Wednesday, May 18, 2011

To Write Love on Her Arms at Kiwanis

We were fortunate to have Jamie Harthoor and Keegan Strabala come to breakfast this morning to share their group, To Write Love on Her Arms UNI (TWLOHA-UNI). TWLOHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

Jamie Harthoorn is the president of the UNI TWLOHA organization and she told us of their weekly meetings on Mondays at 9:00 PM. They are trying to build a support community for people who have problems with their lives. They aren't doctors or certified counselors, but they work to be available to talk with people and refer them to counseling and support resources as they need them.

The reason that I invited TWLOHA to share in our meeting was because this is an organization that works with life-changing problems. While they meet face-to-face weekly, one of the organization's strengths is that it available on-line, face-to-face, over the phone or any way that they need to connect with people who need help. This group is making a difference in the world (or at least the worlds of those in need of help) and they work to support organizations who provide support.  They say that when they sell t-shirts, their proceeds all go to the Pathways Behavioral Services counseling center in Waterloo.

They shared a video newscast that explained the background of TWLOHA.


To Write Love On Her Arms UNI has their own FaceBook group. If you are interested in getting involved, check their group to get the latest information about the group.

What do you think?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 4/6/11

Activity is really ramping up:

Workers are needed for the Kiwanis Evening Club Waffle Day on the 16th. We are working on the Habitat House - April 6 and 9/May 13 and 14. Follow up is being done to wrap up the Kettle Corn Sponsor Project - need dollars and logos

We will be popping for Price Lab and Southdale on the 29th (only the Rough Risers can be in two places at one time)

We are coordinating with the Circle "K" Club to provide final week gift packages for 18 "aged out" foster students at Wartburg, Hawkeye and UNI. Note: we may be taking a collection for this at our next meeting.

Shirts have been ordered - thanks to Steve for his work.

A proposal is being put together and will be presented at the Council Meeting at Friendship Village on the 12th regarding our Kettle Corn participation in the August Air Show.

The membership committee is working on a brochure for recruitment.

The Kettle Corn Committee is investigating the purchase of a trailer for storing our supplies.

The Scholarship Committee has a Cedar Falls High recipient for our scholarship. That will be presented on May 17.

There will be an Inter-Club visit to Waverly on the 11th.

As you can see we have a lot of items on our plate - we need everyone to step forward and participate to make all of this work.

Congratulations to Gery Deaver and Tony Reid - elected to serve on the 2011/2012 Board and thereafter until "death do they part".

We have an individual who has expressed interest in the President- Elect position. Reece has indicated he would be willing to serve if needed.

As you will note the April 6 meeting was a business meeting. I feel a lot of progress was made in getting projects either off the ground or completed.

Mary Schlicher from the evening club was in attendance and asked for our help with their project.

A warm welcome back to Michael Davidson !

Reece is our greeter for the April 13 meeting.

Jim

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 3/30/11

Marv reminded everyone of our work project at the Habitat House on the 9th. We will be working on the roof.

There will be a signup at our next meeting relative to that work day as well as one on the 6th.

If you can help with the evening club Waffle Day on the 16th please contact Mary Schlicher (277-7708). I know it would be appreciated.

A warm welcome to Michael Davidson who was a "guest" of Marion's.

Congratulation to Jim and Martha Paprocki on their 25th anniversary.

WE NEED to find a place to store Kettle Corn supplies. Please give this serious thought.

Thanks to Dennis - Witham Auto is a Kettle Corn sponsor !

Our program was presented by three Presidential Scholars from UNI. Their special project was raising funds for the purchase of books for a 4th grade class room at Edison School. I noted that several Rough Risers added to their fund raising efforts on a personal basis.

If you would like to participate please go to UBS and ask about the "Opportunity to Achieve" project.

Next week will be our business meeting as well as elections. Remember we will be electing two board members and a President-Elect.

Our greeter is Dennis Bergeson.

Have your best week ever !

Jim

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 3/23/11

Numbers were down - but everything else was great.

We had an interesting program presented by Wendy Knapp from Goodwill.

Goodwill is short on product so if you are doing some Spring cleaning or even if you are not they would be grateful for any and all donations.

Marv requested that those of us who can reserve April 6 for some work on our Habitat project. This work would be done prior to our roofing work on the 9th.

If you have not given Steve your shirt size please get in touch with him.

Elections are coming up April 6 - two board members and a President-Elect.

The CF Evening Club needs help for their Waffle Day fundraiser. If you have some time on the 16th please contact Mary Schlicher (277-7708).

A reminder the 4-H breakfast is this Saturday at the UAW Hall. This is an excellent breakfast and for a very worthy cause (I am a former 4-H member so I can attest to their work).

Our program next Wednesday will feature Brittney Betzer from Team TLC. Our greeter is Lynn Barnes.

Have your best week!!

Jim

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 3/16/11

Things are really picking up!

April 9 we will be roofing the Habitat house. There will be work to do a day or so prior to that date and probably after.

May 14 we will installing siding. This will also require some work prior to and after. Please reserve these dates.

The CF evening club needs help for their Waffle Day project on April 16. If you can help please contact Mary Schlicher.

On April 2 we will be electing two Board members and hopefully a President-Elect (we need a volunteer). If you do not want to serve on the Board please contact Susan Loy.

