Visit Our Club
We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Indian Creek Country Club
2401 Indian Creek Road
Marion, IA 52302
United States of America
Please R.S.V.P. to Cindy if you plan to join us for lunch. cindy@classictax.net
Speakers
Kierra McFadden, Territory Representative
Oct 15, 2024
Life Service Blood Center
Iowa Giving Crew
Oct 22, 2024
OFF-SITE AT ECO-LIPS
Oct 29, 2024
TOUR
Sam Blatt - Director of Development
Nov 05, 2024
Riverview Center
John Wasta
Nov 12, 2024
Rotary Foundation
Home Page News
Board meetings of the Club are usually held on the Fourth Tuesday of the month at 8:00 AM at Uptown Coffee Company/Uptown Snug, 760 11th Street, Marion. (This schedule is being reviewed at this time.) Members are welcome and encouraged to attend and can learn about the innerworkings of the Club as the rotary year progresses and plans developed, The next meetings are scheduled for:
 
  • October 22, 2024
  • November 26, 2024
  • December TBD
  • January 28, 2025
  • February 25, 2025
  • March 24, 2025
  • April 22, 2025
  • May 27, 2025
  • June 24, 2025
Community Events and Information
 

Welcome to Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary

Profile photo of Trish Raap
from https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-raap-9739b95/
 
Passionate about guiding individuals to their fullest potential, I am a Certified Master Life Coach and a Professional Home Organizer. My mission is to help people overcome obstacles and achieve both personal and professional success.

In tailored coaching sessions, I specialize in decluttering and organizing spaces, creating functional and stress-free environments. I excel at identifying areas in life that need simplifying and crafting actionable plans for a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. My expertise extends to developing effective time management strategies, streamlining schedules, and prioritizing tasks for heightened productivity.

Beyond individual coaching, I contribute as an HR Solutions Partner at Katalyst Systems Impact. With extensive comprehensive human resources experience, I support leadership teams in aligning HR needs with their business models, fostering scalability, and enabling growth through ongoing support and strategic solutions.

As a dynamic speaker, I bring these insights and expertise to engaging and informative speaking engagements. Whether leading lunch and learns or addressing smaller audiences, I share practical strategies for personal and professional development. Let's collaborate to inspire and empower your team towards success.
 

We hope you can join us at noon on Tuesday at the Indian Creek Country Club, to hear what Trish has to share!

Please RSVP to Cindy by 9:00 AM Monday.  Here is an email link.

Marion Cares

Thank you for your interest in our Trunk-or-Treat event. Please review the available slots (see link below) and click on the Sign Up button to provide winter essentials for students who live at Marion Village, Squaw Creek Village, and students referred to us by Marion Independent. Please make sure to include the Student # on the item. Items can be dropped on Wednesday October 16th between 9 am - 6pm or Thursday between 10am-12pm. Our office is located at 1298 7th Ave in the lower level of the Carnegie building - you may enter on the East side. Thank you!

We are also accepting donations of NEW winter gear such as Hats, Gloves, Underwear, Socks, and Blankets.

 
Please go to...........
 
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/118384962032/false#/invitation
 
To sign-up!
 
 
Ding Ding Ding — Julia MelogranaBell Stock Illustrations – 279,275 Bell Stock Illustrations, Vectors &  Clipart - Dreamstime
 
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
 
Our club is scheduled to ring for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign this year at the Marion Hy Vee on the following dates:
 
Friday, December 6th, from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm, and
 
Saturday, December 14th, from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm.
 
All shifts will be in 2-hour time blocks. 
 
SIGN-UP!
 
We will have a sign-up sheet starting at the 10.8.24 meeting.
 
 
Rotary/SCORE Business Advisory Roundtable  
               October 15th - Biaggi's - 12:00 - 1:00 PM
     Reserve and purchase lunch here:  https://rotarybar.square.site
                                    ---------------------
                   Speaker - Dr. Kristie Fisher
          President - Kirkwood Community College
             "My Life Story & Lessons Learned"
 
                            

   Dr. Kristie Fisher began her term as President - Kirkwood Community College in October of 2023, making a return home for her. She is just the sixth president in the nearly 60-year history of the institution. She is a graduate of Kirkwood and was a first-generation student. Dr. Fisher previously worked at the college in various positions over the course of her career, including as Vice President of Student Services for nearly a decade. Before assuming the role of president at Kirkwood, she served as president of the Iowa Valley Community College District. Prior to Iowa Valley, Fisher worked in a leadership role for ACT Inc. She is currently a member of the State of Iowa Workforce Development Board, the Iowa Innovation Council, and the Eastern Iowa Airport Commission.    

