Events

Club volunteers for our weekly meetings of the 2024-2025 Rotary year.

Ann is a seasoned oncology registered nurse who received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Science in Nursing and Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Yes, she was born and raised a Jayhawk. Most recently she received her PhD from the University of Utah.  Cancer survivorship and care partners are the focus of her clinical practice and research.

After serving many years as a director on the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center board, Ann joined the staff as a program specialist earlier this year. Her role includes providing companion coaching, healing touch, clinical imagery, and support group co-facilitation for cancer survivors and care partners. She is excited about a new 3-year plan under development that will greatly expand services for cancer care partners and health professionals due to launch in 2025.  Ann also owns Health Forward, LLC, a private practice offering health and wellness support services for care partners and families caring for those with cancer and other chronic conditions.

Ann and her husband, Rick, live in Council Bluffs and have a blended family of three sons and four grandchildren which they consider the apples of their eyes.  Best titles ever are Grannie Annie and old Gramps.

Brenda Mainwaring will provide an overview of how Iowa West Foundation is addressing local housing shortages and Courtney Harter will discuss the city’s progress toward creating new housing units.

Be a Santa’s helper and assist parents with children enrolled in Firefly’s programming with shopping for the most fun new kicks for their kids!  This event provides a free pair of shoes for children enrolled in programming through Firefly.  Firefly serves low-income families who face many challenges, particularly during the holidays.  This event ensures those little toes stay toasty warm with proper fitting shoes/boots during the winter months and frees up some funds for the family to focus on other needs. Each family gets to enjoy a dignified experience of shopping for and picking out their favorite pair of shoes – sparkly ones, light-up ones, or the ones that make them run really really fast! 

Ringing Bell for Salvation Army at Family Fare, Tuesday, December 3rd 4-7pm and Thursday, December 5th, 4-7pm

Mayor Matt will provide an update on the City of Council Bluffs.

Lunch will be served by Chef Dan - $25 per person
Entertainment by the Vocal Music Department from Thomas Jefferson High School

As a lifelong active and athletic individual, Lois has always understood the importance of exercise and staying engaged. Like many young parents, her journey began with involvement in her children's activities, fostering a love for community and healthy living.

When she became her mother's caregiver, Lois’s focus shifted to understanding the needs of Active Older Adults. Viewing the world through her mother’s eyes gave her valuable insights into the physical, social, and emotional priorities of seniors.

After relocating to Council Bluffs over 15 years ago, Lois began working at the Senior Center, which later merged with the YMCA four years ago. This partnership has expanded our offerings, enabling us to provide a wide range of physical activities and social programs that promote health, connection, and vitality for our active older adults.

At HLC, our mission is to create a “home away from home,” a welcoming space where every individual feels supported and inspired to live their best life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is dedicated to igniting the potential of youth across the Omaha and Lincoln areas in Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs in Iowa. The organization offers two impactful mentoring programs designed to foster youth development. The MentorU Program partners with high schools in Omaha and Council Bluffs, including Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, to support students enrolled in an enrichment course focused on boosting academic engagement and success. Most mentoring takes place online, with in-person visits once a month for dinner and interactive activities at the schools. Through these connections, mentors provide vital guidance and support, helping youth thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Original buy in - $50

Additional buy in allowed in the first hour
add on allowed for $20 or $40

Top 10 finishers will receive prizes.

Proceeds to benefit the Rotary Scholarship Fund.

The STARS Scholarship, an initiative of the Iowa West Foundation, focused on breaking barriers to higher education for parents in Pottawattamie County. The program provides scholars financial assistance, personalized career planning, and tailored guidance. The need for this program is evident: According to the 2023 U.S Census Bureau, only 23.4% of Pottawattamie County residents aged 25 to 64 have not pursued education or training beyond high school. In an economy where the majority of jobs that pay livable-wage now require postsecondary education, this statistic underscores the urgency of supporting adult learners. STARS Scholarship meets this challenge head-on, offering a comprehensive program designed to not only help scholars access postsecondary education, but thrive within it. Through rigorous, hands-on educational seminars and one-on-one coaching, participants develop essential skills that prepare them for both academic and career success.