Larry announced the 4-H breakfast will be March 26 at the UAW Hall - tickets are only $ 6.00. Please try to support if you can.

Speaking of Larry we wish him a happy birthday (18th).

As mentioned before the directories are available and can be picked up at a meeting.

Leigh recommended the Rough Risers consider a donation to the KI International Japanese Relief Fund. The board will consider at our meeting on April 5.

Christine Carpenter, Chair of the Healthy CV Coalition, gave a presentation on the work their group is involved with. A project she would like our participation in is to provide funds for stickers for children attending the weekly Farmers Market in Waterloo. The HCVC is coordinating programs for children at the Market site.

This will also be a board agenda item.

Our program next week will feature Wendy Knapp from Goodwill. Our greeter will need some help in being enthusiastic - Leigh Zeitz.

Have your best week ever!

Jim

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 3/9/11

We certainly had a room full today!

There were 25/26 attending from the Rough Risers, 4 from Circle "K" and 3 from the Waterloo Easy Risers Club.

A welcome back to Ned and Leigh.

The buffet was exceptionally good - this feature has been a real plus to our meetings.

The Easy Risers had tickets available for their pancake breakfast on the 26th. Their event is from 6:30 to 11:00 at the Central Christian Church -3475 Kimball. I would assume most Rough Risers will be there at 6:30 since we are used to that hour.

They are also very interested in working with us on the Air Show Kettle Corn project.

Happy anniversary to the Schillings on their anniversary (9th).

Steve indicated the b-calm units had been delivered. We will be getting a report back sometime in late May or early June.

Jerry reported we were at the $ 15,000 mark in sponsorships. Work is continuing on a proposal for the Air Show.

Phil passed out the 2011 directory. It looks great! Thanks to Cindy, Phil and the PR Committee on an excellent job.

Marv has been working with Habitat on updating a home. Please mark your calendar for April 7, 8 and 9 for the roofing portion and May 13 and 14 for the siding portion.

Steve presented samples of shirts with the objective of taking orders as well as picking the color. The color chosen by a large majority was blue. If you have not already done so please email Steve with your shirt size, as we need to get the order in so as to lock in a very good price. Steve's email is hardst@hotmail.com

Our program was presented by Kathy Berns/DHS Transition Planning Specialist and Janessa Lee a UNI Student who was in the foster program.

Our board will consider preparing finals week care packages for the UNI students who were in foster care. This may be a project we can do jointly with Circle "K".

We have an exciting line up of programs for the rest of March: 16th Christine Carpenter with the Healthy Cedar Valley Coalition 23rd, Wendy Knapp with Goodwill 30th Brittney Betzer with Team TLC (Brittney is a UNI Presidential Scholar)

Our greeter next week is Jeff Wollum.

One of the real assets of the Rough Risers is that so many pitch in so the work is evenly distributed. This strength will be much needed as we move into April and beyond.

Have your best week ever!!

Jim

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 3/2/11

Finally we had time for committee meetings. It appeared there were a lot of plans being discussed involving the future of the club.

Looking forward to reports on progress made at our meeting next week.

A happy birthday to Dean.

We had a lot of workers for the Lincoln School popping. A thank you to Jeff for allowing us to use his garage even though he would not allow us to cut a vent in his ceiling.

Jane is putting together plans for an inter-club in Waverly. This will be sometime in April.

Tim's committee is working on a project for Kiwanis One Day. It most likely will not be on April 2 but it is a very worthwhile project. More on this next week.

Circle "K" is involved with several projects and though small is very active. We appreciate the work Greg and Alan Carnetzki are doing with Circle "K".

Steve reported that the Cedar Falls Schools will gladly utilize the b- calm units we purchased.

Steve also presented some choices for Rough Riser's shirts we can purchase from Kohl's.

We had an excellent turn out with once again a great buffet.

Next weeks program will feature Kathy Barrons who will be discussing college age foster children and how we can help.

Our greeter is no stranger to the role of greeting - Stan Whelchel.

Have your best week ever!

Jim

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 2/10/11

Business is picking up - we will be popping for Lincoln School - probably on the 25th at the Cattle Congress.

An application is being submitted for My Waterloo Days, this year it will be a four day event for us.

We will be filing an application to appear in the Sturgis Parade - thank you Jeff.

Thanks to an excellent program from representatives from Habitat we may have a project we can center around the Kiwanis One Day program.

We, again, had an excellent buffet breakfast. Our turn out was very good - especially considering the sub-zero weather and the program was excellent and informative.

Those working on Kettle Corn sponsorships need to be winding up their work. We will need to update our advertising so as to be ready for the popping season.

We wish Greg a Happy Birthday (9th) and a Happy Anniversary to the Wollum's (8th).

Next week's program will feature David Loy discussing everyone's favorite topic - taxes. Our greeter will be Marion Thompson.

Have your best week ever!

Jim

Monday, February 7, 2011

Up with Families Weekend Needs Volunteers.

Looking for a way to serve the community?

Up with Families is looking for volunteers to help run their annual weekend event.  This event will happen on April 9 and 10. It is a retreat for familise who have a child or children with disabilities to get away together as a family.  It is a time to have fun and relax.

They need 150 volunteers.

