Fellow Rotarian Bryan Burton invited our club members to attend the Boys & Girls Club Love The Mission Free-will donation breakfast this Friday morning, February 13.
Cedar Valley Gearheads is a nonprofit focused on improving transportation access for families across the Cedar Valley. Since 2006, Gearheads has partnered with local agencies, community members, and volunteer mechanics to repair donated vehicles and provide safe, reliable transportation to those who need it most.
This year marks our 20th anniversary. At our previous Skyview Drive location, volunteers repaired and donated 243 vehicles. We have now moved into the automotive shop at Cedar Ridge Christian School, located at 1015 Division St. in Cedar Falls. This partnership not only provides a new home for our mission but also creates opportunities to offer simple, hands‑on automotive curriculum to Cedar Ridge students—connecting real‑world skills with community service.
Vehicles undergo a 27‑point inspection and the necessary repairs, from basic maintenance to more advanced mechanical work. Reliable transportation helps families access medical care, employment, education, childcare, and essential resources.
We recently donated our first vehicle from the new shop and expect to surpass 250 donated vehicles in the coming months—continuing a mission powered by local volunteers and community support.
At this moment we are looking for a program for February 16th... it maybe filled by the time you read this message but we are working on it.
February 23rd we will have our Waterloo Ward 2 forum. All three candidates will be there. Kevin Mcrindle will be the moderator and Steve Schmitt will keep time.
March 2nd we will have a business meeting update and our district Governor Ward Budweg will be joining us to give us on update on district 5970.
If you haven't registered for the beach party it is still not too late... the weather is warming up it should be a Great Time.
If you have programs that you would like to see presented before the club feel free to reach out to Jordan Bancroft or Larry Steffens... We are full for March and filling April & May.
Rural Urban Day will be March 23rd. Be thinking who you may want to bring or if you want to be paired. Tickets will be the same as last year $25.
Larry Steffens
Reminder if you want to go to a Beach Party In February where you don't need to drive very far... Dale Hassman and his wife have an open invitation to District 5970 members to join them at the their house. President Larry saw him Tuesday night and they are excited about excited about getting fellow Rotarians together. You need to RSVP and bring either a dish to pass or a desert. Larry asked if we would be outside he said "no, we have a very big house." It should be fun. February 13th, @6:30 pm.
Please RSVP to des@district5970.org if you plan on being there.
If you are working on your Paul Harris Membership there are matching funds available but the deadline for assistance is rapidly approaching. Please contact Larry or Deb Pullin-Van Auken if you would like assistance.
District 5970 has released a program called Rotary Rush for matching funds to encourage donations to the Rotary Foundation. Rotary Rush is available for a limited time and will conclude February 28th, 2026. Matching funds between $100 and $500 have been generously donated by district Rotarians and those funds may be exhausted before the end of February, so get started today! Click this link for more details and see Deb or Larry if you are interested in participating in this program.
If you haven't heard, the 2028 Rotary International Convention will be held in Minneapolis, very close to our clubs in District 5970. It is not often that the International Convention is held in a location that is so easily accessible and affordable for the Rotarians in our district. Attending an International Convention is the best way for our members to fully understand the power of Rotary to change the world. However, it takes a lot of manpower to host an International Convention.
Rotary International President Nominee Larry Lunsford will be visiting Minneapolis on February 10 and 11. They are coming to Minneapolis to determine if they should recommend to the Rotary International Board of Directors that the city of Minneapolis be moved forward from a "Tentative" convention site location for the 2028 Rotary International Convention to the "Confirmed" convention site location.
Volunteers are needed to work a shift at the House of Friendship, or help with an HOC event, or in any number of other ways. I know it's a quick turnaround, but if you could let us know of some names in your clubs that might be interested in volunteering at the Convention in 2028 by Monday, February 9, it would be appreciated.
We'll be back in the Waterloo Convention Center after a couple weeks away - join us to meet the new Executive Director of the Grout Museum District.
Margaret Moye is a museum professional and community advocate who believes strongly in the power of local history to connect people and strengthen communities. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Grout Museum District, where she leads the organization’s museums and historic sites, including the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, the Grout Museum of History & Science, and the Rensselaer Russell House.
Before coming to Waterloo, Margaret spent several years at the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum, home of the Mahaska County Historical Society in Oskaloosa, where she served as Director and Curator. There, she focused on hands-on history, education, and community partnerships—working closely with volunteers, schools, and local organizations to make Iowa’s pioneer past engaging and relevant for modern audiences.
Since joining the Grout Museum District, Margaret has worked to expand the museum's visibility, develop a sustainable budget and organizational model, strengthen community connections, and ensure the museums remain welcoming, accessible spaces for all ages. Her leadership emphasizes storytelling, preservation, and civic pride, with a particular passion for helping people see themselves reflected in history.
