December 7, 2021 Meeting Report

Read the latest meeting highlights, including our introduction to Elizabeth Runge, the Community Development Director for the City of Two Rivers, updates about our annual dinner fundraiser, bell ringing, Adopt-a-Family and much more!
 

 

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month

Announcements

Thank you to Betty B. for "guest" hosting the meeting!
 
The club welcomed Junior Rotarian Charlie, who is currently on an early college track. She aspires to become a dentist!
 

Today's Program

As the Community Development Director for Two Rivers, Elizabeth Runge wears many hats. Her work is aimed at increasing the quality of life in Two Rivers. Some topics Elizabeth discussed in the meeting included:
  • MACVB | Discussion and status going forward following the City of Manitowoc’s withdrawal. The city is looking at tourism solutions.
  • Housing Challenges | Solutions to our aging stock of houses includes:
    • Continued development of the Sandy Bay Highlands
    • Washington Highlands
    • 3000 Forest Ave property (formerly known as Hansen the Florist)
    • Eggers West land (a planned WHEDA development)
    • Eggers East development created with public access to the river
  • Woodland Industrial Park | Highlighted by the construction of  a new facility building wind energy technology
  • Cool City Brewery/Pub | Seen as a catalyst for enhanced downtown vitality
  • Central Park West Redesign | A community-driven effort recently endorsed by the city council
  • 2023 Washington Street RFP | A new RFP has been issued to encourage the establishment of a business there
  • Paragon Building Sale | An agreement is on the books. It is now in the due diligence phase. The proposed owner plans to explore applications for storage and light industrial use.

Club Operations

Volunteer opportunity. The club is seeking a volunteer to help set up our Wood Type Museum meeting room.  Each Monday (4pm or so), in advance of our Tuesday morning meeting, chairs and technology need to be placed to ensure a smooth start to our meetings.  Please let Peter C. or Steve D. know of your willingness to help with this aspect of Club service.
 
Tuesday, December 5th debrief. It was brief! Perhaps a change of venue is needed? (see below)
 
Club Holiday Social. Save the date for January 6, 2022. This year's event will be held at the renowned Still Bend with food/drinks, potluck style. Details coming soon.
 
Foundation Report. The Central Park Project is officially named as our recipient of Annual Dinner funds and the Sepia Chapel designated as the dinner venue to be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Please consider the opportunity to help make this a successful (and enjoyable) event. Betty B. and team will start the formal planning process in a few weeks.
 
Club Secretary opportunity. Colleen stepping down at the end of December presents an opportunity for others to move into this important role. Detailed instructions and mentorship is available. If you are interested, please let Steve D. know.
 
President-Elect opportunity. As a reminder, the position of President-Elect is open as well. Steve does not want to be a two-term president.  Please consider the opportunity to express the Rotary ideal of service in these roles.
 

Club Events / Service Opportunities

Salvation Army Bell-Ringing is Friday 12/17. An event sign up has been prepared. Sign up here.
 
Meals on Wheels for December 20-23, Monday to Thursday is open for sign-ups. Sign up early to reserve your spot!  This is a special and rewarding opportunity for our Club members/friends to deliver both meals and Christmas wishes to those that are homebound.  Lori Z. has contacted area Girl Scout leaders who have expressed enthusiasm for creating β€œhand-made” Christmas cards as a project for their scouts. They should be ready in plenty of time for delivery with our Christmas week MOWs.
 
Adopt-a-Family project. Recipient selection (Hope House) and details on the chosen family have been announced and communicated to Club members. We are planning on wrapping this project with a wrapping party on December 21st.
 
PJ's anyone? Our Club contributed 92 pairs of pajamas for foster kiddos as part of a Lakeshore Foster Family project.
 
 

Looking Ahead...

Next week's program chair. Dr. Bob G. πŸͺ‘
 
Future program idea. A primer for the club's website! πŸ’‘
 
And, looking way ahead. Interest was expressed in resurrecting the idea of a Rotary Float as a highlight of the 2022 Christmas Parade.  We can check and see if the Rotary Rose Parade float is available for our local use πŸ˜ƒ
 

Birthday and Anniversary Report

Jeff Zimmerle, December 15 πŸŽ‚  
Ned Jacquart, (also!) December 15 πŸŽ‚ 
Ned Jacquart, 28 years πŸ’
Betty Bittner, 16 years πŸ’
Tim Wester, 7 years πŸ’
Jerry Juckem, 1 year πŸ’