Stories
Music, it turns out, is medicine for the mind. This realization led Rotary member Carol Rosenstein to establish Music Mends Minds, a project dedicated to helping those with memory loss. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO Meeting MondayA reminder NO meeting on Monday, June 27 or Monday, July 4. The programming committee has been busy working on 2022-2023 program calendar! Annie, Jaclyne Heller, Amy, Ashlynn and Racheal had a great luncheon to discuss... ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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? June 27...No Meeting July 4...No Meeting July 11...Irish Fest July 18...Waterloo Schools July 21...Family Picnic @ Rotary Reserve July 25...Cedar Valley Trails Partnership |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President EJ Gallagher Presenting MondayE. J. Gallagher recently returned from the International Rotary Convention in Houston! He will share all of the highlights of the conference! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateThis vibrant hub of art, sports, and cuisine will host the 2023 convention, set for 27-31 May. Rotary members, participants, and supporters are invited to Imagine What's Next and explore the possibilities for Rotary's future. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will also be an important focus during the event, which will be packed with thought-provoking speakers and practical breakout sessions. Rotary members in the Host Organization Committee are planning activities to show visitors why their city is known for world-class sports, cultural diversity, exceptional dining, and inventive street art. Anyone who registers by 15 December will pay a reduced price. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateAfter discovering new perspectives and being inspired by new ideas at the 2022 Rotary International Convention, attendees and virtual participants are looking ahead to next year's gathering in Melbourne, the sparkling second city of Australia. ![]() This vibrant hub of art, sports, and cuisine will host the 2023 convention, set for 27-31 May. Rotary members, participants, and supporters are invited to Imagine What's Next and explore the possibilities for Rotary's future. Anyone who registers by 15 December will pay a reduced price. The 2022 convention in Houston, Texas offered plenty of inspiring moments as Rotary's global network gathered in person for the first time since 2019, following two conventions that were held virtually because of COVID-19. The convention offered participants new horizons to discover through in-person events and a robust schedule of virtual offerings (with recordings available through 31 August). Imagine Melbourne | Rotary International
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
REMINDER: June 13 meeting at Waterloo Public LibraryThe Waterloo Public Library has reserved a room for us on Monday and there will be box lunches served for lunch!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pathways Behavioral Services Presenting MondayOur very own Vicki Mueller is our speaker on Monday on behalf of Pathways Behavioral Services! ![]() Vicki Mueller is Executive Director of Pathways and has been at the organization for more than 20 years. She was promoted to Executive Director in 2021 and previously was Provider Services and Prevention Services Supervisor. Vicki is a graduate of Wartburg College and very active in the community, including serving on several state boards as well as the the Cedar Falls Booster Club. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Steak Fry June 23![]() Guests can arrive at 5 p.m. and we would have time for visiting and socializing before the start of a short program at 6 followed by dinner. We anticipate being finished and out of the building by 8:30. Help will be needed in signing people in, setup, and clean up along with serving the food. If you can help, or if you want to register guests to attend, email Larry Steffens. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allen College President Speaking Monday![]() Dr. Jared Seliger of Allen College is our special speaker on Monday! Dr. Seliger joined Allen College in 2008 to develop the Nuclear Medicine Technology program. In 2015, he was named Associate Chancellor of Allen College and in 2018 he was named third President of Allen College.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June Birthdays![]() Join us Monday, June 6th to celebrate these 5 very deserving Rotarians:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update#Stress is inevitable, but finding a coping mechanism can be life-changing! #Rotary members Mercedes Harris and Dr. Edward Charlesworth discuss how volunteering positively impacts communities and reduces stress with @abc13houston. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO MEETING MAY 30 - 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 6th at the Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Habitat for Humanity Thank You Note“Dear Rotarians, On behalf of Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, I want to thank you all for joining us for our ‘Sites and Bites’ tour. It was a great honor to share with you the work that is happening in Walnut and Church Row neighborhoods. I am attaching pictures of Kayla’s home dedication taken from Tuesday, May 17th. Her house was the house we walked through during our tour. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please call me at (319)235-9946 or email at ddoes@webuildhabitat.org. Sincerely, Dylan Does” Development Director | Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity 803 West 5th Street, Waterloo, IA 50702 | (319) 235-9946 | (319) 281-0833 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() Nearly 1,300 global grants are awarded each year, and ~200 are dedicated to scholarships— enabling access to #networking opportunities and to graduate-level studies. We're aiming to create lasting connections. Click here to meet four Rotary Scholars, and find out how the connections they’ve made through Rotary are helping them change the world. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rick Petersen of Tyson Speaking May 23Our very own Rick Petersen is telling us the latest at Tyson here in Waterloo! ![]() Rick Petersen began his career with Tyson Foods, then IBP, in 1990 in Madison, Neb as a frontline worker. Soon after he moved into a supervisory role and eventually was promoted to a plant leadership position. He has held several leadership positions in the company’s Storm Lake, Waterloo and Logansport, Indiana pork facilities. In 2021, Rick was named Complex Manager for Tyson Foods’ Waterloo pork plant. In his role leading the Waterloo facility Rick has prioritized opening more communication channels with team members, increasing involvement with local community leaders to strengthen collaboration, and reinforcing the importance of Tyson Foods’ core values and team behaviors. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Habitat for Humanity Bus Tour MondayWe 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. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Main Street Sweep May 21Here'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.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former FBI Agent Randy Van Gent Speaking May 9Special thanks to Bob Manning for arranging his friend Mr. Randy Van Gent to present on Monday! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateThe ability to create change can feel intimidating. Together our passion and perseverance make lasting change. Learn how our members make an impact... ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Imagination Library DocumentaryLast week, our guests from the Cedar Falls and Waterloo Libraries shared the children's reading program that Dolly Parton started in 1995. As of February 2021, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had delivered over 155 million books at no cost to millions of kids in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. A documentary mentioned during our program is linked below if you'd like to learn the backstory of the program from Dolly herself: If you want to get involved with the program, reach out to either of our presenters below: Kelly Stern (left), Director, Cedar Falls Public Library Jillian Rutledge (right), Public Services Manager, Waterloo Public Library ![]() ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tom Eachus of Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health CenterExecutive Director of Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health - Tom Eachus - will be presenting Monday! Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center is a private, nonprofit, community mental health center accredited by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Our experienced staff design treatments to meet your specific needs. The Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center serves those with short-term and long-term needs, including those with depression. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update5 million+ refugees, mostly women and children, have fled the war in #Ukraine. Seeking resources to meet basic needs— food, water and shelter. #Rotary members across the globe work to provide aid to the rapidly changing humanitarian crisis. #RotaryResponds |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary "After Hours" Social was a SuccessPicture from Tuesday night gathering...missing from photo is EJ Gallagher and Rachael Hoffman! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Social Event on Tuesday, April 26We will be having an informal social gathering at 1850 Restaurant on Ridgeway in Waterloo (next to Golf Headquarters)! ![]() 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. stop out and have a glass of wine and mingle with fellow Rotarians! Kaye Englin and Barbara Prather along with Jaclyne Heller decided it would be a fun "after hours" activity! Come for ten minutes - come for the full hour... |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Library Presentation on Dolly's Reading Program MondayLearn about Dolly Parton's initiative for the Waterloo and Cedar Falls libraries! ![]() ![]() Meet our presenters... Kelly Stern (left), Director, Cedar Falls Public Library During her career, Kelly Stern has been a high school English teacher, school librarian, university instructor, public library youth services manager, and now library director at the Cedar Falls Public Library. Although her family moved away from the Cedar Valley when she was in 3rd grade and her father went back into the Air Force, she moved back here 22 years ago, because the Cedar Valley is home to her. She has been a member of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club for three years. Jillian Rutledge (right), Public Services Manager, Waterloo Public Library Jillian Rutledge earned a Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa and a Bachelors of Liberal Studies from the University of Northern Iowa. She currently works as the Public Services Manager at the Waterloo Public Library, which entails supervising the Circulation & Reference staff & departments. Her professional interests include Intellectual Freedom, Collection Management, Readers' Advisory, Diversity & Inclusion, Long Range Planning, and her life interests are houseplants, hockey, roller derby, and the Grateful Dead. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Dues Reminder![]() A note regarding Rotary membership... Dear Rotarian,
As we near the end of the Rotary year, the board is reviewing membership, balances of outstanding dues, and working to get caught up so we can move into the new year with complete records. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris Birthday was this week!!Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris After earning is law degree from the University of Iowa and setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. ![]() On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting. “I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.” In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities. Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness. His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotarians and friends of Rotary. Learn more about Paul Harris here...
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Todd Holcomb of Hawkeye Community College Speaking MondayWe were pleased to have our fellow Rotarian Dr. Todd Holcomb as our program April 18th ![]() Dr. Todd Holcomb became Hawkeye Community College’s eighth president on July 1, 2019. Hawkeye is a comprehensive community college serving students in a 10-county region of northeast Iowa. Dr. Holcomb previously served as president of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, Nebraska from 2010 to 2019. Prior to becoming president in 2010, he was vice president of student services from 2009 to 2010, which followed a six-year tenure as associate vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Valley Women United EventCedar Valley Women United's annual fundraiser "Charity and Charcuterie" on April 28! Proceeds go toward the women-to-women mentoring partnership program at Hawkeye Community College! Register here... |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateLubomyr “Lu” Hewko, father of @JohnHewko, #Rotary CEO and general secretary, fled #Ukraine during WWII. Years later he helped charter the first Rotary club in Kyiv. Members from around the region reflect on how past actions inform today's relief efforts. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Academic Scholars LuncheonThe Waterloo Rotary Club annually recognizes senior honor students of the Waterloo high schools and their principals. Through this recognition, the Waterloo Rotary Club congratulates its outstanding students and schools for their accomplishments, commitment to excellence, and dedication to developing leaders of the future. We are extremely proud of each participant and salute them for their achievements. Photos from the ceremony can be seen here |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Helping UkraineWith over 10 million people displaced by the war in #Ukraine, #Rotary and @ShelterBox work together in and around the region to provide relief. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military operation on Ukraine. Nearly 10 million people have already fled Ukraine to other countries – that’s almost a quarter of Ukraine’s entire population. 6.5 million people are now estimated to be displaced within Ukraine. In addition, more than 12 million people are thought to be cut off in places most ravaged by the conflict. Many are unable to leave because of damage to infrastructure, lack of resources, and the increased security risk. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April Birthdays![]() Join us today to celebrate Rotarians born in April - including a tribute to Bill Robert who passed in January of 2021. Bill would have celebrated his 91st birthday today, and his 69th year of service to our club. If you have stories to share with the group, please feel free to do so at our meeting today.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dementia Friendly Iowa April 4 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() Lia Puggioni, a physician, gynecologist, and obstetrician, recounts her experience traveling to share information with clinicians at the Momè Katihoe clinic in Togo, Africa. It was Saturday, 30 March 2019. I was awaiting the arrival of my fellow travelers at Fiumicino International Airport in Italy and reflecting on this new Rotary adventure on which I was about to leave to reach the Momè Katihoe clinic run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Compassion in Togo. There were so many doubts in my mind. Would I be able to teach the midwives how to use the ultrasound scanner and convey the basics to be able to interpret the ultrasound images? Would I be able to help the women that came to the clinic? What problems would I have to deal with? Click here to read Dr. Puggioni's story. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liz Porter has passed![]() Last week, fellow Rotarian Bonnie Smith Davis reported our former piano player Liz Porter passed away early in the morning of March 30th. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday in February, and several members of her family were able to travel to Cedar Falls to be with her. A visitation is set for later today, Monday April 4th, and funeral services will be Tuesday, April 5th. ![]() Liz and Hovey were photographed in 2016 working out a song before a Rotary meeting. Click here to read her obituary |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateIn this interview from a Houston, Texas TV station, Rotary's commitment to eradicating polio is discussed as well as hearing from a polio survivor: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volunteers Needed for Scholars Luncheon![]() As we prepare to welcome students and families to our in-person Academic Scholars Luncheon, we need some friendly Rotarians to arrive a bit early April 11th. Beth McCrindle is coordinating volunteers for our meeting, and needs a handful of Rotarians to greet/check-in guests, collect money, etc. If you can arrive at 11:30, please send Beth an email. You'll help our club honor these brilliant students for their academic achievements despite the challenges they faced the last two years. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lost Island General Manager Speaking MondayMatt Nieman - General Manager of Lost Island - will talk about the new theme park coming Monday! ![]() Matt is a born and raised Waterloo resident with two crazy kids and one more on the way. He has been with Lost Island Waterpark for 17 years and currently holds the General Manager position at the waterpark. Lifeguarding brought him into the industry, but so much more has kept him. He has had the pleasure of being part of the design, storyline, and construction for our new Lost Island Theme Park. With the help of our community, he is excited to continue to watch as we grow into an attraction known around the world. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson Speaking MondayU.S. Representative Ashley Hinson joined us March 21st - click here to see photos. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson proudly represents Iowa’s 1st district in Congress.
