The Noon Optimist Club of Marshalltown met at the Orpheum on Oct. 24 with President Brian Batterson presiding. Rev. Michael Herschberger gave the invocation followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. One guest attended. Greg DeSaulniers provided the community calendar of events for the upcoming week.

Hershberger updated members on the Avenue of Flags project. The Noon Optimist Club will sub-contract two flag routes from the Morning Optimist Club for the Veterans Day flag holiday on Nov. 11. All volunteer spots are filled for the holiday.

Jim Grimmius introduced the guest speakers from Iowa Valley Community College District; Dr. Kristie Fisher (chancellor), Kathy Pink (vice chancellor of District Finance/CFO) and Brynjar Brynjarsson (faculty).

Fisher began the presentation with an overview of IVCCD logistics and the mission of the district. She also presented details regarding student focus throughout the district, including the district having the No. 2 practical nursing program in the state of Iowa and No. 3 precision agricultural program in the United States. Fisher related details of the economic impact the district has on local employers and communities.

She continued the presentation with details of the upcoming general obligation bond referendum, which will be presented to area voters on Nov. 5. Funds from the bond will be used on projects to renovate and/or construct new learning spaces, safety and security, technologies, infrastructures and living spaces throughout IVCCD. Fisher estimates the entire list of projects will be completed in 3-5 years.

Pink provided details on the impact the bond referendum will have on area tax-payers. An example was the bond issue will cost a homeowner in the area approximately $3.32/month for a home with an assessed valuation of $100,000. At its highest point, the $32 million bond issue will cost taxpayers less than they were paying back in the year 2017.

The meeting concluded with the Optimist Creed. Guests are always welcomed. Lunch meetings take place at noon every Thursday at the Orpheum (second floor boardroom). Visit the website www.marshalltownnoonoptimist.com.