Assignments:
Set-Up: Friday April 8 from 3:30 - 7:00 PM
Saturday Shifts:  8:00 - 4:00 (High Need and Free Lunch); 5:00 - 11:00 pm
Sunday Shifts: 9:00 - noon
Tear Down: Noon - 2:30 pm

Interested? Contact Ronda Eick at iaeick5@yahoo.com or 319-404-5943. 
Monetary donations are welcomed and can be sent to: Exceptional Persons Inc, CARE-Up With Families, 760 Ansborough Avenue, PO Box 4090, Waterloo, IA 50704-4090. 

See you there!!!!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Creating a Kiwanis Blog/Website Workshop

The Nebrasks-Iowa Kiwanis District is celebrating the 2011 Midyear Conference in Ankeny, IA. This event will be held at the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Enrichment Center. It is unique that this site has a number of computer labs and which will enable us to have a variety of computer-based presentations.

Leigh Zeitz will be teaching a workshop on how Kiwanis clubs can use Blogger to create their websites.


Blogger is an online blog-publishing service owned by Google. A blog is used to easily post information on the Internet. It is usually used for creating a blog, but there is so much more information that can be arranged along with the blog postings to make a useful and professional-looking club website. This Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers website that you are viewing now, has been created using Blogger.


This posting is designed to provide a series of resources that you can use to create your own club website:

These resources should provide you with a good foundation for your website. If you use these resources to create your club's website, please post the URL for it as a comment below.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Using Tech Tools to Enhance Your Club's Connections

Leigh Zeitz presents a social technologies session at the Nebrasks-Iowa Kiwanis District is celebrating the 2011 Midyear Conference in Ankeny, IA. 
Here is an overview of the topics discussed as well as links to the slideshow and an article about the topic.
Your club's communication can be enhanced using the today's technology. All of these solutions are free and relatively simple to use:
  • Email - This connection can be as simple as using email to distribute minutes from each meeting. It's simple and efficient.
  • Google Groups - Create a distribution list for your club that all of the members can use.
  • Blog - You can make a professional-looking club website using an online blog-hosting website.
  • Club Calendar - You can use Google Calendar to manage the calendar on your website's calendar. You can add a meeting on your personal calendar on your computer and it will appear on your website.
  • Google Docs - Work collaboratively with your committee members. Four members can all work on the same document because it is posted on the web for all to see and use.
  • Watch Google Docs in Plain English to learn the concept in 3 minutes.
  • Google Forms - Use Google Docs to create online forms that make it easy to add information in an online spreadsheet. 
  • Twitter - Here is a handy way to communicate with your club quickly and easily. It will only work if your members follow each others' tweets, but it can be a way to learn more about your Kiwanis friends.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 1/26/11

We had a great turn out for our meeting with a very timely and informative program.

The buffet we had for breakfast was great. We hope this can continue.

We had two guests from the CF School Board - Susan Lantz (sp) and Jim Kenyon.

Leigh and Kathy will be celebrating their 30th on January 31.

Lincoln School has asked us to provide Kettle Corn for their Fun Day on February 26.

The directory for 2011 is nearly ready for printing.

We received Thank You's from Quakerdale and the Boys and Girls Club.

Our program was conducted by Dr. Davis Stoakes, Superintendent of the CF Schools. The topic focused on the February 1 Option Tax vote. There was a lot of interest and several good questions were presented and answered.

Programs like this make our Kiwanis meetings the best. Thanks to Steve for setting this up.

Steve, Tim, Jim and Stan attended the Waterloo noon club meeting on the 25th. We were certainly made to feel welcome. Additional contacts were made as it relates to our participating in the August Air Show.

Jane is planning more inter-club visits. When possible please try to attend.

February 2 will be our business meeting. Our greeter will be Greg Stefanich.

See you then and have your best week ever!

Jim

Reminder - Board Meeting on Feb. 1 at J's - 6:30

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 1/12/11

We had a great meeting, attendance and program. The breakfast wasn't bad except (where's the hash ?).

We agreed to send $200 to the Boys/Girls Club earlier than our normal dates for making contributions.

Jane passed around a sign-up sheet for an inter-club at the Elk's Club on the 25th. We need at least four to make it official. This is the Club sponsoring the Air Show. It would be a good opportunity to gain some additional information on this project.

Thanks to Jane for putting this together.

A brief discussion was held relative to putting together a proposal for our Kettle Corn participation at this event. The K"corn committee is meeting on the 13th to start the process.

It is possible this could be a joint venture with other Kiwanis Clubs.

We had an interesting program presented by representatives from Quakerdale.

Our next meeting will feature Dean Dwight Watson from the UNI College of Education. Our greeter is Neal Schilling.

I will be out of town - Steve Harding will be presiding.

Have your best week !

Jim

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 1/5/11

We had quite a meeting !

Tim Jones has a birthday on the 7th.

Gil gave the Treasurer's report. The report was so positive Gov. Branstad is looking to the Rough Riser's for budgetary advice.

Dean reported that Simpson Furniture has agreed to a $1,500 sponsorship. We will popping Kettle Corn for their Sidewalk days on June 11.

We still have names to contact for sponsorships. If you are willing contact Dean or Jerry. Last reminder, you have an opportunity to go to a Kiwanis Council meeting on the 11th. Give me a call if you are interested.

