November 17 Meeting Audio

November 17, 2009: Speaker this week was Iowa Works One- Stop Center's Peggy Murray. Iowa Works and it's local subsidiary, Dubuque Works, is an excellent initiative for Dubuque. It's a comprehensive employment readiness facility. Not only does it endeavor to optimize the workforce data, matching abilities with jobs, but it provides certification of workers that enables employers to find the appropriate skill sets it needs thereby saving time, money and resources. It should come as no surprise to Dubuque businesses that a significant labor shortage is looming. It seems impossible to imagine in light of current economic woes. But all workforce studies, taking into account changing demographics, the shrinking of a young and able population, have revealed that there will be a shortage of workers with even the most basic communication skills not to mention technical and computer skills. Something obviously has to be done about it. This organization is the first critical step.

Audiophiles Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

November 10 Meeting Audio

November 10, 2009: Perhaps one of the best updates we've ever had on what's going on at The Finley Hospital. CEO John Knox and Finley Foundation's Dan McCarthy did the program with help from their new executive director of the Finley Foundation Paul Pelletier (pictured below) on visuals. It was really interesting, and we have it recorded for you if you missed the meeting or want to simply hear it again. Program chair is Brent Johns right.

October 20 Meeting Audio

October 20, 2009: Gerald Retzlaff (here with Brent Johns) is our Rotary District Governor who came calling this week to tell us about the state of the district. It should come as no surprise that we are one of the leading clubs in our district, and we were lauded for our growth in membership and success in fund-raising. He provided some interesting insights into the Rotary International organization's ongoing effort to eradicate polio across the globe.

Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

Sept 15 Meeting Audio

September 15, 2009: Iowa Public Television's Jennifer Glover Konfrst, (communications manager) visited us from IPTV's headquarters in Johnston, IA to share the virtues of this wonderful institution that brings so much quality to television. Listen to her speech by clicking the audio link in the box at right. This image is linked to a printable enlargement.

Sept 8 Meeting Audio

September 8, 2009: The actual sign that was displayed in front of the Russian Embassy and the Whitehouse by advocates of the Latvian cause. Latvia, long oppressed by the German overlords followed by the Nazis and then the Russians, seems to be involved in a constant struggle. To learn the history of this struggle, presenter John Freivalds, a representative of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, who resides in Dubuque, told his story. Listen to the audio.

New member Bill Schmidt wears the red badge as Mike Armstrong provides advice on how to lose it by engaging in certain tasks guaranteed to make you a great Rotarian.

Aug 25th Meeting Audio

August 25th, 2009: Program: Our guest speaker was the incomperable Meistro William Intrilligator. Okay, here's the neat part. He not only arrives prepared to talk about the upcoming Dubuque Symphony season, but he brings his own boom box and play selections. It was an uplifting cultural experience to say the least. Click on the audio file and listen for yourself. It was a magnificent way to spend the noon hour. Bravo!

September 1st Meeting Audio

September 1st, 2009 Our program featured fellow Rotarian, Gary Gansemer of Hillcrest Family Services. He is leading the charge to raise funds for a major capital campaign to build a chapel, gymnasium and classrooms at Hillcrest. He played a short movie, and he answered questions. Let's get behind the good works of this organization.

July 14th Meeting Audio

July 14th, 2009: Program: Program: Univ of Iowa Shared Values w/ Provost Wallace Loh with Ann Ricketts, Director of the Office of Research Development. It was an interesting and informative program that explained the connection between the intellectual community of the University of Iowa, its research facilities and Iowa's business community and economy at large.

July 7th Meeting Audio

July 7th, 2009: Program: We learned about an exciting and valuable program in Dubuque called DuRide, a driving service for those not able to drive themselves to the doctor, food store, or anywhere they need to be but find other forms of transportation difficult for them to navigate.

June 30th Meeting Audio

June 30th, 2009: This was the "Pass the Gavel" time as outgoing president of Rotary, Chuck Andracchio, was presented a replica of our meeting gavel from incoming president, Doug Pearce. The photos of this meeting are available by clicking here.

