Hovey Brom Speaking January 11

Hovey Brom Speaking January 11![]() Our very own Hovey Brom (yes, that's him in uniform) will be presenting and you DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT. He served under General George Patton in WWII and has done so many amazing things in his 95 years! Learn more about him in this 2012 Courier article |
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Rotarian in Nepal uses Telemedicine![]() “Right now, I can see all my patients through my mobile phone,” says Prakash Paudyal, a pulmonologist and member of the Rotary Club of Jawalakhel, Nepal. Paudyal uses a Kubi device to turn a tablet into a “mini-robot” for remote monitoring of his COVID-19 patients who are in isolation at Nepal National Hospital. Paudyal learned about the Kubi and other telehealth practices during a vocational training team trip to the San Francisco area last year. “I do one round with all my [protective] gear on, and then I see all my patients through this mini-robot,” he says, thankful that the Kubi helps protect him from exposure to the virus. The use of telehealth has surged worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, a study by McKinsey found that 46 percent of consumers are now using telehealth, up from 11 percent in 2019. Broadly defined, telehealth includes everything from virtual visits with a doctor to remote monitoring of a patient’s vitals to mobile health technologies. ![]() James Gude, a California physician who founded a telemedicine practice called OffSite Care, says that when a doctor conducts a video consultation with the assistance of an on-site nurse and with access to a patient’s records and diagnostic test results, it can be nearly as effective as seeing a patient in person. “With a nurse there to help me examine you, I can order and look at everything I need,” he says. There are also sophisticated “robots” that allow a doctor to see a patient via videoconference and even send instrument readings, allowing the doctor to listen to a patient’s heart through a stethoscope, for example. |
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There Aren’t Enough AltruistsThe people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supplyBy Joe Queenan Illustrations by Sébastien Thibault From time to time, societies run low on the things — and the people — they really need. We wake up one day and realize that there are too few doctors. Or far, far, far too few nurses. Or it suddenly dawns on us that there aren’t enough teachers, engineers, or plumbers to go around. There are certainly never enough guys who work well with sheetrock. Other professionals we have in spades. There are always more than enough landscapers, baristas, actors, masseurs, personal trainers, hairdressers, IT guys, and chefs. Nor are we ever in any real danger of running out of hedge fund managers, ballerinas, real estate agents, claims adjusters, standup comics, bartenders, aspiring singer-songwriters, or car salesmen. But the people who fill the truly essential roles in society are often in short supply. Something like this may already be happening with Good Samaritans. From time to time, societies run desperately low on the kinds of devoted, implacable altruists who are always ready to pitch in and make the world a better place.
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Next Meeting January 11th![]() Our club typically ends each calendar year with a 2-week hiatus from regular meetings. We will not virtually meet December 28th or January 4th and hope our members will stay healthy and warm until we reconvene on Zoom January 11th. Happy New Year! |
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Upcoming Programs![]() December 28 - NO MEETING January 4th, 2021 - NO MEETING January 11th - Hovey Brom/World War II January 25th - Kelsey Umthun - The Job Foundation |
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Maternal Health Projects in UgandaMaternal health projects give Rotary clubs in Uganda a sense of purpose during COVID-19 restrictions In March, the Ugandan government moved rapidly to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, issuing a strict lockdown and closing schools before the country had experienced more than a handful of reported cases. The measures have been credited with saving lives and limiting the spread of the virus in the country, which had recorded only 1,200 cases and five deaths in August as the continent of Africa approached a million. Still, those measures didn’t come without a cost, including lost jobs and hardships on pregnant women unable to reach a hospital due to the travel restrictions. Reuters reported that one woman in Kampala struggled for 90 minutes to reach a hospital a mile and a half (about 2.4 km) away. Both she and the baby died. In addition, the Women’s Probono Initiative, an advocacy group, reported cases of six other women and two babies dying during the lockdown. When the Rotary Club of Rubaga, Kampala, heard of the reports, they knew they had to act to provide a safe transport option. The club donated an ambulance to provide medical transport to residents of Kikajjo, about a 40-minute drive southwest of Kampala. Betty Mwesigwa, the club’s immediate past president, says Kikajjo has densely populated, lower-income areas.
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Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony Performing Dec 21Monday the 21st, our last meeting of the year, we will celebrate the season with a holiday performance and presentation by the Waterloo Cedar Falls Symphony! Please join us virtually and invite some guests! This is a perfect prelude to the holiday season. We will also spend some time reminiscing about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, and past times. Please wear your festive holiday hats and attire. There will be prizes!
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2020 Football MVP Trophy Presented![]() On Monday, December 11th, Wade Itzen delivered the Glen "Doc" Miller trophy to our 2020 MVP Alex Feldmann and Columbus Football Head Coach Brad Schmit (2004 MVP). Our "virtual" award ceremonies in November for student athletes did not allow us to present the trophies to each MVP, so Rotarians delivered them to the schools afterwards. Here is the link to see our Volleyball MVP Jenna Brown from Don Bosco. |
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Salvation Army Presenting Monday![]() Major Shannon Thies of the Salvation Army is talking about the fundraising they are doing this year. Every year The Salvation Army is able to assist local people in need throughout the Holiday Season by providing a wide range of both broad & specific assistance services/programs. By giving your support through volunteering, fundraising, donating or sharing the word about our mission - those in need around your community can continue to have access to these life changing services & programs. Below are two links to donate to the Salvation Army. All money stays local! Shannon's Online Kettle |
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Rotary and U.S. Government Support Italy's fight Against COVIDROME, Italy (December 4, 2020) — In the face of surging infections in Italy, Rotary and the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are taking action to support the country’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. As part of an 18-month partnership, USAID will provide US$5 million to The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s philanthropic arm, to support Italy’s pandemic response, prepare communities for future outbreaks and address the long-term social and economic impacts of COVID-19.
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December 7th Program: Foundation UpdateOur own Deb Pullin-Van Auken will talk about the Rotary International foundation and its priorities. ![]() The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
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Make-up Birthday "Table"![]() Given all the political guests and athletic awards - we did not find time at a regular meeting to honor our November birthdays. So we'll have a double-header and list our November and December birthdays at our December 7th meeting:
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Iowa Global Grant Update![]() I'd like to share an update on the Global Grant you helped to fund here in Iowa. All equipment has been purchased and installed at the four health care centers. One of the sites, Eastern Iowa Health Care Center has seen a huge increase in patients since the August 10 Derecho that came through Cedar Rapids. Our grant was nearly completed at that time. Please know that the Rotarians and residents of Iowa thank you for believing in this project and for helping our residents living in poverty gain a basic human right: healthcare. I personally thank you all for an unprecedented Global Grant collaboration in the US with contributions from India and Brazil and Minnesota. Yours in service, Michelle Bell Assistant Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator District 5650, 5970 and 6000 2019-2022 Zone 29 International Convention Promotion Chair 2021 Taipei, Taiwan Past District Governor 2019-2020 |
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November 30 - Cedar Valley Makers![]() Mike Hoffman from Cedar Valley Makers will share information about providing free workshop space, access to tools, and expertise for those working on projects in the pursuit of education. |
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Doing Good for the World FundStories of service from around the world with Rotarians... By Brenda Cressey, Trustee and Rotary Member of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA Several years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to take part in a multi-project mission with more than 100 Rotarians, spouses, Rotaractors and even a few new Rotarians from Rotary District 5280. We flew to Panama to visit project sites, perform cataract surgeries, and deliver wheelchairs. There were several “Rotary moments” on that trip, but the truly unforgettable moment for me was when a grandfather, having no legs, was presented with the gift of mobility in the form of a bright red wheelchair. Seeing his grandson in tears reminded me that we not only changed that grandfather’s life, but the life of that young boy who had been lovingly carrying his grandfather everywhere since he became big enough to do so. Moments like that one are why I never miss an opportunity to promote the World Fund and encourage others to support it with their generous giving.
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Rotarians in the News: Barb PratherNortheast Iowa Foodbank was featured during this holiday season on KWWL. Known for its Thanksgiving Distribution Week, the pandemic has forced the North East Iowa Food Bank to make adjustments. |
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November 23rd Program: Foundation UpdateOur very own Deborah D. Pullin-Van Auken will give us a foundation update on Monday! ![]() What’s new with YOUR The Rotary Foundation? What’s The Rotary Foundation doing to help with the global pandemic? With the global pandemic drawing away everyone’s attention, what’s going on with Rotary’s long-running polio fight? I hear about all the international activities The Rotary Foundation is involved with, but what do they do for us in our district and our local community? Is there any way I can help with The Rotary Foundation’s local and international initiatives? |
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World Children's Day![]() World Children’s Day is a special moment for bright young minds to speak up, demand their rights and show the world their boundless potential. World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children. This year, the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a child rights crisis. The costs of the pandemic for children are immediate and, if unaddressed, may last a lifetime. It’s time for generations to come together to reimagine the type of world we want to create. Kids are reimagining a better world. What will you do? |
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Jenna Brown Volleyball MVP![]() Congrats to Jenna Brown who won the 2020 MVP Award. Barb Prather and Annie Vander Werff presented the award trophy. See more photos here. |
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Nov 16 Program - Football Honors2020 Waterloo Rotary MVP Congratulations, Alex! Click here to see team photos and senior players from Columbus, West, and East. |
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Ron Johnson has passed away![]() Longtime Waterloo Rotarian Ron Johnson passed away October 30th at age 93, and we hope to have his son Barry and other family members join us for an upcoming meeting. Our dad, Ron Johnson, took great pride in being a member of the Waterloo Rotary from when he joined in 1969 until he resigned his membership in 2015 due to "increasing age". We all have wonderful memories of attending the annual Rotary picnic. We also appreciate the important role that Rotary played in dad's life. He may have put it best in his letter of resignation when he said "I thank all of the members for excellent programs and lasting friendships. It truly has been a good ride." Thank you, Barry Johnson |
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Enter in Rotary International Photo ContestThe Rotary magazine Photo Awards will soon be open. Submit up to three photos. Winning photos will appear in the June 2021 issue of Rotary magazine. |
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Special Football Speaker on MondayMeet Ted Batemon. ![]() Ted Batemon will share his amazing journey of achieving life goals after overcoming challenges! My story is about overcoming incredible odds and being able to walk again after being told I would be paralyzed, I call it the most selfish I ever prayed. Below is some information about Ted... |
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Link to join Rotary on MondaysLike so many other things this year, our normal club operations have been adjusted in response to Covid-19. Thankfully, we have technology that allows us to see and hear each other while we stay physically separated. By early summer, Art Cox stepped up to host our Rotary meetings on Zoom and we were able to break into "rooms" of 4-5 members and catch up with each other before the program - just like sitting at tables pre-pandemic. The link to join our meeting is the same every week, so you can add it as a bookmark in your browser or create a recurring appointment in your calendar. We encourage you to share the link with people you think would like to attend and one day join our club. We have more than 110 active members in our club, but only about 30 join us for meetings each week. If you haven't joined us for a virtual meeting yet, there's PLENTY of room on the screen for you (even if you don't want to turn on your camera!). Just click the logo below to join every Monday at noon! |
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Annual Volleyball Awards Program
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Rotary Promotes Women Entrepreneurship Across the Globe![]() For true economic development, women are essentialHere’s why these organizations and their Rotary club partners are supporting local women’s entrepreneurship with financial literacy, small business loans, and one-on-one advisors.by Anne Stein Women’s economic empowerment contributes to a nation’s growth and to the world’s economic health overall. Studies have shown that it boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality, and supports economic resilience. And income loss associated with gender discrimination costs the world economy an estimated $12 trillion and well as a reduction of 16 percent of cost to the global GPD. |
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High School Team Photos2020 volleyball team photos are shared below so our club can see the faces of the athletes that not only competed against other teams this year, but battled a global pandemic to continue playing the game they love. We'll meet virtually this year to honor the teams and award a gifted young woman the travelling MVP trophy. Our club congratulates each athlete and honors their commitment to taking extra steps this year to keep their team healthy. ![]() Columbus High School |
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Guest Speaker Alaina Kwan![]() Meet our Keynote Volleyball Awards Banquet Speaker... I studied at the University of Kentucky where I majored in Broadcast Journalism and minored in Political Science. There, I competed for the school's Division 1 gymnastics team for four years. Although I received my education from the Bluegrass state, my roots go back to Southern California. Ever since I was five years old, I've always said I wanted to be the anchor for the TODAY Show one day. Now being here and working for KWWL, I feel like I'm getting closer to achieving my dream. |
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Nov 2 - Sheriff Candidate Dan Trelka and U.S. House Candidate Ashley Hinson![]() ![]() Sheriff, Iowa House, Iowa Senate and U.S. House all were invited to speak at our Rotary Club. This week, two candidates will round out our month of political candidate speakers. |
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Cedar Valley Rotary Club Invites our Club to attend their meetingsCedar Valley "after hours" club has some exciting upcoming programs. November 4--Holiday Hoopla this year November 11--Retrieving Freedom November 18--Girl Scouts Contact Cynthia for further information: cynthia@jgitta.com |
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Rotex fills the gap after Rotary Exchange![]() After returning home, many students miss their lives abroad. Rotex helps keep the international connections going. by Diana Schoberg Illustration by Viktor Miller Gausa Riikka Muje had a fantastic time when she lived in Brittany, France, in 2011-12 as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. “At the beginning it was hard,” she recalls. “I didn’t speak the language. I didn’t know anyone. But then it’s amazing how you can form a life in another place.” After her exchange, adjusting back to life in her hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland, was just as hard — until she joined a Rotex alumni association, Rotex for short. Rotex alumni associations are groups of Rotary Youth Exchange alumni who act as intermediaries between Rotarians and Youth Exchange students. They provide mentoring and organize events with exchange students in their home country as a way to give back and keep their international connections alive. |
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KWWL's Steele Report Sunday features Ashley Hinson and Abby Finkenauer![]() ![]() Ron Steele interviewed both candidates running for Iowa's First District for U.S. House of Representatives this week for his weekly show The Steele Report. You can watch the show Sunday mornings after "Meet The Press" on KWWL. |
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Political Candidates Lined up to Speak![]() Election season is winding down...and if you haven't voted early, we'll have one more program featuring candidates for you to consider: November 2...Black Hawk County Sheriff Candidate, Dan Trelka and U.S. House of Representatives Candidate, Ashley Hinson |
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2020 Rotary Peace Centers Cairo RecapAs our plane approached the ancient city of Alexandria, I peered out of my window to behold a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea meeting the Nile river at dawn. A fitting prelude to an amazing five days in Cairo - “the city of a thousand minarets". As a student of peace studies, I have been captivated by the historic and modern struggles of the Middle East. I’m grateful to have experienced Egypt — it’s people and culture — nearly a decade after the Arab Spring revolutions swept the region. It was an invaluable opportunity that broadened my perspectives on conflict, peace and resilience. ![]() Terrance Stevenson - Rotary Peace Fellow, MSc Economics and Finance for Development |
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Annual Volleyball and Football Banquets Coming UpIn November, we will honor seniors from local high schools in their respective sports of volleyball and football. On November 9th we'll honor volleyball athletes and our guest speaker will be Alaina Kwan of KWWL, former University of Kentucky gymnast. ![]() Then, November 16 we'll honor senior football athletes and our guest speaker with be Ted Batemon of Electronic Engineering, former Wartburg College football player. ![]() While the format will look a lot different this year due to Covid19, it is important that our club continues to recognize the hard work and dedication these athletes, coaches, and families have made to their sports. The travelling trophies will be awarded to the MVP from each sport, just as we have done for decades! |
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Candidates Eric Giddens and Dave Williams October 26
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From Peace Fellow to International AdvocateElsaMarie D’Silva of Mumbai began her career as a flight attendant, eventually rising to become vice president of network planning for one of India’s largest airlines. Learning about the fatal 2012 gang rape of a young woman in Delhi, an unusually heinous crime that led to public outrage, led D’Silva to make a dramatic career switch. D’Silva is the founder and CEO of the Red Dot Foundation, which works with nongovernmental organizations in India, Nepal, and Kenya to address street harassment and violence against women. In addition to community workshops, the foundation empowers women to document catcalling, groping, and other incidents through an online crowdmapping platform called Safecity. D’Silva was also a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. |
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Candidates Howard and Youngblut October 19th![]() Ryan Howard - running for Iowa House and Harold Youngblut - running for Iowa Senate Both candidates will join us October 19th to field questions and detail their campaigns. |
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Bremer County Candidate Forum on October 22Tune in to see Bremer candidates moderated by Michelle Temeyer. |
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League of Women Voter's ForumsThe Black Hawk/Bremer League of Women Voters will host a virtual forum for Bremer County candidates Thursday, Oct 22nd at 7pm Click the image below to visit their YouTube channel: |
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Sheriff Tony Thompson Oct 12![]() Our first political candidate will join our Virtual Rotary meeting Monday, October 12th. Sheriff Tony Thompson took office January 1, 2009 (Article),was re-elected in November of 2012 with nearly 70% of the vote, and again in November of 2016 with 98.8% of the vote. His law enforcement career started much earlier however... He joined the US Army as a military police officer in 1988. He retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 2009, with 21 years of service. His career with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office began in March of 1994 and he has worked in the Jail, Special Services, Patrol, and now Administrative Divisions. His prior assignments include: Drug Education Officer, Community Services Coordinator, Computer Crimes Investigator, Patrol Officer, Public Information Officer, and SWAT Team leader prior to taking command of the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office. |
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Message from District GovernorThe U.S. lost a remarkable leader on Sept. 18, 2020, when Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at age 87 after a years-long battle with recurrent pancreatic cancer. Famously nicknamed “The Notorious RBG,” Ginsburg’s career focused on ending gender-based workplace inequities for men and women.