Also, MidYear Conference on the 29th.

Bruce Clark and Roger Pease from the Waterloo Kiwanis Club made a presentation regarding their upcoming project - "Thunder in the Valley Air Show". This will be quite an event - anticipated attendance is in the 70,000 range. The dates are August 28 and 29.

We are hoping to sell Kettle Corn and provide other help as is needed.

Our program schedule for January is as follows:

January 11 Tim Lyon/Lalaine Rabary from Quakerdale
January 19 Dean Dwight Watson College of Education, UNI
January 26 Leigh Zeitz "How to Work Your Phone"

Thanks to Leigh for setting this up and also, a special thanks for setting up the Power Point for the "Air Show" presentation.

Our greeter next week is Mr. Dalton Plumbing - Tom Reisetter.

Have your best week ever !

Jim

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Notes from the Prez - 1/1/2011

Happy New Year to all Rough Risers !!

It is hard to believe we are already three months into our Kiwanis year.

Sponsorships for Kettle Corn are moving forward very well - over $ 11,000 in or committed.

Plans are being put together for interclub visits during the next few months.

Our Rough Riser's directory is scheduled for the end of the month.

One area we have not touched on is mentoring.  This is one of the focus areas for Kiwanis this year.  I would strongly encourage you to volunteer in this important project.  I have had that opportunity for a little over a year.  I hope my young man has benefited half as much as I have.

An area we need to continually focus on is getting new members.  Our objective for this year is 5 new members. Through the first 3 months we have not added anyone and in fact, I believe, we have only had one visitor.  We have a lot to sell - but, as Dean stated in relating to  Sponsorships if we don't ask we will not get the order.

Remember the MidYear Council Conference in Ankeny on January 29.

Have your best month ever !!

Jim

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 12/15/10

Hard to believe we are half way through December and only 2 1/2 weeks left in the year.

We had a short business meeting.

Circle "K"   Greg submitted a letter protesting the way dues are assessed for Circle "K" members. Thanks to him and Alan for their work on behalf of Circle "K".

Spouses Night Out   A big thank you to Lynn for organizing and to  Marvin and Sandy for hosting the Rough Risers after the Regents event.

Gery reported on the monies we have contributed to the Hawkeye Community College Foundation.  The funds are growing and we are able to achieve our objectives.

We presented our server, Mary, with a Rough Riser Cup for the great work she does for us.  There also was a monetary amount of approximately $ 275 give to her.

Members of the club wrapped presents for our Christmas Family.  Each  child received gifts in the amount of $ 75 approximately and the Mother received a $ 150 gift certificate.  As always Bob Nelson did a great job in putting all of this together.

In the battle for best job wrapping a difficult configured gift  Jerry won hands down with his work on wrapping a football.

I am making a request that when the meeting is being conducted and  most importantly when we have guest speakers we give the front of the room our attention and refrain from talking.  It is distracting not only to the speaker but also those in  attendance.

Next week will be our Christmas speaker and spreading good cheer as we  enter will be our greeter Jim Paprocki.

Have your best week ever !

Jim

Incredibly difficult question:    World wide what is the membership of Kiwanis - including the youth groups ?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Kiwanis Social at the Oster Regent is a GO!!!!

Yes, even though we have blizzard conditions here in Cedar Falls, our courageous leader, Jim Larson has deemed that we will proceed with our Kiwanis Social at the Oster Regent today.  The play, Uh Oh Here Comes Christmas, will begin at 2:00 as planned.  We will follow it with enjoying pie and comraderie at Marv's afterwards.

See you there.

Z

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 12/8/10

A Happy Birthday to Lynn Barnes - (12th) and a Thank You for putting together the "Spouses Night Out". Reminder that Marion has a couple of tickets if you or someone you know would like to go to the play this Sunday.

Nine members of the Circle "K" participated in the W'loo Jaycees "Gift of Giving" last week. They are also sponsoring a family for Christmas. It appears to me that what they lack in number they more than make up in quality! Also, a thanks to Greg for representing our club as an advisor.

Greg passed around a draft of a letter to be sent protesting the way dues for Circle "K" are set.

The Rough Risers endorsed the letter unanimously.

Kettle Corn sponsorship continues forward in a positive way. Over $10,000 has been collected or committed.

For those of you who did not have the opportunity we will pass the envelope for Mary at our next meeting.

We had an excellent presentation by representatives of the "Student Council for Exceptional Children" led by Christina Curran. We will be considering a contribution to this worthwhile project.

In discussion with some of the representatives they greatly appreciated the suggestions that were made from Club members.

Next week we will be wrapping gifts for the family we will be sponsoring.

Our greeter is appropriately enough Bob Nelson who has coordinated the Christmas Family project.

Have your best "shopping" week ever!

Jim

Monday, December 6, 2010

Notes from the Prez - 11/1/2010

The Gift of Giving Never Stops for the Kiwanis Rough Risers!

I just got back from a morning of helping on the Waterloo Jaycees "Gift of Giving" project. Kiwanis was well represented with seven members and a spouse plus nine from the Circle "K". The Gift of Giving project is an opportunity for children to go to Blain's Farm and Fleet to purchase gifts for people in their families. Adults are there to help guide their purchases and ensure that they total less than an identified amount.

