Welcome Kyle Boardman
Metro North Rotary welcomes Kyle Boardman as President for the 2021/2022 Rotary year! Kyle is an Accounting Manager at Honkamp Krueger where he specializes in corporate and individual tax preparation and consulting, strategic and financial planning, and business consulting. He joined Metro North Rotary in October, 2018. |
4th Annual Lager Lympics
The 4th Annual Lager ‘Lympics event planned for Saturday, August 29th has been canceled due to the Governor's latest proclamation closing all bars through September 20th. |
Youth of the Year at Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar RapidsThe competition was steep on Friday, February 1st at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids' annual Youth of the Year Competition! Three of our Rotarians; Cheri Monahan, Joe Schmit and Laura Seyfer; had the tough job of choosing the best competitor to represent Cedar Rapids for 2019! |
Future Hiawatha Dog Park cleanup begunCleanup for the future Hiawatha Dog Park began Sunday Nov 18 |
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Boys & Girls Clubs
Metro North Rotarians helped Club members of the Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate Thanksgiving! |
Rotary Outbound Student Isabel HoggCheck out our outbound student Isabel Hogg's upcoming trip here, and follow her here, |
Metro North 15th Anniversary We've been around for 15 years! Come celebrate and because we hit our membership goal this year, the first $500 in drinks are on the exec committee! Here are the details, When June 21, 2018 4:30 to 6:30 PM The “Program” portion will run from 5:15 – 5:45. It will include: Where we’ve been Where we’re going Recognition and Awards Where Shores Event Center 700 16th Street NE, Suite L100 Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402 Food LJ's will be catering a picnic style Tropical Patio Luau! |
Metro High School Christmas GivingThank you to that helped shop and wrap for the Metro High School students! It was another huge success! Along with the presents the Club shopped for they will also have access to necessities and food for a Christmas meal! Thank you to the Giacolleto Foundation for the grant to make this happen and all the Members that pulled together this year in short notice to make this a success. The kids so appreciate it!  |
An Update From Our Outbound Exchange StudentPlease enjoy this update from our outbound exchange student, Chloe: Hello! I first want to start off by saying thank you! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity! I have been loving a single second of my exchange so far! I am so happy to be in Turin, Italy! I first want to start off by saying that I love Turin! It has been very interesting living in a bigger city, there are about one million people living in Turin. It is very easy to get around with public transportation like buses and the subway. There are so many things to do here, whether shopping, going to museums, or going to see different monuments around the city! School has been going very well! It's starting to become easier to understand the teachers in class. I am also taking Italian as a Second Language at school, which has helped me a lot with grammar and speaking Italian correctly. All of the students are all really nice at my school too! They make me feel very welcomed and they are patient with me when I try to speak Italian but also correct me when I make mistakes to help me learn! I have also gotten involved in a couple of clubs at school! I love my host family! They are so kind to me and I have felt loved since the moment they picked me up from the airport! I help out around the house as much as I can, but my favourite things to do are cook and help my younger host siblings with English. It is interesting seeing students here learn English and and how the foreign language classes are structured differently in the United States and Italy. I also love learning how to cook Italian food! It's really fun to help my host mom cook dinner every night so I can learn new recipes! My favourite foods here are pasta alla pesto (pesto pasta), risotto giallo (literally "Yellow Risotto" but its a rice dish with saffron, onions, and zucchini), gelato, and coffee! I am thankful because I have gotten to travel a lot! Last month I went down to Calabria, a region in southern Italy, for Orientation. I have been all around Piedmont (my region in Italy), and to Liguria, the region south of Piedmont. Next weekend I am so excited because my host Rotary District is taking all of the Inbound students to Geneva, Switzerland for Rotary Day at the United Nations. We are going to discuss the importance of cross-cultural education opportunities (like exchange years and study abroad programs in college) and how they contribute to international peace and cooperation! Again, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity! I am so thankful that I get to spend the next year of my life here! Chloe Clemenson |
Rotary Open CoffeeNeed to do some rotary makeups, here is a opportunity! Be sure to let Don Homan know you did a makeup. Rotary Open Coffee started in 2016 as a way to get Rotarians together with new or prospective Rotarians to discuss community engagement and ways to get involved. We will meet monthly in 2017 and all are welcome. Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. Rotary Open Coffee is a way to get this conversation happening more often in our communities. Join us. More information here, https://www.meetup.com/IowaCoffee/events/240991830/ |
Outbound Student Chloe UpdateWe got an update from our outbound exchange student. Check it out below! Hi all, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to come to Metro North to present my presentation over the similarities and differences between the United States and Italy. Again, thank you so much for allowing me this amazing opportunity, I can’t express how grateful I am! Here is a link to my website! I’ve worked super hard on it and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks again and I hope to see you soon! Chloe |
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Adopt A Boys & Girls Club Family for the HolidaysThe Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids are gearing up for the holiday season with their annual Adopt-A-Family program! There is no better time to give back and bring holiday cheer to those families in our community who really need our help!