We’ve come a long way in Rotary and in society for raising the bar for equality standards among men and women. RBG’s work made a lasting impact that parallels our Four-Way Test: truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit. |
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COVID Iowa Update |
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The Steele Report with Dan Trelka and Tony Thompson![]() Ron Steele recently interviewed both Black Hawk County Sheriff Candidates, click the link below to watch: |
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October 5th Program: Gallagher Bluedorn![]() Director of Education and Special Programs Amy Hunzelman will share the latest at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. |
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The Shoebox programA letter from Steve & Liz Thorpe: We are getting ready to ship 40 to 50 tons to help Nicaragua. This is year 19. We started with one school with 40 kids and now we have 2,400 kids in 14 schools. In year two we focused on Casa Materna (shelter for pregnant moms). Since 2003 we have delivered 19,000 healthy babies at our shelter and given them a layette bag with everything they need for a new baby at home. We also send many school supplies and extra clothes. Since 2001 (when we sent about 25 tons) we have now exceeded 1,000 tons of help for great kids, moms, and families who need a hand up. We will start unloading a semi trailer Monday, October 5th at 8 AM in the "old" Food Bank building at #ast 11th St and Sycamore. Anyone who can help should call Liz and Steve Thorpe 319-830-3012, Dave Lee 319-231-2188 or Jim Seely 319-830-5988. Your help will mean a lot to many people. To participate in or support the Shoebox program, please contact Steve and Liz Thorpe or David Lee directly.
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League of Women's Voters ForumsTune in and see our very own Steve Carignan moderate one of the forums. The Black Hawk/Bremer League of Women Voters will sponsor virtual candidate forums in the month of October. A forum for Black hawk County candidates will be Thursday, October 8th, 7p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via zoom. The forum for metro Legislative candidates will be Thursday, October 15th ,7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via zoom. The Forum for Bremer County candidates will be Thursday, October 22, 7 to 8:30 pm. The public is invited and may access the forums on https://www.facebook.com/BlackHawkBremerLeague Facebook Events will be created for each forum, and available as Facebook Live. The public will have an opportunity to submit questions on-line. For more information, please contact Jean Seeland, 319-493-2015. |
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World Polio Day October 24![]() World Polio Day is October 24—How Does Your Club Plan To Take Action? We have much to celebrate! Africa has now been declared free of the wild poliovirus. Rotarians continue to move closer to the goal of total eradication. Plan an activity in your club. Ask your club leadership about what is being planned for World Polio Day to promote polio eradication.
A really great End Polio Now toolkit is available to help you plan and celebrate. This toolkit has press releases, banners, posters, social media messages, infographics and educational materials. Visit this link to view those materials: https://www.endpolio.org/resource-center |
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Operation WarmIt's that time of year... Our club is now seeking donations to support the Operation Warm project. Coats are $20 each and the club will MATCH 100% of all donations up to $2,500. Be sure to purchase your coat (or coats) by Wednesday! DONATE NOW: - Mail a check to: Waterloo Rotary Club PO Box 118 Waterloo, IA 50704-0118 Make checks payable to Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa; MEMO: Rotary's Operation Warm project. |
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Rotary Picnic was a SuccessThank you for all who attended and big thank you to all of our cooks! ![]() |
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No Meeting Monday, September 28![]() There will be no meeting today since we hosted the Family Picnic last Thursday. Please plan to join us October 5th when we meet virtually and celebrate October birthdays! Mike Lind, Oct 04 Bob Heaton, Oct 07 Steve Carignan, Oct 10 Chuck Paulsen, Oct 10 Samuel D. Bovenmyer, Oct 12 Mark Durbahn, Oct 13 Kaye Englin, Oct 15 Doug Stanford, Oct 15 |
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September 21 Program: Waterloo Public Library![]() Our very own Nick Rossman will be reviewing the latest happenings at Waterloo Public Library, as they are doing things in a new way with the COVID-19 environment we are currently experience. |
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Advice from General Secretary of Rotary![]() John Hewko and CEOs across industries share their best advice with Adam Mendler in his Lessons in Leadership series. Over the years I have interviewed hundreds of America’s top leaders and a question I love asking is: “What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?” Here are the answers I received to that question from ten CEOs of successful organizations - across of a wide of industries - who I interviewed in my Lessons in Leadership series: John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International: In addition to stressing that all leaders reflect on their personal and organizational core values, I would simply suggest that those in the for-profit sector take a critical look at how social value is part of their firm’s mission. Broadly, if the 19th century for-profit sector valued “reward,” and the 20th century benchmark was risk and reward, then the 21st century will be defined by risk, reward and impact. For many years, it was difficult to answer the inevitable question: How do you blend and measure social and financial returns? This is no longer the case, but it requires some bold collaboration between the private sector and non-profits to act on this insight. Finally, I firmly believe that trailblazing leaders are made, not born. Rotary’s founder Paul Harris wasn’t blessed with once-in-a-lifetime talents, but he was able to articulate a vision that inspired others. He was able to act on his vision to form a new social network well before anyone ever heard of Facebook or LinkedIn. To see the other 9 responses, click here: https://www.adammendler.com/blog/advice-from-ten-top-ceos
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This Week's Program: Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony![]() ![]() Hear from our own Rich Frevert - Executive Director of Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony - and Jason Weinberger - Artistic Director - and learn the latest and greatest from their organization. |
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What it's like to Survive Two Pandemics![]() By Paul Engleman - Illustrations by Fien Jorissen Sixty-five years ago, in 1955, I was diagnosed with polio. I was two years old, so I was unaware of what it meant to have been infected with the poliovirus, but I became more aware of it in subtle ways as I got older. And at some point, I understood what my mother meant when she said I was “one of the lucky ones.” Among my childhood memories, getting the oral polio vaccine is as vivid as the classroom drills that taught us to seek safety under our desks in case of a nuclear attack. While I can now joke about how sturdy school desks must have been back then, there’s no amusement in my recollection of lining up outside the local firehouse for the Sabin sugar cube — that was serious, important business. I knew it then, and I know it now. |
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Have a non-profit event coming up?![]() We'd like to hear what our members are up to with helping other in the community. Have a non-profit fundraiser coming up? Or did your organization donate to a non-profit or group in need? Send me a note and some photos and we will put in the Reporter! E-mail Jaclyne @ jheller@kwwl.com |
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Health Tips from Rotary District LeadershipMake change and make time for your health this fall. Rotary Transcends Embracing Change - We are Change Makers! The year 2020 has shown us that we are more resilient than we ever imagined - as individuals, teams, and Rotarians. Rather than shrinking from change, we have embraced it and made this Rotary year one for the record books:
Through it all, we’ve gained a new appreciation for what it means when we do get to come together. As Rotarians, we know we are better together, even if we are physically apart. We take on challenges as a unit - none of us is an island. By embracing these challenges as a team, we can go about our work with a spirit of service and a renewed perspective. |
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Covid Update and Resources![]() Thank you to Grow Cedar Valley for sharing the most up-to-date info on Covid in Iowa! |
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Learn How to Host a "World Polio Day" Virtually![]() Ten clubs in Ontario, Canada hosted virtual events in 2018 and 2019. Find out their tips on creating your own event. After many years of celebrating World Polio Day with proclamations, updates from Rotary and health leaders, and flag-raising ceremonies, the 10 Rotary clubs in District 7070 (Ontario, Canada) took a different course in 2018. An in-person event held in a new global classroom and simultaneously streamed live is now serving as a great model as we approach holding our first World Polio Day live event in a COVID-19 world. Just three years ago, Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology, a post-secondary school in Oshawa, Ontario, constructed a new Centre for Collaborative Education, which included a Global Classroom. The center allows students to learn from, and share with, students and experts from around the world in real-time. The class brings cultures from around the world together to share information about each other’s culture and countries. The clubs of the Durham region all helped provide funds for the creation of the center and global classroom. |
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Have you signed up for the Rotary Picnic?![]() You are invited to join us at this year’s "socially distanced-style" Waterloo Rotary Club family picnic! Please RSVP by Friday, September 10 so we can plan accordingly. The details: Cost: $25/family When: Thursday, September 24 What time: Doors open at 5, food 5:30-7:30 pm *Program @ 6:30 Where: Rotary Reserve on North Union Road in rural Black Hawk County |
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September Birthdays![]() Reach out to these Rotarians celebrating their September birthdays and let 'em know you're thinking of them!
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August 31 - Steve Carignan of Gallagher Bluedorn PAC |
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African Region Considered Free of Wild Polio Virus![]() Rotary and its GPEI partners celebrate a monumental achievement, say global eradication of wild polio is possible with the continued dedication and persistence of Rotarians. The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority. After decades of hard won gains in the region, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) — WHO, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the vaccine alliance — are proclaiming the milestone an achievement in public health. They offer it as proof that strong commitment, coordination, and perseverance can rid the world of polio. |
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Details of 2020 Rotary Annual Picnic![]() This year’s Waterloo Rotary Club family picnic will be on Thursday September 24 at the Rotary Reserve on North Union Road in rural Black Hawk County. We will open at 5 p.m., plan to start serving at 5:30 p.m., have a program at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 7:30 p.m. The menu this year will include a meat choice of 12-ounce rib-eye or chicken breast plus sides of baked beans, baked potato with butter and sour cream, coleslaw and drink. Mac and cheese will be available for children. Beverages include milk, lemonade, coffee and water. Ice cream with toppings will be served for dessert. Meals will be served, and social distancing and masking requirements will be followed. |
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August 24th Program: National Cattle Congress![]() Our own Deb Pullin-Vanauken and staff from National Cattle Congress are speaking about the latest happenings at this historic event center. For over 90 years, people have been coming to the Dairy Cattle Congress in Waterloo to be entertained. Many of them find this entertainment by walking through the barns or experiencing the nostalgia and adventure when viewing farm machinery. There continues to be much incidental entertainment for the Cattle Congress visitor and large name acts to attract people to the event. Whatever the entertainment may be, the Board of Directors remains dedicated to education. An old poster advertising the National Dairy Cattle Congress is merely making a play on words when it declares that “Congress entertainment is educational; its education is entertaining; it is ALL inspirational.” |
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Five Tips for those who Aren't Natural Leaders![]() From District Governor Lowell Stoolman Not a 'Natural Leader'? These 5 Tips May Come in Handy Some people seem to be born with the propensity to lead – they're congenial, people admire them, and they're intelligent. But the most successful Rotary leaders aren't always the smartest or most talented club members. The best leaders are those with the drive to do what needs to be done – and the skill to help others rise with them. If you don't feel like you are a natural leader, consider these 5 tips to help you excel and guide your club to success.
Ignore the little voice that makes you feel like less than a leader. Turn your negative thoughts into positivity. You can achieve great things – and you are a Rotary leader for a reason. Quick Poll: I’d love to know whether articles like this are of interest to you as a Rotarian. Could you please send me a note with your feedback? My goal is to deliver the right type of content to help you thrive personally, professionally, and in Rotary. |
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Ways to Help with Cedar Rapids Storm DamageIOWA (KWWL) - Many different organizations are asking for help, donations and volunteers as Iowa continues to recover from the devastating derecho August 10th. There are many volunteers and crews working throughout hard-hit areas, but more resources are needed. "Iowa Derecho Storm Resource Page" on FacebookDONATION DROP-OFF SITE: 5001 1st Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 VOLUNTEER SITE: 5001 1st Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Financial Donations: If you are able to donate financially, you can at:
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Rotary Project at George Wyth August 17th
As part of our District Grant from the 2019 / 2020 Rotary year, we had a work day out at the Rotary Shelter. The committee consisting of Katelyn Tungland, Steve Finegan, Dave Lee, Annie Vander Werff, Mark Kuiper, Gene Leonhardt and James Madison developed a plan to improve the Rotary Shelter out at George Wyth State Park. Improvements included a new grill, lighting, electrical outlets, counter top and painting.
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Cedar Rapids Needs Your Help![]() A message from Lowell Stoolman, District Governor: Due the devastating storm on Monday, the Cedar Rapids area needs help. If you don't have your own issues from the storm and are willing to assist, please call Past District Governor Michelle Bell at 319-431-2755 for instructions on how you can help. Thank you for all you can do for the Cedar Rapids area and our fellow Rotarians! |
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Note from District Governor![]() Lowell Stoolman - District Governor August, 2020 A Note from Your District Governor Greetings, fellow Rotarians. Thank you to everyone who made it to my July installment as District Governor for District 5970. A month into my term, I am eager to start meeting with your clubs, whether in person or virtually. Club visits this term will certainly be unique, but I am looking forward to the challenge. Even during the pandemic, we can be thankful for so many things. We have our families, our friends. Many of us are still working and volunteering. And we can be grateful for technology like email and video calls to keep us all connected. I am not one to dwell on negativity, and I hope that rings true for you and your club, too. This year, we will all be asked to do more with less, and to stretch our patience and flexibility, perhaps like never before. We will rise together in Rotary through the end of 2020, and enter 2021 with the boldness to get things done. Thank you for your continued dedication. Rotary would be nothing without our club members’ hard work and compassion. |
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First Woman in History nominated to be International PresidentJennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history. |
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Thank you Note from MercyOne FoundationOur Club received this note for the donation we made recently. ![]() |
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August 10th: Boy Scouts of AmericaOur own Rotary Member - James Madison - is talking about the latest with the Boy Scouts. James is Scout Executive/CEO, Winnebago Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is a graduate of Missouri State University and was in Alabama prior to coming to the Cedar Valley. |
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George Wyth Project UpdateAs part of our District Grant from the 2019 / 2020 Rotary year, we will have a work day out at the Rotary Shelter on August 17! The committee consisting of Katelyn Tungland, Steve Finegan, Dave Lee, Annie Vander Werff, Mark Kuiper, Gene Leonhardt and James Madison have developed a plan to improve the Rotary Shelter out at George Wyth State Park. Improvements include a new grill, lighting, electrical outlets, counter top and painting. We will have a catered event out at the Rotary Shelter on Monday, August 17th with Lori Eberhard, Park Ranger making a brief presentation. The work day will be split in to sessions. 8 – 10 Rotarians will be needed from 10:00 – 12:00 to complete the scraping, sweeping, cleaning and arranging of picnic tables. All Rotarians are welcome for the program which will be from 12:00 – 1:00 and include socializing with face mask and proper distancing, catered lunch and presentation. 8 – 10 Rotarians are needed from 1:00 to 2:00 to complete the painting, clean up and moving tables back. Look for an email to sign up for this first in-person meeting for our Rotary Club since March. As an added bonus, Rotarians that sign up for one of the work sessions will receive a free Rotary Face Mask! ![]() |
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Rotary Makes Donation to Volunteer Center![]() The Waterloo Rotary Club just made another $1,000 presentation to the Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley (VCCV). Past Waterloo Club President and VCCV Executive Director Lauren Fink accepted the check from past president Mark Durbahn in front of the Volunteer Center on Kimball Avenue. This check will help the center to provide additional resources to recruit new volunteers due to changing volunteer pools caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Lauren’s Thank You to our Club: |
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How Rotary creates lifelong relationships![]() Hilary and Kate became best friends when they met through #Rotary. Over the course of a decade, their friendship took them to Brazil, South East Asia and Japan as they worked on projects for peace. I am constantly in awe of the power of connection. This is what Rotary is all about. We unite in friendship to realize truthful, fair, good-willed, and beneficial outcomes in our communities and the world. For Rotary members and people like me, our lives are forever transformed by this powerful network. I was 17 years old when Rotary became a guiding force in my life. I was a young woman hungry to see the world outside my own country. Thanks to Rotary, I was granted the opportunity to live in Brazil as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student for a year. The experience was transformative for many reasons, the foremost being the people I met along the way who continue to be central figures in my life. |
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Girl Scouts is Monday's ProgramMonday, August 3rd we'll get to hear Robin Summers with the Girls Scouts (after technical problems delayed her program a couple weeks ago). ![]() I have lived in Waterloo almost my entire life. I went through the Waterloo School system from Kindergarten through high school, graduating from West High. I have a BA in Sociology and a MA in Women’s and Gender Studies, both from the University of Northern Iowa. I have been at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois since August of 2015 starting out as a community outreach manager and now as the director of community outreach and development. Through my role as the director of community outreach, I oversee our council outreach programming. I started working in development less than a year ago and serve as a major gifts officer. |
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August Birthdays![]() Time for another socially-distanced birthday greeting to all our members celebrating this month! Please reach out to these fellow Rotarians and wish them a warm and healthy birthday!
Also - the Rotary Birthday Machine is available for check-out - just email Mason for details! ![]() |
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Monday's Program is Waterloo Community Playhouse![]() Our fellow Rotarian Norman Ussery will be giving us an update on the Waterloo Community Playhouse show season. |
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Pathways Receives Rotary GrantWaterloo Rotary presents $1,000 to Pathways Behavioral Services. Mark Durbahn presented the $1,000 check to Kimberly Costarella and Dave Becker with Pathways Behavioral Services. They will use the check to assist them as they provide mental health and addiction services for the Cedar Valley. Their services are more in demand due to the COVID-19 crisis. |
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Updates from President Annie![]() Three updates you need to know about going forward for Waterloo Downtown Rotary Club: |
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Recommendations for Sustainable Environmental Projects with Rotary![]() Rotarian Karen Kendrick-Hands answers five questions about Environmental projects with Rotary! She is the communications director for Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) 1. How does the environment fit into Rotary’s areas of focus? Any project in any area of focus will benefit from having environmental sustainability as one of its watchwords. It’s a lot harder to supply clean water to people if your watershed is compromised— if your river is full of industrial, human, and animal waste. 2. Why did ESRAG publish a handbook with environmental project ideas? 3. Can you describe some of the project suggestions? 4. What inspired ESRAG’s collaboration with UNEP? 5. Are Rotarians getting more involved in environmental projects? • This story originally appeared in the July 2020 issue of The Rotarian magazine. |
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Rotary Shelter Meeting held Last Week![]() A small but mighty group of Rotarians got together to discuss doing Rotary Shelter project in near future. Annie, Dave, Katelyn, Mark and Steve had a great time chatting with Lori of Iowa DNR. |
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Former Rotary International President Dies![]() Mateo Armando “M.A.T.” T. Caparas served as RI president in 1986-87 with the Rotary theme, “Rotary Brings Hope.” He was the first and only Filipino to become president of Rotary International, he was 97. Caparas launched the worldwide anti-polio drive aimed at eradicating the deadly disease that has killed and paralyzed tens of thousands of people. The campaign has become a huge success and has drawn the strong support of Microsoft’s founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. The Filipino socio-civic leader was instrumental in the acquisition of the One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois. He led the two-year fund raising campaign for the project and was able to raise $130 million, surpassing the target by $70 million. It was also during Caparas’ term that the RI board allowed membership of women in Rotary.