Please Join Us - Register at:    https://rotarybar.square.site
 
"Have a Great Rest of the Week"!!!
 
Leland
 
Leland J. Smithson
Mobile 319-431-5509
Board meetings of the Club are usually held on the Fourth Tuesday of the month at 8:00 AM at Uptown Coffee Company/Uptown Snug, 760 11th Street, Marion. (This schedule is being reviewed at this time.) Members are welcome and encouraged to attend and can learn about the innerworkings of the Club as the rotary year progresses and plans developed, The next meetings are scheduled for:
 
  • October 22, 2024
  • November 26, 2024
  • December TBD
  • January 28, 2025
  • February 25, 2025
  • March 24, 2025
  • April 22, 2025
  • May 27, 2025
  • June 24, 2025
Karen Besler headshot
 
From https://dentistry.uiowa.edu/news/2024/09/ui-alum-shifts-private-practice-humanitarian-service........
 

During a 10-week closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen Besler (’00 DDS) realized there was something else calling to her outside of her Cedar Rapids dental practice. A desire to engage in humanitarian causes.

A combination of principles of her faith and experiences as a provider allowed her to take a leap and leave her practice behind and enter the world of being an active humanitarian.

Within three weeks of her last day in private practice, she came upon an opportunity to assist an international non-profit to help celebrate their 25th anniversary. It was sparked by listening to a podcast series by actor Rainn Wilson, who famously starred in “The Office” on NBC.

“I had this feeling that I would find the answer to my own desired path while listening to others share their stories and I was correct,” says Besler, “I was so compelled by listening to Rainn Wilson, who is a long-time board member for the Foundation, and the founder and CEO of the Mona Foundation, Dr. Mahnaz Javid, that I reached out to her immediately.”

Besler said she felt an instant connection while talking to Javid and it made partnering with the Mona Foundation an obvious choice. And the causes they support fall right in line with how Besler wants to make an impact.

The Mona Foundation works to support and provide access to education for children worldwide. The Foundation strives to eliminate barriers to education, empower women and girls, and foster ethics and service in individuals who can then uplift themselves, their families, and communities.

“The focus on empowering children, mainly vulnerable girls, in developing countries through education instantly pulled at my heart strings,” says Besler, “As I started down this path with the Mona Foundation, I realized many of the skills I gained from dental school and private practice are propelling me forward on this new path.”

Javid recently returned from a trip to India where she and an award-winning documentary producer filmed a documentary following a young girl who benefited from receiving her education through a partner organization of the Mona Foundation.

“I am excited to be given the opportunity to share our new documentary and the cause of the Mona Foundation at multiple venues throughout the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor area soon,” says Besler, “For anyone interested in this great cause, I encourage you to visit MonaFoundation.org.”

The documentary titled, “Light and Air” celebrates 25 years of the Mona Foundation and debuts Sept. 29.

 

Profile photo of Dean Houdeshell
From https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-houdeshell/
 
With 30 years of experience in the mobile machine industry, Dean is a passionate and driven engineering leader. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa and hold credentials as a Fluid Power Engineer, an Accredited Instructor, and a Professional Engineer.
 
His core competencies include engineering management, sales, lean manufacturing, fluid power system design, process improvement, and 8D problem solving. He has a proven track record of building strong teams, delivering innovative solutions, and achieving customer satisfaction. His mission is to leverage his  technical and leadership skills to create value for companies and individuals.
 
 
From https://www.coachingwithdean.com/home
 
Everyone has the potential to be great. To realize this potential, one must be willing to set aside the expectations of others and focus on becoming the best version of themselves. It involves committing to growth, taking risks, and having an open mind. By doing so, we can create our own paths to greatness and achieve a level of success that few can even dream of.
 
Innovative Coaching Strategies empowers business leaders to foster creativity, innovation, and success.  Services provided include vision and strategic planning, team building and creativity workshops, leadership development training, and business coaching and mentoring.
 
 
Cindy presented Zach Schmit with the Rotarian of the Year Award!
 
And Katie Powell the Rising Star Award!
 
Jayne DeCoste was awarded the Quiet Rotarian Award for her work behind the scenes.
 
Bob Butschi did not think this game was a laughing matter!
 
Is this Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon?
In classic Carnac the Magnificent style, incoming president Kyle Low cracked some funny jokes about Marion Rotary.
 
Kyle also shared his vision for the chapter moving forward and other talking points.
 