What an opportunity to be able to watch not only the child assigned to me but the 50/60 other children experiencing the joy of giving to others. I doubt if Blain's has ever been more alive than it was this morning.

Once again being a member of the Kiwanis Rough Risers has given me/us the chance to help others and to experience the gift of giving.

At this time of celebration please take time to enjoy the season and experience it's true meaning.

Have your best Christmas ever!

Jim

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Kiwanis Partners with Waterloo Jaycees to Help Children Buy Christmas Gifts

One of the ways we make a difference in the Cedar Valley is to partner with the Waterloo JayCees to provide Waterloo children the opportunity to go shopping for Christmas gifts for their family.  We get up early in the morning. Ride buses with the children to Blain's Farm and Fleet. Help them shop within a budget. Get back on the buses. Return to the United Workers Hall. We wrap presents. We eat breakfast.  Most importantly of all, we all have fun.

Click on the articles to enlarge them to read.




Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Enhancing Preschool Children’s Diets
What's the Problem?
Children of the poor hardly get enough to eat -- let alone the proper nutrition. That's why Self-Help's feeding program is so important. We include QPM (Quality Protein Maize) in our porridge preferred cereal grain, QPM has double the usable protein as regular corn/maize. The rural poor in Nicaragua and Ghana don’t have access to sufficient levels of protein like we would in the United States ... and protein is so important for proper development of children

12 million children under the age of 5 die of malnutrition each year. Malnutrition, a gateway condition for many more serious diseases, is 100% treatable. Roughly 60% of children aged 6-months to 6-years in and around our rural feeding centers suffer from malnutrition. Effects of malnutrition in children, stunted growth, orange-tinted hair, patchy hair growth or general lethargy, are evident in the communities
 
What can be done? 
Since 2005, Self-Help has been conducting a feeding program featuring a once-a-day porridge meal using QPM (Quality Protein Maize). Thousands of children have beaten hunger and malnutrition because of it. Listless, glassy-eyed children are becoming increasingly active and alert. Their mothers speak highly of the progress that they see with their children. We are making a difference. But, we have always felt we could do better.
 
In 2009, Self-Help was introduced to an inexpensive vitamin supplement we could add to our porridge to make our meal more complete. Each tablet yields: (Percent daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.)

Vitamin D-3 100%             Pantothenic Acid 50%             Phosphorus 20% 
Manganese 50%                     Vitamin A 60%                    Vitamin C 100% 
Calcium 15%                               Iron 60%                          Vitamin E 50% 
Thiamine 70%                        Riboflavin 60%                        Niacin 70%
Vitamin B6 60%                        Folate 50%                        Vitamin B12 90% 
Biotin 50%                                 Iodine 50%                        Magnesium 30% 
Zinc 100%                                Copper 65%
  
How can I help? 
The cost for one packet which has six servings is only 10 cents! There are children who receive porridge 1,050 5-days-per-week, 48 weeks per year. That's 42,000 servings to children every year. The annual cost to serve vitamin packets in their QPM porridge is $4,200. In other words, it costs $4 per year for one child to provide vitamins, minerals and barley malt (makes the porridge thinner and sweeter). Our goal is to have a two-year supply of packets which would cost $8,400.
      * $16 feeds 4 children vitamins and minerals all year
      * $24 provides vitamins for 6 children 5x a week for a year
      * $60 purchases QPM AND vitamins for one child for an entire year
      * $2,100 buys vitamins for every child for one year that Self-Help serves
         in Ghana or Nicaragua

About Self-Help 
Self-Help is an international development organization based in Waverly, Iowa dedicated to helping people help themselves. Since 1959, it has helped tens of thousands of the world's poorest people win the battle with hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
Self-Help is a 501 (c)(3) designation so donations may be tax deductible.
703 Second Ave NW, Waverly, IA 50677
319-352-4040

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 12/1/10

We had a full agenda for our business meeting. This is supposed to be our "downtime"?????

First of all a Happy Birthday to Jerry - that's today !

Gil presented the monthly treasurer's report - we are solvent.

Greg reported that Circle "K" has a Christmas family they are providing gifts for and 10 of them will be at the JC "Gift of Giving" this Saturday.

Work completed includes International approval our by-laws (thanks Steve) and our annual audit was completed (thanks to Dave and Nick). Also, a big thanks to Gil for his quality work in keeping our records accurate and timely..

Jerry reported the packages sent to his son in Afghanistan had arrived and beendistributed. A big thanks to the Rough Risers from this heroic group.
Jerry also announced we have received $ 1,000 form new sponsors. Our total commitments so far exceed $ 10,000. Just a great job by everyone !

Remember Spouse's Night Out is the 12th. If you have not received your tickets please see Gil.

Cindy indicated that work is progressing on the 2010/2011 Directory. The PR Committee is hoping to distribute sometime in late January.

The Board, at their November 30 meeting, elected to donate $ 750 to the Mama Lumka project and $750 to Self Help. Those funds will be distributed in mid 2011.

Leigh gave us a look see at our own Web Site (blog). Just an outstanding job by Leigh !

Please take a few minutes on a regular basis to review.