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Black Hawk County Health Department Town HallA recent virtual town hall discussion educated people in our community regarding business protection. Given the recent changes in the Iowa law regarding business protection from COVID-19 liability and the current increase in reported cases of the virus, Black Hawk County Health Department team presented and responded to questions from Cedar Valley businesses. Click link below to watch the recording. |
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Grout Museum Program![]() Our program July 13th will be Billie Bailey sharing the latest and the greatest on the Grout Museum! The Grout Museum District has reopened the Grout Museum of History and Science and the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Click here to learn more... |
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Future ProgramsCheck out the upcoming programs we have at Rotary! ![]() July 20 Girl Scouting in our Area...Robin Summers ![]() July 27 Waterloo Community Playhouse Update...Norman Ussery |
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Better Together![]() Scientists think the need to connect across generations may be baked into humans’ DNA — that grandparents, in particular grandmothers, played a critical role in our evolution. The reason women live so long beyond reproductive age, some anthropologists theorize, is that the care they provide for their daughters’ children frees up their daughters to produce more children sooner. “You can argue that older people connecting with younger people is something that goes back to the beginning of humanity,” says Marc Freedman, author of How to Live Forever: The Enduring Power of Connecting Generations. A survey by Generations United and the Eisner Foundation — a nonprofit focused on intergenerational programs —found that 53 percent of American adults regularly spend time with few people who are much older or younger than they are, aside from family members. The figure is even higher for people ages 18 to 34, with 61 percent reporting few younger or older acquaintances. Grandparents often live hundreds of miles away from their grandchildren, and there aren’t many places to go to meet people across the age spectrum. This is where Rotary can help.
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July Birthdays![]() Coronavirus can keep us from meeting in-person, but it can't take away our celebration of these fine Rotarians that have traveled around the sun AGAIN!
The Rotary Birthday Machine should be available to borrow next week, email Mason if you'd like to reserve it to check the Radon levels in your house. |
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NO MEETING JULY 6th![]() Good morning Fellow Rotarians, I hope you enjoyed a fun, cool and safe holiday weekend. In observance of the holiday, we will take today off from meeting and will resume our regular meetings on Monday, July 13. Through discussion with the board, we will continue meeting online via Zoom conferencing. Please reach out to one of your fellow Rotarians whom you have not seen at a meeting recently and invite them to join an upcoming meeting - it's easy and ... FUN! Have a great week, Annie |
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RI Director Opportunity![]() Contact President Annie Vander Werff if you are interested in being an RI Director! 1 July 2020 Dear Rotarians: At the 2021 RI (Taipei) Convention, an RI director is to be elected by club members in your zone. This director will serve on the RI Board in 2022–24. If your club wishes to submit a qualified Rotarian for consideration by the Nominating Committee for Director in your zone, the club must follow these guidelines: The club must use the attached Official Suggestion Form.
RI Bylaws section 13.010. states, in part, as follows: “Rotarians shall not campaign, canvass, or electioneer for elective position in RI, or allow any such activity, for either themselves or others.” Sincerely, John Hewko General Secretary, RI |
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Meet President-Elect, E.J. Gallagher III![]() Get to know the soon-to-be President-Elect of our Rotary Club. A retired attorney and active Rotarian; Mr. Gallagher has worn many hats in the Cedar Valley community and beyond! E.J. Gallagher III was born in Washington D.C. and came back with his Iowan parents to Waterloo in June of 1950. He graduated from Columbus High School after kindergarten at Kingsley and grades one to 8 at St. Edward’s. He got an undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul followed by a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He was admitted to practice law in Iowa in 1974 and spent a year back in Washington D.C. working for a special Federal commission studying wiretapping law. |
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2020-2021 Rotary Board![]() Officer Team for 2020-2021 and Board of Directors President, Annie Vander Werff President-Elect, E.J. Gallagher Treasurer, Adam Schaefer Secretary, Rich Frevert (New Board Member) Past President, Mark Durbahn Phil Nash, Assistant District Governor Dave Lee Deb Pullin-Van Auken Heather Labonte Vicki Mueller (New Board Member) Holly Johnson (New Board Member) Outgoing Board Members are Brian Aronson, Megan Kugler, Katelyn Tungland and Jaclyne Heller. |
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Summer Brings New District GovernorMeet Lowell Stoolman, Your New District Governor Lowell is the former police chief of Rockwell City and a former member of the city’s maintenance department. He served more than 30 years on the city’s fire department and is an active member of the Rockwell City Rotary Club. Lowell's installation celebration is scheduled for June 28, 2020, at the Twin Lakes Golf Club in Rockwell City. Register to attend. A Message from Outgoing District Governor, Michelle Bell... As Rotarians, we know this phrase is true: Rotary Opens Opportunities. Chosen as the 2020-2021 Rotary theme, these are words to live by for all clubs. But what does “opening opportunities” mean for individual Rotarians? I’ve collected a few ideas I’ve observed throughout my tenure as 5970 District Governor: |
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Rotary Clubs in ItalyRotary clubs in districts across Italy worked together to procure state-of-the-art equipment needed to combat the deadly coronavirus disease for 26 hospitals around the country. |
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Monday, June 29 Rotary Meeting on Zoom![]() Join us for the last meeting of our Rotary year...and what a memorable year it ended up being! Our president-elect Annie Vander Werff is expected to ceremoniously accept the gavel from 2019-2020 president Mark Durbahn. As the world grapples with COVID-19 and finds ways to keep our businesses operating, personal connections intact, and traditions alive, Annie will need each member to support our efforts and come out of this as a stronger club. We've shown that we won't let a global pandemic stop us from fellowship, and service to our community has come in the form of weekly financial support to organizations directly impacted. Look for the good work of our club to continue as we transition to new club leaders! |
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Monday's Program is Dr. Kime of Acupuncture and Chiropractic Clinic of Iowa![]() Dr. Kime is the author of "Cancer is Kicking my Butt, but I have a really Big Butt." She was raised in Taiwan under the Traditional Chinese Medicine environment. Dr. Kime received her Masters from Southern Illinois University in 1994. She then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, after raising her 5 child family, graduating in 2010. While studying at Palmer, Dr. Kime traveled to Chicago to obtain her Acupuncture certification from National University of Health Sciences. |
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Rotary Virtual Conventions |
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Winners of 2020 Rotarian Magazine Contest
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Barb Prather Receives Iowa Women's Foundation AwardCongratulations to Executive Director, Barb Prather, for this well-deserved Ovation Award, courtesy of the Iowa Women's Foundation, that celebrates hard-working Iowa women in leadership. You can see the whole Virtual Ovation Unveiling Ceremony here: |
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Hail Mary Project Program June 15
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Rotary works with India Red CrossThe #Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera worked with the India Red Cross Society to fund and distribute boxes of food for nearly five thousand homeless and impoverished members of their community during the #COVID19 pandemic. Here is a beautiful video curated and executed by our young talent at the Interact Club Sharada Mandir of the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera aimed at building awareness around the Corona Pandemic plauging the world over. |
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Waterloo Fair Chance Initiative Presentation![]() The Fair Chance Ordinance was passed to remove barriers to employment, reduce recidivism, and give a second chance to deserving Iowans. Waterloo business owners and HR professionals are encouraged to register for a webinar Wednesday, June 17th at 8:30 am. Participants will learn about why the City of Waterloo enacted the ordinance and how hiring processes for Waterloo businesses may be impacted because of it. This presentation will provide actionable steps and resources to comply with the ordinance that goes into effect July 1, 2020. Please click below to register for the webinar. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e3bi1Gv8QFmhhrVrZjQJzg |
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Rotary Birthday Machine![]() Did you know our club has a "Birthday Machine"? Several years ago, one of our esteemed members Tom Arthur bought the club an electronic Radon detector to be shared among our members. Tom was moved by one of our presentations about Radon and the prevalence of the radioactive gas in many midwestern homes. Radon increases the risk of lung cancer and is the second leading cause of lung cancer next to smoking. The original Radon detector needed to be re-calibrated after many years of use, so Steve and Liz Thorpe stepped up to purchase a new and easier-to-use battery-powered detector for our club. Each month during the birthday table, Mason encourages members to check out the detector to take home and collect some readings, then use that information to buy a chemical test or seek a professional mitigation company. Think of it as a machine that helps your family have MORE BIRTHDAYS...it's a birthday machine! Fellow Rotarian Phil Nash recently returned the unit and had this to share with the club: |
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June 8 Program - Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity![]() Today's speaker is Norah Schlax, an AmeriCorps Member with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. She works in marketing and volunteer outreach. She graduated in May of 2019 with a degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Clarkson University and moved to Iowa for a summer AmeriCorps position with Green Iowa where she worked weekly with Iowa Heartland. She fell in love with the mission of Iowa Heartland and took a year long AmeriCorps position here. Norah will be coming on as their Marketing Outreach Manager after her AmeriCorps term finishes up in August! Our presentation gives a brief overview about the history of Habitat and then moves into what the Iowa Heartland Affiliate has done/is doing in the Cedar Valley and surrounding communities. |
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Rotary Virtual ConventionThe #Rotary Virtual Convention allows you to enjoy inspiring general sessions and educational breakout sessions while connecting with other members, all from your own home. Get ready for the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention! |
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New Waterloo Police Chief StartsJoel Fitzgerald was sworn in as Waterloo's first African American Police Chief after a unanimous vote from Waterloo City Council back in April. Prior to coming to Waterloo Fitzgerald served as Chief Deputy in Philadelphia, PA and Fort Worth, TX.
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Rotarians in the NewsWATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) - With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, now more than ever is a time when kids need extra meals during the summer when school is out. The Northeast Iowa Food Bank's summer feeding program is getting help from eastern Iowa communities to assist children at risk of going hungry. https://kwwl.com/2020/06/04/summer-food-program-offers-meals-for-children-during-pandemic/
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VGM Heartland Conference Update![]() -2015 Heartland Conference Room Ambassadors- The traditional VGM Heartland Conference scheduled for next week has been cancelled but will be back next year bigger and better than ever. Our club has been invited to assist again next year. For several years, our club has provided volunteers to serve as "room monitors" for the breakout sessions. VGM has been kind in return for our services by supporting our club's major initiatives. Thanks to all who signed up to volunteer this year, but the revised "virtual" 2020 conference will not require our club members to volunteer in-person. Any questions? Email Katelyn Tungland! |
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Grow Cedar Valley COVID-19 Resources
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Foster Care GraduationNationally only 54% of foster youth will graduate from high school when they exit care at age 18. Only 3% will graduate from college. Although Iowa statistics may be better, most youth aging out of care lack a natural support system that will assist them in celebrating achievements or help to gather needed items as they transition from foster care to their first apartment or college dorm. ![]() This year our club generously contributed to that urgent need. In the past a community wide open house has been held at Hawkeye Community College to celebrate these youth. Obviously this year that event was impossible. In its place a “drive-by“ open house was held. All nine of the kids received a microwave, set of pots and pans, pillow and case, laundry basket, plastic mixing bowl set, can opener, 48 piece silverware and tray, surge protector, flashlight, kitchen towel, cloths and oven mitt, measuring cups and measuring spoons, and first aid kit. Individual community members contributed cards and gift cards. Since the ever popular graduation sheet cake wouldn’t be served at an open house, each student received a small cake with his/her name! They were richly blessed and were very appreciative. Reports are that one family was so excited that they locked themselves out of the house. Ha! All youth leaving foster care receive a suitcase filled with personal care items, even those not graduating. Waterloo Rotary’s gift of $100 gift cards to Target were gratefully received. One comment was that leaving the security of the system seemed less scary knowing that they had community support! |
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June 1 Program - Guiding Star![]() Sarah Kopriva is the new Executive Director of Guiding Star Cedar Valley; leading efforts to further establish the organizational mission to empower women, embrace children, and enrich families through their unique healthcare model in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Community. Sarah believes in a society that honors and protects the beauty of femininity and the unique attributes women bring to our families, workplaces, and communities. Because of this passion, she works to educate and enable women and families to understand and appreciate their healthy, working bodies and develop a community around them to further that support throughout life. Sarah's talk will introduce GSCV's comprehensive approach to caring for the health of women and their families and bring light to the ways we are helping our community celebrate the dignity of our natural design. |
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June Birthdays![]() We'll be together again soon and will properly celebrate our members' birthdays in person. Until then, we'll recognize and wish them well from a distance!
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Rotarians in Kenya Take ActionAlmost 80 percent of the population in Nairobi, Kenya, lives in informal settlements where it’s not unusual for families of day laborers to live together in one house. Surviving day to day on the meager wages they typically earn as shop clerks, construction workers, or domestic employees, as many as eight people cook, do homework, eat, and sleep in these tight quarters. In short, social distancing is a luxury that many poor Kenyans can’t afford. “If the [COVID-19] pandemic hits here, like it has in North America and other places, it will be just catastrophic” because of the inability to social distance, says Geeta Manek, a Rotary Foundation trustee-elect and member of the Rotary Club of Muthaiga, Kenya. “We’re working very hard, through preventative measures, desperately trying to keep this thing away from us.” Shortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Joe Otin, governor of Rotary District 9212 (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan), formed a districtwide response team. Chaired by Nairobi-East Rotarian Joe Kamau, the team is working with clubs across the district to provide hand washing stations, deliver food to families who have lost jobs, and raise money for personal protective equipment. “When [Kamau] asked what we wanted to do first, we said let’s go with hand washing stations,” says Manek, a member of the response team. |
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May 18th Program - Hotel/Convention Center Update![]() ![]() Kayleen Leonard with Best Western Hotel and Michelle Weidner with the City of Waterloo will give us an update on the plans for the hotel and the convention center. They will share renderings, timelines, and answer questions. Below is a link to an article from last fall about the renovation... https://wcfcourier.com/business/local/former-downtown-ramada-closes-for-renovations/article_46d27069-b10f-5f4b-ad26-0cce569fdbdb.html |
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Local Rotarian in the NewsRotarian Michael Broshar organizes a project to supporter first responders in the area. ![]() Waterloo – Michael Broshar, a Waterloo native and local architect, has designed and donated a water color that supports the First Responders Fund, established earlier this month by the Waterloo Community Foundation. This unique piece of art features a local firefighter, policeman and health care worker, the recipients of the fund’s proceeds. Signed prints are being offered for sale for $150 each. Proceeds above the cost of production will go to the Foundation. Orders must be placed by June 15, by mailing checks to the Waterloo Community Foundation at PO Box 1253, Waterloo, on the Foundation’s website https://www.wloocommunityfoundation.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/waterloocommunityfoundation/. General donations to the fund are also being accepted, as described above. The Waterloo Community Foundation established the First Responders Fund to assist local police, fire and health care workers keep our community and families safe during the COVID-19 crisis. During the month of May, the Foundation will match all donations up to $5,000. One hundred percent (100%) of all donations will go directly to local first responder organizations (no administrative fees will be withheld). Michael Broshar grew up working in his father’s architecture firm, Thorson Brom Broshar Snyder Architects. Following his education in Iowa and Texas, he located in Minneapolis to begin his career. He returned to Waterloo to practice architecture in the early 1980’s and was named a partner in 1991. The firm grew under his leadership and became INVISION Architecture in the 1990’s with the addition of a Des Moines office. Broshar retired from architectural practice at the end of 2019. Michael has always had a strong interest in the visual arts, pursuing painting in college and in his early career. In 2013, he renewed his interest in painting, particularly in watercolor. He has studied under John Lovett, Iain Stewart and Alvaro Castegnet, and has had solo shows at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, The Hearst Center and the Iowa Center for Architecture. Broshar is a signature member of the Iowa Watercolor Society. The Waterloo Community Foundation was formed in 2015 to support Waterloo residents with the confidence that all gifts are being invested in our community efficiently and effectively. Most importantly, we are here to help. To learn more about the Waterloo Community Foundation, visit www.wloocommunityfoundation.org or contact us at 319.883.6022. |
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Rotary featured on Courier and KWWLBoth local media outlets featured our donations in news stories! ![]() ![]() |
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Never Too Young to LeadSix Rotarians reveal the secrets of balancing family and work that allowed them to take on the role of district governor before turning 50. ![]() As an active member of the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads (Norfolk) in Virginia, Clenise Platt had been a club president and taken on some leadership roles in her district. Even so, it came as a complete surprise when Mary Landon, the club’s 2016-17 president, approached her at the end of a meeting and asked if it would be OK to nominate her for district governor. “I thought one day I might place my name in the hat to become a district governor,” says Platt, 48. “But truth be told, I thought ‘one day’ was years away.” |
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Rotarians in the NewsMultiple Downtown Waterloo Rotarians were featured in a recent Courier article describing a new fund to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 in the Cedar Valley. ![]() “This has been tough on all nonprofits, whether or not it’s on the frontlines, and it has affected charitable giving for all nonprofits, as well as affecting revenue streams and available resources,” said Kaye Englin, director of the Community Foundation of NE Iowa. Sheila Baird, executive director of the Cedar Valley United Way, said each organization brings their own experiences and expertise to the table. “We each operate differently, which ultimately you hope is our strength." Casey Reints, executive director at the Max and Helen Guernsey Foundation, said she is proud the foundation has partnered with other Cedar Valley area funders and “can see the impact that these collective efforts have had on our community. We are stronger together." |
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May 11th Program: KWWL's Abby Turpin![]() News Anchor Abby Turpin of KWWL will share her story as a news anchor and about her life behind the camera. |
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Foodbanks in Eastern Iowa receive district funds![]() May, 2020 A Note from Your District Governor Michelle Bell Greetings, District 5970! How’s the new virtual world treating you? I’m inspired by the number of clubs who have shared their stories of engaging online. Though the pandemic has brought anxiety and grief, it has also surfaced opportunities for Rotary to evolve. Food banks, homelessness initiatives, and other community organizations are in desperate need of philanthropy, from volunteer support to monetary donations. |
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Rotarians in Lithuania and U.S. have innovative COVID-19 solutionRotarians in Lithuania and Chicago are using their influence to promote the use of “bubble helmets” and potentially lessen the need for mechanical ventilators for COVID-19 patients who struggle to breathe on their own. ![]() The Rotary Club of Vilnius Lituanica International, Lithuania, participated in Hack the Crisis, an online event in March that brought together innovators in science and technology to “hack,” or develop solutions to, issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the Lithuanian club, along with members of the Rotary Clubs of Chicago and Chicagoland Lithuanians (Westmont), joined a team to brainstorm ways to help COVID-19 patients breathe without using mechanical ventilators. |
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Rotary Meeting Today: Special Program![]() President-Elect Annie Vander Werff will review some 2020-2021 Downtown Waterloo Rotary Club events/opportunities. Don't miss out on the latest and the greatest of what's coming up! |
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A Message from Our PresidentI would like to take this opportunity to update everyone on some of the decisions that were made at our last board meeting regarding our meetings, dues and charitable contributions. We will not be meeting in May as the Governor’s restrictions are ongoing for Black Hawk County. During the Board meeting we decided that we will extend our charitable giving grants each week through May for a total of 8-$1000 grants through the months of April and May. This is an outstanding contribution from our Waterloo Rotary Club to organizations providing aid and assistance to those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a reminder, below is a list of the organizations that we’ve chosen to support. |
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People's Community Health Clinic Receives Rotary Gift![]() At our board meeting last week we agreed that our last grant for the month of April was to Peoples Clinic. As many of you know, many of their clients are from Tyson Fresh Meats which has been particularly hard hit during this crisis. The Clinic is dealing with staff shortages, increased demand, communication barriers, and added stress of providing services to those most in need. Our grant will assist them in converting their dentistry area to provide more protection to patients and staff. Executive Director Chris Kemp pictured with $1,000 check. |
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7 Reasons Young People Should Join RotaryMeet Ryan Bell of Iowa City District 6000 Public Image Co-Chair ![]() I have a message for all you young people out there who may never have heard about Rotary. Or if you have, it was from a parent or grandparent who spent more time talking about the lunch menu or how great the salad bar is. If that’s all you’ve heard about Rotary, then you’re missing a lot. And let me tell you why, in the middle of this pandemic, Rotary is more relevant than ever. It’s definitely something you want to know about. Rotary is kind of a big deal. With over 1.2 million members worldwide, it’s the biggest service organization on the planet. If you’re a fan of the planet, that’s just what Rotary wants to preserve. Our members are working on helping save mothers and children, supporting basic education for children, and fighting diseases. Many of those members are now using their connections and resources to help combat COVID-19. Click here to learn more... |
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Thank you note to shareThe Salvation Army wrote a thank you letter to our club as they are working hard and using the gift for us toward the impactful programs and services they provide. There is a great need right now and the Salvation Army expects the need to continue in future months. Click on the letter above to download and read the text. |
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May Birthdays![]() We still won't be together to honor our fellow Rotarians celebrating in May, so we'll combine the birthday tables when we reconvene. However, these Rotarians would certainly be tickled to have a note or call from you on their special day!
