Rotary File - December 16, 2014
Announcements:
Jack reported that all the P’s were in attendance, and Mark Patton commented, “P’s be with us.”
Randy Willman reported that Myrene Hoover and Dave Parsons were both Rotarians in the News last week.
The District Conference Planning Committee will be meeting after this morning’s meeting - there seems to be a run on rooms with two queens in them.
The Neighborhood Centers of JC sent a thank-you note for the coats project event at the Children’s museum.
Sue Cronin says there will be a meeting of the Grant Committee the evening of February 26 at the Kirkwood room.
Pam Ehly announced the name of the book we will be donating to ICCSD schools in the name of our speakers next year; Every last Drop – bringing clean water Home.
Roger says bus your dishes early and please do not rinse them in right-hand sink.
Joan Garrity passed around the gift-wrapping signup sheet for next Monday at Coral Ridge Mall – she can use a few more volunteers.
Nenu & Jim Peterson discussed our Global Grant Project – a Bathroom/Well/Kitchen for an indigenous community in rural Paraguay. Rotarians were able to review the blueprint
Please check your personal information on the web site and let Elaine know of any updates.
Frank Juvan reported at length about Estonia (World in a Minute) – it’s similar to Lithuania and Latvia, but different. Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia, and to the east by Lake Peipus and Russia.
Nut Sales: Brian reported that we sold 273 tins of nuts, and the net funds raised are $2,692.
Speaker:
Deb PVA introduced Patti Fields to talk about volunteering opportunities through the United Way. Patti is VP of Community Impact & Engagement, United Way of Johnson & Washington counties, United Way Volunteer Center.
Iowa City has been among the top 5 mid-sized cities nationally for volunteering for the last 5 years.
Volunteers improve the quality of life for everyone. When thinking about volunteering for the first time, ask yourself; What interests me? What skills do I have to share? How much time do I have to commit? Where to volunteer, and how?
Volunteering as a family is becoming more common – it’s a great way to spend quality family time, strengthens bonds and gives each an opportunity to lead.
They have an online Seasonal and Winter Giving Guide – our local United Way collects all of the needs from their member organizations and puts them out in a guide. Days of Service and Community Events is a great way to start – festivals and memorial events always need help.
There are also health benefits of volunteering – good for your mind and body, gives you a sense of purpose, there’s a happiness effect, and it connects you to others. United Way serves as a connector between agencies and volunteers – if there is any screening done, it’s provided by the agency itself.
How to Get Involved With the United Way Volunteer Center:
- Visit Volunteer Solutions to find a volunteer opportunity.
- Sign up to volunteer at a local event.
- Contact them to find or organize a group Volunteer activity, 319-337-8657 or vols@unitedwayjwc.org.
- Attend an Emergency Volunteer Center training and plan to respond to a disaster if needed.
- Work with them to organize a Day of Caring for your workplace or business.
- Sign up as an Agency that posts volunteer opportunities.