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Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M.
Welcome to our club!
Iowa City A.M.

Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online
Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
Kirkwood Room
515 Kirkwood Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
United States of America
Most meetings will have hybrid options for those who cannot attend in person. Contact President Jenny Seylar at jenny.seylar@iaumc..net for the link. Breakfast is served at the 7 am morning meetings. Members supplement the meals for guest. Join us!
Home Page Stories
Jennifer Skarda introduced Tim Ruth, Co-Owner of Mc Creedy Construction. Tim talked about High School Students in the Construction Trade.  He is President of the Home Builders Association. In 1993, he was in construction management.  He teaches construction management at Kirkwood.  In 1990 he worked on Oakdale Prison.  In 1993 he received his degree.  He has worked on the Red River Hospital Project in Burlington.  
Tim's philosophy is to always finish a project early to collect the funds sooner.   He enjoys working Kalona.  Building permits are easy to obtain. 
Tim said that we need more women in the profession.  He worked at Riverside Elementary School and now his children and grandchildren have gone to this school.  It really has a lot of meaning to Tim. 
Tim's motto is "Always Give Back to the Community". 
 
Liz Nichols introduced Juliette Genin, Rotary Youth Exchange.  Juliette talked about the history of Verdun, France where she is from.  The population is 23,000.1387-1443 was the 100-year war.  1778-1795 was the French Revolution where they beheaded the King and Queen.  1914-1918 World War1 between France and Germany.  1931-1945 World War 11 where there were Jewish people held at Auschwitz.  Juliette is from Verdun, Franch with a population of 23,000.  She showed a chart with listing:  Liberty=People, Equality=Reality, and Brother=People Her mother is a teacher in French Modern Art, and her dad is teacher in Junior High Physics and Chemistry.  She talked about education in France being very entailed compared to classes in America.  She begins her day at 6:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm.   She said the rooster is a symbol of pride,
 
She showed many photos of France. 
Deb Dunkhase and her guest Dr. John Canady spoke on Iowa M.O.S.T.  Dr. Canady said this mission has been going for 19 years.   Dr. Bill Olin, Dr. Pete Wallace, Dr. John Canady, PDG Gary and Nancy Pacha started Iowa M.O.S.T in 2005.
1 in 600 people Guatemalan's have cleft lip or cleft palate or both. The mission is now doing cataract surgeries.  She and Dr. Canady showed many pictures of patient's year after year.  The people trust the Iowa M.O.S.T. team.   The people will walk for miles to a bus to transport them to Huehuetenango hospital for surgeries.  Typically, the Drs. preform. Around 65 surgeries per year.   The mission this year will be January 19-28 and January 24-31 for cataract surgery. 
 
Myrene Hoover introduced the Stanley Museum of Art's Director Lauren Lessing who gave a dynamic presentation! The Stanley Museum works with 200 University of Iowa personnel across the curriculum and saw 4,000 kindergarten through twelfth grade school children. It has had programs three times per week, including a mobile opera. Since it is a new building, the staff is learning what the building can accommodate and what opportunities it can host. There are twelve staff members, including Lauren Lessing and they could use more staff. The building is being considered for an American Art Institute award. The staff can support University of Iowa's researchers, can work to bring the University together, and can teach and serve as a public forum. Director Lessing recommends Palaces for the People. The author argues its important to have shared buildings' spaces and be able to sit in a room with people who disagree with us and have a conversation. Museums have a role to play--we've got to get people out of their shells and have a conversation about art they may not like.
 
The staff learned a lot during COVID about bringing art to where the people are at and about the power of art to comfort us in grief and help us be well. Museums are working on racial justice issues and have a lot to do given their history with colonialism and changing the culture of places they were at. The Stanley is a young museum and is working on justice issues. They want the museum to survive into the 21st century. The Stanley has a print show opening in March. The Stanley also has an exhibition celebrating Keith Haring, a graffiti artist, who visited Iowa City and Horn Elementary [see https://stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu/art/exhibitions/upcoming/keithharing]. The goal for the Stanley is to raise $55 million for the museum and they will ask for money.
Past President, Amy Nicholson, spoke on "The Rotary Club of E. Clubs of Global Travelers, her Kenya Trip.  She talked about the benefits of traveling with Rotary Global Travelers.  She met many Rotarians from all over the world. 
She showed slides of many schools and children that she met.  She will travel many more trips. 
 