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April 27 Program - Friends of the FamilyBen Brustkern, Executive Director is speaking at Monday's meeting. Ben has been with Friends of the Family for more than 18 years. He is a graduate of University of Northern Iowa, resides in Waterloo with his wife Kim and has three children. Ben is well-known in the community and passionate about helping those in need. |
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Rotary International Livestream TelethonJoin the #RotaryResponds #COVID19 Livestream Telethon to hear stories of hope, inspiration and gratitude from Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary from across the globe as they share what they are doing to help their communities. |
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Grow Cedar Valley Webinar SeriesThe team at Grow Cedar Valley is excited to be hosting a series of Live Webinars on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:00 AM on their Facebook Page and Youtube Channel! |
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Volunteer Opportunities and "Good News"The Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley will continue to be thee connection between people who need help and the people who can help. shared a few ways to help in the local community through the Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley. They have organized a list of immediate volunteer needs for community organizations on their website. This list will change frequently so check back often for updates or sign up to receive email alerts for new opportunities. If you need some good news as you shelter in place, KWWL has a running feature called Iowa Strong profiling Iowans having a positive impact on their communities. |
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VIRTUAL DISTRICT 5970 DUCK RACE IS ON!The annual District 5970 duck race will be live on Facebook, April 25th at 10:00 am live from the home of District Governor Michelle Bell. |
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April 20 Program - Student ScholarsOne of our largest annual meetings took a different form this year. Typically we host around 200 people as Rotarians, parents, and school administrators gather to honor high school seniors for their academic accomplishments. However, even though we didn't meet in person, and the remainder of the school year has been taken away from these students, our club still celebrated the brightest minds among our future leaders. J'Kalein Madison recorded a keynote address and Dr. Jane Lindaman submitted a letter that will be sent to all our student honorees. Congratulations and best of luck as you enter a world that has seen major change since you started your senior year. ![]() ![]() |
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Angie Widner, Executive Director of YMCA
![]() Angie Widner joined us to review the childcare services the YMCA has been providing to businesses and families the past several weeks. She also shared her personal story of the impact of COVID-19 on her own family. You can view her comments below, using this password: 2H=^=@^j |
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VGM Heartland Conference canceling 2020 eventVGM is doing a "virtual" Heartland Conference this year and canceling their traditional in-person event in Waterloo this year. Rotarians have volunteered as room monitors for many years in exchange for a donation to our club. A special thank you to Katelyn Tungland for organizing volunteers earlier this year. VGM says our club should be prepared for a big conference in Waterloo in 2021! |
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Rotarian of the Week - Casey Reints![]() Years in Rotary: 2 weeks! 😊 Hometown: Hudson -- Go Pirates! College: UNI – social work Job: Executive Director at the Max & Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation Fave Food: fajitas with unlimited avocado Fave Movie: The Green Mile Fave quote: Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right. Fave thing about Rotary: socialization with a mission 😊 Something unique about you: I am the youngest of six siblings, with nieces and nephews very close to my own age. Most people confuse them with my cousins, which is totally understandable. But it means I get to be the young, cool aunt! |
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What Rotary Clubs are doing around the WorldAs the COVID-19 pandemic spreads uncertainty and hardship around the world, Rotary members and participants are innovating, caring for those affected, and showing that even at a distance, there are ways to help. ![]() Fighting disease is one of Rotary’s main causes, so members already support efforts to promote proper hand washing techniques, teach people other ways to stay healthy, and supply training and vital medical equipment to health care providers. Now they’re helping health authorities communicate lifesaving information about COVID-19 and donating protective gear and other supplies to clinics and hospitals that are under strain because of the pandemic. These are just some of the ways that members are supporting their communities right now:
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Fear-Less Leadership SummitPresident-Elect - Annie Vander Werff - is hosting the Fear-Less Leadership Summit. |
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Rotary Supports Salvation ArmyDue to no in-person weekly meetings... our club has decided to donate the money that would have been used for our lunches to non-profits in the community. The most recent donation was $1,000 to the Salvation Army, and below is a letter from fellow Rotarian and Salvation Army Captain Shannon Thies: >> Hi Mark; We are so very humbled by this. Thank you! I should share that we are very busy at The Salvation Army, and due to volunteer shortages (which are understandable) Martin and I have rolled up our sleeves and are serving in areas that need extra man-power. It might be a while before I am able to tune-in to a Rotary Meeting. I miss everyone, though, so please share my well wishes and prayers to my fellow Rotarians. Here is an update on how The Salvation Army is serving our community during COVID-19: Food Giveaway: We are serving a lunch to the community beginning at 11:30am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This is done out of our North Parking lot drive-thru style. Prior to mid-March when the concerns of the virus began in our community, we were enjoying lunch with about 50 people every time. We are feeding 120-140 people every time, now. We are seeing families and people who have never been in need before. It is a great honor to serve our community with some good-ol’ home-cooked comfort food. We are also giving out perishable goods at the same time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Emergency Services We are still taking rental, utilities, food box, household goods, gas voucher, prescriptions and personal hygiene requests (yes, we do have toilet paper!!). The care management for this is done online and via phone calls. We are anticipating that this crisis will have a long-term effect on our community. Housing Services Our 3 shelters in town are still open. We do have a family in our Family Shelter and our men & women’s shelters are taking new people if they are not showing symptoms of the flu. We have limited our census to one person or family per room so that if someone should need to isolate, there is a comfortable place for them to do so. Our staff are being incredible and compassionate during this crisis and we are so very thankful for them. We are committed to serve our community in the same ways we have in the past, it just looks a little differently right now. We are blessed. I can’t wait to see you in a socially-distanced-appropriate-interaction. 😊 Shannon Thies >> |
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April 13 Program: Northeast Iowa Food Bank![]() No community is exempt from struggling with hunger. Since federal nutrition programs don’t reach everyone in need, food banks like ours help fill the gap for thousands of people each year. Learn more about hunger in your community by exploring an interactive County Hunger Summary map and download a County Hunger Summary here. Fellow Rotarian and one of the busiest people in the Cedar Valley Barb Prather, Executive Director of Northeast Iowa Food Bank - joined us for a Zoom meeting. She shared the latest from the Food Bank and how her staff has risen to the challenge of providing meals to hundreds of new families that have never experienced food insecurity. The Northeast Iowa Food Bank hosted a live conversation with Barb and members of her staff earlier this month. They discussed access to food in today's climate, how they are preparing for the months to come, and how community support helps protect the most vulnerable communities during these trying times.
Volunteers are STILL NEEDED - click here to offer your help!
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Maryland Rotary Clubs Raise $30K To Feed First Responders
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Meet Future Rotarian Clara AronsonClara Aronson was born April 2 to Brian and Tiffany Aronson! Congrats to the whole family! ![]() |
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Recent Barb Prather StorySee recent news feature story with Barb on KWWL... |
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Rotarians helping Uganda RefugeesA group of Rotaractors are healing wounds and bringing culture together in Ugandan refugee settlement! It’s Monday morning in one of Uganda’s largest refugee settlements, Nakivale, and the line at Paul Mushaho’s shop is out the door. Mushaho has lived in Nakivale since 2016, when he fled violence in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. After receiving death threats, he crossed into Uganda and joined a friend in the 184-square-kilometer settlement that serves as home to 89,000 people. The soft-spoken 26-year-old, who has a university degree in information technology, runs a money transfer service out of a wooden storefront that doubles as his home. Read the full article here |
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Grow Cedar Valley COVID-19 ResourcesThe Grow Cedar Valley team is working hard to provide weekly updates and resources to all of you. New updates include...
Click link below to learn more... https://www.growcedarvalley.com/news/blog/grow-cedar-valley/covid19-update |
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April 6th Program - COVID-19 Local Update![]() The Waterloo Rotary Club hosted a "Cedar Valley Healthcare COVID-19 Update." We hosted a panel of experts about the short term and long term needs of their organizations.
You can see a recording of the meeting by clicking this link. |
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April Birthdays![]() We won't be together any time soon to celebrate our Rotarians with birthdays in April, so we'll honor them in person when we are able to be together again at a "real" meeting! They would still appreciate a note on social media or a phone call on their special day...so keep this list handy all month and practice PHYSICAL distancing instead of social distancing!
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Rotary Supports Boys & Girls Club![]() The Covid-19 Pandemic has certainly impacted our local community as well as the world, however, it has not impacted our ability as humans to stand up and support each other. As we are working hard every day to continue our services to the school aged youth of the Cedar Valley and their families, our community has stepped up to support us. Pictured here, Mark Durbhan presenting our staff with $1,000 from the Waterloo Rotary Club to support us during this time. Thank you also to R.J. McElroy Trust for their $7,500 emergency check to support our services last week. |
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March 30 Program - 2020 Census and Waterloo AirportOur March 30th meeting was a first for our club - a VIRTUAL MEETING via Zoom. You can watch a recording of the meting at this link: |
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Support Local RestaurantsCheck out the list of restaurants still open and doing carryout or take out dining! KWWL is putting together a list of establishments where you can get a bite to go or delivered right to where you are. Click the link below to see the list and consider supporting these local restaurants and their employees during this challenging time. |
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Empty Bowls Online FundraiserSupport the Northeast Iowa Foodbank's annual fundraiser without leaving home! Due to no in-person weekly meetings... our club has decided to donate the money that would have been used for our lunches to non-profits in the community! Our club voted and the first recipient is Northeast Iowa Foodbank. Please click the photo below to view a 360 degree photo of the check presentation and a link to their annual fundraiser. |
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Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Disaster Response Fund |
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Meetings Canceled Through April 13thHi All, I would like to update everyone on a few things as the COVID-19 situation continues. I know that we are facing some changes and challenges as we navigate life while social distancing. As you know, the Governor has directed Iowans to limit social interaction and so we have canceled meetings through April 13th. As Rotarians and leaders in the community we should look to assist organizations and people in need during this crisis when we can. On March 17th, the Rotary Board held a meeting using computer conferencing which included audio, video and screen sharing to discuss our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to our Club not having our Monday meetings, we are not spending the approximately $1000 each week on our meal. We discussed whether to refund or credit each member the cost of the meals. It roughly relates to a little over $8 a meal for all 120 members. In the spirit of community and helping organizations most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, we as a Board decided to donate the $1000 each week to organizations most impacted by the crisis. We voted to do this for the next 4 weeks. |
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Rotary International Conference Canceled![]() We regret to announce that the Rotary International Convention, scheduled for 6-10 June 2020, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, has been canceled in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. http://riconvention.org/en |
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Rotarian of the Week, Tavis Hall![]() Years in Rotary - 4 years Hometown - Waterloo College - Hawkeye Community College Job - Executive Director, Experience Waterloo Fave Food - Tacos Fave Movie - Coming To America Fave quote - "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" - James Baldwin Fave thing about Rotary - camaraderie Something unique about you - To be honest, I'm not particularly unique. I'm just particularly passionate. |
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Grow Cedar Valley Survey RequestGrow Cedar Valley has a request from the State of Iowa: ![]() The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) needs to assess the impact of the pandemic in Iowa. To assist in these efforts, please complete this survey, developed by University of Northern Iowa – Institute for Decision Making, to tell us what your business is experiencing and how your business is handling the current crisis. |
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Rotary Monitors Coronavirus
Black Hawk County Health Department is working around the clock with local government and community partners to respond to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in our community. This website is meant to help Black Hawk County residents, businesses, media, and others better understand what is happening in our community, and how best to prepare and respond as the situation evolves. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Doug Stanford![]() Years in Rotary - 16 Hometown - Sutherland, Iowa College - Iowa State University Occupation – Retired physician Fave Food - Italian Fave movie - Almost any historical drama Random fact about yourself - I love to fish (being on the water and not fishing is a waste of time) Favorite quote - A bad day fishing is better than a good day working |
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Celebrate Rotaract![]() March is the month we celebrate Rotaract — and this has been quite a year for our young partners in service. Last spring, the Council on Legislation elevated Rotaract in our constitution: Rotary International is now the association of both Rotary clubs and Rotaract clubs. Then in October, the Rotary Board of Directors eliminated the artificial Rotaract age limit and took other steps to break down barriers that were preventing Rotaract from growing in some parts of the world. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Derick Rogers![]() Years in Rotary - 3 months Hometown - Cedar Falls College - Upper Iowa University (BA- Business Management) / Hawkeye (AA Marketing/Graphic Communications) Occupation – Marketing/Advertising, Iconic Signs (owner) Fave Food - Anything Spicy Fave movie - Frozen and Frozen 2 Random fact about yourself - I drive a really cool 1966 VW bus :) Favorite quote - Everything happens for a reason |
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March 2 Program - District Governor Michelle Bell![]() Join us Monday to hear from our district governor Michelle Bell. She'll share updates from the district and beyond and encourage all of us to attend the District Conference. |
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March Birthdays![]() These Rotarians celebrate another birthday and YOU can sing to them Monday!
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Waverly Rotary Meltdown offers chance to win $1,000![]() A fish habitat constructed by the Waverly Rotary Club is ready for placement on Waverly's Three Rivers Pond. A raffle predicting the time it will fall through the ice offers a grand prize of $2,500. Tickets are now on sale for a Waverly Rotary Club raffle that offers a cash prize of $1,000. Rotary Meltdown 2020 is based on the time a fish habitat will fall through the ice at Three Rivers Pond, a popular fishing spot adjacent to Waverly Utilities. This is the second year for the event, which raises funds for local Rotary projects. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Jim Schaefer![]() Years in Rotary - 2.5 Hometown - Waterloo, IA College - University of Northern Iowa Occupation – Director of Investor Relations at Grow Cedar Valley Fave Food - Steak (medium rare) Fave movie – It’s a Wonderful Life Random fact about yourself – Youngest of 9 children and we are all very close friends Favorite quote - If you are afraid to fail, you will never succeed. Dan Gable |
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Rotary celebrates 100 years of service in IndiaNearly 4,000 Rotary members from 35 countries, government officials and topic experts explored ideas and solutions around disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, education and other topics relevant to India Rotary began its journey in India from the city of Kolkata, on 1st January, 1920 inspired by the organisation’s motto, “service above self”. In the last 100 years, Rotary has grown from one club to 4,000 with 1.5 lakh Rotary members in India. In 2018-19, The Rotary Foundation in India supported projects worth $22.81 million, including: improving the education system; tackling significant public health problems throughout the country; providing women entrepreneurs with sustainable access to microfinance; enhancing sanitation and hygiene standards, especially for women and girls; providing access to clean and safe drinking water; helping rebuild homes, schools, and businesses affected by natural disasters and much more. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Allison Beach![]() Years in Rotary – 3 months Hometown – Waterloo! College – The Masters University, Santa Clarita CA Occupation – Owner/CEO of OMJC Signal, INC Fave Food – Pizza Fave movie – Bad Boys 2 Random fact about yourself – I’ve performed in Carnegie Hall in NY City. Favorite quote - Be faithful in the small things |
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February 24th Program - Dr. Todd Holcomb![]() Join us Monday to hear from fellow Rotarian Dr. Todd Holcomb who is in his first year as President of Hawkeye Community College. For over 50 years, Hawkeye Community College has distinguished itself as one of Iowa’s best community colleges. Known for an environment that is academically challenging, caring faculty and staff, and for providing the latest technology, Dr. Holcomb will share insights on the impact Hawkeye is having on our community and the state of Iowa. Local employment trends and ongoing priorities for Hawkeye will also be shared with our club. |
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Rotarian Non-Profit Event Promotion![]() Do you work for a non-profit or serve on a non-profit board in the community? Do they have a fundraising event coming up? If so, we can feature on Facebook and on the Calendar of Events on the screen at Rotary meetings! Please send event details to jheller@kwwl.com. |
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RI Convention - Dessert IslandWhen you are in Honolulu for the Rotary International Convention, 6-10 June, make sure to save room for dessert, because the Hawaiian Islands have some sweet treats in store for you. Shave ice (calling it shaved ice or a snow cone is a quick way of revealing you’re not from around here) was introduced to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants. Inspired by a Japanese frozen treat called kakigōri, they hand-shaved blocks of ice to create mounds of delicate crystals, then flavored the ice with the juice of tropical fruits.
