campaign by Rotary International to end polio internationally.  In 2013 there were 416 reported cases of Polio, world wide.  This number was reduced to 37 cases in 2016.
The local club was one of only three clubs in the District to receive the certificate. 
The presentation was made at the Rotary Annual District Conference held this past week end in Cedar Falls.  Accepting the certificate on behalf of the Club was President Carey Wilkens.
 
Pictured is Carey  accepting the Certificate of Appreciation from District Governor, Jim Coloff at the District Conference in Cedar Falls last weekend. 
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District Conference Award 2017-05-02 05:00:00Z 0

April 26 program

 
Thanks to drone Photographer Tom Gustafson for sharing some of the photos he's shot this past year of scenes throughout Okoboji.  Tom's lifelong fascination with photography has led to his latest passion of aerial photos with a drone.  His newly published book features hundreds of aerial photos of Okoboji in all four seasons. 
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April 26 program 2017-04-23 05:00:00Z 0

April 19 Program 

 
Millie Tillotson - Dickinson County Public Health Nurse
Known in her professional circle as the "vaccine queen", Millie helps to protect residents of our community from potentially deadly diseases.  Not only infants and children but also adults of all ages with a variety of vaccines.  DIckinson County Public Health is in it's 50th year.  Thanks to Millie for a well informed program!
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April 19 Program 2017-04-17 05:00:00Z 0

International Convention in Atlantta

 
June 10 - 14 is the date for our upcoming international Convention for Rotary! 
What a great opportunity to experience global connections through Rotary! 
If you are interested in attending, please let us know!  For more detailed information on registration , speakers,  (Bill Gates, for one ! )  and lots of great activities, go to this website! 
http://www.riconvention.org/en/atlanta/news-briefs
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International Convention in Atlantta 2017-03-27 05:00:00Z 0

March 29 Program 

 

Jayne Armstrong

Small Business Administration - Iowa District Director

As the District Director of the Small Business Administration's Iowa District Office, Jayne Armstrong oversees SBA’s financial, business counseling, government contracting programs and other services throughout the state. Thank you Jayne for a great presentation that affects all of us!

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March 29 Program 2017-03-27 05:00:00Z 0

Brad Jungers Joins Rotary

 
 
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Welcomes New Member 
The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Brad Jungers as their newest member!  
Brad received his undergraduate from UNI and his Masters in Business Administration from USD.  Brad is a Commercial Banker for Northwest Bank in Arnolds Park. He and his wife have a 10 month old daughter. He enjoys country music concerts, golf,  travel and boating in his spare time. Brad was a recent member of the Estherville Rotary Club and has transferred over.   Pictured l-r:  Jeff Ploeger (Brad's sponsor), Brad Jungers, IGL President Carey Wilkens, and IGL Membership chair Paula Zenor. 
Rotary's commitment to service is close to home as well as abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.
    • Club Service focuses on making clubs strong. A thriving club is anchored by strong relationships and an active membership development plan.
    • Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society. Learn more in An Introduction to Vocational Service and the Code of Conduct.
    • Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest. Learn more in Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects and this Community Service presentation (PPT).
    • International Service exemplifies our global reach in promoting peace and understanding. We support this service avenue by sponsoring or volunteering on international projects, seeking partners abroad, and more.
    • Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through leadership development programs such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
Please be sure to introduce yourself to Brad and welcome him to our club! 
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Brad Jungers Joins Rotary 2017-03-27 05:00:00Z 0
March 22, Program 2017-03-20 05:00:00Z 0
Spring is Here! 2017-03-20 05:00:00Z 0

District 5970 Annual Conference 

Posted on Mar 13, 2017
 
Time to Register for District Conference
Rotary District Governor Jim Coloff encourages us to  join in the celebration at this year's district conference
 to be held in Cedar Falls on April 28 & 29.
Register now for the District Conference to be held April 28 & 29 in Cedar Falls.  
 
 
Highlights  Include: 
~ 1st ever District Membership Forum on Friday, April 28 from 2pm-4pm, led by Rotary International Director, Brad Howard, from California
~ Performance of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony
~ RYLA graduate Taylor Burgart from New Hampton will tell his inspiring story
~ Hear new UNI President Mark Nook at our awards luncheon
~ Hear from a Polio survivor
Register on line at: www.rotaryseminars.org
Hope to see you in Cedar Falls later this month!
-- 
Jim Coloff
District 5970 Governor (2016-17)
 
Phone:  (319) 231-5003
rotary@jimcoloff.com
 A special note, the block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn (host hotel for the conference) will be released soon, so make your reservation today.
Go to www.rotaryseminars.org for more information.
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District 5970 Annual Conference 2017-03-13 05:00:00Z 0

March 8th program 

 
Spirit Lake High School
Teacher Brad Travis 
Brad Travis of Spirit Lake School spoke on March 8th, 2017 to our club. Brad wears many hats as High School art teacher, head track coach, assistant football coach, and a J-term Instructor.  
March 8th program 2017-03-06 06:00:00Z 0

March 1, 2017 Program

 
TONY CONDON, Iowa Lakes Community College Institutional Advancement Manager, expressed the school’s appreciation for Iowa Great Lakes Rotary assistance in sponsoring their June Scholarship fund raiser for Dickinson County.
As guest speaker he discussed the upcoming construction and renovation projects made possible by the bond issue approved last fall in the five counties served by the college.  Two of special interest were at the Spirit Lake and Estherville campuses.  In Spirit Lake, a portion of the existing facility will be converted to a non-credit vocational training area to help serve the work place needs of Lakes area manufacturing businesses.  Estherville’s campus will be the home of the Performing Arts Center which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2018.  The 500 seat facility will assist students who wish to major in music education, music performances, music therapy or music business.
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March 1, 2017 Program 2017-02-27 06:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Welcomes New Member

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Welcomes New Member On February 22nd
Tyron "Ty" Adams was inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes ROtary Club.  Ty is the Owner of Adams
 Realty located across fro m the Fish Hatchery in Spirit Lake. He grew up in Creighton, Nebraska  and attended Wayne State College. Ty is Married with three children and enjoys fishing,
hunting, hiking, and riding his bike on the trails. Pictured with Ty is his sponsor Jed Skogerboe and Membership Chair Paula Zenor.
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IGL Rotary Welcomes New Member 2017-02-24 06:00:00Z 0

Andrew Fisher 


 
Thanks to our fellow Rotarian Andrew Fisher for a great program on our YMCA! 
As the new CEO, Andrew told us about his background and his passion for
the Y at a young age.  Andrew has been with the Bedell Family YMCA for 9 years.  The facility is 12 years old
 with 5,300 current members. Their biggest goal for 2016 was to refinance the debt through another bond to help take
better care of the organization. On March 17, the Bedell Family YMCA will have their Strong Kids Campaign
with a kick off at Rolling Oaks Barn. 
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Andrew Fisher 2017-02-20 06:00:00Z 0

February 15th Program 

 
 
Julie Scheib of Discovery House
Julie Scheib is the Executive Director of the Discovery House in Spirit lake. 
Founded in 1993, they are a non profit 9 member board funded by counties, cities, private donations, grants and fundraisers. 
The Discovery House helps homeless men and women in transition most often times recovering from addictions. 
There are 10 beds and  the residents pay $50 per week. There are also certain guidelines they have to follow in order to stay living there, however stays average 65 nights with some being only for a night or two.  91% of the people they serve are from Iowa.  From that 91% , 50% are from Dickinson County.  They are currently looking for "room sponsorhips" to help update the bedrooms.  If you would like more information please give Julie a call at 336-5340 or visit them at mydiscoveryhouse.com. 
Julie also extended an open invitation to tour the home anytime. 
Thanks to Julie for a great program. 
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February 15th Program 2017-02-13 06:00:00Z 0

Rylan Howe 

 
Rylan Howe
We were pleased to have yet another interesting program last week during our weekly Rotary meeting. We welcomed Rylan Howe ofIowa Information which is based out of Sheldon.  The company publishes the NW Iowa Review and Okoboji Magazine. 
Rylan has been with the company for 10 years. He is originally from Omaha. 
He shoots photos and writes stories for Iowa Information products covering 17 school districts in five counties.
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Rylan Howe 2017-02-13 06:00:00Z 0

Carol Hansen Shares OST Schedule with Rotary

Carol Hansen from the Okoboji Summer Theatre presented a program on Wednesday, February 1 at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club weekly meeting. The Okoboji Summer Threatre will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary this summer with an exciting lineup of shows. The schedule is shown below so plan now to support this wonderful gen of the Iowa Great Lakes!
 
Carol Hansen Shares OST Schedule with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2017-02-01 06:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Donates to The New Life Foundation

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary presented a check for support to Patti Griffiths of The New Life Foundation at its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 1. With the donation, fellow Rotarian Patti will continue her service to the impoverished people of Tanzania. Thank you for all you do Patti!
IGL Rotary Donates to The New Life Foundation Kathryn Fahy 2017-02-01 06:00:00Z 0

February 1, Program 

Please Join Us This Wednesday as we welcome Okoboji Summer Theatre Volunteer Carol Hansen. 
 
Do you ever wonder how the Summer Theatre has such longrunning popularity and success? 
Summer after summer audiences are entertained with wonderful comedies, mysteries, classics and musicals.  
But it takes more than actors and staff from Stephens College in Missouri.  There is a team of dedicated worker bees living in the Iowa Great Lakes year round that help in many aspects! Come and hear the behind the scenes workings of running a summer theatre from Carol Hansen! 
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February 1, Program 2017-01-29 06:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction- Jonalee DeNoble 

 
Rotary Welcomes Jonalee DeNoble to its Membership 
  •                                                  Jonalee is the Director of Catering for Arrowwood/Minerva's She has been at her post for 2  1/2 years.  Born in Lemars, she  attended Morningside College and received a degree in Corporate Communication/Business.  She  and her husband Jared have been married for 2 years.  Jarad  works at Rembrandt Foods.  Jonalee  loves to travel, hike, fish, and spend time with family.  Please welcome Jonalee as our newest Iowa Great Lakes Rotarian! 
  • _________________________________
New Member Induction- Jonalee DeNoble 2017-01-29 06:00:00Z 0

NO MEETING THIS WEEK - JANUARY 25

Because the weather forecast for the next 24 hours could prove to be hazardous for travel, your club's regular meeting, tomorrow, January 25th is cancelled.  Stay Safe. Stay Warm.  Enjoy the Winter Games - remember, our club has the opportunity to market CAR DROP tickets at the Okoboji Summer Theatre Association Omelet feed from 8 to 1 pm on Saturday, January 28.  Come join in the fun of helping our club raise funds for our community projects.  Our next meeting (weather permitting), will be February 1st - Be There!
NO MEETING THIS WEEK - JANUARY 25 2017-01-24 00:00:00Z 0

Patti Griffiths Tanzania update 

Tanzanian & U.S. Board members: Patti, Laurence, Lyn & Lazarocerpts 
 
Fellow Rotarian Patti Griffiths continues her service to the impoverished people of Tanzania.  She recently sent an email home;  Here are a few excerpts and photo from her.
 Please keep Patti and her team in your thoughts and prayers!
 
Our time here in Tanzania has been more than what we could have imagined. We began working on Next Life Foundation, a vocational training center, a few years ago. Students started at the school this past May. We currently have 20 young ladies learning the skill of sewing. In the next week or two a carpenter course will began. Our expectation was to be in the village of Mbuguni and ask God to show us how to reach the large Muslim population in this community. Since Lyn & I arrived, Jan 5, we've visited two different communities and approached by the chairperson (mayor) from a third community, to locate a center in their village also! We ask for your prayers as we discern what God's intention for our organization should be. 
 
Additional prayer requests:
- Rain! It is SO dry. Many areas have not had rain for 3 years. Livestock are dying due to lack of foliage to eat!
- Communication & understanding despite the language barrier.
- Safety & health.
- Good weather Friday & Saturday as we travel home.
- Openness & willingness to his direction.
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Patti Griffiths Tanzania update 2017-01-17 00:00:00Z 0

January 18 Program

 
Rebecca Peters -  Tourism Director for the Okoboji Tourism Committee of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce was our speaker on January 18.  Here are a few of the key highlights! 
 
  • Tourism provided $276 million in economic impact to the lakes area last year
  • Tourism represents almost 2000 jobs in the lakes area
  • provides $5 million in local tax revenue last year
  • Tourism office creates visitor profiles and targets demographics to get people to come here
  • Primary targets are moms between the age of 35-50 who live 90-250 miles away and have an median income of $75,000
  • Craft messages to appeal to demographic and entice them to come here - many grandparents bring kids and families here for vacation
  • 100,000 copies of Visitor Guide are printed each year and shipped all over U.S. (1/3 of total tourism budget)
  • Vacationokoboji.com mimics info in guide and has been revamped to be more mobile friendly.                    Thanks to Becky for a great program!
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January 18 Program 2017-01-16 06:00:00Z 0

Winter Games 


 
Thanks to    U of O Chairperson Ryan Davelaar, Kara Mathason from the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Co Chair Greta Gruys  for presenting a great program on the upcoming Winter Games!  

The 37th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games will be held January 26-29, 2017.

Get excited for Broomball, Flag Football, Snow Softball, Bags Tournament, Chili Cook-Off, Chocolate Classic, Polar Plunge, Fireworks, Burning of the Greens, and MORE!

If you have an idea for a new event to bring to this year’s Winter Games, check out this event form due by January 13th.

Visit www.uofowintergames.com or “LIKE” the University of Okoboji Winter Games on Facebook for information, entry forms, and updates!

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Winter Games Peggy Gustafson 2017-01-10 00:00:00Z 0

January 4th Program

Ron Corbett  Engage Iowa
Thanks to Ron Corbett for a great presentation on helping make our sate the best that it can be.
Ron  is the Mayor of Cedar Rapids. Corbett launched a conservative think tank called Engage Iowa. He serves as president of the non-profit organization where its first policy was an initiative on water quality and state tax reform which was introduced in November 2015.
Searching for positive ways to keep our state healthy in our land and water... and a wealthy 
economy through modernized tax codes and attracting families and jobs to Iowa. 
Engage Iowa is a conservative, freedom-focused think tank and policy incubator. Created by Iowans for Iowa, Engage Iowa is bringing together the brightest minds and leaders from across our state. 
 
January 4th Program Peggy Gustafson 2017-01-03 00:00:00Z 0

THE CAR HAS  DROPPED! 

 
 ROTARY CAR HAS DROPPED! 
 February 23, 2017 at 4:44 pm  is the official time that the  Rotary Car dropped and our fundraiser came to an end when the car sank below the icy waters of Smith's Bay.
Chris Wilken of Milford  was this year's lucky winner. His son, Alex, picked the time. The ticket was purchased at the Hut in Arnolds Park.
Crews with Bob's Tow and Repair and the Arnolds Park - Okoboji Underwater Search and Rescue retrieved the car from the lake  THursday, March 2nd. 
The warm temperatures and high winds the last few days accelerated the sinking to a record breaking day in February.  Last year was early on an afternoon of March 9th. 
Thanks to all who sold tickets and the different media outlets who helped promote the fundraiser.  A special thanks to the Dry Dock Lounge and The Hutt for also selling tickets! Our ticket sales and profit numbers will be reported soon! 
Thanks to Dan Carson for the photo of the car being pulled out! 
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THE CAR HAS DROPPED! Peggy Gustafson 2016-12-26 06:00:00Z 0

THE CAR HAS  DROPPED! 

 
 
Official Time To Be Determined!  
 
ROTARY CAR HAS DROPPED 
On February 23, 2017 at approximately 4:43 in the afternoon our Rotary Fundraiser came to an end when the car sank below the icy waters of Smith's Bay. However, the official winner of $1,000 will be announced when the car is brought out of the lake to see when the clock stopped ticking. The warm temperatures and high winds the last few days accelerated the sinking to a record breaking day in February.  Last year was early on an afternoon of March 9th. 
Thanks to all who sold tickets and the different media outlets who helped promote the fundraiser.  A special thanks to the Dry Dock Lounge and The Hutt for also selling tickets! Our ticket sales and profit numbers will be reported soon! 

Pictured below is last year's car sinking and being retrieved:  March 9 & 11,2016

 

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THE CAR HAS DROPPED! Peggy Gustafson 2016-12-26 06:00:00Z 0

Holiday Meeting 

 
December 21 – 6-8 p.m.
Evening Social Gathering
No noon meeting  
 
 Thanks to all Rotarians who came to our evening social gathering last week!  We had a great turnout and enjoyed spending time with each other and many spouses too!
This will replace our noon meeting.

