Cedar Rapids West Rotary

 
   This will be our last newsletter of the year. We'll resume the first week of 2026 with our first meeting on January 7.
    Enjoy a safe and festive holiday season with family and friends!
 
 
   Service above self, 
 
    Mike 
 
This week: A Very Van Buren Christmas
Greeter: Penny Olson Cashier: Dana Nichols
Our connection with the students and staff at Van Buren Elementary School continues to grow with their annual holiday concert. We hope to hear from the principal on the impact our fundraising efforts have had on the Van Buren Community.
 
Van Buren Elementary
Next Meeting - January 7 Doug Alberhasky
Greeter: Pete Eddington Cashier: Tom VanderVaart 

The Death of a Brewer is an upcoming historical film set in 1880s Iowa City, based on Steve Sherman's book Beer Money, depicting violent conflicts between immigrant brewers and temperance movements before national Prohibition. The movie stars Jefferson White, Crispin Glover, and Mena Suvari, with a planned 2026 release after filming in Iowa and Illinois. It's described as an "Iowa Gangs of New York", bringing forgotten local history, including the famous Iowa City Beer Riots, to the big screen. 

As a third-generation owner of Iowa City's historic John's Grocery, Doug Alberhasky is a driving force behind the film
Death of a Brewer Facebook page
Last week: Al O'Bannon and Ruth White
Greeter: Steve Bowman Cashier: Rochelle Naylor
We made two check presentations last week to groups supported by our Big Drop fundraiser. Ruth White and Al O'Bannon also described how recent budget cuts have affected their organizations.
 
Ruth is the founder of the Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success which promotes academic achievement and cultural awareness among African American youth.
 
O'Bannon is the executive director of the LBA Foundation which mentors young men through leadership and personal development.
Leaders Believers Achievers Foundation
Save the date for this Metro Area Rotary event. More info coming next month. 
 
Schedule for the rest of the year:
 
December 17: Van Buren students - Tentative 
Greeter: Penny Olson Cashier: Dana Nichols
 
December 24: No meeting
 
December 31: No meeting 
 
January 7: Doug Alberhasky, Death of a Brewer 
Greeter: Pete Eddington Cashier: Tom VanderVaart 
 
January 8: First week social event; location TBD 
 
January 14: TBD
 
January 21: TBD  
 
January 28: Service event at HACAP Food Reservoir 1515 Hawkeye Drive in Hiawatha. 
 
 
Can't make the meeting in person? Click here to join us on Zoom. Please tell us if you use this option as we evaluate what to do with our Zoom subscription. 
 
Are you up to date on your dues? Be on the lookout for dues statements from treasurer Matt Teply.