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February 17 Program Cedar Valley ArboretumRob Pruitt will join us to discuss the importance of pollinators and Cedar Valley Monarch Zones, and how the Cedar Valley Arboretum, with support from the Young Family Foundation, is working with homeowners and landowners to create special “zones” to help increase pollinator habitats and the monarch population.
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Toastmasters and Rotary: An Exciting AllianceMembers of both organizations will benefit in new ways—and some already do.By Paul Sterman Toastmasters International and Rotary International. Two organizations with a long history, global impact, and proven track record of helping people. And now they have something else in common: They are teaming up to strengthen their members’ skills and broaden their opportunities. The Toastmasters-Rotary alliance, announced in January, will leverage the strengths of both organizations to help members grow personally and professionally. Later this year, Toastmasters will begin delivering eight educational courses tailored to members of Rotary and Rotaract (a Rotary-sponsored organization for 18-to-30-year-olds). The phased rollout of the eight courses will help Rotarians develop and hone their leadership and communication skills. Toastmasters members, in turn, can benefit from connecting with Rotarians—1.2 million members in nearly every country in the world—and learning from the organization’s model of humanitarian service. Members can use their communication skills to impact their communities. To learn more details about this alliance, visit the Toastmasters website and watch the video below. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Bonnie Davis![]() Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa College: BA University of Iowa, postgraduate Master of Arts Education University of Northern Iowa. Occupation: Gallup StrengthsFinder coach and adjunct college instructor Fave food: casseroles of most kinds Fave movie: Mr. Smith goes to Washington Random fact about myself: played bagpipes 4 years in Scottish Highlander all girl band from University of Iowa in 1970s. Favorite quote: this is the day the Lord has made...rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. |
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Rotary Direct Makes It Easy!Have you considered adding The Rotary Foundation to your charitable giving plan? Whether or not you have a formal plan, Rotary Direct makes it easy to set up a recurring (monthly, quarterly, or annual) donation using your credit card. Simple. Efficient. Seamless. Meaningful. BONUS! If you set up Rotary Direct to make recurring donations, the club will put 100 points (equal to $100) into your Paul Harris account! BONUS! If you have never given to The Rotary Foundation, the club will put an additional 100 points (equal to $100) into your Paul Harris account as soon as your donation total reaches $100! Phil Nash and Brian Aronson were recognized at our February 3rd meeting after they signed up for Rotary Direct and received 100 points from the club. Brian stated, “Contributing to the programs of the Rotary Foundation through direct withdrawals couldn’t be easier.” |
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Rotarian of the Week - James Madison![]() Years in Rotary – 3 in Waterloo, 3 in Springfield Missouri Hometown – Steamboat Springs, Colorado College – Missouri State University Occupation – Scout Executive/CEO, Winnebago Council, Boy Scouts of America Fave Food – Ribeye Steak Fave movie – Dances with Wolves Random fact about yourself – Has played 34 different golf courses throughout the United States Favorite quote - “You miss 100% of the shots you never take” |
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February 3rd Program - Rotary Foundation and Social Media![]() ![]() Join us Monday to hear updates on the Rotary Foundation from Deb Pullin-Van Auken and Rotary's focus on social media from Jaclyne Heller. We'll also honor February birthdays! |
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Daring Donna to skydive for polio![]() It will be one step for Donna, one giant leap for polio when Rotary Great Brittian & Ireland President Donna Wallbank takes part in a tandem skydive later this year to coincide with Volunteer Expo in Birmingham. Donna explains why she has decided to make the charity jump from the Hinton Skydiving Centre in Northamptonshire. By Dave King Published Date: January 27, 2020 Icould have played darts, knitted squares to make blankets for the needy, walked on the treadmill to fundraise or, if I was brave enough, challenged myself to do something memorable to make a difference. Something so memorable that when I’m sat in my rocking chair at 80-years-old, I can say ‘I did that and I was really part of making a difference!’ All this, knowing that my little part helped give polio vaccine to a child who may go on to develop a vaccine for another disease. We never know when our little bit of help will make a more significant difference for our world. So why a skydive? My daughter, and some of my salon team in Brynmawr, had done a tandem skydive a few years ago. When I was talking to Steph about what I could do, she said ‘skydive Mam’. Now, I am terrified of heights. I laughed and said ‘no way’. But I thought long and hard over Christmas what I could do that was good enough and the skydive kept coming back into my head.
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7 Reasons Young (and Young-ish) People Should Join RotaryRotary is kind of a big deal. With over 1.2 million members worldwide, it’s the second biggest service organization on the planet. And if you’re a fan of the planet … well, that’s just what Rotary wants to preserve. Through peace. Through service. Through understanding. And — get this — NOT through religious or national affiliation. We don’t care what you believe or who you voted for. The way Rotary sees it, the most important thing is that we come together to accomplish some much-needed tasks for a lil’ group we like to call humanity. Rotary efforts have already helped eradicate 99.9% of global cases of polio. (Never heard of polio? Thank a Rotarian for your ability to NOT know about this awful disease.) Now, armed with a massive investment and partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary is poised to take on even more ambitious global projects, including water and sanitation access, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy to name a few areas of focus. In addition to these large-scale, international projects, Rotary clubs are always working to improve their own communities, too. |
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February BirthdaysThe first meeting of each month, we celebrate our fellow Rotarians who have made another trip around the sun. February has one more day this year, and this group has added one more Rotarian!* ![]()
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Rotarian of the Week Shannon ThiesYears in Rotary - 4 in Pekin, IL (2010-2014), and now in Waterloo since 2019 Hometown - Omaha, NE College - Olivet Nazarene University Occupation – Officer in The Salvation Army (14 years) Fave Food - anything Italian Fave movie - "Little Women" (the 90's version....haven't seen the new release, yet). Random fact about yourself - I have sang back up for the band Poison and Barry Manilow (enjoyed working with Poison way more than Mr. Manilow) Favorite quote - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
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Double Bundle of Joy for the New Year!. ![]() On January 2, Rotarian Laura Kurtz, her husband Nathan and big sister, Madison welcomed twins into the world. They are identical twin boys named Owen Robert and Parker Nathan! Their family is overflowing with joy! ![]() |
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January 27 Program - Cedar Valley Housing![]() Fellow Rotarian Bob Manning is an executive officer with the Cedar Valley Home Builders Association, and will discuss new construction housing in the Cedar Valley. Cedar Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) was founded in 1955 as a trade association representing every facet of the residential building industry in northeast Iowa. More than 70 member companies benefit from membership as the association provides services, programs, legislative representation, and membership opportunities to professionals in the building trades available only through CVHBA. Cedar Valley Home Builders Association members are the architects, builders, remodelers, suppliers, manufacturers, developers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who provide quality homes, reliable service, and professional building expertise to thousands of families in northeast Iowa. Bob retired in 2015 after a 32 year career in banking, and has kept busy with supporting the Cedar Trails Partnership. |
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Buy a duck and change the world!
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Rotarian of the Week - John Mallen![]() Years in Rotary – 5.5 Hometown – Britt, IA College – Undergrad – Wartburg; Grad – Iowa State Occupation – Regional President for Woodruff Construction in Waterloo Fave Food - Spaghetti Fave movie – The Departed Random fact about yourself – I did not fly in an airplane until I was 22 years old |
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Rotary establishes peace centerInaugural 2021 class will focus on shaping peace and development in Africa ![]() KAMPALA, Uganda (9 January 2020) — From human rights violations to the impacts of climate change, Rotary and Makerere University are offering a postgraduate certificate program to peace and development leaders who are from or who have worked in Africa to address the underlying challenges to peace in the region. The year-long program in Peacebuilding, Conflict Transformation and Development will emphasize issues and solutions that are of particular relevance throughout the African continent and beyond. Hands-on experience will complement coursework that addresses topics including human rights, governance, and the role of the media in conflict. Other studies will focus on refugees and migration, as well as resource and identity-based conflicts. |
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Rotarian of the Week - David Lee![]() Years in Rotary - 28 Hometown - Spring Valley, Minnesota College - University of Northern Iowa Occupation – Business Owner (Construction) Fave Food - Pizza (with anything except olives) Fave movie - The Majestic (with Jim Carrey) Random fact about yourself - I have lived in approximately 100 places) Favorite quote - Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go - T.S. Eliot |
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Rotarian of the Week - Marty Stoakes![]() Years in Rotary - 17 Years Hometown - Waterloo College - UNI Occupation – Real estate broker at Martin Realtors Fave Food - Steak, medium-rare with sauteed mushrooms Fave movie - Last Holiday Random fact about yourself - I am an avid racquetball player. Favorite quote - "By believing in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired." Franz Kafka |
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January 13th - Student Debt![]() Steven McCullough with the Iowa Student Loan Program to discuss how we can help our students reduce/repay debt. Steven joined Iowa Student Loan in 1989 as the director of fiscal operations, and he became chief executive officer in 1993. In his current role, McCullough is responsible for carrying out strategic plans and policies as established by the board of directors. He became a certified public accountant in 1986 and holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. Steve helped create the Corporation's responsible borrowing tools which help families plan for their higher education, figure out how to pay for it, and learn how to create good outcomes. |
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IT’S ROTARY RUSH TIME!![]() District 5970 “Rotary Rush” is on again! For the months of February and March 2020, the District is offering a significant incentive to all Rotarians who give to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. A generous Rotarian Donor has offered their points as an incentive to help Rotarians easily reach their first or multiple Paul Harris Fellow level. The Donor is offering a 1 for 1 points to dollars match if a Rotarian contributes a minimum of $100 cash toward their first or next Paul Harris Fellow level. For example, you may have accumulated $500 in contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Then, if you add $250 in cash in February or March, our Donor will match 250 points to your giving account which allows you to receive your first or multiple PHF award. The match is up to a maximum of 500 points. |
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How you can help AustraliaWe have all seen the disastrous fires that have erupted, taking lives as well as destroying hundreds of homes and properties across Australia. Rotary is once again taking the lead and looking to provide support for families in need. To this end several Rotary Districts and Clubs have established projects which are ready and able to accept donations from you. All of those projects can apply for funds from this appeal. Please donate to:
Rotary Australia World Community Service Ltd. (RAWCS) was formed to enable Australian Rotarians, Rotary Districts and Rotary Clubs to assist disadvantaged communities and individuals through humanitarian aid projects. RAWCS has a financial infrastructure system that facilitates fundraising for projects that deliver humanitarian aid and charitable support in Australia and overseas. Projects are registered through Rotary Australia Overseas Aid Fund (RAOAF), Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) incorporating Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants (RACG), Rotary Australia Relief Fund (RARF), Donations in Kind (DIK) and Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM). |
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Rotarian of the Week - Holly Johnson![]() Years in Rotary - 6 Hometown - Posen, MI (now live in Tripoli, IA) College - Lake Superior State University (BS), Central Michigan University(MSA), Iowa State University (current student) Occupation – Executive Director Institutional Advancement, Hawkeye Community College Fave Food - Sushi Fave movie - Mary Poppins Random fact about yourself - I grew up in the most Polish community in the U.S. (by percentage) Favorite quote - "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right." Hunter S. Thompson |
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January Birthdays![]() HAPPY NEW YEAR! We'll celebrate these first-birthdays-of-the-year at our January 6th meeting:
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Christmas LuncheonWe had our Annual Holiday Luncheon December 16th - and you can click here to see photos.
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December 9th Program - Youth Art Team![]() Have you ever wondered why there is a peacock painted on the side of that building off of Hwy 218 near the Sportsplex? Our guest speaker, Heidi Fuchtman is the designer behind that artistic work. The founder of The Youth Art Team, Heidi and her team developed an actual grassroots team of artists who have grown together since 2010. The mission is to encourage youth to develop their creative potential, empowering both personal and social change through art. http://youthartteam.com/team/ |
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December 2 ProgramWe received a District Foundation Grant for the work on the Rotary Shelter at George Wyth State Park. Don Meyer presented a check to our club for $3,656 and we’ll match that for our project which will begin this spring. A committee has been formed and we’re looking for additional volunteers. If interested please contact Mark Durbahn at Mark.Durbahn@aecom.com. |
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December BirthdaysIt's the first meeting of the month, so we'll honor these Rotarians with birthdays in December. The Rotary Birthday Machine will also be available for someone to check out for two weeks and check their Radon levels. Steve Volz - Dec 01 Frank Seng - Dec 02 Jim Schaefer - Dec 06 Steve Thorpe - Dec 06 Jacob Wittmayer - Dec 12 Randy Johnson - Dec 19 |
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November 18th Program - Football MVP2019 Glen "Doc" Miller Most Valuable Football Player Ray Seidel, Columbus High School ![]() Waterloo Rotarian Wade Itzen presents 2019 MVP Ray Seidel
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2019 Volleyball MVP - Avery Kroll, West HighSince 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 winner is entitled to display the trophy at her school for the next twelve months. 2019 Waterloo Rotary MVP Avery Kroll, West High School ![]() Avery is presented the travelling trophy by Barb Prather and Jaclyne Heller |
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Ramada Hotel News![]() News came recently of the completed sale of the downtown Ramada hotel to South Dakota-based Mekenda LLC. All the Ramada employees lost their jobs when the sale was completed and the building will close for business and undergo major renovations for the next 9 months. Our regular meeting venue in the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center will remain open and functioning during the hotel renovation, and the convention center staff are still employed. Click here to read a recent Courier article about the hotel project. |
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Volunteers for Thanksgiving![]() The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is looking for some strong people to help their Thanksgiving Distribution, November 25th through 27th. Volunteers are needed to help Families carry their Thanksgiving Goodies to their car. Please sign up today using this link: ![]() |
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First in the World Rotary Club for VeteransThe Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans, formed in October, aims to have veterans helping veterans. ![]() Eldon Tessman congratulated Army veteran Brittany Ritchie Sievers. |
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November Birthdays![]() Come celebrate your fellow Rotarians born in November at Monday's meeting!