 
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Holiday Meeting 2016-12-19 00:00:00Z 0

December 14 Program 

Dr. Leopold of Lakes Regional Healthcare 
Dr. John Leupold  is an orthopedic surgeon at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. He spoke to the club about an innovative technology for robotic-assisted Orthopedic Surgery.  Lakes Regional Healthcare is the only hospital in northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota and southeast South Dakota to offer this for knee replacement surgery which helps to accurately align  and place implants. The "Mako" robotic procedure is minimally invasive and precise allowing for minimal hospitalization and rapid recovery.  
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December 14 Program 2016-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

Notes From President Wilkens

 
1)    Last opportunity to sign up for the Holiday Fellowship next Wednesday, December 21 from 6 to 8 at Minerva’s.  $10 cover includes lots of good stuff to munch on while enjoying your favorite adult beverage (cash bar), holiday music in the background and fellowship with your fellow Rotarians and their guests.
NO NOON MEETING DECEMBER 21 OR 28. 
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR
 
2)   The $100 MINERVA’S GIFTCARD was awarded to Kiwanis member Bill Wetzeler.  There was some confusion with the drawing held at the end of last week’s meeting.  This issue has been resolved and congratulations to Bill Wetzeler on winning the card.
Notes From President Wilkens 2016-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

December 7 program 

MISTY WOLF OF CAASA
Misty is a sexual abuse victims advocate for  the Centers 
Against Abuse and Sexual Assault  which serves 19 counties in NW Iowa.  
Joining  her was Krista Redinius (left)  from the Family Crisis Center which serves victims of domestic violence.   Both work out of the same office building and often intertwine. 
CAASA had owned a Safe House in Spirit Lake until last year when they ran out of funds to continue it's operation.  However, advocacy tends to be more mobile and often victims need to be offered other options> There are safe houses lcated in Sioux City and Sioux Center. 
CAASA has 17 paid staff members plus many volunteers.  They are  there to inform victims of their rights, to support them throughout forensic evidence  and help them through any court process.  
Sexual Assault happens every day and victims need to know they are not alone.  Misty works with 30 - 50 clients every month.  She has also recently worked on a sex trafficking case.
The "Turn Our Community Blue" project this fall provided both CASA and the Family Crisis Center $2,000 each through the Law Enforcements request for the funds to go here where it is is needed.  These funds help to provide victims with immediate escape and rapid re-houseing.  The CAASA Hope Line is  1-877-362-4612.  The FCC is 1-800-382-5603 and available 24 hours a day. 
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December 7 program 2016-12-06 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Induction

 
Sarah Rohret .
Please welcome Sarah as our newest IGL Rotarian!  Sara is the Pastor at Calvary UMC in Arnolds Park.  She has been at her post since 2005.
She graduated from Spencer HS. Went to UNI and Seminary at the University of Dubuque.  
Sarah has 3 children ages 15,14, 12.  Hobbies include quilting, painting, reading  & music.   Pictured above with Sarah is Paula Zenor and Rob Kaiser.
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New Member Induction 2016-12-06 00:00:00Z 0

November 30 Program 

 
Our Own Fellow Rotarian, Patti Griffiths gave our program last week. 
Patti Griffiths Next Life Foundation Program on 11.30.16
 

Patti began traveling to Tanzania Africa on a mission trip with STEM (Siouxland Tanzania Education & Medical Ministries  in June of 2012.) Patti started a vocational training in a village called Next Life Foundation to help people move forward out of poverty Hunger and malnutrition which are ongoing  issues. In May of 2014 her foundation became official and in April of 2015 it qualified for non profit status.  Next Life Foundation aims to teach young adults a trade. The trades thus far will be seamstresses and Carpenters along with entrepreneuring . Next Life Gives Hope! 
Patti said that despite the language barrier there is always a way to communicate. 
Her passion and commitment for this cause is evident as she plans her 6th trip on January 4th. 
Thanks to Patti for a great program and her commitment of service above self! 
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November 30 Program 2016-11-29 00:00:00Z 0

Cedar Rapids Friends

 
 
Cedar Rapids Rotary Club - Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Every year, the Cedar Rapids Rotary Club members all sign up for shifts to be bell ringers in their community for the Salvation Army.  Picture are Kim and Larry Kudej who have visited us many times at our meetings this summer! . 
" After years of being out in blizzards and snow storms, we finally decided to go out before thanksgiving! Please wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from Larry and I. Enjoy!" 
 
Thanks for sharing!  We hope to see Kim and Larry and many other Rotarians while they are visiting the Iowa Great Lakes! 
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Cedar Rapids Friends 2016-11-29 00:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Award

Congratulations to Deb Lenz as she was presented her second Paul Harris honor from our district governor elect Ralph Smith on November 16, 2016.  Deb said it was an easy task this second time around as she contributed every time she paid her quarterly membership dues. Established in 1957, A Paul Harris recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  Our Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club has a large number of Paul Harris Fellows past and present.  
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Paul Harris Award 2016-11-22 00:00:00Z 0

November 23rd Program 

 
Joined by our local Kiwanis Club, our Thanksgiving week program was filled with fellowship and Singalong!  Thanks Ron Knutson for leading the way in song!  
November 23rd Program 2016-11-22 00:00:00Z 0
Happy Thanksgiving 2016-11-22 00:00:00Z 0

Nov. 16 program 

District Governor Elect Ralph Smith.

The Rotary Foundation is celebrating it's 100th anniversary!  Serving a variety of terrific causes worldwide  in a very efficient manner, most dollars make it to the beneficiaries versus administrative costs. 
Ralph encouraged clubs to apply for grants from the foundation for local projects as the foundation will match those dollars! Ultimately your foundation donation goes back into your own community. 
Foundation donations are tax deductible. 

Born and raised in Charles City, Smith attended Carlton College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1973.  and the University  of Iowa Law School in 1976 . A member of the Charles City Rotary Club since  1977 .  He  led the Rotary Group Study Exchange Team to Poland in 2010, and this experience motivated him to become more involved in Rotary.Married for 41 years with two adult children. 

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Nov. 16 program 2016-11-15 00:00:00Z 0

foundation 

Top Five Reasons to Give to the Rotary Foundation
  1. The Rotary Foundation allows clubs like ours to have a much larger impact than we could ever have on our own.
  2. Your giving helps qualify your club to take part in global grant projects and direct your money towards projects that are meaningful to you!  Donations to the Rotary Foundation are tax deductible for US taxpayers.
  3. The impact of every dollar you give is multiplied thanks to the grant system and Rotary’s partnerships with other organizations. For instance, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches every dollar committed to polio eradication 2:1, tripling your donation.
  1. When you give to The Rotary Foundation, you know your money is in good hands. In the United States, Charity Navigator is a trusted evaluator of nonprofits, measuring charities on their financial health, accountability, and transparency. The Rotary Foundation has consistently received four stars, the highest possible rating. It does well on both financial performance (rating of 100 out of a maximum of 100) and accountability and transparency (rating of 100.00).
  1. The above four reasons spell out why giving to the Foundation is the smart thing to do. It is also the right thing, as Rotarians, to do. We are committed to making a difference in our communities and putting service above self. There is no better way to do that than by supporting our Foundation. As members of Rotary, we ought to give.
 
 
 
 
foundation 2016-11-08 00:00:00Z 0

November 9th program 

 
 
William Walker , Identity Theft 
 
Every 2 seconds, a new victim of identity  theft is struck. Walker had eye opening statistics as well as helpful hints on this subject that is growing with concern.  In 2013 there were 16.6 million cases of identity theft.  47% was through medical information, 36% through the department of motor vehicles, and 57% were data leaks from government sources. Walker advises  to never pay for credit monitoring, to freeze credit reports and social security numbers. Visit 365.pros.us for an enlightening video. 
A fascinating program Walker is a Nationally Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist  and licensed insurance agent,  who advises over 200 companies on employee security and has over 30 years of experience in this field.
In the world we live in, it is more important than ever to keep our identity safe! 
November 9th program 2016-11-08 00:00:00Z 0

DIctionary Project 

Dictionaries Delivered!
Note of recognition and a hearty thank you to the Dictionary delivery persons:
ROBB KEIZER, DEB LENZ, TOM FUHRMAN, STEVE LINDEBERG AND BRAD SIMINGTON.
 
Would be remiss in not expressing thanks to the Rotarians who assembled the dictionaries after a recent meeting.
 The goal of The Dictionary Project is to ensure that everyone will be able to enjoy the benefits of owning a dictionary.
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DIctionary Project 2016-11-03 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Foundation Fundraiser 

 
LAST CHANCE TO WIN A  $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM MINERVA'S!  
 
Because the President was missing in action last week, (he had the ticket jar) no drawing was held for the $100 Gift Certificate. And what this means is you all have one more chance to purchase the winning ticket. Drawing will be held at the end of this week’s meeting, guaranteed!
________________________________________________
PAUL HARRIS CONTRIBUTIONS: 
Mailing address for Rotarians who wish to mail their 2016 contribution for the Paul Harris Fellowship:  Michelle Bell, 240 W33rd St., Marion, IA 52302.
_________________________________________________
 
Rotary Foundation Fundraiser 2016-10-31 00:00:00Z 0

November 2 Program

Spirit Lake Indians Football Coach Josh Bolluyt  
A graduate of Northwestern College, Coach Bolluyt has been the Spirit Lake High School head football coach since 2008 with a record of 74 - 26 with two state championship titles ('12 & '13).  
  There are currently about 400 students in SL High and approximately half of the boys have gone out for football.  He bases these strong numbers on his slogan, "Built For Others" which emphasises the value of athletics through leadership development. 
Coach Bolluyt stated that being a leader is a responsibility not a right.  He also doesn't like comparisons in rankings, rather than being the best that each individual can be.  "Comparison is  a robber of joy." 
Thanks to Coach for the inspiring program! 
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November 2 Program Peggy Gustafson 2016-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Welcome

On October 26 our newest member, Amy Marlow was sworn in to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club by membership chair Paula Zenor. 
Amy is  an Occupational Therapist in Spirit Lake at Okoboji Physical Therapy.  From Fenton, Iowa, Amy is a graduate of Gustavus Adolfus and St. Louis Washington. 
She and her husband farm near Lone Rock and also own a home in Arnolds Park
 Amy enjoys riding horses, reading, scrap booking, and golf.  She and her husband have 2 grown children and 2 yet in high school. Please welcome Amy to our Rotary Club! 
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New Member Welcome 2016-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary News from Dubuqe

From Our District 5970 Newsletter: 
Dubuque club offers art prints
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mississippi riverfront development, the Rotary Club of Dubuque commissioned a painting by renowned artist Gary Olson of the Port of Dubuque. The club is selling limited edition and numbered lithograph prints for $79. Proceeds will benefit its Humanitarian Grant Program, which supports area nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others and making Dubuque a great place to raise families.Click here to learn more or purchase a print.
Rotary News from Dubuqe 2016-10-25 00:00:00Z 0

Judi Haviland Honored 

After 10 years of service as our secretary, Judi is passing the torch. President Wilkens presented Judi a plaque in recognition of her dedication.  Judi is looking forward to participating in Rotary in many other ways.  Thank you to Judi! 
Judi Haviland Honored 2016-10-20 00:00:00Z 0
Turn Our Community Blue 2016-10-18 00:00:00Z 0

Get Well Card Presentation

 
 
ROTARY MAKES GREETING CARDS FOR LRH PATIENTS
Over a dozen members of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary met to make get well and greeting cards for patients of Lakes Regional Healthcare. Over 130 handmade cards were created in an hour time period. The cards will be distributed to both inpatient and outpatient surgery patients at Lakes Regional Healthcare as part of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Random Acts of Kindness initiative. The cards were presented to Sonja Hamm, Lakes Regional Vice President of Foundation and Human Resources, at the October 12th Iowa Great Lakes Rotary meeting. Rotarians pictured are (from right to left): Kathy Fahy, Judy Haviland, Paula Zenor, Sonja Hamm, Chuck Mize and Ron Knutson. 
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Get Well Card Presentation 2016-10-18 00:00:00Z 0

October 12 Program

 
 
 
 
STACY NEWGAARD:  SPEAKER AT IGL ROTARY MEETING LAST WEDNESDAY
Stacy Newgaard, owner of APEX Shooting Range in Fostoria was the featured speaker at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary meeting last Wednesday, October 12. Stacy shared his story of how the business was started in 2010 but due to regulations and licensing, the actual range didn't open until 2014. In addition to the shooting range, the business manufactures custom ammunition for contracts that include the states of Nevada and Tennessee and many police departments around the United States. Most of the ammunition they make is for long-range performance. Other services they offer include duracoat and color coating firearms, group and one-on-one lessons, concealed weapon classes, ladies night learning events, hunter safety courses, competition leagues, family nights, kids classes and self-defense courses. APEX is located south of Milford 
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October 12 Program 2016-10-11 00:00:00Z 0

October 5th meeting 

Posted on Oct 03, 2016
 
 
Emma Wolff - 17 year old Spirit Lake High School Senior and New York Model gave a great presentation to our club. Emma fell in love with New York City while visiting her older sister Hannah which led her to pursue the possibility of a modeling career.  Emma researched reputable modeling agencies and found the Americana agency which ultimately gave her a contract.   She got ahead of her credits her sophomore year so she could live in NYC February  - May of this year.   Emma  has returned home for her Senior year.  
She is now studying for her A.C.T.'s as she wants to go to college and most likely study political science.  Emma loves modeling and has got many jobs with major national companies but she doesn't foresee having it as a life long career.  
Her favorite part of the job is the people she meets and the friendships made.  Thank you to Emma and her mother for joining us at our Rotary Meeting! 
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October 5th meeting  2016-10-04 00:00:00Z 0

Car Drop Fundraiser Painting Project

 
This past Sunday afternoon provided perfect weather to paint the Car Drop Car that will sit on Smith's Bay this Winter. 
The car should be more recognizable to passer-byes with a fresh coat of  Rotary Blue and Gold paint!  A big thank you to  painters Jack Holzhauer, Carey Wilkens, Paula Zenor, and Peggy Gustafson! A llama and some sheep oversaw the project and watched the paint dry! 
Car Drop Fundraiser Painting Project Peggy Gustafson 2016-10-04 00:00:00Z 0

Sept. 28 Meeting

 
John Wills 
Thank you to our State Representative John H. Wills who presented a  program to our club. 
Our senate looks like it will turn republican... if 2 seats are filled there will be a tie; If 3 seats are filled the republican party will have control of both the House and Senate.  Here are some of the topics he touched upon: 
Working on budget - Economy is hurting due to farm economy   but will not have to cut programs.  Growth will happen just will be slower. 
School funding is an issue with lower enrollment statewide, however Dickinson County is doing ok. Currently each student in the state of iowa is $6,400 per student. 
Our state faces some Medicaid issues due to Managed Health care.... Service providers not being paid as quickly as needed. 
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Sept. 28 Meeting 2016-09-27 00:00:00Z 0

Coats for Kids Check Presentation

Pictured above is Robb Keizer presenting a check to 
TJ Thayer, Center Director for Upper Des Moines Area Opportunity on behalf or our Rotary Club. 
The check is in the amount of $3,000 to help area students purchase winter coats or other winter outerwear at Bomgaars. 
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Coats for Kids Check Presentation 2016-09-19 00:00:00Z 0

September 14 program 

 
Visiting Rotarian, Tom Barnes along with his wife Vicky were our guests on Sept. 14 as Tom discussed his Rotary Club "Shoes For Kids" Project 
They distributed Shoe vouchers for every school in the county for kids in need of shoes.  This year they gave about one thousand $20 vouchers. 
To fund the project their club did a letter writing campaign and cookie dough sales. Grant requests were also available. With the help of their signature parade float,  and their passion for providing shoes to children,
this  meaningful and rewarding project has cemented friendships within the club.  It has also helped them to recruit new and younger members into the club. 
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September 14 program  2016-09-06 00:00:00Z 0

September 7 Program

 
 
 
Club Historian Chuck Skogerboe
On Wednesday September 7, our own Chuck Skogerboe gave a history of The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. He is our longest standing member having joined the club in 1972.  Our club was formed in 1938 with 18 charter members including Dr. Don Rodawig, Senior who was the president of the club.  They met every week at the Antler's Hotel.  This building still stands on the corner of Hill and 19th Street in downtown Spirt Lake. The club held their meetings at a variety of different locations over the years. In 1945, the club sponsored the local Boy Scout troop. Chuck shared the "Flag exchange" which used to be a big deal; exchanging club flags while visiting other Rotary groups. The first female joined our club in 1990; Carol Kaiser, who also is the wife of our past president Robb Kaiser! Current Member, Mary Christensen was our first female president and also the first female  Paul Harris Fellow.  Over the years, our club has sponsored and supported many fundraisers and projects to better our community. If you have a question about our club's history, it's likely Chuck will be able to answer it for you!  Thanks Chuck for the great presentation!   
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September 7 Program 2016-09-06 00:00:00Z 0

Dues Notice 

Due to an increase in District  and International dues , as well as increased food expenses combined with a reduction in membership over the past year our club is experiencing a budget short fall.  For these reasons, your board of directors has unanimously approved a quarterly increase in dues of ten dollars for all club members, both active and senior active effective October 1, 2016.  The cost of meals will reman at $11. It is important that everyone is aware that currenlty our meals are $13.50 ach.  With the gratuity and sales tax added, your club pays $16.70.  per meal with a minimum guarantee of 27 meals each week.  
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Dues Notice  2016-09-06 00:00:00Z 0

August 31 Program 

 
 
Dickinson County Attorney Jon Martin 
Jon shared with our club a mentoring project he is spearheading in Dickinson County to help young men that have made bad choices and facing jail time, probation, and other related consequences for breaking the law.  He passed around a sign up sheet for those interested in mentoring.  Mentoring can be a small amount of time that can make a large impact on a young man while there is more time to turn their lives around for the better. He also spoke to us about some State Court Cases that impact us and to help us better understand how they can affect our community. Thanks to Jon for taking time to share these issues with us. 
 
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August 31 Program  Peggy Gustafson 2016-08-30 00:00:00Z 0

A word from Jack Hardie

As most of you know our fellow Rotarian Jack Hardie has been on the road to recovery after being involved in a car accident leaving Rotary a couple of months ago.  Thanks to President Wilkens, we were all able to send our best wishes to him individually with get well cards provided by Carey.  Jack wanted me to pass along this message: 
To a lively bunch of IGL Rotarians. THANKS for all the thoughts and prayers and good wishes for my recovery. Your support is much appreciated!
Jack Hardie 
Jack, we continue to wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back at Rotary very soon! 
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A word from Jack Hardie Peggy Gustafson 2016-08-30 00:00:00Z 0

August 24th program

 

 

Author Cris Hedgepeth 

 160 years of Iowa Great Lakes history have been compiled into a beautiful  book by author Cris Hedgepeth.   Cris needed a winter project and an Okoboji neighbor suggested writing  a history book about the lake. Her work  began work in early Octoberr. She finished writing it on March 1st to provide editing and printing time so it was ready by Memorial Day.
"I couldn't have done this without a LOT of help from the community." Stated Cris.  community. "The area would not be what it is today without the community stepping up and taking care of those needs...this included the first DNR boat and their radio system.  I hope everyone will give their time or treasures to this area.  It is what makes the lake area so special" 

Cris is contributing all her proceeds of this book, after expenses, to the Okoboji Foundation – paying it forward! Learn more at: http://www.okobojihistory.com/.  Cris is the wife of Rotarian Jim Hedgepeth.  
A very heartfelt thanks for enlightening us on this beautiful area we all are blessed to call home! 

