Board meetings of the Club are usually held on the 3rd Thursday of the month from Noon to 1pm. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend and can learn about the innerworkings of the Club, as the rotary year progresses and plans are developed.
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Welcome to Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary
Rotary Meeting Summary – February 10, 2026
Guest Speaker: Aaron Amundson, Development Director, Willis Dady Homeless Services
Location: Indian Creek Country Club
Submitted by: Jayne DeCoste
Rotary welcomed Aaron Amundson, Development Director at Willis Dady Homeless Services, for an engaging and candid presentation on homelessness in the Cedar Rapids area and the programs Willis Dady provides to support individuals on their path to stability.
About the Speaker
Aaron joined Willis Dady after serving as Groundswell Director at Matthew 25, where he worked on community food and housing initiatives. During his presentation, he shared personal experiences illustrating that many people—himself included—benefit from support systems at various points in life. These stories framed a key theme of the presentation: the myth of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” leaves out the reality that everyone needs help at times.
Why Homelessness Persists
A slide early in the presentation highlighted the structural barriers that make housing stability difficult:
- $1,040 – Fair Market Rent for a 2‑bedroom apartment in Iowa
- 89 hours/week – Minimum-wage work required to afford a 1‑bedroom unit at FMR
- $41,582 – Annual income needed to avoid being “cost burdened” by housing costs
- $967/month – SSI income, which would require rent of $290/month to be affordable – effectively nonexistent in the current market
Aaron also emphasized additional contributors to homelessness, including underfunded mental health care, physical injuries, chronic health conditions, and substance use disorders (which Willis Dady approaches through a low‑barrier model rather than exclusion).
Willis Dady Programs & Services
Emergency Shelter & Housing
Willis Dady provides a wide range of housing supports, including:
- 55 beds for men, 10 for veterans, 10 for women, and 4 for families in their shelter system.
- 32 permanent supportive housing units plus two houses offering long‑term stability.
- Winter Weather Shelter operating November through March.
Their housing team assists with mental health support, rental assistance, housing searches, and long-term case management.
Diversion & Employment Services
These services aim to keep people from entering homelessness whenever possible. Supports include:
- Education on eviction and tenant laws
- Safety planning and resource navigation
- Job readiness training
- Livable‑wage employment pathways through Supportive Staffing or Willis Dady Works
Street Outreach & Basic Needs Support
Street outreach teams provide:
- Food, water, clothing, hygiene items
- Assistance obtaining vital documents
- Entry into shared‑living supportive housing programs
- Long-term case management to address barriers such as transportation, physical health, or past trauma
Veteran Services
For veterans experiencing homelessness, Willis Dady offers:
- Direct placement into shelter beds
- Dedicated case management
- Enrollment in eligible VA benefits
- Transitional housing that leads to permanent apartments (“transition in place”)
Willis Dady Works & Mattress Recycling
Aaron highlighted their expanding employment hub at 800 1st Ave NW, including the mattress recycling program:
- $10 per mattress processing fee
- 92% of materials diverted from the landfill
- Provides paid employment opportunities for clients gaining work experience
Employment partnerships—such as placements with Frontier Co‑op—are an important pathway toward long‑term financial stability.
Funding
Willis Dady’s work is supported through a combination of:
- Federal funding (including HUD, though policies are shifting)
- United Way
- City funding
- Individual donors and sponsorships
- Grants and special events such as the Dady Dash (5K/10K) and the Ushers Ferry fundraiser featuring breweries, auctions, and live music
Key Takeaways
Aaron closed with a reminder that homelessness is not the result of individual failure, but a complex mix of economic, health, and systemic factors. With individualized support, safe shelter, and meaningful employment opportunities, individuals can and do achieve long‑term stability.
Rotary extends its gratitude to Aaron for sharing his insights and for the critical work Willis Dady continues to provide in our community.
At our February 3rd 2026 meeting, members received an informative update on the impact of the Rotary Foundation and how our club can continue supporting life‑changing service both locally and globally. The presentation reinforced how every contribution—large or small—creates measurable, lasting change.