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November 4th Program![]() Our own Deb Pullin-Van Auken will share a behind the scenes look at what's happening with the Rotary Foundation both at a local and national level. As a paying member of an International Organization, it is great to know what your dues are going to support! |
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World Polio Day
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October 21 program - BHC HealthBlack Hawk County Health Department Director Dr. Nafissa Cisse-Egbuonye is the public health director for Black Hawk County Health Department. She earned her doctoral degree in public health education from Texas A& M University and her Master’s in Public health from San Diego State University. Dr. Cisse-Egbuonye has worked with different organizations conducting research, implementing health promotion programs, and advocating for the vulnerable populations. Furthermore, She is person coming from a diverse background and fluent in four major languages. She is accustomed to various cultures, which is necessary when developing public health programs nationally and globally. |
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October 14 Program - Verve KombuchaThere's a new drink in town. The Cedar Valley is seeing a new business serving the latest trends of kombucha. Verve Kombucha started as a dream from Sidecar Coffee. Verve partners Alex Hottle and Andy Fuchtman brewed it for their own consumption. Fuchtman approached Hottle to expand the drink into a new business in Waterloo. Learn more here. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Nick Rossman![]() Years in Rotary - 1st Year Hometown - Dubuque, Iowa College - BA, University of Northern Iowa; MLIS, University of Wisconsin-Madison Occupation – Interim Director, Waterloo Public Library Fave Food - Probably anything with Pork Belly Fave movie - Big Lebowski Random fact about yourself - I have an absurd collection of retro video game systems and games. Favorite quote - "Humor is the affectionate communication of insight" Leo Rosten |
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October 7th Program![]() October Birthdays & President-Elect Annie will interview Assistant District Governor Phil Nash Phil is a past president and a 7 year veteran of the Waterloo Downtown Rotary Club. He is working alongside District Governor Michelle Bell to connect the local clubs in the Cedar Valley. He is the liaison between our clubs and the District Governor. Learn more about Phil, his new role, and how you can be part of the new hashtag movement...#FlatPaulHarris |
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Rotarian of the Week - Dr. Todd Holcomb![]() Years in Rotary – 10 years Hometown – Tipton IA College – Truman State University, Texas Tech University, University of Georgia Occupation – President, Hawkeye Community College Fave Food – Spaghetti and meatballs Fave movie – Patch Adams Random fact about yourself – 10-year participant in RAGBRAI Favorite quote – “To have made even one person’s life a little better, that is to succeed.” – Thoreau. |
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7-Time Paul Harris Fellow Jeff HalversonThe PAUL HARRIS Fellow is an award given to those who have given $1,000 dollars possibly over several years to our foundation or by a sponsor that has given the money in their name for extraordinary services rendered. It is one of the most prestigious awards in Rotary and thereby named after the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. Giving any sum of money to the Rotary Foundation makes you a part of the eradication of Polio, a partner in creating PEACE, a person who supports Clean Water and Sanitation where water is worth more than gold, it is measured in LIVES. It makes you someone who believes that all babies, children and moms should have good medical resources, micro-credit and equal rights. You are a person that is fighting Aids, Polio, Malaria and other diseases and doing so much more than I could ever tell you in these few short minutes. Jeff, your contribution to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is improving living conditions and providing educational opportunities for young people all over the world. A truly selfless act. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present to you, on behalf of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, this emblem of a SEVEN TIMES Paul Harris Fellow. -Foundation Chair Deborah D. Pullin-Van Auken |
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October Birthdays![]() At our meeting October 7th, we'll celebrate these Rotarians who were born in October! 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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Rotarian of the Week - Micki McCracken![]() ![]() Years in Rotary - This is my 1st year in Rotary Hometown - Waterloo, Iowa College - Upper Iowa University Occupation - Deputy Director at Tri-County Head Start Fave Food - Tacos Fave movie - Grease Random fact about yourself - I love dogs and have two that own me, an Irish Setter and a Gordon Setter, Dublin and Austin Favorite quote - " Be the change you wish to see in the world" |
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September 23 ProgramJ. Wilson is the Minister of Iowa Beer for the Iowa Brewers Guild. He serves on the Iowa Wine & Beer Promotion Board; organizes events such as the Iowa Craft Brew Festival, i-BEST technical conference, and the Drinking Pants Pageant; and testified before a United States congressional subcommittee in 2015. A certified beer judge with more than a decade of experience in and around the brewing industry, Wilson has written about beer online and in print for outlets such as CNN, Zymurgy, and All About Beer, and has authored two books on the subject. |
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Hops & Grapes - TONIGHT!![]() Hops and Grapes is TONIGHT!!! Last-minute tickets are available by emailing Barb Prather or Chuck Rowe. Also, there are still volunteer opportunities available. See this link for available spots: Hops and Grapes Volunteer Sign Up |
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September 16 Program![]() Jamie Siefken is the General Manager / Executive Vice President of Cedar Ridge Distillery. He will be presenting information about this unique business located near Swisher, Iowa. The business started with the Quint family which has farmed and distilled spirits for generations. In 2005, Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge because he believed it was time for Iowa–the number one corn-producing state in the U.S.–to share its homegrown Bourbon Whiskey with the world. Cedar Ridge was the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition. After releasing its first batch of whiskey in 2010, Cedar Ridge Distillery quickly became a nationally recognized leader in craft spirits, winning multiple awards such as American Distilling Institute’s “2017 Distiller of the Year” or “Best American Craft Whiskey” at the 2016 New York World Spirits Competition. |
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Hurricane Dorian Relief![]() With many things happening this first week of September, we find ourselves thinking about those that are seeking shelter and recovery from Hurricane Dorian. It will not be enough to just think about them, there are ways Rotarians can get involved by making donations to organizations. The Rotary Foundation provides Disaster Response Grants to the areas affected by the hurricane, which are funded through on-line donations. The quickest and easiest way to give is online on Rotary’s website at this link: https://my.rotary.org/en/ You will also find a few more organizations and Rotary Districts that are raising funds for Hurricane Dorian relief on Rotary’s website. They can be found at this link: https://www.rotary.org/en/our- Thank you for your support to help our Rotarians who are in dire need of help as they work to recover from this horrible disaster. Our prayers are with all who have been impacted by this storm. Michelle Bell 5970 District Governor |
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September Birthdays![]() Join us on the 9th to honor these Rotarians born in September:
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Sign up for Shoebox help![]() 9-3-19 UPDATE from President Mark: I found out today at lunch that Shoebox volunteers are not needed this week. The first semi-trailer truck has been packed and is all ready to go. The next semi-truck trailer has yet to arrive. We may have a last call for volunteers coming up so please pay attention to upcoming emails. Thank you to all of the Rotarians that were able to help last week and this weekend and thank you to the Rotarians that donated to the cause. Mark Previous story: The Shoebox Project is really taking form this week as HUNDREDS of filled shoeboxes will be arriving in Waterloo. Chief Shoebox Wrangler Steve Thorpe is looking for several capable hands to demonstrate "Service Above Self" and do some light lifting and carrying. Separate events have been posted to the EVENTS page on our website, and you can register yourself as well as friends, family, co-workers, etc. for short shifts that will make all the difference in the world to the people in Nicaragua. As new tasks are identified, we'll add more events to that page with brief descriptions of the tasks. This is our club's signature project and our club is known nationwide for our efforts to help distressed families in Nicaragua - be sure to lend your hands! Click this link to see the available shifts and fill the suggested number of helpers needed so Steve can focus on the logistics of getting TRUCKLOADS of love on the long road down south! |
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August 26th Program - $100 million theme parkA waterpark was only the beginning. Thanks to the Bertch family, Waterloo will soon be home to a one-of-a-kind theme park as well. After a ribbon cutting August 23rd, Eric Bertch joined us August 26th to share more of the details and highlights that led up to and will go into adding a $100 million theme park to the already amazing waterpark. ![]() The owners of Bertch Cabinet, whose prior endeavors have earned local, national and global plaudits, raised the ante by announcing their intention to build a $100 million theme park with roller coasters and other thrill rides. The park would have five “lands” and a 30-acre lake on 200 acres of farmland on Shaulis Road across the street from their nationally recognized Lost Island Waterpark and the neighboring Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. Construction could begin in August. A summer 2022 opening is planned. Learn more by clicking here. |
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Hops & Grapes BeneficiariesHouse of Hope and Boys and Girls Club were voted by Rotarians as the beneficiaries of the Hops and Grapes fundraiser! ![]() ![]() House of Hope is a 2-year transitional house for single mothers with children, as well as women aging out of foster care. House of Hope walks alongside women as they overcome barriers to independence, and provides a support system for them. Through providing individualized case management and housing, their vision is to end the cycle of homelessness for single mothers and at-risk women in the Cedar Valley. ![]() Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley has focused on providing program opportunities to nurture the youth of the community for more than 50 years. At their facilities children can trust that they: · Will find adults who will respect and listen to them · Have a safe environment to have fun and be themselves · Experience constructive activities to channel their energy into challenging pursuits As the challenges facing the young people of our communities change, their staff remains as dedicated as ever to provide them with constructive programming that will make them more responsible. Members tend to achieve better academic grades, miss fewer days of school and display more positive behavior. ![]() THANK YOU! Many of you have offered a basket, gift card, cash donation, or creative auction item to support the Hops & Grapes event. If you haven't invited your employer or favorite Cedar Valley hotspot to contribute yet, please do. You can use this letter to make it an official request. Please bring your items to Rotary on September 9th. Not going to be at the meeting? No problem, contact Annie at annie.vanderwerff@chihaiti.org or (641) 780-0993 and we can arrange an exchange! |
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August 19th Program - Better AngelsLaunched in 2016, Better Angels is a bipartisan citizen’s movement to unify our divided nation. By bringing red and blue Americans together into a working alliance, they’re building new ways to talk to one another, participate together in public life, and influence the direction of the nation. Dr. Peters is a surgeon in Coralville, the owner of Corridor Vein Center, and a member of the Iowa City Rotary. He’s also a former political candidate and now serves as the state coordinator for Better Angels. In the May issue of “The Rotarian”, there was an article titled, “Putting Civility back into Civil Discourse“, featuring Better Angels. Iowa’s “First in the Nation” status provides a great opportunity to advance the Better Angels message in leading up to the Iowa caucus. Dr. Peters believes his fellow Rotarians are particularly well suited to promote that vision, given our commitment to “The Four-Way Test”. |
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Shoebox UpdateHi all, let’s make the shoebox project a success again this year. We have a lot to do. To help us complete this project successfully, please review the list below and email one of the contacts with your pledge: Shoebox Project To Do List
![]() The "old Food Bank" is located east of downtown, at the corner of Sycamore and 11th St. Contact Information: Steve Thorpe - steve.thorpe@nm.com Liz Thorpe - lsthorpe@msn.com Dave Lee - davidlee@cfu.net |
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House of Hope Needs Your Votes**Voting is now closed, winners will be announced September 25th $25,000 Grant Opportunity for House of Hope's Boost Program Megan Kugler presented this huge opportunity at our August 12th meeting. House of Hope has been selected as one of our beneficiary organizations for Hops & Grapes, and this is a simple way to help them win some extra money from a national grant program. You can vote 10 times per email address for House of Hope to support local single mothers in the job shadow program Boost. Click the link below and cast your 10 votes from each of your email addresses! ![]() Single mother families are the fastest growing population of homeless in Iowa, 70% struggling for economic security. There are no other programs offering this unique opportunity to homeless mothers in the Cedar Valley. Boost is an 8 week internship program providing women at House of Hope with an opportunity to achieve employment earning a livable wage. Submit 10 Votes for House of Hope: State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant Opportunity |
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Waterloo Rotary 2019-2020 Directors![]() As we roll along, roll along into our new Rotary year, President Mark Durbahn is proud to announce the approved slate of officers and directors for 2019-2020. Our club would also like to extend our appreciation for the service of our outgoing board members: 2018 – 2019 Board Katelyn Tungland (President 2018-2019) Mark Durbahn (President Elect 2019-2020) Brian Aronson (Treasurer) E.J. Gallagher (Secretary) Phil Nash Jaclyne Heller Megan Kugler Steve Carignan Luke Jenson Lauren Finke Annie Vander Werff Donna Miller 2019-2020 Board (10 Members) Dave Lee 2021 E.J. Gallagher 2020 (Secretary) Adam Schaefer 2021 (Treasurer) Phil Nash 2020 (Membership Chair) Katelyn Tungland 2021 Deb Pullin-Van Aucken 2021 (Foundation Chair) Annie Vander Werff 2020 (President Elect) Megan Kugler 2020 Jaclyne Heller 2020 Heather Labonte 2021 Programs / Committees Hops and Grapes: Chuck Rowe and Barb Prather Shoe Box Project: Steve Thorpe, Liz Thorpe and Dave Lee Operation Warm: Steve Thorpe and Liz Thorpe Football Banquet: Wade Itzen Volleyball Banquet: Barb Prather and Jaclyne Heller Youth Exchange Officer: Luke Jenson Urban / Rural Luncheon: Larry Steffens, Bob Regenwether, Rick Morris Academic Honors Luncheon: Beth McCrindle Invocation Committee: Steve Schmitt Meeting Guest and Sign-In Coordinator: Norman Ussery Song Leader: Hovey Brom Pianist: Bonnie Smith-Davis Summer Picnic: Katelyn Tungland and Larry Steffens Media and Rotary Reporter: Mason Fromm Program Committee: Annie Vander Werff Birthday Recognition: Mason Fromm |
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Hops & Grapes![]() ![]() Hops & Grapes: A Celebration of American Beer, Wine, & Food
September 26th, 2019 - 6:00 pm Committee Co-Chairs: Chuck Rowe and Barb Prather Now accepting sponsors and silent auction items to benefit the Waterloo Rotary Club, House of Hope, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley |
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August 12th Program![]() Heather Marquez is a Business Coach with ActionCoach, which incorporates leadership development, customer obsession, and DISC training. After a couple of months as a retail cashier, at 16 Heather quickly found out through trial by fire there was more to being a leader than a title and a set of keys. This experience began her lifetime quest to build her leadership skills and help others develop theirs. Now, with more than 25 years of management, leadership, and training experience, Heather’s mission is to help others realize their purpose and passion through collaboration that will unlock their leadership potential. She supports business leaders by equipping them with the skills needed to increase employee engagement and build a positive company culture.
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August 5th ProgramMeg Durbahn was unable to join us and talk about her youth exchange experience in the Netherlands August 5th. We hope to re-schedule her! ![]() |
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August Birthdays![]() Join us August 5th to honor these Rotarians as they celebrate their birthday this month!
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Upcoming Programs![]() August 19 - Dr. Chris Peters & Better Angels. “Restoring Civility in Civic Discourse: Embracing our Better Angels”. |
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Family Picnic SuccessWe had a beautiful night at the Rotary Reserve for our annual picnic July 25th. Over 130 Rotarians, family, and guests enjoyed fried chicken, Marcella’s baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon and Hansen’s Ice Cream. Many thanks goes to Larry Steffens who was in charge of the cooking and Katelyn Tungland who organized the event. Also, thank you to the other volunteers that made this happen such as Henry Edsill, Marcella Ericson, Steve Finegan, Todd Wordel, Phil Nash, Dave Buck and John Beecher. It was a good night for fellowship and camaraderie. ![]() Ryker Nash looking at the prizes during meal time. |
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OFF SITE MEETING July 22ndOn Monday, July 22nd our meeting was at the Courtyard Marriott and catered by the Blue Iguana. ![]() On Monday, we had A Celebrity in our midst! His smile melted our hearts! He's a University of Iowa Stead Family Kid Captain!! Mason Gonzalez is the 8 year old son of Amy (Hallberg) and Jesus Gonzalez. When he was an infant, his parents started to notice he was not meeting his normal milestones, such as holding his head up and sitting up. Around 15 months old Mason was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Angelman Syndrome (also known as AS) is a rare nero-genetic disorder characterized by severe intellectual and developemental disability, sleep disturbance, seizures and jerky movements. Missed the meeting?...check out Miles for Mason. |
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Upcoming Programs![]() July 29th is no meeting because of the Family Picnic on the 25th. August 5th will be Rotary Business and Meg Durbahn If you have program ideas, let our new program director, Annie Vander Werff know at a meeting or send her an email. |
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July 15 Program - Pathways Behavioral ServicesJuly 15th we welcomed Felicia Carter, a Certified Prevention Specialist with Pathways Behavioral Services. She presented on prevention programs used in Community Outreach with high risk youth. |
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Family Picnic July 25th![]() SAVE THE DATE Rotary Family Picnic When: Thursday, July 25 5:30pm - social hour & kids activities 6:30pm - dinner served Where: Rotary Reserve (5932 North Union Road Cedar Falls, IA 50613) There will be inflatables for the kids, face painting, coloring contest and much more!! Food menu will be similar as the last few years: Chicken, baked beans, sweet corn, watermelon, & ice cream!! Bring your entire family for only $20.00. Please RSVP with the total number of guests: ktungland@jaeasterniowa.org Looking forward to seeing you & your families :) Past President, Katelyn Tungland Volunteers are needed to help serve at 5:30 pm and clean up at 8:00 pm. ** REMINDER ** We will NOT have a regular meeting Monday, July 29th. |
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July Birthdays![]() We'll celebrate these Rotarian birthdays at our July 15th meeting:
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July 1 Program - Beauty and the BeastNorman Usery and the Waterloo Community Playhouse cast of Beauty and the Beast joined us with our annual summer production preview July 1st. |
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June 24 Program - CybersecurityMark Oliver and Rich Eckstien from Bergan KDV presented on the “do’s and don’ts” of cybersecurity. Mark is the Sales Leader in the Cedar Valley market. He is responsible for growing the client base in the Cedar Valley area by building relationships with potential clients and working with them to help solve pain points they are experiencing in their business operations. Mark has been with the firm’s technology team for more than ten years, helping clients find solutions for their technology needs and is known by his clients and coworkers for being easy to work with and for his friendly and light-hearted demeanor. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Mark holds a degree in marketing with a focus on sales and advertising. He devotes his time to the Chamber of Commerce, serving as an Ambassador since 2008. He is also a long-time volunteer for the Boy Scouts Golf Tournament Committee. When he’s not in his office, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, cycling, golfing, landscaping and brushing up on reruns of Seinfeld.
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June 17 Program KBBG Radio![]() Deb Berry from KBBG presented the history and significance in the community of the radio station. |
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Rotary Foundation Update
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June 10 Program - OFF SITE @ WCFTAOFF-SITE MEETING: Waterloo Center For The Arts, Shoitz Room ![]() Jessica Christensen with the Cedar Bend Humane Society will have pets in need of homes as well as discussing the services that the Humane Society provide. |
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June Birthdays![]() Let's honor the Rotarians who celebrate their birthday in June!
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2019 Hops & Grapes Ballot![]() The Hops & Grapes committee has prepared the ballot for this years event - each member of our club may choose TWO organizations. Printed ballots will be distributed at our June 10th meeting, or you can review the candidate organizations and email your 2 choices to Barb Prather. |
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June 3 Program - OFF SITE @ GBPACJoin us IN CEDAR FALLS at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center June 3 for a preview of the 2019-2020 season. Fellow Rotarian Steve Carignan will be our guide. ![]() |
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Rotarian of the Week - Kingsley Botchway II![]() Years in Rotary: 4 Years Hometown: Clemson, South Carolina College: University of South Carolina Job: Chief Office of Human Resources & Equity, Waterloo Community School District Fave Food: HOTDOGS!!!! Fave Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas Fave quote: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou Fave thing about Rotary: The involvement in the community for the betterment of ALL! Something unique about you: I love to code in my spare time!! |
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Program for May 20 - Cedar Valley HospiceChris Hofeldt with Cedar Valley Hospice will be talking about their 40 years in the Cedar Valley and how they’ve grown through the years. He will also discuss the services that Cedar Valley Hospice provides the community. Chris Hofeldt graduated from UNI in 2012 with a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. Since graduation Chris has worked at several non-profit organizations in the Cedar Valley. |
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Anahi Rojas Confidently Shines this YearAnahi’s self confident, but quietly positivity shows in her bright smile today as it always does. Her plans are made and completed one at a time. One of her first goal this year was to learn to speak English confidently . When she arrived here with her first interview, her translation app was receiving a real workout and she needed a lot of assistance from her host mom. But, not now. Anahi communicates on her own with me more clearly and understandably than some American students. Over the 8 months of living in the Cedar Valley, she has had many adventures. In-between a full-time job as a student at West High School in Waterloo. But, she says... “ I can’t believe it is already only 28 days left here. So many friends and incredible places. So many friends. I will miss them all.” |
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2019-2020 District Governor Michelle Bell |
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Rotarian of the Week - Dave Holm![]() Years in Rotary – 1 (what was I thinking two decades ago?) Hometown – Cedar Falls (Waterloo last 24 years) College – Pillsbury College, Owatonna, MN Job – Director of Development, Friendship Village Fav Food – Farm eggs with Sriracha Sauce Fav Movie – Lord of the Rings – all Fave Quote – “There is a God in heaven.” (Bible – Daniel 2:28) Fave thing about Rotary – the spirit of community service Something unique – two: 1) I married Annie Oakley, 2) Started my business career as senior in high school under James Dutton in the accounting dept. at Santa Claus Industries, WL |
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News from District Governor Neil Fell
Greetings, Congratulations to the following Clubs for earning the 2018-19 Governor’s Excellence Award: Be sure to check the District's Facebook page over the next 28 days to see your Club recognized. Better yet, follow District 5970 on Facebook! Also, there is still time to earn the Governor’s Excellence Award. Here is a link to the form for completion. Thanks to all who assisted with or attended the District Conference. It was great fun and we even learned some new things and got some new ideas! Visit District 5970’s Facebook page here and click on photos to see pictures taken by District Trainer David Drewelow at the Conference.
