September Board Meeting
The September Board Meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be: When: Thursday, September 12, 2024 Time: 12:00 noon Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All Members are welcome and it counts as a make-up! |
September Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in September: September 2 - Joseph "JD" Herst September 2 - Hans Hoeksema September 7 - Teri Crist September 7 - Tom Friedman September 7 - Mark Martin September 8 - Bradley Butin September 8 - Kent Patterson September 13 - Tammy Miller September 13 - Adam Boeding September 16 - Todd Wehr September 18 - Sara Wilson September 20 - Kevin Brooks September 27 - Colleen Welch September 29 - Tim Hawkins
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Whiskey & Wine Tasting
The Rotary Club of Ankeny will be hosting a "Whiskey & Wine" tasting social on September 19, 2024 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. It will be held in Todd Eipperle's Bourbon & Buzz Cuts basement bar at 2514 SW Westwinds Blvd., Ankeny. The event will include hor d'oeuvres, wine, whiskeys, and bourbons to sample. A $5.00 donation will be collected at the door to help cover the cost of food and drinks. Plan to attend where you will have the opportunity to taste and learn about various Whiskeys and Wines while networking with fellow Rotarians.
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Rotary Donates to Ankeny Friends of the Arts
The Rotary Club of Ankeny presented Don Zuck with a check in the amount of $1,000 to assist with financing a feasibility study for the construction of a new Ankeny Arts Center. The Ankeny Arts Center currently resides in a building designed for a drive-through credit union. The new building would be 10,000 square feet, double the current building, and will provide programming space for gallery shows and art classes plus space for staff and storage. The project's timetable is to complete the feasibility study in 2024, fundraise and design in 2025, with construction in 2026.
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Root Beer Float Sales
The Rotary Club of Ankeny participated in "Root Beer Float Day" by selling root beer floats at the South Ankeny Hy-Vee on August 3rd. It was an extremely hot day, but Rotarians received more donations than at any other Hy-Vee location in the Des Moines area with a total of $559 raised for Special Olympics Iowa. (The second highest was $289.) This is the second most the Club has ever raised since beginning to volunteer to sell root beer floats in 2009 when we raised $688.32. Great job Rotarians!! Thanks you Mary Cochran, Jan Franck, Brandon Converse, Todd Eipperle, Rich Job, Matt Myers, and Tom Friedman for volunteering to help.
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Ankeny Receives Presidential Citation For Ninth Consecutive Year!The "Rotary Citation" recognizes Rotary clubs that support Rotary's strategic priorities by completing certain activities during the year. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has received this award for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. This marks the ninth consecutive year that Ankeny has received this honor. Only thirteen of the 66 clubs in District 6000 received this award for the 2023-2024 year. In RI President Gordon McInally's email to Steve SchraderBachar forwarding the citation, he stated: Dear 2023-2024 Club President, Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2023-24. This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future. I encourage you to display it proudly to celebrate your club’s achievement. Once again, congratulations on a successful year as club president! Thank you to Steve for his leadership during the past year, and congratulations to all members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny on receiving the Presidential Citation again!!  |
Rotary Banners
Rotarians are always welcome to attend any other club's meeting any where in the world. A tradition of Rotary is to exchange club banners when visiting another club. Steve SchraderBachar attended the noon Rotary Club of Ames on August 19th and traded one of our Club's banners for one of theirs. He presented it to President Patterson during our meeting on August 20th. If any member is planning to attend another club's meeting and would like to exchange a banner with them, the club's banners are available and kept in a box in the storage room at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club.
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Welcome Ada SallaresAda Sallares, Rotary exchange student from Barcelona, Spain, arrived at the Des Moines airport on August 19th. Ada is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ankeny and the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening and will be attending Ankeny Centennial High School. Greeting Ada at the airport are Brenda Wieneke, Steve Wieneke, and Kathy Sibbel. Steve and Brenda Wieneke will be the first host family and Juan Arias and Patty Munguia will be the second host family. Welcome to Iowa Ada. We are still looking for somebody that would like to be a third host family. Contact Kathy Sibbel if you have an interest and would like more information.   |
Donation Received for Summerfest Parade Setup
Ankeny Rotarian and Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Melisa Cox presented a donation to the Rotary Club of Ankeny President Kent Patterson during the meeting August 13th for the members of the Club helping with the SummerFest Parade. Thank you all the members that helped with this service project! |
Annual Fall Picnic was August 6thApproximately 65 Rotarians and Guests from both the Noon and Evening Club attended this year's fall picnic. Todd Eipperle homemade moon shine was a big hit. Games played included water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest and egg relay. Plenty of food and fun had by all!            |
Doc. Blessman Receives World Food PrizeOn July 31st, the World Food Prize Foundation gathered Iowans from across the state for the 18th annual Iowa Hunger Summit. With over 400 Iowans registered, 75 counties and more than 200 organizations represented, this was a remarkable convergence of community organizations, businesses, government agencies, religious groups, academia and other stakeholders, all unified in the mission to eradicate hunger. During the event Governor Kim Reynolds presented the Iowa SHARES Award to Dr. James Blessman for his decades-long commitment to nourishing children in South Africa, an achievement that has impacted thousands of lives around the world. In her remarks she stated: "Blessman International isn’t just there for the South African people for a day, for a week, or even a year. It’s really focused on giving them the skills that they need to provide for themselves through training, gardening and agriculture. In other words, it offers the lifelong gift of self-sufficiency." The Iowa SHARES award is a tribute to former Governor Robert D. Ray who spearheaded the Iowa Sends Help to Aid Refugees and End Starvation campaign. Through his Iowa-based nonprofit, Blessman International, Dr. Blessman has spearheaded the creation of feeding stations, freshwater wells and a program that serves over four million meals annually throughout South Africa.  |
DG Cook to Visit Club on September 24th
District Governor Dave Cook and his wife Lisa will visit all of District 6000's 66 Rotary Clubs and several Club Extensions early in the 2024-2025 Rotary year. We look forward to their official visit to the Rotary Club of Ankeny on September 24, 2024. Save the date, plan to attend, and learn about THE MAGIC OF ROTARY!
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Smith Honored for 50-Year Membership
Zane Smith was honored at last week's noon meeting for have been a Rotarian for 50 years. The Ankeny Rotary Club was officially founded January 1973 and Zane join the Ankeny Rotary Club the next year on June 3, 1974. Smith is the longest serving Ankeny Rotarian and maintains his Active Membership. Nate Burnham presented Smith with an Art Glass Award with a Helix design inside the glass on a black marble base. The inscription on the base reads "Zane Smith, In recognition of your 50 years of membership in the Rotary Club of Ankeny 1974-2024"
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Rotary Float in SummerFest ParadeThe noon and evening Clubs combined again this year to assist in setting up and having a Float in this year's SummerFest Parade. Thank you to the following: Tom Friedman, Jeff Magner, Doug Ripley, Brenda Wieneke, Andy Schnurr, Zeb Goen, Paul Romanelli, Matt Myers, Nan Strutzenberg, Wendy Deppe, Anne Porter, Kris Orth, Doug Wright, Ann Wright, Kathy Sibbel, Sara Wilson, Richard Bergez, Steve SchraderBachar, Rich Job, Ben Digmann, Bryce Whitaker, Troy Boelman, Del Mohler, and Tyler Cahill. Special thanks to Todd Eipperle for driving the inflatable Rotary Logo in his pickup in the parade.     |
Fall Rotary Picnic - August 6th
There will not be a be a noon Rotary meeting on Tuesday August 6th. Instead, the Rotary family fall picnic will be held that evening at Sunrise Park, 506 SE Peterson Dr. This is a joint event for both the noon and evening clubs. Socialization will begin at 5:30 PM and supper will be at 6:00 PM. The Rotary Clubs will provide water, lemonade, burgers, hot dogs, condiments, and paper products. Please RSVP to let us know if you are coming to the picnic and what you can bring. If you are bringing kids, let us know how many. There are fun games planned for all ages. Contact Todd Eipperle with questions. Here is the link to RSVP: |
August Board Meeting
The August Board Meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be: When: Thursday, August 8, 2024 Time: 12:00 noon Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All Members are welcome and it counts as a make-up! |
RYLA Student Presents to Noon ClubLakshmi Kausalya came to last week's noon meeting and gave a presentation about her experience at RYLA. Kausalya and her family came to America from India just a handful of months ago, her father being transferred here for his job at John Deere. Kausalya saw the RYLA poster in the hallway at school and asked the school's guidance counselor about the program. She thought it would be a way for her to acclimate to America and make some friends. Her presentation was enthusiastic, she stated she had a "super fun" time and believes more students should attend RYLA. The Ankeny Superintendent, Rotarian Erick Pruitt, was also at the meeting and heard her presentation and commented about his desire to help encourage students to attend as well. Pictured from left to right are: Kent Patterson, Lakshmi Kausalya, and Ben Digmann
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Rotary Dollars for Scholars RecipientsThe Rotary Club of Ankeny contributed a total of $4,000 to Dollars for SCHOLARS. Pictured (from far left): Steve SchraderBachar and Gracie Block from Ankeny High School; Colleen Welch and Miranda Geest from Ankeny High School; Colleen Welch and Abby Fickbohm of Ankeny Centennial High School; and Doug Beech, Thomas Gilbert of Ankeny Centennial High School, and Trent Murphy.
    The Rotary Club received a thank you note from Janae Griffith, President of Dollars for SCHOLARS. Griffith indicated the entirety of the Ankeny community donated $96,640 and awarded 137 scholarships to the 2024 graduates. |
Golf Ball Drop Winners
The winners of the Golf Ball Drop were: first ball in the hole winner Jeremy Hofland (sold by Tim Cox), second ball in the hole winner Lenora Kernen (sold by Nate Burnham), third ball in the hole winner Terri Howard (sold by Shar Dunlap), and fourth ball in the hole winner Greer Howard (sold by Shar Dunlap).  Pictured are (from left to right): Tom Friedman, Shar Dunlap, Nate Burnham, and Tim Cox. A total of 677 balls were sold. Big thanks to: Doug Ripley and Tim McGrath (Ankeny Service Center Board) for dumping the balls and thanks to Bob Jorgensen, Shar Dunlap and Kathy Sibbel for their help. For the first time in 12 years we had a ball win that has won one other time previously. It is estimated that we will be donating $4,631.78 to Ankeny Service Center and will be sharing $1,985.05 with the Evening Club. The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce posted the Golf Ball Drop live on Facebook! Also, thanks to Ankeny Sanitation for underwriting the prizes; Des Moines Printing for donating the design and printing; Herc-U-Lift for donating the boom truck; and Coldstone Creamy and Tim's Amoco for their coupons. A special thanks to Tom Friedman for organizing the Golf Ball Drop. Great job Tom!
