Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Our May Program Hops, Develops, and Invests in the Future

Wednesday, May 1 - Business Meeting
Our club members get together to discuss what's happening now and make plans for the future.  We talk about projects, kettlecorn, finances, marketing and a plethora of potential possibilities  

Wednesday, May 8 - Growing Hops for Brewing Beer, Keri Byrum, Co-Owner of the Cedar Falls Hops Company, will tell us the tale of how they decided to start a hops farm in Cedar Falls, and what they envision for their future and the future of brewing in the Cedar Valley.





Wednesday, May 15 -  Making a Difference through Financial Education.  Kelsey Umthun, Director of Development for the Job Foundation, will share how the Job Foundation is touching the lives of students through financial education, mentoring, and providing resources to support economic advancement. 



Wednesday, May 22 - Building a Future by Building in Cedar Falls, Mark Kittrell, CEO of Eagle View Partners, shares his vision for Cedar Falls and how they are developing its potential. Mark has collaborated with an array of entrepreneurs to create a visual tour of Cedar Falls.





Wednesday, May 29 - What's it Take to Build a Hot Rod that Everyone wants to Drive?, Mike Roth, Owner of Autobody Pros explains what it takes to restore or modify old automobiles to like-new or hot rod condition.



Wednesday, April 24, 2019

President Nook Shares What's Happening at UNI - Today and Tomorrow

Wednesday, April 24Dr. Mark Nook, President of the University of Northern Iowa, embraces the opportunity to lead UNI as they work to "engage students in high-quality and high-impact learning experiences." He works with others to create a positive learning experience today while envisioning the possibilities for UNI through the lens of tomorrow.

President Nook sees attending the University of Northern Iowa as a unique experience where students have the facilities, resources, and opportunities of a large university while receiving support and personal attention. It is the mission of the university to provide a "diverse and inclusive community that provides an engaged education empowering students to lead locally and globally."

Offering such an opportunity for students is a costly venture in today's world of increasing costs and decreasing state funding. Dr. Nook and his team work to develop strategies and planning opportunities to hold down college tuition. This past year, UNI has had the lowest tuition increase of any of the Regent's institutions.

Our UNI alums have a positive impact on Cedar Valley, Iowa, and the nation as a whole. It is only through good leadership and strategic planning that this is a reality.

Written by Leigh Zeitz and Lynn Barnes

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Thomas Eachus Shares How the Blackhawk-Grundy Mental Health Center Strives to Support People in the Cedar Valley

Wednesday, April 17 - Thomas Eachus, Executive Director of the Blackhawk-Grundy Mental Health Center Inc. shared the history and mission of their Center. He explained how they began in 1949 and have been helping people in the Cedar Valley for the past 70 years. 

The Blackhawk-Grundy Center has a staff of 75 who annually serve over 6000 patients with a myriad of challenges.  Beyond assisting patients in their offices, they provide a variety of services that address each individual's special needs. They help the homeless on the street and prisoners in jail.  They support the needs of children with emotional problems through specialized programs.  They provide therapeutical opportunities to meet the needs of returning combat veterans suffering from PTSD.  

One in every five people struggles with mental illness.  Thanks to Tomas Eachus and the Blackhawk-Grundy Mental Health Center, Cedar Valley has the opportunity to beat these odds.  Thank you for all that you do.  Written by Leigh Zeitz and Lynn Barnes

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Director Robert Pruitt Shares the History, Present, and Future of the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Wednesday, April 10 - Gardening takes lots of water at the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens; most of it involves perspiration and lots of volunteers!  

Rob Pruitt is director of this 40-acre plant heaven located close to  Hawkeye Community College.  These beautiful plants enable Iowans to learn about nature through real gardens and vegetation. They can see what it takes to maintain them and make them grow.  

The biggest draw is the Children’s Garden that includes a true-to-life Hobbit House to nurture kids' fantasies!  Scavenger hunts for all the young “Sherlocks” involve finding the hidden gnomes scattered throughout the Arboretum.  

One hundred thirty orchard/shade trees surround a massive Butterfly Mosaic Garden.  It’s a horticultural work of living art that looks beautiful from the sky.  

We can’t wait for the fun Fall Harvest Festival to begin.  Enjoy fresh sweet corn days with live jazz music and moonlight roses. Fundraising helps keep this labor of love running financially afloat.   Written by Lynn Barnes