What the Rotary Foundation Does
The Rotary Foundation transforms donations into real, tangible service projects that change lives around the world. With more than a century of global impact and over $4 billion invested in sustainable projects, the Foundation supports initiatives that improve health, fight disease, provide clean water, strengthen education, and promote peace.
What One Donation Can Do
Members were reminded that contributions don’t disappear into a general fund—they create specific, meaningful outcomes:
- $3 protects a child from polio
- $50 maintains clean water filtration systems to prevent waterborne illness
- $200 helps replace livestock or tools for families recovering from disaster
These examples highlight the power and efficiency of Rotary Foundation giving.
Why Donors Trust the Foundation
Rotary Foundation giving remains strong because of its transparency and stewardship. The Foundation:
- Operates as a public charity
- Is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees
- Maintains oversight separate from Rotary International operations
- Consistently receives top charity ratings for financial management and impact
- Is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, with affiliated foundations worldwide
MECR 2025–2026 Goals
The presentation also reviewed our club’s goals for the year, including:
- Membership growth and participation
- Strengthening support for the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus
- Continuing the tradition of giving through the Annual Fund
These goals keep our club aligned with Rotary’s larger mission while expanding our local impact.
Donation Matching Opportunity
Members learned about a special Foundation donation matching program, available through Cindy Shipley. This opportunity helps members reach their next Paul Harris Fellow milestone:
Example:
If you need $800 to reach your next Paul Harris Fellow:
- You donate $300
- MECR contributes $100
- The District contributes $400 (matching half)
Total credited: $1,000 — enough to earn your next Paul Harris recognition.
This match is available through February 28, 2026, making now an ideal time to participate.
Quick Donation Option
A slide was shared with a QR code, allowing members to donate quickly. Cindy will follow up with donors to finalize contributions, including the $100 club bonus and district match.
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2025 Community Impact
741 children received backpacks & school supplies
43 children served through Summer Connection
31 children received a free exam and glasses
47 children enrolled in SHINE After-School
52 Families helped with basic needs
1,300+ family freezer meals delivered
238 children, (86 Families) served through Angel Tree
$155,900+ estimated community impact https://secure.givelively.org/donate/marion-cares-inc/25-club |
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/marion-cares-inc |
SHINE is our after-school program. SHINE stands for Seeking Him In Neighborhoods Everywhere.
In SHINE, we seek to meet the social, spiritual, and academic needs of our children.
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Rotary members,
It’s time for our upcoming Board elections, and we’re looking for enthusiastic leaders to help guide our club forward.
If you’ve ever considered serving, now is the perfect opportunity!
Open Positions:
- Secretary & Sergeant-at-Arms – This role is currently vacant as Jeff Selfridge steps down.
- President-Elect Nominee – We need someone to step into this important leadership role.
- Board Directors – Help oversee and run the MECR.
Already Filled:
- President-Elect: Seth S.
If you’re interested in joining the Board or learning more about these roles, please reach out by email:
- rmbutschi@gmail.com
- alexchalk1990@gmail.com
- cindy@classictax.net
- cusajeffs@gmail.com
- sstaashelm@cityofmarion.org
- klow@ohnwardbank.com
Your leadership matters—step up and make an impact!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve and help shape our club’s future.
Our club’s Rotary Cart Drop is back, bringing a mix of winter suspense and community impact to support the Shoes for Kids program. A golf cart is currently parked out on the ice of the Indian Creek Country Club swimming pool, and the challenge is simple: guess the exact time the cart drops through the ice.
Each ticket costs $5, and the participant whose guess is closest to the actual drop time wins the prize. Last year’s winner took home $750, and we’re excited to build on that momentum to help even more kids.
Thanks to Kelli, we’re adding a convenient new option — Venmo payment is being set up for ticket purchases, making it easier than ever to participate and share the fun with friends and family.
To purchase tickets or learn more, please see Tom Barnes, who is coordinating ticket sales.