During her years as a reporter, Ashley shared the stories of countless Iowans on the local news. As their Congresswoman, she is bringing those stories to Washington to help shape federal policy and improve the lives of workers, farmers, seniors, veterans, and families in Iowa. An Iowa native, Ashley is an award-winning journalist and a proud wife and mother of two. Ashley previously served in the Iowa state House and represented Iowa’s 67th House district, serving Hiawatha, Robins, Cedar Rapids, and Marion, where she currently resides. As a state Representative, she worked successfully to balance the budget, cut taxes, and protect the most vulnerable in her community. In Congress, she continues to be a common-sense leader and pursue pro-growth policies. She has introduced and supported bipartisan legislation to improve child care access for working families in Iowa, root out corruption in Washington through federal lobbying bans, and create opportunities for workers in the community. She is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and House Budget Committee, where she oversees the government funding process and fights to ensure every taxpayer dollar is accounted for and spent responsibly. As a mother of two, she also has a keen interest in protecting the safety and security of Iowa families. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Duck Pluck |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Achievement Presenting MondayOur own Katelyn Tungland - Regional Director of Development for Junior Achievement will be presenting Monday! ![]() Here's a little bit about our speaker... Hi! My name is Katelyn Tungland, but a lot of people call me KT! I was raised in Hudson, Iowa and currently reside in Cedar Falls with my husband, Alex, our daughter Joslynn and our Australian Shepard, Chex! I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. Prior to working for Junior Achievement I was a JA volunteer and quickly fell in love with the program and wanted to get more involved in the community. JA has blessed me with a career that allows me to find a healthy balance between work and life! I love how JA focuses on youth education and entrepreneurship! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateClub Olsztyn (Poland) is collecting donations of essential items for refugees, primarily unaccompanied children, staying at Ostróda Camp. Donate to our designated fund to support victims of the Ukraine crisis here... Contributions to this featured cause is eligible for Paul Harris Fellow recognition. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foodbank Annual Fundraiser March 25The annual NEIFB Empty Bowls event will be held on Friday, March 25th 2022 from 6-9pm at the Hilton Garden Inn. We are excited to welcome back all our attendees and supporters to the in person event. Throughout the event attendees will join us in learning about the Food Bank, while also raising awareness and educating the community on the issue of hunger. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and bid on both silent and live auction items. Auction items include electronics, artwork, jewelry, sports memorabilia, experiences and several gift certificates much of which is from the local cedar valley business. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March Birthdays![]() Join us to celebrate Rotarians born in March...including two NEW members!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateIn response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in #Ukraine, we created an official channel for contributions to support the relief efforts underway by #Rotary districts. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3KiyhFt A million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families. Contributions to Disaster Response are temporarily being prioritized for districts impacted by the Ukraine crisis. Unspent funds will be available to any Rotary districts for Disaster Response grants. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lauren Finke of Volunteer Center Speaking MondayThe Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV) partners with 200+ community organizations in Black Hawk County. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Milt Dakovich Service![]() Our fellow Rotarian Milt Dakovich passed away February 24th after a battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, March 1, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Waterloo, with burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. President EJ arranged for a section of pews to be reserved for Rotarians. We'll hear more about Milt's service to our club March 7th from Gene Leonhart. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Director of Iowa DNR Speaking on February 28Our annual Rural Ag Day is next Monday, February 28. Members are asked to arrive about 11:45 to pair up with our farmer guests. The first woman head of Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Kayla Lyon - will be our keynote speaker. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Toasting Across the "Pond"On February 12, our club received this message through our website: Dear Mr. President, Greetings from the Rotary Club of Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom District 1200 It is our custom each week at our lunchtime meeting to greet and toast a Rotary Club selected from around the World. On Monday 7th February 2022 at our lunchtime meeting we selected your Club the Rotary Club of Waterloo, Iowa, United States of America and we toasted you all. The Rotary Club of Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom District 1200 was chartered on the 10th March 1949 and we have 49 members. We meet each Monday at 1230pm in The Rotary Hall, Station Hill, Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. From the Rotarians of Chippenham we send you our warmest greetings and wish you well in your Rotary endeavours. President Richard Terrell - Rotary Club of Chippenham. At our February 14th meeting, we snapped a panoramic photo and replied with this message: Roger / Richard – thank you for reaching out across the pond and connect with our club! We read your email at our noon meeting today and an official motion was made and seconded to return a toast to your club. I attached a photo of all our present members lifting our drinks in honor of your club’s service and the hope that Rotarians worldwide will continue finding ways to connect and work together. Cheers! EJ Gallagher, III, Waterloo Rotary Club President 2021-2022 Mason Fromm, Waterloo Rotary Club Past President 2008-2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Presidents' Day![]() Today we will hear from several of our club's past presidents as they share memories and reflect on their year leading the Waterloo Rotary Club. We will meet on the second floor of the beautifully refurbished Waterloo Convention Center. Ballroom A is our previous regular meeting room, but the escalators have been removed so if you want to avoid the stairs, the elevator is on the Commercial St side of the building. The skywalk connector to the parking garage may not yet be open for pedestrian traffic, so continue using on-street parking along Park, Commerical, 4th St, or Jefferson. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shelterbox Canada/Rotary PartnershipSince 2012, ShelterBox and @Rotary have been official Project Partners in disaster relief. By working together, we can provide even more families with vital shelter aid. Having somewhere dry and warm to sleep, to prepare meals and be with your family is vital for starting the long process of rebuilding your life. ShelterBox teams work with disaster-hit families around the world, offering emergency shelter and other essential items to support them in rebuilding their lives. Every disaster is different and so is every community, so we spend time with those affected to make sure we can offer the right support at the right time to help them recover. See how we work. Our teams can travel by boat, helicopter or tuk-tuk to get to the families who need your support – whatever it takes to get to the people who have lost their homes to disaster. See where we are currently working. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Firman Speaking Monday at Rotary![]() Steve Firman is the Director of Government Affairs for Grow Cedar Valley and the organization’s lobbyist at the State Capitol in Des Moines. He is also the Administrator of the Cedar Valley Coalition. This group, made up of representatives of 17 Cedar Valley government, education, and business organizations, collectively creates a set of federal priorities for the region and presents them to our Congressional delegation every year in Washington, DC. Steve is a pharmacist by profession and is very active in pharmacy advocacy activities. He serves as chair of the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area board of trustees, chair of the American Pharmacists Association PAC Board of Governors and is a board member and past chair for Iowa Public Radio, in addition to being involved with several other local and state organizations. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateWe are pleased to confirm that the 2022 #Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June. We are offering a special registration rate of US$495 through 28 February at https://on.rotary.org/3Gwu8eR.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
House of Hope Presentation Monday |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rural Urban Day - February 28thRural Urban Day is a program where our Downtown Waterloo Club thanks agricultural producers for their part in the food that we all enjoy. Rotarians are asked to sponsor one or more guests for one of our largest meetings of the year. The cost $15 per guest, which is the cost of your guest's meal. If you would like to sponsor a guest, our committee will be happy to provide a guest for you. The Rural Urban Day committee will be at the registration table recruiting club members to sponsor guests, but you can email Larry Steffens right now if you want to sign up! The committee consists of Larry Steffens, Rick Morris, Deb Pullin-VanAuken, Bob Regenwether and Chuck Paulsen. Our program speaker will be Kayla Lyon who is the Director of the Iowa DNR. Her program will center around current DNR programs involving agriculture producers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
February Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate these Rotarians at our February 7th meeting - join us!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() Much of Thailand relies on tourism to stimulate their economy, and the COVID-19 pandemic left many without jobs. To help those in need, the Rotary Club of Eastern Seaboard helped with over 30 food drives to gather food and other items. Click here to read more of this story and others from around the world. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mayor Hart - Veterans Way Project Jan 31Come hear about the Veterans Way project! Mayor Hart will be speaking to our club about the city’s vision for Veterans Way January 31st ![]() Veterans Way will honor veterans and inspire visitors by connecting and elevating existing downtown venues and amenities along East and West 4th Street from Sullivan Park to the Grout Museum, creating a destination and sense of place for visitors and locals. A special new feature includes the Sullivan Brothers Memorial on the newly named Sullivan Brothers Plaza. The City has renamed the square block that the convention center sits on Sullivan Brothers Plaza, sealing this prominent city square with their name separate from the building itself. A memorial to the Sullivan Brothers will be installed on the east side of the building, providing space for gatherings, reflection and inspiration. Other features of Veterans Way include bridge and river lighting, 218 underpass lighting, a pocket park outdoor gallery and streetscaping. These enhancements will help connect existing memorials along the corridor. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mayor Hart Speaking Monday on Vision 2030Mayor Hart will be giving us an overview of Vision 2030 for the city of Waterloo! ![]() Mayor Quentin Hart is the first African American elected to the office of Mayor for the City of Waterloo, Iowa. Preceding the election, Mr. Hart was the Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs for Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa, providing leadership for multicultural initiatives and promoting awareness and appreciation for diversity on campus and the community. In the eight years preceding his mayoral election, Mayor Hart represented the citizens of Waterloo as Ward 4 Councilman and was the first African American-appointed Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Waterloo.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateA once in a lifetime opportunity is waiting for you 4-8 June. The 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas, USA. Click the image above for a short video featuring Rotarians inviting you to Houston! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming ProgramsJanuary 24.................Mayor Hart Vision 2030 Waterloo January 31.................Mayor Hart Veterans Way Project |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dave Buck Presentation on Steve Thorpe is MondayOur very own Dave Buck is talking about long-time and devoted Rotarian Steve Thorpe and what he did for our club locally, nationally, and internationally! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() Typhoon Odette made landfall in the island of Cebu on the night of December 16, 2021 and the sound of the howling wind and crashing debris during the night while we huddled inside our homes will be something that we will not be able to forget easily. Amidst all the hardship that we are going through now in buying food & water, rebuilding homes and trying to get back to work, we have still been given a reason to smile. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Connie Paul Obituary |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Main Street Waterloo Presenting Monday![]() Jessica Rucker of Main Street Waterloo is our speaker at our first meeting of 2022! Jessica Rucker is the Executive Director of Main Street Waterloo, a volunteer driven, nonprofit dedicated to downtown Waterloo. Jessica has been a resident of the area for most of her life and has strong roots in the community, and the downtown area which serve as a backdrop for many memories. She is passionate about supporting small businesses and showcasing all that is amazing about our community. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Christmas Luncheon PhotosWe shared good tidings and enjoyed a spectacular jazz trio at our last meeting of 2021. Click this link to flip through the photos! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Update on Our 2017 Rotary Youth Exchange StudentLuke Jensen shared this article from the University of Iowa's website - you'll be so proud of our 2017 Rotary Youth Exchange student Holly Harris! ![]() Growing up in the Midwest, Holly Harris always felt a connection with the opposite side of the world. Harris was adopted from China at just 10 months old, and she developed a passion for exploring differences between cultures. As she got older, her experiences through school and travel transformed her interest in life outside the U.S. into a dream career. “Throughout elementary and high school, I took Spanish classes and really just fell in love with learning the language,” she says. “After high school, I went to Brazil through a youth exchange program. While I was living there, I learned Portuguese and decided I wanted to continue learning it on an academic level and make it part of my career.” Harris will graduate this fall with a bachelor’s degree in Portuguese, a bachelor’s degree in international studies, a certificate in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, and a minor in Spanish. Her time on campus has been highlighted by her work as a research fellow assisting Armando Duarte, a Brazilian professor in the Iowa Department of Dance, with the translation of historical interviews about samba and Carnival from Portuguese to English. Read the full story here.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO MEETING JANUARY 3![]() We will NOT meet January 3rd - Please make plans to join us at the Waterloo Convention Center for our first meeting of 2022 on January 10th. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to Help Those in Need after Kentucky TornadoesA message from our District Governor... Dear Rotary Members in Zones 30 and 31, Rotarians are People of Action. Throughout the world in disaster recovery situations, our compassion and commitment to service are a significant part of relief efforts. Right here, right now, your help is needed here in our own zones. The tornado that touched down Kentucky has devastated communities in 18 counties in our District 6710. The loss of life in many small towns, such as Dawson Springs and Mayfield, is heartbreaking, and survivors have lost their communities, their homes and livelihoods. In many areas, there is limited electricity, resources for food, gasoline and supplies and medical services. Now more than ever is the time for us to live our hashtag, #Rotary Responds. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Update from Rotary International President![]()
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Christmas Program 12-20Relax and enjoy a meal and festive music on the last Rotary meeting of the year! Plus a representative of the Salvation Army will be attending.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateFearing for his safety, Than Hre, a student whose activism had attracted the attention of Myanmar’s military government, fled his homeland in 2000. He made his way from Hakha, the capital of the country’s mountainous Chin State, to Guam, where he would wait two years before securing permission to immigrate to the U.S. mainland. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Grace Project December 13 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Programs![]() We are entering our winter "break" but already have several great programs lined up for 2022! December 27 - NO MEETING January 3, 2022 - NO MEETING January 10 - Main Street Waterloo |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Jeff Hassman Speaking Dec 6Get to know Jeff Hassman who was named the 2021-2022 District Governor earlier this year! Jeff has a business degree from the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Jeff has nearly 20 years of professional experience in a variety of corporate, consulting and entrepreneurial environments, including working for Deere & Company, global consulting and establishing CVP Advisors. Jeff partnered with the team to form Efficient Technologies in 2014, where he is integral in strategy and finance. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International NewsS. Marathe, a young Rotary member with a vision impairment, recently authored a blog post on the characteristics of a great ally. As 3 Dec is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to highlight those characteristics. ![]() As a young Rotary member who has lived with a vision impairment, I have come to understand the importance of allies. An ally is anyone that actively aspires to be inclusive and is intentional through their thoughts, actions, and words to consciously promote a respectful and inclusive culture. Many organizations are actively attempting to address the low employee representation across minority groups of gender, culture, and disability and are adopting a range of strategies. But many times, it’s the day-to-day actions that make the most difference. For International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December, I wanted to share some of the characteristics that make a great ally. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Empowering Women in Rotary![]() Meet Andrea Cassidy, a Rotary Club of Ontario member that empowers women through her role as a #Rotary member and midwife, offering free care through Andrea Cassidy of Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Ontario gets to empower women every day at her job as a midwife. “The best part of my job is giving women permission to care for themselves.” She’s able to offer free midwife care through Ontario Ministry of Health. Through this she can offer care to the most vulnerable populations. We’re proud to have a member like Andrea! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Football MVP - Carter Gallagher - ColumbusSince 1946 the Waterloo Rotary Club has enjoyed the honor each year to celebrate outstanding performance by high school athletes in the city of Waterloo and surrounding areas. Football coaching staffs at each school in the city nominate a senior MVP from their team. In a secret ballot, area sportswriters make the citywide selection. The winner receives the Glen "Doc" Miller traveling trophy as top player in his sport. The winner is entitled to display the trophy at his school for the next twelve months. 2021 Glen "Doc" Miller Most Valuable Football Player Carter Gallagher, Columbus High School |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet New Member, Rachael Swisher HoffmanGet to know Rachael! Picture here of her when she attended the Rotary Volleyball Banquet several years ago! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet New Member: Rick Petersen |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Football Banquet is Monday![]() Monday all of the Waterloo high school football teams will be honored and an MVP will be chosen! 2021 Most Valuable Seniors Football Player Selections Columbus High School Carter Gallagher Tyree Gardner East High School Kjuan Owens West High School ![]() Former Waterloo East and Minnesota State Mankato Football Player - Lance Dunn Sr -- will be keynote speaker. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Funds Malnutrition Relief in Ethiopia |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Program: Mid American Energy![]() Join us November 22 for a presentation by MidAmerican Energy. and to celebrate our November birthdays. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volleyball Award Banquet SpeakerMeet Megan Maahs, this year's keynote speaker! ![]() Megan is a 2020 graduate from the University of Northern Iowa. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health and minors in Gerontology and Biology. Megan was a part of the women’s basketball team at UNI between 2016-2021. Megan will finish her Masters in Business Administration at the University of Northern Iowa in the spring of 2022. Megan is from Epworth, Iowa and graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 2016. She is the daughter of Bruce and Lori Maahs and a big sister to McKenzie and Madison Maahs. She enjoys being with her family, hanging out with friends and cheering on her younger sisters. Currently, she is the Administrative Program Coordinator at Peoples Community Health Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa. She began as an intern for Christine Kemp, CEO, during her undergraduate work in 2020. She was hired in June 2020. She loves the work that Peoples Clinic does for the community. She enjoys coming to work every day and being a part of a great team with the same goal in mind – to provide compassionate, high quality, affordable health care to all.” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Volleyball MVP - Eva Christensen, ColumbusOur club is honored each year to host the top volleyball athletes and award an all-around MVP trophy to one hard-working and talented senior - this year the trophy will be on display at Columbus High School thanks to Eva Christensen! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateLet’s talk about one of #Rotary’s Causes: Protecting the #Environment The Rotary Foundation is committed to enabling members to take #climate action through land protection, sustainable agriculture and more.
