Stories
Don Meyer - District Governor - will be presenting on Monday! Don Meyer is serving as District Governor of District 5970 for the 2022-23 Rotary year. He is a member of the Waverly Rotary Club where he is a Past President, and he’s also Past President of the Forest City Rotary Club where he first joined Rotary in 1985. Don served District 5970 as District Foundation Chair from 2017-2020. Don is retired after working as an architect for 12 years, and in the fundraising profession for 35 years at Waldorf University and Wartburg College. He currently serves as Executive Director for the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School Foundation. Don has also served his community of Waverly as the Chamber of Commerce Board Chair and as a member and Past President of the Historic Preservation Commission. Don’s wife, Kris, is also a Rotarian, and they have two grown children and one grandson. Don looks forward to meeting members and updating our club on District activities. |
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Rotary International UpdateOver the last 20+ years Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust (CART Fund) has raised over $11.2 million for Alzheimer's research, primarily by collecting pocket change from #Rotary clubs.
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Rotary International Update![]() Live from the #Rotary23 stage, it's Grammy award-winner, @gabymorenomusic Gaby recently traveled to Guatemala with @JenJonesRotary. Together they visited a school involved in the Guatemala Literacy Project and led a sing-along. And she'll be joining us at convention! |
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Secretary of State Paul Pate Speaking May 22Monday we will hear from Iowa Secretary of State, Paul Pate. He will be talking about anti-trafficking initiatives as well as other items going on within the state. ![]() Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate has dedicated his life to public service. Now entering his fourth term as Iowa’s Commissioner of Elections, Secretary Pate is guided by three core principles: service, participation and integrity. Under Secretary Pate’s leadership, Iowa has become one of the top three states in the nation for election administration. The state has broken numerous records for voter registration and participation during his tenure. Secretary Pate successfully instituted Iowa’s online voter registration system in 2016. He has also taken steps to protect election integrity by drafting Iowa’s Voter ID laws and defending them in court multiple times. Secretary Pate also established a post-election audit system and greatly enhanced Iowa’s election cybersecurity. His civic education programs, voting accessibility initiatives, and election cybersecurity efforts have been recognized nationally by National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and the National/Student Parent Mock Election organization. The Secretary of State’s Office is the small business portal for the State of Iowa. For six of the past seven years under Secretary Pate, Iowa has seen a record amount of new business filings. Secretary Pate implemented a Fast Track Filing system in 2018 that greatly enhanced the speed and efficiency of the process. |
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Upcoming Programs![]() Our list of upcoming programs offer a wide variety of topics that you can offer to guests - maybe you could reach out and re-connect with your network and invite them to join us for lunch? May 22...Secretary of State, Paul Pate May 29....No Meeting - Memorial Day June 5...District Governor Don Meyer June 12...Black Hawk Veterans Affairs June 19...IMOM Dental Clinic June 25...Networking/Birthdays/Cultural Conversations July 3...No meeting July 10...Cedar Falls Community Foundation/Birthdays July 17...Waterloo Community Foundation July 24...No meeting - annual picnic week July 31...Guiding Star August 7...Cultural Conversations/Birthdays August 14...Black Hawk/Grundy Mental Health August 21...Love Inc August 28...Gallagher Bluedorn/Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony September 4...No meeting/Labor Day September 11...Wartburg College Presidents/Birthdays September 18...Make A Wish September 25...Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa |
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Rotary International Update![]() According to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, #loneliness can increase the risk of premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. The #Rotary Club of Chichester Priory is tackling loneliness one chat at a time. For Vera Cranmer and Sylvia Worden, two friends in their 80s, it's hard to overstate how much they look forward to their regular visits with the teenage students at a local college on England's south coast. "We savor these visits like reunions with long-lost friends," Worden says. The women live independently in their homes in Chichester, a picturesque and vibrant cathedral city near the sea. But Worden, who once worked as a teacher there, was widowed a few years ago, and her outings in town are far less frequent. Cranmer, too, has had to cope with feelings of isolation. |
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Together For Youth Presenting on May 15Shawna Jesse and Joni Spencer of Together for Youth will be presenting on Monday. Celebrating over 30 years of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention & Parenting Partnerships Together For Youth (TFY), located in Waterloo, IA is our area's adolescent pregnancy prevention and teen parent support network. TFY strives to provide information and resources for teens, parents and professionals in the Cedar Valley. Our partnerships with community agencies have resulted in a significant decline in Black Hawk County teen birth rates in recent years. Our community team is dedicated to empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. ![]() |
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Rotary International UpdateSing along with students in a Guatemala Literacy Project school and @GabyMorenoMusic on her song “Fronteras” live from the classroom in Chajalajyá, Guatemala! |
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Gates and Byrnes Park Update May 8thPaul Huting will be speaking on the Gates Park and Byrnes Park renovations! Our own Mark Kuiper will also be presenting. Mark is a partner with RITLAND+KUIPER Landscape Architects and a long-time member of our Rotary Club. Mark obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor and Master of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. He is a licensed landscape architect and an accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) professional. Mark’s wife, Shonda, is a professor and chair of the statistics concentration at Grinnell College and they have two married sons. Huting is the City of Waterloo Leisure Services Director, a graduate of Waterloo West High and Iowa State University, lifelong Waterloo resident and has been employed with the City of Waterloo 43 years. ![]() |
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Reminder: May 1st meeting at Mersim's in WaterlooFirst Monday will be held at Mersim's Kitchen! (Don't come to the Convention Center) Keeping with our Cultural Conversations on the First Monday of each month, the Waterloo Rotary Club will experience a touch of the Bosnian cuisine at Mersim's Kitchen. We will have a buffet style-lunch prepared for us by Chef Mersim. To ensure you get the best 'taste' of the authentic cuisine, beverages beyond water will be available at individual expense. However, the meal will be covered by the club. In addition, we will hear from the owners as they share their story of how Mersim's came to be. Doors will open at 11:55. ![]() Mersim's is a full-service restaurant with a bar and private events room. They offer traditional Bosnian dishes in addition to modern American cuisine. Mersim's is located at 126 E Ridgeway Ave, Suite A, Waterloo, IA 50701. Learn more on their website: https://mersims.com/ |
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May Birthdays![]() These Rotarians will be honored at our off-site meeting May 1st - join us at Mersim's to celebrate!
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Rotary International Update |
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Reminder: Like the Waterloo Rotary Facebook PageIf you haven't already - check out and like our Rotary Club Facebook page....you might even see Annie's recent interview on KWWL... |
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"Reading with Jean" Program April 24thSusan Card of Cedar Falls will join us at the Waterloo Convention Center Monday and share her story of the "Reading with Jean" program she created in honor of her mother. This program is where volunteers read to residents in skilled care and with dementia at Western Home Communities. ![]() |
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Rotary International Update![]() "We want to put an end to illiteracy and create positive change." Grammy award-winning artist Gaby Moreno @gabymorenomusic shares her passion for a brighter future for children in Guatemala with #Rotary President |
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Annual Student Honors Luncheon April 17Our very own Lauren Finke organized the 2023 Honors Student Recognition Luncheon for top seniors at area high schools. Keynote speaker was Shanlee McNally of R.J. McElroy Trust. ![]() Shanlee McNally is Program Officer of the R.J. McElroy Trust, a graduate of Northwestern University and a graduate of Waterloo West High School. You can see all the photos at this link: |
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Pictures from Cultural Progressive Dinner Night![]() Over 70 Rotarians and Community Members attended this new event at the Waterloo Convention Center April 13th! Money raised is going to Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Operation Warm (both voted on by our membership)! Click here to see the photos |
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Rotary Projects Around the GlobeUnited States Members of the Rotary Club of Kaka‘ako Eco, Hawaii, tossed 5,000 mud balls filled with beneficial organisms into the Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki as part of a rehabilitation effort to make the waterway fishable and swimmable. ![]() CanadaGuelph, Ontario, is one of 25 Canadian municipalities to sign a pledge with the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, to welcome people who have fled countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. ItalyThe Rotaract Club of Milano Nord Est Brera collaborated with an art publisher to produce a book of photography featuring women who have had breast cancer surgery to put a face to the fight against the disease. United KingdomOne coin at a time, a whimsical contraption celebrates a legendary Scottish locomotive while raising thousands of dollars for charity. UgandaWhen the Rotary Club of Malta constructed its second primary school in Uganda, it made sure to consider the needs of menstruating girls in the design of washroom facilities.
