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
Dr. Aaron Meyer - Owner
Dec 10, 2024
Integrated Medicine of Iowa
Holiday Luncheon
Dec 17, 2024
Linn-Mar Choir
NO MEETING
Dec 24, 2024
Merry Christmas
NO MEETING
Dec 31, 2024
Happy New Year!
Karla Twedt-Ball - President/CEO
Jan 14, 2025
Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
Slingshot 25
Jan 28, 2025
Creating Change That Lasts
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.  The next board meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2024.
 
Community Events and Information
 

Welcome to Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary

REDI Iowa
 
Greg has been the Economic Development Director for REDI since 2021. Prior to that, he was a REDI Board member. Greg had a long career in Law and Banking before becoming Economic Development Director. With the construction of the I380 interchange at Tower Terrace Road, there is new potential for development. Greg has enjoyed being part of the group that developed the vision for the Robins Landing area and looks forward to working to see that come to fruition.
 

ABOUT REDI

The Robins Economic Development Initiative (REDI) assists organizations seeking to do business in Robins, Iowa—a small community with strong purchasing power and close proximity to a large metro area. Compared to other cities of 3,400 residents, Robins offers exceptional opportunities for service businesses, commercial entities, and light industrial manufacturing companies. REDI will help you assess business feasibility and real estate availability and tap into Robins’ Midwestern work ethic and prime location near Cedar Rapids.

Businesses in the City of Robins benefit from:

  • Low Property Taxes
  • Real Estate Availability
  • Small-town Character
  • Proximity to a large metro area
  • Ready access to transportation

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

Please RSVP to Cindy by 9:00 AM Monday.  Here is an email link.
 
 
When the sirens sounds be reminded it is time for "Siren Wednesday on Thursday." This month we will return on Thursday, December 5 to The Edison, 475 Northland Ave. NE after 5 PM. Stop by for dinner, a drink or just to say hello. Family and friends are also welcome. If possible, let Erik know if you plan to attend however that is not necessary but helpful. 
 
Erik Miles
logo
 
The current blood drive is from November 18 through November 29th.
 
Click to Register at either Cedar Rapids Donor Center:
 
Cedar Rapids Lindale  (4828 1st Ave NE)
 
Cedar Rapids West   (3001 Williams Blvd SW)
 
Make sure to tell the front desk that you are there for the Rotary Blood Drive Challenge.
 
Why should you donate blood?
 
  1. Save Lives: One blood donation can save up to three lives. Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.
  2. Health Benefits for Donors: Donating blood can provide health benefits such as reducing iron levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.
  3. Community Support: Blood donations help maintain a stable blood supply, which is crucial for hospitals and emergency services.
  4. Emotional Well-being: Helping others can improve your emotional well-being, reduce stress, and provide a sense of belonging.
  5. Burn Calories: Donating blood can burn up to 650 calories per donation.
  6. Donations drop by around 20% during holiday weeks. Your donation will ensure that all patients have the treatment they need no matter what time of year!
 
Never donated before? Check out these tips…
 
How to prepare for your blood donation:
  1. Eat good meals for breakfast and lunch the day of the drive (choose healthy, well rounded meals with lean protein, greens, and whole grains)
  2. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of the drive (at least 8 glasses of water per day)
  3. Bring your Photo ID
Tips for boosting your iron levels: one to two weeks before the drive, try adding in some foods such as lean meats, plenty of leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, and whole grains.
Boom Vote comic text speech bubble pop art Boom Vote 2020 USA comic text speech bubble pop art. Cartoon halftone vector background. Retro comic book font explosion. Presidential election comic speech bubble design. Voting stock vector
 
The upcoming Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary elections will be held at our regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd.
 
We will be voting on the following positions:
 
 
Role
Term
Nominees
President (1 year)
 
07/01/2025- 06/30/2026
Nominees:
Alex Chalk
 
President Elect (1 year)
 
07/01/2026- 06/30/2027
Nominees:
Seth Staashelm
Megan Crawford
 
President Elect Nominee (1 year)
 
07/01/2027- 06/30/2028
Nominees:
Katie Powell
Zach Schmit
Foundation Chair (3 years)
07/01/2025- 06/30/2028
Nominees:
Cindy Shipley
 
Secretary (3 years)
07/01/2025- 06/30/2028
Nominees:
Jeff Selfridge
Treasurer (3 years)
07/01/2025- 06/30/2028
Nominees:
Cindy Shipley
 
If you signed -up, please bring your wrapped gifts back to Rotary either on December 3rd or 10th.
Bob Butschi will deliver them to the families along with their food box.
 
If you can’t get them back by the 10th, you will need to go pick up the food box and deliver them.
You can get a hold of Cindy Shipley, if this is the case, and she can give you the information to get them delivered.
 
In regards to paying for the gifts…
Turn in your receipts for the gift purchases, and the club will reimburse you.
If you want to contribute to buying part of the gifts, just let Cindy Shipley know how much, and she will deduct that from your reimbursement.
 
Profile photo of Mary EggerMary EggerProfile photo of Frank Grage
From linkedin.com
 
At Iowa American Water, we are committed to more than just providing reliable water and sewer services; we are dedicated to forging meaningful partnerships that empower communities. By leveraging our expertise as a leading utility provider, we work closely with local governments and organizations to unlock the full potential of utility assets.

Our approach enables communities to utilize their water and sewer infrastructure to drive additional projects and address various needs. Whether it's through innovative financing solutions, operational efficiencies, or collaborative planning, we help municipalities maximize their utility assets' value, ensuring they can achieve broader community goals and enhance quality of life.

Partner with Iowa American Water and discover how we can turn your utility assets into a catalyst for community growth and success.
 