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Sibbel 50th Anniversary Party
Rick and Kathy Sibbel would like to cordially invite ALL Rotary Club of Ankeny members to join them in celebrating their 50th year of marriage at 1401 NW Campus Drive, Ankeny on Saturday August 17th from 4-7p.m.
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August Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in August: August 3 - Katie Claeys August 5 - James Warner August 12 - Dale Port August 13 - Tracy Frette August 13 - Paul Romanelli August 16 - Mark Land August 16 - Patricia Timmons August 18 - Erick Pruitt August 22 - Brian Tiernan August 28 - Ben Digmann
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Prospective New Members
The Board has approved two applications for membership in the Club. They are from Josh Craighead and Lindsay Szymanski. Josh is a Business Development Officer with Lincoln Savings Bank and is being added to their corporate membership in the Club. Lindsay is the new Retail Manager for First Interstate Bank. She is replacing Rebecca De Dios, who is no longer with the Bank, as the Primary Contact for the Bank's corporate membership in the Club. Comments regarding these proposed memberships may be directed to any Board member.
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July Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in July: July 9th - Ramsey, James July 17th - Dittmar, Amy July 19th - Gassmann, Jason July 22nd - Bair, Gerry July 23rd - Eipperle, Todd July 28th - Jurgensen, Bob
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New Paul Harris Fellows
During the Club's Annual Celebration and Awards Banquet, Foundation Chair Tim Hawkins recognized five individuals for having reached another level of giving to the Rotary Foundation and becoming multiple Paul Harris Fellows. They included James Ramsey - PHF + 6, Shar Dunlap - PHF + 3, Annette Burnham - PHF + 2, Kathy Sibbel - PHF +2, and Tim Hawkins - PHF + 8. In Tim's report on the Club's giving to the Rotary Foundation, he noted the Club is a 100% Paul Harris Sustaining Member Club (Each member donating at least $100 per year to the Foundation), the club currently has 63 PHF which 44 are multiple PHF. In 2024, the Club and it's members donated $18,765 to the Rotary Foundation and and additional $11,110 to PolioPlus and since it was chartered, the Club had donated a total of $553,430 to the Rotary Foundation and $92,295 to PolioPlus.
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Ankeny Service Center Receives Check
Sara Wiser, Executive Director of the Ankeny Service Center, was to guest at the Club's meeting on June 4, 2024 to receive a check from the club in the amount of $15,000. The Ankeny Service Center was one of two paddle raisers at the Club's fundraiser, "Rotary Runs for the Roses" held on May 4th. A total of $30,000 was raised which was split between the Ankeny Service Center and Starts Right Here. In the picture are Club President Steve SchraderBachar, fundraiser chair Brian Tiernan, Sara Wiser and Ankeny Service Center Board members Kathy Sibbel and Tom Friedman. The following thank you note from Sarah Wiser was received by Steve SchraderBachar; I just wanted to tell you how grateful the Ankeny Service Center if for your support. When Kathy Sibbel handed me the check for $15,000, I was amazed. Since I started as the Director at ASC, Rotary has been a constant committed supporter. As a small nonprofit, support from groups like Rotary make a huge difference. We appreciate you and everyone involved with Rotary. Thank you! |
Final Results for "Rotary Runs For the Roses"
All the numbers are in, we believe, and although not quite the net income of 2023, the Club's fundraiser, "Rotary Runs For The Roses" was very successful. The total income was $112,500 compared to $140,995 in 2023. The major difference was we did not have the 50/50 raffle and did not auction desserts which accounted for nearly $15,000 in reduced income from the previous year. Expenses this year were $14,377 less than last year. The final result was a net of $68,583 which is about $14,000 less than in 2023. This year's income will be divided as follows: Each of the paddle raisers, Starts Right Here and Ankeny Service Center received $15,000, The Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening will receive $10,417 and the noon Rotary Club of Ankeny will receive $28,166. The fundraising committee has decided to repeat the Kentucky Derby theme in 2025. It will be held on May 3, 2025. With plenty of lead time, we encourage every member to get this date on their calendar and plan to attend. Also, start thinking about possible sponsorships, what committee you would like to serve on and some unique silent and live auction items.
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Brian Tiernan Named "Rotarian of the Year"
Kent Patterson had the privilege of introducing Brian Tiernan as the Rotary Club of Ankeny's "Rotarian of the Year" for 2023-2024. Brian served the Club as president in 2022-2023 and chaired the Club's annual fundraiser, "Rotary Runs For the Roses" this past year. As president he always made sure to bring the 5th verse to the Rotary Four Way Test - "Is it Fun" - to each meeting!! Congratulations Brian!!
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SchraderBachar Passes the Gavel to Patterson
Steve SchraderBachar's term as President of the Rotary Club of Ankeny came to an end during the club's annual Celebration and Banquet on June 25th when he passed the gavel to Kent Patterson. Kent then presented a plaque with a gavel on it to thank Steve for a great year. We are now looking forward to the 2024-2025 Rotary year with Kent as our President.
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Sixteen Recognized for Perfect AttendanceSixteen members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny were recognized at the Club's annual celebration and recognition banquet for having perfect attendance for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. They were 1 Year -Rich Bergez and Brandon Converse, 2 Years - Kent Patterson, 4 Years - Brian Tiernan, 6 Years - Todd Eipperle, 10 Years - Rich Job, 12 Years - Jim Ramsey, Steve SchraderBachar, and Todd Wehr - 13 Years - Daman Miller, 14 Years - Mary Cochran, 15 Years - Kathy Sibbel, 16 Years - Sally Schroeder, 20 Years - Nate Burnham and Tom Friedman, 34 Years - Shar Dunlap.
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July Rotary Board Meeting
The July Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be:
When: Thursday, July 11th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Prospective New Member - Wendy Chapman
The Board has received and approved a an application for membership to the Club from Wendy Chapman. She has a Bachelor's degree from Grand View University with a double major in Graphic Design and Graphic Journalism and also a Bachelor's degree in Communications/Electronic Media from the University of Northern Iowa. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years and then did Graphic Design before becoming an Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Inc. She is being proposed for membership by Shar Dunlap. Comments regarding this proposed new member may be directed to any Board member. |
Zane Smith Recognized for 50 Years of Membership
During the meeting on Tuesday, June 4th, President Steve ScraderBachar recognized Zane Smith for having been a member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny for 50 years! Smith was inducted into the Club on June 3rd, 1973. The Ankeny Club was chartered on January 1973, making Smith the longest member of the Club. ScraderBachar read a letter that had been received from Rotary International President, Paul McNally, recognizing Smith for this accomplishment.
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Paul Romanelli Joins Polio Plus Society
Paul Romanelli has made a contribution to the Polio Plus of $100 and now recognized as a member of the Polio Plus Society. President Steve SchraderBachar recognized Romanelli with a certificate and pin at the last meeting on June 4th. Thank you Paul for your commitment and support of Rotary's PolioPlus. |
Welcome New Member Matt Meyers
Matt Myers became the newest member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny when he was inducted during the meeting on June 4th. Matt is a civil engineer with Niles Associates in Ankeny and was proposed for membership by Nancy Sutzenberg. Welcome Matt!! |
Dollars For Scholars Thank Yous
The Rotary Club of Ankeny provided two $1,000 scholarships at each Ankeny high school through the Dollars for Scholars program. One scholarship at each high school is to be named the "Gary Welch Memorial Rotary Scholarship". Here are thank you letters received from three of the recipients: Thank you so much for the scholarship. This donation will benefit me greatly as I move forward with my future in the arts. I have always had the goal of going out of state, and was hit with both excitement and fear upon my acceptance to the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. I was excited to open the door to the next years of my life, but was stresses about the cost of attendance. This scholarship is lighting the financial burden of an out of state institution, and is allowing me to e3nter the university with complete excitement restored. So thank you again for your contribution to my future. It is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Abby Fickbohm My name is Miranda Geest and I would like to graciously thank you for the Gary Welch Memorial Scholarship. As you know, being a full-time high school student with many activities is very time-consuming. During the school year, I am involved in varsity Show Choir, varsity tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Books and Bagels. Outside of school, I am president of my 4-H club, I babysit my neighbors, and I do various volunteer work. I also started working at Target part-time since September to save up money for college. As I have a busy schedule, I am grateful for your help. With this scholarship, I can offset some of the expensive tuition costs of Iowa State University. This fall I will attend Iowa State University to major in Elementary Education with additional math, reading, and ESOL endorsements. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl and with your assistance, I am closer to achieving this goal. Some classes I am currently taking to prepare me for College are AP Statistics, AP Lang and Comp, a DMACC sociology class, A DMACC paraeducator 8-week course, and Teacher Academy. Thanks to Teacher Academy, I will walk into college with 120 classroom observation hours and skip the first-0year education course, so I can hopefully graduate college sooner than expected. Once again, thank you so much for your generosity and support in helping me reach my educational goals. I am grateful you chose me for this opportunity and I promise that the scholarship will be used to the fullest extent. Sincerely, Miranda Geest I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded the "Rotary Club of Ankeny Scholarship". Your generosity and compassion wil truly impact my future and allow me to accomplish my postsecondary educational ambitions. In the fall of this year, i will attend the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities to double major in Spanish and Portuguese Studies and Linguistics, all with the intention of pursuing a career as an English teach abroad. Not only will this scholarship establish a vital foundation for my education, it will expend my understanding of the world through unrivaled experiences with individuals form all corners of the globe. Becoming a well rounded global citizen will aid me in sharing my passion for languages with students and inspire them to explore the vibrant world we inhabit. Once again, I thank you for your generosity and support in my future. Your kindness will forever be with me. I will continue to work hard in every aspect of life to achieve my goals of sharing kindness throughout the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to accept this scholarship from a truly awe-inspiring and considerate organization. Sincerely, Thomas Gilbert
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Summerfest Golf Ball Drop to Aid Ankeny Service Center
The Rotary Club of Ankeny and Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening are partnering again this year with the Ankeny Service Center to sponsor a "Golf Ball Drop" during Summerfest. Our goal this year is to sell 1,000 tickets for $10 each. Each ticket is numbered and a ball with a corresponding number will be placed in a bucket and dropped from about 30 feet in the air onto a grassy area with one golf hole. The first ball in the hole wins $1,000, second $375, third $250, and fourth $125. The net proceeds from this year's Golf Ball Drop will be split 70% to the Ankeny Service Center and 30% to the Ankeny Rotary Clubs. New this year will be the ability to pay for tickets via Venmo! Thank you to Ankeny Sanitation for providing the prize money, Des Moines Printing for printing the tickets and Tim's Amoco Service and Cold Stone Creamery for providing the coupons on the back of each ticket. The coupons are for a "Free Car Wash With A Fuel Purchase" and "Buy One Ice Cream And Get One For 50% Off". The goal is to sell all 1000 that Tom has distributed. Ticket stubs and money need to be turned in to Tom or dropped off at First National Bank, 1205 N. Ankeny Boulevard by July 12th. Contact Tom at Tom.Friedman@FNB247.com with questions. |
Thank You From Ankeny Service Center
The Ankeny Service Center was one of the two organizations featured as paddle raisers at the Club's fundraiser on May 4th. Their share of the funds donated was $15,000. The following thank you note from Sarah Wiser was received by Steve SchraderBachar; I just wanted to tell you how grateful the Ankeny Service Center if for your support. When Kathy Sibbel handed me the check for $15,000, I was amazed. Since I started as the Director at ASC, Rotary has been a constant committed supporter. As a small nonprofit, support from groups like Rotary make a huge difference. We appreciate you and everyone involved with Rotary. Thank you!
