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Back to Home pageNEWSLETTER Kiwanis Club of Cedar Rapids Wednesday, March 11, 2009 The meeting was called to order by President Bob Hatala, Esq. 25 Members in attendance. Guests: None Birthdays: Bob Dye – 3/15 Anniversaries: None Announcements: Mary Corkery reprised the fundraiser at CR Kernels games in August – 7-14 and 24-30. Dan Breitbach says ticket sales are progressing. – sell, sell Happy Bucks: Dan Breitbach – scribe missed it; Kelly Allen threw in a buck for Bob Dye’s birthday; John Anderson had a good natured insult about Ron Sunderman’s hirsute-free situation; Ron Sunderman was happy for his great vacation, and another greenback went for a snappy response to John;s gibe; Mel Rhodes reported a trip to see Jim Platt, home after total knee replacement, and threw in another buck so we’d listen to his sad computer virus woes; Bob Dye reports that his grandson’s cancer is gone, and his hair’s coming back (more hair stories today). Upcoming Programs: Sgt. Charlie Fields, Cedar Rapids Police SWAT team Speaker: Mayor Halloran briefly went over her political career – ’83 –’92 and ’97 – ’00 Iowa House of Representatives, and the first elected mayor after the change in city government to the council-manager form. Because CR has a nuclear plant, the required disaster drills served us well in dealing with the flood. The recovery process is laid out in the recent city mailing, and the mayor urged all to participate in the public forums that will guide leaders as we go forward. The vision is focused on future generations. In the past, foresighted thinking has been a characteristic of the city. For instance, CR was one of few cities that has had separated sanitary and storm sewer systems from the git go. By way of explaining the seemingly sluggish response to citizens in extreme need, it was fear of penalty from federal and state agencies that prevented quick response. Had CR borrowed money for recovery, reimbursement from FEMA and other sources would have become extremely doubtful. The Council could not risk the financial health of the city by taking prompt action. Going forward, the city’s priorities will be to: improve flood protection, restore low income neighborhoods and housing, restore business vitality, and maintain cultural features and attractions – library, Paramount, etc. Word for the day: Submitted: Chuck Wehage |