Will climate change bring more poverty? Will we be able to stop its worst effects? Former Rotary scholars and peace fellows who studied environmental issues offer their thoughts. They discuss the struggles they face working to combat climate change, and what solutions give them hope. Read the full story on the Rotary.org website |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waterloo City Council Candidates Forum Nov 1stOn Monday, we had all the candidates running for Waterloo City Council attend our forum. - you can watch the Facebook LIVE video here. Our club extends appreciation to each candidate as well as our moderator Kevin McCrindle and time keeper Steve Schmitt. Annie Vander Werff and Jaclyne Heller are to be commended on securing all the candidates that joined us over the lunch hour. Below is a list of the candidates... Waterloo City Council Ward 1 John Chiles Micki McCracken Waterloo City Council Ward 3 Todd Maxson Nia Wilder Waterloo City Council Ward 5 Ray Feuss (Incumbent) Dawn Henry Waterloo City Council At-Large Dennis Halverson Rob Nichols |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Sports Banquets Coming Up![]() ![]() Get excited...2021 Rotary Volleyball Banquet is November 8 and 2021 Football Banquet is November 15! A reminder this is a time to honor local high school senior athletes. Guest speakers this year will be Megan Maahs (former UNI Basketball Player) at the Volleyball Banquet and Lance Dunn (former Minnesota State-Mankato Football player) at the Football Banquet! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Interact Award Entries Wanted![]() This year’s Interact Awards are all about service-learning! Tell us about your service-learning experience by submitting a video, photo or essay by 1 December 2021. Show us how your members are taking action across the globe, in your community, and in yourselves through service-learning. Start your service-learning journey by completing our service-learning course then share your experience in the 2021 Interact Awards. We are accepting videos, photos, and essays as part of the Interact Awards. Nominations will be accepted from 1 September 2021 at 00:00 Chicago Time (UTC-5) until 1 December 2021 at 23:59 Chicago Time.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cardinal Construction Ribbon Cutting Ceremony November 4![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Falls Rotary Club Request![]() Dear Fellow Rotarians: North Star Community Services provides support services to some of our most vulnerable citizens, adults with disabilities living in north east, north central, and parts of central Iowa. Last year they supported around 4550 individuals. Executive Director Valerie Schwager and her team work very hard to bring in enough funding to cover basic operating costs, but it is a struggle to find extra for capital expenses. The need for capital expenditures is now! Many of the facilities are aging and in need of important repairs. Support to those they serve comes first, so funds cannot be pulled away for capital repairs. That is why we are reaching out to you and your club! Although services are provided from offices located in Mason City, New Hampton, Waverly, Marshalltown, Toledo and Vinton, it is the Waterloo facilities that North Star owns that have immediate needs. The cost will be approximately $168,000, but just $84,000 has been raised. The Cedar Falls Rotary club has raised over $5,000 and received a matching district grant. This will help with a project at the University Avenue location. Please consider helping us expand this project or contact Valerie about something closer to your club. There is also a need to upgrade accessible transportation. Fellow Rotarians, we are great at funding international projects, but this can help on the home front and is a hidden but very necessary part of our communities! Please call Valerie Schwager (319-226-8344), Miller Roskamp (319-240-0087), or Mike Butler (319-239-6214), if you have any questions. Thank you for your support! Mike Butler Foundation Chairperson - Cedar Falls Rotary Club |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November Birthdays![]() Look at this group led by longtime Rotarian and all-around amazing architect Hovey! With a very busy November program schedule, we saved our birthday recognition for November 22nd - all of these Rotarians have now completed their latest trip around the sun. Brom, R. Hovey - Nov 05 Crisp, Jay - Nov 06 Allbaugh, David - Nov 08 Jenson, Luke - Nov 08 Miller, Donna - Nov 12 Thies, Shannon - Nov 15 Hall, Tavis - Nov 16 Hovey leads our club in years of service and age, and we are incredibly lucky to count him among our members. In January, he shared his World War II experiences with our club and if you were unable to join us, you can watch the program on our YouTube channel. Click this link to be directed there: https://waterloorotary.org/Stories/hovey-brom-wwii-program-video |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lost & Found![]() Can you help Henry Edsil track down a couple lost printed Rotary directories? "I am trying to locate two small (approx. 3 inch X 8 inch) black leatherette ring binders of old Rotary members from the early 1960’s that a friend gave me. These contained printed bio sheets with photographs of Rotary members from that era. I brought these to Rotary sometime in 2019 (before the Covid mess) and left them for members to check out, but I don’t know who had them last. I’d like to get these back." If you have them or know where we might find these, please email Kevin McCrindle or Mason Fromm, and we'll help reunite them with Henry! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mayor Candidate Forum October 25 with All Three Candidates![]() ![]() ![]() We had a great turnout Monday, and all three candidates answered questions submitted by our members. You can watch the forum on our Facebook page by clicking here. Meet the Candidates (bio information below is alphabetical order)... Candidate Mayor Quentin Hart Now serving his third term, Quentin Hart is the first African American to serve as Mayor of Waterloo, Iowa. Hart took the office in January 2016. He served three terms as Ward 4 Councilman from 2008 through 2015 including an appointment as first African American Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Waterloo. Previously, Mayor Hart provided leadership for multicultural initiatives and promoting awareness and appreciation for diversity on campus and the community as Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs for Hawkeye Community College. He received his MAE in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa and has a BA in Sociology from Minnesota State and a Liberal Arts Degree from Iowa Central Community College. Hart serves with the US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, Accelerator for America Advisory Board, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), and President-elect of the Iowa League of Cities as wells as numerous regional and state organizations and appointments. Candidate Margaret Klein Born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, my family moved to Waterloo before I was one year old. My father was a German immigrant and my mother was born in America. Dad worked at Rath and Mom worked at Chamberlain. My 4 sisters and I grew up on a dirt street, called Phillips Street and then 1136 Independence Ave. I attended St. John Catholic grade school, Columbus Catholic high school, and the University of Northern Iowa. Max, who is retired from John Deere, and I have been married for 52 years. We have 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. I supplemented the family income by working for the Catholic schools. 5 years ago, I first ran for the city council in Ward 1. I lost. The very next year, I ran for the city council and won. I have served nearly 4 years and been amazed at the things I have seen and learned. Candidate Sophia Mays Sophia Mays is a United States veteran and is a resident of Waterloo, Ia. Attending school at the Waterloo community School. Elementary at Lincoln School. Went to Logan Intermediate and is graduated of Waterloo East High School. After graduating in 1999, she decided to join the Army. She was in the army for two years before she decided to leave the Army and to come home to Waterloo and has lived here in the city ever since. In trying to finding what she wanted to do she attended Hawkeye Community college where she received her certification in CNC Machining. She then switched her studies to liberal arts and has been more interested in the business aspect of Liberal Arts. she has worked construction jobs in trenching communication wiring. Working other jobs such as Tyson Foods cleaning and has also worked at Hy-Vee on Logan Ave. In 2008 she joined the campaign for Barack Obama as a volunteer an became involved in politics. Iowa was the deciding factor for whether or not Barack would win. Waterloo was very involved in that win. Sophia is considers herself as one who would do the work needed to be done. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November 1 is City Council Forum![]() Join us on Monday, November 1 to see many of the Waterloo candidates for City Council. Council Candidates confirmed to attend (as of 10/19): Dennis Halverson, Rob Nichols, John Chiles, Micki McCracken, Nia Wilder, Ray Feuss, and Dawn Henry. If you have questions for the candidates, please email them to Annie before Monday. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateFrom skydiving to dyeing their hair, members have found unique ways to fundraise to #EndPolio. Check out six stories about how and why #Rotarians fight on to eliminate polio for good.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impressive Lunches Served at RotaryItalian food was served last week that made you think you were at Olive Garden! If you've been missing the food and fellowship at Rotary - the good new is BOTH ARE BACK every Monday! The renovated 1st floor of the Waterloo Convention Center is beautiful and we'd love to see your face again now that' we're regularly meeting in person. Guests are also welcome, so check the upcoming programs and reach out to potential members with a lunch invitation! ![]() ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony October 18Our very own Rich Frevert - Executive Director - will share the newest things happening at the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony! Over the past 20 months, wcfsymphony produced a library of digital media in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This digital library includes performances, musician profiles and educational videos. I will be sharing examples of this library while talking about the impact of the pandemic on the world of music. I will also share information about our upcoming concerts including the Villains & Superheroes concert at Riverloop on October 30th and New Year’s Eve with Maddie Poppe on December 31st. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Programs![]() Below is a list of programs in next month. Please reach out to Jaclyne or Micki with more program suggestions! October 25.......................Mayor Forum November 1.....................City Council Forum
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One City United Presenting on MondayOne City exists to create healthy environments that inspire transformation by bringing hope, love and opportunity into lives. ![]() Dean Feltes is the Executive Director of One City United, a non-profit organization in Waterloo, IA. Dean has lived and worked in Waterloo for the past twelve years with a focus on equipping people to overcome barriers. Dean cofounded One City United in 2018 and over the past three years they have impacted nearly 100 people, through multiple programs, to overcome significant life and employment barriers. One City focuses on long term relationships as well as intense and impactful training, teaching and equipping so that individuals can thrive. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update#RotaryResponds in Italy where more than 100 Rotary members, doctors and others offer their professional expertise toward vaccination efforts
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
October Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate our club members today who were born in October - look at this list! Lind, Mike - Oct 04 Heaton, Bob - Oct 07 Carignan, Steve - Oct 10 Paulsen, Chuck - Oct 10 Bovenmyer, Samuel D. - Oct 12 Durbahn, Mark - Oct 13 Englin, Kaye - Oct 15 Stanford, Doug - Oct 15 Gallagher III, E. J. - Oct 16 Nash, Philip - Oct 16 Schmitt, Steven - Oct 16 Kuiper, Mark - Oct 19 Ericson, Marcella - Oct 25 Beecher, John - Oct 27 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Story or Program Ideas?We want your ideas! E-mail Jaclyne if you have story ideas @ jheller@kwwl.com E-mail Micki if you have suggestions for programs@ mmccracken@teamtricounty.org |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() "#Rotary is committed to helping end poverty globally and to protecting the planet by pledging $97 million dollars in grant funding during 2022 for sustainable, member-led projects." |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tri-County Child and Family Development CouncilJoin us October 4th - Dr. Robert Welch will be presenting on Tri-County Child and Family Development Council. ![]() Tri County Child & Family Development Inc. is a local non-profit corporation. We have the privilege of holding the Federal grant to implement the Federal Head Start program in Black Hawk, Buchanan, and Grundy counties in Iowa. Tri County Child & Family Development is a single purpose agency founded 30+ years ago, with hopes of keeping a viable Head Start program in our area. Our mission has been to serve the children and families in these counties. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
President-Elect Jen JonesRotary International President-elect@JenJonesRotary speaks at #GlobalCitizenLive this Saturday, September 25. This 24-hour event spans across six continents to unify for the greater good. For how to watch, visit: http://globalcitizen.org/live/watch + follow @GlblCtzn for more. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friends of the Family Presentation September 27On Monday - at the Convention Center downtown - join us to hear from Ben Brustkern of Friends of the Family! ![]() Friends of the Family works tirelessly to help survivors and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We take pride in our advocacy efforts, which began in 1992. Over the years, we have expanded our organization to aid people in 27 Iowa counties thanks to generous donations and strong leadership from our staff and Board of Directors. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian Starts Empowering Girls![]() Líderes do Futuro is a girl-centered learning environment with storytelling tools for girls and allies to create social change. "Based on our girl-centered leadership approach, we launched an online and self-paced program on Canvas. It features 15 storytelling modules called “chapters” for girls to create and share stories according to their interests. The program offers guided prompts, multimedia resources, and discussion boards for them to build knowledge and act together across differences and territories. Initially in English, we hope to adapt it soon to other languages such as Portuguese and Spanish." |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northeast Iowa Foodbank Launches New LogoRotarian Barb Prather and her team presented their new logo at a special event on Friday! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pictures from Foodbank and VGM Conference VolunteeringWhile our club did not meet last week we performed two volunteer projects as a group. On September 13 we helped at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in a food saving project in which 20 Rotarians participated in sorting, inspecting and repackaging produce and prepared food products so they could be distributed by the Food Bank. Click here to see us at work. We were able to save 1,000 pounds of food! On September 14 and 15th club members again served as Room Ambassadors for the VGM Heartland Conference at educational programs held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cedar Falls. Each Rotarian worked in one of six rooms and helped the program run on time. We are hoping to help out next June as well when the program will return to the Waterloo Convention Center. Between work sessions we were able to dine together outside as shown in the pictures. Members helping out also attended training sessions by VGM staff on Zoom. Click here to see photos. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grout Museum Program Sept 20 at Convention CenterJOIN US AT THE WATERLOO CONVENTION CENTER for a look at our newly renovated "home"! There is still work going on outside and on the 2nd floor, but the ground floor looks amazing! Alan Sweeney of the Grout Museum will give an update on new projects/exhibits this fall! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary back in Convention Center September 20![]() Starting September 20, we will start doing lunch at the newly renovated convention center! The convention center wants to know 5 business days before each meeting how many people are anticipated to attend. Please e-mail EJ at edjoe3@gmail.com on whether or not you will be attending. Our club will need to RSVP with the convention center each week so please remember to email EJ every week if you plan to attend the following Monday. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International UpdateThe work Champions of Change Winner Chris Hayter has done to reduce Malaria cases in Bakau by developing and constructing new drainage systems has had a life-changing effect on the community ![]() ![]() The Bakau Drainage project has helped reduce the incidence of Malaria in Bakau by constructing, developing and maintaining a drainage system to address poor storm water management. It was following a holiday to The Gambia in 2006, that Chris developed strong bonds with the West African country. In particular, she connected with the Bakau community, a village on Gambia’s Atlantic coastline to the west of the capital, Banjul. After seven trips in seven years to The Gambia, it became evident there was a need to improve the education, health and environment of Bakau, and Chris needed to galvanise the community to work towards a solution. So the seeds were sown for the ‘Oasis Project’, a charity which began in 2007. Chris founded the Starlight School which is responsible for the education of 200 children in Bakau. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Volunteering at Northeast Iowa Foodbank Sep 13