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Allen Child Protective Center April 10April is Child Abuse Prevention Month so we have Miranda Kracke of The Allen Child Protection Center Speaking to our club April 10th. The Allen Child Protection Center (ACPC) provides assistance for children or dependent adults who may be victims of abuse, or have witnessed a violent crime. The ACPC uses a multi-disciplinary team approach and works closely with the Department of Human Services and law enforcement. The center provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, family advocacy services, and mental health counseling. |
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The Global Fight Against Polio Continues@WHO and @Rotary are helping communities say goodbye to polio with the support of local polio eradication workers like Hafsat from Nigeria, who’s delivering vaccines to those that need it most to people in her community. ![]() Hafsat Ibrahim, (right) a polio core trainer with the World Health Organization (WHO) and mother of five, is proud of the many lives she has protected from polio in her community in Kano State, Nigeria. Her role has helped shape community attitudes toward vaccination, as well as provide the salary necessary to start a small business to support her family. “I worked with WHO to make sure every child is immunized [and] all my five children have got the vaccine … I'm very happy because their immune system [has] increased and also they are healthier,” Ibrahim told Global Citizen in August. “I have seen the transformation because now that the vaccine is accessible, [there is] no more paralysis of children in the community; no more threat of wild poliovirus.” As a mother, resident, and experienced health care professional, Ibrahim understands the importance of protecting her community from the deadly disease, and how the journey to eradicate polio at home in Nigeria has had wider implications around the world. |
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First Monday - April 3rdJoin us today for our monthly Cultural Conversations program - our guest will ALSO join us next week at our Progressive Dinner and prepare some delicious Jamaican food! ![]() |
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April Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate these Rotarians born in April at our first meeting of the month:
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End Polio UpdateAt a recent End Polio Now event at the House of Commons in London, @Rotary International President
@JenJonesRotary reminded Rotarians that we must (and can!) finish the job to #EndPolio. ![]() |
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Wanted: Board Members/Officers for July 2023-June 2024Would you like to get involved on the Waterloo Rotary Club Board in the next fiscal year? Jaclyne Heller our President-Elect is going on maternity leave soon - please reach out to her if interested in learning more! Also, looking for a President-Elect for new term and she will tell you the legwork for that position is already ready to go for first six months thanks to the Programming committee! E-mail Jaclyne @ jheller@kwwl.com
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Greener Shepherd March 27th |
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Small Rotary club in Ecuador’s Andes delivers big on water projectHigh in the Andes, an indigenous community had been waiting more than a decade for clean drinking water. ![]() |
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Exceptional Persons Inc Presenting March 20thExecutive Director Katie Slade will be speaking March 20th. ![]() Katie Callahan Slade was born in Dysart, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa in 2002. Katie started with EPI in 2008. She wore many “hats” for the agency including becoming a Client Facilitator certified in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as Organizational Development Director until she became the Executive Director on August 31, 2022. As the Executive Director of Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), Katie believes in EPI's vision of working together we will realize a future where all people are recognized and valued – encouraged and supported to live, work, and grow – in their communities. |
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Run with Rotary in Denmark![]() On an ordinary day last August, people at a park in Copenhagen, Denmark, saw something extraordinary: a stream of runners all adorned with floating, bobbing pink balloons. The balloon carriers were part of Run With Rotaract, a three-year-old event organized by District 1470’s Rotaract clubs. This year, it raised money for education in Malawi. The balloons served as tickets for the approximately 65 participants. And, says Philip Flindt, a member of the Rotaract Club of København Nord, they performed the equally important function of attracting public attention. “It created something weird for people to look at — people running with pink balloons,” Flindt says. “It was a way to reach people in the community around the park. They were asking, ‘Is this a bachelor party, a bachelorette party? Why are you running with these balloons?’” Flindt never seems to lack creative, eye-catching ideas. It’s clear why he’s the Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) for Zone 18, the first Rotaractor to serve as an RPIC. He’s been promoting Rotaract since he helped found his club on 13 March 2013. That date, he’s quick to note, is the anniversary of the certification of the first Rotaract club in 1968. Read the full story here: |
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Nominate your Favorite Nonprofit to Receive FundsTwo non-profit organizations will be chosen to receive funds from the "Progressive Cultural Dinner Event" fundraiser! Nominate your favorite nonprofit organization in the link below (no more than 50 words) and then the club will vote on to select the top 2. Deadline is April 1. |
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Rotary International UpdatePlease join us in celebrating the first recipient of Rotary International's Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, Chin Mei Lu from the Rotary Club of Taipei Taimei, Taiwan ![]() |
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Progressive Dinner April 13th |
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March Birthdays![]() Join us March 6th to honor these Rotarians celebrating their birthdays this month:
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First Monday Cultural Conversations Series![]() As we continue to "seek to understand rather than stay comfortable" we welcome Robert Ackerman to our First Mondays conversation. Robert Ackerman is the coordinator of the One City United "To Work" Program whose sole mission is to provide transportation to and from work for individuals with transportation barriers. Getting to work consistently and on time daily is essential to removing stress and experiencing a thriving life. To Work was developed to provide a low-cost shuttle service that people can count on, helping them stay employed and equipped to succeed. It is just one more barrier that we can overcome to bolster our community towards success. Robert will share his story as a high level military professional, living an alternative lifestyle, and his journey from addiction to recovery. Please join us, invite guests, as we continue to generate a curiosity that emerges into compassion, empathy, and a shared perspective that breaks down barriers for you, and the people you do life with at home, work, and in your community. Want to get your team involved? Learn more here. |
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Rotary International Update![]() Imagine What's Next at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia |
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Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Visit Feb 27th![]() We had a great turnout of guests for our annual Rural Urban Day; Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig joined us fresh off returning from a trip to Asia. Click here to see photos and remember to thank not only the farmers and producers, but all the employees in related industries that bring food to our tables. Elected as the 15th Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in November 2018, Mike is focused on expanding our markets, promoting careers in agriculture, and improving water quality and land stewardship. Mike is committed to leading efforts to expand economic opportunities for Iowans and is an advocate on behalf of the hard-working men and women who keep us fed and fueled. Mike is a graduate of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake with degrees in biology and political science. He and his wife Jaime have three boys. |
