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.
President Vernette Knapp opened the meeting at 7:05 a.m. Mark Stanley provided information using a PowerPoint presentation about polio, including but not limited to polio cases and the challenges of getting the vaccination to those who need it. Next week, Pakistan is beginning a campaign to vaccinate children. Nancy Pacha provided information about the fundraiser at the Elks to support RYLA--The Dine out fundraiser is at the Iowa City Elks' Club from 5 to 8:00 p.m. 15% of the proceeds will benefit RYLA students sponsored by the Tuesday AM and Thursday Noon Clubs. Karen Franklin informed members about the "Common Future" luncheon on October 31, 2024--the goal is to make clubs more welcoming. Ann Romanowski presented information about World Polio Day Cocktail event--the event is at the MidWestOne penthouse suite from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Members can bring a bottle of wine, there is a speaker scheduled, and the food will be wonderful! Mike O'Leary presented the foreign exchange student with Rice Krispie treats and jalapeno ketchup! (She was delighted!) There is a Magic of Giving Gala Friday, November 15, 2024, in Des Moines starting at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and program from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (RSVP by November 4). Roteract is having a trivia night fundraiser for the Xicotepec project (supporting a local cancer foundation and animal sterilization) in the Robert A. Lee Community Rec Center Social Hall on November 17, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 for Rotarians and $5 for College students and under. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m.