 

 
November has arrived and with it brings Foundation Month.  Did you know that in the Rotary year 2022-2023, the Rotary Foundation gave out $278.5 million dollars in grants and to the Peace Centers? $14.8 million of that was for Disaster Grants, a newer program that is designed to provide immediate help to Disaster Victims all over the World.  .  The Rotary Foundation makes a huge impact in the world every year and that is through the generosity of each and every one of you giving of your time, treasures, and talents.

John Wasta is the past Foundation Chair for Rotary District 5970. He will be visiting our club to discuss everything you've ever wanted to know about the Rotary Foundation and Foundation giving.

Mr. Wasta is a third generation Rotarian. He has been a member of the Cedar Rapids Rotary Club for 42 years and served that club as its 100th president, presiding over their 100th Anniversary Gala in 2014. His grandfather was a fifty-year Rotarian (perhaps the first 50-year member of the Cedar Rapids club). His father has been a member of the Cedar Rapids Rotary club for 65 years (so far). 

Mr. Wasta worked in the office furniture and office supply industry for 42 years. He was a third-generation owner in this industry until he and his brother sold their business in 2011. He then started working as Director of Finance and HR at Matthew 25, a local non-profit in Cedar Rapids. He retired in March 2024. He has been active in the Cedar Rapids community, since his return in 1979, when he was first recruited to volunteer for the United Way by a family friend. He has worked with the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce (now the Economic Alliance), Junior Achievement, Leadership for Five Seasons, the Workplace Learning Connection, and the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, along with other community organizations.

 

Profile photo of Sam BlattRiverview Center
From https://riverviewcenter.org/ 
 
Riverview Center is a nonprofit agency committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care for individuals affected by sexual assault in Iowa, and for individuals affected by sexual and domestic violence in Illinois.
 
In 1992, Vickie Gratton, the Galena Police Department Nurse, and Faye Clarke, a mental health therapist, witnessed gaps in the services available to sexual assault survivors in Jo Daviess County, resulting in a lack in prosecution and blatant disrespect. To provide better options for those in need, Vickie and Faye founded the basis for what was to become Riverview Center.

In June of 1992, a board of directors was formed with the guidance of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). The board voted to provide services in Jo Daviess County as Riverview Center. Between 1996 and 2005, Riverview Center’s services were expanded into Carroll County, Illinois, Dubuque, Iowa, and Delaware and Buchanan Counties to provide these crucial services for sexual assault survivors.

In 2010, Riverview Center was approached by CHOICES, the domestic violence services provider for Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, to merge the two agencies’ operations. Riverview Center’s and CHOICES’ staff worked together as one agency to ensure continuity of services for domestic violence survivors in Northwest Illinois.

As of July 1, 2013, the state of Iowa shifted to a six-region model for the provision of sexual assault prevention and intervention services. Riverview Center was chosen to serve 11 additional counties in Northeast Iowa, including Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, Jones, Linn, and Winneshiek Counties.

As an agency, Riverview Center is unique in that we are the only agency in the 14 county Northeast Region of Iowa providing sexual assault services, and we are the only agency providing either sexual or domestic violence services in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties in Illinois.

Our services are free regardless of biological sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, English proficiency, race and/or ethnicity, incarceration status, disability or background. Riverview Center is a safe space. Our services are available to anyone affected by these crimes and their non-offending family members.

See Riverview's website for opportunities to donate and to volunteer!

 
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.

 
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From iowagivingcrew.org:
 
Iowa Giving Crew started as a group of friends from the Cedar Rapids area who banded together to do some good in our local communities by forming a 501c3 Non Profit.

Our Mission: Raising funds and marshaling resources within our collective networks to serve those in need throughout our community.

Our non-profit organization started from a prank back in November 2017. Someone had put a friend’s contact information on Craigslist saying he was giving away free turkeys just before Thanksgiving - he was not. But our friend immediately received numerous phone calls inquiring about the free turkeys. Upon realizing there was a large need for something like this in our community, we gathered a group of local friends to actually raise some funds to give away turkeys that Thanksgiving. Through a short fundraising effort a few days before Thanksgiving, we were able to raise almost $1,500, which was used to purchase turkeys and sides. That food was given away to people in need in downtown Cedar Rapids the day before Thanksgiving as an effort we titled “Operation Give Birds”. From there, the decision was made to make this a formal annual event. In November 2018 (year 2), with more lead time and better organization, we raised $5,400 and were able to provide free turkeys and sides to 280 local families! 

After Thanksgiving 2018, the leaders of “Operation Give Birds” asked themselves:

1. Do we have the capacity to do even more? 

2. What does this additional charity effort look like moving forward? 

From these discussions, the “Iowa Giving Crew” non-profit organization was formed in early 2019, acquiring 501(c)(3) status, meaning contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. “Operation Give Birds” will continue to be our main annual charity effort, but now we’re looking to grow even more to help even more local families. We’re establishing an annual fundraising event that will fund these future endeavors, and we’re identifying additional opportunities to provide essential support to those in need in our community. 

 

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.
 
 
[Mobile Blood Unit

LifeServe Blood Center is the new sole provider of blood for UnityPoint Health—St. Luke’s since June 1, 2024. They are excited to build local connections to help support this new partnership.

Kierra McFadden graduated from Iowa State University with Bachelors degrees in Public Relations and Political Science. She quickly started working for LifeServe Blood Center after she graduated as a phlebotomist, but this past spring she transitioned into her dream job of being a territory representative. In this new role, Kierra oversees all the blood drives, events, and outreach in East Iowa for LifeServe Blood Center. She is excited to introduce LifeServe to Cedar Rapids as the new sole provider of blood for UnityPoint Health—St. Luke’s Hospital and to start building local connections to help support the new partnership.

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

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

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.
 

 

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.

 

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