Rough Risers Partner with JayCees for Gift of Giving

Eating Healthy for Our Golden Years

Eating Healthy is important.

Today we were joined by Dietician Dean Schillinger. Dean is the dietician at the College Square HyVee. 

Dean shared with us a whole bushel of different types of healthy grains.  The grains included Freekeh, Flax Seed, Black Rice, and the ever-fun Chia. 

A favorite of the club members was the plate of No Bake Granola Flax Treats that Dean made and shared with the crowd.  He also shared the recipe with us and you can get it clicking on the link in this paragraph.  You can look for other healthy recipes at the HyVee website.

Thank you for joining us, Dean.  Your message was warmly received and hopefully we will begin eating healthier.

Rube Goldberg Joins Us as Dr. Z Tells His Stories

Rube Goldberg joined us as Leigh Zeitz shared the work he had done at the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School last May.

Using photos, video clips and stories, Dr. Z described his journey with 6th graders into the Crazy World of Rube Goldberg. We experienced the fun they had developing “complex chain reactions to accomplish simple tasks.” Using a Problem-Based Learning format, those students explored physics while they built contraptions to drop a marble in a bucket, dip a chip in salsa, pop a balloon and even create a banana smoothie.

Dr. Z described how the inventors expressed their experiences through KidBlog and how these activities aligned with Common Core Standards in Science, Technology and Writing. it was fun to see how our room full of retired educators related to these tales of action-based learning.

If you are interested in learning more about this, visit this blog to watch a 20-minute video on this topic.

More GREAT Programs in November

This will be a wonderful month of presentations.  It will involve Inventing, Eating and Thanking.

Wednesday, November 5 - Business meeting.

Wednesday, November 12- How Rube Goldberg Led Our 6th Grade Students to Pursuing Their Passions through STEM
Dr. Leigh Zeitz will share his adventures in working with 6th graders at the Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School. Following a Problem-Based Learning format, these midsters created amazing inventions to accomplish simple tasks like Making a Smoothie.  Great way to learn.

Wednesday, November 19 - Enjoying Healthy Nutrition in Your Golden Years
Dean Schillinger, the dietician at the Cedar Falls HyVee, will share helpful hints about how you can eat healthy. He will share a number of suggestions and even provide some homemade treats for your enjoymentn.

Wednesday, November 26 - What Thanksgiving Means to Me
It's the day before Thanksgiving and Monica Winkowitsch will share with us events in her life and why she is so thankful for what she has and what she has to give. 

Author and Director of Storybook Christmas Shares His Story

As you know, our club is planning to attend the Storybook Christmas play at the Oster Regent theater on Sunday 12/7 at 2:00 pm.

Today we enjoyed a presentation from the Storybook Christmas's author and director, Dr. Stephen Taft. Dr. Taft took us on his journey of creating the play through story and music.  Inspired by Dicken's work, A Christmas Carol, Taft shared how he adapted it to connect more with today's audiences. He said that he modeled the setting of the play after the homey downtown we call Cedar Falls. He explained how he adapted the characters to fit expanded roles of talent. He used his demo CD and played his guitar to travel through a melodic tour through the songs he had written for the play.

It was a wonderful presentation and created a great deal of interest in the play.  We even had a couple of Kiwanis members add their name to the order list after his presentation.  Hope to see you there on 12/7.

Thank you, Dr. Stephen Taft.

Join Us for Our Social Storybook Christmas play Matinee on 12/7

Join us for our next Kiwanis Social Matinee Event on 12/7 at 2:00 pm.  Barney is doing a great job of setting up this event.  It costs $25/person or $46/couple.

This wonderful play is loosely based on the Dickens classic, Storybook Christmas: A Musical Country Christmas Carol follows Scrooge, the cheap, tight-fisted, greedy proprietor of “Scrooge and Marley’s Used Car Sales”.  Once dreaming of a music career in Nashville, life takes an unexpected turn for Scrooge when best friend, Jake Marley is discovered as the one with the true musical talent. A disc jockey, a talented love interest, the L & L girls of the Ladies Auxiliary Club, and three unexpected visitors of the night share the stage in this new and entertaining December treat.

We hope to see you there.

Kiwanis Color Dash 5K is a Success!