Under the IS IT FUN? category............
  • 1st Tuesday - Tell Me Something Good
  • 2nd Tuesday - Interview a Rotarian
  • 3rd Tuesday - Dad Jokes
  • 4th Tuesday - Small Fundraising Game
  • 5th Tuesday - TBD
On a more serious note, Kyle's goals for the upcoming Rotary year include:
  • Members +5
  • Average Attendance > 50%
  • 36 Guests
  • Host (3) Morning Mixers
  • 25 Pairs of Shoes (=$500) for Shoes for Kids
  • Create Rotary Slideshow with Upcoming Events
 
 
 
Congratulations for another great Rotary year everyone!
 
The Year End Celebration was held at the Indian Creek Country Club in Marion on June 26th from 5:30-7:30pm with catering by LJ's.
 
Cindy Shipley thanked board members and appointed volunteers.
 
Cindy passed the gavel on to Kyle Low to take charge of the club for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
 
Kyle awarded Cindy a plaque with a gavel, along with a gift certificate to the Sanctuary Spa, thanking her for her leadership as President of the club in 2023/2024 and followed-up with comments looking forward to next Rotary year.
 
Again, thank you ALL for another wonderful Rotary year!
 
 
 
The Metro Rotary Clubs have come together to do a multi-year project with other organizations to revitalize the historic Shakespeare Garden at the Ellis Park entrance off Ellis Blvd. NW. Our own Tom Barnes with Barnes Manufacturing has been a key contributor to the garden by manufacturing and installing the entrance gate/sign to the garden to make the garden more visible to everyone. Stop by, relax, and enjoy the garden as the Cedar River flows by.
 
On April 30th, our Club hosted students, parents, and Marion City and school district officials to recognize students who have worked to create a safe and drug free school environment at Linn-Mar, Marion Independent, and St. Joseph schools. Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary has represented the community in honoring some very accomplished and busy students for 32 years. Pictured is the 2024 class honored.
 
 
For the 2nd year in a row the Waffle Breakfast was held at Indian Creek Country Club.  On Saturday, April 29, we hosted the community, provided hospitality and support, and Dad's Waffles provided the waffles. This all-hands-on deck project had fantastic participation from our Club members, and we experienced a great turnout from the community.  Here are some pictures:
 

February 23, 2024

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $80,000 in grants from the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust Fund to 19 nonprofit organizations whose work benefits Linn County residents, including $1,000 to the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club for Shoes for Kids. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive grant process that began in November. The Board of Supervisors received more than $500,000 in grant requests with $80,000 in available funds. 

The Witwer Trust was established by Weaver Witwer, a prominent Cedar Rapids grocer and landowner who died in 1979. Mr. Witwer owned and operated a food processing plant, a number of local farms, and what became known as the Me Too grocery stores. 

The Witwer Trust grant cycle begins Nov. 1 of each year. For more information about the Witwer Trust grant program, visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/Witwer.  

Thanks to the Marion Sun for this story.

 
uptown street
 
from https://www.cityofmarion.org/............
 
Community Playmaker, a media platform designed to provide news, features, and trends that highlight American communities and civic leaders, names the city of Marion, Iowa as their Community of the Year for 2023. The city of 41,864 residents beat out nearly 100 small, midsize, and large communities that entered the nationwide contest to earn this honor.

The Community of the Year Award is a celebration of cities and the visionary leaders that spark progress. It’s about innovative programs and initiatives that drive economic development, promote community engagement, provide places for residents to work and play, support public safety, amplify the arts and culture, and build open, inclusive, high-quality environments for all citizens.

Communities from around the country submitted entries for the Community of the Year Award. The size of communities ranged from towns with a little more than 1,000 residents to some of America’s largest and most well-known cities, and everything in between.

A panel of experts reviewed each entry with several criteria in mind, including the scope of the “quality-of-life” projects that were launched and the impact of each project, among other items. While we received many tremendous and inspiring entries, one stood above the rest.

“Marion is a great example of what can happen when a community, both its leaders and citizens, cast a vision for a tremendous quality of life for everyone. And the power is not just in the vision, it’s also in the determination Marion leaders showed driving these projects through to completion,” said Ashley Whittaker, editor-in-chief of Community Playmaker. “Through initiatives as diverse as their partnership to build a state-of-the-art YMCA to converting unused alleyways into accessible arts and entertainment space, we are inspired by the work they’ve done and continue to do.”

In 2007, city and business leaders in Marion embarked on a bold path toward enhancing their city. It started with polling residents for their thoughts on how to make Marion a better place. Their responses and conversations in community brainstorming sessions helped civic leaders develop a list of projects that met the needs of the community.