Our program schedule for December includes:
December 8 Student Council for Exceptional Children (this may be a project we will want to support).
December 14 Wrap presents for our Christmas Family
December 22 A Christmas speaker
December 29 "Round Table"
Our greeter on the 8th is Susan Loy.

Have your best week ever !

Jim

NOTE: On the 8th and 14th we will be passing an envelope for Mary as a big thank you for the service she provides.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 11/24/10

Good turn out this morning. Especially when you consider our meeting was the day before the holiday.

The Kettle Corn sponsorship project is moving along in a strong manner. You have already signed up two new sponsors, excellent !

Phil asked that we make sure a current company logo is emailed to him for the labels.

We are continuing to collect for our Christmas family. Most likely next Wednesday will the last opportunity to contribute.

Tickets are now available for the December 12 presentation at the Regent. Gil has the tickets and as always will be most happy to take your payment.

Brian Shaw presented a program on being Thankful. A good reminder to us all.

Thanks to Jane for coordinating this program as well as the rest of the programs in November.

Next week will be our business meeting. Dave (Mr. Cub) Loy will be our greeter. By the way Dave and Sue are considering a move to Chicago. The Cubs have not been able to find a manager and have offered the job to Dave.

Have your best Thanksgiving and week ever !

Jim

****A reminder that our Bored Meeting will be at J's on November 30th at 6:30*****

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Rough Risers Work to Support the Cedar Valley in 2009 - 2010

The Rough Risers have been a busy bunch.  

We have been doing more than making money popping kettlecorn.  We have been building shelters at the Soccer Complex, repairing sidewalks at the Red Schoolhouse on 1st Street, repairing structures at the Cedar Valley Arboretum and even serving breakfast at the Hartman Waffle event.  

You will see that we have some elementary schools listed as well.  These are service projects because we pop kettlecorn for the schools and then give it to the schools to sell and keep all of the profits.

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 11/17/10

We had an excellent turnout for our meeting Wednesday.

A happy birthday to Dale - 20th and to Gene who is celebrating two birthdays this year.

Kettle corn sponsorships are going well with over eight thousand dollars in or committed.

Jeff indicated we are still looking for a storage place for our Kettlecorn supplies and trailer.

Thanks to Leigh for the terrific job he has done on the Rough Riser Web Site.  This project has been submitted for District competition.  If you have not taken a look, do so.  It is great !!

Bob Nelson announced we have a Christmas family.  If you have not already done so please make your donation next week.  We will probably wrap gifts on the 15th.  Thanks Bob for spearheading this worth while project.

Phil and Rod presented a program on Self Help with a specific target of pre-school diet.  This program is under consideration by the Rough Risers for funding.

Our next meeting will be our Thanksgiving meeting and will be led by a lay speaker, Bob Shaw. The greeter will be that world renowned fly fisherman, Larry Loenser.

Have your best Thanksgiving ever !! 

Jim 

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Gil Hewett Honored at Kiwanis Birthday Party

Gil Hewett was honored for his long-time service to the Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis club at the club's 30th birthday party September 15 at Hartmann Reserve Nature Center.

Hewett, a charter member who has held the offices of secretary and treasurer of the club for many years, was presented with the Diamond-Level Hixon Fellowship Award, a recognition granted by the International Organization to members who support the Kiwanis International Foundation Endowment program. The club provided a $1000 contribution to the endowment program in Hewett's name.

Gil was joined on stage by a group of other members who have received the Hixon Fellowship Award.  These members include (left to right) Charles Wheeland, Jerry Holbach, David Loy, Lynn Schwandt, Carl Wocher, Jim LaRue and Gil Hewett.

The birthday party at Hartmann Reserve was attended by 83 current and past members, spouses and friends and featured a video of members' reminiscences of significant and humorous events in the history of the club.

The Rough Risers Kiwanis club of Cedar Falls was founded in 1980 and has provided financial grants and constructed several facilities in support of programs for children and youth in the metropolitan area. Funds to support the Rough Risers' financial donations are raised through the club's Kettlecorn sales at numerous community events.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 11/10/10

We had a great turnout, a great program, a guest and conducted quite a bit of business.

Dennis introduced his guest, Richard Ryan.  He is a potential member for our Club.

The "pig" got a little fatter as we had several special events:
  • Congratulations to the Nelson's on their anniversary - November 16.
  • Happy birthday to: Cindy (10th), Ned (12th), Marion (14th) and Rod the 15th.
Dean and Jerry announced that 5 boxes of supplies will be shipped to Afghanistan on Wednesday. Thanks to for their work and to the Rough Risers for stepping forward with their generous contributions.

There has been two Kettle Corn sponsorships submitted this past week - 
Liberty Bank and VGM.  We are off to a strong start keep it going !

Seven members will be helping with the Gift of Giving event on 
December 4.  In addition 10 Circle K members have signed up.

A big thank you to Neal, Dave and Jeff for cleaning the Kettle Corn popper and equipment. We will probably store everything at Cattle Congress.

Dave made available to the club the Kettle Corn financials as well as the year end financials. Thanks Dave - I know it took a lot of time to put that all together.

Jane Harding introduced Krenere Laxhaj, their foreign exchange student from Kosovo.  Krenere gave us an excellent presentation on the culture of her country including some great pictures. She has also helped at several poppings this Fall.

