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
Year End Party!
Jun 24, 2025
Libbie Malecek
Jul 15, 2025
Oak Street Health
Alison Winterscheidt
Jul 22, 2025
Life 101.9
Joe Murphy
Jul 29, 2025
Iowa Business Council
Landon Staab
Aug 05, 2025
RYLA
Dennis Becker and Trevor Templeman
Aug 19, 2025
Cityview Community High School
Home Page News
 
Board meetings of the Club are usually held on the 2nd Thursday of the month from Noon to 1pm at Uptown Coffee Company, 760 11th St, Suite A, Marion.  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.
 
Community Events and Information
 

Welcome to Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary

📅 Upcoming Meeting – Tuesday, June 24th - Noon at Indian Creek Country Club

Please note that there will be no speaker at our meeting on Tuesday, June 24th. Stay tuned for more details from Kyle regarding our Year-End Celebration—it’s sure to be a memorable event!

As always, we kindly ask that you RSVP by 9:00 AM on Monday if you plan to attend. If you're bringing a guest—or better yet, a prospective member—please let us know that as well. Your RSVP helps us ensure we have the right number of meals prepared and avoid unnecessary waste.

🔔 Important Reminder:
If you RSVP and later find you cannot attend, please notify us as soon as possible. If you do not RSVP, you will need to wait until all confirmed attendees have received their meals before being served.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to making our Rotary meetings smooth and enjoyable for everyone!

🌟 Volunteer Opportunity at the Linn County Fair – Let’s Represent Rotary! 🌟

We’ve been approached by Julia Rathje, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Linn County Fair, with an exciting opportunity for our Rotary Club to get involved and make a difference in our community!

The fair runs from June 25th to June 29th, and they are especially in need of volunteers to help at the Grandstand Entrance on Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th during the evening concerts. This is a fantastic way for us to show our Rotary spirit, lend a hand, and increase awareness of our club’s presence and service.

🎟️ Volunteer Details:

  • Role: Grandstand Entrance Monitors
  • Duties: Scanning tickets, putting on wristbands, and monitoring entrances
  • Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Volunteers Needed: Up to 8 per night

Trent and I are planning to help out on either Friday or Saturday night, and we’d love to have more club members join us! If you're interested in volunteering on either of those days, please let me know. I can coordinate with Julia directly or you can sign up using the link below.

Linn County Fair: Fair Week Volunteering 2025

Let’s come together to support a great local event and show the community what Rotary is all about!

Thank you for considering this opportunity — we hope to see many of you there!

Yours in Service,
Katie Powell

 
When the sirens sounds be reminded it is time for "Siren Wednesday on Thursday." However, due to Independence Day on July 4, this month we will gather on Thursday, July 10 (at a place yet to be determined) after 5 PM. Stop by for dinner, a drink or just to say hello. Family and friends are also welcome. Our regular location, The Edison, is closed in June to rebranding to a new Tuscan Grill restaurant. If possible, Let Erik know if you plan to attend however that is not necessary but helpful. 
 
Erik Miles
RYLA | Rotary District 7950
To all District 5970 Rotarians:
 
Rotarian Visit Day! 

We would like to invite you to join us to observe a day of RYLA 2025! 

Tuesday, July 29th 2025 is our Shark Tank Experience, which involves students creating a feasible service project that they can take home to their communities. Students will go through a series of scavenger hunt-like activities to learn more about the history of Rotary while brainstorming ideas for their service project. They will then present a seven minute slideshow to our head counselors and Rotarian guest-judges for a score, which will be given to them no later than that evening. We would love to have Rotarians join us to shadow a team lead in order to get hands-on experience with our program without having to commit to the entire week. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a better understanding of RYLA sponsorships and the profound impact the program leaves on our students and community.
 
If you plan to visit, please send an email to (markmcandrews@msn.com) with the name of your club, the number of Rotarians in your party, and your planned arrival time.  When we have a list of who is going to attend, we will send out more details!
 
 Upon your arrival at the Harris Center on campus, we will have someone waiting to greet you. During your visit, we will match you up with a team to make the most of your time.
 
Suellen Kolbet
District 5970 RYLA Representative

Francesco Arezzo of Italy Named 2025–26 Rotary International President

Rotary International has announced that Francesco Arezzo, a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, will serve as the organization’s president for the 2025–26 Rotary year, beginning 1 July 2025.

