Happy Friday fellow Kiwanians! After taking the week off for our Board meeting, we are back on Monday and hope to see you at our meeting.

Jay Justin, long-time Executive Director of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, will be our guest speaker.

Now on to the news of the day. Year two of our Bicycle Project is in full swing, with over $1500 raised already! If you would like to support this fantastic project, please reach out to the club. It's estimated a bicycle (with helmet and lock) will cost $150 to $170 each, and our goal is to purchase at least 20 bikes again this year.

We raised over $3625 through Birdies for Charity - our best year in many years. Thank you club members for your generous donations!

Finally, President Jeff had the 3rd and final reading of the Slate of Officers for the upcoming year. It is as follows:

Past President-Jeff Condit
President-Joan Kranovich
1st VP-David Levin
2nd VP-Open (still hoping to fill, but not yet)
Secretary-Michael Glanz
Treasurer-Daryl Empen


3 year Board Terms-Mgcini Mpofu & Bob Braun
2 year Board Terms-Marla Andich, Al Beck & Christian Stuart
1 year Board Terms-Don Wentler, Steve Andich & Isaac Carr

Announcements

We had 17 members in attendance at our July 14th meeting to hear our guest speaker, Denise Bulat with the Bi-State Regional Commission. Denise has been with Bi-State since 1984. The commission represents 5 counties in Iowa and Illinois.

Founded in 1966, the commission works with our local governments, with a primary focus on transportation planning. They also provide other services, including hosting a data and graphic center, administrative services and community and regional programs.

Denise discussed the plans for replacing both the I-80 Bridge and Centennial Bridge, including the timelines for both projects.

Upcoming Programs:

Monday, July 28th Jay Justin, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley
Monday, August 4th Rebecca Valladares, Rock Island County Children's Advocacy Center
Monday, August 11th Chris Van Speybroeck, Children's Therapy Center Monday, August 18th. Board Meeting
Monday, August 25th Shelly Wells Cain, Girl Scouts of Eastern IA and Western IL
Tuesday, September 2nd State of the Schools Address with Rock Island Rotary