Next weeks meeting will feature Rod and Phil discussing a "Self Help Child Nutrition" program.

Our greeter is Tim Jones.

Have your best week ever !

JIm

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kiwanis Rough Risers Ship Supplies to Soldiers in Afganistan

Our troops in Afghanistan need supplies to make their stay a little nicer and the Rough Risers are here to help them.

The Kiwanis Rough Risers have collected over $250 to send a collection of supplies to 1st LT Matthew Slykhuis. Matthew is the son of club member, Jerry Slykhuis. He has been stationed in Afghanistan since the middle of July. Matthew is serving as a medivac helicopter pilot in the army. Matthew is a graduate of the ROTC program at ISU and a graduate of flight school at Fort Rucker Alabama.

The collection of goodies sent included toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, foot powder, gum, and several different kinds of food. We purchased these supplies at our local Fareway Food Store who gave us a healthy discount so that we could get more supplies for the money we collected.

Thanks to the members of our Rough Risers and Fareway Food Store we were able to send over $300 worth things to Matthew so he can share them with the other soldiers in Afghanistan.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 11/3/10

We had an excellent turnout - close to 30 in attendance.

A welcome back to Cindy .  All of us are glad to hear Roger is  gaining in strength and feeling better each day.

A Happy Birthday to Gery - November 8.

We had a sign up for the Waterloo Jaycees "Gift of Giving".  This event will be held on December 4.  There will be an opportunity for sign up next week also.

A check for $ 1,500 was given to Greg to present to the "Circle K"  club.  The Kettle Corn popping was held last Saturday at Wal Mart.  It was the best effort we have ever had at Wal Mart.  There were a good number of Circle K  members working and they worked hard.

Lynn announced 20 couples had signed up for the spouses night out to  be held on the 12th of December.  Please give your check in the amount of $  56 to Gil.

Dean stated that $ 2,000 had already come in for Kettle Corn sponsorships. We are off to a strong start.

Tim indicated Hartman Reserve has a project they need our labor and expertise.  It involves building a platform over a small pond.  This will be scheduled for next Spring.

Dave presented the year end financials.  The club is financially solid.

It was suggested and agreed that our opening prayer would be non-denominational. Jane has a prayer book that could be used if so desired.

Committee meetings were held after the business meeting.

Our speaker next week (17th) will be Phil Hufferd.  Phil will be  discussing a possible "giving" project, "Self Help - Child Nutrition".

The greeter is appropriately enough, Phil Hufferd,

Have your best week ever - since the elections are over it has to be  a good
week.

Jim

Monday, November 1, 2010

Notes from the Prez - 11/1/2010

Good Morning: One month has passed in our Kiwanis year.

The past month included setting our budget, a very profitable WalMart Kettle Corn popping and the start of committee plans for the year.

One of the many things that has impressed me about the Rough Risers is the way our members step up to the plate and assume responsibility. A case in point is the way several of you took over the Kettle Corn project, the way Lynn set up the Spouse's Night Out and Bob Nelson is handling the Christmas family project. There are many other instances all of which make this such an active and energetic club.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday I hope each of you will take the time to give thanks for the opportunities we have to create a better world for all children.

Jim

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 10/27/10

We had a great turnout for today's meeting.

Congratulations to the Loys on their anniversary - the 21st, birthday greetings to Neal (31st) and Gene (today).

Our final popping will be this Saturday at WalMart.  We will be doing this in support of Circle K.  Stop by if you can - hopefully the wind will have died down by then or it could get very interesting.

Jerry reported that $ 250 was collected for supplies for his son and fellow troops.   Jerry indicated that Fareway gave us a 25% discount.  There will be a delay in sending the boxes as his son will be moving to as yet an unknown base.

Dean and Jerry passed out the Kettle Corn sponsor booklets.  Our goal is to obtain $ 2,000 more this year than last.

We received an email from Veridian Credit Union regarding a free seminar on the 16th of November starting at 5:30. The location is the CF Holiday Inn.  They will be providing information on retirement planning.  A dinner will be served starting at 6:30.  Call 236-6792 to make reservations.

We had an interesting program featuring Sheryl McGovern Director of the CF/W'loo Libraries.

Next week will be our business meeting.  There should be a lot to discuss and plan for as we move forward in the new year.

The greeter is Marv Heller.

See you on the 3rd and have your best week ever.

Jim

REMINDER - Board meeting 6:30 on the 2nd at J's.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Kiwanis Rough Risers Make BIG Donations in 2009-2010

Now that we have come to the end of our 2009-2010 year, we have a chance to review the changes we have brought to the community.  This will be done in a couple of postings.  This posting describes how we have contributed almost $15,000 to programs in the Cedar Valley.


0-6 Years Old
  • Family and Children's Council
  • Children's Miracle Network
  • Grin & Grow Day Care
7-12 Years Old
  • Hartman Reserve Nature Center
  • NE IA Foodbank
  • Harbaugh-Williams Promise Foundation
  • Kids Lure Prevention - Price Lab School
  • Quakerdale Camp
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Cedar Falls Elementary School PTA Kettlecorn Events
13-18 Years Old
  • Character Counts
  • Young Leaders in Action
  • Junior Achievement
College
  • Circle K
  • Dollars for Scholars
  • Cedar Falls High School Foundation (Scholarship)
  • Hawkeye Community College Foundation (Scholarship)

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 10/20/10


Thanks to Steve for chairing the meeting.

