Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Steve Wikert Shares his Vietnam War Adventures

Wednesday, January 31 - This week, retired Waterloo Schools art teacher, Steve Wikert, talked about his US Navy Tour of Duty Service during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at the Naval Support Facility in Danag, Vietnam.  

Steve talked about his jeep support patrols he performed to keep the peace in his jurisdiction during his rigorous watch shift.  The climate was hostile both in the brutal weather patterns and the local populace. Steve and his comrades at arms didn’t know who was friend or foe since the enemy used different rules of engagement as than the US soldiers and sailors. It was called guerrilla warfare.  

Rocket attacks were commonplace and death could and would happen swiftly without mercy. The local citizens would commence rioting at a moment’s notice.  He lived in a Compound called Camp Tien Sha. It was constantly subject to mass thievery by the locals.  

Steve said that what he learned the most through his wartime experience was to rely on his fellow Navy buddies. He has kept in touch with many of them and he now has a lifetime of camaraderie and he will never forget his fellow countrymen.

Written by Lynn Barnes and Leigh Zeitz

Sunday, January 28, 2018

February Programs Will Lead Us Forward


Feb 7
 - Business meeting - This is where we generate the big ideas and make the big decisions.


Feb 14 - Melissa Reade, Director of the Cedar Valley's "Leader in Me" program, will discuss the program’s recent progress as it has expanded into 23 schools in the Cedar Valley.  http://leadervalley.org/











 


Feb 21 - Dale Waack will share his photography.  Dale is an accomplished
photographer known for his incredible photos of birds and other wildlife.  Dale is also a member of our Kiwanis Rough Risers club.






Feb 28 - Ken Lyftogt will present "Iowa's Role in the Civil War." Retired history professor is the author of numerous books about the Cedar Valley's involvement and impact in the Civil War.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Michael Davidson Shares the Girl Scout Story

Wednesday, January 25, 2018 - We were privileged with a visit from our former member – Michael Davidson. Michael is now working as the E-Mail Marketing Specialist with the Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois Girl Scouts – an organization that is 20,000 girls strong. 

Michael provided an enthusiastic speech on the dynamic scouting programs and high awards that prepare young ladies to grow into confident young adults. These scouting activities provide a host of opportunities to achieve big things through discovery. 

Michael shared his e-mail sales force marketing cloud and how he gets his message across the internet to garner donations to move forward scouting.  We chuckled on the use of his humor in the e-mail headers he sends to prospective clients.  

Well done Michael!  Come back soon.  We miss you and your humor!

Written by Lynn Barnes and Leigh Zeitz

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Baggin' Produce at the Food Bank

Leigh Zeitz, Jim Larson, Nick Teig, Dale Jansen, and Bob Ericson bag it for the day.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - After our meeting, a handful of Rough Risers visited the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo to package food for households in Blackhawk County. We packaged 200 bags of onions and over 60 boxes of potatoes for distribution. We actively support the Food Bank throughout the year.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Reflections from the Home Team: Go the Distance

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 - Former Cedar Falls Principal, Coach, and noted author, Dave Welter, came to our Cedar Falls Rough Risers Club to share some of the stories he included in his book of stories about his personal fight against cancer.  

These gathered stories show how a loving presence can impact our life worth living.  Much of Dave's journey has been supported by the Good Book. He said that a guiding theme, ”A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing,” (Proverbs 17:22) has provided direction to his life. He admits to having driven a rocky road but it has been worth traveling so others could know the way and how to cope.  

Dave shared a wealth of stories involving his connections with others who have experienced the death of a loved one or are fighting against adversities in their lives. Mr. Welter receives letters from students praising his example, help, and thanking him for being there to tell their stories. When he asks himself about the meaning of all this, he considers. John 12:7 where Jesus explained that “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”  

He read excerpts from his new book, “Reflections from the Home Team: Go the Distance.”  Dave said he gets peace – joy – love from all the people he meets in the doctor’s waiting room and gets their stories to share in his cancer journey.

Written by Lynn Barnes and Leigh Zeitz

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Creating a Place to Play Park for ALL of Us!!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 - Cedar Falls needs a park where kids of all ages and abilities can go to play. Chris Corkery presented an in-depth narrative about a million dollar project called a “Place to Play Park.”  

It is a unique park and playground for kids with special needs or handicap.  It enables them to enjoy the outdoors and have fun safely and with access that is adapted to their physical limitations to help kids enjoy independent play and fun.  

The playground will be specially landscaped with hard surfaces and trails for wheelchairs and walkers. A fence runs around the play area so everyone is safe and secure.  There are specially designed sandboxes, slides, and restrooms available for the kids.

Hmmmmm . . . They are looking for assistance in building a playground . . . wonder who might be able to help them? 😉😉😉
Written by Lynne Barnes and Leigh Zeitz


Monday, January 1, 2018

Novel Programs for January

We are beginning 2018 with a variety of programs that stretch from playgrounds to Girl Scouts and principals to veterans. 


January 3 - Business Meeting - We will have an opportunity to review the latest club happenings and meet in committees to make things happen.








January 10 - Chris Corkery will discuss the Place to Play project. Several Cedar Falls parents are working to build a playground which will be accessible to all children with disabilities so they can play with their non-disabled peers.  This is their website:  



January 17 - Dave Welter, retired principal at Holmes Junior High, will tell us about his new book, Reflections From the Home Team … Go The Distance.   












January 24 - Michael Davidson, former Rough Riser, will tell us about current and future projects of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.









January 31 - Steve Wikert, a Cedar Falls resident and retired Waterloo teacher who served in Vietnam, will describe his service in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  


Working at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank


It is always satisfying to help other organizations help others.  We have a long history of working with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. We have another opportunity to work with them in January to help sort and organize their inventory.

We will help them on: 

  • Wednesday, January 10 (8-11:30)
  • Wednesday, January 24 (8-11:30)
Written by Leigh Zeitz