Your participation helps provide shoes to children who need them most — and adds a little mid‑winter excitement to our club.
Marion’s State of the City Event is Happening Next Month
Marion’s State of the City event will be held on Monday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Mayor AbouAssaly’s high-energy presentation, titled “City of Opportunity,” will highlight the progress and forward-looking initiatives that make Marion a community where people and businesses thrive. Tickets are now available at www.cityofmarion.org/SOC. Reservations are due by Friday, Feb. 27. The City is pleased to have the sponsorship support of several local businesses to help make this event possible. Sponsors include Alliant Energy, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Mercy Medical Park of Marion, MidAmerican Energy, Ohnward Bank & Trust, Rinderknecht Associates, Simmons Perrine PLC and TrueNorth Companies.
Marion Farmers Market and Uptown Marion Market Accepting Vendor Applications
The weekly Marion Farmers Market, hosted by Marion Parks and Recreation, will return to Willowood Park (1855 35th Street) again this year. The market will run each Saturday from May 2-Sept. 26, 2026, from 8-11 a.m. Vendor applications are currently being accepted, with the first review beginning in mid-February. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/farmersmarket. Additionally, the festival-style Uptown Marion Market, presented by the Marion Platinum Community Partners and hosted by the Marion Chamber, will be held on June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 26 on 7th Avenue and in City Square Park. Applications are now open. Visit marioncc.org/vendor-information for details.
Marion Business Expo Happening February 20-21
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first Marion Business Expo presented by Farmers State Bank on Feb. 20–21, 2026, at Vernon Middle School, bringing together local businesses and the community for a two-day event. The expo will begin Friday evening, Feb. 20, with vendor setup followed by a Business-to-Business Reception from 5-7 p.m., offering participating businesses an opportunity to network and build relationships. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the event will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., inviting community members to explore local businesses, products, services and organizations - all under one roof. For more information about the Marion Business Expo, vendor registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit marioncc.org/business-expo-vendor or contact the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Support Marion-East CR Shoes For Kids Program
Help us fund our Shoes for Kids program by donating your cans and bottles! Simply take them to any Can Shed location in the Cedar Rapids or Marion area. When your return is complete and payout is ready, request that the funds be donated to the Marion-East CR Shoes For Kids account. If they have any issues finding the account, please ask them to do a hard copy donation. This will then get the funds to the account, and we will receive the donation for the program.
Once our account reaches $100.00 or more, Can Shed will send a check to us via mail. It's important to mention the account name to ensure the funds are correctly allocated.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support our Shoes for Kids program throughout the year. Spread the word and take your cans and bottles in to make a difference!
Jeff and Maripili Hassman are inviting all District 5970 Rotarians and spouse/significant others to a winter beach party.
Please RSVP to des@district5970.org if you plan on being there.
Upcoming Grant Management Seminars – Make Your Club Eligible for 2026 District Grants
District 5970 Rotarians, mark your calendars—two important Grant Management Seminars are right around the corner, and your club’s participation is essential for accessing future Rotary District Grants.
To qualify for a District Grant in the 2026–2027 Rotary year, at least one—preferably two—members from each club must attend one of the scheduled training sessions. These seminars ensure that every club understands Rotary’s stewardship expectations, reporting responsibilities, and the best practices needed to successfully apply for and manage grant-funded projects.
📅 Seminar Dates
Rotarians may choose either date:
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
Both sessions provide the same content, and the Zoom link is identical for each meeting.
📝 Registration
Register by visiting the District 5970 website:
👉 www.district5970.org
Then click on the date you plan to attend under “Upcoming Events.”
Once registered, simply log into Zoom at the scheduled time. You’ll first enter a virtual waiting room, and the host will admit attendees as the session begins.
💻 Zoom Access Information
Host: Suellen Kolbet
Topic: Grant Management Seminar
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86835924745?pwd=p1f4d4lwi3vI5KV2hGkQB7aFKEMhPR.1
Meeting ID: 868 3592 4745
Passcode: 549474
Register Now for the 2026 District Conference!
