June 8 - OFF SITE MEETING
June 8 - OFF SITE MEETING
This week we will be meeting at the Salvation Army (89 Franklin St) for lunch, and volunteering afterwards with various remodel assistance they need, including dusting off and moving tables and chairs, cleaning out a storage closet, and touch-up painting.  Our club will be providing the Salvation Army a donation for our meal. If you would like to volunteer or attend we do have some extra slots available - email Larry Steffens or Mason Fromm.  
 
Next week (June 15th) we will be back at the convention center, for a board meeting at 10:30 and our noon program will be Trent Hunter from the Black Hawk Exchange Club
 
 
 
Cathy Nicholas - Paul Harris Fellow
 
On June 1st, Foundation Chairperson Deb Pullin-VanAuken presented Cathy Nicholas a Paul Harris Sapphire stone pin in honor of her second Paul Harris contribution of $1,000.  Congratulations Cathy!
 
Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.
 
 
 
Transforming ocean trash into music
Imagine children transforming ocean trash into musical instruments and performing alongside professional musicians in a concert by the sea. This was the vision behind a bold initiative by the Rotary Club of Toba, Japan—a project designed to unite people for the sake of our shared future.
 
 

A coastal community with a mission

Toba City, located in Mie Prefecture, is a coastal town known for its fishing industry and tourism. For its residents, the sea is more than scenery—it’s a way of life and a cultural cornerstone. The Toba Aquarium, the only facility in Japan that houses both sea otters and dugongs, is a source of local pride and a vital educational space that teaches all generations about the importance of marine conservation.

Two years ago, to mark the club’s 60th anniversary, we launched an ocean education program titled “70% Water Planet,” inviting children to explore the future of our oceans. This year, we expanded that legacy with a new challenge centered on the theme “Sea and Music.” Our goal: to inspire environmental awareness and artistic joy through one unforgettable experience.

 

Read more...
BHC Election June 2
 
Don't forget to vote in the Primary Election coming up on June 2. Our club heard from BHC Auditor Karen Showalter earlier this month, and we hosted almost all the supervisor candidates May 18th - so our members should be well-informed and anxious to flex their right to vote.  Click the link above for candidate list, sample ballots, ID requirements, polling locations, etc.
 
Election Calendar & Deadlines
DateEvent / Deadline
  
June 1, 2026Last day for in-person voting (closes at 4:30 PM)
June 2, 2026Ballot return deadline (must be received by 8:00 PM)
June 2, 2026Election Day — Polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
 
 
 
June 1 - Business Meeting
June 1 - Business Meeting
Monday, June 1st we will celebrate birthdays, provide a business update, and discuss revised bylaws for our Rotary Club. Members, watch your email for an advance draft of those bylaws, please review and bring questions to the meeting.
 
 
 
June Birthdays
June Birthdays
Join us for the first meeting of the month when we typically celebrate members' birthdays - these fine Rotarians will celebrate in June:
 
Dusty WilsonJune 6 
Jacob BatesJune 16 
David BuckJune 19 
Jacylne HellerJune 19 
Chris KempJune 22 
 
 
 
 
June 8 - OFF-SITE MEETING
June 8 - OFF-SITE MEETING
Here is the scoop on our special meeting to volunteer at The Salvation Army Monday, June 8 12-1:30.  Lunch will be provided by Salvation Army.  We will eat first and then go to our projects. They are in the middle of a remodel and projects include:
 
1. There is a group of table and chairs that need to wiped down and moved. 
2. They have a storage room that needs to be cleaned out. 
3. There is some touch up painting to do if anyone is interested. 
4. They could use some help with sending thank you notes to donors... the script is provided. 
We will need to know how many plan to attend.  You can sign up Monday June 1st at Rotary or 
 
 
 
NO MEETING - MEMORIAL DAY
 
Have a safe Memorial Day, Rotarians - as you remember those who have served, honor them through continuing to serve your community. Our next meeting will be June 1st at the Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza.
 
 
 
 
May 18 - BHC Candidate Forum

Click the image above to see photos
 
Monday, May 18th we hosted a candidate forum for Black Hawk County supervisor candidates, moderated by Kevin McCrindle. Special thanks to Steve Schmitt for arranging candidates in the contested primary to attend. 
 
Candidates opening comment/introduction. (Up to 90 seconds). 
 
First question: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Black Hawk County and your proposal to deal with that challenge (Up to 60 seconds)
 
Second question: The State Legislature has been encouraging government entities at all levels to look for ways to be more efficient with the taxpayer’s money.  What suggestions would you have for Black Hawk County to work with other Counties or Cities/Schools to accomplish this? (Up to 60 seconds)
 
Our club really appreciates the willingness of these candidates to step up and run for elected office, and having this forum will allow our club to meet and hear directly from each candidate.
 