With 76 families available to adopt this year, their number of families has almost doubled from last year. If you, your family or coworkers would like to help the Club's kids and their families, here is the link to sign up – directions are explained in the link! Wishing you all the best this holiday season! |
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Market After Dark Beer TentThanks to all that helped with the Beer Tent during the Market After Dark. We all had such a great time and of the five beer tents, the Metro North Rotary beer tent was the second highest grossing right after the tent closest to the stage! Woohoo!
     The Market After Dark will be held Saturday, August 22 in Downtown Cedar Rapids from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
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Change of meeting timeA reminder to all that our meeting on June 2nd will be held at METRO NORTH HIGH SCHOOL AT 12:30
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Alissa Gardner presents at Downtown Rotary
Our own MNR Alissa Gardner presenting to the Downtown Rotary. Way to go Alissa. |
Frist Year Paul Harris Fellows
22 individuals were recognized as “1st Timers”
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Frosty FiestaFrosty Fiesta Check out all the fun, view the Photo Album upper left.
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Third Place Thursday This is just part of the group that had a great time at the November Third Place Thursday. |
Mayors' PanelOn Sept. 12, 2013, we were joined by area mayors at our meeting: Mayor Bouska - Marion, Mayor Corbett - Cedar Rapids, Mayor Cullis - Robins, Mayor Theis - Hiawatha.
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Meeting with District GovernorThe board met with John Bender, our district governor, on Sept. 5.
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Thanks for a great day of golfing, Metro North Rotarians!Thanks so all of the sponsors of the 2013 Golf Outing! This years sponsors included Van Meter, Hawkeye Electric, Bradley Riley, ESP International, Shelter Insurance, Skogman Commercial Real Estate, Allsteel, OPN Architectects, Guaranty Bank, Winner Lynk, Brost Architects, Securian Financial, Destinations Unlimited, Principal Financial, and CIPCO. We had a perfect day for the event and a great location. Thanks so all the participants for taking time to attend the event! Don't forget to check out our photo album of some of the day's activities. |
10th Anniversary PartyEveryone had a great time at our 10th Anniversary Party. Thanks so much to The Past Presidents for the beer and wine and to all that help set up the event.
See all the photos from the party, click here "10th Anniversary Party" |
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
A standing ovation was given to our Metro North Rotary Club for the wonderful breakfast today. Thanks everyone who helped out... the teachers were truly grateful. |
Governor's Excellence Award and the International Presidential Citation Ryan Koenig accepted the Governor's Excellence Award and the International Presidential Citation today, on behalf of our rotary group. Congrats to all who have worked so hard this year! |
Water station at the Marion Rotary Marathon 
Metro North Rotary braved the very cold day to provide water to the Marathon runners... fun was had by all most. |
Serve And Be ServedChuck Carpenter, hard at work before being served at Parlor City Pub.
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Zombie Prom
October 18th begainning at 8p.m. at NewBo City Market with presenting sponsor Cellsite Solutions. So many great things are happening that night including:
Tickets for the event include access to event, some totally rad freebies, and Zombie potion drink. Must be 21 and over to attend. Click here to purchase tickets and for more information.
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RYLA Scholarship Recipients AnnouncedCongratulations to Metro North Rotary’s two RYLA Scholarship Recipients Allison Cahill of Linn-Mar, and Marcus Robinson of Metro High School! Allison and Marcus have shown us they will be great leaders, and a wonderful addition to this year’s RYLA Leadership Conference. For more information on RYLA visit the district website http://www.district5970.org/ |
New Board MembersCongratulations to our new Board Members: Jody Donaldson and Aaron Loan! There were four fantastic candidates. |
Volunteers needed at Cedar Rapids Kernels gameshttp://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAEAB2CA4F49-aprilThe Boys and Girls Clubs are still looking for volunteers to help with tickets at the Cedar Rapids Kernels games. You can sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAEAB2CA4F49-april
May dates can be found here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FAEAB2CA4F49-maykernels1 |
Zombie Prom Sponsors AnnouncedWelcoming Cellsite Solutions as our Presenting Sponsor for the Zombie Prom, which raises funds to help local children have brighter futures. Thank you Junge Auto Group, Summit Consulting & Project Management, & CIPCO who are also sponsors.