Amanda McFadden introduced the speaker, Dr. Liang Chee Wee PhD., who is the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Chancellor/Director. The most interesting and motivational topic was "We Do Life Together." Dr. Wee came to the United States in 1983. He had previously served in the Singapore Armed Forces and grew up in a rural village. He is the 39th recorded generation of his family with a family history going back 1,000 years, and his family included fisherman, farmers, and scholars. Dr. Wee began his speech with an anecdote about how his wife broke her wrist leaving a shuttle at the airport, they went to Mayo Clinic, and were fortunate to find key people on duty. A lady at Mayo's brought him a chair while he was waiting for his wife and told him to let her know if he needed anything. The lady was a custodian who then started cleaning rooms. This event reminded him of how important everyone is in an organization. In a typical hospital, there are 3 nurses to 1 doctor, which is 40%. Who is the other 60%? Sometimes we don't pay enough attention to the other 60%. He stated "we do life together" and need to be curious about people we don't know. He considers this experience a blessing. When he told the Mayo's doctor about his experience, the doctor said "that's how we roll here."
 
Dr. Wee asks how many understand the mission and values of an organization? Mayo's mission statement included compassion and teamwork, including unsurpassed collaboration. That night, he experienced the "magic of humantiy." He asks himself, am I curious about others? Nowadays, he pays attention to what goes on around him. He articulated the 4 way test of Rotary and highlighted building trust among each other so we can do good work together. Let the 4 way test guide our relationships in life.
 
He said his Mom had to quit school when she was 10 to help support her family who was poor and that she and his father valued education. He had grandparents who couldn't understand each other's language; however, his Mom did. Growing up, he learned four languages. Casey Cook asked Dr. Lee how old he was when he left Singapore--21 years. Mark Patton asked about raising pay for lower paid professions. Dr. Wee stated the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges are trying to work with employers to provide a pathway so a CNA can become an LPN for example. Employers could subsidize employees' child care so an employee can go to school. Consider whether employers can create pool of money to subsidize childcare? Dr. Wee wears a Colin Powell pin--every child every promise and expands it to every person every promise--to remind him of what community college is for. Everyone is admitted. He closed by reciting the four way test.
Mary Murphy introduced the speaker John Daershuk , Director Officer of the Archologist OSA.  His topic is:  Abbie Gardner Sharp Historic Cabin Site.  John is a teacher at the University of Iowa.  He has BA from Carleton University.
The Research Center started in 1959.  It has 21 salaried employees plus students and project specific assistants. The Archeologist are associated with Anthropology.  The Office of the State Archaeologist responsibilities are:
Protection of ancient human remains, IA State File (cas.31,000 recorded archeological sites. Research, advocacy and growing and preserving the past.  Educate the public about reporting and appreciating the past.  Collaborate and consultation State Historical Society of Iowa.  Federal Agencies. FHNA, CUE, and FEMA.  
 In 1866 the Abbie Gardner Site as developed.  There are 143 acres.  In 1867 there was the Spirit Lake Massacre killing 33 people.  Abbie was captured when she was 13 years old.  There are sux cabins around Spirit Lake.  The Archeological 
Society is located at 700 S. Clinton St. Iowa City IA.  For more information refer to Archaeology.iowa .edu. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pam Ehly introduced speaker Chant Eicke.  Chant has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, from the University of Oregon.  He has been in Environmental Consulting in Johnson County for 16 years, at Impact 7G and EarthView Environmental.  He leads a team of 11 environmental scientist based out of North Liberty.  They conduct work ranging from Controlled burns to prairie and woodland restoration wetland delineation, habitat surveys and archaeological. investigations. 
Chant talked about the controlled burns that have been done in Hickory Hill Park.  He talked about the importance of safety at all times.  The team embers wear fireproof pants shirts, gloves and helmets. 
Safety Team Cohesion:  Clear objective, clear plan, clear process, clear responsibilities, Contingency planning:  Fire Breaks.  Back up water is the 3rd and 4th recourse.
Let's Burn Process:  1.  Establish Action Plan, 2. Back Burn, 3. Flank Burn 4. Head Fire.  Wind is the captain.
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Peggy Doerge introduced Lesley Wright, Director certificate in spirituality and community and a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in human development.  Since the early 2000; s Prairiewood's and its programs. have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary.  Prairiewood is 70 acres dating back to 1834. Six Franciscan Sisters help to break ground in 1995. 35 acres of restored prairie, 27 acres of restored woodlands, 1/4 mile of dry creek, A Healing Garden was added along with a Green Prairie Garden with fresh produce. They have a guest house for 37 people and a conference center. 
The mission of Prairiewood's Franciscan Spiritually Center is a sacred space where people of all faiths and cultures are invited to explore and nurture their relationship with the Source of all Being, Earth, Self, and others with an increasing awareness of the story of the Universe.  The eight dimensions of Wellness are:  Social, Emotional, Spiritual, Occupational, Financial, Environmental, Physical, Intellectual, ,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assistant Governor, Mark Ruggeburg, introduced District Governor Dennis Drager.  Dennis was raised on a family farm outside of Tipton, Iowa.  He enlists4ed for four years in the US Airforce.  He attended Iowa State University graduating from Venenary School in 1985.  He practiced in Illinois and Wisconsin then moving to Marshalltown.  After 36 years he is semi-retired.  Dennis joined Rotary in 2000.  He has gone to Xicotepec 2 years and participated in a project fair in Africa where he administered polio vaccine.  Dennis and Heidi married in 2006.  Heidi joined Rotary in 2021 when Dennis was nominated to serve as District Governor.  Heidi is a charter representative for Allegiant Airlines.  Mark talked about the value of RLI and Dennis echoed the value to all Rotarians.  RLI will be held October 14 in Mt. Pleasant Iowa. 
The District Celebration will be held in Pella at the Pella Opera House.  There will be a 4-Way test contest.  More information will be coming out on how to proceed with the contest.  This evening 9/26 from 5:30 to 7:00 there will be a Foundation Social at Reunion Brewery downtown.  Dennis and Heidi developed a Rotary Action Group for Mental Health. You can join the RAG for Mental Health for $35.  Dennis told several storied about helping the homeless people.  The mission of Mental Health Initiatives Rotary District 6000 Chapter. 
Transforming Mental Illness to Mental Wellness One Life at a Time.  Mission:  To create and provide opportunities for all Rotarians in our District to improve their mental, emotional and behavior health in order to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.
To provide support for clubs in the implementation of mental health projects and initiatives in our district and beyond. 
To provide a variety of helpful mental health resources in our District that result in a measurable impact on the mental wellness of our club and committees. 
 