Here is a link to more info on the upcoming Primary Election coming up on June 2.
 
Rotary Updates
Rotary Updates
Our program this week will be our County Supervisor Forum  >>>> Kevin McCrindle will be moderating...there will be 7 candidates at the forum. We will start our club meeting at noon SHARP ---please arrive by 11:45 to help accommodate all the candidates. 
Monday there will be a board meeting at 10:30, agenda items include finishing up the Club By-Laws.  
There will be NO MEETING on May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. 
June 1st we will have a business meeting update. 
 
 
Larry Steffens
Waterloo Rotary Club President
 
 
 
Rotary International Update
📸
In 1996, a Rotary club in Ontario, Canada, took a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition and turned it into a $1M community fundraiser. Ripple Effect, the documentary, is coming to #Rotary26 in Taipei. : Fred Gonder
Read more...
Lewis B. Harned 1924-2026
 
Past Waterloo Rotary club president (1984-85) Lewis B. Harned passed away on April 15, at the age of 101. He was born on August 17, 1924, in Madison. He graduated from high school in 1942 and tried to enlist in the US military, but recruiters classified him as 4 F because of his nearsightedness. His patriotism found another route to the war through the civilian volunteer corps that supplied ambulance drivers to British and Allied forces. He sailed for Egypt in 1943 and joined the British Eighth Army. He served across North Africa and the Middle East before moving with the Eighth Army into the Italian campaign. At the battle of Monte Cassino, his unit operated from a forward aid station that came under heavy German artillery fire. The British awarded him three campaign medals for his service including the Italy star.
Read more...
Steve Weidner 1940-2026
 
 
Fellow Rotarian Steven Arthur Weidner died at home in the loving care of his family on May 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 85 years old.
 
Steve began his legal career in 1968 with Swisher & Cohrt, where he practiced throughout his life. He served as General Counsel and member of the Board Directors for Powers Manufacturing. He was the attorney for Rath Packing Company, Waterloo School Board and Area 7. He also was an active member of St. Edward's Church where he devoted countless hours to the school board, parish council, and renovation of the church. He was a dedicated volunteer with the American Cancer Society and Community Foundation of Waterloo and Northeast Iowa.
 

Visitation: 4:00 -7:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026, at Locke on 4th, 1519 West 4th Street, with the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and Vigil at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial Mass: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please offer memorials directed to St. Edward Catholic Church or Cedar Valley Hospice.

 

 

Tour De Loo May 14th

TOUR DE LOO IS TONIGHT!

Grab your tickets and be part of the excitement!

Step inside Downtown Waterloo like never before! Tour De Loo is a ticketed fundraiser that celebrates the rich history and ongoing revitalization of our city's heart. In collaboration with the City of Waterloo's Historic Preservation Commission, this one-of-a-kind event invites you to explore properties that are undergoing historic renovations, just about to start, or have recently been beautifully restored.

​Uncover fascinating stories from the past, see the craftsmanship of historic architecture up close, and get a sneak peek at the exciting transformations shaping our downtown. It's an unforgettable blend of history, education, and fun. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a great adventure in their own backyard.

Don't miss this chance to celebrate historic preservation, experience Downtown Waterloo in a whole new way, and support a meaningful cause. Grab your tickets and be part of the excitement!

Main Street Waterloo is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization who works to maintain and enhance our downtown city center through historic renovations, economic development, and community engagement. We are not able to host events and do many of our projects without amazing volunteers. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and we are forever grateful for the time and effort you commit to making the events happen and our downtown even better!

 

May 11 - Main Street Waterloo
Join us today to hear from Jessica Rucker, Executive Director of Main Street Waterloo. Celebrating the organizations, 30th anniversary, MSW is dedicated to enhancing the vitality of downtown Waterloo through historic preservation, economic development and community engagement. Downtown Waterloo is home to more than 2,000 residents and more than 6,000 day-time workers; $70,000,000 worth of annual commerce and averaging $8,000,000 in annual private re-investment into the district.
 
 
Main Street Waterloo is a nonprofit powered by passionate volunteers who care about preserving our history, supporting local businesses, and creating unforgettable community experiences. Simply put: we couldn’t do this without you.
 