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August 24th program 2016-08-23 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Help for New Orleans
 

 
 
 
"Pass the Hat" Offering Fundraiser For New Orleans.
 
A plea from our district governor asked us to reach out in our giving to New Orleans as 40,000 homes have been damaged and many lives upturned from recent flooding.  
We are proud to report that $192 was collected last Wednesday to add to our District's support for this great need.  Thanks Rotary Members!  Service above Self Shines Through! 
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Rotary Help for New Orleans   2016-08-23 00:00:00Z 0

Random Acts of Kindness ;  Act II

ACT II:  Random acts of Kindness
The previous round of get well cards  for Lakes Regional Healthcare were such a hit, that we got together again on August 25th at West O Beer in Okoboji to re-supply our hospital with more get well cards for their patients. The photo above shows a nice turnout from our club and a few visiting Rotarians!  A fun time was had by all as we created and signed approximately 80 cards to distribute. Thanks to Kathy Fahey for heading this up once again! " It is an easy way for us to do something to lift someone's spirits while in the hospital, while at the same time promoting Rotary in our community." 
Please watch for future Random Acts of Kindness.  If you have suggestions on other "Kindness" projects, please share!  We are open to suggestions! 
 
 
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Random Acts of Kindness ;  Act II 2016-08-23 00:00:00Z 0

 August 17 Program

 
 
Daniel Gigstead of Shade Of The Tree Counseling
Shade of the Tree is a state licensed non-profit facility which was founded with one goal in mind, to provide Substance Abuse Services to those who need them. Daniel opened his practice in Spirit Lake five years ago to treat substance abuse.
10% of population struggles with addictions which means 1,600 people in Dickinson county are chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol. 
He  received his Bachelors degree from The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN while graduating Cum Laude with a double major in Psychology and Theology. In 2008 Daniel Graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is currently certified in the State of Iowa as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CADC).and has experience in working in both outpatient and residential facilities. July 28, 2015 Daniel Celebrated 15 years of Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol. 
 Daniel feels he has been given a gift to share with the world offering solutions and most of all Hope. Thanks to Daniel for informing us on this very important topic. 
For more information please visit their website at myshadeofthetree.com.
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 August 17 Program 2016-08-16 00:00:00Z 0

Connection to Croatia

Posted by Peggy Gustafson on Aug 01, 2016
In the Zagreb International Airport in Croatia last week,
Tyler Gustafson (son of yours truly) donated his leftover
Croatian Currency to their City's Rotary Club!
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Connection to Croatia Peggy Gustafson 2016-08-02 00:00:00Z 0

Papa Murphy's Pizza Fundraiser

 
 
 
2016 ROTARY PIZZA PROJECT REPORT
As of 10/18/16 we have these approximate results for our very successful fundraiser project:
Total member participants, including those making a direct contribution was 16.
Total members selling pizzas was 11. About 5 members made a donation.
Total revenue for the project is about $2800.
Cost of product sold is $1135.
Total profit for the project is $1665.
Total number of pizzas sold was 143 to a total of 62 customers.
Average profit per pizza was $5.49.
Just think what we could do if just half of our 53 membership gets involved next year!!

Jack Holzhauer, project chair
!
 
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Papa Murphy's Pizza Fundraiser Peggy Gustafson 2016-07-25 00:00:00Z 0

July 13 program

 
Charlie Wittenburg was our speaker on July 13.  Charlie has been at his role at HAPI (Historic Arnolds Park Inc) for one year which encompasses the 
Museum, Queen, II, The Amusement Park ,  as well as  The Green Space for concerts , and the  Roof Garden / Pavilion for Special Events  
HAPI is directed by a 9 person board and employs over 100 individuals. 
This consists of 50-55 J1 summer employees.  J1 are students from other countries,  mostly from Bulgaria.  The Park trains them in  their native language.
Arnolds Park has 26 rides and Charlie emphasized his main concern is that the park runs  safely and responsibly for both employees and it's visitors. 
 
The Arnolds Park Amusement Park celebrated it's 125th year last summer and thanks to generous donations and passionate people the following improvements have been made to the park just this past year: 
. Roller Coaster Renovation with new magnetic braking system
.New Landscaping and signage 
.Queen II Renovation 
.Harmony Park  -  Donated by Paul Hedberg 
.Rain Gardens near Bob's Restaurant 

 
HAPI has mapped out some great plans for the future of the park so that it exits for generations to come! 
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July 13 program Peggy Gustafson 2016-07-12 00:00:00Z 0

June 8, 2016 Program

AMY STEVENS - CLEARresults Management 
Alliant Energy Small Business Energy Assessment Program

CLEAResult helps utilities, businesses and individuals make the wise use of energy a way of life.

Amy explained to the club that every small business with an annual utility bill of less than $50,000 dollars and less than 20,000 square feet in their business can contact her to sign up for a FREE analysis on potential savings for their business.

 Our experienced energy experts tailor strategies to our clients’ specific needs and circumstances. At CLEAResult, we change the way people use energy. To learn more about our energy efficiency programs, visit clearesult.com.

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June 8, 2016 Program 2016-06-07 00:00:00Z 0

Shelby Duis Playground Cleanup set for this Wednesday

Shelby Duis Playground Annual Cleanup: 
Fellow Rotarians met on Wednesday, June 1 at Shelby Duis Playground located at Elinor Bedell State Park on East Lake Okoboji. After an hour or so of pulling weeds and grooming the playground, it was  tidied  up  for the many visitors who enjoy the park! Thanks to Tom Fuhrman who organized the annual project. 
In 2001, the playground was built through fundraising efforts of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, spearheaded by then IGL Rotarian Alex Den Herder.
The playground honors the memory of a Spirit Lake, Iowa toddler who died from abuse.  The playground is designed for younger children — like Shelby.
Pictured are some of the members who pitched in along with a park visitor, John Whitehead and his children who also joined us! 
 
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Shelby Duis Playground Cleanup set for this Wednesday 2016-05-31 00:00:00Z 0

June 1, 2016

 
 
Our Program on Wednesday, June 1,  was Steve Moore of Okoboji Home Watch.
A personal property management business, located in the Iowa Great Lakes. Steve bought the business from Dean Luchtel where many of their clients are summer/second home owners who are in need of property management and other services.  
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June 1, 2016 2016-05-31 00:00:00Z 0

May 25 Program

 
 
Mike Hawkins - Department of Natural Resources. 
Our program on  May 25 was presented by Mike Hawkins of the DNR.  Mike is a Fisheries Management Biologist in the Iowa Great Lakes Area. 
Currently there are 760 lakes infested with Zebra Muscles.  They were first discovered in 1980 in the United States .  They "hitchhiked" over in bilge water from the St. Lawrence Seaway from the Caspian sea. 
Zebra Mussels were first  reported in the Iowa Great Lakes in 2012 in Lower Gar Lake  and by 2014 had spread throughout all of the Iowa great lakes except  far, Big Spirit and Center Lake.  So far these two lakes are not yet  infested. 
Zebra Mussels clear up the water and also makes a significant change in ecology.  Clearer water also means more pond weed of which the Iowa Great Lakes are currently experiencing. 
Zebra mussels have a 5- 6 year lifespan however can  die over the winter.  There native mussels in the Iowa Great Lakes but Mike Hawkins doesn't expect them to survive with the infestation of the invasive species of Mussels. 
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May 25 Program 2016-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Foundation

Congratulations to Jack Parkins!

  Jack was the lucky winner of the $500 Paul Harris Foundation points! Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club was a winner of a “Duck” in the recent District 5970 gathering in Waterloo. 

Paul Harris Foundation 2016-05-17 00:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to Kathy Fahy

 
Past District Governor and member of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, Kathy Fahy has been appointed Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) for Rotary Zone 28 beginning July 1, 2017. The appointment is for a 3-year term and covers 13 districts encompassing Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois and part of Canada. The position provides enhanced information, public relation and marketing assistant to clubs and districts. Kathy will serve as a trainer, motivator, coach, counselor and resource for Rotarians to tell their stories to media, local government, communities, civic leaders and similar entities. She will also assist at Rotary Institutes, Governor-elect Training Seminars (GETS) and other Zone-level meetings. Kathy is currently serving as an Assistant Rotary Coordinator for the Zone focusing on membership and club support. She is also a co-chair for the Rotary Zone 28-29 Young Professionals Summit to be held in Cleveland, Ohio in September. 
Congratulations to Kathy Fahy 2016-05-17 00:00:00Z 0

May 4th program

 
 
On Wednesday, May 4th as Amy Pas presented a program on the future Lakes Area Dog Park. The park will be located on the South Campus of the Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp. You and your dog can socialize, exercise, play, and just relax! If you take your dog on a walk, you have to have it on a leash, right next to you at all times. At the park your dog can run free with all of the other dogs. To Learn more, please visit their website: http://ladpark.weebly.com/
May 4th program Peggy Gustafson 2016-05-03 00:00:00Z 0

April 27 Program

 
   
Joe Simington, long time lakes area resident, shared stories of Fostoria, The Farmers Savings Bank, and historical facts of the community from the past 125 years.  Each Rotarian received a calendar with photos and historical information.  Thanks to Joe and his son Chad for joining us and presenting a very informational and interesting program!  
 
 
April 27 Program Carey Wilkens 2016-04-26 00:00:00Z 0

April 20 Program

Iowa Lakes Corridor President and CEO Speaks to Rotary 
 
 
Kiley Miller, President & CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was our guest speaker on April 20. An Iowa native, he previously was Executive Vice President of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance. Kiley has also been a journalist and served in the United States Army. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Sewanee—The University of the South and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Kiley shared his views and goals to improve and grow our community through collaboration and out of the box thinking.  
April 20 Program 2016-04-19 00:00:00Z 0

Random Acts of Kindness

A big thank you to Kathy Fahey for organizing a "Random Acts of Kindness" event held at West O Brewery in West Okoboji last Thursday night!  A handful of Rotarians met for an hour or so to create get well cards for The Lakes Regional Health Care. The hospital staff will have the cards available to give to their patients on behalf of their local Rotary club! 70 cards were the result of an hours worth fun and fellowship... not to mention having  a few local craft beers together! Pictured are the Rotarians who attended along with Hospital Representative, our own Sonja Hamm. 
 
Random Acts of Kindness Peggy Gustafson 2016-04-19 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Gifting

Rotary Donates To The Pearson Lakes Art Center
Pictured is President Robb Keizer presenting a "check" to Brittney Hansen of The Pearson Lakes Art Center.  The check was recently given  to help support transportation for area students to the art center.  Often times funding for art education is the first to be cut or trimmed down. Transportation costs can be alleviated with generous donations such as this!  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is proud to help support art in education.  Brittney is also one of our newest members of our Rotary Club!
Rotary Gifting Peggy Gustafson 2016-04-19 00:00:00Z 0

April 13 Program SENIOR HOUSING WITH SERVICES

 
Thank you to our program Speakers from Heritage Landing in Milford Iowa.  Denise Leal and Sally Anderson gave a very infomative program on Senior Living Apartments and all the services offered by the Good Samaritan Society.
April 13 Program SENIOR HOUSING WITH SERVICES 2016-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

Polio Update

World Health Organization Wild Polio Virus Update Week ending 30 March
Officially reported wild poliovirus cases as of 05 Apr 2016 Total global cases in 2016: 9 (compared with 22 for the same period in 2015) Total in endemic countries in 2016: 9 (compared with 22 for the same period in 2015) Total in non-endemic countries in 2016: 0 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2015) *Pakistan: 7 cases in 2016 (compared with 21 for the same period in 2015), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 05-Mar-16 *Afghanistan: 2 cases in 2016 (compared with 1 for the same period in 2015), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 01-Feb-16 Headlines: The third Outbreak Response Assessment in Madagascar found that the surveillance system is not yet strong enough to conclude that polio transmission has been interrupted. Thirty-nine high-risk districts have been identified to receive focused attention. There is one week to go until the globally synchronized switch from the trivalent to bivalent oral polio vaccine. Learn more about the switch through this series of videos. Afghanistan: No new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was reported in the past week. The more recent occurred in Nawzad district of Hilmand province, with onset of paralysis on 23 January. The total number of WPV1 cases for 2016 remains 2, compared to 1 reported for 2015 at this point last year. Pakistan: No new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case was reported in the last week. The last was recorded in Shikarpur district of Sindh province, with onset of paralysis on 5 March. 
Polio Update Peggy Gustafson 2016-04-12 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Wanted!

Rotary International has 31,000 clubs in more than 165 countries and regions which encourage high ethical standards and carry out humanitarian projects to address such issues as poverty, health, hunger, education, and the environment.   
Do you have a friend, co-worker, neighbor or know of someone who would possibly be interested in our Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club? Please invite them to a Wednesday lunch!  
Rotarians Wanted! 2016-03-21 00:00:00Z 0

Wednesday, March 16 Program

 
 
Our March 16 program was presented by Joanne Follon will and Brian Dalziel  of the  Iowa Lakes Corridor.  JoAnne discussed the incentives for communities and business to bring Military Veterans into their communities and workforce.  Brian told of the   5 x 5 Campaign which is to grow communities by five percent in five years and the steps toward that goal. Thanks to both of them for a very informative program! 
Wednesday, March 16 Program Peggy Gustafson 2016-03-15 00:00:00Z 0

Car Drop Reflections by Jan McDonald

For years, Jan McDonald of Spirit Lake has been intrigued by the unique environmentally

friendly car drop fund raiser on Smith's Bay.

When the event first began, about 15 years ago, it was the idea of Joe Estes of the Spirit Lake

Sunrise Kiwanis Club. The shell of a car was placed on the ice in view of traffic over the bridge

around Winter Games time and people could guess the month, day, hour and minute that the

car would fall through the once 20-30 inch thick ice. Back then, tickets were $1.00 each, or 6

for $5.00, and Jan would buy about $30 dollars worth, distributing them to family and friends.

Over the years, her family in Massachusetts would check online on the local web cam to see if

the car was still standing. Almost all had been out to Iowa to visit over the past 40 summers. "If

I ever mentioned Winter Games they would ask, is the car on the ice yet?" It was a fun connection

for them, although 1500 miles away.

Jan, a Lakes News Shopper employee, would work on ads for the event with Dee Wermersen

of Sunrise Kiwanis. She also designed and put up posters for sales at the Dry Dock Lounge.

At one point the Red Cross partnered with the Kiwanians to benefit from the fund raiser, and

the proceeds made for a lot of happy people.

Every March, or April, spectators might line up at the bridge when the car was listing and

the plunge looked inevitable. Also when the team from Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire & Rescue

and Bob Kirschbaum's tow truck would arrive to retrieve the car from the bottom of the lake

and check the dashboard clock to find the exact minute the car hit the water.

A few years ago the IGL Rotary Club, that also supports programs to enrich the area, was

asked to help sell tickets. To simplify sales, all 720 minutes in a clock day were sold so a person

would have 2 chances (a.m. or p.m.) to win and the cost was $10 for a specific minute.

"Nowadays I usually buy 12 tickets, always including a new acquaintance or an old friend -

just for the surprise factor of participating. It's a fun way to support our community" Jan said.

This year, Jan bought her tickets from co-worker and IGL Rotarian Peggy Gustafson.

Last Wednesday, during her noon lunch break, Jan took a picture of the car leaning into the

water and announced at work that it was near the end. She was excited to learn that some of her

tickets were close to that time and called relatives holding the 1:11 and 1:12 ticket to get them

excited as well, having no idea how close she really was.

"This is such a special promotion for our area, I'm sure there are still people who don't know

why that car sits out there abandoned, even though the details are advertised many times over

the season and posters are everywhere. It's like buying a lottery ticket and waiting to find out

the surprise. Next year will be someone else's turn to win $1,000. For me that time of 12:58 is

the lucky moment to help fund a trip to San Francisco to visit my son, Logan, who moved there

recently. Thank You, Mother Nature and Iowa Great Lakes Rotary!"

Car Drop Reflections by Jan McDonald 2016-03-15 00:00:00Z 0

Car Drop Winner!

 
WINNER WINNER!
Pictured along with Robb and Peggy is Jan McDonald, the $1,000 Cash Prize Winner for purchasing the winning ticket to our annual car drop fundraiser! On Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 12:58 PM, The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Car dropped into the icy waters of Smith's Bay!  The next afternoon, the Arnolds Park Fire and Rescue team along with Bob Kirschbaum removed the vehicle to reveal the exact lucky minute that the clock stopped. Congratulations to Jan who will be our guest this Wednesday, March 15 when she officially collects her prize!
Car Drop Winner! Peggy Gustafson 2016-03-15 00:00:00Z 0

March 9 Program at Lakes Regional Healthcare

 
March 9, The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club met at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.  A plaque was presented to the hospital in recognition of the Heli pad that was made possible by the IGL Rotary Club in 1989 to commemorate our 50th anniversary. A donation was also given for support of the ER for $250. 
 
March 9 Program at Lakes Regional Healthcare Peggy Gustafson 2016-03-08 00:00:00Z 0
Blue Zones Ribbon Cutting Rachelle Fratzke 2014-09-15 00:00:00Z 0

Rod Quanbeck from Okoboji Lutheran Camp Speaks to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 22, 2012
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Rod Quanbeck, Executive Director of the Okoboji-Ingham Lutheran Bible Camp spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, May 23. Rod is a Certified Camp Director and shared some details about the camp with Rotary:
  • Camp started in its current West Okoboji site in 1924 (next to Arrowhead Beach)
  • Camp has 20 year round staff
  • 75 staff during summer (from all over US and international)
  • Operate 2 camps - one in Okoboji and Ingham Lake
  • In 2011 had restoration projects - cabins and chapel
  • Chapel Service 9:30 every Sunday am
  • Campfire Ring dedication will be held in 3 weeks (look for details in paper)
  • Focus is "Restoration of Live"
  • 17 Youth camps (5-600 kids)
  • 6 Family camps
  • Summer Day Camps
  • Adult retreats
  • Elderversity (June 4-5)
  • New in 2012: paintball course, banana boats, batting cages, gaga ball, geocaching

For more information about the camp and its schedule of events, visit www.okoboji.org.