 
PDG John Ockenfels talked about:  "Around The World Flight To End Polio".  John Ockenfels and Peter Tehan began their flight May 5, 2023 and returned July 30, 2023.  The aircraft they flew was CessnaN732WP. They flew 30,000 miles, 90 days and were able to go to 24 of the 29 countries planned.  The flight had been delayed 2020, 2021 because of Covid and 2022 because Russia would not let them in.  They had to work on a new route. The flight began and landed in New Hampshire where they were stranded for several days due to the alternator failure.   Once the plane was fixed, they were able to continue. One of the highlights was May 19, John's Birthday where they flew from Goose Bay to Reykjavik which was 1,551 miles.   John showed many slides of the trip and flights that were taken.  He showed both he and Peter giving Polio drops in the children of Pakistan.  
On July 15, 2023, they flew Brisbane, Australia to Brisbane emergency 2hours 20 minutes due to alternator failure, they had a backup alternator.  
They had to fly Pago Pago to Honolulu.  They had planned to land at Christmas Island; however, they were unable to purchase gas.  John for 45 minutes thought they did not have enough fuel.  He had miscalculated.  There was actually 2 1/2 hours left in fuel when they landed. 
On July 26, they flew Kahului to Oakland, CA 2,390 miles and 14hours 10 min.  
Peter was asked by a reporter." Do you hope Polio will end in your lifetime "?  He said "NO".  John said the reporter dropped the pen, there was silence and Peter said "I Believe that Polio will end in my Lifetime".  
The World Health, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all are helping to end Polio. in our lifetime. 
So.  "Some Just Hope for an End to Polio We Firmly Believe". 
Mark Patton introduced Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Amanda Irish, who spoke about the "Infectious Disease Outlook for Fall/Winter 2023-2024." "The usual suspects so far" are RSV, Influenza, Covid, and the common cold viruses and bacteria.  New data suggests Omicron (Covid) has 4 times the risk of death as influenza. She stated RSV is the leading cause of senior death. Moving indoors for school, holidays, etc. increases the risk of catching an infectious disease. Predictions can be hard to make because SARS-Cov-2 has not yet settled into a predictable seasonal pattern.
 