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May 13 Program - JSA DevelopmentDavid Deeds from JSA joined us to review the great things that JSA has done with revitalizing downtown Waterloo including the new Anton's Garden and future projects that they are planning. |
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Birthday Machine Ready To GoThanks to Steve and Liz Thorpe, our club has a new easier-to-use Radon detector and YOU can take it home for a week. Simply press the reset button and set it in your basement or other area where you want to test fro Radon. After about 6 hours, it will display a short term reading, and after 24 hours, you'll see a long-term reading. If your long-term average is more than 4 pCi/L you should consider steps to reduce the Radon level to a safer level. The Iowa Radon Survey has indicated that Iowa has the largest percentage (or 71.6%) of homes above the US Environmental Protection Agency action level of 4 pCi/L. It is also designated by the US EPA as an entirely zone 1 state, which means that at least 50% of the homes are above US EPA's recommended action level. Mason will bring the new detector to the meeting today, but asks that you send him an email to RSVP your week to make more birthdays in your home! |
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May 6 Program - University Ave![]() Michelle Sweeney, Project Manager for the University Avenue project in Waterloo shared details on the phases of design and construction on this major project for the City of Waterloo. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Beth McCrindle![]() I’ve been an “official” Rotarian for less than ten years but have been active for over forty! Born in East St Louis, Illinois, I grew up south of Chicago in Park Forest. It’s amazing to me that I’ve lived in Waterloo over half my life! My undergrad was at St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. I planned on law school after that but married a lawyer instead. I was close! Ha! My MA is in public speaking from UNI after starting a curriculum endorsement at Loyola of Chicago. I love school! I’m now retired after thirty-five years as a public educator. Teaching was the right fit for me! I enjoyed every day!! I love to cook AND eat AND travel so not surprisingly I have many favorites. Always at THE top, however, is South India’s masala dosa! Not fancy—just delicious! Kevin would say that I’m addicted to the Hallmark Channel which isn’t far from the truth this past winter! Actual movies would be any version of Pride and Prejudice. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6 which encourages us not to worry about anything while turning those cares over through prayer. My favorite quote is the Arabian proverb: “All sunshine maketh the desert.” I like lots about Rotary! Especially having lunch with Kevin once a week! During his busy seasons that’s a blessing! |
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April 29th Program Husome Strong FoundationSteve Husome was our guest and presented on the Husome Strong Foundation which is committed to helping the amputee community through peer support, education, advocacy and financial assistance. |
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Nominate Hops & Grapes Non-Profit Beneficiaries![]() Hops and Grapes is going to be on September 26 from 6-9 PM at The Isle! Save the date!!!! More details to follow.
Qualifications: A 501c3 organization that is either 1. A member of the Rotary club or 2. Has a Rotarian that is a board member. Process: to nominate a non-profit (or your non-profit) please write a short description, not more than a paragraph, describing the organization and its impact. It’s like an elevator pitch for the organization. Please be concise, as we will likely have several to choose from. Deadline: please have this back to us no later than Friday, May 3rd at noon. They can be emailed to Barb Prather at bprather@northeastiowafoodbank.org or Chuck Rowe at crowe@acesiowa.com Download the nomination form here. Once we have accumulated the nominations, we will put together a survey for Rotarians to choose their 2 favorites from the list! It’s that simple! |
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April 15th Program - North Star |
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Rotarian of the Week - Rick Morris![]() Years in Rotary - 42 Hometown - Waterloo College – University of Iowa Job - Attorney Fave Food – My wife’s chicken and homemade noodles Fave Movie – The Godfather, The Equalizer, John Wick, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street Fave quote – President John F. Kennedy’s statement to the brightest minds in America at a dinner at the White House: “This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House, with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” Fave thing about Rotary - Contact with other community members interested in helping others. Something unique about you – When I was a junior in law school at the University of Iowa, I was the Iowa Law School Athletic Director. |
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April 22 - Student ScholarsOne of our largest annual meetings happened April 22 as we honored the academic achievements of the area's top students. The room was filled past capacity and we rolled out more tables to accommodate all the proud parents and supporting administrators. |
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We Can Trust The Rotary FoundationDon Meyer, District 5970 Foundation Chair Dear Rotarians, Saturday, March 30th, I and several others from our District Leadership Team attended a fundraising event held by the Cedar Falls Rotary Club. The proceeds will be used to fund a global grant to provide water wells in several Honduran villages. During the event, an eight year-old girl named Lyra Benjamin was honored for her charitable work to help people in need. To celebrate her First Communion, she chose to raise charitable funds instead of receiving personal gifts. Lyra raised nearly $1,800 to help victims of Hurricane Irma. The really impressive thing she and her family did was to research which charitable organizations she could trust to handle disbursement of the funds. What did her research tell her? Trust Rotary International! ![]() Lyra gave the funds to the Cedar Falls Rotary Club to make sure the funds made their way to the disaster fund of The Rotary Foundation. We are honored and humbled by Lyra’s story. If you are inspired by her story, you are welcome to give to Rotary’s Disaster Response Fund at rotary.org/en/donate. Thank you, Lyra, for your inspiration! |
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April 8 Program - WCF Symphony
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Rotarian of the Week - Linda LaylinYears in Rotary: I've been in Rotary for 25 years. Bernie McKinley encouraged me to join back in 1994 when we both worked for the Cedar Valley Partnership, which is now the Grow Cedar Valley. Hometown: Waterloo. I've lived half my life in Waterloo and half in Cedar Falls. College: University of Northern Iowa Job: Black Hawk County Supervisor Fave Food: Brownies (like potato chips, I never eat just one). Fave Movie: Recent favorites include Green Book, the Upside, and Cold Pursuit. Fave quote: As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to do some good." Maya Angelou Fave thing about Rotary: Networking with new and old members who want to make our Community a better place. Something unique about you: I enjoy participating in the Precieux Art Jewelers Treasure Hunts with my family. Last fall, we found 7 of the many hidden treasures. This picture is of one of our "finds" - a gold nugget. We also found two gift certificates ($50 and $100) , an opal, a red sapphire, a blue topaz, and a diamond. Thank you, Dave Cutler. |
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Member services help needed![]() If you are interested in helping out the member services desk please let Norman know. He is in need of helpers for the next several weeks. This opportunity is a great way for you to get to know you fellow Rotarians and put a face to a name! We only ask you arrive early (11:30am) and work the desk by handing out badges, greeting guests, etc until noon. Fun and easy way to get involved!!! Email Norm here: norman.ussery@wcpbhct.org |
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March 25 program - newcomer populationsMark A. Grey is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Northern Iowa. Mark has conducted research on immigrants, refugee and other newcomer populations in Iowa, the United States and internationally for more than 30 years. Mark is a widely recognized scholar on mobile populations and a highly sought-after speaker, trainer and consultant. In addition to UNI, Dr. Grey is on the teaching faculty at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and he holds an adjunct professor appointment with the U.S. Army War College. |
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March 18 Program - Allen College / Foundation Jared Seliger, President of Allen College shared recent developments at the school and described the relationship between the healthcare industry and their evolving program. |
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President's Family Gathered Monday![]() For the last three years, President Katelyn has been proud to bring her family of farmers to the Rural Urban Day Luncheon. Her Grandparents, Jim & Lovelle Pedersen, Uncle Jeff Pedersen and Dad, John Pedersen all work on the family farm south of Hudson in the Eagle Center area. Katelyn has the fondest memories of riding on both green and red tractors and tagging along in the farm truck or four wheeler with her great grandma and grandma to deliver the boys their sack lunches while spending hours in the fields during harvest time. Katelyn recognizes the hard work farmers do and feels blessed to be part of a family who never takes this life for granted. 2018 photo: ![]() 2017 photo: ![]() |
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Rotarian of the Week - Steve Schmitt![]() Years in Rotary 27, I believe Hometown Oelwein College Ellsworth JC, Drake and finally UNI Job Vice-President of Telecommunications at Advanced Systems, Inc. Fave Food Spaghetti and Meatballs Fave Movie It’s a Wonderful Life Fave quote The Charles Swindoll quote about “Attitude” Fave thing about Rotary The fellowship and relationships Something unique about you Father of six, including 27 year-old Triplets, one of which is a Nun |
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Rotarian of the Week - Kaye EnglinYears in Rotary - I've been a Rotarian for 16 years. 10 years in the Waverly Chapter, and 6 years here in Waterloo. I'm proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow. Hometown - Audubon, Iowa Job - President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Fave Food - Grilled steak and fettuccine (with a glass of wine) Fave thing about Rotary - I enjoy the fellowship with our members, and learning more about the community we all love and serve! Something unique about you - married to John, my high school sweetheart for 37 years and counting! We love traveling together and with our family! This picture is from our recent trip to the Grand Canyon. We have two adorable grandchildren, Kaylee and Jackson who live three minutes from our home! |
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District Conference Highlights |
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OFF SITE MEETING APRIL 1ST![]() April 1st: Hawkeye Community College – Rotary at the new Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center downtown. We'll celebrate April birthdays with these Rotarians:
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March 4 Program![]() Tom Eachus, Executive Director of Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health made a presentation to the Club regarding the status of mental health in Iowa as well as the mental health care deficit. |
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March Birthdays![]() Join us Monday to wish these Rotarians a happy birthday!
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Rotarian of the Week - Kevin Sonnenberg![]() Years in Rotary 24 yrs. (counting Crossroads Rotary Club) Hometown Montrose, Iowa College UNI Job Commercial Loan Officer (BankIowa) Fave Food Toasted Ravioli (St. Louis style) and spaghetti Fave Movie Saving Private Ryan Fave quote “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” ~ Rogers Hornsby Fave thing about Rotary Fellow Rotarians, the surprise of what’s for lunch and the great programs each week. Something unique about you I’ve been to 12 Jimmy Buffett concerts. |
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February 18th Program - Skate Park & PickleballPaul Huting Waterloo Leisure Services Director will share updates from Waterloo Leisure Services as well as present details about two projects in their pipeline: pickleball courts and the Riverside Skate Park. Both projects are near Riverfront Stadium and are candidates for our club to support financially this year. Waterloo's skate park was first opened in 2002, but the floods of 2008 and 2016 damaged the ramps and the park has been technically closed for almost 3 years. FEMA originally planned to help but major hurricanes in 2017 redirected funding. ![]() Waterloo Leisure Services has hired a California company, Spohn Ranch, to develop plans for a new all-concrete skate park. On January 30th, a design workshop brought skaters and city officials together to discuss and vote on specific features for the new park. The results and photos of that workshop can be seen on the group's Facebook page. ![]() Somewhat related to the skate park project - the existing concrete slab under the damaged ramps is still in good condition and can be transformed into pickleball courts. If you've heard of pickleball but aren't familiar with how to play, it's basically a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, and Leisure Services Recreation Manager Mark Gallagher says three pickleball courts could easily fit on the current skate park concrete pad. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Deb Pullin-VanAuken![]() Years in Rotary – My current official initiation date is January 18, 1994 when I joined the Rotary Club of Iowa City A.M., However, I was a Rotarian with the Waterloo Downtown Club for a few years before I moved to Iowa City. At that time, there was not a transfer system in place so there was a six-month period when I was not a Rotary member. Hometown – Waterloo, Iowa College – Iowa State University – GO CYCLONES! Job – Wealth Management Banker, U.S. Bank, Waterloo Fave Food – Anything chocolate Fave Movie – I have many favorites … I typically go for something entertaining or fun … but that being said, I do love the Harry Potter series having gotten hooked on the books when I read the first in the series with an Iowa City elementary student I journaled through Rotary with when the book first came out in the U.S. Fave Quote – I used to collect quotes (before computers and Pinterest), so it is hard to select just one … but one that always sorts itself to the top is “The Shepherd’s Prayer” that my mom posted by her desk in college to remind her of her late father: “Heaven won’t be so lonely if what I hope is true, if a little lamb of God is there or come old friendly ewe. In those celestial pastures beside still waters deep, my the eternal future find me with a little bunch of sheep.” Fave Thing About Rotary – I actually have two favorites … first, I love being able to help people locally and across the globe through the many Rotary initiatives … and second, I really enjoy the social aspects provided not only through involvement in the local club but also through the many friendships I developed by being involved at the district level when I was in Iowa City. Something Unique About Me – I spend most of my vacation time helping my family exhibit our purebred, registered Hampshire sheep at three state fairs in the summer and our national show at the North American International Livestock Exposition in the fall. My husband and I recently relocated to the area to help my parents, including assisting them with the sheep operation. Right now is lambing season (approximately January–April) so we are very busy with all the new additions and trying to keep everyone warm and healthy! |
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February 11 Program - Red Tail AthleticsHawkeye Community College Athletic Director of Red Tail Athletics, Dave Ball joined us to talk about the athletic programming at Hawkeye Community College. ![]() |
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Rotarian of the Week - Laura Kurtz![]() Years in Rotary: 5 Hometown: Waterloo College: UNI for my undergraduate, Iowa for my dental degree Job: Dentist at Edwards Smith Family Dentistry Fave Food: OP Pizza - usually taco :) Fave movie: I love a good romantic comedy... When Harry Met Sally, 10 Things I Hate About You, 27 Dresses, Never Been Kissed... Fave quote: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Fave thing about Rotary: I love being a part of a group of people that believes in the value of service and giving back to the community. Something unique about you: My husband & I love country line dancing! |
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February 4th Program - George Wyth State ParkLori Eberhard, George Wyth Park Manager talked about the many programs George Wyth State Park has to offer, the soft trails community collaboration and touch on the many activities around the Rotary Shelter. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Henry Edsill![]() Years in Rotary: 13 Hometown: Waterloo College: University of Iowa undergrad, Drake for law school Job: Attorney with McCrindle Law Office Favorite Food: Steak & Fries Favorite Movie: “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” Favorite Quotes: “No matter how far down the wrong road you have travelled, turn back.”—Turkish proverb; and “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”—Margaret Thatcher. Favorite Thing About Rotary: Camaraderie in doing good stuff for others. Something Unique About Me: Fascinated by the craft of live theatre and how a show is put on stage—all the things that go into creating what the audience sees. |
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February Birthdays![]() Look at this fine list of Rotarians who celebrate another trip around the sun this month! We'll honor them with desserts February 4th. Mallen, John - Feb 01 Bellinger, Lori - Feb 08 Hayes, Julie - Feb 09 Krogh, Bob - Feb 18 Ritland, Craig - Feb 20 Sinnott, Steven - Feb 21 |
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2019 Service Project Update![]() Through excellent club finance management practices, our club is in a position to support a local project and possibly tap into a district matching grant. The board has narrowed down a list of projects and we'll hear about them during our February meetings. George Wyth projects - Feb 4th Waterloo Pickle Ball Court - Feb 18th Riverside Skate Park - Feb 18th Allen/Mental Heath Center landscaping project - Feb 25th After the presentations, the board will send out a SurveyMonkey for our members to vote on the preferred project. |
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January 28 Program - CANCELED![]() Brent Dahlstrom was scheduled to join us January 28th, but we will work to have him back another date. He will share the many projects that Echo Development is working on in downtown Waterloo such as the Art Block Project, Masonic Temple, and the Public Market / Kombucha Tea project. There are already several completed Echo projects in the Cedar Valley, including Grand Crossing and River Trail Development. |
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January 21 ProgramKegan Bakken, General Manager of SingleSpeed joined us to share the many exciting activities at SingleSpeed. He shared the exciting growth of the craft beer industry, how SingleSpeed compares to other craft beer company’s in Iowa and new opportunities for SingleSpeed. |
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This Week's Rotarian Dr. John Berry![]() Years in Rotary – Three years in Rotary Hometown- Brooklyn, New York College- Southern University Job- CEO & Executive Director Tri-County Child & Family Development Council Inc. Fave Food- Pork Chops Fave Movie-Charge of the Light Brigade Fave quote- Adversity does not build character, it reveals it. Fave thing about Rotary- Relationships-building Something unique about you-I am a GED New York City graduate |
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January 14 Program![]() We'll honor Paul Harris Fellows and collect ideas for a service project our club can facilitate this year. Bring your ideas for projects that will enhance the quality of life in the Cedar Valley and could use a boost from 100+ community leaders. |
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2 Rotarians Profiled for 20 Under 40![]() Since being announced in September, fellow Rotarians Heather Labonte and Megan Kugler have been profiled in the Courier's annual 20 Under 40 series. We are proud to have these community leaders in our club, and they join a long list of previous Rotarians honored over the past 17 years. Click the photos below to read each profile: |
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January 7th ProgramClinical Medical Director Dr. Adam Roise and Dr. Jim Hoehns, a Clinical Pharmacist and Research Director joined us to discuss some of the services that Northeast Iowa Family Practice provides the community and some of the unique research projects that Northeast Iowa Family Practice participates in. Dr. Hoehns earned his B.S.Ph and Pharm.D. degree from the University of Iowa in 1992 and 1994, respectively. He then completed a specialty pharmacy residency in Family Medicine in 1995 at the University of Iowa Family Practice Center. He has been a clinical pharmacy faculty member of the Northeast Iowa Family Medicine Residency Program since 1995. He also is the Division Head for Applied Clinical Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and is a Clinical Associate Professor. He is the Program Director for a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at NEIMEF and has been the Research Director at NEIMEF since 2004. |
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District Foundation NewsDear Rotarians: Happy New Year to everyone! We’ve had some exciting things happening in District 5970 over the holidays, and we have lots of excitement coming up in the second half of our Rotary year:
Thank you to each one of you for the service you’ve given to The Rotary Foundation in the first half of our year through your completion of grant projects, financial support of the Foundation, and promotion of the good work the Foundation is doing. Let’s keep it going in the second half! ![]() Don Meyer District Foundation Chair |
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This Week's Rotarian Nick Hildebrandt![]() Years in Rotary: Almost 9 years Hometown : Tripoli, IA College: Iowa State University – Bachelor of Architecture 2002 Job: Principal Architect/Owner – Emergent Architecture Fave Food: Scallops and Chicken Chipotle Fave Movie: CaddyShack, Star Wars - All Fave quote: work smarter not harder Fave thing about Rotary: the camaraderie Something unique about you: I enjoy playing guitar and singing in our band at church. I have three amazing daughters and an awesome wife. |
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January Birthdays![]() Join us January 7th to celebrate with Rotarians who start every year with a birthday! Kevin McCrindle, Jan 06 Niki Litzel, Jan 07 Bonnie Smith-Davis, Jan 17 Henry Edsill, Jan 21 |
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Holiday LuncheonDecember 17th - Jason Behrens (East High Director of Choirs) and Luke Overton (West High Director of Choirs) brought a mix of traditional and contemporary Holiday music to Rotary last Monday. The two directors showcased select choirs to sing during the Holiday luncheon and shared the many exciting things that are happening in both programs. Just a reminder, if you would like to support West High Choir, there is a can drive the second Saturday of each month in the West High Parking lot. ![]() ![]() |
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December 10th ProgramKeegan Birkicht shared a program that highlights the great things Retrieving Freedom is doing with assistance / service dogs for veterans, individuals with diabetes or children living with autism. |
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This week's Rotarian Chris Hurley
Years in Rotary: 10 Hometown: Waterloo College: University of Iowa Job: Mortgage lender at Dupaco Community Credit Union Fave Food: My own stir fry Fave Movie: Amadeus Fave quote: “I’ll always be a Hawk” – Hayden Fry Fave thing about Rotary:The ability to make a positive difference in our community with like-minded friends Something unique about you: I lived & worked in Edinburgh, Scotland for a summer |
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December 3 Program: Home-StartEd Dams and fellow Rotarian Marty Stoakes presented information on Home-Start which is a coordinated program between Veteran Affairs and The Church Row Neighborhood to completely remodel a home in the neighborhood and make it available to a deserving, caring veteran family at an affordable price. Ed Dams is a community volunteer, and a retired Realtor/Developer. He is also a past president of the Northeast Iowa Board of Realtors. ![]() |
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This Week's Rotarian - Vicki Mueller![]() Years in Rotary – Less than one year (Joined May 2018) Hometown – Dumont, Iowa College- Wartburg for Undergraduate/Graduate work at UNI Job – Pathways Behavioral Services- Prevention Supervisor/Provider Services Coordinator Fave Food- Anything Italian, but I love pizza! Fave Movie- This time of year it is definitely “It’s a Wonderful Life” Fave quote- Right now my favorite quote is this Chinese Proverb that reads: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Fave thing about Rotary- I love all the people I am meeting and the passion they show for helping others. Something unique about you- I enjoy reading, especially science fiction books. |
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November 26 Program - Waterloo Career CenterHoused in the north end of Central Middle School, the Waterloo Career Center currently offers two career and technical education programs, but will be expanding to include ten additional career pathways over the next three years. Currently, high school students can take nursing or digital graphics at the center for part of their day. More pathways will be added: advanced manufacturing, early childhood education, and information technology. Ten more programs will follow and all pathways will be open to students by Fall 2020, as the district plans to permanently house the Waterloo Career Center at Central Middle School. Jeff Frost is the executive director of professional education for Waterloo Community Schools and will oversee the expansion of the Waterloo Career Center. Frost, of Gilbertville, was director of teaching and learning at Linn-Mar Community Schools, and was an assistant principal and athletic director at West High School from 2001 to 2010. |
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This week's Rotarian...Niki Litzel
Hometown – Charles City College – Iowa State University Job – Grout Museum District Director of Development Fave Food - Brownies Fave Movie – Wizard of Oz Fave quote – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.Maya Angelou Fave thing about Rotary – The People Something unique about you – I have a sister who was born on my 3rd birthday.