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September Birthdays![]() Look at all the Waterloo Rotarians with birthdays in September! We'll celebrate them on the 20th. Itzen, Wade - Sep 02 Weidner, Steven A. - Sep 06 Sonnenberg, Kevin - Sep 07 Bunge, John - Sep 09 Lederman, Dave - Sep 12 Vander Werff, Annie - Sep 13 Leonhart, Gene - Sep 14 Burton, Bryan - Sep 15 Richter, Bari - Sep 16 Reints, Casey - Sep 17 Steffens, Larry - Sep 23 Hildebrandt, Nick - Sep 24 Schaefer, Adam - Sep 24 Pullin-Van Auken, Deb - Sep 26 Halverson, Jeff - Sep 28 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aug 30th Program at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts CenterSteve Carignan - Executive Director - will have a special presentation on Gallagher's upcoming shows! ![]() Decades of dreams and three years of construction became a reality on April 6, 2000, with the dedication of the new Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. Enabled by the generosity of Cedar Valley residents Ed and Cathy Gallagher and Carl and Peggy Bluedorn, as well as support from the university, the state and over 1,400 donors across Iowa, this was the first major center to open in Iowa in twenty years. The $23 million, 100,000 square foot complex features three state-of-the-art concert halls, a soaring glass-walled lobby and dozens of teaching and rehearsal spaces. All three halls have been designed with superb acoustics and intimate sightlines. The Great Hall also has cutting-edge theatre technology, enabling the center to present artists spanning from chamber ensembles to the biggest Broadway shows. Hosting more than 300 performances each year, the GBPAC showcases the world's finest artists, ensembles of the UNI School of Music, the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and many other regional events. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Disaster ReliefWhen disaster strikes, #Rotary members respond. Here’s a snapshot of how a Rotary Global Grant helped Beirut after the 2020 port explosion. Members made this possible. Learn more about our grant program and how you can help: The clouds of white smoke billowing into the air over Beirut were an ominous sign that something had gone terribly wrong in a storage hangar at the city’s port. Then a fireball of orange smoke and flames erupted straight up into the sky. The massive explosion on 4 August 2020 killed more than 200 people, displaced hundreds of thousands more from their homes, and destroyed or damaged many structures. It was caused by a dangerous mix of materials that had been stored in the hangar — including ammonium nitrate, oil, kerosene, hydrochloric acid, miles of fuse wire on spools, and 15 tons of fireworks. Like many buildings near the site of the explosion, Beirut hospitals were left with extreme damage, often making it difficult or impossible to treat patients safely. This led to a sudden surge in demand at other hospitals not directly affected by the blast. As the magnitude of the destruction became known, Rotary clubs in Lebanon and around the world asked themselves what they could do to respond to a disaster that was playing out amid a deadly global pandemic. They soon realized that hospitals, some of which had been severely damaged, were in dire need of help. Beirut-area clubs received donations from clubs around the world; some worked with clubs outside Lebanon to apply for global grants from The Rotary Foundation. Read the rest of the story here: Rotary clubs in Lebanon spring into action after a major disaster | Rotary International
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Programs![]() Below are programs coming up in the next few weeks... September 6........................No Meeting (Labor Day) September 13.......................@ Northeast Iowa Foodbank (Service Project) September 20.......................TBD September 27........................Friends of the Family, Ben Brustkern October 4..............................Head Start Program, Tri-County Child and Family Development Council |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Growing Rotary MembershipPursuing membership leads can be the first step to growing a passionate, engaged #Rotary club. Read KR Parthasarathy’s advice on motivating potential and existing participants to get involved: ![]() The Rotaract Club Of Secunderabad Medicos donates oxygen beds to Gandhi Medical Hospital. Doing something good in the Rotary world has always been my passion. The reach and access that I was afforded as an assistant governor in my district in India made it possible for me to reach my goals. My endeavor to grow Rotary in my region began with an idea to revive our 52-year-old community based Rotaract Club of Secunderabad. It was chartered in April of 1968 and is one of the oldest Rotaract clubs in the world. Until the last few years, the club was slumbering with not much activity and not a lot of member engagement. We started at the top, revamping the leadership and bringing in passionate and active people. We were then able to induct 30 new members and discover ways to get them involved in voluntarily community services activities that they were proud to participate in. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Foundation Presentation August 23Deb Pullin-Van Auken will be talking about the latest with the Rotary Foundation on Monday at the Best Western Hotel in downtown Waterloo. ![]() The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions. Lunch will be offered by GR Kitchen and Taps Restaurant. You may pay at the restaurant where you will also place your order. Please RSVP by FRIDAY 8/20 and let us know you are coming and if you plan on eating. Open 11:30-1:30 to members. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National Cattle Congress Presentation Aug 16Special presentation and updates by director and board members! ![]() Jim Koch - National Cattle Congress Manager - will present information on the history of the NCC as well as details on this year’s fair. Board of Directors Vice-President Deb Pullin-Van Auken will then add to that presentation with info on current restoration efforts and improvement plans. Steve Schmitt - Board of Directors President - will also be available for questions and to add to the presentation as needed. The meeting will be held at the historic Electric Park Ballroom. Tours will be available after the meeting for those interested in a more in-depth look at the fairgrounds facilities. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club of Lake Houston Builds Trade School in NicaraguaTexas and Nicaragua, what could possibly connect the two? #Rotary of course! The Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area has partnered with a non-profit organization to build a trade school in Nicaragua! ![]() Frank Huezo, now a member of the Rotary Club of Kingwood, Texas, introduced his former club, the Rotary Club of Lake Houston Area, to the work of a local nonprofit called Fundación Chinandega 2001, which helps the children. Rotary members helped build a trade school, which trains students in practical skills such as woodworking, metalworking, welding, digital photography, and sewing. Funding from an expanding network of Rotary members in Texas and elsewhere also supported a hospital, a shelter for pregnant women, and a group home that helps blind children transition to mainstream schools. Read about more projects here: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Programs![]() Monday, August 23 we will meet at the BestWestern Hotel - Rotary Foundation update from Deb Pullin-VanAuken and lunch will be offered by GR Kitchen and Taps Restaurant. You may pay at the restaurant where you will also place your order. Please RSVP by FRIDAY 8/20 and let us know you are coming and if you plan on eating. Open 11:30-1:30 to members. edjoe3@gmail.com Monday, August 30 - Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Monday, September 6 - NO MEETING / HAPPY LABOR DAY! September 13 - Service Project @ Northeast Iowa Food Bank September 13, 14, & 15 Waterloo Rotary will be supporting VGM at their conference. Will you be able to work a shift? Email EJ for more details. edjoe3@gmail.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amy Eaton Speaking Monday via ZoomAmy Eaton - Director of Marketing and Strategic Development at Women Lead Change - is our program August 9. Women Lead Change is dedicated to the development, advancement and promotion of women, their organizations, and to impacting the economy and future workforce. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Valley Rotary Club Fundraiser Coming up!![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet New Rotarian: Becky Gors![]() Occupation: 33 years with Iowa Securities Investment Corporation – Executive Vice President since 1999 Hometown: Rochester, MN College: AA degree RCC, BS degree UW La Crosse, MBA Winona State Favorite Food: Gluten Free Donuts I make from scratch Favorite Movie: Second Hand Lions Biggest Pet Peeve: People not keeping their word Unique Fact: My Family runs the SE Minnesota Bluegrass Association Hobbies: Fiddle player with Cedar Valley Bluegrass, Genealogy and Fishing Favorite Quote: “Say what you’ll do and do what you say.” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation Warm![]() Dave Lee will be speaking briefly on Monday with an update on Operation Warm. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August Birthdays![]() There are A LOT of Rotarians with August birthdays! This group of 13 will be celebrating this month, and we'll honor them at our August 9th meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet New Rotarian: Amy Rousselow |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO MEETING AUGUST 2![]() We will NOT have a regular Monday meeting August 2nd, due to the Family Picnic held July 29th. August 9th will be our next meeting through Zoom and we'll hear from Amy Eaton about Advancing Women Leaders: Women Lead Change Launches Cedar Valley Women Connect Future programs include: August 16th - National Cattle Congress 2021 @ Electric Park Ballroom August 23rd - Rotary Foundation update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet New Rotarian: Ashlyn KullenAshlyn Kullen - Business Development and Marketing Specialist at Cardinal Construction -- is one of our newest Rotarians! Occupation: Business Development and Marketing Specialist at Cardinal Construction Hometown: Waterloo, IA College: Studied Communications and Public Relations at the University of Northern Iowa Favorite food: Homemade Mac and Cheese Favorite movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Biggest Pet Peeve: Knowing a surprise is coming, but not knowing the details of the surprise Unique fact about yourself: I am recently engaged, so I can add wedding planning to my already long to-do list! Hobbies: I am extremely family oriented. I enjoy spending time with my 5 nieces and nephews and watching my fiancé play competitive hockey. I love connecting with people in my community and serving at Sent church! Favorite quote: "Excellence in the small things leads to success in the big things." -Christine Caine
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
German Rotarians Helping with Floods#Rotary clubs in Germany are providing support and financial aid following the massive, deadly floods that ravaged the region. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waterloo Community Playhouse Presenting MondayThis week's Rotary meeting is at Waterloo Center for the Arts and our program is a preview of "Little Miss Sunshine." ![]() Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Little Miss Sunshine is an outrageously funny and surprisingly touching musical. Energetic Olive, enters a regional children's beauty pageant, the family thinks that their luck could change and embarks on a cross-country trek, chasing the coveted title of "Little Miss Sunshine." The show is filled with warmth, humor and a tuneful score. Waterloo Community Playhouse is offering 4 performances this weekend and you can purchase tickets online! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Got Program Ideas?To help divide up responsibilities, Jaclyne Heller and Micki McCracken will be scheduling the remainder of the programs for 2021. There are some already lined up by EJ/Annie, but please see us at the July 19 Rotary in-person meeting or e-mail us at jheller@kwwl.com and mmccracken@teamtricounty.org! ![]() ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Update![]() While nearly 130 billion disposable masks are thrown out each month during the #COVID19 pandemic, a #Rotaract club in Bangladesh is turning the waste into something useful. https://on.rotary.org/3hMZ6Gt
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary IN PERSON Monday, July 19Our July 19 meeting will be in the Banquet Room at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Waterloo. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rep. Sandy Salmon Speaking July 19Our speaker Representative Sandy Salmon will join us IN PERSON and offered this synopsis: I will be speaking on why we should oppose the Equal Rights Amendment. I will outline the many unintended consequences of such a change to our Constitution. I will also explain how current efforts in Congress could result in the same damaging results as the ERA. ![]() Sandy Salmon is serving her third term in the Iowa House. Sandy and her husband, Matt, live on an acreage between Janesville and Denver and have lived in northeast Iowa 25 years. Currently, Sandy partners with her sister to manage the family farm in northwest Iowa. You can read her full biography in the link below: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 16 Deadline for Volunteer Sign up for VGMA reminder the VGM Heartland Conference is September 13-15 with volunteers needed September 14-15! Please review times and let EJ Gallagher know if interested...
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July Birthdays![]() How about we sing Happy Birthday TOGETHER again? We'll honor these July birthday babies with a chorus of voices in the SAME ROOM at our meeting July 19th.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
VGM's Heartland Conference Back this September![]() Mark your calendars - VGM is asking us again to volunteer at the Heartland Conference September 13-15. More details to come soon! If you already know you want to help, email President EJ. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family Picnic July 29![]() Waterloo Rotary Club Family Picnic on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Rotary Reserve Dear Waterloo Rotarians: We are returning to our family picnic at the Waterloo Rotary Reserve Lodge located at 5932 N. Union Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Here Are the details: MENU: Broasted Chicken Breast (White and dark meat), Marcella’s baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon, coleslaw, ice cream of various flavors with dressings. Bottled water, coffee, iced tea, lemonade and chocolate and white milk will be provided as well. COSTS: $12.50 for one person, $25.00 for a couple and $30 for a family of 3 or more-payment can be made by mailing to Waterloo Rotary Club, PO Box 118, Waterloo, IA 50704-0118 or by paying at the door in cash or by check. There will be a table by the front door to check you in and take payments if you are paying at the door. WHEN WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU: Our head cook Larry Steffens needs to know by Thursday, July 22 at 9 a.m. if you will be attending and how many people will be in your group. Please contact E.J. Gallagher by email at edjoe3@gmail.com or by phone at 319-215-7078 (cell) or 319-234-2206 (landline). If you reserve and something comes up preventing you from attending please use the previous contact information to let us know. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Looking for Champions of Girls' Empowerment![]() There's still time to nominate an outstanding individual working to empower girls! Honorees will be recognized at key #Rotary events, including Rotary Day with @UNICEF this October. Submission Deadline: Friday 23 July Equality is a fundamental human right that’s necessary for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Still, girls and women worldwide face inequities in areas including health and education, and they experience violence and poverty at higher rates than boys and men. Full details here: https://on.rotary.org/2SXpXWx |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July 12 Club Meeting Agenda![]() This week's virtual meeting is a full agenda of items to kick off our new Rotary year! As we turn the page on the challenging 2020-2021 Rotary year, we'll discuss upcoming projects and plans to get back to in-person meetings! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June 28 Program - Service Opportunities![]() Join us for our virtual meeting at noon to learn about opportunities for service work between the Cedar Valley and Haiti. President Annie will also share a re-cap of the Cultural Immersion Workshop last week which was sponsored by our club. Click the link below to join us at noon! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Steak Fry a Success |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian Board Member Vicki Mueller Promoted![]() VICKI MUELLER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PATHWAYS BEHAVIORIAL SERVICES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATERLOO, Iowa – JUNE 21, 2021 – After a nationwide search, Vicki Mueller was selected to succeed Chris Hoffman as Executive Director of Pathways Behavioral Services effective August 18. “I am very pleased with the Board of Directors and their decision to promote Vicki to Executive Director,” said Chris Hoffman, current Executive Director. “When I retire in August, I know that Pathways will be in good hands and continue to positively impact the community for many years to come. Her years of dedication and growth make her a great fit.” Hoffman – who has served in the position for nearly two decades -- announced his decision to retire in May and immediately a search committee was put together to begin the search process. Mueller is no stranger to Pathways as she has just completed her 21st year with the organization and has served in multiple roles. Most recently, Mueller was Provider Services and Prevention Services Supervisor and served on the leadership team that oversees over 100 employees who help those in six counties dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary President-Elect Urges us to Dream Big |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steak Fry is Thursday June 24Waterloo Rotary Steak Fry—Thursday, June 24—5 to 8 P.M. Rotary Reserve Lodge-5932 N. Union Rd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613 ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO MEETING JUNE 21We'll gather at the Rotary Reserve for the Steak Fry this week, so there is no regular Monday meeting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cultural Immersion Workshop & Reception![]() Our Club is sponsoring an upcoming workshop on June 25. Click on link below to learn more! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Virtual Convention Starts June 12#Rotary21 Virtual Convention starts beginning this Saturday 12 June! Register at http://convention.rotary.org |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Steak Fry RSVP![]() We will start signing in at 5 p.m. and will have a happy hour at 5:30 p.m. We will have a 10-minute program as in past years...Pledge of allegiance, officer introduction, brief history of the Reserve and invocation. Dinner will be available at 6:30 p.m. Cleanup will start at 8 p.m. MENU: Choice of 12-ounce ribeye steak or boneless chicken breast, lettuce salad bar (baby carrots and celery, baked potato with sour cream and butter for topping. Dessert will include ice cream and strawberries. Coffee, iced tea, lemonade and milk will be provided. Our cooks state that there will be enough nonmeat items to take care of those who prefer a vegetarian meal, BAR: Mix will be available. Please bring a bottled beverage to share. See Rotary 5 Way Test #5. CHILDREN: This event will not have a children’s program –stay tuned for one at our July 29 family picnic. We can provide mac and cheese for children under 5 along with dessert and beverage at no cost. Children older than that can order a steak or chicken meal which will be charged at an adult price. PRICE: $12.50 per person. PAYMENT: By check to Waterloo Rotary, PO 118, Waterloo, IA 50704-0118 or pay at door WE NEED TO KNOW WHETHER YOU WILL BE ATTENDING BY JUNE 18 with the number of people in your group and choice of either ribeye steak or chicken breast. Waterloo Rotary Steak Fry—Thursday, June 24—5 to 8 P.M. Rotary Reserve Lodge-5932 N. Union Rd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Program Monday at Rotary Shelter - George Wyth![]() The program Monday is at Rotary Shelter - George Wyth. Please contact Mark Durbahn if you are able to come out early to help build picnic tables. He says they will start putting together at 10:30 - very fun and easy. Like putting together legos! mark.durbahn@aecom.com Also to let us know if they will be joining us for lunch at Noon! We will have a program update and present an honorary member award to Marcella Ericson |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derecho Program MondayTodd Hutcheson will share his experiences with last year's "derecho" storm in Cedar Rapids. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians in the NewsBarbara Prather and Kaye Englin both were featured in stories this past week! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians Help with Safer Childbirth PracticesDiscover how #Rotary member Julie Dockrill trained medical workers in Mongolia in safer childbirth practices to save lives: https://on.rotary.org/2TczRDj |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