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Rotary International Update![]() Celebrate our 118th anniversary by exploring the new #Rotary timeline and see how our network takes action around the world. Our 1.4 million members join community leaders, friends, and partners in a global network that is addressing challenges around the world. It started with the vision of one man—Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905 to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. He saw Rotary as a force for ethical leadership, civic service, and peace—ideals he would promote throughout his life. |
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Join a Rotary Committee or the Board!![]() Are you interested in getting more involved with the club with minimal extra time commitment? Join the board or one of many committees the Waterloo Rotary Club has to offer! See below for ideas... Waterloo Rotary Board - July 2023 new fiscal year...See Annie Vander Werff or Jaclyne Heller Academic Honors Luncheon - April 17...See Lauren Finke Ag Rural Day Commitee...See Larry Steffens Football Banquet...See Wade Itzen Fundraiser - Cultural Progressive Dinner...See Annie Vander Werff Annual Summer Picnic...See Todd Wordel or Larry Steffens Membership Committee...See Amy Rousselow Operation Warm...Dave Lee Programming Commitee...See Jaclyne Reporter/Social Media Committee...See Mason Fromm or Jaclyne Heller Volleyball Banquet...See Barb Prather or Jaclyne Heller |
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Rural Urban Day is February 27 - Sponsor a Farmer![]() Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture - Mike Naig - is joining us February 27. If you would like to sponsor a farmer, please email Larry Steffens |
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Rotary International UpdateFrom a film academy to a beehive— join Rotary President @JenJonesRotary and @Sibongile as they meet the people behind the projects that foster community and connection at Nakivale Refugee Settlement. |
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Dr. Todd Holcomb of Hawkeye Community College February 20thHawkeye Community College President Dr. Todd Holcomb is giving us updates this Monday! ![]() 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. |
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Serve on the 2023-24 Rotary Board or on Committees![]() 2023-24 President-Elect Jaclyne Heller July 2023 will be here in a few a months! Please reach out to Jaclyne if you would like to serve on a committee or on the Rotary board this next fiscal year! A reminder Jaclyne will be out on maternity leave June-September (most likely) so we also need extra volunteers to help lead meetings/announce programs during that time frame! Reach out if you'd like to get involved! |
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Rotary International UpdateWe're beginning to hear from #Rotary clubs responding to the earthquake that has devastated areas of Turkey and Syria. ![]() Here are some ways to get involved:
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Cedar Valley Trails February 13Peter Komendowski will be sharing highlights of the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership! ![]() Peter serves as president of The Partnership for A Healthy Iowa, is a former Chair of the Partnership, and succeeded Senator Grassley as Chair of the Face It Together Coalition which authored Iowa’s “Blueprint for Healthy Communities. He also founded Friends of Iowa Trails and the Iowa Trails Summit and was honored by the National Park Service as Iowa's Trails Person of the Year in 2013. He has been a member of the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership Board of Directors for over 15 years. |
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Rotary International UpdateNearly 800 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. Through microloans, occupational training, and partnering with local communities, #Rotary helps provide sustainable solutions to poverty around the world! Rotarians make amazing things happen, like: Breaking the cycle of poverty for women: Most of the women living in rural Guatemala do not have the collateral to get loans from regulated financial institutions. The Rotary Club of Guatemala de la Ermita helped 400 local women complete financial literacy courses so they could pool their money and fund their own microlending program. Skills development, business training: In Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Rotary members helped grant more than 250 microloans and train more than 270 community members in sewing, baking, plumbing, microcredit, business management, and leadership. Sustainable farming: In west Cameroon, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility have significantly reduced farmers’ harvests. Rotary members gave farmers the skills they needed to improve soil fertility, control soil erosion, and market their produce. The results: increased crop yields and profits. |
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Cultural Conversations Preview![]() Truth Be Told. I Am Human. Cultural Conversations Series Your Waterloo Rotary Club President, Annie Vander Werff will be interviewing Julie Molisho, the founder of a nonprofit organization called The River ARC; an advocacy and resource center connecting members of the Congolese community to resources in our area. |
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We are on SECOND Floor todayMonday, February 6 we will be meeting on the 2nd floor of the Convention Center. It is recommended to use the skywalk to avoid the work that will be going on the first floor; but not required. |
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February Birthdays![]() Join us February 6th for First Mondays and to honor our members born in the shortest month of the year:
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Rotary International Update![]() Today, #WeRemember the beauty and fragility of Jewish Salonica, a thriving community all but destroyed in the Holocaust. The beauty and fragility of a pluralistic metropolis By Carl Gershman I have nurtured a special interest in Thessaloniki, the northern Greek city on the edge of the Balkans, since I traveled there in 1996 to attend a conference on rebuilding democracy and civil society in the Balkan region after the breakup of Yugoslavia. While in Thessaloniki, I decided to take the opportunity to learn something about the city's rich Jewish history, particularly under the Ottomans when it was called Salonica. I had read Balkan Ghosts by Robert Kaplan, who traced the modern history of the region, from the assassination that triggered World War I to the ethnic warfare in Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia. And the organization I headed, the National Endowment for Democracy, supported civil society groups working against such brutalities in the Balkans. But exploring Thessaloniki's Jewish past offered new perspectives on the region's history. |
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January 30 - ReShonda Young of Bank of Jabez![]() Bank of Jabez will be a Waterloo, IA based certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that will promote economic growth in the underserved communities. Although we will be a full-service financial services institution that addresses the banking needs of all people within the community, we will have intentional focus on servicing our community's underbanked, low-income, and minority populations. ReShonda was born and raised in Waterloo, IA and graduated with her BA from Wartburg College. She has been an active voice on Working Family issues, advocating for pay equity for women, and many other issues that will benefit working families. ReShonda is a founding member of the Iowa Main Street Alliance, a board member of the national Main Street Alliance, and was honored in April 2015 as a White House Working Families Champion of Change. She serves on the boards of Waterloo Center for the Arts, Black Hawk Economic Development, Link Christian Community Development, and Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. ReShonda is also the founder of Popcorn Heaven, a gourmet popcorn chain that opened in Waterloo, IA in February of 2014. ReShonda licensed Popcorn Heaven locations in North Carolina, Maryland, Illinois, California, Missouri, and Iowa. |
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Pack the Dome Successful EventMore than a dozen members of Waterloo Rotary Club participating in volunteering at "Pack the Dome" at University of Northern Iowa. The event was organized by our very own Lauren Finke of Volunteer Center and Barbara Prather of Northeast Iowa Food Bank! ![]() ![]() Over 80,000 children will be served from the event alone!