Registration is officially open for the 2026 District Conference, happening May 1–2, 2026 in Iowa Falls. Use this link to sign up today—and while you’re there, don’t forget to purchase ducks for the Duck Race! A tentative agenda is also available on the registration site. District Conference | District 5970
Hotel Accommodations
Blocks of rooms have been reserved at Super 8 and AmericInn. Please book by April 1 to secure the special Rotary rate.
Super 8
- Address: 839 S. Oak, Hwy 65, Iowa Falls
- Dates: May 1–2 (2 nights)
- Rooms: 10 reserved
- Rate: $100 + tax per night
- Details: 2 double beds, non-smoking, free light breakfast, WiFi, mini-fridge
- To reserve: Call 641-648-4618 and ask for Rotary Club District Conference block
- Cancellation: Must cancel at least 24 hours prior to avoid charges
AmericInn
- Address: 810 S. Oak, Iowa Falls
- Dates: May 1–2 (2 nights)
- Rooms: 10 reserved
- Rates:
- (5) King bed: $125 + tax
- (5) Two queen beds: $130 + tax
- Details: Non-smoking, free hot breakfast, microwave, coffee maker, WiFi, mini-fridge
- To reserve: Call 641-648-4600 and ask for Rotary Club District Conference block
- Cancellation: Must cancel at least 24 hours prior to avoid charges
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
Don’t wait—register now and book your room early!
This is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate Rotary together.
Thanks to all that Joined Us for Salvation Army “Ring the Bell” Volunteer Days!
And Thanks to Tom Padley for organizing!
Rotary Rings in Holiday Cheer for the Salvation Army
Our club proudly supported the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign again this holiday season!
- On Saturday, December 6th, we raised $1,130.31.
- On Friday, December 12th, we added another $904.72.
That brings our two-day total to $2,035.03—a fantastic contribution to help the Salvation Army provide food, shelter, and hope to those in need.
A big thank you to all members who volunteered their time and energy for this meaningful service project. Your efforts truly reflect Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.”
Welcome Our New Member: Kelli Artley
At our December 9, 2025 meeting, the Marion East-Cedar Rapids Rotary Club proudly inducted Kelli Artley as our newest member. Kelli brings energy, determination, and a positive outlook to our club—qualities she described herself as “determined, resourceful, and pretty happy!”
Professional Background:
Kelli is a Relationship Banker at BankIowa, where she focuses on building strong connections with clients and supporting small businesses in the Marion area. Her role emphasizes personalized service and community engagement, making her a perfect fit for Rotary’s mission of service above self.
Personal Snapshot:
Beyond her professional life, Kelli values resourcefulness and optimism. Her enthusiasm for helping others and her commitment to personal growth shine through in everything she does. We’re excited to see her bring these strengths to our projects and initiatives.
Please join us in giving Kelli a warm Rotary welcome! We look forward to working alongside her as we continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Have you ever considered applying to be District Governor? District 5970 is now accepting applications for the 2028–2029 Rotary Year. Serving as District Governor is a life-changing experience—one that leaves a lasting impact.
Past District Governor Jill Olsen (2012–2013), a member of our own club, describes it best:
“Being a District Governor opens a window in your life that never closes. I learned so much, especially about servant leadership. I made friends across the world, some of whom have become like second family. If you long to make a difference, then consider challenging yourself with this awesome opportunity.”
As District Governor, you’ll have the chance to champion your passions—whether youth programs, maternal health, or any of Rotary’s focus areas—while meeting incredible Rotarians across our district and beyond.
Key Details & Qualifications
- Must have served a term as President of a Rotary Club
- Completed 7 years of Rotary membership prior to taking office
- Be a current member in good standing
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with others and speak publicly
- Desire to promote Rotary locally and internationally
Training & Timeline:
- Leadership development in 2026, 2027, and 2028
- Attend International Assembly in January 2028
- Applications due April 5, 2025
- Interviews in late April or early May 2025
Travel and training expenses are reimbursed by District 5970.
