The Feb 4 IC AM Rotary meeting speaker was Jim Houghton, Attorney, speaking about wills and trusts.

Jenny Seylar Talked About How to Turn Water into Wine at the January 14 Club Meeting.

December 24th was "What Jazzes You Up" day featuring Casey Cook at new member Shelly Schmit.

Pat Heiden introduced Brad Friedhoff, Johnson County Conservation acting director and long time conservation advocate, who spoke about the upcoming vote (referendum) on Johnson County's proposed $30 million dollar conservation bond and the benefits of voting in favor of the bond. With the previous $20 million dollar bond, the country was able to leverage an additional $17 million in additional funding! The previous bond was passed in 2008 by a 60.9 percent of voters and funded projects, including but not limited to the following:  the acquisition of the Clear Creek Conservation area/trail in 2009; the acquisition of the Ciha Fen in 2011, which is home to many plants, animals and reptile species; and two farms, one of which was turned into wetland. Additionally, bond money was used for improving water quality, work on the Hoover trail, purchasing the Cangleska Wakan,  and purchasing Two Horse farm (90 acres). A glacier rock from St. Cloud, MN, was discovered in Iowa! If the conservation referendum passes, the proceeds from the bond would be used to complete projects at Kent Park and for similar projects to protect property, add trails, improve water quality, support community education, and benefit conservation.

Blake Collingsworth, Rotarian from Lincoln, Nebraska, was the speaker for the October 8 meeting.  He talked about his experience losing his son to drowning and the resulting book project and training programs to teach children how to stay safe in the water.

Caleb Schneider was the September 17 speaker who discussed the Commissioning Committee's work for the USS Iowa Virginia Class Nuclear Powered Submarine.

Vernette Knapp Updates Club Members on the 2024-25 IC AM Budget

Tom Novak introduced Michael Vittetoe of Washington, Iowa and a multi-generation family farm, who spoke on the topic of "Getting the Most Out of Your Pasture" (70 acres with three main areas), regenerative farming,  and using cover crops to cut down on chemicals and reduce erosion. Michael has a cattle operation, which he manages by moving the cattle to various pastures. The cattle are contained within a temporary fence inside a perimeter fence. After the cattle are through with a pasture, he leaves cover down, which feeds insects, etc. He uses cover crops to prevent erosion such as perennials, an alfalfa mix, cereal rye, a warm season mix, and oats.In the summer, he has mobile shade for his cattle. In the winter he feeds hay, which is rolled out in bales.Michael markets his cattle directly to customers in quarters and halves. He checks his cattle every day to make sure they have water. Steak tenderness is one of his biggest challenges, and he strives for good flavor for eating, working continuously to create a healthy ecosystem. 

John McKinstry Talks About His Hobby: Guitar Making

Karin Franklin leads discussion of Club Survey results.