Once ideas were further refined, funding and partnerships were sought for a variety of projects that shape Marion today. These include:

  • A new 75,000-square-foot recreation facility in partnership with the YMCA
  • Uptown Artway- an unused, dumpster-filled back alleyway that was converted into a concert and art venue
  • A state-of-the-art library, which includes a recording studio, teen area, art studio, demonstration kitchen, quilting machine, and 3D printer.

“It is a great honor for our city to be named, ‘Community of the Year,’” said Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly. “We are grateful for the recognition as it places Marion on a national stage and endorses our focus on serving residents and giving them the best opportunities for an unequaled quality of life. Marion’s success is hard-earned by an energized team that works together and engages the entire community in moving the city forward.”

Check out our January edition of Community Playmaker to learn more about Marion’s incredible story. 

 
On Saturday, September 23rd, our club participated in a service project that used awarded district grant money. We planted 20 trees at Prairie Hill Park in Marion. The city dug the holes, and we helped put the trees in the holes and spread mulch around the trees. 
 
 
Thanks to City Staff for showing us the right way to plant the trees!
 
 
 
Thank you to everyone that came out and helped plant trees!  We had them all planted in about two hours.
And thanks to Seth for making sure we had the "temporary" grill ready for us to use. We got to break-in the new grill at the pavilion. Although it was windy, Cindy did manage to get a fire going, so that we could enjoy some hamburgers and hot dogs and a little bit of social time.
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Our Marion-East CR Rotary using Club and Rotary District Grant funds have purchased and installed two bike Fix-it stations for bike riders on the Marion trail system. One is located at the Inclusive Playgroun at Lowe Park along Irish Drive and the other along the trail at the new Waldo's Rock Park. The park is new and not the rock. Stop out and see these welcome aids to those biking along the trail who need some air in tires, bolts or screws tightened or other emergency maintenance. Thanks to Drew and the crew from the Parks Dept. for helping make this project possible.
The Town Clock provided by the Marion-East CR Rotary to the Marion community has provided a "way-finding" point commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Club. Located in City Square Park Uptown Marion, it also helps to make the community aware of the Club as a partner in making Marion a great place to live and work. This project could not have been accomplished without the leadership of Tom Barnes and contributors who are now listed on the base of the clock. 
 
     
         
 
The Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club's Echo Hill Station project was dedicated on May 4, 2021 at the site at Lowe Park.  This has been a major undertaking for the Club. This was a truly community project with support from the Marion Parks Department and some funding from the Marion Hotel/Motel Tax Grant as well as the vast majority of support from businesses and individuals financially and in-kind.   David Nieuwsma, President of Collins Aerospace Avionics Business Unit spoke on the importance of the legacy of accomplishments employees and suppliers of Collins Radio and successors have provided to today's technology in space and how students today can carry on that legacy with education and career choices.  Mayor Nick AbouAssaly congratulated the Club on this addition to the community and the Lowe Park Art trail as did Parks Director Seth Staashelm. We  appreciate the support provided by our Club. The core committee of Don Stulken of the Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association, Tom Barnes and Erik Miles of the Club provided technical and historical guidance, physical fabrication and installation and project management for Echo Hill Station.   
 
   
 
We received several positive comments for our work as well as personal remembrances such as the following comments from Cynthia Stretch appreciating our work:
 
   
 
"I just learned about the Lowe Park Echo Hill Station project today.  I read on your site that the donation period has ended.  However, I would still like to make a contribution." 
 
"My motivation for this is very personal.  My father worked at Collins Radio from 1955-1968.  Without question, it was the highlight of his working life.  Even as a child, I felt his excitement and enthusiasm about what he and the company were accomplishing together.  The words "Echo,"  "radio wave propogation," "ionospheric forward scattering," and many more such terms I really didn't understand, were a part of my childhood.  I remember the electric mood as we watched the moon landing together in the basement of our Cedar Rapids home." 
 
"There are three stone markers at the Lowe Park Site.  One of them is entitled "Legacy".  There are two pictures beneath the title.  I believe the one on the left must be of Art Collins.  The one on the right includes a group of men.  The man on the right side of the photo nearest to the camera is Clifford Beamer, my father.  I am so moved to see him there, and ecstatic to think that the work he was so devoted to is still valued today."
 
"Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this project, from initial concept to completion.  It means more to me than you could know.
 
Very Sincerely,
Cynthia Stretch"
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Treasurer
Rotary Foundation
Immediate Past President