There were two shifts of thirty assembly tables with over 10 volunteers per table. Bonnie Smith Davis reported her table had ages 6 to over 70! Click this link to see photos, and if you have some images to share, email them to Mason |
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Rotary International President-Elect Outlines InitiativeRotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally called for members to capture the world's attention and lead the way toward possibilities far beyond our current expectations. ![]() |
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Engineer Wayne Castle of City of Waterloo Speaking MondayWayne Castle - Associate Engineer of City of Waterloo Engineering Department - is joining us Monday to give us an update on projects going on in Waterloo! Wayne Castle Biography Graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Licensed Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer in Iowa. Employed with the City of Waterloo for the past 14 years, currently overseeing the Flood Control system, bridge inspection and repair program, storm water management program, and street overlay program, along with being the liaison with the railroads. Serve on the Iowa Storm Water Education Partnership (ISWEP) board and am the City’s representative for the Middle Cedar River Watershed Management Authority (WMA). |
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Rotary Dues Reminder![]() If you have NOT been receiving your invoices for your membership dues - please reach out to Kelli McCarthy ASAP. We are trying to make sure our finances are up-to-date with our "new" financial coordinator, and are finding many members are NOT receiving emails. Unfortunately, there are dozens of reasons emails won’t get delivered, and each recipient may have a unique situation. ClubRunner is the company hosting our website and club emails - they have a couple different articles in the links below that might help you troubleshoot your email provider settings: https://www.clubrunnersupport.com/kb/articles/why-are-some-members-not-receiving-emails-blocked-list If you are unable to resolve email issues on your own, reach out to Mason for advice or assistance. |
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Rural Ag Day is February 27We are pleased to announced Secretary of Agriculture of Iowa - Mike Naig - will be our special speaker for Rural Ag Day! ![]() More details to come, but be thinking of inviting farmers to invite! The Rural Ag Day committee will be sharing more in upcoming meetings. |
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Day of Service January 16th: Pack the Dome![]() On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023, the Waterloo Rotary Club would like to invite members to participate in "Pack the Dome" at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls! WE WILL NOT HAVE A NOON MEETING JANUARY 16th so your whole day is open to volunteer at the UNI Dome or other community service. This event is an annual initiative hosted by UNI to benefit the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and families throughout the Cedar Valley. |
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First Monday - January![]() We'll kick off our First Mondays Cultural Conversations series January 9th; the first of 6 conversations will be with a familiar face - Chef Lumarie Soto-Rodriguez. She will talk about her life growing up in Puerto Rico and answer questions about cultural nuances important for everyone to know. There will be a time for questions and answers. Rotarians are encouraged to bring a guest! |
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January Birthdays![]() Join us for the First Monday meeting and we'll honor the Rotarians celebrating birthdays in January. Kevin McCrindle, Jan 06 Todd Holcomb, Jan 07 Bonnie Smith-Davis, Jan 17 |
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Sponsor a Ukraine Family through Rotary International![]() Rotary International is collaborating with @WelcomeUS, and you can #BeAWelcomer #Rotary clubs and members in the U.S. can now sponsor a person or a family that has fled the war and help them relocate to the United States. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3GFNmlk |
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What Happens With your Gift to RotaryWhat happens when you give the gift of Rotary? - We provide polio vaccines - Hand washing stations educate students on hygiene - Hospitals have up-to-date equipment - Opportunities for local female entrepreneurs are expanded. You can make a difference in this world by helping others in need — from supplying a vaccine to protect a child from polio to training peacebuilders in conflict resolution to help build a more peaceful future. With your help, The Rotary Foundation can make lives better in your community and around the world. |
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Bette Wubbena Obituary![]() How can we even begin to list her involvement in this community?? Some highlights include the Waterloo Jayceettes, the Waterloo Downtown Council, My Waterloo Days Committee, the Alan Heart Foundation, Go Red for Women, The Ambassadors, and so much more!! She loved to shop ... and spoil her granddaughter. She loved to support and encourage us all. She loved to see us all be the best versions of ourselves - like no other we may ever know! People were her passion. This community was her passion. WE were her passion! She loved us all! Bette loved Christmas quite possibly the most. She had many favorite Christmas songs, but "Silent Night, Holy Night" was her favorite. She cherished the candlelight services tremendously. She believed as her father did, that Christmas isn't just a season, it's a spirit of joy, love, and kindness to share with everyone all year 'round. That's part of why Christmas was often a little difficult for her. She would talk often about how much she missed her dad (among others). Bette would want us all to cherish everyone in our life all the time - be fair to one another - forgive often - and, most importantly, don't sweat the small stuff! Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2022, at Locke at Tower Park in Waterloo. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Locke at Tower Park; also, for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. |
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Rotary Annual Christmas Celebration December 19Our Rotary Christmas Celebration will be December 19! Please invite a friend, co-worker or significant other to attend. $15 for guests and we need a headcount as soon as possible. Please e-mail Annie at annie@theregenerateprocess. |
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President Nook Speaking Monday at RotaryPresident Mark Nook is joining us Monday to go over highlights of the University of Northern Iowa. ![]() Mark A. Nook began serving as the 11th president of the University of Northern Iowa on February 1, 2017. Prior to this appointment, he served as chancellor of Montana State University Billings (MSUB). Originally from Holstein, Iowa, Nook has committed his Midwest education and values to higher education for many years and on many levels. He is dedicated to ensuring every member of the university community reaches their individual educational, professional and personal life goals. Prior to serving as the chancellor at MSUB from 2014-2016, Nook was the senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin System from 2011-2014. He also served as provost (2007-09 and 2010-11) and interim chancellor (2009-10) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and in a variety of roles at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. |
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Rotarian Bette WubbenaSad news to share this week...Long-time Rotarian and friend to many - Bette Wubbena - passed away on Sunday. Arrangements are pending and we will share as soon as details are available. Thoughts and prayers with Bette's family. ![]() |
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First Mondays Program this Week...Join us Monday to celebrate October, November, and December birthdays then network with your fellow Rotarians! |
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Review your Membership Info!![]() A note from our Membership Chair, Amy Rousselow... We are requesting members go in and check their Rotary contact info and update any outdated details! Below are the login details. Amy will have cards available at the next few meetings for those who are not comfortable doing it online. Visit: waterloorotary.org Click: member login (top right) -If you don't remember your login/password, email Mason to reset it) Click: member area (top right) From the light blue menu, select My ClubRunner tab and just below that My Profile Click the edit button to update your profile and then the save button when you're done Amy Rousselow will also have membership update cards available for those who do not wish to edit their profiles online. |
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Giving Tuesday29 November was #GivingTuesday! Thank you for supporting our Foundation. With your gifts, we will continue creating positive change in communities worldwide. |
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UNI Athletics Director David Harris SpeakingBe sure to attend Rotary this week and hear what is going on with University of Northern Iowa Athletics! David Harris will be presenting! ![]() During his short time at UNI, Harris has built a culture of success in the field of play, in the classroom and in the community. He has also distinguished himself as a leader in the Missouri Valley Conference and the NCAA. In the spring of 2019, Harris was appointed to the NCAA Division I Council. The 40-member council is responsible for the decision-making for NCAA Division I and is made up of athletic directors, athletic administrators, senior women administrators, faculty athletic representatives and student-athletes. As part of his responsibilities, he was appointed to act as the council rep for the Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee. Under Harris’ leadership, in the fall of 2018 UNI Athletics announced Panthers Rising, a strategic plan to achieve unprecedented success in academics, competition and all of its endeavors. |
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Rotary International UpdateAt the age of 18, Zach Skiles enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A bright, sensitive kid with an easy smile and a quick laugh. At 22, he began to experience the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). ![]() |
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December Birthdays![]() We have a small but mighty trio of Rotarians celebrating their birthday in December...this group has collectively served our club for 82 years!