June 23rd Meeting Audio

June 30th, 2009: Luke Juran was entertaining and informative as always in this wonderful presentation on his year in India. Among other things, our Rotary Scholar got married, and his wife will be joining him as soon as her visa clears.

June 16th Meeting Audio

June 16th, 2009: Program: Dave Ruden, head agriculturalist for New Mellary Abby, was introduced by Brent Johns. Dave was a wonderful guest and presenter. He provided us with splendid insights into the agricultural and the environmental stewardship that is New Mellary. The rich history, the spiritual heritage, the and the multiple revenue streams that 3,000+ acres can represent was fascinating to hear about. You can hear it, too, as it happened on our audio recording. Just click on the button in the box.

Laura Rannals presented a check to Rotary Club which was part of our profits on the Business Olympics. Fun and fund raising... that's what Rotary is all about and more.

May 26 Meeting Audio

May 26 , 2009: Program: Colts Drum Corps and our fellow Rotarian, Greg Orwoll. The organization does so much more than raise the musical bar for these fine young people. The mentoring relationships, learning to work in a cohesive team environment, and a long list of life's skils are transferred to these students as they compete for glory. And that glory is easily shared with Dubuque because the Colts are true ambassadors of our community. Click on the button in the box to hear the entire meeting and a concert by one of the leading percussionists in the Colts organization.

May 12 Meeting Audio

May 12, 2009: Program: Horizons, A Family Service Alliance - "iCan Counseling Program with Erin Coats (above) with Brent Johns.

Below there's an empty table on which reserved signs have been placed. It was all designed to emphasize the importance of recruiting new members for Rotary in our community. We want to make new people feel special and included, so the "Reserved Table" was established to ensure that guests and visitors to our club are recognized beyond the "free lunch" perk we provide.

May 5 Meeting Audio

May 5, 2009: The GSE Team from Intaly was here under the leadership of Stafano Piola. We had tours and hospitality events arranged. It was lovely, and they each said they had a good time. Many thanks to Charlie Green for heading this project. We have an excellent slide show that was prepared by this GSE team and is available for you to view right in your Web browser. Just click on the Green Play Button and you're off to Italy!

Okay, see if you can identify whose daughter this is and who was a guest at Rotary Club? Any clue? Okay, click on the image at right and the answer will magically appear.

Meet Jaramee Finn, Yes, Jaramee... an interesting name. The photographer double checked the name badge spelling with the Official Attendance Sheet. Jaramee is a guest of Kim Tully's.

Incidentally, the photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

February 17 Meeting Audio

February 17 , 2009 Katrina Wilberding, representing Proudly Accessible Dubuque, spoke on how area businesses are leading the way nationally in providing accessibility to those among us who have mobility requirements. It's a lot more than just providing handicapped parking spaces or wheelchair ramps. Katrina brought along her service dog, Leon (below). Katrina serves on the Dubuque Human Rights Commission, and she has taught many, many people in our community how to live relatively independently.

Jan 27 Meeting Audio

January 27, 2009 Holy cow! We had the Dean of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business at The University of Iowa, Curt Hunter, here with colleague Tami Bauman and our own Brent Johns. As a consequence of his lecture on the economy, all Rotarians now have three credits they can apply to an MBA. How thoughtful. Actually, he was quite interesting, and according to his best educated estimates, if you're going to be living anywhere in this nation during a severe economic downturn, it's probably best to be in Iowa. But we knew that. Listen to the audio by clicking on the media logo in the box.

Hello All,

January 13 th was the big wedding day; the ceremony and reception took place in Pallikuttumma, Alleppey, Kerala.