Careful planning and excited aspirations lead to a successful Color Dash 5K for our Kiwanis Rough Risers and three other Kiwanis clubs in the Cedar Valley area. This was our second annual Color Dash and it engaged almost 150 participants.

What is a Color Dash? Imagine running along a Cedar Valley recreational trail on a beautiful spring day when you are attacked by some color-dust carrying crazy people wearing "Dasher Splasher" t-shirts.  Bearing buckets of pink corn starch, they artfully cast handfuls of color into your chest, on your head or down your back. Off you run from this colorful assault, only to find  another band of color-carrying crazies one kilometer down the trail.

Well, it's not quite that bad.  It's actually kind of fun as you are enveloped by poofs of color.  It is layered proof that you are accomplishing your task of running/walking/rolling or dragging 5 kilometers.  These color onslaughts are spaced in five equal spots along your 5K journey.

Who runs such a dash?  Anyone and everyone.  They range from 7 to 77 years old. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes and colors (get it?  hahahahaha).  One family fielded a five-generation team with a baby riding along with her great-great grandmother on a wheel chair being pushed by loving relatives.

This dash was a fund-raising event. The organizers found sponsors to cover the costs of the run and the registrations for the run were  split between the ColorDash company and the Kiwanis clubs that made this run a reality.  In the end, a check for $1387.48 was presented to the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club.  This money was split between the participating clubs.  These clubs included the Waterloo Early Risers Kiwanis Club, Greater Waverly Kiwanis Club and the Waterloo Kiwanis Club.

This Color Dash event was a success in that it was fun for all, it provided another opportunity for people to engage in a health promoting event, and it raised funds for helping people all over the world - near and far.

One of the programs funded by the Color Dash 5K run was the Kiwanis Eliminate Project. This project's goal is to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the world. It plans to fund the vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation and thousands of skilled staff necessary to immunize more than 100 million mothers and their future babies.
         
Thank you for supporting our Kiwanis Color Dash.  You are helping us make a difference in the world.

Dean Dreyer is Awarded the Hixson Fellowship Award

Dean Dreyer was awarded the Hixson Fellowship Award in recognition of his ongoing dedication to the service and administrative activities of our Rough Risers Club.

The George F. Hixson Fellowship is an award of recognition of people who have contributed significantly to Kiwanis' history of generosity.

Dean is just such a person.  He was recognized for his active involvement in getting sponsors for our club, securing grants for building our shelters, and overall fundraising to support the club's activities.

Thank you for all of your work, Dean.

Lynn Barnes is interviewed on The Mix about Our Color Dash

In preparation for our Kiwanis Color Dash on Sunday, September 28, Lynn Barnes was interviewed by Scott Fensloff on the radio station, 93.5 The Mix.

It was a good interview which began with Lynn and Scott discuss all that we Rough Risers are doing for Cedar Valley.  This was followed by discussion of the Color Dash and what people can expect to experience.

Click here to listen to the interview. 

Exciting September Programs

This will be a wonderful month of presentations.  It will involve Math, Photography and Computers.

Wednesday, September 3 - Business meeting.

Wednesday, September 10 - Extreme Mathematics.
Dr. Doug Shaw, a mathematic professor from UNI, will be stretching your ideas about numbers and mathematics what you can do with them.  Bring your thinking caps to the meeting.

Wednesday, September 17 - FORTEPAN Iowa: a "Public Park" for Iowa Amateur Photography.  
Dr. Bettina Fabos, professor of communications at UNI, has an exciting project underway. Modeled after a project in Hungary, she is assembling a website where we can collect our photos from childhood to share your Iowa history.  BRING YOUR SCRAPBOOKS.

Wednesday, September 25 - Using Chromebooks in our Schools
Our own club geek, Dr. Leigh Zeitz, will be demonstrating how Chromebooks are being used in our schools.  It's not really about the computers but about new learning opportunities that are available in today's schools. Should be fun. 

Are YOU Coordinating Rough Riser Programs This Year?

These wonderful people have signed up to arrange a month of programs — this is one of the unsung duties, yet our programs educate us about the needs of children in the Cedar Valley which helps us do our mission more effectively.  It’s always great to hear the impact we are making or can make.  And other programs help us be informed citizens of our community!



