Stories

Seeking District Governor Candidates

April 21, 2020 — As thousands of Iowans are unemployed and relying on food pantries to help feed their families during this worldwide pandemic, food banks are stretched to meet the needs of the hungry with unprecedented requests.  Local Rotarians heard the call, applied for, and received a Disaster Response Grant from the Rotary International Foundation to help.  The local clubs have asked that the District present a check to the Iowa Food Bank Association in the amount of $24,000 for immediate distribution.

“In times like this, I couldn’t be more proud to be part of an organization that has, since its inception, had a mission of service above self, and a heart to serve those in need in our communities.”  shared Michelle Bell, Rotary District 5970 Governor 2019-2020 and a member of Rotary Club of Linn County.  “We have partnered with Linda and her organization before and know that she will allocate funds quickly to the local communities, per our Rotary Clubs, wishes to support the immediate needs. $7500 of the funding is designated to HACAP serving Linn and surrounding counties. Together we can help fight hunger.”

The Rotary Foundation funding comes from previous gifts by Rotarians and other interested citizens all over the world. “To date, we are one of 40 Districts, out of 535, worldwide to receive this grant.” says Bell. “The Iowa Rotary District 5970 covers essentially the North half of Iowa, in which we have 51 clubs including nine in Linn County.”  The District allowed those clubs to apply for $1000 each (of the total grant) to support COVID-19 needs in their communities.  To date, 24 of those clubs have elected to send their funding to the Iowa Food Banks to support their fellow Iowans.  

“During these unprecedented times, the Food Banks serving Iowans have been notably affected with an increased need for food by more Iowans along with many challenges. The generosity of Rotarians across the state are deeply appreciated to help nourish hungry Iowans.” shared Linda Gorkow, of Iowa Food Bank Association.

The economic hardships Iowans are facing due to COVID-19 are creating challenges for the food banks with the supply as well as demand. Food banks and their partner agencies have been ordering more than double the amount of food compared to distribution numbers prior to the worldwide crisis.

“I am humbled and overjoyed by the Rotarian’s willingness to help the food banks and pantries serving food insecure Iowans. I send a heartfelt thank you to each local Rotarian. You have made a difference in the life of another Iowan.” adds Gorkow.

The Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) is a collaboration of Feeding America food banks and affiliates that serve each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Together, the food banks serve over 1,000 non-profit organizations serving children, adults, veterans, and seniors. These organizations include food pantries, emergency meal sites, congregational meal sites, emergency shelters, and other sites that provide food to clients. As an association, the organization is coordinating efforts to alleviate hunger by supporting Feeding America food banks that serve Iowa. For more information visit, https://www.iowafba.org/

If you need assistance, find a food bank near you https://www.iowafba.org/partner-food-banks

Melat Gebremariam and Quinlan Robuck

These two young women have been chosen to plan and lead our 2019 RYLA Conference July 14-19, 2019 at Grinnell College.  Melat is a student at George Washington University, Washington DC and Quinlan is a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato.   We are excited about our upcoming task and are looking forward to a great conference.

I am currently looking for Rotarian Volunteers to assist during the week of RYLA.   We are planning for 240 students that will be placed into 20 teams. Each team will have a Team Leader and a Rotarian Volunteer to lead 12-14 high school students and perform activities to build leadership skills.  The days are long but the reward is great knowing you will make a difference in the lives of young Rylarians. I have been a Rotarian volunteer for six years and look forward to helping with RYLA each year. Rotarian training will be held at Grinnell on June 15.

To learn more about RYLA, visit the website at  http://www.iowaryla.org/, check out the resources, and fill out your Rotary Volunteer application to apply.   I would like to have 20 Rotarians identified by the end of the year so we can determine how many teams we can have.  If you have any questions, please e-mail me at babcock@iowatelecom.net or give me a call at 641-257-9915.  Please leave a message if I don’t answer.

If you know of someone who would be interested in helping, please forward this to them.   We will accommodate individuals that have physical restrictions. We are interested in your wisdom and experience as Rotarians that believe in     Service Above Self and want to “Be the Inspiration” in 2019.   

Mike Babcock, 2019 RYLA Chair, New Hampton Rotary Club

• Learn how to energize your club for growth, service and public interaction.
• Engage in fresh new thinking.
• Take home hands-on tools strengthen your club’s membership, public image and involvement in Rotary Foundation programs.

Make this your year to host a Youth Exchange student

All clubs in the district are encouraged to get involved with Youth Exchange by serving as host clubs for incoming youth exchange students. Host clubs are not required to recruit and send a student abroad. The cost to clubs is minimal, and hosting a high school student from another country will be a wonderful experience for your fellow Rotarians and your community. Students arrive in late August, attend your local school and return home in May or June 2018.  If your Youth Exchange Committee would like more information on hosting a student starting in August 2017, please contact DG Jim Coloff at 319-231-5003, or jim@coloffmedia.com. He will get you more information on this unique opportunity.

About a year ago we started implementing what we call our "5th Tuesday Service Projects". In every month with 5 Tuesdays, we have an evening meeting which revolves around some type of service project. 

On November 29, Decorah Rotary made 50 care packages for the 50 service personnel from our local Army reserve unit, currently stationed in Kuwait. These boxes held items such as beef jerky, magazines, movies, nuts and snacks, chewing gum, homemade baked goods, and hand written letters from elementary and middle school children. 

Rotarian Ward Budweg's son, John, had been on two tours overseas, so helped us with what is most appreciated. He also spoke at the meeting, expressing what the packages from home truly mean to those away from their families. It was very touching. Submitted by Kelly Reagan

Dubuque club offers art prints

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mississippi riverfront development, the Rotary Club of Dubuque commissioned a painting by renowned artist Gary Olson of the Port of Dubuque. The club is selling limited edition and numbered lithograph prints for $79. Proceeds will benefit its Humanitarian Grant Program, which supports area nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others and making Dubuque a great place to raise families. Click here to learn more or purchase a print.

Club Spotlight

Visit the office of the president to:

• Read the president’s monthly message
• Learn about his background
• Find other RI information

​Mason City Friday April 22^nd at the Mason City Library: 

                                  Recertification Class 1 pm - 2 pm 

                                  GMS Seminar  2:15 pm - 4 pm 

Marion/ Cedar Rapids Saturday April 30^th at the Marion Public Library:

                                  Recertification Class 1 pm - 2 pm 

                                  GMS Seminar 2:15 pm - 4 pm

​Register online at:  https://rotaryseminars.org/​