Margaret values partnerships with service organizations and community groups, and she appreciates opportunities to talk with people about why the Grout Museum, and other museums matter—not just as places to visit, but as shared spaces for learning, dialogue, and community memory.
She and her husband just purchased a home in Waverly. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, reading, and tea.
These Rotarians will celebrate birthdays this month, join us to honor them on Groundhog Day!
| Julie Hayes | Feb 9 |
| Bob Krogh | Feb 18 |
| Craig Ritland | Feb 20 |
| Steve Sinnott | Feb 21 |
| Joan Rice | Feb 21 |
| Arp Patel | Feb 26 |
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
It is our pleasure to announce the students who have been selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program for the upcoming year. These young people will serve as ambassadors of Rotary, representing our district, our clubs, and our values while building lifelong friendships across cultures.
Outbound Students for the 26-27 Academic Year:
Liv Anderson - Rotary Club of Decorah
Carly Giddings - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Metro North
Naima Haynes - Rotary Club of Waterloo
Anabella High - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Daybreak
Vivian Soifer - Rotary Club of Charles City
It is our pleasure to announce the students who have been selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program for the upcoming year. These young people will serve as ambassadors of Rotary, representing our district, our clubs, and our values while building lifelong friendships across cultures.
Outbound Students for the 26-27 Academic Year:
Liv Anderson - Rotary Club of Decorah
Carly Giddings - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Metro North
Naima Haynes - Rotary Club of Waterloo
Anabella High - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids Daybreak
Vivian Soifer - Rotary Club of Charles City
Cait O'Conner - Rotary Club of Linn County
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Rotary clubs that are sponsoring and supporting these students. Your commitment of time, resources, and mentorship makes a profound difference—not only in the lives of the students and their families, but also in strengthening Rotary’s global impact. Your leadership and dedication are truly appreciated.
Rotary Youth Exchange is one of our most powerful programs. It develops future leaders, promotes peace and understanding, and creates connections that last a lifetime. We encourage clubs that are not currently participating to consider becoming involved—whether by sponsoring a student, hosting an inbound student, or supporting the program in other meaningful ways. The rewards, for both the students and the clubs, are immense.
For more information about how you and your club can participate, please contact Brian Globokar (5970rye@gmail.com).
Thank you to our RYLA committee and Cathy Nicholas for helping Naima get selected!
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Rotary clubs that are sponsoring and supporting these students. Your commitment of time, resources, and mentorship makes a profound difference—not only in the lives of the students and their families, but also in strengthening Rotary’s global impact. Your leadership and dedication are truly appreciated.
Rotary Youth Exchange is one of our most powerful programs. It develops future leaders, promotes peace and understanding, and creates connections that last a lifetime. We encourage clubs that are not currently participating to consider becoming involved—whether by sponsoring a student, hosting an inbound student, or supporting the program in other meaningful ways. The rewards, for both the students and the clubs, are immense.
For more information about how you and your club can participate, please contact Brian Globokar (5970rye@gmail.com).
Thank you to our RYLA committee and Cathy Nicholas for helping Naima get selected!
Registration is open for the 2026 District Conference, to be held in Iowa Falls on May 1 and 2, 2026. Use this link to register. You can also buy ducks for the duck race here. There is a tentative agenda on the registration page.
There are blocks of rooms reserved at the Super 8 and AmericInn. Information below:
TERMS: Super 8, 839 S. Oak, Hwy 65, Iowa Falls Arrival 5/1/26, 2 nights, 10 rooms, $100 + tax per night, 2 double beds, non-smoking includes free light breakfast, WiFi, mini-fridge. To reserve a room: call 641-648-4618, ask for Rotary Club District Conference reserved rooms (10 are reserved). Must be booked not later than April 1 under this block. After you have called and booked and if you need to cancel, you must call the hotel not later than 24 hours prior or your credit card will be billed.
TERMS: AmericInn, 810 S. Oak, Iowa Falls. Arrival 5/1/26, 2 nights, 10 rooms. (5) 1 king bed: $125 + tax; (5) 2 queen beds $130 + tax, non-smoking includes free hot breakfast, microwave, coffee maker, WiFi, mini-fridge. To reserve a room: call 641-648-4600, ask for Rotary Club District Conference reserved rooms (total 10 are reserved). Must be booked not later than April 1 under this block. After you have called and booked and if you need to cancel, you must call the hotel not later than 24 hours prior or your credit card will be billed. Check in 3pm.
The Waterloo Convention Center is booked this week, which gives our club an opportunity to explore an alternate venue...in this case, right across the street! Please join us Monday, January 26th at the Waterloo Public Library to hear from Waterloo Fiber's General Manager Eric Lage.