Arezzo was selected by the RI Board of Directors during a special session held after the unexpected resignation of President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June. In accordance with Rotary’s bylaws and procedures, the Board chose Arezzo from a group of previously nominated candidates.

The presidential theme for 2025–26, "Unite for Good," will remain unchanged. This message encourages Rotarians to foster unity and collaboration in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography, and ideology. Through service, Rotary continues to bring people together across cultures, professions, and beliefs to create lasting positive change.

Professionally, Arezzo is an orthodontist with international affiliations, including membership in the Italian, European, and American orthodontic associations. He also serves as vice president of the National Association of Italian Dentists for the province of Ragusa and has been active in cultural preservation through the National Trust for Italy. He holds the title of Knight of Honor and Devotion in Obedience in the Sovereign Order of Malta.

With over 30 years of Rotary service, Arezzo has held numerous leadership roles, including RI Director, vice chair of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee, and district conference presidential representative. He is also a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.

Francesco and his wife, Anna Maria Criscione, an entrepreneur in the tourism industry, have two children.

Let us join in congratulating Francesco Arezzo and look forward to his leadership in the coming Rotary year.

 

Trees Forever

🌳 Rotary Speaker Spotlight Recap: Enzo Nagao from Trees Forever – June 17th 🌳

At our June 17th meeting, the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club had the pleasure of hosting Enzo Nagao from Trees Forever as our featured speaker. Held at the Indian Creek Country Club, the session offered an inspiring look into the power of community-driven environmental stewardship.

Enzo, a 2020 graduate of Coe College with degrees in English and Music, shared his journey from Naperville, Illinois, to becoming a passionate advocate for urban forestry. His career path took root during a year with the Naperville Department of Public Works, eventually leading him to Trees Forever in 2021.

He began by leading the Growing Futures program in Cedar Rapids, engaging local youth in tree planting and environmental education. Later, as ReLeaf Volunteer Coordinator, Enzo managed impactful community projects throughout the metro area. Now part of the Development Team, he focuses on expanding volunteer engagement and securing funding across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. He’s also pursuing a Grant Writing Certificate through Spark the Fire Grant Writing.

Beyond his environmental work, Enzo is a creative writer with a love for science fiction and fantasy, blending storytelling with his commitment to community and nature.

About Trees Forever
Founded in 1989 and based in Marion, Trees Forever is a nonprofit dedicated to planting and caring for trees and the environment. With over 3 million trees and shrubs planted across Iowa and Illinois, the organization continues to lead in urban forestry, native habitat restoration, and youth education.

We thank Enzo for his engaging presentation and for the vital work he and Trees Forever do to grow greener, stronger communities.

City of Marion | Cedar Rapids Tourism
Upcoming Events
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:
  • Thursday, June 19 – Marion by Moonlight hosted by Farmers State Bank featuring 8 Seconds – 6-9 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park
  • Friday, June 20 – Moonlit Movie Series featuring Inside Out 2 – 7 p.m. – Lowe Park
  • Friday, June 20 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Casey Klein – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway
 
Volunteers Needed for Indian Creek Clean-Up Day
The City of Marion is partnering with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds. The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers will remove debris by boat and by foot along the paths of Indian Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that can get dirty and will protect them from moderate hazards. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Lunch, sponsored by Cargill, will also be offered. Help maintain Indian Creek’s beauty by signing up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/YBJQFtG.
 
Vacancies on Linn County Crime Stoppers Board
Linn County Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that allows residents to report crime, maintain anonymity, and if their information leads to an arrest, could lead to a financial reward. They are focused on facilitating engagement between community members and local law enforcement agencies. The board of directors is comprised of residents from Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion, Mt. Vernon/Lisbon, Robins and Linn County. The City was notified of three vacancies on the board that are reserved for Marion residents. If you have an interest in serving, please complete an application and return to the address listed on the form.
 
 

A Successful Start for Shoes for Kids!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and community, our waffle breakfast fundraiser was a resounding success! After covering expenses, we raised an impressive $4,060.20—a fantastic kickoff to our Shoes for Kids project!

With these funds, we’re thrilled to donate 100 pairs of shoes to the Marion Cares Backpack program this year! The shoes will be ordered in July and delivered in August, ensuring local children have the footwear they need for the school year ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this event—your support truly makes a difference!