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Board candidate: Aaron LoanAaron Loan, a benefits advisor at acumen, is our fourth candidate for the two open board positions. Find out more about him below.
I love Cedar Rapids. Nothing beats our desires to be innovative while staying well-rooted. Our no-quit attitudes are always laced with positive determination. Our education system is envied around the world. And whether it’s on our own, or with our families, churches, businesses, or non-profit organizations we have an innate desire to help others succeed. So when my wife and I were living in Philadelphia and our daughter was born six years ago we made the decision to come back home to raise our family. We moved back the first week of June 2008. Most of you know what happened to Cedar Rapids the very next week… Needless to say, I would be THRILLED to serve on our board and continue the great work Metro North has done to serve! I sincerely hope that you will consider me for your vote.
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Volunteer with us on April 26We have volunteered to clean up the stretch of Hwy 100 between 1st Ave and East Post Rd. Our name is on the Adopt-a-Highway sign and we take pride in how this stretch of road looks. Put on your jeans and working boots and let’s get it done! The more volunteers the quicker it goes! Vests and trash bags provided – 2hrs max.
When: Saturday April 26th 9AM-11AM Where: Meet at Slumberland parking lot What to bring: Gloves and “clean-up” clothes. Bags and vests provided. Contact Ryan Koenig to sign up. |
Board candidate: Jody DonaldsonJody Donaldson is running for one of the two open board positions. Find out more about her below: Dear Fellow Rotarians, It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my interest in a board position within Metro North Rotary. I have been a proud member since January 2012. While I have truly enjoyed serving as a general member and as co-chair of the Community Relations team, I am anxious to take my leadership skills to the board level. I would like to be a part of the team that continues to support a successful division of rotary, sustain the membership, and fuel the energy. I am such an advocate for volunteerism and philanthropy; I have made it my life career and passion. I'm employed at Kirkwood Community College as the Scholarship & Alumni Officer. I have been in my role in the Development Office since 2005. I work attentively with donors to raise funds and steward the gifts through the scholarship program. In 2013-2014, we were able to support students with $2.6 million dollars in scholarship support. I don’t take my position lightly as each and every day I work tirelessly to simply make a difference in the life of a student. I also have the privilege of reconnecting with our 70,000 alumni who live all over the world. Imagine the energy and creativity I get to expand upon in building those relationships – it’s a very gratifying position. I aspire to take on a leadership role within Metro North Rotary and continue my aspirations to live a purposeful life.
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Board candidate: Sandi LaffertySandi Lafferty, an account manager at J.W.Morton & Associates is running for one of the two open board positions. You can find out more about her below.
To give you a little information about myself I should start by saying that the Cedar Rapids area is home to me. I grew up in Fairfax and after high school attended Central College graduating with a Communication major and Business minor. Life and opportunities took me to Texas and Illinois before returning home to work and finish raising my family. I have three children who are now out of the house and in various stages from college to one who recently got married. My job background ranges from sales, to account management in advertising and marketing. With communications interests I have worked in marketing at a shopping mall and department store, along with sales and management positions at a radio station, shopper, newspaper, yellow pages, leasing services and as regional account manager for a national B2B magazine. My recent work as Account Manager at an advertising agency, JWMorton & Associates, seems to pull all my experiences together and I enjoy the interaction with clients and the creative environment.  |
Baseball Season is Here: Volunteer with Boys and Girls ClubsThe Boys and Girls Clubs are looking for volunteers to help scan tickets during the Kernels home games this year which in turn will help the Boys & Girls Clubs earn some extra money. Games do start this week, but we will need help throughout the season. (No clean-up opportunities in April.) |
Board candidate:Paige SwartzendruberPaige is running for one of the open seats on the board. You can learn more about here here:
I am a full time registered representative and administrative assistant to the CEO at Berthel Fisher & Co. Financial Services. I grew up in Cedar Rapids prior to attending the University of Iowa, graduating with a marketing degree and certificate in international business in 2002. Prior to moving back to Cedar Rapids in 2008, I lived in Des Moines for six years. I am married with three girls ages eight and one and enjoy cheering on the Hawkeyes. While moving back to Cedar Rapids was a little scary after the floods, being a part of the rebuilding process and seeing this city come back in the way it has makes me proud to live here. I believe the best way to help make our country, and world, a better place is to be active in your community and charitable organizations. I was thrilled to get introduced to Metro North Rotary and have enjoyed getting to know such great people and being involved with the fundraising committee. In addition to being involved in Rotary, I volunteer as a backup facilitator at Young Parents Network to teach parent groups. I enjoyed being the day of event co-chair for the Zombie Prom last year and look forward to taking that event to another level. I would be honored to be on the Metro North Rotary board as I enjoy leadership roles and would love the opportunity to be more involved with the group. Thank you for the consideration.
