Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Dr. Hayes Discusses Problems with Iowa's Laws

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - Today we were fortunate to have as our guest lecturer, Dr. Allen Hays, Emeritus Professor of Political Science.  He had been the  head of the Graduate Program of Public Policy at the University of Northern Iowa.  

Dr. Hays gave a very interesting and timely talk on taking action towards reducing the mass incarceration of detainees within the State of Iowa.  He discussed the need of reducing or eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing and tort reform.  

Beyond their term of incarceration, prisoners experience a lifetime of problems. Once a person gets into the criminal justice system and pays his/her debt to society; there still remains a stigma on the already adjudicated crime that brands the person to a life time sentence.  The end result is a high probability of that person returning to prison again and again.  

Dr. Hays is advocating more funding for mental health treatment programs, drug addiction treatment, training for law enforcement, for families in distress because of incarceration of non-violent offenders, and also seeking alternatives to the War on Drugs.

Thank you making us more aware of this issue, Dr. Hays.

Written by Lynne Barnes and Leigh Zeitz

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Selecting Future Acts for the Gallagher Bluedorn Center

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 - For those not attending our last Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Club last meeting, you missed out on a special and rare opportunity!  UNI’s very own Dr. Steve Carignan, Executive Director of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and his Associate Mr. Shawn Poellet, Assistant Technology Director/Audio & Video, invited our club to be a focus group for potential talented artists in the 2018-2019 season. 

The Gallagher-Bluedorn Peforming Arts Center had created a list of possible future performers and they wanted to get input from our Club representing the entertainment consumer market.  They showed short video clips demonstrating their performances and asked us to list our favorites. What a treat to see the different genres and offerings that included A-Listed Celebrities!  

Thank you Steve and Shawn;  come back soon!

Written by Lynn Barnes and Leigh Zeitz

Monday, November 13, 2017

Stan Welchel Gives his Veteran's Day Presentation

November 8, 2017 - This last Wednesday our own member, former Marine Sargent Stan Welchel , gave a talk on the history, selection and traditions of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.  His presentation which was filled with photos and stories reminded us of the supreme sacrifice that many ordinary soldiers have given as they fought for our freedoms in lonely global battlefields. An astounding story that Stan shared was that a lonely sentry guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day. This soldier guards this hallowed ground so we can never forget the men and women who serve to protect this great nation.  

Thank you Stan, for making us remember that our freedom has a high cost and for your honorable service for our country.  

You make us feel proud to be Americans!

Written by Lynne Barnes

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

We are Thankful for our November Programs


November will be an exciting month. We will celebrate the past, present, and future through some amazing presenters

November 1 - Business meeting
This is where we answer the questions that need to be answered, make the decisions that need to be made, and plan the things that need to be planned.



November 8 - Veterans Day Commemoration 
Stan Wetchel will share the story of veterans in World War II.  His presentations are always interesting and informative. 





November 15 Ramps and Pathways
Dr. Dykstra-VanMeeteren, Director of the Center for Early Developmental Education, will share the STEM work that they have been doing with young kiddos.  With any luck, she will bring some toys for us to use.




November 22 - Gallagher Bluedorn PAC Focus Group
Want to affect Cedar Valley's future? Join us as Steve Carignan shares a series of video clips of programs they are considering for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.  It should be fun.




November 29 - Making a Difference in the Valley
Dr. Al Hays, a retired UNI professor, will speak about his continuing work on social justice issues in our community.