June Birthdays![]() Join us June 7th to honor these Rotarians celebrating birthdays in June:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UNI Director of Sustainability Presenting Monday |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Bee DayDid you know that May 20 was World Bee Day? ![]() Did you know? Pollinators like bees contribute directly to food security and conserving biodiversity. #Rotary even has a fellowship dedicated to help #savethebees. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boys and Girls Club Presenting May 17Rebecca McCarty is the Director of Mission Engagement at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley and will update us on what's happened the past year at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Main Street Waterloo - Main Street SweepMain Street Sweep is TOMORROW, May 22nd, and our club needs more volunteers to register online. The more people we have, the more we can accomplish! Take a few minutes and watch the videos linked below of Dallas and let him inspire you....then sign up to volunteer :) Please share the volunteer link with your family, friends, co-workers. We will meet at the Main Street office 212 E 4th St. for volunteer check in, coffee and donuts (sponsored by Bien Venu) and instructions. We will have some equipment available for use, but feel free to bring your own. The clean up supplies have been sponsored by Spellers True Value. Iowa Love is giving the first 30 volunteers who sign up a free shirt! Look at all of those incentives! Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your help. Have a great day. Thank you, Jessica Rucker Executive Director Main Street Waterloo 319-291-2038 KWWL Story on Dallas https://kwwl.com/2021/03/25/local-3rd-grader-picks-up-trash-before-school-to-help-clean-up-the-environment/ Waterloo School's FB Live https://fb.watch/5Bg3j08Zf6/ Main Street Waterloo's FB Live https://fb.watch/5BfQrRigH8/ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
May 10th - Doris Kelly - Equal Rights Amendment![]() Former State Representative Doris Kelley and also Emerita Chair, Vice-Chair and Executive Director of the Iowa Board of Parole, will be our guest speaker. Her presentation is titled “ERA: it’s about time.” Doris’s discussion will focus on how the Equal Rights Amendment came to be first introduced to the American public in 1923, actions since 1923 to make the ERA the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, U.S. House of Representative approval of the ERA, the U.S. Senate currently sitting on the legislation and research as to why the ERA is needed. Rotary members may not know that women and men have the same legal rights in only six countries out of the 187 countries in the world and 94% of Americans want the ERA to become law of the land. Because the Constitution proclaims a nation’s values, we need the ERA because our nation must close the book – once and for all – on the idea that equality of rights is a debatable issue. The ERA: it’s about time. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Representative Salmon to be rescheduledRepresentative Salmon planned to join us May 17th to talk about the Equal Rights Amendment, but the extended legislative session required a new date TBD. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Quiz![]() How much do you know about the world around you? Take this quiz, test your knowledge, and find out! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary started Polio Plus program in 1985
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Events to Support Youth in the Cedar ValleyCheck out these local opportunities... May 5th Cedar Valley Career Expo- Connect with students for summer employment, internships, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, full and part time positions during the inaugural 2021 Cedar Valley Career Expo. Employers and organizations set up at 7:30 for an 8oclock start time. The event ends at 3pm and spot interviews are available. Register by completing the registration form here as booths are available on a first come first serve basis. We will provide a table and two chairs (more upon request and please let us know if electricity is required). This is a free event. We will also launch our career corner with our "Dress for Success" Closet and Career Development Kiosk (a location where I can post open positions for the students to access). UNI-Cue & the Waterloo Career Center Summer Internship Program- The University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education and the Waterloo Career Center is excited to announce our inaugural Summer Internship Program. Students 16-19 years of age have an opportunity to work for companies in high demand careers, while receiving pay, mentorship and soft skills. We pay the students, as companies are only responsible for assigning tasks, tracking hours, and general supervisory duties. Business orientation will take place on May 10th at 3pm. For additional information please contact Megan at megan.holbach@uni.edu WCC Sports Marketing Networking Event The Sports Marketing class is planning a golf outing as their class project. This will take place at South Hills Golf Club on May 19th at 3 pm. The objective of this assignment is to plan an event that allows for networking with the business partners of the WCC. Each hole will have a sign promoting a career path(s),and two students from each area by the sign. This is to chat with the golfers about their experience at the WCC.For more information please contact Jill Schares @scharesj2@waterlooschools.org. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Main Street Waterloo Speaking May 3
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tavis Hall Speaking on Waterloo Tourism and RAGBRAI 2021 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Club Starts Community Action Group |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Chance to Register for District Conference |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Emile Leighty 1936-2020President-elect EJ Gallagher learned this week that former Rotarian Emile Leighty passed away last year in Florida. Emile was a member of our club for over 10 years, then moved back to Florida after Ike passed away. The link to her obituary is below and it includes a short bio with details of her long life filled with music, art, and love. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sue Armrecht ObituaryOur club is saddened to learn of Sue's passing last week. Sue learned just about a month ago that she had Stage IV Liver & Pancreatic Cancer during a series of doctor visits after a fall. Please keep her husband Steve and their families in your thoughts and prayers, her obituary link is shared at the bottom of this story. Just 3 short years ago, Sue was profiled in this YouTube video produced by Grow Cedar Valley. Sue’s list of service includes: Board Chair of Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber (now Grow Cedar Valley) Served on the Finance Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Grow Cedar Valley Greater Cedar Valley & Chamber’s recipient of the 2018 Fulfilling the Vision of One Award YWCA Board Member Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors and Finance Committee Waterloo Rotary member Also was active with many other community organizations. Sue was a cheerleader for the Cedar Valley and was an unstoppable force for the things she believed. Her goal was to make the Cedar Valley a better place to live, work and raise a family. Her honesty and integrity never waivered. Sue was a friend and mentor to all. She will be greatly missed by SO many! RIP Sue! You are now a bright and shining star in the Cedar Valley! Memorials can be made to UnityPoint Hospice, c/o Allen Foundation, 1825 Logan Ave., Wloo 50703 or donor’s choice of organization. Mailing address is 4120 Diana Dr., CF 50613 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24/7 Black Leadership Advancement Consortium![]() ![]() Executive Director Joy Briscoe and Accelerator Director ReShonda Young will be presenting on the 24/7 Black Leadership Advancement Consortium. The organization is a non partisan 501 C3 aimed at increasing personal and professional development, stimulating the creation of generational wealth and financial empowerment and building networks of influence with navigational support for Black Professionals. In response to the unique needs for entrepreneurs to recalibrate during the COVID-19 induced recession, 24/7 Black Leadership Advancement Consortium launched the Cedar Valley Black Business & Entrepreneurship Accelerator (CCMBEA) to proactively serve the needs of the African American business community and better understand where considered action could do the most good. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Conference Coming up |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Member Sought Out Vaccination Center to Make Sure Everyone has Their Best DayMy best day as a vaccination volunteerBy Steven Sanbo, past governor of District 6690 and Zone 30 assistant Rotary coordinator ![]() What I recall most are the hundreds of faces. Faces of hope. Faces of relief, gratitude, fear, joy, excitement, desperation, anxiety and yes, faces with tears all hidden behind masks during my volunteer shift at a mass vaccination center in Arizona, USA, on 26 February.
The only other time I had seen hundreds of faces filled with so much emotion was leading a Rotary mission trip in Guatemala in November 2014 to open a trade school. That morning an earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude hit the San Marcos region 40 miles from where we were working. It was the largest earthquake to hit Guatemala since 1976. That afternoon I and two other Rotarians volunteered to be first responders with Shelter Box leaving at 04:00 the following morning for San Marcos. You could see it on their faces. The villagers cried for help, support, food, water, shelter, hope for missing family members amid the destruction and crumbled houses. I was there to provide hope. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Valley Hospice Presenting April 12Chris Dunn graduated from UNI in 2012 with Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications. Since, he has worked at several area not-for-profits, currently being employed as the Outreach and Communication Coordinator with Cedar Valley Hospice for the past five years. Today, Chris will be giving an overview of care provided by Cedar Valley Hospice and how it differs from other types of healthcare. At Cedar Valley Hospice, we do much more than provide hospice and palliative care for our patients. We also look after the well being of their families and our community members through grief support, education and ways for the people of our community to get involved. Cedar Valley Hospice believes one person can change a life, so we invite you to connect with us today. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
People of Action: Champions of Health Honored![]() Rotary honored six members as People of Action: Champions of Health on World Health Day 7 April, in recognition of their work to improve the foundation of good health at home and across the globe. The work of these members proved especially important and challenging due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They will also be recognized at the 2021 Virtual Convention for their outstanding contribution to health.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Thorpe Obituary![]() Our club has lost another towering figure of community service - Steve Thorpe passed away Saturday, April 3. The family received friends at services this week, and Locke Funeral Home has a webpage where memories can be shared: We are collecting photos to include in a photo album on our website, if you have images to share, please email them to Mason@NagleSigns.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April Birthday Table![]() Join us to celebrate April birthdays...this group was denied proper recognition last year as the pandemic changed everything. Let's show this group some love! Apr 02 Frevert, Rich Prather, Barbara Apr 04 Wubbena, Bette Apr 14 Bailey, Billie Apr 16 Berry, John Apr 16 Lindberg, "Lindy" Apr 24 Locke, Jack Apr 25 Lindaman, Jane Apr 30 Kauten, Jeremy |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rockin in Rockwell City![]() Do you want to learn how Rotary's membership strength is in our diversity? Join Emily Tucker, Regional Membership Chair for Rotary International, at the Virtual District Conference on April 30 and May 1. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Voices: Peace Today for tomorrow![]() #Rotary member Maria Kliavkoff and her club are inspiring conversations and connections focused on the eight Pillars of Positive Peace. What difference can one conversation, one action really have? As a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada living and working in the border area between Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, I have always had a passion for peace. By good fortune, I have had the opportunity to meet four RI presidents, and I asked each what polio eradication has taught Rotarians about peace. The answer that inspired me most came from past RI President Barry Rassin, who told me “peace happens one conversation at a time.”
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 5th Program: United Nations AssociationRotary International has had a long relationship with the United Nations from its founding where over 40 Rotarians had role in drafting the United Nations Charter. Later an English Rotary club came up with the idea of UNICEF. Rotary has been a non-governmental observer at the United Nations for many years and Rotary's efforts in world wide disease prevention and health promotion including programs such as Polio Plus involve cooperation with the World Health Organization which is a UN affiliate. The speech today will deal with challenges to democracy from the rise of global populism and the prospects for internationalism and cooperation with this development and in a post COVID world. ![]() Iowa United Nations Association Executive Director - Debra DeLaet, Ph.D.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Student Honors Luncheon MondayBeth McCrindle is our amazing coordinator of the special luncheon and has the following words... This honors program will be different this year-obviously without the “lure” of lunch and getting out of the building for part of the day we tried to make the formatting more appealing. The program will be a fabulous video of all of the honor students from Columbus, East, Expo, Valley, Waterloo Christian and West put together for us by the Superintendent’s office. Surrounding the video will be words of advice and congratulations offered by those our club as honored in the past who are all graduates from Waterloo. ![]() Katie McCrindle Kroeger. Honor student who went to Spain as a Rotary Exchange Student between West and Wartburg. Now an outdoor enthusiast living in Colorado. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Got Story Ideas?If you have something cool you'd like shared in the Reporter; e-mail Jaclyne @ jheller@kwwl.com. She is Mason's Reporter Assistant! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Save the Date: Rotary Virtual ConventionJune 12-16 in the 2021 Virtual Convention!! The Rotary International Convention, scheduled for 12-16 June 2021, in Taipei, Taiwan, will now be a virtual event in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. We are sorry that we will not see you in Taipei this year, but this decision, made by the Rotary Board of Directors, is necessary to protect the health of everyone involved. We will share more details about the 2021 Rotary International Virtual Convention soon. Here’s what you need to know now:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary District Duck Pluck 2021This year’s “Duck Pluck” will take place on May 1, 2021, virtually. The winning ducks will be plucked out of Michelle Bell’s hot tub during the District Conference! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Norman Ussery Presenting about Waterloo Community Playhouse MondayMr. Norman Ussery - one of our own dedicated members - is talking about the Waterloo Community Playhouse updates! Norman Ussery |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waterloo 2030 VisionThe City of Waterloo’s 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan process is underway! Our partners at deNovo have created a community survey to gain input from Waterloo residents and anyone who visits, works, or cares about the community. Tell us what makes Waterloo great and be entered to win a prize pack with tickets and swag from Waterloo favorites such as Lost Island, the Waterloo Black Hawks, Waterloo Bucks, a Waterloo golf package, Phelps Youth Pavilion passes and more just for sharing your thoughts. Your input will help us develop a vision for the future of Waterloo. Be a part of your community’s success by sharing your thoughts on Waterloo’s best features and opportunities. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International Advocates for Access to Clean WaterImproving sanitation in communities around the world is part of our history. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northeast Iowa Foodbank Empty Bowls FundraiserLike many things this year, Empty Bowls will look a little bit different with the event taking place entirely online. Throughout the event week join us in learning about the Food Bank, while also raising awareness and educating the community on the issue of hunger. This will be done through a variety of different online medias. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and bid on both silent and live auction items. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Partnership for EducationRotary International is proud to partner with
@GPE in support of girls’ education! Since 2002, good progress has been achieved to boost girls' enrollment in school. However, an estimated 129 million girls worldwide remain out of school and face multiple barriers to education. These include distance to school, cultural norms and practices, school-related gender-based violence and early or forced marriage. Boys and girls face barriers to getting a good education in conflict-affected areas where safety and security can be compromised, and in households that depend on their labor or income.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
High Speed Rail Presenting Monday![]() Rick Harnish co-founded the High Speed Rail Alliance in 1993 with a passion for revitalizing the region he grew up in, lives in and loves. The Alliance builds the political will for systemic change by advocating for integrated rail and transit networks connected by 200+ mph high-speed lines. By connecting cities, towns and airports, the high-speed trains will dramatically expand economic opportunities and slash carbon emissions. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Heartland Technology CEO March 8 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada Rotary Club helps with Immunization ClinicThe Rotary Clubs of Kingston and area are continuing their tradition of community service by providing volunteers as ushers and screeners for the local COVID-19 immunization clinic at the INVISTA Centre. ![]() There are four Rotary clubs and two Rotaract clubs in Kingston, and members from all six clubs are assisting this effort. “Rotarians have been assisting Kingstonians for 100 years in many areas, particularly support to youth, seniors, and the underprivileged,” said Mike Moore, local Rotarian. “COVID has presented an entirely new challenge for Kingston. So, Rotarians and Rotaractors have responded by donating significant sums of money to the Food Bank, have helped deliver food to needy families, produced and distributed masks to disadvantaged families, and will be helping KFL&A Public Health in perhaps the most positive, impactful event of our lifetime, vaccinating our residents.”