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Gender Distribution of RotaryAs of June 1, 2024, the Rotary Club of Ankeny has 92 members. This is an increase of 7 new members since the beginning of the Rotary year, July 1, 2023. Of these current members, 61 - 66% are male and 31 -33% are female. This compares to only 23.6% of all Rotarians worldwide are female.  |
Sofia Given Send OffThe Ankeny Rotary Clubs 2023-2024 foreign exchange student, Sofia Aberturas, was treated to a graduation and farewell picnic at Sunrise Park in Ankeny on May 28th. There were about 30 Rotarians and guests in attendance plus several of her classmates. She will be leaving soon for Rotary's trip across the US before returning home to Spain. Than you to the Brenda and Steve Wieneke and Victoria and Bill Ogier for hosting Sofia while she was in Ankeny.    |
$15,000 for Starts Right HereStarts Right Here was one of the paddle raisers during the Club's fundraiser on May 4th. The donations for the paddle raisers generated $30,000 to be split between the Ankeny Service Center and Starts Right Here. Will Keeps attended the Club's meeting on May 28th and picked up a check in the amount of $15,000.   |
2024 Annual Celebration and Recognition Banquet
The "2024 Annual Celebration and Recognition Banquet" for the Rotary Club of Ankeny, will be held on Tuesday, June 25th at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. The evening will begin at 5:45 PM with a social hour including drinks and appetizers and the buffet line for dinner will open at 6:30. The program will begin at approximately 7:15 PM and will include perfect attendance awards, the naming of the "Outstanding New Member of the Year", "Rotarian of the Year" and the passing of the gavel to next year's president. There is a $25 registration fee for each member and guest. This charge will be added to your July invoice. Please RSVP by clicking on the "Register Online" link at the bottom of the invitation each members should have received recently by email. Plan to attend, bring your spouse or a guest, and celebrate all the accomplishments of the club during the past year. |
Social At B & B TheaterInstead of our usual meeting at Ankeny Golf & Country Club, members met at B & B Theaters to simply socialize on May 21st. The meeting was well attended with about 35 members and guests present. They enjoyed appetizers, pizza, and popcorn and time to visit and get to know other members. Thank you to Todd Eipperle for making the arrangements and to James Warner and Bradly Butin for hosting the luncheon.   |
2024 Ankeny SummerFest - "Making A Splash"
For more than 50 years, SummerFest has brought Ankeny and the surrounding metro area together for 3 days of music, carnival rides, great local food and fun! This year’s theme is “Making A Splash”. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has participated in the celebration for at least the past 40 years with their first Parade entry in 1985, announcing entries as they passed by the Up-Town area for several years, assisted with staging of the parade entries every year since at least 1994, and conducting a golf ball drop to raise funds for the Ankeny Service Center each year since 2012. It’s that time again --- time to help with one of the greatest annual events Ankeny has to offer its citizens, as well as those from surrounding communities, the Summerfest Parade. At least 25 volunteers are needed to help make this year’s parade a HUGE success. We will plan to meet at 6:00 (a few volunteers are needed at 5:45) that morning, Saturday July 13th, in the the Ankeny High School parking lot. Coffee and donuts will be provided. If you have not already done so, please contact Rich Bergez, rbergez@nw.bank, to let him know if you are available to help.
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Welcome New Member - Kelsey Groff
Kelsey Groff became the newest member of the Club when she was inducted on May 7th. Kelsey is a Business Development Executive with Hire DSM. She was proposed for membership by Todd Wehr.
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Prospective New Member - Matt Myers
The Board has received and approved a an application for membership to the Club from Matt Myers. He is a civil engineer with Niles Associates in Ankeny and is being proposed for membership by Nancy Strutzenberg. Comments regarding this proposed new member may be directed to any Board member. |
June Rotary Board Meeting
The June Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be:
When: Thursday, June 13th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
June Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in June: 2nd - Joe Ruddy 14th - Sue Gibbons 17th - Dave Mercer 20th - Steve Van Oort |
Rotary Noon Social Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Ankeny will not be meeting at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club on May 21st at noon. Instead members are invited to meet at B & B Theatres, 1580 SW Market St. for a social luncheon. We plan to set up outside on the patio, weather permitting. There is indoor space available if needed. There will not be a speaker that day as this will be a time to provide members with the opportunity to get to know your fellow Rotarians a little better. Please bring a friend if you wish.
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"Rotary Runs For the Roses " - Another Successful EventThe Ankeny Rotary Clubs, Noon and Evening, held their 12th major fundraiser, "Rotary Runs For the Roses", on Saturday evening, May 4th. The only disappointment was that Albaugh Family Stables entry in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Catching Freedom, did not win the race. Thanks to Amy Ratekin, the main hall was decorated beautifully with red roses, bows, napkins, and hats. We cannot thank Amy enough for all her hard work and assistance with making this a very festive event and successful event. Most of the guests were dressed in typical "Derby" attire including too many fancy ladies hats to count. Preliminary numbers for the event show income will be slightly less than last year primarily because that was no live dessert auction or 50/50 raffle. A highlight was the donations for our two paddle raisers setting a new high with a total of $30,000 being donated. Starts Right Here and the Ankeny Service Center will each be receiving $15,000. Preliminary income numbers compared to last year are as follows: 2023 2024 Silent Auction $19,921 $16,855 Live Auction 38,275 35,450 Paddle Raiser 28,390 30,000 Heads/Tails Beads -- 640 Mystery Bags -- 650 Race Raffle -- 1,880 Cash Donations 50 350 Total 86,586 $85,825 Desserts 4,975 -- 50/50 Raffle 9,900 -- $101,461 Expenses are expected to be be less that last year and net income only slightly less. A final number will not be available until all invoices have been paid and ticket sales accounted for. Special thank you to each of our co-chairs Brian Tiernan and Noel Fiscus, to our MC Tim Cox, and everyone that sold tickets, donated auction items, served on a committee, and attended the event. It took everyone to make the event enjoyable for all our guests and be a financial success. Congratulations and thank you to everyone!!
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Prospective Returning Member
Bryce Whitaker was a member of the Club through corporate member First Interstate Bank. About a month ago Bryce left First Interstate and went to work for Wells Fargo Advisors. He has now submitted an application to rejoin the club as an individual member. The Board has approved his application. Comments regarding this proposed membership may be directed to any Board member.
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Rotary With Iowa Cubs
The Rotary Club's social committee has reserved the indoor left field lounge all-you-can-eat-buffet and full cash bar to watch the Iowa Cubs take on the St. Paul Saints on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The package also includes outdoor seats near the home bullpen for each guest. The cost is $35 per person which can be added to the member's next invoice. The gates will open at 5:00 PM and the first pitch will be at 6:38. Save the date and reserve your spot by contacting Todd Eipperle by July 12, 2024 at todd.eipperle@gmail.com.
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Sofia Aberturas
The Ankeny Rotary Clubs will be hosting a special farewell party for Sofia Aberturas, our Rotary youth exchange student. The party will be Tuesday, May 28 beginning at 5:30 at Sunrise Park in Ankeny. All Ankeny Rotarians are invited. There will be a sign-up genius soon where people can RSVP. The plan is to serve pulled pork sandwiches with a few sides and then cake. Save the date on you calendar and plan to attend to give Sofia a special farewell.
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Andy Schnurr Selected For Presidential Nominee
Jenny Fields had agreed to become the Club's President Elect Nominee but had a change of jobs which will make it difficult for her to continue her membership in the Rotary Club of Ankeny. President SchraderBachar introduced Andy Schnurr as the Club's new President Elect Nominee during the meeting on April 30th. He will follow Kent Patterson and Brandon Converse as the Club President for the Rotary year 2026-2027. Thank you Andy for agreeing to step into this leadership role.
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Kevin Brooks Is Paul Harris Fellow Plus 3
During the meeting on April 30th, President SchraderBachar thanked Kevin Brooks for his support of the Rotary Foundation. Kevin was presented a pin to signify that he has achieved the level of Paul Harris Plus 3 for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation and also a certificate acknowledging his commitment to the PolioPlus Society. Thank you Kevin!
