The noon Rotary meeting on August 17th was devoted to Blessman International and the projects they have completed and are still working on in South Africa.   Dr. Jim Blessman gave an update on some of these projects including, drilling water wells, "Teach a Man to Fish" (training individuals to care for gardens), sanitation projects for early childhood development centers, and a feminine hygiene project.   Guests in attendance via Zoom were Allen and Trish Anderson who were major contributors to Blessman International including $100,000 to the sanitation project.    After Dr. Blessman's presentation, Ankeny's Foundation Chair, Tim Hawkins, announced that Allen Anderson was being recognized by the Rotary Foundation for his contribution and presented him with a crystal and a pin with four stones as symbols of his being recognized a "Major Donor - Level 4".  Jacque Andrew, District 6000 Foundation Co-Chair, was also in attendanace via Zoom and thanked Mr. Anderson for his support of the Rotary Foundation and the projects they supported.

Steve Wieneke was named "Rotarian of the Month" for August by President Todd Eipperle.  This was in recognition of all he did to arrange for the Iowa Veterans' Band concert that was held at the Band Shell on July 24th.   Congratulations Steve!   

Two new secondary Designees for corporate member Bryant Heating & Cooling were inducted into the Evening Group on August 17th.   They are Cathy McDaniel and Marie Keding.   DuWayne McDaniel will continue to be the Primary Designee and Doug Thomson is the third Secondary Designee.   Welcome Cathy and Marie! 

The Rotary Club of Ankeny's fall picnic was held on the evening of August 10th at Sunrise Park in Ankeny.   There were 53 people in attendance, 28 Rotarians and 25 guests.  The food was great and everyone had fun socializing.  A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success and in particular Steve Wieneke who purchased and cooked the meat.

The Rotary Club of Ankeny provided a sponsorship for New Horizon Adult Day Center's annual golf outing.  The following thank you letter has been received:

 

Corporate member Bryant Iowa Heating & Cooling added Doug Thomson as a Secondary Designee when he was inducted into the club on July 13, 2021.  DuWayne McDaniel will continue as the Primary Designee.  Doug is in Sales with the company.   Congratulations and welcome to Rotary, Doug!

On Saturday evening, July 24th, the Iowa Military Veterans Band performed at the Ankeny Bandshell.  A nice crowd was in attendance despite the very warm weather.  A big thank you to Tim Cox for providing the sound system and also thank you to Rotarians Jenna Lanning, and her guest Justin Boschee, Jeff Magner, Juan Arias, Patty Munguia, Noel Fiscus, Mary Cochran, Kristofer Orth, Marie Kline, Ron Matthews, Juan Arias II, Brenda Wieneke, and Steve Wieneke for helping with this event.  In addition to sponsoring the concert, the Rotary Club of Ankeny donated $500 to the band and club members passed around buckets to collect money for PolioPlus.  Approximately, $700 was raised to help eradicate polio worldwide.