Waterloo Rotary Reporter (May 13, 2022)

Habitat for Humanity Bus Tour Monday

We are looking forward to hopping on the bus for a tour with Habitat for Humanity to see the sites they are building around the community.

Reminder, on Monday, May 16 at noon we will meet in the lobby of the Convention Center as usual. Box lunches will be available for you to take on the bus. No badges will be given out. The bus will return to the Convention Center prior to 1:00.

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live. They accomplish this by seeking to put God’s love into action, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity was established in 1990. Over the course of their history they have built 187 homes, and completed 104 critical repairs. They are the 2^nd largest (out of 26) producing Habitat in the state. This year they will build 12 homes and do 45+ critical repairs for homeowners. They currently serve Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler and Buchanan Counties. Monday's bus tour will focus on 2 target neighborhoods in Waterloo: Walnut and Church Row.

Main Street Sweep May 21

Here's another hands-on volunteer opportunity that has a direct impact on our amazing downtown: Main Street Waterloo is hosting their annual clean-up Saturday, May 21st and this time THERE'S LUNCH! Main Street Sweep is an opportunity to ensure our downtown is a beautiful, healthy, inviting space after a long winter.

Last year more than 30 volunteers teamed up with Main Street Waterloo staff, business owners and property owners to rid downtown of more than 1000 pounds of litter. As we look to harness the power of people in our community to achieve great things by joining together. Bringing the beauty of downtown back lies in the cooperation and collaboration of our community. The simple act of cleaning can become a force that binds together people and groups working towards the same goal.

Speller's True Value is the presenting sponsor, and they donated tools, bags, gloves, etc. This year Holiday Inn/Bien Venu and Gray Lane Yoga will provide a lunch for volunteers at a wrap up party hosted by Anton's Garden. Main Street Waterloo does need a head count for the appreciation lunch, so sign up online right now for one or more individual shifts - the earlier you sign up the more choices you'll have for which area of our downtown you'd like to spiff up!

Rotary International Update

Twenty years ago, the first #Rotary Peace Centers opened their doors

Since then, 1,500 fellows have become effective catalysts for #peace through the education, skills and network of our fellowships.

Peace Fellowships | Rotary International

Upcoming Programs

Our list of upcoming programs offer a wide variety of topics that you can offer to guests - maybe you could reach out and re-connect with your network and invite them to join us for lunch?

May 23...Tyson Foods - Rotarian Rick Petersen

May 30...No meeting (Memorial Day)

June 6...Allen College

June 13....TBD (VGM Heartland Conference)

June 20…TBD

June 23...Steak Fry

June 27...No Meeting

July 21...Family Picnic