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Rich Job Honored with Guardian of Integrity Award
At the 2024 District 6000 annual conference on April 20th, eleven Rotarians were honored as Guardian of Integrity Award winners. Each of the 66 clubs in District 6000 is allowed to nominate one of their members for this award. Rich Job, from the Rotary Club of Ankeny, was one of the Rotarians to be honored. Congratulations Rich!
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Welcome New Corporate Member On With Life
On With Life became a corporate member of the Club April 23rd. The primary member will be Jean Shelton, Chief Executive Officer, who is currently a member of the Downtown Des Moines Rotary Club and will be an Honorary member of our club. Other members are Angie Jackson, Director of Referrals Admissions, Tammy Miller, Director of Outpatient Services, and Sara Wilson, Development Director Welcome On With Life, Jean, Angie, Tammy, and Sara!
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New Paul Harris Fellows
At the meeting on April 23rd, President SchraderBachar recognized Terry Peter for achieving the level of Paul Harris Fellow + 3 and Brad Botos for achieving the level of Paul Harris + 2.. Congratulations Terry and Brad and thank you for supporting the Rotary Foundation.
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May Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in May: 2nd - Dave Massey 12th - Damon Miller 26th - Jon Lowman 27th - Jordan Niewoehner |
Rotary Dollars For Scholars Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Ankeny committed to provide two $1,000 scholarships at each Ankeny high school through "Dollars for Scholars" for 2024 for a total of $4,000 in scholarships. One scholarship at each high school was to be named the "Gary Welch Memorial Rotary Scholarship". The winners of the Rotary scholarships will be as follows: Ankeny High School - Gracie Block - Iowa State University with a major in Medicine Centennial High School - Thomas Gilbert - The University of Minnesota with a Major in Spanish The winners of the Gary Welch Memorial Rotary Scholarships will be: Ankeny High School - Miranda Geest - Iowa State University with a Major in Elementary Education Centennial High School - Abigail Fickbohm - Roosevelt University with a Major in Music Performance The scholarship will be presented at Ankeny High School on May 15th and at Centennial High School on May 21st. Both Steve SchraderBachar and Colleen Welch plan to be present to assist with the scholarship presentations.
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May Rotary Board Meeting
The May Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, May 9th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Prospective New Corporate Member
The Board has received and approved a new corporate member application from On With Life. Jean Shelton is currently a member of the Downtown Des Moines Rotary Club and will become and Honorary member of our the Rotary Club of Ankeny and the primary contact for On With Life. Other members will be Angie Jackson, Director of Referrals Admissions, Tammy Miller, Director of Outpatient Services and Sara Wilson, Development Director. Comments regarding this proposed membership may be directed to any Board member. |
Famous Rotarians
As a member of Rotary, you join over 1.2 million other individuals in 346,914 clubs in over 200 countries that call themselves Rotarians. These Rotarians include many famous people. Here is a list of just a few: Joyce C. Hall - Rotary Club of Kansas City, MO - Founder of Hallmark Cards Raymond F. Firestone - Rotary Club of Akron, OH - Chairman & CEO of Firestone Tire & Rubber Dr. Charles Mayo - Rotary Club of Rochester, MN - Co-Founder of Mayo Clinic Heinrich Nordhoff - Rotary Club of Braunschweig, Germany - President, Volkswagon J.C. Penny - Rotary Club of New York, NY - Founder of J.C. Penny stores The 'Colonel' Harland Sanders - Rotary Club of Jeffersonville, ID - Founder, Kentucky Fried Chicken Sam Walton - Rotary Club of Bentonville, AK - Founder of Wal-Mart Neil Armstrong - Rotary Club of Wapakoneta, OH - Astronaut & First man to walk on the moon Richard Byrd - Rotary Club of Winchester, VA - Arctic explorer Charles Lindberg - Rotary Club of Edinburgh - American aviator Thomas Edison - Rotary Club of Orange, NJ - Inventor Orville Wright - Rotary Club of Dayton, OH - Co-Inventor of the first successful airplane King Charles III - Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan - King of England Sir Winston Churchill - Rotary Club of London - Prime Minister of England Gerald R. Ford - Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, MI - President, USA Warren G. Harding - Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. - President, USA John F. Kennedy - Rotary Club of Hyannis, MA - President, USA Woodrow Wilson - Rotary of Birmingham, AL - President, USA & Nobel Prize laureate in peace Franklin D. Roosevelt - Rotary Club of Albany, NY - President, USA Pope Francis - Rotary Club of Buenos Aires - Pope Luciano Pavarotti - Rotary Club of Modena - Italian opera singer Walt Disney - Rotary Club of Palm Springs, CA - Animation filmmaker And many more!!
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32 Days Until "Rotary Runs For the Roses"
It is now only 32 days until the Rotary Club of Ankeny and Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening's 13th annual Dinner/Fundraiser/Auction “Rotary Runs for the Roses” which will be held on Saturday, May 4th at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC campus in Ankeny beginning at 4:00 PM.
Here is what each member needs to do as soon as they can:
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District 6000 Celebration
The 2024 District 6000 annual conference will be a Celebration of Creating HOPE here in Iowa and across the world this Rotary year. The celebration will be held in Pella on April 20th from 10AM until 9PM. It will be a day filled with activities including hearing from our Tom Narak Memorial Four Way Test Speech Contest winners, awards presentations, and speakers on a variety of subjects. Additional highlights of the day will be the flag ceremony featuring our International Exchange Students and live, silent, and dessert auctions to raise money for The Rotary Foundation.
More information and the registration form is available at: DISTRICT CELEBRATION | Rotary District 6000 (rotary6000.org) |
Julie Eipperle Becomes Paul Harris Fellow
Todd Eipperle made his wife, Julie, a Paul Harris Fellow by donating recognition points to in her name. Foundation Chairman Tim Hawkins presented her with the certificate and pin during the Club's meeting on March 5th. Congratulations Julie and thank you Todd for this donation and your support of the Rotary Foundation.
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Welcome New Members - Ankeny Sanitation & Troy Boelman
On March 5th, Ankeny Sanitation became the newest corporate member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Andrew Larson, a previous member of the Club and the Owner of Ankeny Ankeny sanitation, is the "Primary Contact", Juli Accola, Sr. Commercial Sales Representative, Dave Massey, General Manager, and Michelle Bowden, Commercial Sales Representative will be three additional members. Troy Boelman was also inducted on March 5th. Troy was a member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny from 2006 - 2022 and served as the Club's president in 2009-2010. He left the club due to a job change. Now after another another change, he is able to rejoin the Club. He is the VP of Commercial Lending at American Bank & Trust. Welcome Juli, Michelle, Dave and Troy.
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Rotary Leadership Institute
Rotary Leadership Institute is an interactive, facilitated experience on topics designed to provide more in-depth Rotary knowledge for all who are curious. RLI does not provide position specific training. Instead, it is an opportunity to really “discover Rotary” using different tracks of knowledge.
The next Rotary Leadership Institute is Saturday April 13th, from 8:30am to 3:30pm at Grace Community Church in Boone. The cost to attend is $50 and our club will reimburse you to attend. Curious? Have more questions? President Steve SchraderBachar will be attending and is inviting other members to join him or contact him for more information. |
April Rotary Board meeting
The April Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, April 11th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
April Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in April: 5th - William Strong 12th - Neil Fell 18th - Nan Strutzenberg 18th - Dianna Tran 20th - Brodey Hanson 22nd - Joe Smeltzer |
Damon Miller and John Foster Split the Pot
At the meeting on March 19th, Sally Schroeder was the greeter and sheriff and donated a half dozen roses to be used in the 50/50 drawing instead of the $10 gift card. Todd Wehr had the lucky number when the first ticket was drawn. Todd chose the roses since the next day, March 20th was his wedding anniversary. The second number drawn was one of John Foster's but John had to leave early. He left his tickets with Damon Miller in case his number was drawn and told him if he won, he would "split the pot" with him. Sure enough, his number was drawn and Damon out of about 30 cards left in the deck, drew the jocker and won the pot. There were several witnesses to John leaving his tickets with Damon and that he promised to split the pot, so each will be receiving $125 from the Club..
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Rotarians Recognized at Chamber Annual DinnerThe 2024 Ankeny Chamber's Annual Dinner was held on February 15th. Several individuals were recognized for their hard work in making Ankeny a better place to live. Two of the award recipients are Ankeny Rotarians. Tony Mills was recognized as the "Employee of the Year", and Doug Beech was named the recipient of the "Lifetime Impact Award". Tony is the owner of Apex Sway and an integral person in the Karl Auto Group. He was described as having a huge heart for Ankeny and being vital to its continuous success. He is a person of action and can be seen all over The District at Prairie Trail working multiple events. He strives to make Ankeny a better place to live, work, and play. Doug received this prestigious award for over 30 years of accomplishments and contributions to the Ankeny including Church, Rotary, Civil Service commission, Ankeny Economic Development Corporation, variety of Iowa Board of Directors, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Economic Development Board, Iowa Business Council, Polk County Tax Credit Association, and Iowa Association of Business & Industry. He also acted as co-chair of the Ankeny Market Pavilion and was chair of the Ankeny Chamber. Congratulations Tony and Doug!     |
Todd Eipperle to Retire From Boy ScoutsScouting has been a way of life for Todd Eipperle. So much so that he went from a second-grade member of the Boy Scouts to the field director and annual giving director of the Boy scouts of America - Mid-Iowa Council. Now he is preparing to end that chapter of his scouting career and "sail off into retirement" on March 31, 2024, after 20 years. Camp Mitigwa will honor Todd for his years of service by naming the proving grounds, previously the Eagle Academy, after him. The Eipperle Proving Grounds will consist of two acres within the 450-acre campgrounds. Through Todd's leadership and a grassroots effort, attendance at Camp Mitigwa increased significantly, surpassing the goal set for the camp's 90th anniversary. He also created The Eagle Academy, a new program for first-year Scouts. This program emphasized the patrol method, which is important during the first year. Scouts in the method participate in group living and citizenship. It places them in smaller groups to allow the Scouts to relate to one another, and they elect representatives. Scouts are also encourged to rise in the ranks and receive merit badges. This is not Todd's first retirement. He retired from a 40-year career in the Iowa national Guard and United States Army Reserve in October 2023. He and Julie have bought an RV and plan to use it to travel across the nation, using RV lots which are for military use only. When asked to sum up his career in three words, Todd responded with, "Honored to serve." The Rotary Club of Ankeny has made a donation of $2,500 to the Boy Scouts of America - Mid-Iowa Council for the Eipperle Proving Grounds. Congratulation Todd, and good luck in your retirement!     |
District 6000 Celebration - April 20, 2024
The 2024 District 6000 annual conference will be a "Celebration of Creating HOPE" here in Iowa and across the world this Rotary year. The celebration will be held in Pella on April 20th from 10AM until 9PM. It will be a day filled with activities including hearing from our Tom Narak Memorial Four Way Test Speech Contest winners, awards presentations and speakers on a variety of subjects. Additional highlights of the day will be the flag ceremony featuring our International Exchange Students and live, silent, and dessert auctions to raise money for The Rotary Foundation. Registration is open at Rotary6000.org and early registration is just $100 until March 15 which includes lunch and dinner.