Eric Lage is the General Manager of Waterloo Fiber. He brings nine years of experience leading Reinbeck Telecommunications Utility, where he successfully expanded fiber internet service throughout the community. He is currently leading Waterloo's effort to bring high-speed fiber internet to all of Waterloo.
Our own Barb Prather and many Rotarians Packed the Dome on Monday! See story below for details..
After the devastating loss of her son-in-law, Bindi Rajasegaran began asking why mental health was so rarely talked about in Malaysia Today, Rotary members in Malaysia are helping create space for care and understanding through psychological first aid training for school workers.
We missed out helping the Food Bank at the UNI-Dome Monday, but we can still practice Service Above Self in honor of MLK Jr Day this week: our club has just confirmed a volunteer service opportunity at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank Thursday, January 22 from 11-1. We need at least 10 Rotarians to show up, but the Food Bank has extra tasks if more of us show up. We WILL provide lunch for you, but we need your RSVP by noon on Wednesday the 21st. Please email Larry as soon as you know if you can join us!
Martin Luther King Day is on Monday, January 19th.... The Convention Center is closed since it is a Federal Holiday....but we are still looking for a volunteer activity that week and we will keep you posted if we will meet off-site.
The following week, Monday, January 26 we will meet at the Waterloo Library to hear from Waterloo Fiber...Thank you for hosting, Amy! There will be a board meeting that day at 11 if anyone wishes to attend.
We'll meet at the Convention Center on Groundhog Day and celebrate February birthdays.
Thank you to everyone who either bought or sold Rotary Raffle tickets. All proceeds will go to Waterloo Rotary Projects which we will vote on in the near future. Also a Big Thank you to Rick and Debby Morris for donating their Condo in Florida to Jump start this Raffle.
Our Raffle drawing was Monday, January 12th at our regular noon meeting....for those that could not attend, the drawing was livestreamed on our Facebook page.
Congratulations, Dave Lederman!
Our guest will be Jane Wagner, a Cedar Falls native and 1991 UNI graduate. She holds a master's degree in Justice Administration and was the first female detective in the Black Hawk County Sheriff's office. She is currently a public safety officer and adjunct instructor at Hawkeye Community College.
Longtime Rotarian and past president of our club Kathy Braun passed away peacefully on December 31st, after complications from a fall. Click the image below for her obituary.
Our club honored Kathy several years ago with a series on Women in Rotary.
Memorial services will take place in late spring when family and friends can gather to remember Kathy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Waterloo Community Foundation Kathleen and Robert Braun Charitable Fund or a non-profit of your choice.
Join us for our first meeting of 2026 and we'll hear from fellow Rotarian Bryan Burton, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley.
Boys & Girls Clubs of The Cedar Valley enables young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
We'll kick of 2026 on January 5th with a shout out to these fellow Rotarians celebrating birthdays this month!
| Kevin McCrindle | Jan 6 |
| Todd Holcomb | Jan 07 |
| Rochelle Kane | Jan 13 |
| Bonnie Smith-Davis | Jan 17 |
| Erin Tink | Jan 20 |
Raffle ticket sales continue for one last week, and we'll plan to have our drawing on Monday the 12th. Turn in your raffle money to Allison Beach January 5th...make sure your name is associated with your money so you don't get billed.
Rotary Membership is forefront in 2026.... If you know of someone who would be interested in joining the Waterloo Rotary Club please invite them to a meeting as a guest. Prospective members eat free!
Thank you to everyone who attended our Christmas Meeting, we had a great turnout.
Our club is on the waiting list for the fill the Dome / Martin Luther King Service Day Monday, January 19th - there is a chance we won't get invited to participate so if anyone else has ideas for an alternate service project that day please contact either Jordan or Larry.
Next Rotary Board meeting will be January 26th, members are welcome to attend.
As our members spread out to sell Rotary Raffle tickets - Rick Morris would like to remind everyone the top prize of a week at his condo is on the BEST BEACH in the whole United States!
Ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. and #4 in the World in 2025 by Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, Siesta Beach shines with its quartz-crystal powdery sand, soft turquoise waves and an abundance of sun and fun. Thanks to the large parking area, concession stands, the free trolley to get around the island and to downtown Sarasota, and nearby restaurants and shops of Siesta Key Village, you can plan your whole trip centered around this gorgeous Key without getting bored.
Click here for details and reach out to President Larry to get yourself tickets for the drawing January 12th!
We kicked off our Rotary Raffle on December 8th; tickets will be distributed to members to sell over the next few weeks - 250 tickets at $25/ticket. Rick Morris has graciously donated the top prize; a week at his condo in Florida!
Peace Through Service
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
Waterloo, IA 50701
United States of America