Interested? Here’s How to Apply
- Complete the application form (attached) and return to:
Suellen Kolbet, Search Committee Chair
Email: des@district5970.org
Mail: P.O. Box 445, New Hampton, IA 50659
For more information, contact:
- Carole Bernhard – carolebernhard@icloud.com | (515) 320-4294
- Shannon Duncan – sdunc11@gmail.com | (563) 419-4062
- Or reach out to Jill Olsen at jolsendg2012@gmail.com
Take time over the holidays to discuss this opportunity with your family and friends. This is your chance to lead, serve, and make a lasting difference. Will you step through that open window?
Rotary Rush Matching Campaign – Give the Gift of Rotary
District 5970 is offering a Rotary Rush Matching Campaign from December 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026. During this limited-time promotion, your $100–$500 donation to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund-SHARE will be matched 1-to-1 with Foundation Recognition Points, helping you reach your next Paul Harris Fellow level faster.
Key Details:
- Minimum gift: $100 | Maximum eligible: $500
- One match per donor, first-come, first-served
- Applies only to Annual Fund-SHARE contributions (not PolioPlus or other funds)
- Donations must be processed through District 5970 (not sent directly to TRF)
Your gift powers Rotary projects that provide clean water, fight disease, support education, and more. To participate, complete Form 123-EN and send it with your contribution to David Manning (details at http://www.district5970.org).
Questions? Contact David at DavidBrianManning@gmail.com or Michelle Bell at foundationchair@district5970.org.
Let’s make an impact together—give the gift of Rotary today!
Meeting Summary – November 25, 2025
Speaker: Carl Rathje Topic: From RYLA Student to RYLA Counselor – A Journey of Leadership Growth
Key Highlights
Carl’s Journey
Began as a hesitant Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) student in high school.
Discovered a passion for service and leadership through team-based challenges and daily leadership themes.
Returned as a counselor and now serves as Head Team Leader for the upcoming conference.
His progression from participant to mentor illustrates RYLA’s lasting impact on confidence, communication, and leadership abilities.
About RYLA
Intensive leadership program for ages 14–30, sponsored by Rotary clubs and districts.
Typically runs 3–10 days; locally, it is a week-long, high-energy experience for high school students.
Focus areas include:
Leadership Training: Communication, problem-solving, ethical decision-making.
Team-Building Activities: Outdoor challenges, “team-timed activities” (TTAs), and problem-solving exercises like the “helium stick.”
Personal Growth: Networking with community leaders, career skill development, and lasting friendships.
Unique features include Words of Focus (WAFs): short, personal talks by team leaders that connect daily leadership themes (such as “Live”) to real-life experiences.
Mission: Develop leadership qualities, citizenship, and personal growth while promoting Rotary’s values of service and ethics.
Takeaway: Carl credited RYLA with transforming his own confidence and leadership abilities, while emphasizing the deep friendships formed during the program. His story demonstrates how RYLA fosters lifelong connections and leadership growth. He also encouraged Rotarians to get involved—whether as supportive partners with RYLA teams or by attending visitor days—highlighting the important role Rotarians play as mentors while youth leaders run the program.
👟 Shoes for Kids Fundraiser Update
Our Rotary Club had a fantastic turnout at Zio’s in Marion for our recent fundraiser night! Thanks to the generosity of our members and community supporters, we raised $310.00. Combined with proceeds from our Panera night, we brought in a total of $382.88 for the Shoes for Kids program.
To put this into perspective, with an estimated cost of $30 per pair of shoes, these funds will provide approximately 12 pairs of shoes to children in need. That’s 12 kids who will walk into school with confidence, comfort, and the support of our Rotary family.
This is a wonderful start as we prepare for next year’s event. More fundraising nights are planned after the holidays, and our Waffle Breakfast meetings will begin in February. We’re also seeking sponsors for our May event—if you know of a company or individual who would like to support this cause, please reach out.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. Together, we’re making a real difference, one step at a time.
Congratulations to Erik Miles for his 7th consecutive Paul Harris Fellow award for his incredible support of The Rotary Foundation!