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Salvation Army Recognizes Ankeny Rotary
The Noon and Evening Ankeny Rotary Clubs received a "Bell Ringer Award" for being one of the top 5 producers during their ringing session on December 9th. Todd Eipperle and Anne Porter attended the Spirit of Christmas Awards luncheon on February 21st to accept the award. Evening club members rang the bell at the north HyVee store and collected $723.28. The bell was rung by noon club members at the Prairie Trail store and collected $341.96. With an additional $1,000 donated by the noon club, the total raised was $2,065.24. Thank you to everyone that took time to Ring the Bell and to Anne Porter for organizing the service project.
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Remodeling at Ankeny Golf & Country Club CompletedThe Ankeny Golf & Country Club has completed their remodeling and the noon club is now meeting in the newly remodeled banquet space. There are now two TV's for projecting speaker presentations, access to the bar from the dining room, new drop ceiling and lighting, carpeting, a hallway separating the room from the main entrance and new tables and chairs. If you have missed recent meetings, be sure to attend and check out the new meeting room.
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Prospective New Member - Troy Boelman
Troy Boelman was a member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny from 2006 - 2022 and served as the Club's president in 2009-2010. He left the club due to a job change. Now after another another change, he has submitted an application to rejoin the club. He is currently the VP of Commercial Lending at American Bank & Trust. The Board has approved his application. Comments regarding this proposed membership may be directed to any Board member. |
Girls Scouts Present to RotaryOn February 13th the Club was treated to a presentation by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. Karley Rehman and CEO Beth Sheldon, talked about the Girl Scouts and their annual cookie drive. They, of course also brought cookies for the members to purchase following he meeting.   |
March Rotary Board Meeting
Due to Spring break, the March Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be one week earlier than usual on the first Thursday as follows:
When: Thursday, March 7th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
"Rotary Runs For the Roses"
The Rotary Club of Ankeny and Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening's 13th annual Dinner/Fundraiser/Auction “Rotary Runs for the Roses” will be held on Saturday, May 4th at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC campus in Ankeny.
The event will begin at 4:00 PM with social time and the opportunity to watch live racing on the big screen, 17' x 10', including the Kentucky Derby at approximately 5:35 PM. Complimentary wine and beer and specialty drinks will be available throughout the evening as well as feeding stations for all guests. Guests will have the opportunity to pick their favorite horse and have a chance to win prizes. In addition to a silent auction, a program including “Heads or Tails”, paddle raisers to benefit two local non-profit organizations, and a live auction will begin at 7:00 PM. The proceeds from this event will be utilized by the Ankeny Rotary Clubs in their continued support of local and international projects. Each year, the Ankeny Rotary Clubs provide hundreds of hours of volunteer support for numerous local events and fundraisers and contributes $50,000 - $60,000 to local charities and service projects. Their web sites are Ankenyrotary.org and Ankenyeveningrotary.org. Individual tickets are $75 each or reserve a table of eight for $550. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased from any Ankeny Rotarian or on-line at https://bidpartner.net/rotary/. The available sponsorships are:
Auction items small or large may also be donated by contacting any Ankeny Rotarian or emailing Ann at annwright7@msn.com or Nate at nfburnham@gmail.com. Larger items will be sold during the live auction and smaller items will be sold during the silent auction or packaged with other items. All donors will be recognized in the auction program. |
March Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in March: 7th - Andrew Larson 8th - Craig Block 9th - Trent Murphy 12th - Zane Smith 18th - Stacey Koeppen 25th - Brandon Converse |
Welcome New Members Nancy & Amy
On February 6th Nancy Strutzenberg was inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny and Amy Ratekin was recognized for transferring her membership from the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM to Ankeny. Nancy is the Director of Philanthropy for Lutheran Services of Iowa. LSI is an affiliated ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and a member of Lutheran Services in America. They serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Amy is the Founder and CEO of "Spread Your Wings" which empowers youth ages 5-18 to improve their mental health, create positive interactions, increase self esteem, build self-confidence, learn self defense skills, and strenghen the body to live their best lives.
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Prospective New Corporate member - Ankeny Sanitation
The Board has received and approved an application for a corporate membership from Ankeny Sanitation. Current member Andrew Larson will be the "Primary Contact", Juli Accola, Sr. Commercial Sales Representative, Dave Massey, General Manager, and Michelle Bowden, Commercial Sales Representative will be the other three members. Comments regarding this proposed membership may be directed to any Board member. |
We Need Your Help to Obtain Auction Items
We need your help in making the ask for auction items for our "Rotary Runs For the Roses" fundraiser to be held on Saturday, May 4th. To make this year's fundraiser another success, we need each member to donate an item or obtain an item from a non-Rotarian. If you donated an auction item last year, please consider donating again this year and if you obtained an item from a local business last year, please contact them again this year. It would also be great to have some new items from businesses that have not contributed in the past. We know they will not submit an item is no one asks them. We are planning to auction a "Wall of Wine" again this year. If each each member can donate one or two bottle(s), we will have plenty of wine. Your bottle(s) may also be brought to a meeting and given to Rich, Nate, or Ann Wright. All auction items, unless too big to be easily moved, will be stored in Rich Job's basement. Upon receipt of the item, please bring it to a noon meeting and give it to Rich, or Nate or to an evening meeting and give it to Ann Wright. Also, provide the following information for each item:
If an item is too large to easily take it to Rich's basement, it may be delivered to the FFA Center by the donor at approximately 9:00 AM the morning of the event, but a picture of the item and the other information needs to be submitted. The committee plans to meet to start packaging and taking pictures for our web site on Thursday, March 28th and it is our goal for all auction items to be in hand by Tuesday, April 2nd, which will give the committee time to take pictures, package the items, enter the descriptions onto our web site, and get the program to the printer by April 25th. Good luck in your efforts to obtain auction items. |
Polio Plus Night at the Iowa Wolves
The Iowa Wolves have again agreed to join with the Des Moines metro Rotary clubs in a fund raiser to assist our Polio Plus campaign. The details include: When: Friday, February 23, 2024, 7:00 PM Where: Wells Fargo Arena Who: Iowa Wolves vs. Rio Grande Vipers Cost: $20.00 per ticket Why: The Iowa Wolves will give back $10 per ticket to clubs for Polio Plus The ticket cost will be added to the members April invoice. The club will forward $10 to the Iowa Wolves and the other $10 to RI in the member’s name for Polio Plus. All contributions to the Polio Plus campaign are matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, two to one which means your $10 donation becomes $30. If you would like to purchase tickets, please sign up at a meeting or let Nate, nfburnham@gmail.com know how many tickets you would like. If you cannot attend consider purchasing tickets to be given to a friend, employee or to be given to a local charity. The deadline to purchase tickets is February 13th. |
Wehr and Job Reach the Next LevelTodd Wehr recently achieved the level of Paul Harris + 2 and Rich Job the level of Paul Harris + 5 through their contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Each level represents a contribution to the Rotary Foundation of an additional $1,000. President Steve SchraderBachar recognized them at the regular meeting on Janaury16th with a PHF pin with two sapphire stones for Todd and a pin with five sapphire stones for Rich. Congratulations Todd and Rich!   |
AG&CC Remodeling Progressing WellRemodeling of the banquet room at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club began in early January and was expected to be completed by mid March. It now looks like the remodeling could be completed by the first of March. We are looking forward to being able to move our meetings back into the banquet room and seeing what improvements have been made.     |
Joe Kirby Recognized as Major DonorJoe Kirby was recognized as having achieved the level of "Major Donor" to the Rotary Foundation by President SchraderBachar on Janaury31st. The Rotary Foundation recognizes individuals or couples whose combined giving has reached $10,000 regardless of the gift designation. This recognition level can be achieved only through personal contributions and not through recognition points. Steve presented Joe with a crystal recognition piece and pin commemorating Joe's contribution. Other "Major Donors" in our club include Jim Blessman, Nate & Annette Burnham, Neil & Kathy Fell, Sally Schroeder, Zane Smith, and Steve SchraderBachar Congratulations Joe, and thank you for supporting the Rotary Foundation!
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Welcome Jessica Dirks
Jessica Dirks is the Chief Officer of Legal Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the Ankeny Community School District. She was not able to attend the January 9th when the Ankeny Community School District was inducted as a corporate member. Jessica was inducted the next week, January 16th. Welcome Jessica!
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Ode To A VolunteerMany will be shocked to find, When the Day of Judgment nears That there's a special place in heaven, Set aside for volunteers. Furnished with big recliners, Satin couches and footstools, Where there's no committee chairman, No group leaders or car pools, No eager team that needs a coach, No bazaar and no bake sale. There will be nothing to staple, Not one thing to fold or mail Telephone lists will be outlawed, But a finger snap will bring Cool drinks and gourmet dinners, And rare treats fit for a king. You ask, who'll serve these privileged few, And work for all they're worth? Why, all those who reaped the benefits, And not once volunteered on earth. - Unknown Author |
Nancy Strutzenberg - Prospective New Member
Kent Patterson has proposed Nancy Strutzenberg for membership to the Club and our Board has approved her application. Nancy is the Director of Philanthropy for Lutheran Services of Iowa. LSI is an affiliated ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and a member of Lutheran Services in America. They serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Comments regarding this proposed membership may be directed to any Board member.