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate our members born in March at our first meeting of the month. Join us for well wishes and March trivia!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Award on Behalf of World Health Organization![]() To celebrate 75 years of cooperation and a shared history of working together toward a healthier and more peaceful world, Rotary presented the United Nations (UN) and its agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, with its highest recognition: The Rotary Award of Honor. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rooted Carrot Co-op Market Presenting March 1stThe Rooted Carrot Co-op Market is a grassroots effort to establish a community-owned grocery store that emphasizes local, healthy, and sustainable. ![]() Tom Wickersham is a member of the Co-op’s board of directors. During the the day he serves as the Program Director at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/22 Meg Durbahn Presents on Rotary ExchangeMeg Durbahn will be sharing her Rotary Youth Exchange experience of her time in Enkhuizen, Netherlands. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Take a Virtual Tour of One Rotary CenterGet a guided tour of the Rotary World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. ![]() As one of the two Rotary clubs normally conducting club meetings at One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois, USA, members of the Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse were touched by General Secretary John Hewko’s inspirational tour of Rotary World Headquarters. Seeing Room 711, the location of the first Rotary meeting, was a reminder that club members later this year will once again walk by it on our way to club meetings, just as we did prior to the pandemic.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Presidents Day February 15![]() In past years, our Club has celebrated Presidents Day by honoring and learning about our club’s history from our Past and current Presidents. This year we will not have a table or dais, but we will have the opportunity to hear from some of our Past Presidents about their term in office and other memories about our club. Join us using the Zoom link below and celebrate our club's current president Annie Vander Werff, and all our past presidents who have carried our club for 106 years! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Jay Ginther Obituary![]() Dr. Jay Paul Ginther M.D., 74, of Waterloo, passed peacefully at 2:30am on February 4, 2021 at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital after a long history of battling heart problems. Music that he had performed with the Metropolitan Chorale played in the background. His wife, Ann, and their three adult children, Katrina, Greg, and Alex were with him. He believed in God the Creator that holds all of nature in balance, and he believed that death was an opening to the fullness of God's presence. In the end, Jay was sorry to leave us, but too tired to stay any longer. Jay was born July 10, 1946 in Jersey City, NJ to Dorothea (Halloran) Guinther M.D. and John Paul Guinther M.D. Jay attended Wesleyan College in Connecticut where he was active in the Glee Club and Church Choir. Jay earned his M.D. from Columbia University in New York City. He was completing his surgical internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital where he met his wife Ann (Willenbring) Ginther. In his youth, Jay was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. In his 30's he ran the Boston Marathon. As an adult, he was involved in the Rotary Club. He was passionate about traveling around the world to experience new cultures, foods, and study history. Jay was a wine enthusiast and active member in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls wine club. Jay and Ann loved music and sponsored many symphony fundraisers. Jay enjoyed nature throughout his life; whether it was gardening, exploring national parks, or walks with his wife through local trails in Waterloo. He was also a proud member of Mensa. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary International News![]() Rotary International President Holger Knaack shares the importance of taking on big challenges and increasing our impact to create new opportunities. The Covid pandemic, while bringing so much suffering to the entire globe, has also enabled Rotary to open opportunities in many different ways, such as this institute and the virtual meetings we hold. These are so important as they bring leaders together to brainstorm on how to take on the challenges ahead. We are now in a time of rapid change and we have to keep working together to ensure Rotary comes out of this difficult time in a much stronger position,” said RI President Holger Knaack, while delivering the convocation address at the GETS event for RI zones 4, 5, 6 and 7. Striking a pensive note, he said, “Rotary was founded in a world that doesn’t exist any longer, it is a different world now, which moves faster and is harder to comprehend. And it is filled with crises to manage. And yet it gives us new opportunities.” He said even before this crisis, people were meeting and keeping connected to different friends in different ways. “Social media and online connections were already there but they have now become more important. We are all now used to working virtually. Most important, the younger generation that has grown up in this world, has a stronger desire for service and connections.” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
McCrindles Join Us From Afar![]() Kevin and Beth have been Rotarians for a long time and one aspect they’ve always enjoyed is attending makeup meetings while traveling. Years ago Kevin attended a meeting of the local club in Iguacu, Argentina, and was the only English speaker there. The difficulty was - he was staying in the rain forest and no cab would drive him back after the dinner meeting. Thank goodness for his College German class and another visiting Rotarian from Berlin! They were able to communicate sufficiently to get a “volunteer” to drive him back! (“Will it build good will and better friendships?” Yes!!) ![]() The McCrindles have attended so many meetings of the Princeville Club in Kauai that some consider them Ohana (family) members. There are many others but obviously all this has changed since the Pandemic! They now don’t have to find another virtual meeting-they can continue meeting right here in Waterloo! They both agree that when traveling it’s a “fun” (5th of the 4-Way Test!) way to stay. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
District Governor Lowell Stoolman February 8District Governor Stoolman has been a Rotarian for over 31 years and will give us updates on what's going on in Rotary around Iowa. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary's Action PlanThis is Rotary’s Action Plan through 2024: to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jay Ginther has passed awayOur club has lost another member this week, Dr Jay Ginther has passed away. His wife Ann specifically reached out to Beth McCrindle to notify our club and shared these words: ![]() You can read Jay's blog about bone health and osteoporosis here: We'll update the club with service details as they become available, please keep Ann and their family in your thoughts. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
February 1st Program - Dr. Todd Holcomb, Hawkeye Community College![]() For over 50 years, Hawkeye Community College has distinguished itself as one of Iowa’s best community colleges. They're known for an environment that is academically challenging, for our caring faculty and staff, and for providing students the latest technology. Fellow Rotarian and President of Hawkeye Community College Dr. Holcomb will share what's happening and expound on new initiatives on campus. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 Rotary International Convention |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paul Harris Fellows Update![]() Deb Pullin-Van Auken has an update on our Rotarians who are giving to the Rotary Foundation. Cheers to Us! In these pandemic times, it is important to recognize members of our club that have shown the spirit of philanthropy through OUR The Rotary Foundation, including those that have achieved the EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) level (they give at least $25 per year to the Annual Fund) and those that are sustaining members (they give at least $100 per year to the Annual Fund). Let’s celebrate the spirit of philanthropy ( + = number of $1,000 level donations after achieving Paul Harris Fellow status): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
February Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate our February-born Rotarians at our first meeting of the month...you'll have to prvide your own cake, though.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
January Birthdays![]() A small but mighty group of Rotarians celebrated their birthdays this month, and we'll honor them at Monday's meeting: McCrindle, Kevin - Jan 06 Holcomb, Todd - Jan 07 Smith-Davis, Bonnie - Jan 17 Edsill, Henry - Jan 21 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Job Foundation Featured January 25th
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Million Mask Challenge Update![]() Rotary members rise to the challenge of the #Covid19 pandemic to distribute 800,000 masks to first-responders and essential workers in ten cities In the early morning of 29 September, a cargo ship carrying 800,000 face masks arrived at the Port of Boston. Over the course of the following 14 days, those masks were delivered to first responders, healthcare providers, and frontline workers in cities, towns, and villages across New England. This is a story of service and leadership. It’s a story of how our District and Zone responded to a crisis, rallied its resources, put boots-on-the-ground to bring disparate and far-flung communities together to spread goodwill. Most importantly, it’s a story about working together and using our collective professional backgrounds through the Rotary network to make a difference. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bill Robert ObituaryOne of our most dedicated and longest-serving Rotarians has passed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fellow Rotarian Bill Robert Passed Away![]() Dear Rotarians, I am so grateful that Mason Fromm reached out to Bill Robert and his family recently. Had Mason not connected with Bill and his son Mike, we might not have had the chance to lift Bill up, send cards, or share Rotary memories with him during what turned out to be his final days. (Mason compiled a book of the 2020 Reporter highlights for Bill). Mason shared, "Bill Robert passed away on Sunday morning (January 17th) about 12:30. They had just moved him into hospice Friday evening, and Saturday brought another day of more pain, medications, and "fuss" that Bill didn't appreciate. However, Mike was able to share our Reporter archive with him and he said Bill shared memories about a few of our members. I'm so glad we were able to get the book in his hands Friday and I hope Bill felt the love of his club in his final hours. Mike said there will not be a memorial service, but I asked him to reach out if our club can be of any assistance to the family." 67 years to be committed to an organization like Rotary is admirable. We will celebrate the life of Bill Robert at our meeting today with a moment of silence. If you are not able to be with us, please take a moment to remember Bill - and if you're moved to stop by Dairy Queen - I'm sure it would make him smile if you chose to eat an ice cream cone in his memory! Yours in Rotary, Annie Vander Werff President 2020-21 If you have photos of Bill to share, please email them to Mason for inclusion in this photo album. Read Bill's obituary and share memories here |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hovey Brom: WWII Program Video![]() We hosted around 60 members and guests for Hovey's presentation January 11th, but there was simply too much story to fit in a single meeting. We heard "the rest of the story" January 18th. Watch Hovey's complete story on our YouTube Channel: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
End Polio in India UpdateEfforts to #endpolio in India have had lasting benefits: stronger health systems, improved vaccine delivery & robust disease response. Congratulations on 10 years without a case of wild polio, now let’s end polio for all! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ONE Rotary Summit Coming up
Normally held in the fall, this year's One Rotary Summit has moved to January offering two VIRTUAL 90-minute sessions. Save these dates... ORS is one of Rotary's best training programs that offer new ideas and best practices to help your club work on three key areas... membership, foundation, and public image. With the President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in March, ORS can compliment pre-training for your incoming presidents, and president-nominees. But, any Rotarian can attend at no cost, plus no travel! So watch for registration info out soon and plan to join us for One Rotary Summit! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hovey Brom Speaking January 11![]() Our very own Hovey Brom (yes, that's him in uniform) will be presenting and you DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT. He served under General George Patton in WWII and has done so many amazing things in his 95 years! Learn more about him in this 2012 Courier article |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarian in Nepal uses Telemedicine![]() “Right now, I can see all my patients through my mobile phone,” says Prakash Paudyal, a pulmonologist and member of the Rotary Club of Jawalakhel, Nepal. Paudyal uses a Kubi device to turn a tablet into a “mini-robot” for remote monitoring of his COVID-19 patients who are in isolation at Nepal National Hospital. Paudyal learned about the Kubi and other telehealth practices during a vocational training team trip to the San Francisco area last year. “I do one round with all my [protective] gear on, and then I see all my patients through this mini-robot,” he says, thankful that the Kubi helps protect him from exposure to the virus. The use of telehealth has surged worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, a study by McKinsey found that 46 percent of consumers are now using telehealth, up from 11 percent in 2019. Broadly defined, telehealth includes everything from virtual visits with a doctor to remote monitoring of a patient’s vitals to mobile health technologies. ![]() James Gude, a California physician who founded a telemedicine practice called OffSite Care, says that when a doctor conducts a video consultation with the assistance of an on-site nurse and with access to a patient’s records and diagnostic test results, it can be nearly as effective as seeing a patient in person. “With a nurse there to help me examine you, I can order and look at everything I need,” he says. There are also sophisticated “robots” that allow a doctor to see a patient via videoconference and even send instrument readings, allowing the doctor to listen to a patient’s heart through a stethoscope, for example. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There Aren’t Enough AltruistsThe people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supplyBy Joe Queenan Illustrations by Sébastien Thibault From time to time, societies run low on the things — and the people — they really need. We wake up one day and realize that there are too few doctors. Or far, far, far too few nurses. Or it suddenly dawns on us that there aren’t enough teachers, engineers, or plumbers to go around. There are certainly never enough guys who work well with sheetrock. Other professionals we have in spades. There are always more than enough landscapers, baristas, actors, masseurs, personal trainers, hairdressers, IT guys, and chefs. Nor are we ever in any real danger of running out of hedge fund managers, ballerinas, real estate agents, claims adjusters, standup comics, bartenders, aspiring singer-songwriters, or car salesmen. But the people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supply. Something like this may already be happening with Good Samaritans. From time to time, societies run desperately low on the kinds of devoted, implacable altruists who are always ready to pitch in and make the world a better place.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Next Meeting January 11th![]() Our club typically ends each calendar year with a 2-week hiatus from regular meetings. We will not virtually meet December 28th or January 4th and hope our members will stay healthy and warm until we reconvene on Zoom January 11th. Happy New Year! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upcoming Programs![]() December 28 - NO MEETING January 4th, 2021 - NO MEETING January 11th - Hovey Brom/World War II January 25th - Kelsey Umthun - The Job Foundation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maternal Health Projects in UgandaMaternal health projects give Rotary clubs in Uganda a sense of purpose during COVID-19 restrictions In March, the Ugandan government moved rapidly to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing a strict lockdown and closing schools before the country had experienced more than a handful of reported cases. The measures have been credited with saving lives and limiting the spread of the virus in the country, which had recorded only 1,200 cases and five deaths in August as the continent of Africa approached a million. Still, those measures didn’t come without a cost, including lost jobs and hardships on pregnant women unable to reach a hospital due to the travel restrictions. Reuters reported that one woman in Kampala struggled for 90 minutes to reach a hospital a mile and a half (about 2.4 km) away. Both she and the baby died. In addition, the Women’s Probono Initiative, an advocacy group, reported cases of six other women and two babies dying during the lockdown. When the Rotary Club of Rubaga, Kampala, heard of the reports, they knew they had to act to provide a safe transport option. The club donated an ambulance to provide medical transport to residents of Kikajjo, about a 40-minute drive southwest of Kampala. Betty Mwesigwa, the club’s immediate past president, says Kikajjo has densely populated, lower-income areas.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony Performing Dec 21Monday the 21st, our last meeting of the year, we will celebrate the season with a holiday performance and presentation by the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony! Please join us virtually and invite some guests! This is a perfect prelude to the holiday season. We will also spend some time reminiscing about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, and past times. Please wear your festive holiday hats and attire. There will be prizes!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 Football MVP Trophy Presented![]() On Monday, December 11th, Wade Itzen delivered the Glen "Doc" Miller trophy to our 2020 MVP Alex Feldmann and Columbus Football Head Coach Brad Schmit (2004 MVP). Our "virtual" award ceremonies in November for student athletes did not allow us to present the trophies to each MVP, so Rotarians delivered them to the schools afterwards. Here is the link to see our Volleyball MVP Jenna Brown from Don Bosco. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salvation Army Presenting Monday![]() Major Shannon Thies of the Salvation Army is talking about the fundraising they are doing this year. Every year The Salvation Army is able to assist local people in need throughout the Holiday Season by providing a wide range of both broad & specific assistance services/programs. By giving your support through volunteering, fundraising, donating or sharing the word about our mission - those in need around your community can continue to have access to these life changing services & programs. Below are two links to donate to the Salvation Army. All money stays local! Shannon's Online Kettle |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary and U.S. Government Support Italy's fight Against COVIDROME, Italy (December 4, 2020) — In the face of surging infections in Italy, Rotary and the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are taking action to support the country’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. As part of an 18-month partnership, USAID will provide US$5 million to The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s philanthropic arm, to support Italy’s pandemic response, prepare communities for future outbreaks and address the long-term social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 7th Program: Foundation UpdateOur own Deb Pullin-Van Auken will talk about the Rotary International foundation and its priorities. ![]() The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Make-up Birthday "Table"![]() Given all the political guests and athletic awards - we did not find time at a regular meeting to honor our November birthdays. So we'll have a double-header and list our November and December birthdays at our December 7th meeting:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Iowa Global Grant Update![]() I'd like to share an update on the Global Grant you helped to fund here in Iowa. All equipment has been purchased and installed at the four health care centers. One of the sites, Eastern Iowa Health Care Center has seen a huge increase in patients since the August 10 Derecho that came through Cedar Rapids. Our grant was nearly completed at that time. Please know that the Rotarians and residents of Iowa thank you for believing in this project and for helping our residents living in poverty gain a basic human right: healthcare. I personally thank you all for an unprecedented Global Grant collaboration in the US with contributions from India and Brazil and Minnesota. Yours in service, Michelle Bell Assistant Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator District 5650, 5970 and 6000 2019-2022 Zone 29 International Convention Promotion Chair 2021 Taipei, Taiwan Past District Governor 2019-2020 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November 30 - Cedar Valley Makers![]() Mike Hoffman from Cedar Valley Makers will share information about providing free workshop space, access to tools, and expertise for those working on projects in the pursuit of education. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Doing Good for the World FundStories of service from around the world with Rotarians... By Brenda Cressey, Trustee and Rotary Member of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA Several years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to take part in a multi-project mission with more than 100 Rotarians, spouses, Rotaractors and even a few new Rotarians from Rotary District 5280. We flew to Panama to visit project sites, perform cataract surgeries, and deliver wheelchairs. There were several “Rotary moments” on that trip, but the truly unforgettable moment for me was when a grandfather, having no legs, was presented with the gift of mobility in the form of a bright red wheelchair. Seeing his grandson in tears reminded me that we not only changed that grandfather’s life, but the life of that young boy who had been lovingly carrying his grandfather everywhere since he became big enough to do so. Moments like that one are why I never miss an opportunity to promote the World Fund and encourage others to support it with their generous giving.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotarians in the News: Barb PratherNortheast Iowa Foodbank was featured during this holiday season on KWWL. Known for its Thanksgiving Distribution Week, the pandemic has forced the North East Iowa Food Bank to make adjustments. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