Rotary Meeting Summary – October 30, 2025
Speaker: Jill Ackerman, President of the Marion Chamber of Commerce
Jill Ackerman, who has led the Marion Chamber of Commerce since 2007, joined us to share updates on the Chamber’s recent initiatives and accomplishments. The Chamber, originally founded in 1938, continues to play a vital role in supporting Marion’s business community.
Key Highlights:
Membership Growth:
- 87 new members joined this year
- Current membership stands at approximately 350–360
- The Chamber is working toward a goal of 400 members by year-end
Events & Engagement:
- 37 ribbon cutting and groundbreaking events were held last year
- 24 networking events are hosted annually, including popular speed networking sessions
- The Chamber organized a total of 57 events in the past year
Educational & Business Development Initiatives:
- The Marion Business Academy, in partnership with Kirkwood Corporate Training Center, offers professional development opportunities
- The Chamber’s Imaginext/Imaginate projects continue to support community visioning and innovation
New & Upcoming Projects:
- The Marion Welcome Center in Uptown was recently remodeled in collaboration with Linn-Mar High School students, resulting in a 75% increase in merchandise sales
- A new portable LED outdoor screen (10’ x 17’) was purchased for use at community events, including movies, concerts, and tailgates
- Upcoming event: Favorite Things holiday promotion in partnership with Z102.9 Radio
- Save the date: Marion Business Expo – February 20–21, 2026 at Vernon Middle School
Leadership & Governance:
- The Chamber is guided by an 18-member Board of Directors
- Jill emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to innovation, connection, and exponential growth
Jill’s presentation showcased the Chamber’s dynamic role in fostering business success and community pride in Marion. Her enthusiasm for upcoming projects and continued collaboration was evident throughout her talk.
Rotary Club of Marion-East Cedar Rapids Newsletter
Special Off-Site Meeting – Tuesday, September 30th at the Marion Depot
Rotary members gathered for a special off-site meeting at the historic Marion Depot Pavilion in Marion Square Park. The event featured guest speaker Kelly Willadsen, Recreation Superintendent for the City of Marion.
Kelly provided an informative overview of the new Depot building, highlighting its future use as a warming area for the adjacent ice skating rink during the winter months and its availability for private rentals, including children's birthday parties. Attendees received a guided tour of the facility, both inside and out, including a look at the splash pad/ice skating rink, the mechanical room, and the Zamboni garage.
Ice Rink Plans
- A new rink is being planned with a cooling system to keep the ice at about seven degrees.
- Features will include a Christmas tree, picnic tables, and a heated warming area.
- Operations: Thursday–Sunday, with skate rentals and admissions.
- Zamboni maintenance every 45–60 minutes.
- A Snack Shack will handle admissions, skate rentals, and concessions.
- Future plans include birthday rentals, learn-to-skate programs, and other activities.
Event & Business Involvement
- Uptown businesses and the Chamber will be invited to participate with booths and event tie-ins.
- Plans include concerts, movies, and additional social events at the park.
Operations & Storage
- Public Works building may serve as storage for equipment and Zamboni.
- A skate sharpener will be added for rink and public use.
Welcome New Member: Lisa Anthofer
The Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club is delighted to welcome Lisa Anthofer to our membership!
Lisa brings over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, having started her career at a local carrier before transitioning to the agency side four years ago. She currently serves as both Account Manager and Operations Manager at Skogman Insurance, a sixth-generation, family-owned agency known for its personalized service and strong client relationships.
In her role at Skogman, Lisa has been instrumental in streamlining operations and implementing technology solutions that boost efficiency across the agency. Her leadership in adopting browser-based platforms like Applied Epic has helped her team operate with the agility of a much larger firm, saving time and improving client service.
Outside of her professional life, Lisa is a vibrant part of the local community. She works part-time as a beertender at Millstream Brewing Co. in Amana, Iowa—one of the oldest operational craft breweries in the country. Her love for local culture and connection shines through in everything she does.