A sign up sheet was passed around for the Kettle Corn popping at WalMart on the 30th.  There are plenty of opportunities available.

The PR Committee is working on updating the directory.

An interesting program was presented by Ron Gaines  CF Director of Development. He discussed the University Avenue project.

Next weeks program will feature Sheryl MCGovern Director of the library.


Our greeter will be Roger Hazen.

See you Wednesday and have your best week.


Jim 

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Mama Lumka Provides Support for AIDS-Affected Children in South Africa - Rough Risers Want to Help!

Twenty percent of women in South Africa are HIV+ in 2004, over 1.1 million orphans were in need of care due to AIDS and HIV+ affected  parents. An additional 250,000 children are orphaned annually. The children are homeless and who is there to take care of these children? Mama Lumka.

On October 13, Mayor Crews and his wife, Ronelle, introduced the Rough Risers to the Mama Lumka's work in South Africa. They have traveled to South Africa twice to learn about and support Mama Lumka's work in caring for children orphaned by AIDS-affected parent.  Mama Lumka's Nceduluntu project is dedicated to building homes for orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa.

Mama Lumka's mission for supporting children is "to provide integrated, loving community-based residential and day care for HIV+ children and AIS orphans as well as for other abandoned, abused, neglected and/or disabled children from the Nomzamo and Lwandle communities. To re-create a healthy and wholesome sense of family and community standards, ensuring that the children can have a normal childhood and can maximise their potential of becoming secure, stable and economically active individuals. To empower people involved with the Centre, as well as unemployed community members, to become as self-sufficient as possible."

The Rough Risers have decided to adopt Nceduluntu as an international project.  We will donate funds throughout the year to support housing and caring for these children.

YouTube Videos. Below are 2 x 10 minute segments from SABC3 tv documentary - titled
"The Power Within - The Story of Mama Lumka and Ikayalethemba Village", aired on 11 May 2008.



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Meeting Minutes from Prez Jim - 10/13/10

What a great meeting!

Plenty of business handled, we had guests from the CF evening club, Mayor Jon Crews and his lovely wife Ronelle were in attendance and we have the opportunity to take on a couple of new projects.

Steve reported the popping for Hansen open house generated $ 550+.

We are contributing dollars to purchase items for Matt Slykuis and his comrades serving in Afghanistan.  So far $ 240 has been collected.  Thanks to Dean for coming up with the idea and coordinating.

Dave presented hard copies of the 2010/2011 budget.

Greg reported that Circle K has approximately 12 active members.  They are ready and willing to be at Wal Mart on the 30th for our final Kettle Corn popping of the year.

We received notification from Cindy that her husband Roger had bypass surgery on the 7th. He is now home and in recovery.  Please keep him and Cindy in your prayers.

Mayor Crews and his wife, Ronelle, made a presentation for the "Mama Lumka" project.  This project is aimed at building homes for orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa.

The Rough Risers and the evening club are considering providing funds for this project.

Next weeks program will feature Ron Gaines Director of CF Development.  He will be discussing the University Avenue project.

Our greeter is Jane Harding.

I will be out of town next week.  Thanks in advance to Steve for chairing the meeting.



Jim

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

New Leaders Installed for 2010-2011 year

We now have a new crop of leaders for the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers.

After a highly productive year, Sue Loy passed the presidency to Jim Larson.  Along with Jim, Steve Harding took the stage to assume his #2 position as vice president. . . . And yes, Gil Hewitt will continue the position where he has thrived for many years as Secretary/Treasurer of the club. Sue will remain on the board as Past President.

Along with the new executive branch, we have a new board of directors - some new and some returning.  These directors include Lynn Barnes, Dean Dreyer, Jane Harding, Cindy Hahn, Tim Jones and David Loy. This band of members are given the honor to attend ANOTHER 6:30 AM meeting on the first Tuesday of every month to provide guidance and vision for our club.

We look forward to another successful and exciting year.

Photo: Dale Waack

Friday, August 20, 2010

Rough Risers to Celebrate 30 Years as a Club

Two thousand ten marks the 30th birthday of the Kiwanis Rough Risers club of Cedar Falls. The milestone will be celebrated with a birthday party at Hartman Reserve Nature Center on September 15.  The evening will begin with social time at 6:00pm, followed by dinner at 6:45 and program at 7:30pm.   

Present and past members, spouses and friends are invited to attend.  Cost is $15.00 per person and reservation deadline is September 8.  Reservations may be made by contacting President, Sue Loy at sjloy@cfu.net or by phone at 319-268-1120.

A special feature of the program will be the unveiling of the Rough Riser’s story for the first time on DVD.  It is a look back at the Clubs beginnings and how it has arrived where it is today. We will be celebrating the Club’s achievements and recognizing its accomplishments. We will also take a quick look into the future and where the group is headed.
Dinner will be a buffet, catered by Gary's Catering. The menu includes Medallions of Roast Beef in White Wine Sauce and Baked Chicken Breast in Vegetable Mornay Sauce, along with scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole. And, of course, we will have a birthday cake! If you want to attend but have special dietary needs, please let Sue know.