Daliya and I are both Catholics, so we had a church wedding—but there were definitely some cultural nuances. We had decorated wedding cars, two beautiful flower girls, and a professional choir. The mass was said in Malayalam (the language of Kerala), with only the vows being stated in English. I wore a suit to both the ceremony and reception, while Daliya wore a white wedding dress to the ceremony and a sari to the reception (a sari is the traditional women's garment in South Asia; I had to purchase a special sari for Daliya to be given as part of the wedding ceremony). We exchanged wedding rings, but the main symbolic part of ceremony consisted of a series of other gestures. First, I placed a large, gold chain around Daliya's neck. Then, I tied a thali (a special wedding pendant) around her neck on seven silk strands that had been taken from the sari that I gave her. I had to tie the strands around Daliya's neck in a particular knot that was taught to me the previous day—so I guess you can say that I literally “tied the knot.” Next, I placed a sari over her head and later transferred it to her arm. After the mass, Daliya changed from her dress into her sari and we arrived at the reception hall together. We lit an oil lamp, cut the wedding cake, and fed each other a piece—but we were also fed by each other's parents. We had large floral garlands placed around our necks and we drank coconut juice together from the same coconut (Kerala is famous for coconuts).

It was a wonderful event and I'm blessed that my parents were able to come all the way from cold, cold Iowa for the special day (while we were enjoying 80 degree weather, Iowa was setting record lows around -30 degrees). My Mother was excited to wear a sari complete with bangles and a bindi (the traditional dot that many Indian women wear on their forehead). There were about 600 guests in attendance and it was truly a joyous occasion.

One last interesting note… instead of “you may kiss the bride,” the Christian weddings in India state that you may “shake hands with the bride”!

Best,

Luke & Daliya

For more photos, Click here. For the Passing of the Goat Photos, scroll down in the right column.

Jerry Lasore, Pat Udzielak and Gery Kremer

Last week was the installation of a new Interact Club at St. Antony's School (photo above). The high school section of the school is reserved for girls (to lessen the education gap between men and women), so the Interact Club is all female. Furthermore, St. Antony's is a government run school, which means that it is free and serves the poor (many students come to school without shoes). The event was wonderful and included a speech from the new Interact president, the District Governor Elect of District 3230, and the president of an all women's Rotary Club here in Chennai. The students were taught about the Rotary Four-Way Test, and attached is a photo of the unveiling of the Four-Way Test board at the school. What makes the Interact Club even more special is that the school is right by my house—a mere stone's throw away!

In other news, the “Passing on the Goat” program is in full swing and is less than four weeks away. Everything is arranged and I have procured some additional donors who will donate about 5-10 goats in addition to the Dubuque Club's great contribution of 98 goats. Look to hear from me soon…

In Rotary,

-- Luke (Email me!)

December 15 Meeting Audio

December 15, 2009: The Magical Madrigal Singers from Senior High School feature some of the best voices in the area. Dubuque Senior has become a school in which fledgling artists can spread their wings. We have an extraordinary performance tape as part of our regular audio recording of the meeting. We used our state-of-the-art microphone and sound mixing system to get the best results. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.

Audiophiles Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

December 8 Meeting Audio

December 8, 2009: Sr Pat Farrell with Gary Gansemer. She spoke of the world's water crisis, and how Rotary Club is helping those in developing countries find the stuff of life. Even in our own country we are experiencing water shortages of a profound nature. Arizona imports nearly all of its water from out of state. New Mexico is not far behind. It helps drive the message home that water is more important than oil, and, in fact, we are currently fighting wars over oil. Could wars over water be far behind?

Jim Darling was a guest of Cheryl Kramer.

December 1 Meeting Audio

December 1, 2009: Black Hills Energy was the program on this day. Remember the photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements. Above is Larry Eckert, customer relations manager for Black Hills. Left is program chair, Brent Johns.

Audiophiles Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

Get ready for Santa Cash!

Posters are available and the goal is to sell 250 tickets at $100 each. The grand prize is $10,000. Odds are pretty good you'll win. And if you don't get the ten grand, you still win because the money raised by Rotarians directly benefits our community. Pat Udelack is the chair. See her and her committee members for tickets to sell. C'mon, let's make this a huge success!