Rod Quanbeck from Okoboji Lutheran Camp Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-05-23 00:00:00Z 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Awards Scholarships

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 21, 2012
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This year, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is proud to award eight $500 scholarships to area high school seniors. The recipients this year are Molly Dziedzic (Spirit Lake), Connor Rowley (Spirit Lake), Elizabeth Skogerboe (Spirit Lake), Kara Prachar (Okoboji), Mikkinzie Peschong (Okoboji), Zach Jones (Okoboji), Guadalupe Tapia (Harris Lake Park), and Quinn Parker (Graettinger/Terril). Congratulations to all of these graduating seniors on their future plans.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Awards Scholarships Kathryn Fahy 2012-05-22 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Gets Wind Energy Update

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 15, 2012
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Harold Prior, Executive Director of the Iowa Wind Energy Association, spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, May 16 to share an update on wind energy operations in Northwest Iowa. NWEA is a national leader in bringing jobs and economic development to rural areas. For example in 2007, there were only 5 manufacturers of wind turbines in the US. There are 14 now. Additional benefits of the wind industry to northwest Iowa include education opportunities, land owner benefits, energy exporting, energy jobs, infrastructure improvement, investment and property tax base. Iowa is the first state to reach 20% electricity from wind (% of all sources). Iowa exports 13% and uses 7%. There has been over $5 billion in private investments in wind energy in Iowa. The goals of the NWEA are to 1) inform the general public, 2) lobby at state and federal level, 3) represent wind energy interests in Iowa and 4) support growth of the industry.
Rotary Gets Wind Energy Update Kathryn Fahy 2012-05-16 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Welcomes Two IA Supreme Court Justices

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 08, 2012
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Two Iowa Supreme Court Justices spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, May 9. Justices Waterman and Mansfield (both appointed by Governor Branstad in 2011) shared the judicial process with Rotarians. The Iowa Supreme Court is in essence like a Board of Directors for the judicial branch - determining budget allocations within the branch once the legislature provides funding. The core mission of the Supreme Court is to decide appeals and provide judgements on difficult and controversial issues. One of the goals of the court is to improve pace of decision making - in 2010, the average length was 8 months. Court often has to interpret unclear legislation and decide narrow contsitutional questions. A future goal moving forward is to continue to take "court on the road" so the public can see the court in action and learn more about how the system works.
Rotary Welcomes Two IA Supreme Court Justices Kathryn Fahy 2012-05-09 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Donates to Kiwanis Splash Pad Project

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 08, 2012
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Spirit Lake Kiwanis members Teresa Beck and Scott Trautman recently attended an IGL Rotary meeting to recognize the acceptance of a check from Iowa Great Lakes Rotary to help their organization with their Splash Pad project at Memorial Park in Spirit Lake.  Pictured l-r is Scott Trautman, Rotary President Peter Vander Linden, and Teresa Beck.
Rotary Donates to Kiwanis Splash Pad Project Kathryn Fahy 2012-05-09 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Donates to Girl Scouts

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 24, 2012
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is proud to donate a box of bracelets to a local Girl Scout troop. The bracelets, which were puchased by Rotary were handmade in Nicaragua from wallpaper samples donated by Rotary last year. The bracelets were donated to the Girl Scout troop which plans to sell them as a fundraiser to support their community service activities. Pictured here are members of the Girl Scout troop with IGL Rotary President Peter van der Linden.
Rotary Donates to Girl Scouts Kathryn Fahy 2012-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Raffle Winner!

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Mar 27, 2012
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We have a winner!

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club recently wrapped up their annual raffle to help raise funds for scholarships and other civic oriented causes.  Congratulations to Christopher Furman of Estherville. Christopher could choose $1,000 cash or a trip to Las Vegas.  As a new father, Christopher chose the cash.  Pictured l-r is Rotarian Tom Furman, Christopher Furman (Tom's son and an Estherville Rotarian!) and IGL Rotary President Peter VanderLinden. 

Rotary Raffle Winner! Kathryn Fahy 2012-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

Youth in Philanthropy Share Story with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Mar 06, 2012
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Mary Freiborg, President of the Okoboji Foundation, and Hannah Marsh, member of Youth in Philanthropy shared their stories about the program with the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club on Wednesday, March 7. Mary is proud to work with 14 Community Leaders on the Board of Directors and over 350 donor members who make a vital difference in the lakes community through the Okoboji Foundation. The Youth in Philanthropy program began last year. The goal is to teach the Next Generation about the importance of community giving and the lasting impact of Okoboji Foundation Grants in the Community. Hannah shared the process for becoming part of Youth in Philantrophy as well as what she has learned about the community and organizations who rely on grants each year. 27 students from Okoboji & Spirit Lake High Schools participate in the Okoboji Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy. Youth in Philanthropy empowers and challenges youth to identify community needs and build a sense of social responsibility.  It teaches the next generation about the importance of community giving.
Youth in Philanthropy Share Story with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-03-07 00:00:00Z 0

Peter van der Linden Discusses Tree Threats with IGL Rotary

Posted by Peter Van der Linden on Feb 28, 2012
At the regular Wednesday meeting of Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on February 29, Peter van der Linden talked about several new threats to trees in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Bur Oak Blight is a fungus that attacks oak leaves in spring, causing them to gradually turn brown and then fall from the trees in mid to late summer. Some trees appear to be resistant. Susceptible trees that are attacked year after year can decline and eventually die. Homeowners can protect individual trees by hiring an arborist to treat them in spring, but this is expensive and not practical in large stands. Three other threats are not here yet, but coming: gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, and thousand cankers disease of walnut. These and other pests are spread when infected wood and nursery stock are moved from place to place. When camping it is important to buy firewood locally, not bring it with you. (Rotarians who could not attend the meeting are welcome to call Peter at (712) 337-3669 ext. 5 for more information.)
Peter van der Linden Discusses Tree Threats with IGL Rotary Peter Van der Linden 2012-02-29 00:00:00Z 0

Local Entrepreneur Shares Business Stories with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Feb 14, 2012
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Local barber, thespian, author and entrepreneur Michael Felton shared stories with Rotary in a program on Wednesday, February 15. Michael was born and raised in Arnolds Park but moved away at the age of 17 for 21 years before returning to the area to raise his son. He has been in the barber business for 32 years – his father and grandfather were both barbers. He has been a entrepreneur in the barber business, but also a thespian for over 20 years and an author as he has penned three plays, one of which was produced off Broadway in NYC. Recently Michael also wrote a children’s book called “The Lonely Gray Square.” Michael shared stories of how he has had success in business over the years and attributes success in the lakes area to getting involved in the community. He truly has a passion for this community and says the key to running a business in this community is to open your doors to the community. Those businesses who have not succeeded in his opinion are because they have not been involved in the area and what it has to offer.

Local Entrepreneur Shares Business Stories with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-02-15 00:00:00Z 0

Four Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians Become Paul Harris Fellows

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Feb 07, 2012
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Pictured above are four recent recipients of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International.  As members of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, each have been recognized by their peers and have earned the honor because of their commitment and tireless dedication to their club. L- R:  Judi Haviland, Dave Kerr, Angie Peterson, and Greg Richards.

Four Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians Become Paul Harris Fellows Kathryn Fahy 2012-02-08 00:00:00Z 0

Kathy Holmquist Shares Graphology with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Feb 07, 2012
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Kathy Holmquist shared a program on graphology to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, February 8. Graphology is the study of handwriting and is referred to as the recorded language of the unconscious. There is a long history of people who have researched graphology, calling in brain writing. The father of the IQ test, French psychologist Alfred Benet studied it extensively. Many European universities require the study of it for psychology and education degrees. The US has been slower to accept it as a science. Typically graphologists cannot tell a male and female’s handwriting apart. By fifth grade, we have often developed the form our writing will take. When we write, we are representing ourselves as we place each work on the page – each stroke, mark, dash, dot, cross, curve and shape has a meaning. Graphology looks at the overall page and placement of writing on a page, baselines, slants, pressure, speed, rhythm, spacing, letter for quality, letter shape/size, and margins. Kathy examined writing sample with the group from many Rotarians and shared each individuals traits based on their writing samples.

Kathy Holmquist Shares Graphology with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-02-08 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Learns About New Diabetes Training Program at LRH

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jan 31, 2012
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Beth Samuelson, Registered Dietician, and Lynn Hughes, Certified Diabetic Educator, from Lakes Regional Healthcare spoke to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary about its new Diabetes Self-Management Training on Wednesday, February 1. The program is targeted toward those diagnosed with diabetes with 10 hours of education for patients in within the first year of diagnosis, and an additional 2 hours follow-up in the next years. The program is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance companies. Lynn is nationally and state certified to do the training, which requires a hospital to have a physician, dietician, pharmacist and advisory board related to the program.  Currently, 8.7% of adults in Dickinson County have been diagnosed with diabetes (approx. 1450 people) and 27.2% of adults in Dickinson County are considered obese (4500 people). A recent survey of those diagnosed with diabetes showed the need for a program like this as only 20% follow a meal plan, 30% have an exercise plan, 60% monitor their blood sugar, and 30% had formal diabetic education. Although all 100% of patients took their medicine, only 40% knew what their medication was for. Lakes Regional Healthcare has already started implementing the training and does need to report how the training helps clients with their self-care behaviors.

Rotary Learns About New Diabetes Training Program at LRH Kathryn Fahy 2012-02-01 00:00:00Z 0

Val Newhouse Gives ILCC Update to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jan 17, 2012
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Val Newhouse, President of Iowa Lakes Community College, shared an update with Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, January 18. Val is not only the first woman president of ILCC but also the first president promoted from within the college. ILCC was established in 1966 through the 15 community college system in Iowa. Over the years, enrollment has treaded up with over 100,000 students in the system statewide. ILCC  has students enrolled in over 100 technical and pre-professional programs. 68% of students are from the local five county area; 85% from Iowa; 7% from Minnesota and 8% made up from 31 states, 1 U.S. territory and 6 foreign countries. ILCC has a great retention rate, with a 51.4% graduation rate for 1st time, full time students (statewide rate is 35.8%). Many students completed prerequisite classes and transfer on to larger state universities to complete their degrees. Over 150 scholarships are available at ILCC and 65% of applicants are awarded at least one. Val also shared two new advertising commercials that will begin airing soon.

Val Newhouse Gives ILCC Update to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-01-18 00:00:00Z 0

Students Share Leadership Projects with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jan 17, 2012

Four students from the Spirit Lake High School January LIVE Leadership Class spoke briefly to Rotary to request Rotary’s help in securing item donations for two separate  projects they are undertaking this month in class. Trevor Jensen and Drew Fowler have both selected Mission Haiti to collection donations for. They are looking for canned goods, school supplies and toiletry items to send to Haiti. Items can be dropped off at the Spirit Lake Schools, Northwest Bank, Central Bank, Bank Midwest or by calling Trevor at (712) 330-5864 for pickup.  Bryson McCabe and Sam Harms are collecting gently worn or new shoes for Shoes for Africa. Shoes can be dropped off at Spirit Lake schools, the Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake or St. Joseph’s Church in Milford, or by calling Sam at (712) 330-7629 for pickup. All four students request your donations by January 23rd.

Students Share Leadership Projects with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2012-01-18 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Learns about Blue Zone Project

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jan 03, 2012

Norm Johnson and Jason Harrington represent the Blue Zone Project and shared what that means for Spirit Lake with the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, January 4. Norm Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA, and Jason Harrington, CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare, both are part of the Power 9 Advisory Board which is working on the Spirit Lake application to become a Blue Zone Community. Last July, Governor Branstad challenged Iowans to become the healthiest state in the nation. Wellmark backed the challenge by providing grant money for communities to vie for in this challenge. Spirit Lake launched its application with the Start Somewhere Walk held last October with over 2000 participants. Since then, the community had made it to the final 58 communities who were asked to submit applications by January 4. Ten communities will be selected to share in $50 million in grant money.

The Blue Zone Project is based on the book “The Blue Zone” by Dan Buettner, who studied communities all over the world to see where the healthiest people lived. He took the top 6 communities and then compared what factors made them the healthiest. Those factors have become known as the Power 9 Principles and cover aspects of 4 categories – Move Naturally, Right Outlook, Eat Wisely and Belong. For more information about Iowa’s Blue Zone project, go to http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/blue-zones.

Rotary Learns about Blue Zone Project Kathryn Fahy 2012-01-04 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Raffle Now Underway

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Dec 20, 2011

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Winter Raffle to now underway. Win a Trip for Two to fabulous Las Vegas or $1000 in cash! Tickets are $10 each with only 375 available. The trip to Las Vegas consists of 3 days, two nights and includes airfare, hotel and transfers to/from hotel. The drawing will be held on Friday, March 9 live on KUOO radio. Proceeds will benefit local Rotary projects. Tickets can be purchased from any Iowa Great Lakes Rotarian.

Rotary Raffle Now Underway Kathryn Fahy 2011-12-21 00:00:00Z 0

Boji Voices Spreads Holiday Cheer to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Dec 20, 2011
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Boji Voices entertained Iowa Great Lakes Rotary members on Wednesday, December 21 with holiday music selections. Boji Voices is a vocal jazz ensemble from Okoboji High School that was started four years ago. The group travels to various jazz festivals and competitions in the winter and spring, as well we perform in three school concerts during the school year. Boji Voices is an auditioned group of 16 singers from the 60 member choir. The choir is directed by Erin Orness.

Boji Voices Spreads Holiday Cheer to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-12-21 00:00:00Z 0

Stephanie Fish Shares Stories with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Nov 15, 2011
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Stephanie Fisk returned to Rotary to share her overseas stories on November 16. Stephanie is a graduate of Okoboji High School and Wartburg College, Since college, she has dedicated her life to serving with various non-profits and ministries domestically and abroad. For the last year and a half, she has been working with MATTOO – an international anti-human trafficking non-profit. She currently splits her time living in Minneapolis, Spain and Romania as she focuses on raising awareness on the issue of human trafficking. One November 29, she will be returning to Spain. Stephanie shared with Rotary many stories of her mission with the club.

Stephanie Fish Shares Stories with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Inducts Three New Members

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Nov 15, 2011
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary inducted three new members into Rotary on Wednesday, November 16. Megan Slyman, Mark Schutt and Mary Jenson were welcomed into Rotary by Paula Zenor, IGL membership chair and Rotarian sponsors Sonja Hamm, Peter van der Linden and Paula Zenor.

IGL Rotary Inducts Three New Members Kathryn Fahy 2011-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

SLHS Gives Preview of Janaury LIVE

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Nov 08, 2011
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Spirit Lake High School Principal Steve Ratzlaff and Academic Dean Kari Webb spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, November 9 about a new initiative in the high school this year – January LIVE. January LIVE is a project based learning program that will span 15 days in January 2012 between first and second semesters. This academic adventure will promote critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity between students, faculty and the community. Project based learning has seven essential elements to it: publicly presented project, driving question or challenge, a need to know, inquiry and innovation, 21st century skills, student voice and choice, and feedback and revision. In addition to the January courses such as welding, song composing and leadership, sixty seniors will use their January LIVE time to intern at area businesses.

SLHS Gives Preview of Janaury LIVE Kathryn Fahy 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Honors Five Paul Harris Fellows

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Nov 08, 2011
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Jeff Knapp, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Foundation chair, was pleased to award five Paul Harris Fellowship Awards at Rotary on Wednesday, November 9. Pat Knutson was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship as a Special Appreciation from her husband Rotarian Ron Knutson, who is a Paul Harris Fellow +2. Bob Sneitzer was awarded his first Paul Harris Fellowship. Louise Erbes and Chuck Skogerboe were both honored with the Paul Harris +1 recognition. And Neil Christensen was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow +3. Donors of $1,000 or more to the Rotary Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin. Congratulations to all our latest recipients!

IGL Rotary Honors Five Paul Harris Fellows Kathryn Fahy 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Mark Stevens Tells Spirit Lake City Hall Story to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Nov 01, 2011
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Mark Stevens, City Administrator for Spirit Lake, spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, November 2 about the upcoming vote for a new city hall. Mark shared that the current building was originally built as a fire station in 1950 and the building had a 50 year life span. The building eventually was used as the police station and now houses the city offices. It has been occupied for 61 years, 11 longer than it was expected to last. The building is now extremely deteriorated – the masonry has cracks, no electrical wires are in the walls (all exposed), water leaks in both the ceiling and basement (has already caused a small electrical fire), lack of meeting spaces, no sound system in council room (audience can’t hear when air or heat are running as furnace is in back of the room), lack of privacy in reception area for customers, no handicap accessibility, small offices with no doors, and single pane windows are just a few examples. Mark shared that the council has looked at other options including the old church building on Lake Street – but after an engineer and inspector looked at that building, the cost to fix up that building would be almost as much as constructing a new building. The best option was determined to be to construct a new building on the existing site. The issue will be on the ballot Tuesday, November 8 and the city is asking for $1.745 million to finance the project (total cost of project is $1.9 million). Mark offered to give anyone a tour of the building if they want more information on the project.

Mark Stevens Tells Spirit Lake City Hall Story to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-11-02 00:00:00Z 0

Steve Schwaller Speaks to Rotary October 26

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Oct 25, 2011
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Steve Schwaller, News Director at KUOO, spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, October 26 about the changes he has seen in broadcasting since the 1980s. Some of the main changes have been:

·         Switch from analog to digital – Steve shared how he used to splice actual tape when editing interviews for on-air compared to now when it’s simply a click on the computer.

