Iowa RYLA will be in Cedar Rapids this year, and they still need more Rotarians to participate, so this is a great opportunity for Cedar Rapids-area Rotarians to be part of this annual conference mentoring young leaders from all across Iowa happening in our community!  Dates:  Iowa RYLA will be at Coe College July 18-23, with pre-training for Rotarians starting on Saturday, July 17, at 1 pm.  The pre-pre-training is on Saturday, June 26, from 9:30-5 pm.  Please check with either Rochelle Naylor or Dave Kutter for more information. 

Tom and Janette will be sending an email out to the people who have been involved in the Big Drop in years past to organize a meeting - hopefully this coming week.  They will notify people when they determine a meeting time.

June 3 is the first Thursday of the month so the Board meeting will be held by zoom at 4.  Let Larry know if you want the info.  Also watch for an announcement from Janette about our first Thursday social event location at 5.

Our thanks go to Dana for SA, TJ for cashier, Dennis for news, James for invocation, pledge, and 4way test, and Chuck for song.

 

Barb R was a visiting Rotarian and Keith Collins was a guest of Larry's and will be transferring his membership to our club from Waverly Rotary.

 

Larry noted that the Newsletter had information about Van Buren's need for money and that members should contact Jan Hanks if interested in donating.

 

Tom noted they will be putting together a Big Drop Committee starting with people who have been involved in the past.   $8500 is the current amount of sponsorships raised.  We hope to raise more.

 

Jeff Kaiden was awarded a Paul Harris Certificate and Pin for his contribution to the Rotary Foundation.  Congrats Jeff and thanks for making a difference in the world with your contribution.

 

Matt spoke to us about the St Ludmila kolach festival and shared a PowerPoint with us.  He began by explaining St Ludmila was the grandmother of St Wenceslaus.  The church was established in Cedar Rapids on the westside of the river when people thought it was too far  to go to St Wenceslaus.  The kolach festival started over 50 years ago.  This year the festival will only be a bake and takes place June 11-13.  Because of COVID it will be preorder only with drive up service.   They hope to return to the full festival next year.  Normally around 65,000 kolaches are sold.  Matt and his wife normally work in the dividing room.  Matt has been a lifetime member of the church.  Matt's favorite is poppy seed although the crowd favorite is cherry.  No samples were brought unfortunately.  You can order them by calling 319-350-4145 or by going online at kolachbaking@outlook.com.

 

John Z will be presenting the book "The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches" to Van Buren in Matt's honor.