Lisa’s hobbies include shopping, watching sports and crime shows, and managing finances as the treasurer for her Fantasy Football team. Her blend of analytical skills and community spirit makes her a wonderful addition to our Rotary family.
Please join us in giving Lisa a warm Rotary welcome! We look forward to her contributions and camaraderie as we continue our mission of service above self.
Tribute to Roger Flink
Honoring a Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Community Impact
The Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club proudly honors the life and legacy of Roger Allan Flink, a devoted Rotarian, community leader, and compassionate advocate for youth and families. Roger passed away on June 20, 2023, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of service that continues to inspire.
Rotary Leadership and Service
Roger was a long-standing and deeply engaged member of the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club, where he exemplified Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. His contributions included:
- Serving in various leadership roles within the club and district.
- Being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, a testament to his commitment to Rotary’s mission.
- Championing youth programs and community outreach initiatives.
- Supporting Rotary’s civic engagement efforts through mentorship and collaboration.
Professional Excellence
Roger’s professional career was rooted in real estate, where he worked as a manager and broker associate at Skogman Realty. His dedication to the field earned him the prestigious Realtor Emeritus status from the National Association of Realtors. He was known not only for his business acumen but also for his integrity and generosity in helping families navigate important life transitions.
Community Involvement
Roger’s passion for helping children and families extended far beyond his professional life. He was:
- Co-founder and board member of Marion Cares, a nonprofit focused on supporting underserved youth and families.
- President and coach for Metro Youth Football, where he mentored countless young athletes.
- Board member and president of Foundation 2, a crisis intervention and mental health support organization.
- An active contributor to the Variety Club, supporting children with special needs.
- A dedicated member and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Marion, where he also served as a deacon.
Personal Legacy
Born on August 27, 1945, in Carroll, Iowa, Roger was a devoted husband to Marian Flink, and a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His warmth, humor, and unwavering faith touched everyone who knew him. He was known for his humility, his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his tireless efforts to make his community a better place.
A Lasting Impact
Roger’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—through Rotary, through his professional work, and through his deep commitment to service. His example reminds us that leadership is not about titles, but about the lives we uplift and the communities we strengthen.
We invite Rotary members and community partners to honor Roger’s memory by continuing the work he cared so deeply about: supporting youth, building community, and living with purpose.
Meeting Summary: August 5, 2025 – Guest Speaker Landon Staab on RYLA
At our August 5th meeting, the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club welcomed Landon Staab as our featured speaker. Landon shared his personal journey and insights from participating in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program — a transformative leadership experience for high school students across Iowa.
Held annually at Grinnell College, RYLA is a week-long conference focused on developing leadership skills through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and motivational presentations. The program emphasizes key themes such as emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and community service, all rooted in Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
Landon’s presentation highlighted the lasting impact of RYLA, including increased confidence, meaningful friendships, and a deeper understanding of leadership. He also spoke to the value of alumni and volunteer involvement in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the program’s cycle of growth and service.
Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or newly engaged in youth initiatives, Landon’s reflections offered a compelling look at how Rotary is nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Alex Chalk
2025-26 President
Hello Rotarians and community do-gooders!
My name is Alex Chalk, and I’m honored to serve as the President of the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club. I joined Rotary in May 2022 and have really enjoyed learning from and working alongside fellow Rotarians in the Marion and Cedar Rapids area.
A little about me: I grew up in Marion and graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 2009. After high school, I continued my education at Kirkwood Community College and eventually found my way into a career in sales. That path has opened doors not only professionally, but also in helping me reconnect with and give back to the community that raised me.
One of my favorite parts of being involved in Rotary is getting to share it with my two daughters, who are 8 and 10. They often tag along for service projects and Rotary events, and it’s been a great way for them to see what it means to give back and live out “Service Above Self.”
I'm looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together this year — let’s keep doing good!
Alex Chalk
President
Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club
Visitors are encouraged and welcome to attend, just be sure to email cindy@classictax.net and let her know to reserve a lunch for you.
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Rotary Foundation
Marion, IA 52302
United States of America