·         Programming – Steve talked about how national programming would be mailed in advance to the station on tapes where now it is all via website download

·         Wire Service Data – there used to be two news agencies (AP and UPI) – it is just AP now and instead of standing next to the teletype machine receiving page after page of news printed on paper and having to cut and paste them together for a newscast, now it is all electronic on the computer resulting in a lot of paper and time savings

·         Main Control Room – when playing music on air, Steve shared using LPs and how you had to be fairly skilled to start songs without dead airtime or without it starting slow as the turntable came up to speed. Now it is all digital and most songs are pre-programmed on a play list now.

Over the years, even though there have been a lot of changes, Steve enjoys all aspects of his job and the minute-to-minute changes that can occur following news stories. He sees smart phone apps where you can listen to the radio online as the next change that will take place with radio. Steve also shared a few of his thoughts on the upcoming weather patterns with the group.

Steve Schwaller Speaks to Rotary October 26 Kathryn Fahy 2011-10-26 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Plants Memorial Tree

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Oct 04, 2011
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Rotarians gathered at Elinor Bedell State Park on the afternoon of October 5 to plant a tree in memory of John Haviland, husband of fellow Rotarian Judy Haviland. The tree, a sugar maple, was planted just to the west of the Shelby Duis Playground at Elinor Bedell Park near the trail. Rotarians who helped with the planting are pictured here with the tree.  Check out more photos of the tree planting in our photo gallery.

Rotary Plants Memorial Tree Kathryn Fahy 2011-10-05 00:00:00Z 0

New Occupation Health and Wellness Program is Topic at Rotary October 5

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Oct 04, 2011
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Norm Johnson with the YMCA and Jean Boone with Lakes Regional Healthcare Occupational Health spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, October 5 about their organizations’ new partnership. The new Occupational Health and Wellness program is designed to meet the needs of businesses in the area from flu shots to identifying health and safety issues to developing corporate wellness programs. Some of the services to be offered in the new program are:

·         Injury Treatment Programs

·         Workers Comp Case Management

·         On-site Nursing Services

·         Hearing Tests

·         Respiratory Protection Programs

·         Drug & Alcohol Testing

·         Wellness Programs

·         Immunizations/Flu Shots

·         Fitness Assessments

In addition, Norm spoke about a goal to become a Blue Zone Community in Iowa – be one of ten communities vying for $50 million in community funding by committing to becoming a healthier community. Norm invited everyone to join in the Start Somewhere Walk on Friday, October 7 at noon at the YMCA which is part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative.

New Occupation Health and Wellness Program is Topic at Rotary October 5 Kathryn Fahy 2011-10-05 00:00:00Z 0

Wade Weber Speaks to Rotary About 4-H

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Sep 20, 2011
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Wade Weber, Youth Program Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, spoke to Rotary on September 21 about 4-H, its history and current programming. Wade covers a six county area and oversees the 4-H programs in each of the counties. 4-H is the programmatic outreach of the land grant universities through education services to young citizens in our communities. 4-H began in 1904 and started with the three H’s – head, heart and hands – and has since added the 4th H – health. The initial focus is to make youth fit for self government, self control, self help and to make them contributing citizens of character.  4-H today has become more than an agriculture club and focuses on “hands-on” learning. An example or a program recently started in Spirit Lake and Okoboji is a Robotics program built on the foundation of finding real world solutions to everyday problems.

Wade Weber Speaks to Rotary About 4-H Kathryn Fahy 2011-09-21 00:00:00Z 0

Al Maser Presented with Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Sep 06, 2011
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Al Maser was recognized by the Rotary Foundation and the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow at the September 7 Rotary meeting.  Donors of $1,000 or more to the Rotary Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin. Congratulations Al!

Al Maser Presented with Paul Harris Fellow Kathryn Fahy 2011-09-07 00:00:00Z 0

Haitian Health Foundation is Topic of Rotary Program August 31

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 30, 2011
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On August 31, the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Program was presented by local resident Dallas Dotson.  Dallas travelled to Haiti in May with with a group of doctors and skilled professionals through Avera in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Once the group arrived in Port au Prince they travelled to Jeremie where they worked with the Haiti Health Foundation.

Haitian Health Foundation is Topic of Rotary Program August 31 Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-31 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Supports ILCC Scholarship Program

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 30, 2011
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club recently presented a check in the amount of $200 to the Iowa Lakes Community College Scholarship Foundation.  These funds provide opportunity to students giving them a chance for a higher education. Pictured is Jolene Rogers representing the college with Rotary President Peter Vander Linden.

Rotary Supports ILCC Scholarship Program Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-31 00:00:00Z 0

Dana Hesby Wins Rotary Fundraiser Drawing!

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 27, 2011

Congratulations to Dana Hesby from Spencer – the winner of our Polaris Youth Ranger RZR raffle drawing! Dana’s name was drawn at the conclusion of Iowa Great Lakes Rotary’s annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, August 28th.  

Dana Hesby Wins Rotary Fundraiser Drawing! Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-28 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Dedication Benefits Iowa Lakeside Laboratory

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 23, 2011
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At a recent Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Meeting, the program was dedicated to past Rotarian Dr. Phil Pugh who passed away March 6, 2009.  The club recognizes past Rotarians who have contributed their time and talents to the community through Rotary and in other ways as well.  Iowa Great Lakes Rotary gave a check in the amount of $500 to the Friends of Iowa Lakeside Lab for Water Testing in Dr. Pugh's honor.  Pictured left to right is Rotary President Peter VanderLinden, Alicia Sandre, daughter of Phil Pugh representing their family, and Joan Gronstal, president of the Friends of Iowa Lakeside Lab.  
Rotary Dedication Benefits Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-24 00:00:00Z 0

District Governor Jim Patton Speaks to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 23, 2011
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Rotary District 5970 Governor Jim Patton spoke to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, August 24 at the regular noon meeting. DG Patton shared a variety of updates about Rotary International and District 5970 with the club, including membership goals, Polio Plus update, dictionary project, public image focus and ways to reach youth through RYLA camps. He also talked about the change in Rotary District Simplified Grants that will be happening next year. In the past all applications have gone to RI for administration. Moving forward, grant dollars will come back to the district for administration within the district. He also discussed the changes in the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program. Beginning in 2013, it will become a vocational study exchange and will likely include 2 Rotarians and 3 non-Rotarians each year in a specific profession. Shown here are District Governor Jim Patton, IGL President Elect Liz Sandy and IGL President Peter vanderLinden.

District Governor Jim Patton Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-24 00:00:00Z 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Assists with New Electronic Sign at Fairground

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 10, 2011
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is excited to announce the installation of a new electronic sign at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds. The previous sign, built in 1992 through a joint effort by Rotary and the Fairgrounds, blew down earlier this year. The new digital sign was installed last week and is programmed from an office computer in the Expo Building. It allows staff to promote and highlight numerous events at once as well as input longer messages than before.  

 

After a commitment from the Dickinson County Ag Society to start the sign replacement project, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary contributed $4,000 to and provided leadership in fundraising to complete the sign. A special thank you to Bank Midwest, Central Bank, Farmers Savings Bank, Libery Bank, Northwest Bank,The State Bank and United Community Bank for their contributions to the project.  Pictured here with the new sign are Rotarians Chuck Skogerboe, Kathy Fahy and Rotary President Peter vanderLinden.

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Assists with New Electronic Sign at Fairground Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-11 00:00:00Z 0

DCEF Shares Its Story with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Aug 09, 2011

Joan McCulloch with the Dickinson County Endowment Fund spoke to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, August 10. The fund is a non-profit, tax-exempt foundation established in 2005 with gaming dollars and private contributions. The mission of the organization is to enhance the quality of life and promote economic vitality in Dickinson County by encouraging philanthropy and providing financial assistance for projects and programs that benefit local residents. Each year, 75% of earnings are given out as grants and 25% is endowed for the future. This past year, 27 non-profits will receive grants from DCEF. For more information about the grant process, how to donate, or who grant recipients are, visit the organization’s website at www.dcefund.org.

DCEF Shares Its Story with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-08-10 00:00:00Z 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Visits the Nature Center

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jul 26, 2011
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary took their weekly meeting off-site on July 27 to tour and visit the Nature Center. Barb Tagami gave a brief presentation and tour of the newly completed facility. The Dickinson County Nature Center is a center for environmental learning and is open to the public year round, Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located ½ mile west of the Wild Rose Inn.

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Visits the Nature Center Kathryn Fahy 2011-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

Okoboji Summer Theatre Shares Season with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jul 19, 2011
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Ruth Ann Berkland and Elaina O’Neill with the Okoboji Summer Theatre spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on July 20. Elaina graduated last May and performed at OST last summer and is back this summer as a graduate student and Director of Public Relations for the season. She shared information about the four shows that remain for the season: (1) “Shooting Stars” about a 1960s all women basketball team, (2) “The Ladies Man” a French farce, (3) “The Glass Menagerie” a classic which is bringin back well known alumni, and (4) “Evita” a musical with a guest director. The Theatre also has two children’s shows left at the Boji Bantum Theatre – (1) “Circus Olympics” which combines Greek mythology and circus acrobats, and (2) Queenie Bee’s Pajama Lama Beach Party” written by a Stephens College student. Ruth Ann shared a little about the history of OST and is in her 13th season here. This is the 54th season of the Summer Theatre and is looking forward to a 55th Anniversary celebration next year. Stephens College is committed to the ongoing program and recently announced a new dormitory project is in the works. The original dorms were built in 1958 as non-permanent residences, which currently house 43 people a summer.

Okoboji Summer Theatre Shares Season with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-07-20 00:00:00Z 0

U of Iowa President Speaks to Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson on Jul 12, 2011
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On Wednesday, July 13, the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was pleased to have th University of Iowa President Sally Mason as their guest speaker.  Sally Mason became the 20th President of The University of Iowa in 2007. She holds a full professorship with tenure in the Department of Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She spoke to the club and visitors about the University's new strategic plan to enhance areas of strength.  The four areas included students success, improved knowledge and practice, new frontiers in the arts, and better life for Iowans.  This past fall the university had a record number of 4,500 enrolling Freshman and expect near that many this fall.  They also have over 500 veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq wars enrolled which is the largest in the country.  The University of Iowa has trained 80% of dentists and 50% of doctors practicing in the state of Iowa. There are 81,000 alumni currently living in Iowa. Mason also spoke about budgetary constraints and the benefit of partnering with community colleges.  Currently 13 of the 15 community colleges have agreements with the University of Iowa. Also attending the clubs meeting were 11 University of Iowa faculty members. Pictured is Iowa Great Lakes Rotary President Peter Van Der Linden with President Mason.

U of Iowa President Speaks to Rotary Peggy Gustafson 2011-07-13 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Passes Gavel

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jul 05, 2011
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On Wednesday, July 6, 2012 the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club started their new fiscal year with their new president!  Pictured is Peter VanderLinden who will take the reigns from Kathy Fahy, outgoing president. The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster: 

 • FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

 • SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

 • THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;

 • FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. Congratulations to Kathy for a successful and productive term and good luck to Peter as he leads the club this year! 

Rotary Passes Gavel Kathryn Fahy 2011-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

Jim Duddleston Presented with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jul 05, 2011
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Jim Duddleston was recognized by the Rotary Foundation and the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow at the July 6 Rotary meeting.  Donors of $1,000 or more to the Rotary Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin. Congratulations Jim!

Jim Duddleston Presented with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Kathryn Fahy 2011-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

Lakes Regional Shares Information about New eER and eConsults

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jul 05, 2011
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Lois Hawn, Director of Operations and a nurse for over 20 years, spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, July 6 about the new eER and eConsult services offered at Lakes Regional Healthcare. The services are now being provided through Avera Health to a network of 35 hospitals in the region. The services are offered to create hubs designed to keep people in their own community for care if at all possible. Here is how eER works:  the physician or nurse on duty at LRH simply pushes a button in the ER to connect to a physician or specialist in Sioux Falls via live video and audio link. All staff nurses and physicians at LRH are still staffed 24/7 as they have always been. This service does not replace or downsize current staff at all. The physicians are then able to see and assist in diagnosis of the patient. This allows greater access to specialists, translators if needed, psych consults, and more physicians. The cameras are accurate enough for the physician in Sioux Falls to read small #s and see pupil sizes. eConsult works in a similar way except appointments are pre-set so the physician can be available through the video/audio link to consult with a physician about a patient.

Lakes Regional Shares Information about New eER and eConsults Kathryn Fahy 2011-07-06 00:00:00Z 0

Snap Johnson Updates Rotary on Changes in Healthcare

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jun 21, 2011
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Snap Johnson spoke about changes in healthcare to the regular meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, June 22. Snap has over 40 years of insurance experience and shared some of the details of the healthcare reform bill – the largest piece of legislation page-wise ever (27,000 pages). The goal is to make insurance affordable and accessible to those 34 million people today who do not have insurance. The cost of the legislation is $940 billion. Some of the changes that took place in 2010 were a surtax on tanning beds, non-dependent children can stay on health insurance to the age of 26, and amount paid by companies is now listed on W2 forms. For 2011, some of the changes to take place are that the government is establishing its own program for uninsurable individuals (34,500 people in Iowa fall in this category – only 456 signed up for the state program), preventative care is 100% covered (unless plan is grandfathered), no pre-existing conditions for children under the age of 19, no over the counter meds are covered on HSA/Medical spending accounts, and Medicare shrunk its $200 donut hole on drugs/prescriptions. Big changes coming in the future include in 2014, self-employed get chance to buy own insurance through exchanges, and in 2015, employers can go to the exchanges for insurance.

Snap Johnson Updates Rotary on Changes in Healthcare Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-22 00:00:00Z 0

Norm Johnson Shares the Y Story with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jun 14, 2011
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Norm Johnson, CEO of YMCA of the Okobojis, spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club at their regular noon meeting on Wednesday, June 15. Norm shared some of the history of the YMCA organization, which began in 1851 in Boston, MA. Camp Foster has been in the lakes area for 99 years and the Bedell Family YMCA has been here now for six years. Norm shared the philosophy of the Y – which is much more than a swimming pool or a soccer league. The Y has three main focuses – Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility – all with one goal in mind: to give everyone regardless of age or income the ability to thrive. The Y also promises to strengthen the foundation of the community. Norm then shared some of the upcoming events at the Y this summer:

·         Lavar Woods Football Camp

·         Lakes Regional Healthcare and the Y have formed a corporate partnership to promote corporate wellness

·         The Emmet county Kinship and the YMCA Kinship programs will become one together

·         Camp Foster will gear up to celebrate its 100 year anniversary next year (September 21-23) and will begin a road tour to start looking for alumni from Camp Foster over the years

·         86 young college staff are currently training at Camp Foster (all weeks of camp are filled this summer except two weeks that have a few openings left)

·         Phase II of strategic planning is underway to look at the next phase of the Y in terms of planning and programming for the future

Norm Johnson Shares the Y Story with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-15 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Kicks Off RZR Raffle Fundraiser

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jun 07, 2011
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is kicking off a summer-long raffle fundraiser to benefit community projects in the Iowa Great Lakes area. A brand new Youth Ranger RZR 170 (or $1,000 cash option) will be given away to one lucky winner at the IGL Pancake Feed on August 28th at the Expo Center. Tickets are $10 each and are available from any IGL Rotary member.

IGL Rotary Kicks Off RZR Raffle Fundraiser Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-08 00:00:00Z 0

Okoboji Tourism Shares Summer Event Schedule with IGL Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Jun 07, 2011
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Stacy Rosemore, Okoboji Tourism Director, and Matt Richter, University of Okoboji Cheerleader, shares the upcoming summer event schedule with the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, June 8. Here is a list of events they shared with the group:

·         Recap of Walleye Weekend (May 6-7_

·         Recap of Memorial Day Weekend/Great Okoboji Wing Ding (May 27-30)

·         U of O Youth Soccer Tournament (June 11-12)

·         Okoboji Foundation Weekend (June 24-26)

·         University of Okoboji Campus Ride (June 25)

·         Spirit Lake Classic Car Cruise-In (June 25)

·         July 4th Weekend events (July 1-4)

·         BRASL Bike Ride (July 9)

·         Wakefest Wakeboard Tournament (July 9)

·         Spirit Lake Days (July 9)

·         U of O Tennis (July 9-10)

·         U of O Homecoming (Triathalon, ½ Marathon, 10K – July 15-17)

·         IGL Antique & Classic Boat Show (July 30)

·         PLAC Art in the Park (Aug 6)

·         U of O Open Water Swim (Aug 6)

·         U of O Vettes in the Park (Aug 7)

·         U of O Junior Tennis Classic (Aug 12-13)

·         Old Iron Car Show (Aug 13)

·         U of O Slow Pitch Softball Tourney (Aug 20-21)

·         Labor Day Weekend (Sept 2-5)

·         U of O Couples Golf Tournament (Sept 9-11)

·         U of O Oktoberfest Bike Ride (Sept 24)

·         U of O Winter Games XXXII (Jan 27-29, 2012)

 

Okoboji Tourism Shares Summer Event Schedule with IGL Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-08 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Honors Denny Trei with PHF +1 Recognition

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 31, 2011
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary honored long-time Rotarian with a Paul Harris Fellowship +1 designation for his continued service and out-of-pocket donations to club activities. Through the years, Denny has provided printing services to the club without recognition and payment on numerous occasions. In his honor, the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary completed his PHF+1 designation for him. Thank you Denny for all you do!!

IGL Rotary Honors Denny Trei with PHF +1 Recognition Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-01 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Supports Relay for Life

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 31, 2011
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is once again a proud supporter of Relay for Life in Dickinson County. Shown is Relay for Life chair Di Lorenzen accepting a check from IGL Rotary President Kathy Fahy.