Last year RSV and the flu came earlier. The United States looks to Australia to select flu strains because flu season comes earlier there. Australia looks better this year. There is a new variant of the flu--BA623.  Masks work and getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of having a severe infection. Currently, Omicron XBB and the new EG.5 variant (Eris) along with BA.2.86 (pirola) are causing an increase in cases. BA.2.86 is spreading rapidly; however, it is unknown whether it will cause severe disease or be a dud. 
 
Steps people can take to stay healthy and prepare include good diet, exercise, coughing in elbow (not hand), handwashing, doing what is right for you and consider carrying a mask for use in public settings, and getting vaccinations/booster for annual influenza, Covid, and against RSV.  The influenza vaccine is the "best way to prevent infection and/or complications." Everyone > 6 months of age should get one. There will be a new Covid booster coming out in mid to late September. Fall boosters will target XBB.1.5. Health experts recommend everyone receive the Covid vaccine and/or booster. A person can get Covid with the flu. The RSV vaccine is recommended for persons > 60 years and people can catch RSV now. The RSV vaccine "protects against severe illness with 82-86% efficacy." If one does get sick, consider Remdesivir (IV) and Paxlovid should be started within 5 days of an illness if used. Also, having a pulse oximeter can help a person decide when to go to the hospital. In response to a question, Dr. Irish suggested the following can also be helpful--having a humidifier for home, vicks vapo rub, lots of fluids, Tylenol, and Motrin. She does not love Mucinex, which may cause side effects. The club thanked Dr. Irish for attending and speaking about this very important topic.
Jim Peterson talked about the Xicotepec Project that has been going for 20 years. The first contact was in 2001, first visit 2002, 49 to March 2003.  2023 was the first mission since 2019 due to Covid. There have been over 1000 team members half under the age of 30.   2/3 are females and ages from 3 to 8l years old.   Allie, Jasmine, and Katie all went on the 2023 mission and plan to go again in 2024.  The U of I pharmacy students treated over 3000 children for worms.  There are several teams:  Dental team provides checkups and fluoride treatments, water team installed 24 purification systems in school and public schools., construction team lead by Allie, and the Public Health Team wotks with domestic violence.   
Deb Dunkhase introduced Lisa Stark, Education and Outreach Coordinator, of Johnson County.  Grow Johnson County is a community focused educational farm located in Iowa City.  Sitting on 5 acres of country-owned lard, Grow produces high-quality organic fruits and vegetables and freely distributes all produce to local social service agencies throughout Johnson County.  Grow's mission is to improve healthy food access through sustainable food production and hands-on education. 
Since 2016, Grow has distributed over 160,000 pounds of good food to our neighbors in need and has educated farm apprentices, youth groups, community members, and volunteers.  A survey was completed to show the most popular vegetables:  cherry tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and radishes.  
She talked to about the Johnson County Poor Farm established in the 19th century. The farm opened in 1855and cared for the indigent, mentally ill, and disabled.  There is a cemetery, fertile farmland pollinator, meadows, wetlands, woodlands, and timbers. 
For more information visit www.growjohnsoncounty.org
Nancy Pacha introduced Diana Thayer speaking on Historic Preservation of the Fairview Church in Wapello Iowa in Louisa County.  She talked about the difference between a burial ground and a cemetery.  A burial ground is associated with a church.  A cemetery is not associated with any church.  The church was built in 1905 after the original church was destroyed by a storm in 1858.  Showed many pictures of the outside and interior of the church.  The churches roof was leaking and destroyed an organ.  The church was last used on Christimas Eve in the 70's.  The church was locked and ignored into disrepair.  There was left with debris and animal droppings.  It felt like ocean waves.  The walls were filled with racoons.   The church was designed by Harry O Peace, whose descendants still live and work in the vicinity.  Through much hard work with much of the community and many donations the church is being restored. It is now part of a restoration project. 
Casey Cook introduced Marguerite Oetting, Medical Director and UIHC Pediatrician of Healthy Kids Community Care.  The mission:  When children are ill and cannot get the health care they need, they have more school absences, difficulty learning, and they do not learn how to care for their own health.  The mission is to work collaboratively with local medical partners to provide accessible primary care from birth through high school. The need of the unmet health care needs of children in our community.  An average0 5-7% of ICCSD students lack health insurance.  There are now more than 400 homeless students in our communities.  There are several barriers to health care:  Lack of health insurance, Unaffordable, copay or deductible, Parent does not speak English, Parent cannot take time off of work, Lack of transportation.  Why we have school-based clinics?  Convenient locations, comfortable environment for students and families, minimizes time away from learning.  Early identification of health problems by school personnel.
The Downtown Iowa City Rotary Club was pleased to have the RYLA and World Affairs Seminar students join their meeting, where they were introduced by Nancy Pacha, who is one of the Rotary liaisons to the West High School Interact Club. Nancy thanked a number of Rotarians who helped, including Gregg Probst (counselor), Margy Winkler (West High Interact liaison), Liz Loeb (volunteer presenter at RYLA) and those who interviewed prospective attendee students.
 
