September 2019


DMARSPA Monthly Meeting September 25, 2019

The program started at 10:30 a.m.
The speaker, Mike Pace, was introduced by Marilyn Reese.

Mike Pace was a television personality in Des Moines for more than 36 years. He also performed in local stage productions. He is committed to several local charitable causes including Every Steep Hospice Care, Planned Parenthood, The Matthew Shepard Scholarship Foundation and the Latino Heritage Festival

Mike came from a family of educators and his son is a college professor at the University of Nebraska.  He has published a book of short stories and poetry “Dreams and Detours.” Portions of the sales of the first printing were donated to Hospice of Central Iowa. He is probably the oldest TV personality still on camera in the DM market. At his speaking engagements he is often the oldest person in the room.

He keeps busy with speaking engagements, acting, and doing commercials. He commented that in America advertising is the national religion. One of his pet peeves is the lack of correct grammar and pronunciation on national news programs. He commented that America is no longer the first in the world in education.

His early dreams of being a Major League Baseball player did not pan out. Neither did his plans to be a musician.  But his dreams of being a writer came true late in life as he has now written a book, “Dreams and Detours: Reflecting on the Souvenirs of Life.” He shared some selections from his book.

President Mike Walag recognized the September birthdays. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed.

Lunch was served.

President Mike Walag called the business meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. Tina Olson shared a joke.
Justine read the minutes for Sherry Wilkinson who is away traveling. The minutes were approved.
Sandra Petree gave the treasurers’s report. There was a $1200 deposit for a new balance of $6874.75.  Total expenses were $2814.08. Leaving a closing balance of $4,456.67.  The Scholarship Fund balance is  $348.90. The grand total of funds on hand is $4805.47

Warren Pitcher reviewed the annual audit.  The checking account audit was for eleven months to  sync it with our July1-June 30 fiscal year.  Over the last two years we have spent down our checking account by $972 as we transferred funds to provide an additional scholarship.  Net decrease in total assets for the fiscal year was $1,993.11.  He researched the tax deductibility of our scholarship fund contributions. As a 501(c)(4) our scholarship donations are not tax deductible if you itemize your deductions. He concluded that the books are in proper condition.

Dee gave the courtesy report.  Cards were sent to Mary Kelly who injured her back; Grace Dickinson who turned 97; Ernest Doeringsfeld  who is at Brio; and Diane Mackey who broke her foot. Shirley Moore passed. Dee introduced the callers. The She sent 61 cards last year. Average monthly attendance last year was 73. 100% attendance last year: Paula Middleton Schaefer, Sandra Petree, Tina Olson, and JoAnne Rieman.

IRSPA’s annual meeting is in Denison on 10/2 and 10/3.

Visitors: Lisa Kreb, a new retiree. 

Mike promoted bringing in new members.  Personal invitations can help bring in new members.

Door prize was awarded to Frances Rockey, gift certificates to The Confectionery in Beaverdale.

Meeting adjourned at 12:38 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted
Bill Snyder

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