 

Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Honors, Awards, and a Spirited Showdown May 20th Rotary Meeting Recap

Our Rotary Club gathered on May 20th for another lively and meaningful meeting, celebrating achievements, recognizing dedication, and engaging in some lighthearted competition.

A highlight of the meeting was Cindy Shipley receiving another Paul Harris recognition, a testament to her continued generosity and commitment to Rotary's mission of service. Cindy's dedication exemplifies the spirit of giving that makes Rotary thrive.

Adding to the club's accolades, our Rotary Club was honored with yet another District Governor's Excellence Award, recognizing its ongoing efforts and contributions to the community. This prestigious award is a reflection of the club's passion for service and its unwavering commitment to making a difference.

To round out the meeting with some friendly competition, Dean Houdeshell emerged victorious in the highly anticipated rock-paper-scissors contest. While the stakes may not have been world-changing, the enthusiasm and camaraderie on display reminded everyone of the joy of simple moments and good-natured fun.

As the club continues its mission, these recognitions serve as reminders of the impact that teamwork, generosity, and community engagement can have. Here's to another successful Rotary gathering!

 

 

Seth StaashelmMarion Leadership in Action - Marion Chamber of Commerce
 

Marion Rotary Hosts Marion Leadership in Action Class of 2025

On Thursday, May 15th, Marion Rotary had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Marion Leadership in Action Class of 2025 during a special meeting. This dynamic group of 15 emerging leaders joined us for an engaging afternoon of connection, inspiration, and community spirit.

The highlight of the event was a presentation by our very own Seth Staashelm, a fellow Rotarian and proud MVP of the Marion Leadership in Action Class of 2023. Seth shared his personal journey through the program and offered valuable insights into the impact of leadership development in our community. He also introduced the class to the mission and service of Rotary, emphasizing the meaningful ways our club contributes to Marion and beyond.

It was a fantastic opportunity to build bridges between current and future leaders, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make the event a success. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and contributions of the Class of 2025!

 
Thanks to the Marion Girls Soccer Team for Removing the golf cart from the pool!
 
 
The golf cart has dropped! 
The winner is Christine Landa!
Payout = $755!
 

 

Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club Honored Students for Promoting Safe and Drug-Free Schools

On April 29th, the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club hosted an event to recognize students from Linn-Mar, Marion Independent, and St. Joseph schools who have made significant contributions to creating a safe and drug-free school environment. This annual event, which has been a proud tradition for 33 years, brought together students, parents, and officials from the City of Marion and the school districts to celebrate the achievements of these dedicated young individuals.

The Rotary Club has long been committed to supporting and honoring the efforts of students who strive to make their schools and communities better places. This year's event was a memorable occasion, highlighting the hard work and dedication of students who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote safety and well-being among their peers.

Community members joined in celebrating these outstanding students and their accomplishments. Their presence and support helped to encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community.

 

Shoes for Kids Waffle Breakfast was a SUCCESS!

By 7am, we were ready, and by 8am, the line was out the door. The community's support was overwhelming, and I am incredibly grateful.

While we are still tallying the total funds raised, I am thrilled to share that we served 317 guests! To put this in perspective, in 2019, we served 333 guests, and we haven't come close to that number since. This turnout is truly remarkable.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in our team and club. Each of you played a crucial role in making this event a success. We couldn't have done it without you.

Next month, I plan to hold a wrap-up meeting to gather feedback and suggestions for next year's breakfast. If you have any ideas or comments, please feel free to email me.

Thank you once again for all your help. Let's start planning for next year!

Warm regards,

Katie Powell

 

 

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.

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!

Profile photo of Seth Staashelm, CPRP, CPSIoutdoor aquatics center rendering
 

Spotlight on Seth Staashelm: Marion Parks and Recreation Director

This week, we are delighted to feature one of our esteemed Rotary Club members, Seth Staashelm, who will also be our guest speaker. Seth serves as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Marion, where he has been instrumental in enhancing our community's recreational facilities and programs.

A Visionary Leader in Parks and Recreation

Seth Staashelm has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Marion residents. Under his leadership, the Parks and Recreation Department has seen significant upgrades and expansions, including the development of new parks, trails, and recreational programs. His commitment to fostering a vibrant and active community is evident in every project he undertakes.

