Sunday, June 28, 2015

City and Veterans Groups Work Together to Expand Park



 Wednesday June 24  –  Cedar Falls’ Veterans Park was created in the mid-90s on some land left over from highway and street construction projects near the intersection of Waterloo Road and Utilities Parkway.



Sid Morris, a Korean War veteran, and Mark Ripplinger, head of the Parks Department, were on hand today to explain Phase 2 of the Veterans Park. This expansion adds a shelter house, open green space, a ring of trees and limestone benches to the park. 

The $100,000 cost of the project has been funded entirely by private donations of cash, materials and labor.

Phase 2 is expected to be completed by this fall.

We appreciate Sid and Mark sharing the story of how public and private efforts joined together to improve our city parks.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Superintendent Shares School District News



Wednesday June 17 – Cedar Falls School Superintendent Dr. Andy Pattee spoke to our group today about PLC (Professional Learning Communities) used in the school district.
 

This process helps students to improve their skills and increase learning on a day-after-day basis by stressing individual student participation and involvement.

He also addressed the school bond election that is coming up on June 30. The administration feels the current steady growth in the student count will soon fill the elementary schools to their capacity. The $35 million bond will pay for a new elementary school and add capacity and improvements to two existing elementary schools.

We appreciate the information Dr. Pattee shared with us about our school district.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Major Employer Also Attracts Tourists



Wednesday June 10 – What draws thousands of people to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area each year, many from foreign countries? The answer is tours at the local John Deere engine plant, assembly plant and drivetrain operations plant. Today Dale Amunson and Megan Zuniga from John Deere Visitor Services told us about the free tours enjoyed by 30,000 guests each year at the local Deere facilities. A new buyer of a John Deere tractor can even watch his tractor being assembled and drive it off the line! No wonder Deere equipment enjoys a great reputation and brand loyalty. Dale and Megan, thank you for your interesting presentation.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Rough Risers are Interviewed on Cedar Falls "Serving the Valley" TV Show

Yes, it has happened!!!!  The Amazing Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers have made the grade when it comes to media coverage.  On June 9, Jane Harding, Tony Reid, and Leigh Zeitz were interviewed by Eric Braley on the Serving the Valley television show on Channel 15.  (The action doesn't really begin until 20 seconds into the clip)



The interview covered many topics. We had the opportunity to discuss our club, its history, our community service, our sponsors and why it is a wonderful thing to be a Rough Rider.  We especially enjoyed how Braley was continually talking about how important it would be to be a Kiwanis member.

This 1/2 hour interview will be aired on Channel 15 throughout the summer and then into the Fall season. 

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

AWESOME Sponsors for 2015 Make Our Donations Possible!!!


Look at the plethora of Cedar Valley sponsors who believe in the work that our Kiwanis Rough Risers Club does for the Valley.  Some of these corporations have been sponsoring our work for years and some have just recently been added to the list.  Together they provide about $14,000 of the $36,000 we donate to youth-related activities and organizations throughout the Cedar Valley.

This is a copy of the label that we use on all of our Kettlecorn bags and the sign that we prop outside our Kettlecorn tent so that the public will see what who is supporting our work.

Thank you Sponsors!!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

What's On Tap for June Programs

Wednesday, June 3 - Business Meeting    
Wednesday, June 10 - Touring John Deere 
A visit to a John Deere plant is a popular activity for tourists visiting this area. At this meeting we will learn about touring John Deere, with a program presented by Dale Amunson and Megan Zuniga of John Deere Visitor Services.  

Wednesday, June 17 - Tunis Raceway Over the Years 
Tunis Raceway no longer exists, but it lives on in the memories of local auto racing enthusiasts. Jim Volgarino, a local historian, has written a book about Tunis Raceway and will present a program on its fascinating history. 

Wednesday, June 24 - Expanding Veteran's Park 
Sid Morris, former city councilman, Korean War veteran and Veteran Park supporter, will tell us about the plans to expand the Cedar Falls Veteran’s Park.