October 2014       Gery Deaver
November 2014   Leigh Zeitz
December 2014   Liz Woodward
January 2015       Leigh Zeitz     
February 2015     Jane Harding
March 2015          Steve Harding
April 2015             Phil Hufferd     (hope he’s better by then!)
May 2015              Bob Nelson
June 2015             Larry Loenser
July 2015              Gene Traetow
August 2015         David Loy
September 2015  Tony Reid

You won't need a speaker for the first Wednesday of the month, as that is business meeting.  If you’re short on ideas, we often have groups that we sponsor who want to come speak to us, so I can help with suggestions.

You might also consider checking the University of Northern Iowa Speakers Bureau.  They have some fascinating speaker about a whole range of topics.

Here’s the procedure that has worked well this year.  When you have your speakers, send me (Tony Reid) an email with

• Name of speaker
• Organization
• Topic
• Whether they will need a projector

Copy this email to:

• Jim Larson so he can have the correct spelling of the name for his minutes
• Jane Harding so she can send a thank-you note
• Rod Hamer so he’ll know who’s up each meeting
• Publicity Committee:  Michael Davidson, Lynn Barnes, Leigh Zeitz, Phil Hufferd

Thanks, 

Tony Reid

When are YOU Greeting for Kiwanis Rough Risers Meetings?

Yes.   It is always wonderful to see your friends greeting you at the door when you arrive for our Kiwanis meeting at 6:25 on Wednesday.  

Ever wonder how these wonderful people get selected for this honor?  Well, believe it or not, there is a secret list where each of our members have been aligned with a magical date. This roster will direct who receives this wonderful opportunity and when.

You can always read Jim Larson's wonderful notes that he distributes each week.  He will inform you of all the wonderful news that was shared and events occurred at each meeting. Most importantly of all, he will end his message with a reminder of who will be greeting next. 

But what if you have other commitments and want to ensure that you don't miss your opportunity to GREET?  You need a schedule for your planning.    HERE IT IS!!!

August
     27      Dennis Bergeson

September
     3       Lynn Barnes
   10       Leigh Zeitz
   17       Reece Conrad
   24       Brian Cross

October
     1       Alan Czarnetzki
     8       Michael Davidson
   15       Gery Deaver
   22       Dean Dryer
   29       Bob Ericson

November
     5       Cindy Hahn
   12       Rod Hamer
   19       Jane Harding
   26       Steve Harding

December
     3       Roger Hazen
   10       Marvin Heller
   17       Gil Hewett
   24       No Meeting

More to come in January, 2015

August Programs are Here

August will be a month of interesting programs.

Wednesday, August 6 - Business meeting.

Wednesday, August 13 - the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Club will learn about the UNI Wheelchair Camp, from Jack Eherenman.  The Rough Risers provide financial support to this program.

Wednesday, August 20 - the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Club will learn about the Family Literacy Program at Hawkeye Community College.  The Rough Risers provide financial support to this program.  Presenters will be Sandy Jansen and Diane Hamer.

Wednesday, August 27 - the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Club will get an update from the UNI Circle K Club.  Circle K is a Kiwanis club for college students, and the UNI club was founded and is supported by the Rough Risers.  Presenters will be Alan Czarnetzki and the new President and Vice-President of Circle K.


Join Us at These Events:


Thunder in the Valley Airshow - Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 24 -
This spectacular Air Show sponsored by the Waterloo Kiwanis Club is returning to the Cedar Valley.  It is AWESOME!!!  Look for the Rough Risers selling our Kettlecorn, so you can support us as we support the children of the Cedar Valley.


Run in the 5K Color Dash at Gateway Park - Sunday, September 28 - 
Come walk or run in the Color Dash at Gateway Park on Sunday September 28, which is sponsored by the Rough Risers together with four other area Kiwanis clubs.  Profits will go to the Eliminate Project, Kiwanis International’s push to eradicate maternal and neonatal Tetanus everywhere in the world.

Wonderful Programs in July

On Wednesday July 9, Mike Lind will address the Rough Risers Kiwanis Club about the importance of mentoring children in the Cedar Valley.  Lind is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa.  

On Wednesday July 16, Tricia Wisniewski will speak to the Rough Risers Kiwanis Club about the work of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.  CASA volunteers serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in court so that each child has a safe, permanent and nurturing home.  

