"Des Moines Rotary Club members are at it again. First they lured us into a Haunted House that scared the heck out of me. Then enticed us with a $1,000 prize at the Hole-In-One contest. Now they want us to go "Sippin' on the Dock." "What's up with that?"
Those words were written 6 years ago, March 02, 2005, by me in a "Rotary" inspired column when local members started the fundraising first-ever wine tasting event at Beach Park.
The Covenant Church owned this park and used it for young adults summer camp before the city bought it. A swimming pool near the park entrance is now filled with dirt and covered with grass, benches and picnic tables.
Things and people change with time, yet Des Moines Rotary Club keeps right on successfully raising money to help local causes here and in other countries.
This fun-lovin' group is out for raising cash to support their charities. So when Rotarian Ric and wife Dianne Peterson, owners of Corky Cellars Wine Shop, introduced their wine tasting idea, the sweet sound of cash came home to Des Moines Rotary.
However, before I break the news about Des Moines Rotary's latest community contribution at the north end of the marina, here's interesting news about the South Marina Park Farmers Saturday Market.
Wayne Corey, market president, has announced introduction of their new exclusive brand of Farmers Market Wine on sale at Saturday's July 30th market. In celebration, a free taste of this wine and Sonny's wood-fired oven pizza are offered to all comers the day before, Friday, July 29th, 4-7 p.m. at Corky Cellars Wine Shop, 22511 Marine View Drive S.
The new wine will be on sale at Farmers Market, Saturday, July 30th, 10 a.m. - 2p.m., as will Sonny's tasty pizza.
There's so much natural beauty in Des Moines that is priceless, irreplaceable and obvious. What is often not seen or commonly known, are past and present people's contributions so essential in preserving the uniqueness and support of a city's growth. Des Moines Rotary's latest project was launched in 2008 to create a kiosk for the marina in commemoration of the 2009 club's 50th Anniversary.
When you read this column, Rotary president Al Isaac and former president Mark Rusnak will have formally dedicated the kiosk on July 22nd to "recognize the club's contributions to the community in the past and reaffirm the club's commitment to the future of this city."
So, there it sits now, that kiosk, looking mighty fine placed in the colorful designed walkway area. What's so good about having a kiosk you might ask?
Michael Allen, a devoted Des Moines resident and Rotary member, agrees with Isaac and Rusnak's July 22nd dedication speech that "Rotary Members wanted to contribute something that was of enduring value to the entire community."
Allen described this kiosk as a remarkable tool for community and visitors communication opportunities. Three sides of the kiosk are available for posting printed materials. The fourth side is a TV screen that will display a continuous loop of information about this city.
Now it's up to community organizations to provide posters, flyers, maps and other notices that will make the kiosk an attractive and useful information resource for all. To post anything you must call the city first at 206 870-6519.
Rotarians believe once the kiosk is fully utilized it will direct marina visitors to city businesses and attract boating clubs.
Partnering with The Seattle Rotary Club and Rotary District 5030, of which Des Moines club is a part, provided a matching grant supporting construction costs.
Other contributors include Mayor Bob Sheckler, City Manager, Tony Piasecki, (both Rotary members) city staffers Jason Sullivan, Dave Shivers, Denise Lathrup, Dale Southwick, Tim George and Sandy Paul.
Marina staff; Joe Dusenbury, a Rotary member, Joe Jewell, Scott Wilkins, Pat Wolfron, Charlie Martin together with Powell Homes business owners, Brooks and Todd Powell. Technician Steve Goegebuer, Dave Loft, Jim Polhamus, Brian Snure, and Landmark by the Sound.
Local active organizations historically helped shape the future of Des Moines. So it's fitting, that Des Moines small Rotary Club with their big heart -- and influential hard workers -- completed their community mission.
This kiosk strikes me as adding tasty frosting on a terrific cake.
Today's Thoughts:
(1) "No one can rise so high in this world that they're above reproach."
(2) "One good turn gets most of the blanket."