There were ten World Affairs students and six RYLA students, many of whom attended this meeting with some of their family members. Nancy first had the RYLA students come up to the front as a group. The students answered Nancy's questions stating RYLA showed them "anyone can be a leader," the team and team leader were "really great people," the team was "very energetic," and the student "would like to continue volunteering." Another student added that she will take from the experience that "you shouldn't let fear hold you back from trying new things." RYLA students used words to express their experiences, including transformative, friendship, bonds, life changing. Rotarian and RYLA volunteer, Liz Loeb, said it was a "happy place."
 
Nancy then asked the World Affairs Seminar students about their experiences. A student described this year's theme as climate change with a focus on what students could do to help. The students described building connections; meeting people from other countries; their experiences, including writing a treaty for a country to use as a proposal for other countries; and learning that everyone has a voice. Students used words to describe their experience including amazing, thought provoking, inspiring, inclusive, and informative.
 
Students introduced their family members present and parents thanked the club for sending students. 
Phil Peterson introduced Adrianne Korbakes Chief Operation Officer of CommUnity Crisis Services.  CommUnity is located at Pepperwood Place in Iowa Cit.  CommUnisty began in 1978.  The mission of the crisis center is:  To provide weekly grocery and household items to the residence of Johnson County. There is grocery delivery and a mobile pantry.  There are 15 cites for delivery. 
Financial Support:  To help educate and help with employment items, ID and Birth Certificate assistance, provide clothing, household items, gas vouchers, rent and utility assistance, security deposit, help with careers, and provide laptops for students.  
Crisis Helpline Service (CHS) Two Iowa Crisis centers to answer the 988 Suicide crisis line.  The training for crisis hotline volunteers is for a 60-hour time frame.  There has been additional staff for LBGQT individuals. There is now a Mobile Crises Response Unit (MCR) was launched in 2015, dispatches in Iowa and Johnson counties, providing a variety of services for youth mobile crisis, DEI support, counselors on call.  CommUnity has purchased Kinder Farms of 9 acres.   
CommUnity's funding is provided through grants, contracts, and in-kind donations. 
  
John McKinstry introduced Jessica Andino, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Executive Director.  She received her BA in 2013 and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Community and Behavioral Health Department.   Affordable Housing and Homelessness.  The mission is to provide affordable housing and housing services to low-income households, persons with disabilities and those with special needs.  Affordable housing in Johnson County is difficult.  The median income is $129,500. There are zoom meetings the 4th Friday of the month. Some area nonprofits working with the coalition are Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Shelter House, The Housing Fellowship, and DVIP.
Mark Patton introduce Michelle Kenyon, Executive Director of Field to Family.  She served on the Johnson County Food Policy Council from 2013-2019 serving as Chair for 6 of those 8 years.  She serves on three statewide councils:  The Iowa Food Hub Managers Working Group, Iowa Community Foo Distribution Committee and was recently appointed by Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture to the state Local Food and Farm Advisory Council. The mission of Field to Family works sto create a more local, healthy food system.  We envision a region where people ear with the seasons, where farmers make a living, and our ecosystem is diverse, and healthy. 
Field to Family supports Farm to School serving 36 schools within 100 miles, Online Farmers Market, Wholesale Procurement, Local Food Explorer.
They Grow Wholesale, Education, and Connections.  For additional information:  info@fieldtofamily.org.
Deb Ockenfels gave an update on the Flight to End Polio.  They are in Australia.  There will be homecoming breakfast at the C. R. Airport July 30, 7:00 am-11:00 am.  The pilolts are expected around 9:00 am   Deb will get the address for everyone. 
 