IGL Rotary Supports Relay for Life Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-01 00:00:00Z 0

IGl Rotary Learns About LRH Emergency Room Activity

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 31, 2011
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Chris Yungbluth, a Paramedic Specialist with Lakes Regional Healthcare, spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, June 1st. Chris shared many little known facts about the Emergency Room and emergency services with the group, including:

·         LRH ER sees 6000-7000 patients annually (majority in summer)

·         Average 25/day or 750/month

·         Forgetting to pack medications for vacation is a common reason for visits in the summer – by Iowa law, you need a doctor’s prescription for meds and on weekends, visitors need to go to ER for script if needed

·         Additional common reasons for visits in the summer are heat exhaustion, lacerations (fish hook removal kit is used frequently in ER), swimmers itch and general trauma

·         A physician covers the ER 24/7

·         Additional services found in the ER are basic labs, EKG, Xray (room right inside ER), CT, wide boar MRI (coming soon), respiratory therapy

·         EER is coming soon – this is where physicians in the ER can consult with specialists live in Sioux Falls through TV technology

·         Over 100 physicians (including 20 specialists) practice at LRH ER

·         For special events like the 4th of July, 2 docs are scheduled in the ER (last year during U of O Homecoming, 19 calls in 3 ½ hours were covered during the triathalon) so the staff schedules accordingly when events are going on in the lakes area

·         The Ambulance crew consists of 2 full time crews with a 3rd on-call crew as needed (8 paramedic specialists and 8 casual staff)

·         First responders are also part of the team in surrounding communities – they have EMT Basic training and are usually first on site

·         The ambulance averages 1400 calls/year (75% are 911 calls, 16% are transfers, 10% refusals or cancels). Transfers average 5,000 miles/month in summer.

·         Goal of ambulance crew is to be out of door of hospital within 2 minutes of call (95% of time) and on scene in less than 8 minutes (75% of time)

IGl Rotary Learns About LRH Emergency Room Activity Kathryn Fahy 2011-06-01 00:00:00Z 0

Dr. Leupold Speaks to Rotary May 18

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 17, 2011
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Dr. John Leupold spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary at its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 18. His topic was “Boomeritis” – a term he calls the joining of tendonitis, bursitis and arthritis in the Baby Boomer generation. Dr. Leupold is a Spirit Lake graduate who came back in 2006 to practice orthopedics here.  There are 78 million boomers in the United States and they are the first generation staying more active in later years. Statistics have shown that health club new memberships are up 135% and sports related injuries are the #2 reason now for visiting the doctor, right behind colds and the flu. Dr. Leupold spoke about the effects of aging – muscle fibers decrease in size and number, flexibility declines, endurance falls off and balance deteriorates. By the ages of 65-84, falls account for 87% of all fractures. Common injuries are sprains and strains, tendonitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, shoulder impingement, and plantar fasciitis.  Risk of these injuries can be decreased through prevention. Inactivity magnifies age-related changes, so fitness routines and exercise that focus on 4 key areas – cardio, strength, flexibility and balance should be done.

Dr. Leupold Speaks to Rotary May 18 Kathryn Fahy 2011-05-18 00:00:00Z 0
Cliff Hinderman Shares Oaxaca Street Children School Experiences with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-05-11 00:00:00Z 0

Group Study Exchange Team Visits from New Zealand

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 10, 2011
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was honored to host the Group Study Exchange team from New Zealand May 5-8, 2011. The team did a variety of things during their visit including a tour of the lakes area, the Fish Hatchery, Maritime Museum, Lakes Regional Hospital, Little Swan Lake Winery, Polaris, City of Spirit Lake, Lakeside Lab and day visits to both the Spencer and Estherville Rotary clubs.  Pictured above are: Rotarian Andrew Fisher, Team Member Cheryl Ford, Rotarian Kathy Fahy, Team Member Rachel Dodd, Team Member Cath Millar, Team Leader Jim Scott, and Team Member Steve Knight.

Group Study Exchange Team Visits from New Zealand Kathryn Fahy 2011-05-11 00:00:00Z 0

IGL Rotary Club Helps 6th Grade Students visit Science Center

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on May 03, 2011
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On May 4th Spirit Lake middle school teacher Mrs. Peg Rick along with a group of  sixth graders attended the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary meeting and gave a presentation of their recent field trip to the Science Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.  121 students as well as 13 chaperones were able to travel by chartered bus to learn more about a topic they've been studying which was Ancient World History, Egypt and King Tut.   At the Science Center they were also able to explore other educational interests and broaden their minds with hands on exploration!  When the students returned they were required to work in groups and design a power point presentation of their trip.  The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club donated $500 to help with their travel expenses.

Pictured left to right:  Andy Wahl, Hanna DeWild, Erin Block, Mrs. Rick, Dillon Reynolds, Lauren Laven, and IGL Rotary Club President Kathy Fahy.

IGL Rotary Club Helps 6th Grade Students visit Science Center Kathryn Fahy 2011-05-04 00:00:00Z 0

Rembrandt Foods Shares History and Company with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 26, 2011
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Dave Rettig, co-owner and President of Rembrandt Foods, spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, April 27 at the regular noon meeting. Dave shared the history of how the company was started and how it has grown to be one of the largest egg producers in the world. He answered many questions about the company, which is headquartered in Okoboji, and gave many factoids about eggs, such as:

·         In 1968, there were 28,000 egg producers with an average flock of 10,000 birds. In 1990, there were 500 egg producers with an average flock of 500,000 birds.

·         A hen can lay about 250-300 eggs per year.

·         One egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals for only 70 calories.

·         Today there are 60 egg-producing companies with one million birds and 12 companies with greater than five million layers in the U.S.

·         A hen must eat four pounds of feed to make a dozen eggs.

Rembrandt doesn’t sell eggs retail. They focus on egg products direct to food companies and pet food companies.

Rembrandt Foods Shares History and Company with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Welcomes New Member!

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 26, 2011
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Liz Sandy,was recently inducted into our Iowa Great Lakes Rotary membership. Liz's name was proposed by Aileen Schacherer. 

Liz Sandy was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, however spent the majority of her childhood in Ames, IA where she was raised a Cyclone! After graduating from Ames High School, she went on to receive her Bachelors degree from Iowa State University in Hotel, Restaurant, Institution Management. 

After college, Liz & her husband, Johnny Sandy, were married here at the lakes and moved to Minneapolis where Johnny finished law school and Liz worked for the Hyatt as an event planner. 

Johnny and Liz recently moved back to the Lakes at the end of last summer as Johnny joined the family law firm and the two could be closer to family. Liz decided to give up her career in the hospitality industry and found a career that fits her personality well and was also inspired by her grandmother.  Liz's grandma opened the first RE/MAX franchise in the state of Iowa 25 year ago, thus she chose to follow in her footsteps and has been with the local RE/MAX since last fall.

Congratulations to Liz as our newest member!

Rotary Welcomes New Member! Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

Program Chairs

Posted by Angie Peterson on Apr 25, 2011
May - Rosemary Sackett & Debbie Johnson
June - Andrew Fisher & Jason Carlstrom
July - Seth Vogel & Roger Kerndt
Program Chairs Angie Peterson 2011-04-26 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Send Wallpaper to Nicaragua

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 19, 2011
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Rotarians (with the help of local interior designers) are sending retired wallpaper sample books to Nicaragua. A group of students there are learning to make jewelry as a trade with the wallpaper. Pictured here are Rotarians Peter van der Linden, Kathy Fahy, Angie Peterson, Jason Carlstrom, Andrew Fisher and Dawn Heaton. Thank you to Aileen Schacherer for collecting all the paper!
Rotarians Send Wallpaper to Nicaragua Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-20 00:00:00Z 0

Four Local Rotarians Continue their Commitment to Service

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 12, 2011
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At the April 13th meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, four members were recognized for their ongoing commitment to service by receiving second and third Paul Harris Pins. Paul Harris is the founder of Rotary International and one pin signifies a $1,000 giving to Rotary International. Pictured l-r:  Jeff Knapp, +2 Paul Harris Fellow; Kathy Fahy +1 Paul Harris Fellow; Dan Stevens + 1 Paul Harris Fellow;  and Neal Christensen , +2 Paul Harris Fellow.  Congratulations!

Four Local Rotarians Continue their Commitment to Service Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarian Steve Alger is Kiwanis Car Drop Winner!

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 12, 2011
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Kiwanis Car drop winner! Congratulations to Steve Alger, this year's winner of the annual car drop contest sponsored by Spirit Lake Kiwanis and the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the Red Cross.  The car went into the lake on Sunday evening April 3rd at 6:12 P.M.

The picture was taken at a recent Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club meeting. Steve (a Rotarian) is pictured receiving his $1,000 check from members of Noon Kiwanis and the American Red Cross. Left to right:  Kathy Fahey, President of the IGL Rotary Club; Connie Lange Kiwanis  Karen Powell, Kiwanis;  Steve Alger; Jan Bortscheller, Kiwanis; and Bonnie Fokken representing both Kiwanis and the Red Cross.  Not present for the picture:  Executive Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Red Cross, Cindy Voss.

Rotarian Steve Alger is Kiwanis Car Drop Winner! Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

Heather Simington Speaks to Rotary April 13

Posted by Kathryn Fahy on Apr 12, 2011
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Heather Simington spoke to our IGL Rotary Club on April 13.  Heather teaches English to students in Myanmar Burma, a country in Southeast Asia the size of Texas.  Burma sits between India and Thailand.  Heather taught us about the difficulty of communicating with different cultures and how important culture and relationships are. Other interesting facts about the country are: Electricity is supplied only 4-6 hours every day.  The primary religion is Folk Buddhism. Nothing is on time (schedule) except for her class and church.

 

Heather will be returning  to Burma in August. Thanks to Heather (cousin of our own Brad Simington) for a very informative program!

Heather Simington Speaks to Rotary April 13 Kathryn Fahy 2011-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

UPPER DES MOINES AND COATS FOR KIDS

Posted by Carey Wilkens

Annette Eckert, center director with Upper Des Moines Opportunity will be our guest speaker Wednesday, October 1.  The agency's activities will be highlighted during her presentation.  If you wish to be involved with the winter wear distribution planned for October 4, plan on attending Wednesday's meeting to sign up to volunteer.

UPPER DES MOINES AND COATS FOR KIDS Carey Wilkens 0

Sept. 24th Program

Posted by Rachelle Fratzke

Coming soon – Be sure to mark September 24th on your calendar – Program originator, Chuck Skogerboe has an excellent program planned for the club.  Not a lot of details, but title for the program is: “A portrayal of Clara Barton”.

Sept. 24th Program Rachelle Fratzke 0
New Board of Directors for 2014/2015 Rachelle Fratzke 0
Dictionary Project Angie Peterson 0
IGL Rotary Inducts two new members Angie Peterson 0

Pancake Breakfast

Posted by Angie Peterson
Thanks to everyone for their help at the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.  Special thanks to Greg Richards for all your work in making this fundraiser possible!
Pancake Breakfast Angie Peterson 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Inducts New Members

Posted by Angie Peterson

 

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary inducted three new members at recent club meeting.  Reanne Etkin is the director of catering at Arrowwood Resort. Alicia Arends is the general manager at Arrowwood Resort.  Ron Barry transferred from his club in Forrest City and is retired from Winnebago Industries.  Pictured l-r:  IGL Rotary President Chris Tobey, Reanne Etkin, Alicia Arends, memberhship chair Paula Zenor, and Ron Barry.

Please welcome our newest members!

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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Inducts New Members Angie Peterson 0

Rotary Welcomes New Member

Posted by Angie Peterson
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is pleased to welcome a new member, Rachelle Fratzke to our membership.  Rachelle is the owner of Curves and also is the Performing Arts Director at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.  Rachelle and her husband, Randy, moved to the lakes area in 2003.

Congratulations Rachelle!

Rotary Welcomes New Member Angie Peterson 0

Rotary Club Youth Exchange Host Families Needed

Posted by Angie Peterson

 The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club is looking for families to host foreign exchange students for the 2012-2013 school year.  Families are asked to commit to hosting for 4-6 months as Rotary exchange students often live with multiple families during their exchange year. Exchange students are 15-18 years of age and attend a local high school.  These students come from all over the world. 

To be eligible, a family must:
1.      pass a background check
2.      go through a host family interview/host home inspection conducted by a Rotary volunteer
3.      be willing to open their homes and hearts to one of these amazing young people

 All types of families make great host families.  We have had much success with families with younger children, families with high school age children, and families without children living in the home.   The best host families include individuals who are excited to learn about another culture and share their culture with someone else.

 When a Rotary youth exchange student arrives, they not only have the support of a wonderful host family but they also have the support of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club.

 For more information please contact Chris Tobey at ctobey@hawkeyecare.com or 563-212-0718.  For more information about Rotary please visit www.rotary.org and for more information about the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club please visit www.iowagreatlakesrotary.org.

Rotary Club Youth Exchange Host Families Needed Angie Peterson 0

Program Chairs

Posted by Angie Peterson

March 7 - Lori Madsen
March 14 - Dennis Trei
March 21 - Andrew Fisher
March 28 - Dawn Heaton 

April 4 - Roger Kerndt
April 11 - Greg Richards
April 18 - Mary Kay Bates
April 25 - Chris Sorensen 

May 2 - Rosemary Sackett
May 9 - Debbie Johnson
May 16 - Seth Vogel
May 23 - Steve Lindeberg
May 30 - Donna Buell

On the week you are Program Chair, please line up a program of interest, give the introduction and invocation. 

Program Chairs Angie Peterson 0

LRH Speaks to Rotary About Volunteer Program

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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April is National Volunteer Week! In recognition of this, Lakes Regional Healthcare presented an informative program to our Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. Jennifer Gustafson, VP at LRHC spoke first telling us that they employ 270 but have over 100 volunteers. These volunteers work in different capacities including Pink Ladies, Hospice, Board Volunteers, and within the newly formed Foundation. Jennifer encouraged all of us to volunteer and made available the LRHC volunteers membership cards. Long time Volunteer Bev Berquist enlightened the club by sharing many stories and hospital volunteer details. (Bev also shared with us that there are many men volunteers in this capacity but they wear blue vests!) Bev began volunteering as a pink lady before the hospital started in 1959. In general, these volunteers help people get to where they need to go. Bev is the Chairman of the Messenger Service which picks up patients in their rooms, takes them to Xray and back. Other odd jobs may also be asked of them such as supplying the hospital's kitchenettes. Because of this task, she learned that there are eight kitchenettes within LRHC. Over the years, the Pink Ladies have held many fundraisers including Pink Balls, Pink Bazaars, ad Pink Fairs. These fundraisers help to aid in their service as well as scholarships to high school seniors and to staff members. "TeleCare" is another service which assures persons and family members that someone is checking on them. However, this service has declined since the rise in assisted living options in the area. Bev ended the program with a quote from Erma Bombeck: "Volunteers don't represent civilization.... they are civilization!" Thanks to Jennifer and Bev for a great Rotary Program.
LRH Speaks to Rotary About Volunteer Program Peggy Gustafson 0

Youthful Radiance Gives Rotary Program

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Kathy Thee of Youthful Radiance was the presentation at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary meeting on Wednesday, March 16. Kathy is a Laser Safety Officer and Owner of a new Laser Skin Clinic located in Spirit Lake. Youthful Radiances' goal is to help their clients project themselves positively to the world. "As we age, things affect our skin", stated Kathy. The clinic's many procedures can help to eliminate many aging skin conditions such as brown spots, wrinkles, acne scars, crows feet and more through photo rejuvenation, microdermabrasion fractional resurfacing, botox and other state regulated procedures. The NW Iowa Surgeons is a group of doctors which participate at her clinic. The state of Iowa Regulations is passing a set of standards soon to become law in order for clinics to run a laser to safeguard patients and assure quality procedures. Thanks to Kathy for this informative program.
Youthful Radiance Gives Rotary Program Peggy Gustafson 0
Dana Kauffman Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Dietary Needs and Food Labels are Topic at Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Beth Samuelson of Lakes Regional Healthcare presented a program at Rotary on Wednesday, March 2 on dietary needs and the proper reading of food labels. Beth is a Registered Dietician who stressed that labels can be misleading yet quite informative. When reading a food label, one should look at the serving size and compare it to the servings per container. The percent of daily values at bottom of label should be your guide to help you evaluate how a particular food fits into your daily meal plan. She also suggested searching for low-sodium foods and look for foods that are low in saturated fat and trans fats. Her presentation was followed up with a question and answer session. Thanks to Beth and the LRHC for the helpful program!
Dietary Needs and Food Labels are Topic at Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0

Humane Society is Program at Rotary 2/23

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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The Humane Society of Northwest Iowa was the program for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on February 23, 2011. Kate Whitrock, executive director of the Humane Society has been their director for six years and her passion is evident as she spoke to our club about the various services available to ourcommunity. "It is not just a pound," explained Whitrock. Services provided include Animal adoption and Surrender, Behavior Training, Paws with a Cause Elderly Care Facility Program, Youth Programs, Impound services, as well as Cremation. Covering a 6 county area, the Humane Society gets a small percentage of their budget covered by the state and depends a lot on donations and memberships. Kate encouraged everyone to visit their website at www.humanesocietyofnwia.com for great stories, videos, and testimonials. The shelter's slogan: Adopt...until none are left. Thanks to Kate Whitrock for an informative program!
Humane Society is Program at Rotary 2/23 Peggy Gustafson 0
Heimdal Gives Water Quality Program to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club Inducts New Member

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is excited to welcome Shauna Donovan as its most recent member. Shauna is from Estherville and went to Clarke University in Dubuque for her BA and ISU for her masters. She worked for CVS Caremark in Scottsdale, AZ and Dallas, TX as a sales trainer for the pharmaceutical inside sales department. She moved back to the Lakes area to be closer to family. Shauna is now a Business Programmer for ILCC. Sahuna and her husband Keith have two sons, Declan age 3 and Finn 9 months. Shauna was sponsored by Rotarian Kendra Hough. Congratulations to Shauna! Pictured are Kendra, Shauna, and Membership Chair Paula Zenor.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club Inducts New Member Peggy Gustafson 0

Dennis McDonald Talks Local Food with Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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The February 9 program at Iowa Great Lakes Rotary was presented by Spirit Lake Native Dennis McDonald on the benefits of eating and buying local food. Dennis compared local food with the current national food system. Three factors come into play with local food which includes environmental food safety, nutrition and health, and invigorating the local economy. 40% of fruits, 12% of vegetables, and 80% of our fish and shellfish consumed in the U.S are from other countries. The Lakes Regional Health Care partners with a group of area growers by providing a community garden. Other local emphasis from this group include selling to five area restaurants and the hospital; working with 4th graders in planting from seed to the fall harvest; local food sections in the future at area grocery stores; hoop houses to extend the growing season.