Marion Aquatic Center: A Future Jewel for the Community

One of Seth's notable achievements is his work on the Marion Aquatic Center. Contingent on obtaining funding through a bond referendum set for November 2025, this state-of-the-art facility is planned to offer a variety of aquatic and recreational opportunities for all ages. From swimming lessons and water aerobics to family swim sessions and special events, the Marion Aquatic Center is expected to become a beloved destination for residents seeking fun and fitness.

 

 

We are delighted to announce that our Rotary Club recently received a generous donation of $1,000 from First Federal Credit Union. The check presentation took place at our Rotary meeting on 3/4/25, with C. Thomas Chalstrom, President and CEO of First Federal Credit Union in attendance to present the check.

This contribution will significantly help support our "Shoes for Kids" program and our upcoming waffle breakfast fundraiser. We are grateful for First Federal's enthusiastic support and commitment to our community.

Thank you to all members who attended the meeting and helped make this event special. Your continued support and dedication to our cause are greatly appreciated.

Learning: ClubRunner for Club Executives | Rotary District 7910Know Your Numbers-Katie Powell, Savant Tax & Consulting - Professional  Women's Network

Our speaker for the January 28th Rotary meeting was our own Katie Powell. She discussed all things ClubRunner, providing valuable insights and tips on how to make the most of this powerful tool. Whether you're new to ClubRunner or looking to enhance your skills, this session was informative.  We learned all about the ClubRunner phone ap, the Club Locator ap, the event tab, and the communication tab.

 
Barnes Manufacturing Services logoTom Barnes stands outside of Barnes Manufacturing in Marion next to the entrance arch that will be installed in Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT CINDY HADISH未提供相片說明。
 
About Barnes Manufacturing Services (from LinkedIn).........
 
We are designers, engineers, and manufacturers of metal fabricated products. For over 3 decades we have been solving manufacturing challenges and advancing the industry of creating and making. We specialize in collaborating with your business to help you realize your production goals. Whether you are in a large production facility or a small business, working to optimize your manufacturing process or creating a new product- we are genuinely interested in the success of your company.
 
 
 
 

On 12/6/24, members of our Rotary Club gathered at the Marion HyVee to participate in the annual bell-ringing campaign for the Salvation Army. This event brought together dedicated volunteers, who braved the chilly weather to spread holiday cheer and raise funds for those in need.

Throughout the day, our members greeted shoppers with smiles and the familiar sound of ringing bells. The generosity of the community was truly inspiring, as many stopped to donate and share kind words of support.

We are incredibly proud of our club's commitment to service and the positive impact we can make together. A special thank you to all the volunteers who participated and to everyone who donated. Your contributions help the Salvation Army continue their vital work in our community.  

6,667 Election Results Stock Vectors and Vector Art | Shutterstock
 
Alex Chalk - President Elect 2024-2025
 
Seth Staashelm - President Elect Nominee 2025-2026
 
Zach Schmit - President Elect Nominee 2026-2027
 
Cindy Shipley - Treasurer
 
Jeff Selfridge - Secretary
 
Cindy Shipley - Foundation Chair
Eco Lips Store
Photo
 
From https://ecolips.com/

Like so many great American business stories, ours started small.

In the early 1990s, Andrea Danielson began brewing small batches of natural lip balm in her kitchen for her friends and family. She took great care in handcrafting the balm and packaging it in small amber glass jars to preserve the freshness of the pure ingredients. Andrea didn’t realize that by giving a sample of her natural lip creation to Steve Shriver, her life would be changed forever.

Steve had larger-than-life lips and was always searching for a better balm. When Steve met Andrea in 1995, he immediately fell in love with the lip balm, and moments later he also fell in love with Andrea. They were married in 1997 and Steve, a lifetime entrepreneur, quickly spent Andrea’s life savings on ingredients and packaging for the couple’s first product, Hemp Lip Buzz.

By 2003, Steve and Andrea built a specialized private label natural body care company focused on making high quality products for many other successful brands. Their company rapidly became a leading natural body care manufacturer in the Natural Products industry.

Their top sales rep, Jim King, also had a love for lip balm, and had a vision for creating a lip balm brand like no other. Together, the team pivoted from making products for other companies to making their own. Eco Lips had arrived.

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.
 
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Treasurer
Rotary Foundation
Immediate Past President