Karen Franklin updated us on Timothy Massawe D9214 Uganda and Tanzania.  He is past AG and President.  He spoke to us via zoom to our club 3/1/2022 about the Saidia Agriculture and Social Care Organization (SASCO) that he works with to help marginalized or vulnerable children receive an education.  Last fall the Board approved supporting a young girl getting an education through Timothy's organization with fund from the Opportunity Fund. Anastanzia was orphaned at 6 years old.  She was left in the care of her grandfather old and sickly.  The club is supporting her with $1,000 each year for six year.  This covers room, board, and books.
Karin Franklin introduced today's speaker Brenda Gardner speaking on Electric Vehicles. She spoke about all the advances in electric vehicles.   The city has an electric bus and is looking at Fire Trucks and many other city vehicles.  Charging stations are very important to the infrastructure of electric vehicles.  Level one.  Plug into a standard 120V wall outlet. Connectors are provided with most EVs.  Great for overnight of workplace charging. Ideal for commutes up to 40 miles.
Level 2.   240-volt outlet   Faster charging for longer drives DC fast charge.  Must faster charging at public locations.  There are fully electric and gas and electric known as hybrid vehicles.  500 gallons save is equal to 119 trees planted and growing for 10 years.  
Vernette Knapp introduced Jasmine Sanasinh and Amritha Kumar who were the speakers today.  Jasmine is the Rotaract President and on the board of the Iowa City PM Satellite Club. 
Jasmine is a senior at the U of I and is graduating in December 2023 with a BS in Global Health Studies, certificates in Public Health and Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy.   She was in Interact in District 5970.  She has been to RYLA and was a team leader for two years.  She was able to join the March 2023 Xicotepec Project.  
Amritha Kumar grew up in Fairfield, IA   She is a junior at the U of I and is studying Medical Anthropology on a pre-med track with a Spanish minor.  Amritha was a member of the Fairfield's Interact Club and attended RYLA in 2019.  She is the secretary of the Rotaract club and will be President next year.  Amritha attended the Xicotepec Project in March. 
Jasmine and Amritha showed a video of their travels in Xicotepec.  They enjoyed visiting many schools and doing projects with the children.   They shared stories of their host familes and the food that they enjoyed.   Both Jasmine and Amritha plan to go on the trip in 2024.
 
Mark Patton introduced Dr. Lee Alward who has published over 250 articles and books, worked for the National Health Service in Alaska years ago (and built a dog sled there), and is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Alward started his talk with "a guy who walks into" and proceeded to describe a patient who had glaucoma and also had many family members who developed glaucoma at a young age. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Dr. Alward's daughter, Dr. Erin Boese, also studies and operates on glaucoma patients. Because of this gentleman's family and another family, Dr. Alward and others have been able to study the genetics of glaucoma with the end goal of making better treatments. Current treatments may include medical management (e.g., drops) to lower eye pressure and surgical treatment. Dr. Alward's presentation about how "following a family with inherited glaucoma has led to the discovery of an important gene for glaucoma" which has important ramifications going forward, was fascinating.
Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M. gathered at the Free Medical Clinic (FMC) of Iowa City, and Mark Patton introduced Jennie Schmidt, its Executive Director. The FMC is the second longest operating free medical clinic in the United States. It moved to its current building in 2006. The FMC provides free medical and dental services to primarily low income Johnson County residents through its medical and dental clinics. Its facilities include a medication dispensary, an on-site laboratory, 6 medical exam rooms, and 2 dental operatories plus administrative offices. Demand is growing and expected to increase due to the end of Medicaid expansion. The FMC is undergoing a phased renovation plan to make its facilities more accessible, usable, welcome, and energy efficient (through a solar project, which Rotary has supported). Dr. Cecilia Norris, the FMC Medical Director spoke about grants, vital community partnerships, and the need for donations and services to support patients. In 2022, 1,448 individuals were helped, and 98% of patients are uninsured or underinsured. The FMC relies on volunteer help and could use more volunteers such as dentists. The FMC is premised on the belief that "access to health care is a basic human necessity and right."
 
The FMC will be celebrating 50+ years on June 1, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Clinic at 2440 Towncrest in Iowa City. The public is welcome, and there will be a free-will donation with Maggie's Farm pizza and live music with a short program at 6:00 p.m.
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Speakers
John McKinistry
Dec 05, 2023 7:00 AM
Simon Andrew, Housing Fellowship
Joan Garrity
Dec 12, 2023 7:00 AM
Becca Fettee, physical therapist
Karin Franklin
Dec 19, 2023 7:00 AM
Peter Rolnick, Citizens Climate
Deb Ockenfels
Dec 26, 2023 7:00 AM
TBD
Dr, Katie Inborek
Jan 02, 2024 7:00 AM
TBD