Dennis said that if half a percent of farmland in one county was designated for growing fruits and vegetables it could meet 25% of consumption in the entire state. Dennis' knowledge and expertise was evident as he shared interesting information with our club.
Dennis McDonald Talks Local Food with Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0

Dennis McDonald Talks Local Food with Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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The February 9 program at Iowa Great Lakes Rotary was presented by Spirit Lake Native Dennis McDonald on the benefits of eating and buying local food. Dennis compared local food with the current national food system. Three factors come into play with local food which includes environmental food safety, nutrition and health, and invigorating the local economy. 40% of fruits, 12% of vegetables, and 80% of our fish and shellfish consumed in the U.S are from other countries. The Lakes Regional Health Care partners with a group of area growers by providing a community garden. Other local emphasis from this group include selling to five area restaurants and the hospital; working with 4th graders in planting from seed to the fall harvest; local food sections in the future at area grocery stores; hoop houses to extend the growing season.

Dennis said that if half a percent of farmland in one county was designated for growing fruits and vegetables it could meet 25% of consumption in the entire state. Dennis' knowledge and expertise was evident as he shared interesting information with our club.
Dennis McDonald Talks Local Food with Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0
LRH Shares New Screen Service with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Welcomes Two New Members

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is excited to welcome Chris Sorenson and Jed Ellerbroek as its latest new members. They were both inducted into the club on Wednesday, February 2. Chris is a Business Banker at Northwest Bank in Okoboji and Jed is Vice President of Loans at Farmers Savings Bank in Milford. Welcome to both of our new members. Pictured are Sponsoring Rotarian Brad Simington, Jed Ellerbroek, Sponsoring Rotarian Angie Peterson, Chris Sorenson and Membership Chair Paula Zenor.
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Welcomes Two New Members Kathryn Fahy 0
DNR Shares Wetland Restoration with Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0
Rotarian Ron Newman Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Camp Foster to Celebrate 100th Anniversary Kathryn Fahy 0

LRH Gives Update to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Jason Harrington, CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare gave an update on the facility plan to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, January 5.
LRH Gives Update to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Abben Cancer Center Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Okoboji Foundation Shares Information with Rotary Angie Peterson 0

LRH Talks Surgical Services with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Robyn Paulsen, Surgical Services Manager at Lakes Regional Healthcare, spoke to Rotary about colonoscopies and surgical services changes during the noon meeting on Wednesday, December 1.
LRH Talks Surgical Services with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Chris Holck Shares China Experiences with Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Chris Holck shared his experiences teaching English in China with the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, November 17. Chris works with an organization called ELIC - English Language Instruction in China - which is based in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Chris Holck Shares China Experiences with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Congratulations Aileen on your PHF +1!

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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On Wednesday, Jeff Knapp, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Foundation Chair, presented Aileen Schacherer with her Paul Harris Plus One pin. Paul Harris Plus One signifies that Aileen has reached the milestone of giving her second $1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation. Congratulations Aileen!
Congratulations Aileen on your PHF +1! Kathryn Fahy 0

Lakes Regional Healthcare Presents to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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In the first of a series of programs, Lakes Regional Healthcare spoke to Rotary on Wednesday November 3. The new Physical Therapist was introduced, information about the upcoming 5K run was shared and a weight management program was discussed.
Lakes Regional Healthcare Presents to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Spirit Lake Schools Update Given to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Dr. David Smith, superintendent of Spirit Lake schools, spoke to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary at their regular noon meeting on Wednesday, October 27. David shared an overview of what the school has been doing with budgeting, facilities, 1 to 1 Initiative, teaching and learning, student achievement and activities.
Spirit Lake Schools Update Given to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

IGL Rotary Club Distributes Dictionaries

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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This past week members of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club handed out dictionaries to every third grader in Dickinson County. This is an annual service project of the Rotary Club through The Dictionary Project. The goal of this program is to assist all students in completing the school year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come.Reading is the most important skill of all. It is the starting point for all the economic and social opportunities this world has to offer. Educators see third grade as the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn.
IGL Rotary Club Distributes Dictionaries Kathryn Fahy 0

South Africa was Rotary topic October 20th

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Dr. Ernst van der Walt thinks of himself as a "Man for the underdog". From South Africa, van der Walt spoke to our Rotary Club about the hardships of poverty stricken people of South Africa and ways to escape from poverty to the next level through talent, training, and a learned skill. Dr. van der Walt stated that unemployment in South Africa is 59.4% and 42.9% live on less than $2 a day. The village of Genadendal, meaning the Valley of Grace is where The Kraal Gallery begins training women to weave high quality tapestries, rugs and bags. Hand weaving at its best, inspired by the warm spirt of African life, the weavers become proud breadwinners able to support their family. The products are marketed in Krall Galleries located throughout South Africa as well as on line at thekrallgallery.co.za.

Also pictured are two Rotarians from Cedar Rapids who joined Dr. van der Walt on his visit with us. They are displaying an original, hand woven, Krall Gallery tapestry.
South Africa was Rotary topic October 20th Peggy Gustafson 0
Okoboji Improv Students Entertain Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Linda Bisgaard Speaks to Rotary About Bullying

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Linda Bisgaard, the Director of Collaboration and Advocacy for the Girl Scouts of Iowa, spoke to Rotary during its regular noon meeting on Wednesday, September 22. She spoke about the issues of bullying and relational aggression in young girls.
Linda Bisgaard Speaks to Rotary About Bullying Kathryn Fahy 0

Jerry & Norma Schmitz Honors as Paul Harris +1

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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On Wednesday, Jeff Knapp, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Foundation Chair, presented Jerry and Norma Schmitz with their Paul Harris Plus One pins. Paul Harris Plus One signifies that Jerry and Norma have each given their second $1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation. Congratulations Jerry and Norma!
Jerry & Norma Schmitz Honors as Paul Harris +1 Kathryn Fahy 0

Okoboji Schools Discuss Character Counts

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Okoboji School administration attended Rotary and shared how the school has implemented Character Counts into its daily routine at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary noon meeting on Wednesday, September 8.
Okoboji Schools Discuss Character Counts Kathryn Fahy 0

Emily Dalen and Group Cares Speaks to Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Emily Dalen, coordinator of 37 youth at First Lutheran Church with Group Cares, spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on September 1. The group, who participates in service projects annually, spent a week of hope in Denver, Colorado, this year.
Emily Dalen and Group Cares Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Jim Ladegaard Shares Raebel Murder Story

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Jim Ladegaard shared the Raebel murder story from 1944 with the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary during its regular meeting on Wednesday, August 25. Jim, interested in local history, researched the murder of Rob and Esther Raebel in 1944. The Raebels owened and operated Raebel's Resort on West Lake Okoboji at the time, located where the Landings is now. Phillip and Henry Heincy were captured and convicted and eventually hung in Dickinson County for the murders, the only hanging known to have happened in the county. More information can be found on the murders at the Spirit Lake Library.
Jim Ladegaard Shares Raebel Murder Story Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Queen Excursion on September 15

Posted by Angie Peterson
All Rotarians, spouses, and guests are welcome to attend the Rotary Queen II Excursion on Wednesday, September 15.  5:30 social, arrive at your leisure, 6:30 the Queen will leave the Arnolds Park Pier on West Lake Okoboji.  Cost is $15/individual or $25/couple.  Appetizers provided and cash bar.  Please RSVP to Angie Peterson at apeterson@Bank-Northwest.com or Judy Haviland at jahaviland@earthlink.net.  There will NOT be a Rotary noon meeting on Sept 15.
Rotary Queen Excursion on September 15 Angie Peterson 0

District Governor Roger Kueter Visits Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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District Governor Roger Kueter visited a special evening meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club on August 18. Roger spoke to the group about the 2010-2011 Rotary theme - Building Communities, Bridging Continents. He congratulated Haley Smith on her upcoming youth exchange to Italy and also spoke about the importance of being an involved Rotarian. Roger also gave away two tickets to an upcoming performance at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Theatre at Uni - Andrew Fisher's fiance was the winner!
District Governor Roger Kueter Visits Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Ted Van Bruggen Shares Prairie Knowledge

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Ted Ven Bruggen, former chair of Biology at the University of South Dakota, shared some of his vast knowledge of the prairie and plants of our area with Rotary at the Wednesday, August 11 meeting.
Ted Van Bruggen Shares Prairie Knowledge Kathryn Fahy 0

August 18 Rotary to be Held at 6 pm!

Posted by Angie Peterson
REMINDER: The August 18 meeting will be held at 6 pm at Arrowwood instead of the noon meeting. District Governor Roger Kueter will be our guest and is excited to share his message about Rotary to all Rotarians that evening. Spouses are invited to attend. Please plan to attend!
August 18 Rotary to be Held at 6 pm! Angie Peterson 0

Rotary Pancake Breakfast to be Held August 29

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary will hold its annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Sunday, August 29 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Dickinson County Expo Center. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children age 4-10 and free for children under 4, and are available from any Rotarian. Proceeds will be used for area student scholarships.
Rotary Pancake Breakfast to be Held August 29 Kathryn Fahy 0

ILCC Shares Update and Info on Tax Levy

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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John Rahn and Val Newhouse from Iowa Lakes Community College spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, August 4 about enrollment, class offerings and the upcoming Plant Fund Property Tax Levy.
ILCC Shares Update and Info on Tax Levy Kathryn Fahy 0
Norm Johnson Shares YMCA News with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Rosemary Sackett Honored as Paul Harris Fellow Kathryn Fahy 0

Jason Carlstrom Honored as Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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On July 14, Jeff Knapp, Chairman of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Foundation presented Jason Carlstrom to the Club as the newest Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club has 38 of its members as Paul Harris Fellows as well as some Paul Harris "plus" fellows.
Jason Carlstrom Honored as Paul Harris Fellow Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Announces New Officers

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Kathy Fahy, President of Iowa Great Lakes Rotary for 2010-2011, introduced the new IGL Rotary Board Members during the regular meeting July 14. Peter van der Linden will be the President Elect. The rest of the board members are: Jason Carlstrom, Past President; David Kerr, Treasurer; Judy Haviland, Secretary; Dawn Heaton, Sargeant of Arms; Angie Pederson, Club Service; Anthony Galbraith, Community Service; Jeff Knapp, Foundation; Paula Zenor, Membership; Andrew Fisher, International Service; Bylaws, Chuck Skogerboe; Greg Richards, Fundraising; and Carey Wilkens, Publicity.
Rotary Announces New Officers Kathryn Fahy 0
Erik Rowley Shares Mexico Trip with Rotary July 7 Kathryn Fahy 0
Frank Sackett Speaks to Rotary June 30 Kathryn Fahy 0

Iowa Great Lakes Hosts District Golf Tourney

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary hosted the District Golf Tournament on Friday, June 4 at Emerald Hills Golf Club in Okoboji. Although the turnout was small with seven teams, great fun was had by everyone on a gorgeous sunny day. For photos of all the teams and tournament winners, go to the District Golf page and the photo gallery on the Iowa Great Lakes website.
Iowa Great Lakes Hosts District Golf Tourney Kathryn Fahy 0

Steve Alger and Jeremy Helmers Inducted

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is excited to welcome Steve Alger and Jeremy Helmers as its latest new members. They were both inducted into the club on Wednesday, May 26. Steve is the Chief Financial Officer at Lakes Regional Healthcare and Jeremy is an Insurance Representative at Bank Midwest. Welcome to both of our new members. Pictured are Rotarians Dave Rowley, Jeremy Helmers, Steve Alger, Rotarian Paula Zenor and President Jason Carlstrom.
Steve Alger and Jeremy Helmers Inducted Kathryn Fahy 0
Heather Simington Speaks to Rotary June 23 Kathryn Fahy 0

Membership Mixer

Posted by Angie Peterson

 MEMBERSHIP MIXER

 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. on June 16th at Minerva's.

 Note Change:  There will NOT be a noon meeting on June 16.

Bring a potential member for an hour of socializing.  Dave Rowley will be providing music and Jason Carlstrom will give a brief talk about Iowa Great Lakes Rotary.  There will be appetizers, beverages, and a cash bar.   (There will not be an extra charge for your guest for the appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.)

 

Please bring someone who might be interested in community or international service and would like to become an active member of our club.  If you can not think of anyone to invite, join us for an hour of fun! 


Membership Mixer Angie Peterson 0

Shelby Duis Park Cleanup Held May 27

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary held their annual spring cleanup of Shelby Duis park on Thursday, May 27.

Rotarians trimmed shurbs, pulled weeds, raked grass and sand and did general clean-up. It was much needed and now looks really nice. Additional photos are included in the photo section of the website. Thank you to Peter van der Linden, Mary Mulder, Jason Carlstrom, Dave Rowley, Tom Fuhrman, Anthony Galbraith, Marv Logan, Brad Simington, Deb Lenz and Kathy Fahy. Thanks also to Jason and Dave also for supplying refreshments for the crew.

Shelby Duis park is located in Elinor Bedell State Park. The playground equipment was donated and constructed by Iowa Great Lakes Rotary some years ago so it is with pride that our club helps to keep the area clean each year.
Shelby Duis Park Cleanup Held May 27 Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Awards Six $750 Scholarships

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is proud to announce it has awarded six area high school seniors with $750 scholarships. Three were given to Okoboji students and three were awarded to Spirit Lake students.
Rotary Awards Six $750 Scholarships Kathryn Fahy 0
Rotary Gets Mini-Wakan Project Update Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotarians Plant Tree in Memory of Carrie Carlstrom

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Rotarians came together to plant a tree in memory of Carrie Carlstrom on Tuesday, May 18. Carrie was the wife of Club President Jason Carlstrom. Rotarians present included: Deb Johnson, Paula Zenor, Ron Knudtson, Greg Richards, Judy Haviland, Peter van der Linden, Deb Lenz, Jerry Turner, Marv Logan, Angie Peterson and Jason Carlstrom. More photos of the event can be seen in the photo section of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary website.
Rotarians Plant Tree in Memory of Carrie Carlstrom Kathryn Fahy 0

ILCC Soccer Program

Posted by Angie Peterson

Kevin Farley, Head Soccer Coach for Iowa Lakes Community College, spoke to Rotary on Wednesday, May 12.

The Iowa Lakes Soccer Program began their Men's inaugural season in 2009 and it was a great success, with a 9-10 record.  The Women's team is now geared up to start their first season in fall of 2010.   This program is stationed in Spencer and offers excellent facilities including a brand new grass field, 500 seats, and a professional announcer at every game.

At ILCC, they believe in hard work on and off the field.  Giving their athletes the tools they need to be successful within the classroom is something they take pride in. 

Farley has approx 35 men and 25 women joining the team for the '10 season.  These students are from all over the world, including England, Brazil, Maryland, Texas and Alaska.  They also do a lot of local recruiting.  Elizabeth Hoover, a '10 Spirit Lake grad, signed her letter of intent to play with ILCC at our meeting on Wednesday.

 

ILCC Soccer Program Angie Peterson 0
Black Hills Energy Shares Efficiency Tips Peggy Gustafson 0

May 6 Meeting to be Held at Camp Foster

Posted by Kathryn Fahy

The May 5th regular meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club will be held at Camp Foster. Andrew Fisher is the co-program chair and has shared that Norm and Josh at Camp Foster are excited to host us. See you at Camp Foster on May 5!

Directions: Please turn at the Camp Foster sign on the east side of East Lake.  Follow the road all the way down to the camp office where you can start parking.  We will be meeting in the Dining Hall which is large building located on the way to the water front. 

May 6 Meeting to be Held at Camp Foster Kathryn Fahy 0

Spirit Lake Jazz Band Performs

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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The Spirit Lake Jazz Band performed under the direction of Jody Ingwersen for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on Wednesday, April 21. The group performed three numbers that were recently played in competition.
Spirit Lake Jazz Band Performs Kathryn Fahy 0

Boy Scouts of America Present Program

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Wednesday, April 14, the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club was proud to have representatives from the Boy Scouts of America presenting their program. Kerry Schmidt of the Mid America Council For Boy Scouts, Thundercloud, is based out of Omaha, Nebraska serving a 12 county area. Kerry is their Senior District Executive for six of the counties. Gary Zeman of Spirt Lake is the Scoutmaster for Troop 168. Gary has been in scouting since 1966 and has been with Troop 168 for 33 years.
Boy Scouts of America Present Program Peggy Gustafson 0
Alliant Energy Presents Program to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

And the Alaska Cruise Winner is...