November 23rd Program: Foundation UpdateOur very own Deborah D. Pullin-Van Auken will give us a foundation update on Monday! ![]() What’s new with YOUR The Rotary Foundation? What’s The Rotary Foundation doing to help with the global pandemic? With the global pandemic drawing away everyone’s attention, what’s going on with Rotary’s long-running polio fight? I hear about all the international activities The Rotary Foundation is involved with, but what do they do for us in our district and our local community? Is there any way I can help with The Rotary Foundation’s local and international initiatives? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Children's Day![]() World Children’s Day is a special moment for bright young minds to speak up, demand their rights and show the world their boundless potential. World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children. This year, the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a child rights crisis. The costs of the pandemic for children are immediate and, if unaddressed, may last a lifetime. It’s time for generations to come together to reimagine the type of world we want to create. Kids are reimagining a better world. What will you do? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jenna Brown Volleyball MVP![]() Congrats to Jenna Brown who won the 2020 MVP Award. Barb Prather and Annie Vander Werff presented the award trophy. See more photos here.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nov 16 Program - Football Honors2020 Waterloo Rotary MVP Congratulations, Alex! Click here to see team photos and senior players from Columbus, West, and East. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ron Johnson has passed away![]() Longtime Waterloo Rotarian Ron Johnson passed away October 30th at age 93, and we hope to have his son Barry and other family members join us for an upcoming meeting. Our dad, Ron Johnson, took great pride in being a member of the Waterloo Rotary from when he joined in 1969 until he resigned his membership in 2015 due to "increasing age". We all have wonderful memories of attending the annual Rotary picnic. We also appreciate the important role that Rotary played in dad's life. He may have put it best in his letter of resignation when he said "I thank all of the members for excellent programs and lasting friendships. It truly has been a good ride." Thank you, Barry Johnson |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enter in Rotary International Photo ContestThe Rotary magazine Photo Awards will soon be open. Submit up to three photos. Winning photos will appear in the June 2021 issue of Rotary magazine. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Football Speaker on MondayMeet Ted Batemon. ![]() Ted Batemon will share his amazing journey of achieving life goals after overcoming challenges! My story is about overcoming incredible odds and being able to walk again after being told I would be paralyzed, I call it the most selfish I ever prayed. Below is some information about Ted... |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Link to join Rotary on MondaysLike so many other things this year, our normal club operations have been adjusted in response to Covid-19. Thankfully, we have technology that allows us to see and hear each other while we stay physically separated. By early summer, Art Cox stepped up to host our Rotary meetings on Zoom and we were able to break into "rooms" of 4-5 members and catch up with each other before the program - just like sitting at tables pre-pandemic. The link to join our meeting is the same every week, so you can add it as a bookmark in your browser or create a recurring appointment in your calendar. We encourage you to share the link with people you think would like to attend and one day join our club. We have more than 110 active members in our club, but only about 30 join us for meetings each week. If you haven't joined us for a virtual meeting yet, there's PLENTY of room on the screen for you (even if you don't want to turn on your camera!). Just click the logo below to join every Monday at noon!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Volleyball Awards Program
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Promotes Women Entrepreneurship Across the Globe![]() For true economic development, women are essentialHere’s why these organizations and their Rotary club partners are supporting local women’s entrepreneurship with financial literacy, small business loans, and one-on-one advisors.by Anne Stein Women’s economic empowerment contributes to a nation’s growth and to the world’s economic health overall. Studies have shown that it boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality, and supports economic resilience. And income loss associated with gender discrimination costs the world economy an estimated $12 trillion and well as a reduction of 16 percent of cost to the global GPD. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
High School Team Photos2020 volleyball team photos are shared below so our club can see the faces of the athletes that not only competed against other teams this year, but battled a global pandemic to continue playing the game they love. We'll meet virtually this year to honor the teams and award a gifted young woman the travelling MVP trophy. Our club congratulates each athlete and honors their commitment to taking extra steps this year to keep their team healthy. ![]() Columbus High School |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guest Speaker Alaina Kwan![]() Meet our Keynote Volleyball Awards Banquet Speaker... I studied at the University of Kentucky where I majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in Political Science. There, I competed for the school's Division 1 gymnastics team for four years. Although I received my education from the Bluegrass state, my roots go back to Southern California. Ever since I was five years old, I've always said I wanted to be the anchor for the TODAY Show one day. Now being here and working for KWWL, I feel like I'm getting closer to achieving my dream. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nov 2 - Sheriff Candidate Dan Trelka and U.S. House Candidate Ashley Hinson![]() ![]() Sheriff, Iowa House, Iowa Senate and U.S. House all were invited to speak at our Rotary Club. This week, two candidates will round out our month of political candidate speakers. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Valley Rotary Club Invites our Club to attend their meetingsCedar Valley "after hours" club has some exciting upcoming programs. November 4--Holiday Hoopla this year November 11--Retrieving Freedom November 18--Girl Scouts Contact Cynthia for further information: cynthia@jgitta.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotex fills the gap after Rotary Exchange![]() After returning home, many students miss their lives abroad. Rotex helps keep the international connections going. by Diana Schoberg Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa Riikka Muje had a fantastic time when she lived in Brittany, France, in 2011-12 as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. “At the beginning it was hard,” she recalls. “I didn’t speak the language. I didn’t know anyone. But then it’s amazing how you can form a life in another place.” After her exchange, adjusting back to life in her hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland, was just as hard — until she joined a Rotex alumni association, Rotex for short. Rotex alumni associations are groups of Rotary Youth Exchange alumni who act as intermediaries between Rotarians and Youth Exchange students. They provide mentoring and organize events with exchange students in their home country as a way to give back and keep their international connections alive. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KWWL's Steele Report Sunday features Ashley Hinson and Abby Finkenauer![]() ![]() Ron Steele interviewed both candidates running for Iowa's First District for U.S. House of Representatives this week for his weekly show The Steele Report. You can watch the show Sunday mornings after "Meet The Press" on KWWL. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Political Candidates Lined up to Speak![]() Election season is winding down...and if you haven't voted early, we'll have one more program featuring candidates for you to consider: November 2...Black Hawk County Sheriff Candidate, Dan Trelka and U.S. House of Representatives Candidate, Ashley Hinson |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 Rotary Peace Centers Cairo RecapAs our plane approached the ancient city of Alexandria, I peered out of my window to behold a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea meeting the Nile river at dawn. A fitting prelude to an amazing five days in Cairo - “the city of a thousand minarets". As a student of peace studies, I have been captivated by the historic and modern struggles of the Middle East. I’m grateful to have experienced Egypt — it’s people and culture — nearly a decade after the Arab Spring revolutions swept the region. It was an invaluable opportunity that broadened my perspectives on conflict, peace and resilience. ![]() Terrance Stevenson - Rotary Peace Fellow, MSc Economics and Finance for Development |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Volleyball and Football Banquets Coming UpIn November, we will honor seniors from local high schools in their respective sports of volleyball and football. On November 9th we'll honor volleyball athletes and our guest speaker will be Alaina Kwan of KWWL, former University of Kentucky gymnast. ![]() Then, November 16 we'll honor senior football athletes and our guest speaker with be Ted Batemon of Electronic Engineering, former Wartburg College football player. ![]() While the format will look a lot different this year due to Covid19, it is important that our club continues to recognize the hard work and dedication these athletes, coaches, and families have made to their sports. The travelling trophies will be awarded to the MVP from each sport, just as we have done for decades! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Candidates Eric Giddens and Dave Williams October 26
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From Peace Fellow to International AdvocateElsaMarie D’Silva of Mumbai began her career as a flight attendant, eventually rising to become vice president of network planning for one of India’s largest airlines. Learning about the fatal 2012 gang rape of a young woman in Delhi, an unusually heinous crime that led to public outrage, led D’Silva to make a dramatic career switch. D’Silva is the founder and CEO of the Red Dot Foundation, which works with nongovernmental organizations in India, Nepal, and Kenya to address street harassment and violence against women. In addition to community workshops, the foundation empowers women to document catcalling, groping, and other incidents through an online crowdmapping platform called Safecity. D’Silva was also a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Candidates Howard and Youngblut October 19th![]() Ryan Howard - running for Iowa House and Harold Youngblut - running for Iowa Senate Both candidates will join us October 19th to field questions and detail their campaigns. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bremer County Candidate Forum on October 22Tune in to see Bremer candidates moderated by Michelle Temeyer.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
League of Women Voter's ForumsThe Black Hawk/Bremer League of Women Voters will host a virtual forum for Bremer County candidates Thursday, Oct 22nd at 7pm Click the image below to visit their YouTube channel: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sheriff Tony Thompson Oct 12![]() Our first political candidate will join our Virtual Rotary meeting Monday, October 12th. Sheriff Tony Thompson took office January 1, 2009 (Article),was re-elected in November of 2012 with nearly 70% of the vote, and again in November of 2016 with 98.8% of the vote. His law enforcement career started much earlier however... He joined the US Army as a military police officer in 1988. He retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 2009, with 21 years of service. His career with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office began in March of 1994 and he has worked in the Jail, Special Services, Patrol, and now Administrative Divisions. His prior assignments include: Drug Education Officer, Community Services Coordinator, Computer Crimes Investigator, Patrol Officer, Public Information Officer, and SWAT Team leader prior to taking command of the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Message from District GovernorThe U.S. lost a remarkable leader on Sept. 18, 2020, when Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at age 87 after a years-long battle with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Famously nicknamed “The Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg’s career focused on ending gender-based workplace inequities for men and women.
We’ve come a long way in Rotary and in society for raising the bar for equality standards among men and women. RBG’s work made a lasting impact that parallels our Four-Way Test: truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
COVID Iowa Update |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Steele Report with Dan Trelka and Tony Thompson![]() Ron Steele recently interviewed both Black Hawk County Sheriff Candidates, click the link below to watch: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
October 5th Program: Gallagher Bluedorn![]() Director of Education and Special Programs Amy Hunzelman will share the latest at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Shoebox programA letter from Steve & Liz Thorpe: We are getting ready to ship 40 to 50 tons to help Nicaragua. This is year 19. We started with one school with 40 kids and now we have 2,400 kids in 14 schools. In year two we focused on Casa Materna (shelter for pregnant moms). Since 2003 we have delivered 19,000 healthy babies at our shelter and given them a layette bag with everything they need for a new baby at home. We also send many school supplies and extra clothes. Since 2001 (when we sent about 25 tons) we have now exceeded 1,000 tons of help for great kids, moms, and families who need a hand up. We will start unloading a semi trailer Monday, October 5th at 8 AM in the "old" Food Bank building at #ast 11th St and Sycamore. Anyone who can help should call Liz and Steve Thorpe 319-830-3012, Dave Lee 319-231-2188 or Jim Seely 319-830-5988. Your help will mean a lot to many people. To participate in or support the Shoebox program, please contact Steve and Liz Thorpe or David Lee directly.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
League of Women's Voters ForumsTune in and see our very own Steve Carignan moderate one of the forums. The Black Hawk/Bremer League of Women Voters will sponsor virtual candidate forums in the month of October. A forum for Black hawk County candidates will be Thursday, October 8th, 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via zoom. The forum for metro Legislative candidates will be Thursday, October 15th ,7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via zoom. The Forum for Bremer County candidates will be Thursday, October 22, 7 to 8:30 pm. The public is invited and may access the forums on https://www.facebook.com/BlackHawkBremerLeague Facebook Events will be created for each forum, and available as Facebook Live. The public will have an opportunity to submit questions on-line. For more information, please contact Jean Seeland, 319-493-2015. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Polio Day October 24![]() World Polio Day is October 24—How Does Your Club Plan To Take Action? We have much to celebrate! Africa has now been declared free of the wild poliovirus. Rotarians continue to move closer to the goal of total eradication. Plan an activity in your club. Ask your club leadership about what is being planned for World Polio Day to promote polio eradication.
A really great End Polio Now toolkit is available to help you plan and celebrate. This toolkit has press releases, banners, posters, social media messages, infographics and educational materials. Visit this link to view those materials: https://www.endpolio.org/resource-center |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation WarmIt's that time of year... Our club is now seeking donations to support the Operation Warm project. Coats are $20 each and the club will MATCH 100% of all donations up to $2,500. Be sure to purchase your coat (or coats) by Wednesday! DONATE NOW: - Mail a check to: Waterloo Rotary Club PO Box 118 Waterloo, IA 50704-0118 Make checks payable to Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa; MEMO: Rotary's Operation Warm project. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Picnic was a Success |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No Meeting Monday, September 28![]() There will be no meeting today since we hosted the Family Picnic last Thursday. Please plan to join us October 5th when we meet virtually and celebrate October birthdays! Mike Lind, Oct 04 Bob Heaton, Oct 07 Steve Carignan, Oct 10 Chuck Paulsen, Oct 10 Samuel D. Bovenmyer, Oct 12 Mark Durbahn, Oct 13 Kaye Englin, Oct 15 Doug Stanford, Oct 15 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 21 Program: Waterloo Public Library![]() Our very own Nick Rossman will be reviewing the latest happenings at Waterloo Public Library, as they are doing things in a new way with the COVID-19 environment we are currently experience.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advice from General Secretary of Rotary![]() John Hewko and CEOs across industries share their best advice with Adam Mendler in his Lessons in Leadership series. Over the years I have interviewed hundreds of America’s top leaders and a question I love asking is: “What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?” Here are the answers I received to that question from ten CEOs of successful organizations - across of a wide of industries - who I interviewed in my Lessons in Leadership series: John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International: In addition to stressing that all leaders reflect on their personal and organizational core values, I would simply suggest that those in the for-profit sector take a critical look at how social value is part of their firm’s mission. Broadly, if the 19th century for-profit sector valued “reward,” and the 20th century benchmark was risk and reward, then the 21st century will be defined by risk, reward and impact. For many years, it was difficult to answer the inevitable question: How do you blend and measure social and financial returns? This is no longer the case, but it requires some bold collaboration between the private sector and non-profits to act on this insight. Finally, I firmly believe that trailblazing leaders are made, not born. Rotary’s founder Paul Harris wasn’t blessed with once-in-a-lifetime talents, but he was able to articulate a vision that inspired others. He was able to act on his vision to form a new social network well before anyone ever heard of Facebook or LinkedIn. To see the other 9 responses, click here: https://www.adammendler.com/blog/advice-from-ten-top-ceos
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This Week's Program: Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony![]() ![]() Hear from our own Rich Frevert - Executive Director of Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony - and Jason Weinberger - Artistic Director - and learn the latest and greatest from their organization.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What it's like to Survive Two Pandemics![]() By Paul Engleman - Illustrations by Fien Jorissen Sixty-five years ago, in 1955, I was diagnosed with polio. I was two years old, so I was unaware of what it meant to have been infected with the poliovirus, but I became more aware of it in subtle ways as I got older. And at some point, I understood what my mother meant when she said I was “one of the lucky ones.” Among my childhood memories, getting the oral polio vaccine is as vivid as the classroom drills that taught us to seek safety under our desks in case of a nuclear attack. While I can now joke about how sturdy school desks must have been back then, there’s no amusement in my recollection of lining up outside the local firehouse for the Sabin sugar cube — that was serious, important business. I knew it then, and I know it now.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Have a non-profit event coming up?![]() We'd like to hear what our members are up to with helping other in the community. Have a non-profit fundraiser coming up? Or did your organization donate to a non-profit or group in need? Send me a note and some photos and we will put in the Reporter! E-mail Jaclyne @ jheller@kwwl.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Health Tips from Rotary District LeadershipMake change and make time for your health this fall. Rotary Transcends Embracing Change - We are Change Makers! The year 2020 has shown us that we are more resilient than we ever imagined - as individuals, teams, and Rotarians. Rather than shrinking from change, we have embraced it and made this Rotary year one for the record books:
Through it all, we’ve gained a new appreciation for what it means when we do get to come together. As Rotarians, we know we are better together, even if we are physically apart. We take on challenges as a unit - none of us is an island. By embracing these challenges as a team, we can go about our work with a spirit of service and a renewed perspective. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Covid Update and Resources![]() Thank you to Grow Cedar Valley for sharing the most up-to-date info on Covid in Iowa! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learn How to Host a "World Polio Day" Virtually![]() Ten clubs in Ontario, Canada hosted virtual events in 2018 and 2019. Find out their tips on creating your own event. After many years of celebrating World Polio Day with proclamations, updates from Rotary and health leaders, and flag-raising ceremonies, the 10 Rotary clubs in District 7070 (Ontario, Canada) took a different course in 2018. An in-person event held in a new global classroom and simultaneously streamed live is now serving as a great model as we approach holding our first World Polio Day live event in a COVID-19 world. Just three years ago, Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology, a post-secondary school in Oshawa, Ontario, constructed a new Centre for Collaborative Education, which included a Global Classroom. The center allows students to learn from, and share with, students and experts from around the world in real-time. The class brings cultures from around the world together to share information about each other’s culture and countries. The clubs of the Durham region all helped provide funds for the creation of the center and global classroom. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Have you signed up for the Rotary Picnic?![]() You are invited to join us at this year’s "socially distanced-style" Waterloo Rotary Club family picnic! Please RSVP by Friday, September 10 so we can plan accordingly. The details: Cost: $25/family When: Thursday, September 24 What time: Doors open at 5, food 5:30-7:30 pm *Program @ 6:30 Where: Rotary Reserve on North Union Road in rural Black Hawk County |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September Birthdays![]() Reach out to these Rotarians celebrating their September birthdays and let 'em know you're thinking of them!
