Welcome to Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary
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!
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.
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
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.
🌳 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.
- 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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hello fellow Rotarians!
I'm thrilled to introduce myself as the new president of the Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club. Here's a snapshot of who I am:
I was born in Camanche, Iowa—Go Indians! I'm a proud graduate of the University of Iowa. My career has included work as a public accountant, but I discovered my true passion in community banking. I have worked for Ohnward Bank & Trust in Marion for the last 3 years.
In 2019, I married the love of my life, Andrea Low. We are the proud parents of a lively 20-month-old boy named John, who keeps us on our toes and fills our lives with joy and excitement. I consider myself the luckiest man on earth.
We live in Marion and absolutely love our community, from the beautiful parks to the vibrant Uptown area.
I joined Rotary three years ago, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As I step into this leadership role, my goals for the upcoming Rotary year are to boost attendance, enhance fundraising efforts, and most importantly, increase the FUN!
I'm excited about the journey ahead and can't wait to work with all of you to make a positive impact in our community.
Warm regards,
Kyle Low
President
Marion East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club
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Marion, IA 52302
United States of America