Photos on this page are linked to printable ones. Just click on them.

November 24 Meeting Audio

November 24, 2009: Above Tom Tully and Gabriella Hoffman

Audiophiles Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

November 3 Meeting Audio

November 3, 2009: Gary Dophin, the voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, made his perennial visit to our club to rumminate on the outstanding win record the Iowa football team and to do a little prognosticating on the fate of Iowa's basketball team. This is one of the best, most entertaining audio files you will every listen to. Sitting to Dolph's left is superfan from Dubuque Mike Noonan.

Audiophiles: Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

Another great Rotarian, Jim Curoe, received anniversary recognition this month. Guess how long he's been a Rotarian? You'll have to listen to the audio to devine the answer. Congratulate him, won't you?

October 27 Meeting Audio

October 27, 2009: Lee Nothe, the administration's chief recruiter at the University of Dubuque, spoke to us about a new program for adult learners pursuing their degrees.

Audiophiles: Please Take Note: We are now offering our meeting recordings in MP3 file format. This audio file should behave like any other audio file in most up-to-date browsers (playing almost instantly), but you can also download this file into your resident MP3 music folder (right click and choose "Save target as," and point the download directly to that folder on your computer). Once it resides on your computer, your MP3 software (like iTunes) will treat it as a music or podcast file allowing you to add it to a playlist, audio database, etc. from which you can download the file into your iPod, Zune, or similar portable audio device. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you. This obviously is a shakedown cruise, but it was requested by a member, and that's the kind of feedback we always look for. Otherwise how can we improve? - Gary O.

October 6 Meeting Audio

October 6, 2009: John Woodin, retired Fine Arts Curriculum Director for Dubuque Schools had a wonderful program on mature adults who have rediscovered (and in some cases discovered) the instrumental musician within. It's a delightful idea, and some members of our club have already enrolled in this nationally recognized program that is gaining momentum in Dubuque with its affiliation with the Northeast Iowa School of Music in Dubuque.

Sept 29 Meeting Audio

September 29, 2009: Former Governor of the State of Iowa and now President of DesMoines University, Terry Brandstad visited Rotary Club this meeting to share his experiences since he left the governorship. Accompanying Governor Branstad to Dubuque was his dad, Ed (below left) and colleague John Damato from Des Moines.

Sept 22 Meeting Audio

September 22, 2009:Kimberly Burds talked about her time in Brazil as part of a Rotary Club sponsored exchange program. Note the pins. She knows how to accessorize!

Nan Colin, Dubuque Visiting Nurses Association, was on hand to pick up a check from Rotary Club for $3,000. In addition she thanks us for our volunteer efforts on Super Shot Saturday, a program tha innoculates children against diseases and checks their teeth for tooth decay. Below she is pictured with Mike Seyer and our president Doug Pearce.

Aug 4th Meeting Audio

August 4th, 2009: Bob Rudzianski is congratulated by Barry Bromberg in a ceremony celebrating Bob's contribution to the Paul Harris + Foundation. This week's program: the new head of Right to Life in Dubuque.

We had another check presentation at Rotary. However, this time the check is coming back to Rotary from Lisa Bowers who is with Leadership Dubuque. Lisa's class of emerging community leaders raised money that was designated for Rotary Club this year. Thanks Lisa!

John Donovan had a guest this week at Rotary Club. Barbara Meyers.

May 19 Meeting Audio

May 19, 2009: Our guests this past week included Dana Holthaus and Bridget Bartlett from Opening Doors and Maria House Shelter for women and children.

Tom Tully is wearing his favorite tweed jacket he purchased in the British Isles some time ago. He is celebrating is successful lung surgery apparently with clothes that fit. Congratulations!

