Cedar Rapids West Rotary 
    Lights! Camera! Action! We are learning about the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival this week. There are a lot of interesting films on the big screen this week. 
    Stephanie Hall is helping lead up our grants committee to continue the conversation we started about how we can help serve our community. A grant application to Rotary International requires club support and fundraising.     
 
   Service above self,
 
    Mike 
This Week: Scott Chrisman, Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival 
Greeter: James Nelson  Cashier: Janette Fiedler
 
The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival holds its 23rd edition April 9-12, 2026. Friday-Sunday screenings will be held at Collins Road Theatres. NEW for 2026: Thursday Night Screenings at the Olympic South Side Theater and Ideal Theater & Bar, both in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo District.
 
CRIFF will celebrate the work of filmmakers from across the state, throughout the country, and around the world, all with connections to Iowa. This year, we received a record 121 entries – a testament to the amount of work Iowa-connected filmmakers are creating! 
Last Week: Adrienne Rule and Tara Dumolien, Leadership for Five Seasons
Greeter: Katy Lee   Cashier: Jana Bodensteiner
 
Adrienne Rule and Tara Dumolien gave an overview of the Leadership for Five Seasons programs, described the application process that recently opened, and shared details about this year's class project and fundraiser. 
 
Leadership for Five Season (LFS) is a premier community leadership program focusing on development of top talent through a formal leadership curriculum. Participants are selected after a highly competitive application process from area businesses, public and private agencies, civic and other organizations.  
Next 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, will share how one-to-one mentoring is creating measurable impact for youth across our community.
 
She’ll highlight how 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.
 
We're also be invited to join BBBS’s upcoming Big Magic Breakfast, a signature event celebrating the power of mentorship and community investment.
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. 
 
2026 Schedule 
 
April 8: Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, Scott Chrisman 
Greeter: James Nelson  Cashier: Janette Fiedler  
 
April 15: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Stephanie Hartson  
Greeter: Bruce Hamous  Cashier: Justin Kress
 
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 
 
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.