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November 19 Football LuncheonCongratulations to the 2018 Glenn "Doc" Miller MVP Donald Patnode, Columbus High School |
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5 reasons to give to Rotary on Giving TuesdayYou have many choices where you donate this Giving Tuesday, 27 November. Why should Rotary be your charity of choice? Here are five reasons to give to Rotary. 1. AccountabilityOur accountability and transparency have earned The Rotary Foundation 11 straight years of four-star ratings — the highest possible — from independent evaluator Charity Navigator. Ninety-one percent of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs. No high administrative costs dilute your gift. 2. ImpactWe partner with other organizations to increase our impact and make your donations work even harder. When you give to PolioPlus, for example, you have the satisfaction of knowing that every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to this partnership, all donations to end polio (up to $50 million per year) are tripled, providing critical funding toward creating a polio-free world. 3. A record of successRotary unites leaders who have the skills and resources to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems and deliver sustainable, long-lasting results. For decades, Rotary has been a leader in the battle against polio and has caused cases to plummet from 350,000 in 1988 to only a handful this year. Rotary members have also achieved notable results in other areas, like eradicating Guinea worm disease in Ghana. 4. Global reachOur 1.2 million members span the globe, uniting people who have a common desire to serve others. From teaching children to read in Ecuador to a microcredit program in Indonesia, Rotary members identify local problems and use Rotary’s vast network and the resources of The Rotary Foundation to take action in their communities. 5. Bringing about peaceEach year, the Rotary Peace Centers train some of the world’s most dedicated professionals to resolve conflicts and promote national and international cooperation. Rotary Peace Fellows study in a two-year master’s degree program or a three-month professional certificate program at Rotary’s partner universities. Rotary members themselves also address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. |
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November 12th - Volleyball Luncheon2018 Waterloo Rotary MVP Kate Shannon, Columbus High School ![]() The MVP travelling trophy will be on display at Columbus until next November. Congratulations to all the seniors and thank you parents and administrators for supporting these athletes. Our guest speaker was Olivia Schmitt, reporter for KWWL TV 7. ![]() |
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Congratulations are in order![]() Two of our recent guests were elected this week to represent us. Dave Williams Joined us October 15th and on Tuesday, he was elected to represent District 60 in the Iowa House. Then, the day before the election, Abby Finkenauer shared a slice of her very busy day to join us and field questions on her views. She went on to win 50.9% of votes in Iowa's 1st district, which made her the second youngest woman ever elected to Congress. Congratulations to both of these Iowans who have answered the call to serve their communities. |
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End of the Year Birthday Double Header![]() With a very busy November program schedule, we'll honor November birthdays and December birthdays together December 3rd. You will be allowed to have a double dessert. Hovey Brom, Nov 05 Jay Crisp, Nov 06 David Allbaugh, Nov 08 Luke Jenson, Nov 08 Donna Miller, Nov 12 Tavis Hall, Nov 16 Steve Volz, Dec 01 Frank Seng, Dec 02 Jim Schaefer, Dec 6 Steve Thorpe, Dec 06 Jacob Wittmayer, Dec 12 Randy Johnson, Dec 19 John Dodge, Dec 20 |
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This week's Rotarian is E.J. Gallagher
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Great News for 2019-20 District Grants!
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REMEMBER NOVEMBER! That’s our slogan for this month.![]() November is Rotary Foundation Month and we hope you’ve made plans in your club to promote the good work of the Foundation and to implement your fundraising plan to support that good work. We just celebrated World Polio Day. Our challenge is before us. Let’s keep our “Countdown To History” going and end polio now. Thank you for your gifts to the PolioPlus Fund. It remains the Foundation’s top priority! Thank you also for your gifts to the Annual Fund of the Foundation. They promote peace, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and fight disease. These gifts are transformed into service projects that change lives close to home and around the world. |
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Rotarian of the Week - Luke Jenson![]() Years in Rotary: 5 Hometown: Waterloo, Iowa College: Univ. of Northern Iowa; Univ. of Iowa College of Law Job: Attorney at Swisher & Cohrt, PLC Fave Food: Ziti al Forno from The Sopranos Family Cookbook Fave Movie: The Godfather Part II Fave Quote: “We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding.” Honorable mentions to the final sentence of the Gettysburg Address and Justice Robert Jackson’s first three sentences in his opening remarks at the Nuremburg Trials. Fave thing about Rotary: Rotary Youth Exchange |
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October 22 Program DG Neil Fell |
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World Polio Day October 24We're getting ready for the 6th annual World Polio Day event in Philadelphia, PA, USA. We will be streaming live from the College of Physicians at 18:30 Philadelphia time, and aim to bring together more than 100,000 viewers around the world. Watch the video above, featuring global health experts and celebrities sharing our progress on the road to polio eradication. Learn more at http://endpolio.org |
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Rotarian of the Week - Steve Carignan
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October 15 Program - Iowa House Candidates![]() Join us as these two neighbors square off in the second of their four debates planned during the election season. Please come early as we plan to start promptly at 12:00 to insure we have sufficient time to ask questions and allow candidate remarks. There is still time to submit questions to Mark and Katelyn to the below email addresses: |
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October 8 Program - Chuck Long![]() Chuck Long is coming so look forward to a great program with Chuck discussing the resurgence of Iowa Hawkeye Football. He will share some stories about his time as a player and coach in college and the NFL, finishing runner-up for the Heisman, taking snaps in a record five bowl games and being selected the No. 12 overall pick in the ’86 NFL Draft. He will have books for sale for those who would like one signed and autographed; he’ll also be pleased to join in for photos. |
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District Governor Message![]() Dear District 5970 Rotarians: As District Governor, it is my duty, along with District Volunteers, to support clubs and help them grow. Growth may be increasing community support, recruiting new members, increasing donations to the Foundation or End Polio Now. Any time we become more engaged in Rotary and deepen our commitment, we grow. District Executive Secretary Suellen Kolbet is available to your club anytime you need information or have questions about Rotary. She can be reached at des@district5970.org. Another great resource is our district website www.District5970.org. On the site you will find contact information for your Assistant District Governor and Team Leaders. All of us are here to support you, so do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the team. -- Upcoming Events: One Rotary Summit-October 9th Mason City, Iowa One Rotary Summit-October 24th-Marion, Iowa North Central President Elect Training (NCPETS)-March 14th-March 16th-Ames, Iowa. District Conference-a guaranteed good time-Friday April 26 to April 27, 2019, Clear Lake, Iowa. Rotary International Conference-Hamburg Germany. June 5-9, 2019 Neil W. Fell District Governor |
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October Birthdays![]() These 15 Rotarians will be celebrating this month: Lind, Mike - Oct 04 Heaton, Bob - Oct 07 Hurley, Chris - Oct 08 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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Operation Warm Order DeadlineAs the temperature drops and we quickly embrace this Fall weather please be thinking of our community and those kids who may need a warm coat this season. ![]() Operation Warm coats need to be purchased by Friday, October 5 so if you could get in your donation this week it would be much appreciated. We can only order as many coats as dollars we have so please be generous. Checks can be made out and sent to: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Memo: Operation Warm 3117 Greenhill Circle Cedar Falls, IA 50613 You may also bring the check or cash to the Rotary meeting on Monday. Steve will be there to collect the money so he can order the coats on Friday. Thank you for your continued support in Operation Warm and your service to the Rotary Club of Waterloo! Enjoy the weekend! Your President, Katelyn Tungland |
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October 1 Program: SCOREFor over 50 years SCORE has provided free, confidential, face-to-face mentoring to help entrepreneurs start, grow and fix their small business. Every year, SCORE East Central Iowa volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE ECI is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community. |
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Anahi Experienced ChicagoRotary exchange student Anahi Rojas and her host family travelled to Chicago over Labor Day Weekend. The trip for the Ritter family included seeing son James, visiting Brookfield Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennial Park and other downtown sights in Chicago. Plans are to return at end of October. Lots of fun had by all. Pictured are Anahi, Alayna Ritter- her host sister, her host dad Curt, host mom Mary Donegan-Ritter, and brother James Ritter |
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Steve Thorpe Surgery UpdateSteve had open heart surgery on Friday, September 21 at Mayo. His surgery went well and he is recovering nicely at home - Liz is surely taking good care of him! ![]() This is the plant that was bought for Steve by our Rotary Club. We hope it will comfort Steve and remind him how much our club is grateful for his service to our community and beyond. If you'd like to send your well wishes to Steve you may send it to his home directly at the address below: Steve Thorpe 1943 260th St Denver, IA 50622 |
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Sept 24 Program - Grout MuseumWe had a great program on Monday with a presentation on Collections and Exhibits by Nicholas Erickson, Erin Dawson and Catreva Manning. One of the new exhibits includes Sulkies to Speedways: The Need for Speed in the Cedar Valley. The exhibit explores some of the most popular racing styles and venues in the Cedar Valley from the past 125 years. ![]() |
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September Birthdays![]() 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 Richter, Bari - Sep 16 Steffens, Larry - Sep 23 Hildebrandt, Nick - Sep 24 Schaefer, Adam - Sep 24 Halverson, Jeff - Sep 28 |
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This week's Rotarian, Norman Ussery![]() Years in Rotary: 3 in Arlington TX and 3 here Hometown: Christiansted, St. Croix US Virgin Islands College: Duke University Job: Executive Director - Waterloo Community Playhouse Fave Food: Anything Italian! Fave Movie: Chicago Fave quote: Insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. Fave thing about Rotary: The fellowship that allows us to have a greater effect by working together in our community. |
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Another Future RotarianCongratulations to Past President Lauren and the Finke Family of 6!! Gemma Anne Finke September 14 at 5:53pm 8lbs 1.8oz, 20.5in ![]() |
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Part 2: Buenos Dias, Anahi Rojas![]() Anahi dearly loves and misses her family and friends, but has always wanted to be an exchange student from the time she started meeting them and learning about the process. She told how beautiful our country is, how like Paraguay Iowa is in many ways, and told of the differences between the cultural landscapes. For instance, she added how the students in Paraguay are not allowed cellphones and headphones at school, much less in class. She will be getting used to indoor heating in buildings. None is needed in Paraguay, although air-conditioning sure is needed. |
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Sept 17 Program - Mark Nook![]() Join us Monday, back at the 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, to welcome UNI President Mark Nook. He 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. President Nook and his wife, Cheryl, reside in the UNI President's House. They have three adult children, two granddaughters and two grandsons. |
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Help Operation Warm Get $50K!It’s National Child Awareness Month, and Operation Warm is celebrating with this video submitted to the 2018 NCAM Challenge. The top ten most watched videos have the opportunity to win up to $50,000 in grants. You can help Operation Warm keep more children warm this winter! Warmly, Lee Fulton Director, Strategy |
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Part 1: Buenos Dias, Anahi RojasPart 1: With a heart as courageous as her love of life, Anahi is our new Downtown Rotary Club’s Exchange student from Paraguay. ![]() She sat quietly beside me with her host mom Mary Donegan-Ritter and their family dog Sawyer on their beautiful outside porch. The rest of the family wasn’t home yet including host sister Alayna, a junior, out for cross country at West. Her host dad Curt wasn’t home yet either. With a beautiful smile, Anahi focused right on me and answered questions clearly and completely as much as possible. Her caring host mom watched her carefully, listening and helping her only as needed as Anahi constructed her phrases and searched for ways to express deep feelings important to her. |
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20 Under 40![]() We are proud that two of our own Rotarians have been named to the 20 under 40 this year! Congrats, Heather Labonte and Megan Kugler! ![]() ![]() |
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MISSING SHOEBOXES![]() This is an ALL-POINTS-BULLETIN: our shoebox commander is searching for shoeboxes that were checked out by Rotarians in our club but HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED. Every shoebox is paired with an individual student in Nicaragua so if you are holding onto a shoebox, that child will be empty-handed when our team arrives to distribute in November. It is IMPERATIVE that you return the shoeboxes you checked out - preferably filled with all the age and gender-appropriate items on the list. Bring your shoeboxes to Monday's meeting as the trucks will be loaded and depart next week! |
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OFF SITE MEETING SEPT 10We will NOT meet at the Sullivan Brothers Convention Center Monday - our talents will be called to the old Food Bank location to help tie a ribbon on this year's shoebox project. Steve Thorpe reports volunteers have done amazing work the last several days and the project is on track to ship on time. A big final push from our club is scheduled for Monday beginning at 10am. Jimmy Johns will be delivered about noon (for those that RSVP'd with Mark earlier this week) and Rotarians are encouraged to come see the final stages of the packing process. |
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August 27th ProgramCongressman Rod Blum joined us for an update from Capitol Hill as well as discussion from the upcoming campaign. You can see his comments on our Facebook Live stream recorded at our meeting. |
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This week's Rotarian, Mark Durbahn!This week's Rotarian, President-Elect, Mark Durbahn! ![]() Years in Rotary: 10 Favorite Thing about Rotary: Youth Sponsored Activities Hometown: Stewartville, Minnesota College: Iowa State University and UNI Occupation: Project Manager for AECOM (Brice Petrides) Favorite Foods: Something Different, Something Healthy Favorite Movie: It's a Wonderful Life Random Fact About You: I have an I-State wrestling season ticket. Favorite Quote: "This Above All: To thine own self be true," |
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Another $96.5 million to end polioEVANSTON, Ill. (August 15, 2018) — Rotary International announced nearly $100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year. The announcement comes as Nigeria marks two years without any reported cases of wild poliovirus, following four reported cases in 2016. “The fact that no new cases of wild poliovirus have been detected in Nigeria points to the improved surveillance and rapid response protocols Rotary and its Global Polio Eradication Initiativepartners have established, particularly in insecure and inaccessible areas,” said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “While this progress is promising, it’s time to redouble our efforts so we can continue to maintain the political and financial support necessary to end polio for good.” |