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Exciting job changesTwo exciting job changes:
Wade Hiner has accepted the Director of Business Development position with Knutson Construction. He will start the new position next week, will stay in the area and plan to remain a member of Metro North Rotary. He will send the group all his new contact information next week. Wade's cell number remains the same 319-533-5713. Also, Christoph Trappe will join MedTouch as senior client relationship manager next month. He'll work with hospitals on digital strategies. Christoph's cell number also remains the same (319-804-9853). He also plans on remaining a member and will continue to share the Tweets of God during his news segments. If you have a career change to share with the group email ctrappe@gmail.com. |
We are now on TwitterPlease follow us at @MNRotary. |
Board elections coming upElections will be in April. The two open board positions for next year are: Email your bio to Christoph Trappe at ctrappe@gmail.com to enter the race. |
Boys and Girls Club Gala TableWe are looking for individuals who would like to attend the Boys and Girls Club Gala. |
Want to sponsor a school for Steve Grant's Visit?Please contact Wade Hiner.
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Holiday Music from Metro High School Students |
Metro Threads on Nov. 7, 2013 |
Volunteering with the Boys and Girls Clubs |
Former NFL Player Jimmie Bell Visits Cedar RapidsSports World, Inc is a nationally known nonprofit located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They send former professional athletes across the US to share their personal life experiences and to encourage students to make positive choices while challenging each student with a message of Hope.
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Halloween Party logoMetro North's new Halloween party logo.
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Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, this Iowa native has extended her experience and service well beyond the state’s borders. Trisha has studied at the University of Kentucky, traveled to Tasmania, and went on a trip to Honduras that she said had the most impact on her and her future plans to practice in global health.
Welcome to Maki who recently arrived from Japan. Maki is here through the Rotary International Youth Exchange program and will be here through the end of the school year and attending our meetings regularly. She will be staying at Dave Reisner’s home for the first few months and we are in need of more host families. Maki is attending Linn Mar High School. 
Janice Novick for securing sponsorships from the following:
The service committee is working on renewing our relationship with Metro High School and we are actively searching for ways that we can engage with the school as a club and provide assistance with some of their needs. This week with the help of Lindsey Flannery, who has kindly agreed to be a co-chair for the service committee, we will be conducting a ‘focus-group’ with Metro High School’s ‘Buildinig Leadership Team,’ a collaboration of teacher leaders, to discuss the biggest needs of the students and teachers at Metro and come up with ideas for our club to become more active and physically present for the students. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for some opportunities to get involved!
Naturally, the service committee is always looking for help and participation so please do not hesitate to contact Kayla to get more information about getting involved.
The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives. Our club applies for grants from the Foundation to invest in projects at Metro High School and our international projects. Grants received from the Foundation have to be matched with club funds, which come from our Zombie Prom fundraising efforts. These grants are vital to funding our club’s projects! 
Our committee has two main areas of oversight, The Exchange Student Program and also the International Projects Program.
This past month at our annual Metro High School Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, the Speakers Committee was pleased to donate a book in honor of each guest speaker to the Metro High School Library for the 2014-15 Rotary calendar year. The Speakers Committee is in charge of obtaining a list of books, purchasing, and labelling the books for donation. We were able to donate 33 books this year. Upon donation to the Metro High School Library, Kirstin Miller from Metro mentioned that “It’s through community groups that we receive new books each year so thank you again for your support of Metro!”
MNR members put on Ronald McDonald noses in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois.
Metro High School students put on a great Christmas show for our members today. 
