Cedar Rapids West Rotary 
   We had a great time at the service event at HACAP! The group quickly got to work once we got our instructions and worked up until the very last minute. I hope you all found it as rewarding as I did!  
   Don't forget the Big Drop Committee will have a quick huddle after this week's meeting. 
 
    Service above self,
 
    Mike 
This Week: June 3: Jana Bodensteiner, World Traveler
Greeter: Jeff Kaiden Cashier: John Zakrasek
 
Our very own Jana Bodensteiner is one well-traveled individual. Join us as she recounts stories from her many adventures!
 
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. 
 
 
Last Week: May 27 Service Event at HACAP Food Reservoir Warehouse, 1515 Hawkeye Drive, Hiawatha, Noon-1 p.m. 
 
This month's service event really showed that it only takes a little time to make a big difference. Cedar Rapids West Rotarians spent the lunch hour on Wednesday helping pack food boxes at the HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha. These boxes include canned fruits, vegetables and proteins that will be distributed out in the community. We packed more than 200 boxes in just 60 minutes! 
 
You can learn more about HACAP's Food Reservoir here. 
 
 
Next Week: Cultivating Places of Belonging, Evelyn Carter, author 
Greeter: Keith Collins  Cashier: Steve Bowman
 
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.
2026 Schedule 
 
 
May 27: HACAP Food Reservoir, 1515 Hawkeye Drive, Hiawatha, Noon to 1 p.m.  (More info above)
 
June 2: June Rotary Board Meeting 
 
June 3: Jana Bodensteiner, World Traveler
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 - TBD
 
July 1: Freedom Festival - tentative 
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.