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Valentine Social
Members of the Noon Ankeny Rotary Club are invited to join Evening Club members on February 13th at Fiscus Jewelers, 1701 SE Delaware, Suite 250, at 6:00 PM for a "Be My Valentine" social. Appetizers and drinks will be provided.
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Rotary Theme for 2024-2025
Our 2024-25 Rotary International President-Elect, Stephanie Urchick, a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, announced at the International Assembly, the theme Rotary theme for her year as Rotary International President will be The magic of Rotary. She said, "I saw the magic of Rotary on display when I was helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two boys were watching as dirty water entered the filter, then ran out clean at the other end. One of the boys grabbed my sleeve and said, ‘Show me the magic again’. Obviously, the water filter wasn’t magic. We worked hard to transport those filters, install them, and work with community leaders in the area to maintain them. But those boys knew that easy access to clean water would change their lives. Knowing that I played a small part in that certainly changed my life." |
President SchraderBachar Accepts Assistant Governor's Position
President Steve SchraderBachar has accepted a request from District Governor Elect to join his District leadership team by serving a 3-year term as Assistant Governor for District 6000 beginning July 1, 2024. He will be providing support to the Johnston, Ames Noon, and East Polk Clubs. Marie Pipes, from the East Polk Rotary Club, has been assigned the Assistant Governor position to assist the Rotary Club of Ankeny for next year. |
Sofia Presents a Banner to the Club
The Club's 2023-2024 Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Sofia Aberturas Puga, from Madrid Spain, presented a banner from her home club to President Steve SchraderBachar at the meeting on January 16th. Thank you Sofia for the banner and for being an incredible exchange student!
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Todd Eipperle Becomes Paul Harris +2
Todd Eipperle was recognized by President SchraderBachar during the January 16th meeting for having achieved the level of Paul Harris + 2. An individual receives recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow for contributing $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. They then receive recognition for each additional $1,000 donated. This means Todd has donated over $3,000 to the Foundation. Congratulations Todd and thank you for supporting the Rotary Foundation!
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Welcome New Corporate Member ACSDThe Ankeny Community School District has joined the Rotary Club of Ankeny as a "Corporate Member". Inducted into the Club on January 16th were Darin Haack, Assistant Superintendent, Amy Dittmar, Assistant Superintendent, Katie Clacy, Ankeny School Board President and Dr. Erick Pruitt, Superintendent. A fifth member, Jessie Dirks, Chief Officer of Legal Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, was inducted on January 23rd. Welcome Dr. Pruitt, Darin, Amy, Katie and Jessica!!  |
February Rotary Board Meeting
The February Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, February 8th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
February Rotarian BirthdaysThe following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in February: 2nd - Mike Goedeke 4th - Jim Blessman 8th - Terry Peter 12th - Kris Baker 17th - Andy Schnurr 26th - Steve SchraderBachar 28th - Gabe Moore
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January Rotary Board Meeting
The January Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, January 11th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
AG&CC Remodeling Banquet Room
The Ankeny Golf & Country Club will be remodeling the banquet room where Rotary meets each Tuesday. The remodeling will begin in January and is expected to be completed by the end of March. Rotary meetings will be moved to the dining room and members will need to enter through the golf pro shop or through the east door into the bar area while construction is in progress.
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Happy New Year! |
50th Year Celebration
The Rotary Club of Ankeny was chartered on January 19, 1973 and the Club celebrated with a "50th Anniversary Gala" on January 21st. In recognition of the completion of a year of celebrating, the members and several special guests shared in a special cake during the last meeting of 2023 on December 19th. The special guests included District Governor Dennis Drager, District Governor Elect Dave Cook, District Governor Nominee Norland Hinke and Cindy Hinke, Past District Governor Steve Wieneke and Brenda, and Past District Governor Steve Dakin.
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Ankeny Receives Certificate of Appreciation
District Governor, Dennis Drager, attended the December 19th meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny and presented President SchraderBachaer with a certificate of appreciation from Rotary International for the financial support the club provide in the 2022-2023 year in support of the "End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign". The certificate is signed by Ian Riseley, Chair of the The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Jennifer Jones, President of Rotary International.
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Human Trafficking Proclamation
Ankeny Mayor, Mark Holm, issued a proclamation on December 18, 2023, stating the month of January 2024 as "Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month", and encouraging all citizens to become more informed on this growing problem, to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, and to work towards solutions to end tracking in all its forms in our community. If you see something that doesn't look right, take actin and call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. For more information and resources about trafficking in Iowa, go to the Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery website at www.iowanaht.org.
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Thank You Heidi!
Heidi Kramer has been a member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny for the past four years as a member of Blessman International's corporate membership and has been chairing the Club's Membership Services Committee. She has now taken a new position with Delta Dental and will no longer be able to attend Rotary. President SchraderBachar presented her with a gift bag for her service at her last meeting on December 19th. Thank you Heidi for your service!
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Rotary Web Site Advertising
Have you considered placing an ad for your business on the Rotary Club of Ankeny's web site? Space is available! All ads appear on a rotational basis on the home page, down the right hand panel, on all sub pages, and on the left hand panel of the club bulletin that is emailed to all members and friends of the club. Ads will be 1/2 inch tall and are $100 for a full year. The cost of the ad can be included in your next Rotary quarterly billing. The ad may be your company logo or a text based ad and will include a link to your website or email address. Contact Nate Burnham with questions or to set up your ad.
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AG&CC Staff Presented with Christmas Gifts
At the last meeting in 2023, on December 19th, President SchraderBachar presented the AG&CC staff, Adam and Cindy, with a Christmas card to thank them for taking such good care of us during the past year. Inside each card was $200 cash. Thank you and Merry Christmas, Cindy and Adam!
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Prospective New Corporate Member - Ankeny Community School District
An application for a corporate membership in the Rotary Club of Ankeny has been received from the Ankeny Community School District. Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt will be the "Primary Member" and he has asked for an exception to our guidelines for a corporate membership to allow for four additional members be included instead of just three. The Board has approved this application and this exception. The proposed members are Dr. Erick Pruitt - Ankeny Community School District Superintendent Darin Haack - Assistant Superintendent Amy Dittmar - Assistant Superintendent Katie Claeys - School Board President Jessie Dirks - Chief Officer of Legal Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Comments regarding this application may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Welcome New Member Paul Romanelli
Paul Romanelli was inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny on December 6th. Paul was previously a member of the Rotary Club of Janesville, Wisconsin where he was a past president and participated in two overseas service projects. He is a retired Orthodontist, and has been a Rotarian for 33 years. Welcome Paul!
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A Special Christmas SocialThe Rotary Club of Ankeny and the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening held their joint 2024 Christmas social at Briarwood Golf Club on December 12th. The theme for the evening was "Santacon", with many guests dressing in a Santa costume or wearing a Santa hat, in honor of the late Gary Welch. Evening Club President Kristofer Orth welcomed the Rotarians and guests and then took a moment to pay tribute to Gary Welch, reflecting on his contributions, kindness, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. His spirit lives on in the warmth and camaraderie of our Rotary community. Later in the evening Noon Club President recognized Gary's wife, Colleen Welch, by announcing the Club was making her an "Honorary" member of Rotary. She was also presented with the gift of a large poinsettia. The evening also featured a fierce and friendly trivia session! Teams battled it out in a battle of wits, showcasing their knowledge and quick thinking. Team Gary brought their A-game to the trivia session, and the result was victory for them! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable night! Your presence and participation made the Ankeny Rotary Christmas Social a resounding success. Here's to the spirit of giving, camaraderie, and the cherished memories we create together. Thank you to the Shevaughn Moore and the rest of the social committee for organizing such a great event!             |
Paul Harris Fellow Medallions
Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute or have had contributions made in their name of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. It was established in 1957. Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris medallion at the RI Convention in Honolulu, HAWAII. Japanese artist Fiju Tsuda created the piece under the direction of then past Foundation Trustee Kyozo Yuasa. Today Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin and are eligible to purchase a medallion. The medallions are 1-1/2" diameter with antique brass finish and features the image of Rotary International founder Paul Harris on one side and the Rotary Masterbrand emblem on the other. The medallion is shipped in in a gift box and includes a royal and gold neck ribbon. If you are a Paul Harris Fellow and would like to purchase a medallion, contact Nate Burnham, nfburnham@gmail.com and he will order one for you. The cost is $15 each.
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January Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in January: 3rd - Amy Ratekin 6th - Jack Pennington 12th - Shey Moore 20th - Sally Schroeder 20th - Bryce Whitaker 27th - Jeff Damman 28th - Roger Spahr |
Amy Ratekin Transferring To Ankeny
Amy Ratekin, the Founder and CEO of Spread Your Wings, was named an "Honorary" member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny on August 29, 2023. At that time, Amy was an Active member of the Des Moines AM club but had been regularly attending meetings in Ankeny but did not wish to transfer her membership from the Des Moines club since she wanted to maintain the relationships she had built there. She has now decided to go ahead and transfer her membership and has submitted an application to become an Active member of The Rotary Club of Ankeny, which has been approved by the Board. Comments regarding Amy's change in membership status may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Rotary Club of Ankeny's Facebook PageDid you know the Rotary Club of Ankeny has a Facebook page? Check it out at at www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofankeny. Thank you to Jenny Fields for posting articles and keeping it up to date.
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To All Rotarians, Family & Friends: |
Rotary's PolioPlus Night at the Iowa Wolves
The 2024 PolioPlus night at the Iowa Wolves will be Friday, February 23rd at 7:00 PM at Wells Fargo Arena. The Wolves will be playing the Rio Grande Vipers that night. The tickets are discounted to $20 each with $10 from each refunded to the Club to be donated to PolioPlus. More information will be provided later but "Save the Date". |
Paddle Raisers for 2024 FundraiserThe votes are in for the paddle raisers for the club 2024 fundraiser, "Rotary Runs for the Roses". The top two vote getters are Starts Right Here and the Ankeny Service Center. These two non-profits and the other 11 that were not selected will be contacted this to advise them of the results. Thank you to the Rotarians that submitted a nomination.
