July 29, 2009
Lonna Powers, director of the Little Husky Day Care, spoke to Rotary about the services offered to parents and children. The Early Childhood center is a unique school where parents have the option to enroll their children as infants and have them remain in the same facility until they complete kindergarten. The play area for the youngest children has recently been updated along with updates to the interior of the center. Children are provided with a coordinated learning plan that begins with infancy and merges into the kindergarten curriculum.
Speaker Kelly Meyer from the New Melleray Abbey in Dubuque was introduced by Rotarian Gene Fuelling. Kelly spoke of the history of the Abby and of the work the monks and lay people. The monks at the Melleray Abby are well-known for their hand crafted caskets.
April 6
Rotarian Curt Solsma spoke to the group about the current financial situation in the U.S. The stock market trends over the past century show bull and bear markets come and go with the market continuing the upward trend over the decades.
Dr. Alan Walker, UIU
April 20, 2009
Steve Sanders
Jessica Granberg was introduced by her father, Todd Granberg. Jessica is a UNI student majoring in social work and spoke on the topic of Integrating the Mentally Challenged into the workplace.
Rotarian Todd Grandberg introduced Oelwein Community High School Instrumental Music Director and former OCHS graduate David Pepin. Pepin spoke of how proud he is of the progress the students have made this year and told of some of the plans they have for future events. Welcome back to Oelwein! We're glad you're here.
Dr. Keith Valesch – railroad presentation
Oelwein Middle School Principal, John Amick, spoke of the changes that have been implemented at the Middle School. Even though there are a fewer number of students enrolled than ten years ago, classroom space needs have grown, due in part to the need for computer labs and classrooms for special needs students. The AEA offices are also housed at the Middle School.
March 2
Brian Batterson introduced Todd Grandberg who spoke to the Rotarians about the work of the Oelwein Booster Club.
March 9
Service Above Self in Costa Rica
Megan Nelson was introduced by Rotarian Brian Batterson at the March 9 meeting. Megan spoke of her experiences in Costa Rica as the District's Ambassadorial Scholar . She was in Costa Rica for the duration of her scholarship year.
Rotarian Matt Vogel courageously volunteered to be tasered by Police Officer Chet Reagen. Matt was unhurt, thanks in part to the suppport provided by Rotarians Kent Nelson and Don Frazer, but reported he didn't want to do that again!
Rotarian Jim Patera introduced Goodwill Associate Program Manager Dick Arndt. Arndt spoke of the changes in the Goodwill program that have been implemented this year and how they have affected the Oelwein clients. Workers are trained and then placed in local businesses. Arndt spoke highly of the trainees saying these are workers who are dependable, reliable, and want to work.
Oelwein School Superintendent Jim Patera spoke to the Rotary about the challenges facing schools in the current economic situation. Oelwein is in good financial shape, but must make some staff reductions where necessary in order to maintain that strong position. Patera said the goal is to keep the strong educational program while meeting fiscal challenges. Classroom sizes may increase, but no program cuts are anticipated.
Bob Bouska of East Penn gave the Rotarians a guided tour of their new facility. Forty-one employees and 14 semi drivers are involved in the manufacture and distribution of batteries form the Oelwein plant.
The Rotary Club of Oelwein selected Mary Beth Jaggard as the recipient of this year’s Citizen of the Year. This energetic and positive lady has been a pillar of our community for years. Marybeth has been President of Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts, served on the Conestoga Council Board of Directors, was a Council and national trainer. Marybeth has also been very active in United Way and each year at the United Way Kickoff Luncheon, she presents the Jag Award in memory of her late husband, Dr. Robert Jaggard. She belongs to many community organizations and is very active in her church and has served as the president of the Trustee Committee. She is passionate about the environment and gardening and takes care of the garden at Mercy Hospital, including planting a hundred tulips bulbs each year. She volunteers for Mercy Hospital and the Hospital Auxiliary. She’s a master gardener teaches classes for NICC and gives cooking and gardening demonstrations. She has opened her garden to the annual Garden Walk in Oelwein and she volunteers at Fontana when she does almost everything from working as a receptionist to working on projects at the center. When the Enrichment Center fund raising campaign began, Mary Beth was one of the first people called upon to head a committee. Mary Beth noted that one of her proudest accomplishments was in the 1960’s when she headed the Citizens Committee that was responsible for the successful bond issue campaign to complete the high school gymnasium and cafeteria.
Our presenter today was DeWayne Frazier, VP International Programs at Upper Iowa University. Rotarian Bob Larimer, who introduced Frazier, shows off the Yak coat Frazier obtained during his overseas travel for UIU.
Walt Saur introduced Lt. Dave Eick who spoke about the history of the Iowa State Patrol and his experiences in the patrol.
Kathie Larson introduced David Boss, the Director of Community Outreach and Development of Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation.
Jon King introduced Rotarian Of The Year, Todd Grandberg. Todd donated many hours to helping victims of this year's tornado.
September 22 - Lunch at Leo’s Generations with program on the building project.
September 29th – – State Representative, Andrew Wynthe
Walt Saur introduced Susan Macken who spoke to us about expanded services available at Oelwein's new Public Library.
August 25: Rotarian Maureen Nolan introduced Carol Kessel, Mercy Hospital, regarding her volunteer work in the Appalachian Mountains
September 15th - Kit Kleppinger from UIU, regarding their International Friendships program, linking International students with local families.
Austin Lorenzen, candidate for the Iowa House
Dan McFarland was introduced by his daughter, Susan Macken. Dan is the owner/operator of the Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch where you can tour or even arrange for a buffalo hunt. Visit the Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch.
Max Gross visited our club from North Virginia.
Mark Baldwin of Iowa Laser Technologies spoke to Rotary about the history and the current business of this manufacturing industry.