Since we had a jam-packed political program calendar in October and honored high school athletes at our November meetings, we'll have a super-birthday table celebration on December 5th. |
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Rotary International UpdateVocational training team empowers fathers in Mongolia ![]() Jennifer Scott, a member of the Rotary Club of Central Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, is a past governor of District 9685. She is a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers and works in law and mediation. Mongolia, a country caught between two giants – China and Russia, is a long, long way from Australia and I never planned to travel there. However, like many Rotary projects, it is through networking and circumstance that you find an opportunity to make a difference. Mine came as part of a vocational training team to Mongolia to conduct workshops to empower single fathers. In 2017, I ran into Kathyrn Johnson, a fellow mediator, who had just returned from Mongolia where her brother was making a documentary. She had met Professor Namjil from Ulaanbaatar University, who told her how he had been asked for help by a group of 150 single fathers, many of them disabled or unemployed or both. The men were from Erdenet city, a mining town about 300 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, and were lost in a culture where the very notion of a father raising their children alone was alien. Professor Namjil explained how it was not uncommon in Mongolia for women to be better educated than the men due to their nomadic tradition. Boys were kept behind to assist with the seasonal movement of the herds while women could be sent to gain their education as a means of assisting the welfare of the family. In recent years this was causing a societal problem. The men felt their traditional skills of horsemanship and herding were no longer useful in an urban setting, causing a feeling of disempowerment which led to depression, alcohol abuse and domestic violence, particularly in the mining towns with high unemployment. As the women were better educated and thus more confident than the men, they would separate from their husbands, and sometimes from their children, in pursuit of better jobs. This resulted in a very high divorce rate. |
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2022 Rotary Football MVP Carson HartzCongratulations to Columbus High School senior Carson Hartz for being selected the 2022 Rotary MVP! ![]() Since 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. |
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Football Banquet Speaker is Pete Moris of UNIJoin us November 14th to honor area high school football teams and award the Glen "Doc" Miller Football MVP trophy! Our keynote speaker is Pete Moris, Director of University Relations at UNI! ![]() Pete brings high profile media relations and marketing experience to UNI. Since 2015, Pete has served as Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg where he led marketing and communications campaigns to grow the donor base and increase the national profile of Hokies’ Athletics. At the University of Oklahoma, Moris led a public relations and media campaign to unveil the $370 million renovation project of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. As Associate Director of Public Relations for the Kansas City Chiefs, Moris coordinated public relations and event management for four Super Bowls. Additionally, he has served on the media relations teams at the NCAA Final Four, the College Football Playoff Championship Game and multiple major collegiate bowl games. Pete holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and writing from Loras College, and he is a graduate of the Disney Customer Service Training Program. We will stream the ceremony on Facebook LIVE, so if you are unable to attend, you can watch it here. Be sure to "Like" the Waterloo Rotary Facebook page to receive future notifications. |
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Rotary International Update![]() For #Rotary member Krystyna Wilczyńska-Ciemięga the decision to open her home to refugees fleeing the war in #Ukraine was simple, stating "the character of every Rotarian is based on a preference to give rather than to take." #RotaryResponds On 24 February 2022, Russia invades Ukraine. Its 22nd Army Corps advances on the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia, the city on the Dnieper River in southeastern Ukraine that is home to the Morhun family. On 27 February, Olena Morhun leaves Zaporizhzhia with her daughters, Alisa and Sofiia, and her son Vitalii. Read the full story below: |
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Reminder: Rotary is Upstairs for Football BanquetWe are looking forward to seeing everyone upstairs on Monday! Wade Itzen and Rick Morris have been organizing this year's football banquet and hoping for a great showing by Rotarians to support these outstanding athletes! |
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Volleyball Honor Luncheon Nov 7thCongratulations to West High senior Sahara Williams - the 2022 Rotary Volleyball MVP! Sahara accepted the travelling trophy at the Waterloo Rotary Club's annual Volleyball recognition Luncheon. Our keynote speaker was Caitlin Opp, Assistant Director of Marketing for UNI Athletics. ![]() Since 1936 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. Area volleyball coaches choose their MVP's and then, by ballot of all the coaches, award the trophy for overall Most Valuable volleyball player. The winners are entitled to display the trophy at her school for the next twelve months. We streamed the ceremony on Facebook LIVE, so if you were not able to attend, you can watch it here. Be sure to "Like" the Waterloo Rotary Facebook page to receive future notifications. |
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Happy Birthday, Hovey!On November 5th, Honorary Rotarian Hovey Brom celebrated his 97th birthday and our club is so lucky to count him among our members. Hovey has served the Waterloo Rotary Club since 1963, is a veteran of World War II, and is a talented architect with a resume of several iconic Cedar Valley structures including the Waterloo Convention Center where we meet on Mondays. With Veterans Day later this week, we wanted to share Hovey's 2-part presentation from January 2021 while our club was meeting over Zoom. Click the link below to watch Hovey recount his experiences being drafted and travelling through Europe, then becoming a musician. |
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November Birthdays![]() We have a stable group of Rotarians born in November, including Honorary Member Hovey Brom, who leads our club in both age and service!
Since we had a jam-packed political program calendar in October and will honor high school athletes at our November meetings, we'll have a super-birthday table celebration on December 5th. |
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Operation WarmA group of Downtown Waterloo Rotarians met at the Waterloo School District warehouse October 25th and sorted the bulk delivery of Operation Warm coats (four pallets) into groups for each of six elementary schools. Distribution to students will be done in the coming weeks, so those members that could not participate will have a fun opportunity (Will it be FUN?) to serve the community and see the twinkle in the students’ eyes when they get their new coats! Some of the Rotarians who helped this morning had to leave before the attached photo was taken, but their service is appreciated! If you would like to help support Operation Warm, click this link: https://www.cfneia.org/giving/give-today?fund=659 or email Dave Lee to volunteer to hand out the coats in November! There will be a sign-up sheet at the next few meetings. |
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Secretary of State Candidate Joel Miller Speaking MondayWe hosted Secretary of State Candidate - Joel Miller, a Democrat - Monday, October 31st. We invited the Republican candidate, incumbent Paul Pate, but he was not able to schedule a visit. ![]() Joel grew up on a dairy farm outside of Independence, Iowa. After graduating high school, Joel served as a deputy sheriff and as a part-time police officer. In 1977, Joel entered the United States Army and served 3 years on active duty attaining the rank of Sergeant. Following his time in the United States Army, Joel returned home, went back to college, obtained a degree in electronics engineering technology, and worked as an IBEW electronics tech for AT&T. From 2002 to 2005, Joel served on the City Council of Robins, and served as the city's mayor from 2006 to 2007. In 2007, Joel was elected in a special election to serve as Linn County Auditor, the second largest county in the state. Since 2007, Joel has been re-elected in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Joel has been married to his wife, Sylvia, for 44 years and they have three adult children and nine grandchildren. We streamed Joel Miller's remarks on Facebook LIVE, be sure to "Like" the Waterloo Rotary Facebook page to receive future notifications. |
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Rotary Member Doesn't Miss a Meeting for 52 YearsDuring his 52 years as a #Rotary member, Texas district judge Ronnie Yeager has never missed a meeting. How did he maintain that streak when his family took a 3-month vacation along the coast of Australia? Find out: ![]() Ronnie Yeager, 84, joined the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, Texas, on 1 May 1970. Over the 52 years of club meetings since, he has had perfect attendance. His extraordinary tenure in Rotary earned him a special recognition letter in September 2020 from then-Rotary International President Holger Knaack. |
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Senator Grassley Speaking at Rotary MondayU.S. Senator Chuck Grassley was our guest speaker Monday, October 24th. Senator Grassley - a Republican - is seeking his eighth term in office. ![]() FAST FACTSBORN: FAMILY: OCCUPATION: His challenger - Admiral Michael Franken - was invited to attend and was unable to confirm a date at this time. We streamed the senator's remarks on Facebook LIVE, so if you could not attend, visit Waterloo Rotary Facebook page to watch. |
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Welcome to World Polio DayThe livestream of Rotary International and the World Health Organization’s World Polio Day 2022 and Beyond: A healthier future for mothers and children two-day conference begins Friday, 21 October. Join Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, and RI President Jennifer Jones, as they discuss the state of polio eradication and its broader relevance to global health. This conference will address not only the status of polio eradication and what’s next, but also the potential for community-based solutions to improve global health, particularly as it relates to maternal-child health. Welcome to #WorldPolioDay 2022 and Beyond at @WHO in Geneva, Switzerland. |
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Programs are filled through February 2023![]() There have been a lot of requests for programs recently...a reminder that all programs are booked up through February 2023! Please send recommendations with that time frame in mind! E-mail Jaclyne at jheller@kwwl.com with any ideas for March 2023 and on... |
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Black Hawk County Supervisors Forum on MondayOur very own Kevin McCrindle will be leading the forum of Black Hawk County Supervisor candidates Monday October 17th. Questions asked come from members of the Waterloo Downtown Rotary Club. ![]() The following candidates are invited to the forum, as they are listed on the official ballot for Black Hawk County...