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club extends a hearty congratulations to Kenny McKeen of Spirit Lake!! Kenny was the lucky winner for a 7 Day Alaskan Cruise - inside passage. The trip for two includes airfare, inside accommodations, taxes and tips. Proceeds for the Rotary Raffle go towards local service works as well as high school scholarships. Pictured is Fundraising Chair Greg Richards, Kenny McKeen, and Rotarian Denny Trei who sold the winning ticket!
And the Alaska Cruise Winner is... Peggy Gustafson 0
Lakes Area Rescue Rope Team Speaks at Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

IGL Rotary Club Community Achievement Award

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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On Wednesday, March 17 Rotarian Marv Logan honored the late Mike Stineman for his many years of service with the Community Achievement Award. The club recognizes Rotarians that had dedicated much of their lives to the works of Rotary. A check for $500 was given to the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Mike's honor for their pre school art education program.
IGL Rotary Club Community Achievement Award Peggy Gustafson 0
Rotary Hears Multipurpose Ice Arena Presentation Kathryn Fahy 0

DNR Shares Shallow Lake Mgmt with Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Jon Christensen from the Department of Natural Resources spoke Wednesday, March 10, to the Rotary Club about Shallow Lake Management. He spoke of the natural and man made causes that change lake levels. There are fewer and fewer shallow lakes every year. A shallow lake is one that is less than ten feet deep. A High Nutrient Lake will be populated with Rough Fish while a Clear Water Lake will have more fish for Anglers such as Perch, Pike, and Walleye.
DNR Shares Shallow Lake Mgmt with Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0
LRH Speaks to Rotary About Paramedic Service Kathryn Fahy 0

LRHC Dietician Speaks to Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Nutrition is a crucial part of anyones overall health and Wednesday's presenter guided Rotarians with what can help or hinder health based on what we eat. Beth Samuelson, is a registered dietitian at Lakes Regional Healthcare, where she assesses the nutritional needs of patients as well as provides nutritional consultations to people on an outpatient basis. Beth discussed heart health, as heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women, more than all cancers combined. Beth stressed the importance of eating 8 servings of Fruits and Vegetables every day. She also shared facts about heart disease, risk factors, protective factors and much more!
LRHC Dietician Speaks to Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0
Sioux Falls Rotarians Share Wheelchair Experience Kathryn Fahy 0

Carey Wilkens and Kendra Hough Inducted 2/10

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Congratulations to Carey Wilkens and Kendra Hough, two of our newest Rotary member who were inducted into the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club this week. Kendra works at Iowa Lakes Community College and Carey works with his wife at Secure Benefits. We are pleased to have them be a part of our club! Pictured l-r are President Jason Carlstrom, Carey Wilkens, Kendra Hough, and Membership Chair Paula Zenor.
Carey Wilkens and Kendra Hough Inducted 2/10 Kathryn Fahy 0

Lori Madsen Inducted into Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Membership Chair, Paula Zenor presented Lori Madsen as the the newest inductee to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. Pictured is Lori's sponsor Deb Lenz, Membership Chair Paula Zenor and Lori Madsen. Lori is the General Manager of Twetten's Interiors at Spirit Lake. Welcome Lori!
Lori Madsen Inducted into Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0

Joan Benz Presents Alaska Cruise Details to Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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The program Wednesday, February 3, was presented by Joan Benz of Sunset Travel Agency of Milford. Joan, a former IGL Rotarian spoke to Rotary about their raffle/ fundraiser of an Alaskan Cruise along the inside passage! The 7 day cruise will leave out of Seattle and stop at Catchacan, Juno, and Skagway. From totem poles and rainforests, to the State Capital and an old Pioneer Railroad town, Joan informed us of the many experiences along the way! During the meeting, President Jason Carlstrom also read a letter from snowbird member Jack Harms sending his regards to us from Arizona.
Joan Benz Presents Alaska Cruise Details to Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0

IGL Rotary Kicks Off Raffle for an Alaskan Cruise

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
One of the biggest fundraisers kicked off this past week for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. Every winter the club raffles off a trip and this is their first year offering a 7 Day Alaskan Cruise. The trip for two includes airfare, inside accommodations, taxes and tips on an amazing Alaskan inside passage for August 2010.
IGL Rotary Kicks Off Raffle for an Alaskan Cruise Peggy Gustafson 0
SLHS Principal Speaks to Rotary 1/27 about PPEL Kathryn Fahy 0

Message from District Governor Gerald Retzlaff

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
Fellow Rotarians, We are all aware of the major disaster that has hit Haiti. Your Board of Directors had been asked if Rotary was doing anything and we have been looking at various options and have come up with the following response for members and clubs.
Message from District Governor Gerald Retzlaff Kathryn Fahy 0
Norm Johnson from YMCA Speaks to Rotary 1/13 Kathryn Fahy 0

Neil Christensen Receives Paul Harris Plus One

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
Rotarian Neil Christensen was recently honored with a Paul Harris Fellow Plus One for his continued commitment and support to Rotary. Iowa Great Lakes Rotarian and Foundation chair Jeff Knapp presented Neil with the honor at the January 13th Rotary meeting.
Neil Christensen Receives Paul Harris Plus One Kathryn Fahy 0

Weather is Topic of January 6 Rotary

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Weather was the topic - both inside and outside - of the regular Wednesday noon meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club. Steve Schwaller presented the program about winter weather as it started to snow again.
Weather is Topic of January 6 Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Former Scholarship Recipient Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Pure Fishing is Topic at Rotary 12/16

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Jeff Vierkant, Vice President of Manufacturing at Pure Fishing, was the program at the regualr noon meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on Wednesday, December 16.
Pure Fishing is Topic at Rotary 12/16 Kathryn Fahy 0

ILCC Madrigal Performs for Rotary 11/25

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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ILCC Madrigal entertained the joint Thanksgiving meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary and Kiwanis at Arrowwood Resort on Wednesday, November 25.
ILCC Madrigal Performs for Rotary 11/25 Kathryn Fahy 0
Trails is Topic of 11/18 Rotary Meeting Angie Peterson 0
Honor Flight is Topic of Veterans Day Meeting Angie Peterson 0

Rotary Gives Dictionaries to SL 3rd Grade

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club continued their annual Dictionary Project by distributing dictionaries on Monday to the Spirit Lake third graders! Anthony Galbraith and Kathy Fahy are pictured here with Ms. Aneweer's 3rd Grade class.
Rotary Gives Dictionaries to SL 3rd Grade Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Gives Dictionaries to Okoboji 3rd Graders

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Recently the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club began their Kickoff to the Dictionary Project that Rotary Clubs throughout the United States participate in.  The program began locally in 2005 and  hands out dictionaries to every third grader in Dickinson County. They began distributing the dictionaries on Friday to the Okoboji third graders!
Rotary Gives Dictionaries to Okoboji 3rd Graders Peggy Gustafson 0

Iowa Hospice Speaks to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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This November 4th program at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club's meeting was Kathy Fueston of Iowa Hospice.  Kathy spoke about the different services they provide and how there is a need for several hospice's in our area.  Some of their services include Medical care, respite services, emotional and spiritual support, among others. She also shared the benefits of Massage therapy and Music therapy to a hospice patient. 
Iowa Hospice Speaks to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Peggy Gustafson 0
Rotary International Foundation was Program 10/28 Kathryn Fahy 0
LRH Educates Rotary on Breast Cancer Awareness Kathryn Fahy 0

Dave Kerr Honored at Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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On Oct. 14, Jeff Knapp, Chairman of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Foundation presented Dave Kerr to the Club as the newest Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club has 32 of its members as Paul Harris Fellows as well as some Paul Harris "plus" fellows.

Dave Kerr Honored at Paul Harris Fellow Peggy Gustafson 0

Crop Production Topic at Rotary October 14

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Pictured is Gregg Schmitz, with Crop Production Services speaking to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club this past Wednesday, October 14.  Gregg's program focused on yield potential, productivity and protecting the environment.   Gregg shared with Rotary that by the year 2030 corn is expected to yield an average of 300 bushels per acre and soybeans will yield 100 bushels per acre.  Currently in NW Iowa, yields are approximately 170 for corn and 52 for soybeans per acre.
Crop Production Topic at Rotary October 14 Peggy Gustafson 0

Rod Roberts Speaks to Rotary 10/7

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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On October 7 at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club meeting Iowa Legislator Rod Roberts of Carroll, Iowa spoke to the club on "What's Life Like as a Legislator?"  January through April of every year the Des Moines Capital is buzzing with "citizen legislators" working on behalf of Iowa Citizens.  Most bills are presented to assigned or standing committees or sub committees to be decided if they are worthy of consideration.  About 15% are passed into law. 
Rod Roberts Speaks to Rotary 10/7 Peggy Gustafson 0

Rotary Spruces up Shelby's Playground

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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On Wednesday, September 30th, members of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club pitched in for some fall clean up at Shelby's Playground located at Elinor Bedell State Park on the east side of East Lake Okoboji. The event takes place annually for local Rotarians to keep the playground that they built in memory of a little girl looking its best. Stopping for a "photo op" are Aileen Schacherer, Jason Carlstrom, and Anthony Galbraith.
Rotary Spruces up Shelby's Playground Peggy Gustafson 0
Jason Harrington Speaks to Rotary 9/30 Peggy Gustafson 0
Jason Carlstrom Shares RI Convention Experience Kathryn Fahy 0
Jen Johnson Speaks to Rotary September 16 Angie Peterson 0

Rotary Honors Two Paul Harris Fellows!

Posted by Peggy Gustafson
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Recently at an Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Meeting two Rotarians were honored with a Paul Harris Fellow Plus One for their generous contributions through Rotary. Orville Berg and Jeff Knapp have each obtained a "Plus One" status through their continued commitment and support. 
Rotary Honors Two Paul Harris Fellows! Peggy Gustafson 0

Rotary Honors John Furman with Award

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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On Wednesday, August 26, Rotarian Marv Logan honored the late John Furman with the Iowa Great Lakes Community Service Award. John's daughters Ann Esse and Betsey Furman accepted the honor on behalf of their father. A check in the amount of $500 was also presented to Friends of the Lakeside Lab in John's memory from Rotary.
Rotary Honors John Furman with Award Kathryn Fahy 0
Stephanie Fisk Share World Experience with Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
Alan Blum Talks about Red Rock to Rotary August 12 Kathryn Fahy 0
District Governor Gerald Retzlaff Speaks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Tours Rock and Roll Museum July 15

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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The Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association hosted the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, July 15. Becky Peters shared information about the museum during lunch before Rotarians took a tour.
Rotary Tours Rock and Roll Museum July 15 Kathryn Fahy 0

Iowa Navy Commodores Speak to Rotary July 8

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Ann Ditsworth and the Iowa Navy Commodores spoke to Rotary at Elinor Bedell State Park on Wednesday, July 8. Eight Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians were also inducted into the Iowa Navy during the program.
Iowa Navy Commodores Speak to Rotary July 8 Kathryn Fahy 0

Beth Leonard from OST at Rotary July 1

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Beth Leonard from the Okoboji Summer Theatre spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, July 1. Beth entertained the group with interesting facts about the Okobojii Summer Theatre and its upcoming performances this summer.
Beth Leonard from OST at Rotary July 1 Kathryn Fahy 0

Jan Ridenour Speaks to Rotary June 23

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Jan Ridenour with Kinship spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, June 23. She shared what kinship was and also accepted a donation from the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club from Past President Steve Lindeberg.
Jan Ridenour Speaks to Rotary June 23 Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Sponsors Relay for Life Team

Posted by Kathryn Fahy
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Once again this year, Iowa Great Lakes Rotary is excited to be a corporate sponsor of the Relay for Life. Shown in the photo is Di Lorenzen (Relay for Life Chair and Rotarian) accepting the donation from President Debbie Johnson.
Rotary Sponsors Relay for Life Team Kathryn Fahy 0

Ambassador Scholars Speak to Rotary June 17

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Outgoing Ambassadorial Scholars Laura Edwards and Maggie Luce spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary at their regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, June 17. Both students are from Waterloo and will be travelling overseas this fall through the program.
Ambassador Scholars Speak to Rotary June 17 Kathryn Fahy 0

Jane Lieb Presents to Rotary June 10

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Jane Lieb, a member of both the Bluewater Garden Club and the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation, spoke to the regular noon meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary on Wednesday, June 10.
Jane Lieb Presents to Rotary June 10 Kathryn Fahy 0

Foundation Points Awarded to Rotarians

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Surplus Foundation points that needed to be used by the end of June were awarded to various Iowa Great Lakes Rotarians on May 20, 2009. Dave Kerr was the recipient of 365 points for his tireless efforts as both the Club Treasurer and as an advocate of Rotary.
Foundation Points Awarded to Rotarians Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Welcomes Dan Stevens to Club!

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On June 3, Membership Chair Paul Zenor and the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary welcomed Dan Stevens as a new member. Dan has been a long time Rotarian and transferred his membership into the club. Dan and his wife, Bette, live in Arnolds Park.  He is a retired CEO of a bank.  He enjoys golf, flying, reading, boating, hunting, and skiing. 

Welcome to the club, Dan!

Rotary Welcomes Dan Stevens to Club! Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Welcomes New Members!

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Rotary welcomes new members Mark Stevens and Charles Weist Jr. to the club May 27th. Paul Zenor, Membership Chair, performed the induction ceremony in front of the noon lunch group.

Mark Stevens was born and raised in Kansas City.  He attended ISU and received MPA from Drake University.  He worked for Polk County for 31 years.  He has a wife, Cynthia, and two grown children.  Mark and his family were frequent visitors to the Lakes Area for 20 years before moving here.  He started as Spirit Lake City Administrator in January 2007.  Mark's sponsor is Peggy Gustafson.

Charles Wiest Jr. was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.  His wife, Jane was born and raised in Sioux City.  She is the retreat coordinator at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp.  Charles received an MBA from University of Texas and J.D. University of Maryland School of Law.  He was a member of the Air Force as a Judge Advocate for 27 years.  He has worked in St Louis Missouri in solo practice, concentrating in labor and employment law and is presently obtaining his Iowa law license.  His interests include photography, cooking, water sports, reading and movies.  Charles' sponsor is Dick Wolfe.

Welcome to the club, Mark & Charles!

Rotary Welcomes New Members! Kathryn Fahy 0

Teresa Oppheim Speaks to Rotary June 3

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Teresa Oppheim, Director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, spoke to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club on Wednesday, June 3. Teresa shared information about PFI and its 700 family members, three-fourths of which are Iowa farmers.
Teresa Oppheim Speaks to Rotary June 3 Kathryn Fahy 0

Kerry Schmidt Speaks to Rotary May 27th

Posted by Angie Peterson
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Kerry Schmidt with Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Thundercloud District spoke to the Rotary noon lunch group on May 27. She spoke about the organization and its upcoming 100 year anniversary in February of 2010.
Kerry Schmidt Speaks to Rotary May 27th Angie Peterson 0
Father Carl Mann and Mike Meers Speak to Rotary Angie Peterson 0

Jack Hardie Leads Pledge of Allegiance Effort

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Rotarian Jack Hardie spearheaded an effort in getting all ten city councils, four school boards and the Board of Supervisors in Dickinson County to start all meetings with a recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Jack Hardie Leads Pledge of Allegiance Effort Kathryn Fahy 0
Chuck Skogerboe Led May 6 Program at Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Richard Hildebrand Speaks to Rotary April 29th

Posted by Angie Peterson
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Richard Hildebrand with Habitat for Humanity addressed the noon Rotary meeting on April 29 at Arrowwood Resort. Richard gave a very informative program on the Habitat for Humanity program and the "behind-the-scenes" happenings that makes it all successful.
Richard Hildebrand Speaks to Rotary April 29th Angie Peterson 0

Local Bird Expert Lee Schoenewe Talks to Rotary

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Local bird expert Lee Schoenewe spoke to the regular noon Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club on April 22, 2009. He shared his love of birding with the group and also shared interesting tidbits about local birds and their habits.
Local Bird Expert Lee Schoenewe Talks to Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0
District Golf Tournament in Okoboji June 4! Kathryn Fahy 0

Rotary Welcomes Gerry Giddings as Member!

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Welcome to Verlyn "Gerry" Giddings as one of our newest Iowa Great Lakes Rotary members! Gerry was previously an IGL Rotarian and has rejoined our club after having lived outside of the area. He is retired form the communications field. Gerry has three adult children and enjoys flyng and travelling!
Rotary Welcomes Gerry Giddings as Member! Kathryn Fahy 0

Identity Theft was Topic of April 15 Rotary Lunch

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Molly Sorensen, personal banker of Northwest Bank, Okoboji branch office, gave an infomative Identity theft presentation to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club April 15. She spoke of ways to recognize and prevent Identity Theft from happening. Molly (left) is pictured with Club Service Director for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club, Angie Peterson. Angie also works at Northwest Bank as a Retail Loan Originator.
Identity Theft was Topic of April 15 Rotary Lunch Kathryn Fahy 0

Scott Pyle from HAPI Speaks to Rotary April 8

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Scott Pyle, General Manager of Historic Arnolds Park, was the program at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary regular noon meeting on April 8. Scott shared both historical information and details about recent and upcoming projects that HAPI is undertaking.
Scott Pyle from HAPI Speaks to Rotary April 8 Kathryn Fahy 0

Iowa Great Lakes Rotary to host Golf Tournament

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Iowa Great Lakes Rotary will host the 2009 Rotary International District 5970 Golf Tournament at Emerald Hills Golf Club on Friday, June 12. The event will begin with lunch and a shotgun start at noon and is open to all Rotarians from throughout the district. More details coming soon!
Iowa Great Lakes Rotary to host Golf Tournament Kathryn Fahy 0

Get to Know Your Rotarian Held April 1

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The April 1 program at the regular noon meeting of the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club featured speakers from within the club. Rotarian Sara Frerichs started the unexpected program out by sharing a little about herself and then passed a card on to another unsuspecting Rotarian.

Get to Know Your Rotarian Held April 1 Kathryn Fahy 0

Chamber and Tourism Update Given March 25th

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Stacy Rosemore, Tourism Director, and Erin Roe, Chamber Program Director, shared an update at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary noon meeting held March 25. They also shared information about the 27th Annual Easter Seals Walleye Weekend to be held  May 2-3.

Chamber and Tourism Update Given March 25th Kathryn Fahy 0

Spirit Lake Jazz Band Performs for Rotary

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The Spirit Lake Jazz Band performed for the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary at their regular noon meeting on Wednesday, March 18. The group performed four numbers under the direction of Jody Ingwersen.

Spirit Lake Jazz Band Performs for Rotary Kathryn Fahy 0

Tom Wiley Speaks to Rotary March 11

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Tom Wiley spoke about S.T.E.M.M. to the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary club at noon on Wednesday, March 11. Tom shared stories and a video about his trips to Tanzania with the group.
Tom Wiley Speaks to Rotary March 11 Kathryn Fahy 0