Cedar Rapids West Rotary 
    We have a great service event planned for this week and there's still plenty of time to sign up and join us.
    Janette is also working on an exciting program to welcome new members for our Fifth Wednesday meeting at the NCSM&L. More details below.      
 
    Service above self,
 
    Mike 
This week: April Service Event - April 22 from Noon to 1 p.m. Days for Girls, 6455 E Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
 
Days for Girls is an international organization that works to increase access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating Social Enterprises, mobilizing volunteers and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigma and limitations for women and girls. We've supported this group in the past and this is a rewarding way to spend your lunch hour. 
 
Next Week: Fifth Wednesday - New Member Program Greeter: Pete Eddington  Cashier: Betsey Kutter 
 
We are going to host a special prospective member event at Rotary. We'll meet at noon at the Czech Museum like normal.  However, we'll have pizza and homemade desserts for our meal!  Our program will be a review of our club with various members sharing about our service activities, our support of education in our community, etc.  
 
Here's how you can help: 
 
1) please attend this meeting.  We need strong attendance this day to welcome our prospective guests. 
2) please invite prospective members!  
3) let Janette know if you would like to bring a dessert to share
4) let Janette know if you plan to eat pizza so I'll know how much to order. 
 
Please take a moment and think of someone you can invite to Rotary - a friend, neighbor, business associate, etc.  Contact Janette if you are struggling with needing verbiage to put in a text or email. 
 
You can reach Janette by email at jsfiedler@gmail.com. 
 
Last Week: Stephanie Hartson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa 
Greeter: Bruce Hamous  Cashier: Justin Kress
 
Stephanie Hartson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa told us about the various Big Brothers Big Sisters programs and the need for more "Bigs." With more than 130 kids on the waiting list there is definitely as need that needs to be filled. 
 
BBBS is helping young people succeed in school, build confidence, and avoid risky behaviors—while also outlining meaningful ways Rotarians can get involved through both volunteerism and financial support.
 
Here's a link for the upcoming Big Magic Breakfast, a signature event celebrating the power of mentorship and community investment.
2026 Schedule 
 
April 22: April Service Event - Days for Girls, Noon-1 p.m. Click the link above to let us know you're coming.  
 
April 29 - Fifth Wednesday, Bring a new member event 
 
May 5: May Rotary Board Meeting, Zoom 
 
May 6: Teacher's Store, Lacey Becker 
             Big Drop Meeting following main meeting 
Greeter: Dana Nichols  Cashier: Matt Brandt
 
May 7: May First Thursday social gathering 
 
May 13: TBD 
Greeter: Rochelle Naylor Cashier: David Chadima
 
May 20: Kirkwood Scholarships, Bruce Hamous 
Greeter: Keith Collins  Cashier: Steve Bowman
 
May 27: May Service Event, TBD 
 
June 2: June Rotary Board Meeting 
 
June 3: TBD 
Greeter: Jeff Kaiden Cashier: John Zakrasek
 
June 4: June First Thursday Social Event 
 
June 10: Author Evelyn R. Carter, new book 
Greeter: Cecelia Rokusek Cashier: Penny Olson 
 
June 17:  Cedar Rapids Reading Programs, Meredith
Ash
Greeter: Chuck Kudej  Cashier: Chris Carr 
 
June 24: June Service Event - Ball Drop Audit - TENTATIVE
 
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.