We will stream the forum on Facebook LIVE, so if you can't attend, be sure to "Like" the Waterloo Rotary Facebook page to receive notifications. |
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Rotary International Update"END POLIO NOW" reaches the top of the world! ![]() Read the account of Australian Rotarian Ken Hutt who spent years planning a record-setting trip to Mount Everest: ![]() |
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U.S House Candidate Liz Mathis Oct 10Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives for Iowa's 2nd District Liz Mathis joined us for lunch, and her visit was streamed live - you can watch here. Democratic candidate Mathis is a former journalist and nonprofit leader. In 2011, Liz was elected to the State Senate representing parts of Linn County. As Senator, Liz has spoken up for families struggling with the state’s Medicaid program and created countless measures that focused on children, Iowa’s economy and educational growth. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Liz has worked to help Iowa family farmers and farming communities. And she’s assisted Iowa families and businesses struggling to recover from COVID-19 and during the recent derecho disaster, she helped them find a warm meal, seek resources or get back on their feet. We had the Republican candidate, Ashley Hinson, speak to our club earlier this year. |
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Local News Coverage from first forumOur first candidate forum of this election season gained some media attention from our friends at the Courier - click the link below for their story... If you missed attending the forum, you can watch the archived video on our Facebook page. We'll continue to share our upcoming candidate programs through Facebook LIVE, so be sure to "like" our page to receive notifications when the video starts! |
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Rotary International Update![]() Dr. Mexan Mapouka worked healing others as a young doctor in a war zone. Now, he’s pursuing a master’s in public health as a fellow at the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center learning to combine his medical knowledge with conflict resolution. “This is a tremendous program that gives people who can’t afford to continue their graduate education a chance to do so,” Mapouka says. “It also trains the next generation of people who will take the lead in places like the Central African Republic where peacebuilding is needed.” Read the full story below: |
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October Birthdays![]() We are planning a MEGA-BIRTHDAY celebration at our December 5th meeting for all the October, November, and December birthdays. The political and athletic programs over the next several weeks will be front-and-center, but you can check the list below to reach out to these Rotarians ON their birthday! ![]() |
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Rotary Ride/Drive Event for Rotary in IndiaRotary International District 3181 organizes an International 2-Wheel/4-Wheel Ride in India - Ride for Rotary, The aim of the event is to promote International fellowship and exchange of Rotary views. The last 6 editions of the event have been an overwhelming success. More than 100 participants from 15 different countries have attended the event and have had wonderful experiences to take back home. The funds raised through this event go to The Rotary Foundation. We have contributed close to $100,000 to TRF from the last 6 editions. This year’s event will be held from 13th to 28th January, 2023. The 15 days event will start-off from Mahabalipuram (India) and can either be a motorcycle ride, or a four wheeler drive. The ride will cover multiple Rotary Districts and many Rotary Clubs. Route map will be - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Madurai - Coimbatore - Ooty - Mysore - Madikeri - Mangalore |
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FIRST Political Forum on Monday![]() PHOTO: 2016 Iowa House Candidates Forum All Iowa House and Senate candidates on the Black Hawk County Elections ballot were invited to attend the forum on Monday. Kevin McCrindle will moderate the forum to ensure equal time to each guest. In advance, questions will be submitted from the club. The following candidates are invited to join us October 3rd:
See link below for official list of candidates on the ballot in Black Hawk County... |
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Programs are Lined up the Rest of the YearThank you for our wonderful Programming Committee for lining up programs for the rest of 2022 and the beginning of 2023! Ashlyn Jungwirth, Amy Rousselow, Rachael Hoffman Political Program Committee Members ![]() ![]() Barb Prather, Steve Schmidt Ex-Official Programming Committee Members ![]() ![]() Annie Vander Werff, Jaclyne Heller These Rotarians have dedicated several hours behind the scenes to bring a full list of engaging programs and guests to our meetings. Honor their service by inviting guests to an upcoming meeting! |
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Noel Anderson from City of Waterloo Speaking Monday 9-26Noel Anderson is the Community Planning and Development Director for the City of Waterloo. He is dedicated to the betterment of the Waterloo community as a person, a planner, and lifelong resident. Noel is responsible for the development and redevelopment for the City of Waterloo. This involves the work of many, and he works to coordinate those efforts involving the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinances for the City of Waterloo for the development of buildings and land. Coordination of efforts for the growth and revitalization of community through Historic Preservation, Engineering, Building Department, Building Maintenance, Housing Authority, and Community Development Department's management of the federal Block Grant funding program. |
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Wisly Danger of Haiti Joining us Virtually on Monday 9-26 |
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Reminder: Invite Friends to Upcoming Political ProgramsThe entire month of October will be filled with political candidate guests speakers. We have reached out to candidates at all levels and watch closely as we are still waiting to hear back from some candidates! Kevin McCrindle will be moderating the forums and make sure candidates gets equal time to speak! Check out the schedule and invite your friends! ![]() |
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Cultural Immersion Workshop is Coming upRegistration is now open for the Cultural Immersion Workshop that is partnership between Rotary and Hawkeye Community College! Free to current Rotary members... |
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Gearhead Ministries Speaking Sept 19thCedar Valley Gearhead Ministries helps place donated vehicles with families in the community in need of transportation! Cedar Valley Gearheads is organized around the principle that in the name of Jesus Christ we can serve God and others by partnering with individual Community Agencies, and businesses around the Cedar Valley to meet the basic transportation needs of those most in need. Cedar Valley Gearheads Ministry was organized in 2006 and is located at 3606 Skyview Dr. in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Vehicles are donated from members in the community and Volunteers repair them to get them road ready for families in need. Cedar Valley Gearheads rely on volunteers, with knowledge of vehicle repair, to come as they are able 2 days per week for 2 to 3 hours a night. They use a 27- point inspection as nearly every car will need some type of repair from a simple oil change to transmission work. Our hope is that we will provide families with the opportunity for a healthier life through accessing routine medical care, gaining education opportunities and a way to maintain employment and reliable transportation to childcare facilities. In return they will be able to become more self-sufficient in supporting themselves and their family. |
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Rotary International Update![]() We're asking you to join us as we "Imagine What's Next" for Rotary. #Rotary23 is happening 27-31 of May 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. Take advantage of the discounted rate and register before 15 December. |
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Northeast Iowa Food Bank Volunteering on MondayWe look forward to seeing you on Monday at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank! - We will NOT MEET AT THE CONVENTION CENTER SEPT 12th. Reminder that if you have not already signed up to volunteer Monday Please CLICK HERE to RSVP. Volunteer hours will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with flexibility to come a little earlier or stay a little later if desired. There is always something to do there! ![]() Please use the Office/Food Pantry entrance, wear closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves to sort food, be prepared to work and have fun! A reminder - no lunch will be provided. 1605 Lafayette St., Waterloo, IA, 50703 |
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Rotary International UpdateFollowing an emergency like the flooding in Pakistan, your contribution to The Rotary Foundation ensures that we can deliver supplies, provide health care, and support rebuilding efforts. |
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Operation Warm![]() Can you feel the change in the weather? As Iowans, we all know what's headed our way...cold, cold, and more cold. Imagine not having a proper outer layer to keep you warm this winter - for hundreds of children in our area, that is what they'll face without our help. Operation Warm is again raising funds for NEW coats for kids who would otherwise rely on hand-me-downs or simply go without a proper warm coat. You can bring your donation of cash or check to Dave Lee at a Monday meeting, or use the link below on the Community Foundation's website: And stay tuned to learn how YOU can help distribute the coats... ![]() First-grader Tyshon Harris has help from David Buck Nov 21 2011 MATTHEW PUTNEY Courier Photo Editor |
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September Birthdays![]() Wow! Look at this list of *14* Rotarians celebrating a birthday in September! This is the largest group in our club and we'll give each one a proper shout out Monday!