April 21 Meeting Audio

April 21, 2009: This was one of the most moving programs we've had in a long time. With Tom Howe is Jake Krapfl. Jacob Krapfl whose hometown is New Vienna , IA. He Graduated from Beckman Catholic High School , Class of 2002. He enlisted in the US Army, did his Basic Training at Ft. Sill , OK, did his Airborne Training: Ft. Benning , GA, abnd he was deployed to Station C BTRY( Charlie Battery ) 2/319th AFAR(Airborne Field Artillery Regiment), 82nd ABN DIV, US ARMY, Ft. Bragg , NC. His Current Rank is Sergeant, and his Status: IRR (Inactive Ready Reserve). But this is only part of his story. You've got to hear the rest from this veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

April 7 Meeting Audio

April 7, 2009: Above, Christie Vilsack (wife of current Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa Governor, Tom Vilsack) was on hand to speak to Rotarians about a topic near and dear to her heart, and we have the audio file. Just click on it at right.

April 7, 2009
Hello Rotarians!

As promised, I just returned from some villages outside of Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India) to check on the goats that were distributed in January. The Rotary Club of Dubuque generously donated $2,000 (the equivalent of 78 goats) to poor women who are members of Mahasemam (a microcredit organization). Additionally,12 goats were donated from my family and friends to comprise a total of 90 goats. I can readily say that the goats are doing well and that the women are extremely happy and grateful.

I attached six short interviews of women involved in the "Passing on the Goat" program. Click here to download the Impact Study.

• -The first three interviews are from the recipients of the Dubuque Rotary Club's donation (the goats have only been in the village for less than three months, so they haven't had time to procreate yet--although some are currently pregnant).
• The fourth interview is with a woman who has been in the program since 2006, so she has had the opportunity to pass on a goat.
• The fifth interview is with a woman who is awaiting a goat in the near future
• The sixth interview is with a woman who has been given a goat in the past.

Through these interviews I hope you will be able to see the stages, success, and sustainability of the program. Your donation has gone a long way toward improving the lives women and families 8,000 miles from Iowa.


Best,

Luke Juran
CARTHA Fellow, Crossing Borders Fellow, and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
PhD student in Geography
University of Iowa, USA
Current student at IIT-Madras, India
(+91) 988.469.1985

March 17 Meeting Audio

March 17, 2009 Our guest, Liz Gerber,
was from Highland Illinois Community College just across the river, and we learned quite a lot about this important educational resource and how it's contributing to our Tri-State economy and employment profile. Guess what Rotarian in our club is an alum of distinction from this college? B'Ann Ditmar!

March 10 Meeting Audio

March 10, 2009 Jane McCall and Melody Heber came to present information on the new capital campaign for new facilities at the Dubuque Area Humane Society. Alas, they've outgrown their facilities, and to fulfill their mission, they must find new digs. You know, it's interesting what the Dubuque Area Humane Society brings to our community in terms of quality of life, not just for animals but for human beings, too! The point is, a community's quality of life can be measured by how it takes care of its animals. I don't think there would be any argurment that Jane (a Rotarian by the way), has made a trememdous contribution to the quality of this organization and it certainly is worthy of our support. Above, Mike Seyer presents a check to Jane for $5,000 toward one of their worthwhile projects.

February 10, 2009 What a special meeting we had this week! Dave Buck was here to talk about Rotary's battle against the spread of polio in the world. The fight is not over, but as an international service organization, we've made tremendous strides in the eradication of the disease. We apologize for not having an audio file of the meeting this week. Technical difficulties were the cause.

Jan 20 Meeting Audio

January 20, 2009 We had School Board member George Davis and Kim Swift (Principal of Senior High). They endeavored to explain the complexities of school financing and the importance of the upcoming Instructional Support Levy before the voters on February 3rd. There was a spirited Q & A session, but bottom line is, a Yes vote on the ISL will not raise taxes, and it allows the district increased spending authority to avail itself of other avenues for school financing from the State of Iowa. If you are really hankering for a better explanation than this, perhaps you should visit the website: Tax Facts.