Fort Madison Rotary

Fort Madison Rotary Fort Madison Rotary
Meetings: Every Tuesday @ Noon
Location: Turnwater Bar and Grill

Thomas Barker, Director of the Sheaffer Pen Museum in Fort Madison, was our distinguished guest today. During his visit,...
05/19/2026

Thomas Barker, Director of the Sheaffer Pen Museum in Fort Madison, was our distinguished guest today. During his visit, he provided insight into the life and achievements of WA Sheaffer, the inventor of the self-filling fountain pen and founder of the Sheaffer Pen Company. Thomas highlighted the significant impact the company had on Fort Madison and the world at large. Furthermore, he shared his vision for the museum's future, showcasing some of the remarkable finds in the archives and discussing his experiences at various pen shows. Thomas invites everyone to visit the Sheaffer Pen Museum, which is open from 10:00- 2:00 pm, Wednesday through Friday and Saturday 10:00-3:00pm. Those interested in specialty writing instruments can explore the museum's retail store or visit the Sheaffer website. Sheaffer

Today we had the pleasure of having Jason Hutcheson with the Great River Health Foundation- to not only share his “dad j...
05/05/2026

Today we had the pleasure of having Jason Hutcheson with the Great River Health Foundation- to not only share his “dad jokes” but the impact the Foundation means to SE Iowa. Being able to provide support to those that may be having to make hard decisions when dealing with health care/personal life issues- not to mention community impact support is a directive of the Foundation. A couple funding sources for the not for profit organization include the Foundation Golf Outing in June at Sheaffer Golf Course as well as the Night of Dreams Gala event in November. The health system created a partnership with SCC to help those looking at healthcare careers, such as nursing and radiology programs. This directive is making it possible for those looking at healthcare careers to attend with financial support.

We were privileged to hear Hailey Ramatowski, a Fort Madison native, share her growth story and discuss the expansion of...
04/14/2026

We were privileged to hear Hailey Ramatowski, a Fort Madison native, share her growth story and discuss the expansion of the Ramatowski Piano Studio. Through her collaboration with The Elliot Test Kitchen, she was able to initiate this opportunity for students aged 5-70, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to learning when it comes to pursuing one's passion. Students have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned in a spring concert or a Christmas concert. Currently her studio is located in Wever at the Crossing and new adventure including piano tuning…

It was our honor to welcome Mayor Melinda Blind, who provided insightful commentary on city activities and her tenure in...
03/31/2026

It was our honor to welcome Mayor Melinda Blind, who provided insightful commentary on city activities and her tenure in municipal administration preceding her mayoral role. Mayor Blind invited the public to explore opportunities to serve on city boards, driving Fort Madison's prosperity and progress. She discussed notable projects, including the new fire station and ongoing sewer separation effort, poised to revitalize the downtown area. Stay tuned for her 'Coffee with the Mayor' events, fostering community connections and collaborative problem-solving.

Chad Squires, Plant Manager for Iowa Prison Industries, joined us for an insightful program about Homes For Iowa, based ...
03/17/2026

Chad Squires, Plant Manager for Iowa Prison Industries, joined us for an insightful program about Homes For Iowa, based out of Newton, highlighting its mission to train the workforce, reduce recidivism, and strengthen communities. With a goal to complete 100 homes for 2026, this 501c3 organization is making significant progress. Lee County has been fortunate enough to have a couple of these homes. Homes for Iowa.

Today we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Lauri Wondra, who shared information about another wonderful service organizati...
03/10/2026

Today we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Lauri Wondra, who shared information about another wonderful service organization, Soroptimist International. She spoke about their mission of supporting and empowering women and girls through scholarship programs and by helping meet various needs within our community.

Dr. Wondra also told us about their upcoming fundraiser, the Annual Princess Tea Party, March 28th. This special event gives young girls the chance to spend a magical day with their favorite fairytale princesses while supporting a great cause- this fundraiser helps support their scholarship programs.

For more information about the upcoming event or to learn how you can get involved with this amazing group, be sure to check out their page Soroptimist International of Fort Madison.

Thank you to Sara Sandburg from Southeast Iowa Regional Airport and Susan Skees from Contour Airlines for a great progra...
03/03/2026

Thank you to Sara Sandburg from Southeast Iowa Regional Airport and Susan Skees from Contour Airlines for a great program. It serves as a reminder that we have the ease of connection to anywhere in the world just 20 minutes away- without the long TSA lines! Also, congratulations to Ryan on the “two tails” win for the round trip air service certificate for two to Chicago Ohare Airport from Burlington on Contour Airlines! With 50 aircraft, 30 locations nationwide and over 800 employees make Contour Airline one of the largest regional air service carriers. Plan your next vacation or even a day trip to -or out of- Chicago on Contour Airlines with your choice of two round trip flights daily out of Burlington: 8:45 am or 4:20 pm with return flight options to Burlington 10:50 am or 6:25 pm.

✈️ Join Us Tomorrow!Please join us Tuesday, March 3rd at noon at Turnwater as we welcome our guest speakers:Sara Sandbur...
03/02/2026

✈️ Join Us Tomorrow!

Please join us Tuesday, March 3rd at noon at Turnwater as we welcome our guest speakers:

Sara Sandburg with the SE Iowa Regional Airport and
Susan Skees, Vice President of Customer Success for Contour Airlines.

Susan will share the Contour story — including the airline’s history, growth, and continued success — along with their commitment to and partnership with the SE Iowa Regional Airport.

We look forward to an informative and engaging program. Guests are always welcome!

Today, Robin Delaney was our guest to update us on what has been happening with our little local live theater group- Old...
02/17/2026

Today, Robin Delaney was our guest to update us on what has been happening with our little local live theater group- Old Fort Player and their upcoming production “Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie set in 1950’s London England. Showtimes are this Friday/Saturday February 20th & 21st at 7:00 and Sunday the 22nd matinee at 1:00. Tickets are $15.00 General Admission, $10.00 Seniors/Students/Military, VIP $25.00 is still available for Friday night only!

Fort Madison Library Director Sarah Clendening was the featured guest of the day. She highlighted the library's comprehe...
02/10/2026

Fort Madison Library Director Sarah Clendening was the featured guest of the day. She highlighted the library's comprehensive array of programs and services, including public computer access, audiobooks, genealogy resources, meeting facilities, and numerous other offerings. We invite the community to participate and stay informed. Library cards are available at no cost to Iowa residents. Www.fortmadisonlibrary.org.

Address

PO Box 100
Fort Madison, IA
52627

Telephone

(319) 372-2243

Website

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