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Celebration of 50th year on December 19th
In January, 2023, the Rotary Club of Ankeny celebrated it's 50th anniversary of receiving their charter from Rotary International. On December 19th, the Club will celebrate the completion of our 50th year. Plan to attend the noon meeting and help celebrate and share a piece of celebritory cake.
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Prospective New Member
The Board has approved an application from Paul Romanelli to transfer his membership in Rotary from the Rotary Club of Janesville, Wisconsin, to the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Paul is a retired Orthodontist. He has been a Rotarian for 33 years, a past President and has participated in two overseas service projects. Comments regarding this prospective new member may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Rotary International Float in Rose Parade
Rotary International will have a float in the 2024 Rose Parade for the 44th consecutive year. The theme this year's parade is "Celebrating a World of Music - The Universal Language". The theme for Rotary's float is "Clean Water - The Music of Life". Tune onto the Rose parade and watch for the Rotary International float.
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Will Keeps and Jamie Become New Paul Harris Fellows
Del Mohler donated Paul Harris recognition points to make William Holmes/aka Will Keeps and his wife Jamie Holmes Paul Harris Fellows. President Steve SchraderBachar presented each of them with a pin and certificate during the meeting on November 14th. Will is the founder of Starts Right Here, a program designed to serve youth in a supportive, empowering environment since all young people deserve a chance to rise above the circumstances they were born into and to reach their mental, emotional, physical, and economic potential.
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Mark Martin Joins PolioPlus Society
During the November 14th meeting, Mark Martin was recognized for his commitment to PolioPlus. By joining the PolioPlus Society, Mark has committed to contribute at least $100 each year until Polio is irradicated in the world. President Steve presented Mark with a certificate and lapel pin in recognition of his commitment. by
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Former Governor Terry Branstad Speaks to Rotary
The Rotary Club of Ankeny was honored to have as their speaker former Iowa Governor and Ambassador to China Terry Branstad on November 14th. He talked about his family, The World Food Prize, his experiences in China and his upcoming trip California to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting was started 15 minutes early to let him speak first so he could catch a plane to California from the Des Moines airport at 2:00. President Steve SchraderBachar presented Mr. Branstad with an Ankeny Rotary banner for him to give to President Xi.
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Happy Birthday Rotarians!!The following Rotary Club of Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in December: 2nd - Chuck Stewart 3rd - Scott Port 12th - Rich Job 14th - Tim Cox 15th - Dylan Dyer 16th - Doug Ripley 19th - Rich Bergez 21st - Doug Beech
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December Rotary Board Meeting
The December Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, December 14th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Murder Mystery DinnerOn Friday, November 3, 2023 the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening hosted 8 guests for a Murder Mystery Dinner at the home of Steve & Brenda Wieneke. This was a silent auction item from the Fundraiser last April. Doug Beech and friends had a great time! The theme was Mardi Gras and the guests had fun trying to figure out who the murderer was. The guests dressed in costumes which made the night even more fun. A special thank you to Noel & Amanda Fiscus, Victoria & Bill Ogier, Marie Kline, Sofia Aberturas, and Steve & Brenda Wieneke for helping host this event. Also a special thank you to Cathy Maher and Ann & Doug Wright for donating items for the evening.     |
RYE Student Speaks at Rotary Meetings
Ankeny's 2023-2024 Rotary Youth Exchange student, Sofia Aberturas Puga was the guest speaker at the noon Rotary meeting on Tuesday, October 24th and also spoke to the Evening Club on October 31st.. She is attending Ankeny Centennial High School and is in the 11th grade. Sofia’s first host family is Steve and Brenda Wieneke. The second will be the Bill and Victoria Ogier's family. The final will be the Jason and Jacquelyn Duke's family. Sofia shared her experiences, in Iowa, so far, including getting to attend her first homecoming. In her home city of Madrid, Spain, her school doesn't have homecoming or prom and she was looking forward to experiencing that here in the US. Sofia also shared much about her culture, family and local Rotary club. Sofia enjoys volleyball, basketball, cooking, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods. She is very much looking forward to attending a 28 day United States bus tour along with other Rotary exchange students in mid-June through mid-July 2024.next summer.
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Halloween at RotaryAnkeny Rotarians attended a Halloween social, in full costume, at Magee's Irish Pub on October 24th. The Grim Reaper was recognized as being the best costume. Then several members wore costumes to the noon meeting on Halloween, October 31st.   |
Todd Eipperle's Retirement Open HouseAfter 40 years of service, Todd Eipperle has retired from the US Army Reserves and all Rotarians are invited to attend an open house reception in his honor on Saturday, November 11th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery - The King's Head, 1610 SW Main St. There will be a short program at 3:00 PM. Plan to attend and help honor fellow Rotarian Todd Eipperle.  |
2023 Rotary Christmas Social
The theme for the 2023 Ankeny Rotary Christmas social for both the noon and evening clubs is "Rotary Santacon" in honor of our former member and long-time Santa, Gary Welch. The social will be held at the Briarwood Golf Club, 3405 Trilien Drive on Monday, December 11th. There will be a social hour beginning at 6:00 PM with dinner to be served at 6:30. Each member may bring one guest. The charge per person is $35.00 which will be added to the member's January invoice. Everyone is encouraged to come wearing a Santa suit, hat, or their best Christmas outfit. Hope to see everyone there! |
Rotary Ring Day - December 9th
The Rotary Club of Ankeny will be ringing bells for our local Salvation Army units this holiday season on Saturday, December 9th at the South Ankeny Hy-Vee, 2510 SW State St., from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Evening Club will be ringing the bell at the North HyVee. We would like two people to sign up for each shift. You can sign up your spouse, child, co-worker, or a friend to work with you, as long as there is at least one adult for each shift. Please include the best phone number to reach you. To sign up, you can go to the Sign-Up-Genius link below or put you name on the sign-up sheet that will be available at the next few Rotary meetings.
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Welcome New Member William Strong
William C. Strong, was inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny on October 24th. He is a Partner in the law firm of Lamberti, Kilian Luetje, & Strong and will be an additional member of the corporate membership in the Club. Laura Kilian Luetje, Managing Partner, was an Active member of the club and will be the primary contact for the corporate member. Welcome William!
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November Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate Birthdays in November: 4th - Nate Burnham 8th - Julie Mangels 9th - Rebecca Porkorny 11th - Laura Kilian Luetje 12th - Jim Foreman 12th - Tony Mills 25th - Jan Franck 25th - Del Mohler 26th - Kathy Sibbel |
Hans Wins the Pot
We were down to eleven cards left in the deck and Hans Hoeksema had his number drawn. He chose to gamble on drawing one of the cards instead of choosing the sure $10 gift card from Tim's Amoco. His gamble paid off when he drew the Jocker and won the pot worth $250. Then when a second ticket was drawn for the gift card, Hans had that winning tickets too!! Congratulations Hans!!!
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Welcome New Member Joseph Herst
Joseph Herst, the Director of Development for Special Olympics, Iowa was inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny on October 3, 2023. He was sponsored for membership by Brandon Converse.
Welcome Joseph! |
Prospective New Member - William Strong
The Board has approved an application for a corporate membership in the Rotary Club of Ankeny for Lamberti, Kilian Luetje, & Strong. Laura Kilian Luetje, Managing Partner, is currently an Active member of the club and will be the primary contact and William C. Strong, Partner, will become a new member of the Club.
Comments regarding this prospective new member may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Jenny Fields to be President 2026-2027
President Steve SchraderBachar announced at the meeting on October 3rd that Jenny Fields has agreed to become the Club President for the 2026-2027 Rotary year. She will follow Kent Patterson, 2024-2025 and Brandon Converse, 2025-2026. Jenny is the Associate Director of Relationship Events for the Iowa Alzheimer's Association and is currently serving on the Club's Board of Directors as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee. Congratulations Jenny!
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Paddle Raiser Nominations Due by November 15, 2023
The committee for the 2024 Ankeny Rotary fundraiser has decided there will be two "Paddle Raisers" at the "Ankeny Rotary Runs for the Roses" to be held on May 4, 2024. The two organizations selected will be given two complimentary tickets to the event and will be asked to make a brief presentation to describe their mission. The auctioneer will then ask the guests to raise their paddles to make donations to these two organizations and the total funds raised will be split equally between the two. Club members are invited to nominate a non-profit to be one of these paddle raisers by completing a nomination form that will be available at the weekly meeting on October 10th. All nominations are to be forwarded to Noel Fiscus at Noel@fiscusdiamond.com prior to November 15, 2023. Club members will then have the opportunity to vote on the nominations to make the selection of the two paddle raisers for the fundraiser.
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Letter of Condolence from RI for Gary WelchPresident SchraderBachar received a letter from John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International stating the following. A similar letter is being sent to Colleen Welch. Dear Steve, I was saddened by the news of the death of Past District Governor Gary Welch, and, on behalf of President Gordon McInally and the members of the Board of Directors of Rotary International, I extend sincere sympathy to the members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Gary's life truly reflected Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. His involvement in Rotary, and especially his service as district governor in 2010-2011, are greatly appreciated. He will be missed by many. Gary's death will be included in a forthcoming issue of Rotary magazine.
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Rotary Holiday ScheduleThe following is the meeting schedule for the Rotary Club of Ankeny during the holiday season: December 5th - Regular meeting at AG&CC December 11th - Holiday Social with Evening Club at Briarwood Golf Club, 5:45 PM social, dinner at 6:30 PM December 12th - No Meeting December 19th - Regular meeting at AG&CC December 27th - No Meeting January 2nd - No Meeting
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October Rotary Board Meeting.jpg)
The October Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, October 12th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Rachel Digmann Named Paul Harris Fellow
Rachel Digmann was presented with a certificate and pin in recognition of her being named a Paul Harris Fellow during the Rotary meeting on July 25, 2023. This recognition was made possible by her husband, Ben, donating his recognition points to her. Congratulations Rachel and thank you Ben for supporting the Rotary Foundation!