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Cedar Valley Angels at Rotary MondayDerek Kimball - Executive Director of Cedar Valley Angels - will be our guest speaker on Monday, August 29th! The Cedar Valley Angels mission is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. ![]() |
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Rotarian Turns Addiction Into ArtWith his play, Visions, a Rotarian has turned his addiction into art and provided new roles for former addicts.In the winter of 1989, Robert Lo Bue experienced an awakening: He wanted to join the theater. Lo Bue was working on the assembly line at an automotive plant. Nearing 40, he had no acting experience to speak of and a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. No matter. He auditioned for a production of The Passion Play near his home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, and landed the part of Young James the Apostle. His Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor was not pleased. "He said, 'No way. You got a wife in recovery and you just came out of rehab and you got a baby daughter. Your son is in counseling from both of you using. Your plate is full,'" Lo Bue recalled in his booming Jersey brogue. "I said, 'What do you mean? I want this. I need this!' He just kept screaming, 'Your plate is full!'" Read the rest of the story here: |
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Rotary Social Event September 1![]() Join fellow Rotarians for some after hours social time at The Ragged Edge Art Bar and Gallery! It is a hidden gem near downtown Cedar Falls; 504 Bluff St is just one block east of the public library along E. 5th St. Thursday, Sept 1st - 4:00 - 6:00 Special thanks to Kaye Englin for organizing. |
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Alzheimer's Association Speaking MondayChristine Hess will be talking to us August 22 about the upcoming "Walk to End Alzheimer's" in the Cedar Valley. The event is Saturday, September 24. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. |
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Rotary at Work in Ukraine![]() A team of #Rotary members has been working to meet medical needs for items such as surgical drills. Now their efforts focus on 24 August, when they will hold a 24-hour telethon to collect donations for #Ukraine. By Emory Morsberger, Rotary Club of Gwinnett County, Georgia Isn’t it a privilege to be a Rotarian who can actually serve others and make a difference in someone else’s life – and even more so if that life is on the other side of the world? I think so! I hope to rally fellow Rotarians on 24 August to join our movement, Helping Ukraine.
In 1998, I took a trip to Ukraine and have been yearning to go back since. The people there are so excited about their freedom. When the war broke out in February, I felt a strong call to do something to help these free-spirited people. I had been hearing about the massive destruction and wanted to do more than make donations. When Chris Brand, a member of Rotary and President of Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) in Tucker, Georgia, USA, called me one morning to tell me there was an urgent need to take Stryker Drill Sets and other medical relief supplies over to the war-torn country, it was just the call I had been waiting for. Without hesitation, I said, “I’ll go.” On 6 June, I boarded a flight to Bucharest, Romania, and began my journey to Ukraine. |
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Rotary International UpdateStephanie A. Urchick is selected to be the 2024-25 president of Rotary International![]() Stephanie A. Urchick, of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2024-25, a decision that would make her only the second woman to hold that position. She will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. With the world facing incredible challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, disasters driven by climate change, and conflict in many regions, Urchick says Rotary’s leaders can offer a vision and a plan for overcoming these challenges. “Measures taken by Rotary leadership to survive and end critical challenges often make our organization stronger and more resilient for future events,” Urchick says. “This kind of essential leadership also creates new levels of cooperation, even among rivals, when Rotarians pull together as people of action to serve and solve a crisis.” Read the full story here: |
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Boys and Girls Club PresentationOur very own Bryan Burton - Interim Executive Director - is presenting on Monday, August 15th to share what is going on at the Boys and Girls Club! |
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August Birthdays![]() Join us Monday to honor these Rotarians who celebrate their birthday in August!
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Cardinal Construction Presenting MondayKaty Susong - President and CEO of Cardinal Construction - is our guest speaker on Monday! ![]() Katy is a graduate of the University of Northern lowa and has been employed with Cardinal Construction since 2012. She was named CEO and President of Cardinal Construction last year, which makes her the first female CEO in the company's 127-year history. Katy leads the mid-sized commercial construction company that serves clients in senior living, education, industrial, and healthcare sectors. She guides the execution of the company's short and long-term strategic initiatives while providing leadership and guidance to everyone on the Cardinal team. She aims to create a strategy that everyone on our team can get behind to ensure that we are executing well on the projects that we have committed to. |
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Rotary International UpdatePast #Rotary District Governor Magnus Elfwendahl celebrates peace studies
![]() Some months ago, I participated in the celebration of 50 years of Peace and Conflict research at Uppsala University in Sweden. During the anniversary symposium some prominent international scholars reflected on big societal challenges and the future of peace and conflict research. Experienced practitioners shared their thoughts on how peace and conflict research can contribute to policy and practical peace work. The keynote speaker, Jamie LeSueur, head of Emergency Operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), was a Rotary Peace Fellow during 2013-2015 when training for future peace work at Uppsala University.
In 2020, LeSueur received the university´s prestigious Alumnus of the Year award. Today Jamie is working as a specialist in humanitarian relief and management in disaster and conflict situations, based in Turkey. He is also an excellent ambassador for Rotary´s work to increase the professional capacity in peace work. Jamie acknowledges the importance of his academic research training. This training skill is now helping him during assignments. For Jamie, the Rotary Peace Fellowship opened a window to a better understanding of the world. He is now a resolute peacemaker and experienced professional doing good in the world – just like numerous other Rotary members. He is an excellent example of why we should keep supporting the Rotary Peace Centers program.
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Rotary International Update![]() Everyone's reason for "Why Rotary?" is unique. That's why we strive to provide mentorship and community-building activities that tap into existing skills and build new ones. #PeopleOfAction We know that people engage with Rotary to make connections, find opportunities for personal growth, and develop leadership skills, all while making a difference in the world. A 2020 survey reconfirmed that our members, more specifically, value community service, friendship, and professional development. Knowing this helps us meet their needs and give them reasons to stay involved. Our focus, then, should be offering more of these meaningful experiences. How do we do this? Two main ways are by fostering mentoring relationships and by supporting activities that let people use their skills in new ways or build new skills through membership and service.
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Rotary International Update
Squeezing a teddy bear is comforting, no matter your age — Rotary International (@Rotary) July 15, 2022 |
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Dr. Jared Smith Presenting at Rotary MondayDr. Jared Smith - new Superintendent of Waterloo Community School District - is speaking to us on Monday! ![]() Jared holds a BA in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Northern Iowa, an MS in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University. Jared has taught and coached at both the middle school and high school levels. Prior to superintendency, Jared worked as an assistant principal and principal for ten years. Jared is an award-winning blogger, the host of The Group Project Podcast, and the author of Learning Curve: Lessons Learned on Leadership, Education, and Personal Growth.
