Cedar Rapids West Rotary

 
   Welcome back to Rotary! I hope you were able to spend time with family and friends.
 
    It is a busy week back. We're at the NCSM&L on Wednesday,  Rotary Board meets Thursday morning and our monthly social is Thursday at 5 p.m. We also have updated info below for the Stirring Up Good Soup Supper. 
 
    Matt sent out notices for dues for the first half of 2026. Please check your email or talk to Matt if you need help or have questions. Hopefully you can pay as promptly as possible as these funds support the club and our work in the community. 
 
   Service above self, 
 
    Mike 
 
This Week - Doug Alberhasky
Greeter: Pete Eddington Cashier: Chuck Kudej 

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: A Very Van Buren Christmas
Greeter: Penny Olson Cashier: Dana Nichols
The Van Buren Elementary School choir put on a fantastic concert for our last meeting of 2025! We heard some great renditions of holiday favorites along with some new songs. Big thanks to Kim and Penny for sending the kids home with some treats. (I'm waiting to hear if the school has photo releases for the kids before I share any photos here or on social media.)
Van Buren Elementary
Next week: Grant discussions
Greeter: Steve Bowman Cashier: Rochelle Naylor
Rotary's grant process takes a little time and it helps to have everything planned and organized once the application window opens. 
 
We'll have a series of table discussions to identify either projects or groups that need our support. Our goal is to leave the meeting with 3-4 groups or projects we can continue to explore. It is important that we find something we really support as successful grants include a club match and club participation. 
Rotary grants
Here's more information for the Stirring Up Good Soup Social. You can use the QR code above to RSVP or click on this link. 
 
2026 Schedule 
 
January 7: Doug Alberhasky, Death of a Brewer 
Greeter: Pete Eddington Cashier: Chuck Kudej
 
January 8: First week social event; 5:00 p.m. Location TBD 
 
January 14: Grant discussions and planning
Greeter: David Maier  Cashier: Lijun Chadima  
 
January 21: TBD 
Greeter: Cecilia Rokusek  Cashier: Mike Wiethorn 
 
January 28: Service event at HACAP Food Reservoir 1515 Hawkeye Drive in Hiawatha. (We'll have a signup sheet once we get it from HACAP)
 
 
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.