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 31 - Steve Carignan of Gallagher Bluedorn PAC |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
African Region Considered Free of Wild Polio Virus![]() Rotary and its GPEI partners celebrate a monumental achievement, say global eradication of wild polio is possible with the continued dedication and persistence of Rotarians. The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority. After decades of hard won gains in the region, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) — WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance — are proclaiming the milestone an achievement in public health. They offer it as proof that strong commitment, coordination, and perseverance can rid the world of polio. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Details of 2020 Rotary Annual Picnic![]() This year’s Waterloo Rotary Club family picnic will be on Thursday September 24 at the Rotary Reserve on North Union Road in rural Black Hawk County. We will open at 5 p.m., plan to start serving at 5:30 p.m., have a program at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 7:30 p.m. The menu this year will include a meat choice of 12-ounce rib-eye or chicken breast plus sides of baked beans, baked potato with butter and sour cream, coleslaw and drink. Mac and cheese will be available for children. Beverages include milk, lemonade, coffee and water. Ice cream with toppings will be served for dessert. Meals will be served, and social distancing and masking requirements will be followed.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 24th Program: National Cattle Congress![]() Our own Deb Pullin-Vanauken and staff from National Cattle Congress are speaking about the latest happenings at this historic event center. For over 90 years, people have been coming to the Dairy Cattle Congress in Waterloo to be entertained. Many of them find this entertainment by walking through the barns or experiencing the nostalgia and adventure when viewing farm machinery. There continues to be much incidental entertainment for the Cattle Congress visitor and large name acts to attract people to the event. Whatever the entertainment may be, the Board of Directors remains dedicated to education. An old poster advertising the National Dairy Cattle Congress is merely making a play on words when it declares that “Congress entertainment is educational; its education is entertaining; it is ALL inspirational.” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five Tips for those who Aren't Natural Leaders![]() From District Governor Lowell Stoolman Not a 'Natural Leader'? These 5 Tips May Come in Handy Some people seem to be born with the propensity to lead – they're congenial, people admire them, and they're intelligent. But the most successful Rotary leaders aren't always the smartest or most talented club members. The best leaders are those with the drive to do what needs to be done – and the skill to help others rise with them. If you don't feel like you are a natural leader, consider these 5 tips to help you excel and guide your club to success.
Ignore the little voice that makes you feel like less than a leader. Turn your negative thoughts into positivity. You can achieve great things – and you are a Rotary leader for a reason. Quick Poll: I’d love to know whether articles like this are of interest to you as a Rotarian. Could you please send me a note with your feedback? My goal is to deliver the right type of content to help you thrive personally, professionally, and in Rotary. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ways to Help with Cedar Rapids Storm DamageIOWA (KWWL) - Many different organizations are asking for help, donations and volunteers as Iowa continues to recover from the devastating derecho August 10th. There are many volunteers and crews working throughout hard-hit areas, but more resources are needed. "Iowa Derecho Storm Resource Page" on FacebookDONATION DROP-OFF SITE: 5001 1st Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 VOLUNTEER SITE: 5001 1st Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Financial Donations: If you are able to donate financially, you can at:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Project at George Wyth August 17th
As part of our District Grant from the 2019 / 2020 Rotary year, we had a work day out at the Rotary Shelter. The committee consisting of Katelyn Tungland, Steve Finegan, Dave Lee, Annie Vander Werff, Mark Kuiper, Gene Leonhardt and James Madison developed a plan to improve the Rotary Shelter out at George Wyth State Park. Improvements included a new grill, lighting, electrical outlets, counter top and painting.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cedar Rapids Needs Your Help![]() A message from Lowell Stoolman, District Governor: Due the devastating storm on Monday, the Cedar Rapids area needs help. If you don't have your own issues from the storm and are willing to assist, please call Past District Governor Michelle Bell at 319-431-2755 for instructions on how you can help. Thank you for all you can do for the Cedar Rapids area and our fellow Rotarians! |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note from District Governor![]() Lowell Stoolman - District Governor August, 2020 A Note from Your District Governor Greetings, fellow Rotarians. Thank you to everyone who made it to my July installment as District Governor for District 5970. A month into my term, I am eager to start meeting with your clubs, whether in person or virtually. Club visits this term will certainly be unique, but I am looking forward to the challenge. Even during the pandemic, we can be thankful for so many things. We have our families, our friends. Many of us are still working and volunteering. And we can be grateful for technology like email and video calls to keep us all connected. I am not one to dwell on negativity, and I hope that rings true for you and your club, too. This year, we will all be asked to do more with less, and to stretch our patience and flexibility, perhaps like never before. We will rise together in Rotary through the end of 2020, and enter 2021 with the boldness to get things done. Thank you for your continued dedication. Rotary would be nothing without our club members’ hard work and compassion. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Woman in History nominated to be International PresidentJennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thank you Note from MercyOne FoundationOur Club received this note for the donation we made recently. ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 10th: Boy Scouts of AmericaOur own Rotary Member - James Madison - is talking about the latest with the Boy Scouts.
James is Scout Executive/CEO, Winnebago Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is a graduate of Missouri State University and was in Alabama prior to coming to the Cedar Valley. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
George Wyth Project UpdateAs part of our District Grant from the 2019 / 2020 Rotary year, we will have a work day out at the Rotary Shelter on August 17! The committee consisting of Katelyn Tungland, Steve Finegan, Dave Lee, Annie Vander Werff, Mark Kuiper, Gene Leonhardt and James Madison have developed a plan to improve the Rotary Shelter out at George Wyth State Park. Improvements include a new grill, lighting, electrical outlets, counter top and painting. We will have a catered event out at the Rotary Shelter on Monday, August 17th with Lori Eberhard, Park Ranger making a brief presentation. The work day will be split in to sessions. 8 – 10 Rotarians will be needed from 10:00 – 12:00 to complete the scraping, sweeping, cleaning and arranging of picnic tables. All Rotarians are welcome for the program which will be from 12:00 – 1:00 and include socializing with face mask and proper distancing, catered lunch and presentation. 8 – 10 Rotarians are needed from 1:00 to 2:00 to complete the painting, clean up and moving tables back. Look for an email to sign up for this first in-person meeting for our Rotary Club since March. As an added bonus, Rotarians that sign up for one of the work sessions will receive a free Rotary Face Mask! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Makes Donation to Volunteer Center![]() The Waterloo Rotary Club just made another $1,000 presentation to the Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley (VCCV). Past Waterloo Club President and VCCV Executive Director Lauren Fink accepted the check from past president Mark Durbahn in front of the Volunteer Center on Kimball Avenue. This check will help the center to provide additional resources to recruit new volunteers due to changing volunteer pools caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Lauren’s Thank You to our Club: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How Rotary creates lifelong relationships![]() Hilary and Kate became best friends when they met through #Rotary. Over the course of a decade, their friendship took them to Brazil, South East Asia and Japan as they worked on projects for peace. I am constantly in awe of the power of connection. This is what Rotary is all about. We unite in friendship to realize truthful, fair, good-willed, and beneficial outcomes in our communities and the world. For Rotary members and people like me, our lives are forever transformed by this powerful network. I was 17 years old when Rotary became a guiding force in my life. I was a young woman hungry to see the world outside my own country. Thanks to Rotary, I was granted the opportunity to live in Brazil as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student for a year. The experience was transformative for many reasons, the foremost being the people I met along the way who continue to be central figures in my life. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Girl Scouts is Monday's ProgramMonday, August 3rd we'll get to hear Robin Summers with the Girls Scouts (after technical problems delayed her program a couple weeks ago). ![]() I have lived in Waterloo almost my entire life. I went through the Waterloo School system from Kindergarten through high school, graduating from West High. I have a BA in Sociology and a MA in Women’s and Gender Studies, both from the University of Northern Iowa. I have been at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois since August of 2015 starting out as a community outreach manager and now as the director of community outreach and development. Through my role as the director of community outreach, I oversee our council outreach programming. I started working in development less than a year ago and serve as a major gifts officer. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August Birthdays![]() Time for another socially-distanced birthday greeting to all our members celebrating this month! Please reach out to these fellow Rotarians and wish them a warm and healthy birthday!
Also - the Rotary Birthday Machine is available for check-out - just email Mason for details! ![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monday's Program is Waterloo Community Playhouse![]() Our fellow Rotarian Norman Ussery will be giving us an update on the Waterloo Community Playhouse show season.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pathways Receives Rotary GrantWaterloo Rotary presents $1,000 to Pathways Behavioral Services. Mark Durbahn presented the $1,000 check to Kimberly Costarella and Dave Becker with Pathways Behavioral Services. They will use the check to assist them as they provide mental health and addiction services for the Cedar Valley. Their services are more in demand due to the COVID-19 crisis. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Updates from President Annie |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recommendations for Sustainable Environmental Projects with Rotary![]() Rotarian Karen Kendrick-Hands answers five questions about Environmental projects with Rotary! She is the communications director for Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) 1. How does the environment fit into Rotary’s areas of focus? Any project in any area of focus will benefit from having environmental sustainability as one of its watchwords. It’s a lot harder to supply clean water to people if your watershed is compromised— if your river is full of industrial, human, and animal waste. 2. Why did ESRAG publish a handbook with environmental project ideas? 3. Can you describe some of the project suggestions? 4. What inspired ESRAG’s collaboration with UNEP? 5. Are Rotarians getting more involved in environmental projects? • This story originally appeared in the July 2020 issue of The Rotarian magazine. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotary Shelter Meeting held Last Week![]() A small but mighty group of Rotarians got together to discuss doing Rotary Shelter project in near future. Annie, Dave, Katelyn, Mark and Steve had a great time chatting with Lori of Iowa DNR. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former Rotary International President Dies![]() Mateo Armando “M.A.T.” T. Caparas served as RI president in 1986-87 with the Rotary theme, “Rotary Brings Hope.” He was the first and only Filipino to become president of Rotary International, he was 97. Caparas launched the worldwide anti-polio drive aimed at eradicating the deadly disease that has killed and paralyzed tens of thousands of people. The campaign has become a huge success and has drawn the strong support of Microsoft’s founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. The Filipino socio-civic leader was instrumental in the acquisition of the One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois. He led the two-year fund raising campaign for the project and was able to raise $130 million, surpassing the target by $70 million. It was also during Caparas’ term that the RI board allowed membership of women in Rotary.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Black Hawk County Health Department Town HallA recent virtual town hall discussion educated people in our community regarding business protection. Given the recent changes in the Iowa law regarding business protection from COVID-19 liability and the current increase in reported cases of the virus, Black Hawk County Health Department team presented and responded to questions from Cedar Valley businesses.
Click link below to watch the recording. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grout Museum Program![]() Our program July 13th will be Billie Bailey sharing the latest and the greatest on the Grout Museum! The Grout Museum District has reopened the Grout Museum of History and Science and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Click here to learn more... |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Future ProgramsCheck out the upcoming programs we have at Rotary! ![]() July 20 Girl Scouting in our Area...Robin Summers ![]() July 27 Waterloo Community Playhouse Update...Norman Ussery |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Better Together![]() Scientists think the need to connect across generations may be baked into humans’ DNA — that grandparents, in particular grandmothers, played a critical role in our evolution. The reason women live so long beyond reproductive age, some anthropologists theorize, is that the care they provide for their daughters’ children frees up their daughters to produce more children sooner. “You can argue that older people connecting with younger people is something that goes back to the beginning of humanity,” says Marc Freedman, author of How to Live Forever: The Enduring Power of Connecting Generations. A survey by Generations United and the Eisner Foundation — a nonprofit focused on intergenerational programs —found that 53 percent of American adults regularly spend time with few people who are much older or younger than they are, aside from family members. The figure is even higher for people ages 18 to 34, with 61 percent reporting few younger or older acquaintances. Grandparents often live hundreds of miles away from their grandchildren, and there aren’t many places to go to meet people across the age spectrum. This is where Rotary can help.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July Birthdays![]() Coronavirus can keep us from meeting in-person, but it can't take away our celebration of these fine Rotarians that have traveled around the sun AGAIN!
The Rotary Birthday Machine should be available to borrow next week, email Mason if you'd like to reserve it to check the Radon levels in your house. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NO MEETING JULY 6th![]() Good morning Fellow Rotarians, I hope you enjoyed a fun, cool and safe holiday weekend. In observance of the holiday, we will take today off from meeting and will resume our regular meetings on Monday, July 13. Through discussion with the board, we will continue meeting online via Zoom conferencing. Please reach out to one of your fellow Rotarians whom you have not seen at a meeting recently and invite them to join an upcoming meeting - it's easy and ... FUN! Have a great week, Annie |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RI Director Opportunity![]() Contact President Annie Vander Werff if you are interested in being an RI Director! 1 July 2020 Dear Rotarians: At the 2021 RI (Taipei) Convention, an RI director is to be elected by club members in your zone. This director will serve on the RI Board in 2022–24. If your club wishes to submit a qualified Rotarian for consideration by the Nominating Committee for Director in your zone, the club must follow these guidelines: The club must use the attached Official Suggestion Form.
RI Bylaws section 13.010. states, in part, as follows: “Rotarians shall not campaign, canvass, or electioneer for elective position in RI, or allow any such activity, for either themselves or others.” Sincerely, John Hewko General Secretary, RI |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meet President-Elect, E.J. Gallagher III![]() Get to know the soon-to-be President-Elect of our Rotary Club. A retired attorney and active Rotarian; Mr. Gallagher has worn many hats in the Cedar Valley community and beyond! E.J. Gallagher III was born in Washington D.C. and came back with his Iowan parents to Waterloo in June of 1950. He graduated from Columbus High School after kindergarten at Kingsley and grades one to 8 at St. Edward’s. He got an undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul followed by a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He was admitted to practice law in Iowa in 1974 and spent a year back in Washington D.C. working for a special Federal commission studying wiretapping law.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020-2021 Rotary Board![]() Officer Team for 2020-2021 and Board of Directors President, Annie Vander Werff President-Elect, E.J. Gallagher Treasurer, Adam Schaefer Secretary, Rich Frevert (New Board Member) Past President, Mark Durbahn Phil Nash, Assistant District Governor Dave Lee Deb Pullin-Van Auken Heather Labonte Vicki Mueller (New Board Member) Holly Johnson (New Board Member) Outgoing Board Members are Brian Aronson, Megan Kugler, Katelyn Tungland and Jaclyne Heller. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Summer Brings New District GovernorMeet Lowell Stoolman, Your New District Governor Lowell is the former police chief of Rockwell City and a former member of the city’s maintenance department. He served more than 30 years on the city’s fire department and is an active member of the Rockwell City Rotary Club. Lowell's installation celebration is scheduled for June 28, 2020, at the Twin Lakes Golf Club in Rockwell City. Register to attend. A Message from Outgoing District Governor, Michelle Bell... As Rotarians, we know this phrase is true: Rotary Opens Opportunities. Chosen as the 2020-2021 Rotary theme, these are words to live by for all clubs. But what does “opening opportunities” mean for individual Rotarians? I’ve collected a few ideas I’ve observed throughout my tenure as 5970 District Governor: |