Rotary Club seeks flag donations and new members
Guttenberg Rotary Club members are dedicated to the betterment of our community. From left are Alicia Walke, Jean Green, Mary Waterman, Mike Schuster and Russ Loven; back, Denise Schneider, Patty Schwartz, Dennis McNeal, Matt Esser, Gary Mick and Dave Brown. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)
By Caroline Rosacker
Thanks to the Guttenberg Rotary Club, our nation's symbol waves proudly up and down River Park Drive and throughout our community's downtown business district. The Rotary Club's generosity and dedication to creating a welcoming view as locals and tourists travel throughout our community has beaen a challenging project.
"The Rotary Club’s American flags are on display from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day, thus weather takes its toll on them, making replacement necessary more often," say Rotary Club members. "In past years, flags were put up and taken down five times a year so they lasted a lot longer, but that is no longer an option. We are asking for donations to help offset the cost of this ongoing project. Donations can be made in memory of a special person, but no donor markers will be displayed. Benefactors will be listed on Rotary’s Facebook page."
Aluminum can/glass recycling
The Rotary Club is pleased to announce the re-opening of their aluminum can and glass bottle recycling drop-off station, located behind the City garage on Haydn Street across from the municipal swimming pool.
The redemption center will accept glass beverage containers that have Iowa 5-cent deposit indicated. For convenience, safety and regulations, a large bin with a lid is provided which sits in front of the can bin for just glass.
Rotary members ask the public to treat the area with respect. If abused by depositing non-qualifying glass, aluminum, plastic, broken glass or garbage in bins, the redemption center will charge for cleanup and removal rather than paying for cooperage.
"Rotary would like to emphasize that our revenue from can redemption is given 100 percent towards community events and projects," noted organizers. "We need your help, support and donations to continue our work."
Big Springs Pollinator Garden
Big Springs Nature Park is located along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway just north of Guttenberg. "Big Springs,” as the locals prefer to call it, is a quiet, hidden natural treasure used by outdoor enthusiasts for day-hiking, picnicking, bird watching or peaceful meditation.
Guttenberg Rotary members maintain the area and takes the natural beauty of the park into careful consideration while maintaining its pristine appearance. Club members are pleased to announce the addition of a pollinator garden in the spacious green space just north of the park's entrance.
"The pollinator garden/monument will be placed at the park's entrance, on the right side of the driveway on the sloped bank and visible from the Great River Road. Construction will consist of limestone rock, designed with two, large tiered areas for plants and a backdrop wall displaying the park name – Big Springs Nature Park," they described.
Membership drive
The Guttenberg Rotary Club is seeking individuals to join their organization. Rotary International is a non-profit global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers. Guttenberg Rotary Club’s eighteen members, as well as all Rotarians, envision a world where people gather together and take action to create lasting change and peace worldwide, in our communities and in ourselves.
"The Rotary Club meets every Thursday at the Stadium Bar and Grill during the lunch hour from 12 noon - 1 p.m.," say organizers. "Anyone can become a Rotary member. It's a great way to become involved in your community!"