On Wednesday July 23, Jim Newcomb of the North Cedar Neighborhood Association will speak to the Rough Risers Kiwanis Club.  The Rough Risers have provided the labor to build a new shelter for a nature area with the North Cedar Neighborhood Association.  

On Wednesday July 30, Ruth Orth of the Food Bank of Northeast Iowa will address the Rough Risers Kiwanis Club.  The Rough Risers and Kohl’s have purchased brand new book bags for the Back to School project sponsored by the Food Bank, and Kiwanis members also volunteer time helping at the Food Bank.  

BTW Last year the Rough Risers donated $39,636 to 42 organizations supporting children in the Cedar Valley. You support these children when you buy Kettlecorn at local events!

Rough Risers Join CF Lyons Club to Build Shelter for North Cedar Neighborhood Association

Rough Risers pledge $7,500 to Hartman Reserve Building Replacement

Last week, Club President, Gery Deaver, presented Hartman Reserve with a 3-year pledge for a total of $7,500.  This money will be joined with other funding resources to replace Hartman's original building at the Nature Center.  The Rough Risers have been long-time strong supporters of Hartman Reserve.  Beyond donating money, we have built storage shelters, refurbished buildings, staffed pancake breakfasts, planted trees and helped with a variety of activities.

This photo shows President Deaver presenting the pledge to the President of Friends of Hartman Reserve Board, Steve Harding.  BTW, Steve Harding is also a past president of our Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club.

We look forward to working with the Hartman Reserve to service the Cedar Valley community.

Outstanding May Programs are Here!!

We have a wonderful selection of program in May. They range from local history to future high school plans to programs in Nicaragua and Ghana that support people as they help themselves.

Hope you are come to enjoy them . . .

Wednesday, May 14
Candy Streed will address the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club about the agricultural and industrial history of our area.  Streed is Program & Partnership Director for "Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area."  Last year the Rough Risers donated $39,636 to 42 organizations supporting children in the Cedar Valley.

Wednesday, May 21
Superintendent Andy Pattee will address the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club about the various plans for a new Cedar Falls High School.  Dr. Pattee is Superintendent of the Cedar Falls School District.  Last year the Rough Risers donated $39,636 to 42 organizations supporting children in the Cedar Valley.

Wednesday, May 28
Nora Tobin will address the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers club about work in Nicaragua and Ghana in which Self Help International is helping people to help themselves.  Tobin is Executive Director of Self Help International.  Last year the Rough Risers donated $39,636 to 42 organizations supporting children in the Cedar Valley. 

Rough Risers Donate $7500 to Hartman Reserve

Click article to enlarge

Rough Risers Host Academic Honors Banquet

Programs for April

We have a wonderful set of programs during April:

April 2:
We have a business meeting. 

April 9: 
Business Meeting - We review club business and committees meet.

April 16: 
Easter Program - Boys and Girls Club
Speaker: Glenda Husome

April 23: Bel Canto Cedar Valley
Speaker:  Alice Reid Pruisner

April 30: Antibullying Program at Peet Junior High

Speaker: Peet Junior High Counselors and students

Peet Junior High

UNI Adapted Sports Camp in the News

In Fall, 2013 we had Jack Eherenman from the UNI Adapted Sports Camp come to our morning meeting to share what they have been doing and how they have been enabling students with lower-limb disabilities to participate in sports.  He also brought along Jon Litzkow and another team athlete.

Here is a video about what they have been doing:

What have you seen recently addressing the differences they are making in students' lives?

Programs for January

We have a wonderful set of programs during January:

January 1: 
We don't have a meeting on New Year's Day because it is a day to watch ball games and enjoy family.

January 8: 
Business Meeting - We review club business and committees meet.

January 15: 
The Role of the Greater Alliance in the Greater Cedar Valley
Speaker: Stephen Dust, Director

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber

January 22: Global Leaders, Stronger Community
Speaker:  Britt Jungck, Director
Waterloo Schools Foundation

January 29: The War on Drugs Task Force in Cedar Valley

Speaker: Barbara Culpepper-Scheel

War on Drugs Task Force of Cedar Valley Citizens for Undoing Racism