The July 11 lunch meeting of the Marshalltown Rotary got underway at Elmwood Country Club with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance led by Dan Vellinga followed by recognition of the July birthdays by Bonnie Lowry. Lowry also noted anniversaries of membership. President Dennis Drager invited members to join the club in contributing financially to the GrimesFarm amphitheater. Drager also noted that the rural-urban breakfast on Aug. 30 will replace the regularly scheduled meeting that week. He also reported that a good time was had by all at the 4th of July picnic. Kim Jass-Ramirez presented an informative vocational presentation. Interestingly, Jass-Ramirez used to work a block away from Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Ill.

After a news report, Amber Danielson took charge to preview the upcoming Linn Creek Art Festival. Also on hand was one of the two other co-chairs, Kendra Sorensen. Danielson said it seems like the 12-member planning committee has been working on the preparation for a year, well, because they have been. The theme for this year’s festival, sponsored by the Arts & Culture Alliance, is “Doorway to the Arts.” This all day event is free and will feature more than 60 artists from seven different states. There will be a lot of activities for the children. Something new will be a feature of nine high school and college-aged ’emerging’ artists. Danielson couldn’t say enough in appreciation of the sponsors, donors and more than 150 volunteers. Sorensen noted there will be two active stages which will help ensure a huge range of performances. Exit 185 is scheduled from 3 – 5 p.m. to close the event. There will be live painting and craft beer sampling. A true variety-pack of food vendors will be on hand to supplement ice cream, Smokin G’s and the Lions Club booth. Buzzed Bee Meadery will be back by popular demand. There will be a $5 raffle for two pieces of art from Iowa artists. Bring a water bottle as the event is partnering with the Marshalltown Water Works who will have their water wagon on hand. Visitors of all ages are expected to number in the thousands for this event that has become a source of pride for the community. The event transitions nicely into the “Art After Dark” event at 13th Street that evening. The economic impact to the community of the Linn Creek Art Festival is huge. The duo hoped the crowd is able to take in the artwork, meet the artists, relax in the picnic tent, enjoy a variety of foods, visit the beverage garden and be entertained by on-stage entertainers this weekend.

Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do.” Being a part of Rotary is a great opportunity to make that happen.