 
 
Black Hawk County Elections 
 
Black Hawk County Auditor Karen Showalter will join us today to review the upcoming Primary Election coming up on June 2. Here are some handy links for reference:
 
Election Calendar & Deadlines
DateEvent / Deadline
March 24, 2026First day to submit an Absentee Ballot Request (70 days before Election Day)
May 13, 2026In-person absentee voting begins (20 days before Election Day)
May 18, 2026Pre-registration deadline for voters (5:00 PM) (15 days before Election Day)
May 18, 2026Deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot (5:00 PM) (15 days before Election Day)
June 1, 2026Last day for in-person voting (closes at 4:30 PM)
June 2, 2026Ballot return deadline (must be received by 8:00 PM)
June 2, 2026Election Day — Polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
 
 
 
 
May Birthdays
May Birthdays
This trio of Rotarians will celebrate another year on the Earth AND another year in Rotary
 
Vicki MuellerMay 19 
Troy SmithMay 22 
Todd WordelMay 31 
 
 
 
 
April 20 - Honor Students Luncheon
 
Monday, we celebrated area high school students for their academic achievements in what is typically our largest meeting of the year!
 
The Waterloo Rotary Club honored 60 students from these area schools: West, East, Valley Lutheran, Columbus, and Cedar Ridge Christian.  You can see photos from the event here.
 
Our speaker was Ras Smith, US Department of Commerce 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary International Update
To Catch a Parasite...
 

At first it just seemed like a bad flu.

The illness struck Danielle Stanisic while she was in New York for a research gig, her first time living away from home in Australia. It was her lab mates, though, who grew alarmed and insisted she get tested. It turned out Stanisic, who had traveled to Papua New Guinea six months earlier, had malaria.

 
 
 
 
Read more...
Waterloo Rotary Updates 
Waterloo Rotary Updates
4-27
 
District Conference is May 1 and May 2 ....there is still time to register, if you can't attend Friday, you can still come Saturday. Jeff Halverson will be installed as our District Governor Saturday afternoon. Our club put together a fundraising gift basket valued at $600. Items were donated by local businesses and a couple of members, including tickets to the Gallagher Bluedorn, tickets to Waterloo Symphony, $100 certificate to Brown Bottle, 1 night stay in the executive suite at the Black Hawk Hotel, and 2 tickets to Oster Regent Theatre.
 
May 4th - Birthday Table / Re-Districting Black Hawk County
 
President Larry Steffens
 
 
April 13 - Lee Enterprises/WCF Courier
 
Tracy Freese is the Regional Sales Director for Lee Enterprises' Central Iowa division, responsible for two local news markets: Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Mason City/Clear Lake. Her team stretches from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines and then north to the MN border. Before working locally at Lee, she was part of its ag division. 
 
She's lived and worked in the Cedar Valley for 20+ years. She lives in Dike with her husband and three daughters, and is a UNI alum. 
 
Tracy will join us Monday to give us an update about where the Courier is headed. 
 
 
 
 
 
Club Information
Peace Through Service
Waterloo Rotary

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 12:00 p.m.
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
4th & Commercial
Waterloo, IA 50701
United States of America
District Site
Bulletins
Venue Map
Site Pages
Club Executives & Directors
President
Larry Steffens
President Elect
Jordan Bancroft
Secretary
Cathy Nicholas
Treasurer
Allison Beach
Rotary Foundation
Deb Pullin-Van Auken
Membership
Amy Rousselow

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Photo Albums
2024 Honor Student Luncheon
2022 Football Luncheon
2022 Volleyball Luncheon
2022 Cultural Immersion Workshop
2022 Honor Student Luncheon
Ashley Hinson visit 2022
2021 Football MVP
2021 Christmas Luncheon
Rural Urban Day 2022
2021 Volleyball
VGM Heartland Conference 2021
Food Bank Sept 2021
Hovey Brom WWII Photos
Steve Thorpe
Bill Robert
2020 Football
2020 Rural Urban Day - Mike Naig
2019 Holiday Luncheon
2019 Football Luncheon
2019 Volleyball Photos
2019 Family Picnic
2019 Student Scholars Luncheon
2018 Volleyball Luncheon
2018 Football
Hops & Grapes 2018
2018 Student scholars Luncheon
2017 Student Scholar Luncheon
2017 Football Luncheon
2017 Volleyball Luncheon
Shoebox Service Day, 2017
2016 Student Luncheon
June 2016 Kelli Farewell
Centennial Celebration June 25, 2015
2015 Holiday Luncheon
2015 Family Picnic
March 9th Meeting
Rotary Day Feb 23rd 2009
Chili Supper 1-18-09
2016 Family Picnic
Mason's trip to LA
Rural Urban Day 2009
2004 Million Dollar Hole In One Kick Off
2009 Shoebox pickup
2004 Million Dollar Hole In One Parade
Sullivan Museum 2-2-09
Photos of Dick Winegarden
April 20 Meeting
April 6th Meeting
Family Picnic July 31, 2008
2002 - First trip to Nicaragua
Recent Projects
Family Picnic 2009
2009 Steak Fry
July 6th Meeting
Hops & Grapes June 11
District Conference May 1-2
Nicaragua Journal
1965 Convention

June 2026

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