Cedar Rapids West Rotary 
   UPDATED to correct Greeter and Cashier for this week.     
 
   Don't forget to get into your ClubRunner profile and update your information so we have an up-to-date club directory. More info below. 
    Make a note of the slight service event time and date change so you can join us at 5 p.m. at Anderson Bogert on June 30 to sort the hundreds and hundreds of balls for the Big Drop.      
 
 
    Service above self,
 
    Mike 
This Week: Cultivating Places of Belonging, Evelyn Carter, author 
Greeter: Cecelia Rokusek Cashier: Penny Olson 
 
In an era marked by rapid change and increasing diversity, the need to belong has never been more crucial. And yet, perhaps because of that rapid change and increasing diversity, the goal of creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and truly connected can feel like an insurmountable task.
 
Author Evelyn Carter will join us to discuss "Cultivating Places of Belonging" weaving together research, storytelling, and practical strategies to fostering inclusive spaces in both personal and professional settings. Her presentation will equip you with the tools to create meaningful, lasting connections in your environment, and inspire you to champion belonging in your own sphere of influence.
Next Week: June 17: Cedar Rapids Reading Programs, Meredith
Ash
Greeter: Chuck Kudej  Cashier: Chris Carr 
 
Community Engagement Librarian Meredith Ash will join us to talk about the reading programs for youth and adults at the Cedar Rapids Public Libraries. 
 
You can learn more about the library's various reading challenges 
 
Last Week: June 3: Jana Bodensteiner, World Traveler
Greeter: Jeff Kaiden Cashier: John Zakrasek
 
Our very own Jana Bodensteiner took us on an amazing journey as she shared stories from her solo travelling adventures. It was not only a great opportunity to get to know Jana a little better, but it was also a great reminder to start filling up all of those empty pages in your passport!
 
Jana is the Chief Development Officer for Mathew 25. She's worked in membership and marketing for the American Bar Association and in research and membership development at Rotary International. 
Please take a few minutes this week to update your bio in ClubRunner and maybe add a photo of your amazing self too! This will help someone match a face to a name after club activities. Make sure to doublecheck your address too as Rotary uses this to reach you by USPS.  
 
How to login to ClubRunner: ClubRunner is the program we use to communicate with club members, manage our web site, and take care of other club business. While it is integrated into a lot of Rotary business, it is separate from your profile through Rotary International where you can donate for a Paul Harris Award, etc.
 
Logins for ClubRunner are some version of “firstnamelastname.11585” or “firstname.lastname.11585” If you can’t remember which one or if neither works, there are a “forgot username” and “forgot password” links. Rotary International logins tend to be the email Rotary info is emailed to, such as newsletters and meal info. They also have a “help” link if you get stuck.
 
If you are stranded in cyber limbo, you can also contact Dennis Green. 
2026 Schedule 
 
June 10: Author Evelyn R. Carter, Cultivating P{laces of Belonging
Greeter: Cecelia Rokusek Cashier: Penny Olson 
 
June 17:  Cedar Rapids Reading Programs, Meredith Ash
Greeter: Chuck Kudej  Cashier: Chris Carr 
 
June 30: June Service Event - Big Drop Ball Sort, Anderson Bogert, 4050 River Center Ct NE, Cedar Rapids. We'll start at 5 p.m. 
 
July 1: Freedom Festival, Brittany Barnhart
Greeter:  Pete Eddington    Cashier:  Tom VanderVaart
 
July 2: First Thursday 
 
July 7: Rotary Board Meeting
 
July 8: Medical Lending Closet, Susie Olson
Greeter:  Paul Kilburg  Cashier:  Bruce Hamous 
 
July 15: Kirkwood Community College, Allison Robinson
Greeter:  Justin Kress   Cashier: Dave Kutter
 
July 22: July Service Event 
 
July 29 - Fifth Wednesday 
 
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.