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Rotary Night at the Waterloo Bucks![]() August 4, 2022 is Waterloo Rotary Club Night at the Waterloo Bucks! There are only 5 tickets left as of 9am 7/22, so reach out to Mark Durbahn to reserve yours! If you have already requested tickets, Mark and other Rotarians will have them at the front gate at Riverfront Stadium - they'll be easy to spot in their Rotary shirts! |
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2022-2023 OfficersWaterloo Rotary Club Officers 2022-2023 President...Annie Vander Werff Past President...E.J. Gallagher President-Elect...Jaclyne Heller Co-Treasurer...Joan Rice Foundation Chair...Deb Pullin-Van Auken Youth Exchange...Luke Jensen Member Grants Chair...Mark Durbahn Board of Directors Vicki Mueller Dave Lee Cathy Nicholas Amy Rousselow Bryan Burton Larry Steffens |
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Irish Fest Program on MondayKelly Sullivan and Agness Kress will be speaking on 2022 Irish Fest! ![]() Agness Kress is a Digital Media Production Assistant at the City of Waterloo and has been involved with Irish Fest since the beginning. She is in charge of Merchandising/Web site and Ticketing. Kelly Sullivan is a third-grade teacher and granddaughter of Albert, one of the five Sullivan brothers killed in World War II. She co-chairs the Heroes area of Irish Fest. |
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Rotary International Update![]() The logo for the 2022-23 Rotary presidential theme "Imagine Rotary" was designed by Riki Salam, an Australian aboriginal artist. He also created the logo for the 2023 Rotary International Convention which will be held in Melbourne. Meaning of the design elementsThere is, of course, a deeper meaning behind each element of the design. The circle in aboriginal culture for instance, signifies our connections to one another. The dots around it represent people and there are seven because of Rotary´s areas of focus. The circle and the dots together become a navigation star – our guiding light. The solid line underneath is what is referred to as a digging stick and it is used when doing hard work. And since Rotary members are people of action – it represents a tool for getting things done. The colorsThe colors green, purple, and white are not necessarily connected to aboriginal culture. President-elect Jennifer Jones asked the new crew of Governors to use one, two, or all three when dressing for official events instead of using a theme jacket. “As we celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion, I wanted all of us to be able to express ourselves differently in what we wear, but still have connection,” she explained. |
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July Birthdays![]() These lucky Rotarians celebrate with FIREWORKS! Join us July 11th to honor this distinguished group of summer babies.
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Rotary Foundation |
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NO Meeting Monday July 4thA reminder NO meeting on Monday, July 4. Our first meeting of the new Rotary calendar year will be July 11th as EJ passes the gavel to Annie for her second stint as our club president. 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... ![]() |
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International UpdateMusic, 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. ![]() Carol Rosenstein was watching her husband, Irwin, slip away inch by inch. At one time he had been a brilliant lawyer, a lover of Broadway musicals, a world traveler. But after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2006, he developed dementia, and slowly everything changed. His gait flattened to a shuffle. The sparkle in his eyes turned into a blank stare. His mood soured. Worsening matters, the medications he took caused hallucinations and extreme agitation. As communication grew more challenging, Carol felt the distance between them growing. Then, in 2014, something happened. Irwin, who had been a gifted pianist since childhood, sat down at the piano and began to play. As his fingers floated through American classics like “Fly Me to the Moon,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “Try to Remember,” Carol saw his posture straighten. The sparkle returned to his eyes. The husband she once knew came back, bit by bit, if only briefly. “I could see this human being resurrect and start to reconnect with his environment,” she says, “just like I had given him a dose of medication.” Mystified, she called his neurologist and asked what was happening. “He said, ‘Carol, you are watching the power of music, changing brain chemistry.’” That statement would go on to change not only their lives but the lives of countless others. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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
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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!
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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June Birthdays![]() Join us Monday, June 6th to celebrate these 5 very deserving Rotarians:
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Rotary International Update |
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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. |
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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.
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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! |
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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... ![]() |
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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 ![]() ![]() |
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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. ![]() |
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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 |
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Rotary "After Hours" Social was a SuccessPicture from Tuesday night gathering...missing from photo is EJ Gallagher and Rachael Hoffman! ![]() |
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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...
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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. |
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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... |
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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. ![]() |
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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 |
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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. |
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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.
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Dementia Friendly Iowa April 4 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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: |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Rotary International Update |
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Annual Duck Pluck |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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March Birthdays![]() Join us to celebrate Rotarians born in March...including two NEW members!
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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. |
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Lauren Finke of Volunteer Center Speaking MondayThe Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley (VCCV) partners with 200+ community organizations in Black Hawk County. |
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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. |
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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. ![]() |
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Rotary International Update |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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House of Hope Presentation Monday |
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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. |
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February Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate these Rotarians at our February 7th meeting - join us!
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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! |
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Rotary International Update |
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Upcoming ProgramsJanuary 24.................Mayor Hart Vision 2030 Waterloo January 31.................Mayor Hart Veterans Way Project |
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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! ![]() |
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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. |
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Connie Paul Obituary |
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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. |
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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! |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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Update from Rotary International President![]()
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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.
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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. ![]() |
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World Grace Project December 13 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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 |
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Meet New Member, Rachael Swisher HoffmanGet to know Rachael! Picture here of her when she attended the Rotary Volleyball Banquet several years ago! ![]() |
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Meet New Member: Rick Petersen |
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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. |
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Rotary Funds Malnutrition Relief in Ethiopia |
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Upcoming Program: Mid American Energy![]() Join us November 22 for a presentation by MidAmerican Energy. and to celebrate our November birthdays. |
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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.” |
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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! |
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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 |
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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 |
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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! |
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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.
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Cardinal Construction Ribbon Cutting Ceremony November 4![]() |
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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 |
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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 |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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! ![]() ![]() |
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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. ![]() |
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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
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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. |
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Rotary International Update#RotaryResponds in Italy where more than 100 Rotary members, doctors and others offer their professional expertise toward vaccination efforts
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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 |
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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 |
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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." |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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." |
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Northeast Iowa Foodbank Launches New LogoRotarian Barb Prather and her team presented their new logo at a special event on Friday! ![]() |
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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. ![]() |
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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! ![]() |
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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. |
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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. |
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Rotary Volunteering at Northeast Iowa Foodbank Sep 13
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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 |
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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. |
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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
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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: |
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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 |
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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. ![]() |
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Cedar Valley Rotary Club Fundraiser Coming up!![]() |
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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.” |
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Operation Warm![]() Dave Lee will be speaking briefly on Monday with an update on Operation Warm. |
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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.
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Meet New Rotarian: Amy Rousselow |
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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 |
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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
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German Rotarians Helping with Floods#Rotary clubs in Germany are providing support and financial aid following the massive, deadly floods that ravaged the region. ![]() |
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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! |
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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! ![]() ![]() |
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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
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Rotary IN PERSON Monday, July 19Our July 19 meeting will be in the Banquet Room at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Waterloo. ![]() |
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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: |
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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...
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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! |
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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! |
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Annual Steak Fry a Success |
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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. |
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Rotary President-Elect Urges us to Dream Big |
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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 ![]() |
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NO MEETING JUNE 21We'll gather at the Rotary Reserve for the Steak Fry this week, so there is no regular Monday meeting.
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Cultural Immersion Workshop & Reception![]() Our Club is sponsoring an upcoming workshop on June 25. Click on link below to learn more! |
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Rotary Virtual Convention Starts June 12#Rotary21 Virtual Convention starts beginning this Saturday 12 June! Register at http://convention.rotary.org |
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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 |
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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 |
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Derecho Program MondayTodd Hutcheson will share his experiences with last year's "derecho" storm in Cedar Rapids. |
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Rotarians in the NewsBarbara Prather and Kaye Englin both were featured in stories this past week! |
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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 |
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June Birthdays![]() Join us June 7th to honor these Rotarians celebrating birthdays in June:
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UNI Director of Sustainability Presenting Monday |
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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. |
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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. ![]() |
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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/ |
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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. |
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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. ![]() |
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Rotary International Quiz![]() How much do you know about the world around you? Take this quiz, test your knowledge, and find out! |
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Rotary started Polio Plus program in 1985
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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. |
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Main Street Waterloo Speaking May 3
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Tavis Hall Speaking on Waterloo Tourism and RAGBRAI 2021 |
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Rotary Club Starts Community Action Group |
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Last Chance to Register for District Conference |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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District Conference Coming up |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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.”
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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.
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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. |
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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! ![]() |
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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:
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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! |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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Heartland Technology CEO March 8 |
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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.”
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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!
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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. |
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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. |
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2/22 Meg Durbahn Presents on Rotary ExchangeMeg Durbahn will be sharing her Rotary Youth Exchange experience of her time in Enkhuizen, Netherlands. ![]() |
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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.
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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! |
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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. |
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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.” |