Rough Risers 2015-2016 Executive Board of Directors

From left: Jim Larson (Secretary-Treasurer); Leigh Zeitz; Bob Ericson; Tony Reid (President); Alan Czarnetzki (Vice-President); Tim Jones, Sue Loy; Rod Hamer (Past President); Cindy Hahn, Gery Deaver. This group works hard to guide the Rough Risers towards meeting its goals of serving the community and enhancing recreational activities for children. This leadership team meets once a month to conduct business, make decisions and swap a few jokes and stories.

Ensuring Students Have the Skills Needed for Future Jobs

Wednesday Jan. 13—A partnership of business, industry, educators, non-profits and government is working together to increase awareness and achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Dr. Jeff Weld, a member of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council joined us today to explain the program, how it got started and its benefits. Since the program began in 2011, the percentage of Iowa students who meet college readiness in science based on ACT scores has increased 47%.

We appreciate the time Dr. Weld spent explaining how STEM is striving to improve the state’s readiness for future industries and careers.

An Interview with Barney

Our radio spokesperson is Lynn Barnes.  He used to "be in radio" and has a wonderful voice for interviewing.

Barney had another interview on December 16 on our local radio station, The Mix 93.5. Unfortunately, the radio station folks didn't record the interview so we don't have anything to share with you at this time.

In an effort to fill this vacuum, I fired up my iPhone and interviewed Barney about his interview.

You can listen to this 2-minute interview by clicking on this link.  

Beyond providing you with a captivating interview, this is our first venture into Kiwanis podcasting. Podcasting is a process where we will use an app on our phones to interview members, presenters and anyone else of interest.  Once we have the recording, we will take a photo and post both of them on our website.

This is the beginning of what can be a new way to share what Rough Risers do when no one is looking.

January Programs will Expand our Horizons

Wednesday, January 6 - Business Meeting     

Wednesday, January 13 – STEM in Iowa
STEM refers to the new emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our K-12 public schools.  The program will be presented by Jeff Weld, who is the Executive Director of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council and Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Northern Iowa

Wednesday, January 20 –
Education Promise Program
The Education Promise Program started ten years ago in Waterloo to promise college tuition to a group of young black boys if they would graduate from high school.  Dennis Harbaugh will speak about the progress of the boys, most of whom are now seniors.  The Rough Risers have been long-term supporters of this program.  

Wednesday, January 27 – Understanding Islam
Imam Adin from the Masjid Al-Noor Waterloo Cedar Falls Islamic Center will discuss the basics of Islam. This will be a unique opportunity to learn about another culture. Kiwanis is a Global Organization with clubs in over 80 nations and geographic areas.

Phil Hufferd Passes . . .

Unfortunately our brother, Phil Hufferd, passed away on Monday. He has been a valuable friend and member since 1993 and he will surely be missed.  He has been a valuable contributor to our club, the community and the world.  The obituary below doesn't include the untiring work that Phil did to make the world a better place.  He worked on anti-malaria projects in Africa and with the Self-Help program here in Iowa.  Phil was an active member of our club who was popping kettlecorn, building shelters, helping people and just providing support to those who needed it.

Many club members will be attending his funeral on Friday at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls.

Building on Habitat for Humanity’s Success

Wednesday Dec. 9—The mission of Habitat for Humanity is well known; helping people in need to live in good homes.

We were joined by Jeff Finke, the manager of the new Habitat ReStore in Waterloo. The ReStore is a retail store that sells and accepts donations of excess and gently used building materials, fixtures, furniture, appliances and other materials.

By providing an outlet for good, usable building materials the ReStore generates funds for Habitat’s mission and it keeps usable materials out of landfills.

Jeff, we wish you great success with this worthy venture.

Gift of Giving Photo Collage - 2015

Enjoy this photo collage of our wonderful 2015 Gift of Giving Experience.  
Click on the arrow to watch it.

Gift of Giving was a HUGE Success!

The Gift of Giving was a HUGE Success.  Seventy-eight children were taken shopping at Blaine's Farm and Fleet at 6:30 in the morning.  There was great support for the kids. Over 80 adults were there to guide the shopping and another dozen were in the kitchen cooking breakfast for the nearly 200 people.

Here is an article about the event.  Click here to find the whole story on the Courier website. (You may be asked to complete a survey to gain access to the article.)

The Rough Risers are Active in December

Wednesday, December 2 - Business Meeting     

Wednesday, November 9 – ReStore Stores from Habitat for Humanity

We will have Jeff Finke who is the ReStore Manager for Heartland Habitat for Humanity.  Mr. Finke will discuss Restores which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price.

Wednesday, November 16 – Wrapping Presents

We will be wrapping the presents that we are donating to a needy family.

Wednesday, November 23 – Holiday Message

An invited person will share a holiday message with the club. 

Wednesday, November 30 – Round Table
No presentation this week. We will have the opportunity to spend time talking with each other.

Nate Loenser, Son of Larry Loenser, Achieves with the Chicago Bulls

It is not often that you get to see stories about people achieving their goals.  This video which was run on CBS Television shares the story of Nate Loenser, son of our member - Larry Loenser.

Starting as the video coordinator with the Chicago Bulls, Nate is now also working as a coaching assistant.  This is an inspiring video to watch considering the challenges that Nate has faced. 

Barney Talks about the Gift of Giving on Radio

November 25 - Yes, our own Lynn Barnes (Barney) was interviewed on radio last Wednesday morning. Bob Westerman, the program director and morning host on93.5 The Mix/KCVM, interviewed Barney about the Gift of Giving event that will be happening on Dec 5.  

It was a short (4 min) but interesting interview.  Barney gave the overview of the Gift of Giving, the latest happenings for the Rough Risers and even included some of his classic humor.

Here is a link to the interview.  It is a MUST LISTEN!!!

The Need to Give Thanks

Wednesday Nov. 25—Today on the eve of Thanksgiving, Rough Riser and retired pastor Bob Ericson talked to us about the deeper spirit of giving thanks.

While we need to count our blessings and give thanks for the things that quickly to come to mind, we also need to give thanks for such blessings as the gift of intellect to continually learn new things, the beautiful and incredible world we live in, and for adversity which gives us strength and the ability to grow.

May we remember Bob’s words not only on Thanksgiving but every day.