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Todd's Back!US Army Reserve Sergeant Major Todd Eipperle was deployed to Kuwait in December, 2022. He served with the143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), U.S. Army Reserve under the U.S. Central Command. This was his third deployment. Todd completed his assignment and after several days of travel arrived back in Iowa on September 9th. Needless to say, his wife Julie and their dog, Cloe, were glad to have him back home.    |
Gary Welch Passes on September 24, 2023
Gary Lee Welch, age 79 died on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Gary grew up on a farm outside of Braddyville, Iowa and later moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where he graduated from High School in 1962. He received his bachelor's degree from Hastings College and then earned a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska and was a Licensed Independent Social Worker. He worked as a School Social Worker, a Family Therapist and Psychiatric Social Worker for over 40 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Colleen in 1968 and they had two boys, Eric and Jason. Gary served three terms on the Ankeny City Council and served as chair of the Metro Waste Authority Board. He was a leader with the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and was honored as Ankeny Citizen of the Year for 1997. He was the founding chair of the Neveln Community Resource Center and also chaired the Community Education Advisory Council and served in the Citizen's Police Academy. He also enjoyed being Santa over many seasons. He always had a twinkle in his eye and enjoyed making children smile. Gary joined the Rotary Club of Ankeny in 1999, served as President for 2004-2005, and was the District 6000 Governor for 2010-2011. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, traveled to Mexico and Nigeria for Rotary mission trips and enjoyed traveling the world with his Rotary family. He cofounded the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), a life changing leadership training program for youth across Iowa. He and Colleen also enjoyed hosting three Rotary exchange students for Italy, Sweden, and Japan. Gary lived the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" and will truly be missed by all who knew him.
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Prospective New Member - Joseph Herst
The Board has approved an application for membership from Joseph Herst, the Director of Development for Special Olympics, Iowa. He is being sponsored for membership by Brandon Converse.
Comments regarding this prospective new member may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Milt Aunan Passes on September 21, 2023
Milt Aunan worked for NW Bell for 42 years as Operations Manager and joined Rotary in Bettendorf, Iowa. After he was transferred to Ankeny, he was contacted by a former District Governor about getting a Rotary Chapter started in Ankeny. With the help of the Northwest Rotary Club, he was able to obtain approval from the other Des Moines area clubs and got the Rotary Club of Ankeny chartered on January 19, 1973. He is considered the founder of the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Milt was not only the person responsible for getting the Rotary Club of Ankeny chartered but he was also the first President, first Paul Harris Fellow, and the first Rotarian of the year. Milt died on September 21, 2023, at age 94. On Saturday, September 30, 2023, a visitation will be held at 9:30 AM followed at 10:30 Am by a memorial service at Westchester Evangelical Free Church, 4919 Aurora Ave. Des Moines.
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Welcome New Corporate Member - First Interstate Bank
Three new members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny on September 12, 2023. They, along with current member, Nancy Zwickel, will be representing new corporate member First Interstate Bank. The three new members are Rebecca Pokorny, Retail Manager, Bryce Whitaker, Financial Advisor, and Bob Jurgensen, Commercial Relationship Manager. Congratulations Rebecca, Bryce, and Bob and welcome to the Rotary Club of Ankeny!
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October Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in October: 3rd - Nancy Zwickel 4th - Joe Kirby 5th - Mary Cochran 12th - Will Pierce 22nd - Melisa Cox 24th - Shar Dunlap 27th - Mark Densmore 30th - John Foster
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Amy Ratekin Named Honorary Member
Amy Ratekin, the Founder and CEO of Spread Your Wings, was the guest speaker at the noon Rotary meeting on August 29th. Spread Your Wings empowers youth, ages 5-18, to improve their mental health, create positive social interactions, increase self-esteem, build self-confidence, learn self-defense skills, and strengthen the body to live their best lives. Following her talk, President SchraderBachar presented her with a certificate naming her an "Honorary" member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Amy is an Active member of the Des Moines AM club but has been regularly attending meetings in Ankeny. She does not wish to transfer her membership from the Des Moines club since she wants to maintain the relationships she has built there but does plan to continue attending meetings in Ankeny. An individual cannot be an "Active" member of two clubs at one time, but they can be an "Active" member of one club and an "Honorary" member of a second club. She has already volunteered to assist with our 2024 fundraiser. Congratulations Amy and welcome to the Rotary Club of Ankeny!
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September Rotarian Birthdays
During the first meeting of each month President ShraderBachar has been recognizing members that will be celebrating a birthday that month. Members with birthdays in September will be recognized at our regular meeting on September 5th (the day after Labor Day). If you are on the following list of Ankeny Rotarians celebrating a birthday in September, please plan to attend so you can be recognized. 2nd - Hans Hoeksema 7th - Teri Crist 7th - Tom Friedman 7th - Mark Martin 7th - Scott Obstarczyk 8th - Bradley Butin 8th - Kent Patterson 9th - Jacquelyn Duke 13th - Adam Boeding 16th - Todd Wehr 20th - Kevin Brooks 25th - Amber Weger 29th - Tim Hawkins
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First Annual Rotary Chili Cookoff
The Evening Ankeny Rotary Club will be holding its first Chili Cookoff on Tuesday September 12th at the home of Cathy and Shannon Maher. Noon club members are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. There will be only 10 chili entries accepted and anyone wishing to compete needs to register their entry. Please sign up on "Sign Up Genesis" using this link if you would like to enter your chili or plan to attend: You do not need to bring chili or anything except your own drink and a chair if you plan to attend, just come and be a part of the judging and the fun, but please register so the hosts have a head count. |
Prospective New Members
Nancy Zwickel is a Private Banking Officer for First Interstate Bank and an Active member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny. First Interstate Bank would like to become a corporate member and bring three additional employees into Rotary.
Rebecca Pokorny is the Retail Manager and will be the “Primary Member”. Bryce Whitaker is a Financial Advisor and Bob Jurgensen is a Commercial Relationship Manager. The Board has approved this application. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Sofia Has Arrived!
Ankeny's Rotary Exchange student for 2023-2024 is Sofia Aberturas Puga, from Madrid Spain. She arrived on August 15th and will be attending Ankeny Centennial High School. She will be in the 11th grade. Sofia enjoys volleyball, basketball, cooking, hanging out with friends, and trying new foods. The Rotary Club of Ankeny and Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening are sponsoring Sofia this school year. Sofia’s first host family is Steve and Brenda Wieneke. The second host will be the Bill and Victoria Ogier family and her final host family will be the Jason and Jacquelyn Duke family. Sofia is looking forward to attending a 28-day United States bus tour along with other Rotary exchange students mid-June through mid-July 2024 before returning home to Madrid. |
Save the Date - 2024 Ankeny Rotary Fundraiser - May 4, 2024The theme, date and venue have been set for Ankeny Rotary's next fundraiser. It will be: Theme: Kentucky Derby Date: Saturday May 4, 2024 Location: FFA enrichment Center on the DMACC campus Time: 4:00 PM to approximately 8:30 PM Committees are beginning to meet to work on other details including decorations, auction, program, publicity, menu, registration, ticket sales, and more. Please let Brian Tiernan know which committee you would like to serve on and SAVE THE DATE!  |
September Rotary Board Meeting
The September Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, September 14th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Rotary Club of Ankeny Receives Rotary Citation Again!!The "Rotary Citation" recognizes Rotary clubs that support Rotary's strategic priorities by completing certain activities during the year. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has received this award for Brian Tiernan and Jeff Magner's term as Presidents during the 2022-2023 Rotary year. This marks the eight consecutive year that Ankeny has received this honor. Ankeny was one of ten clubs of the 66 in District 6000 to receive this award for the 2022-2023 year. In 2022-2023 RI President's email forwarding the citation, she stated: Dear 2022-2023 Club President, Congratulations! Your club has earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2022-2023. This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its, goals which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future. Please find your Citation in this folder. I encourage you to display it proudly to celebrate your club's achievement. Once again, congratulations on a successful year as Club President! Thank you to Brian and Jeff for their leadership during the past year, and congratulations to the all members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny!!  |
Scheduled Greeter/SheriffThe following are the scheduled Greeter/Sheriffs for the next several Rotary meetings: Aug. 8 - Club Picnic Aug. 15 - John Foster Aug. 22 - Jason Gassman Aug. 29 - Tim Hawkins Sept. 5 - Hans Hoeksema Sept. 12 - Rich Job Sept. 19 - Stacey Koeppen Sept. 26 - Heidi Kramer
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A Great Night for the Ankeny Rotary PicnicOn the evening of August 8th, the combined noon and evening Ankeny Rotary clubs combined for fun and games and great food for a picnic at Sunrise Park in Ankeny. There were about 57 in attendance including Rotarians, family members and guests that enjoyed the perfect weather. Thanks to the Evening club for providing the hamburgers and hot dogs and the grillers. The kids in attendance competed in three-legged and egg races and adults and kids competed in bags, lawn darts, watermelon eating and water balloon toss contest. The first Rotary picnic was held in 2024 and has been held annually each year except in 2020.
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August Rotarian Birthdays
The following Rotary Club of Ankeny members will celebrate birthdays in August: 5th - Jess Reynolds 5th - James Warner 12th - Dale Port 13th - Tracy Frette 16th - Mark Land 17th - John Tompkins 18th - Gary Welch 22nd - Brian Tiernan 28th - Ben Digmann
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Ankeny Parks & Rec Thanks Rotary for Trees
The following was posted on the City of Ankeny's FaceBook page: In honor of its 50 years of service to the Ankeny community, the Rotary Club of Ankeny recently donated 50 trees to provide shade within the current park system. The City of Ankeny Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with Rotary for a variety of projects that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our residents over the years. As Ankeny continues to grow at a record pace, tree donations continue to be one of our greatest needs within the park system. Thank you! Pictured L to R: The Rotary Club of Ankeny members Brian Tiernan, Sally Schroeder, Todd Wehr, Steve SchraderBachar, and Nick Lenox, Parks & Recreation stand in front of a newly planted tree at Bellagio Park. |
Evening Club Receives CharterThe Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening, Iowa, USA has received notice that their charter had been approved by Rotary International. Their 30 charter members will be transferred from the Rotary Club of Ankeny to the new Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening effective on their official "Charter Date" of July 1, 2023. This is a mere 3,912 days after the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Ankeny approved a motion to provide support for chartering a satellite club at their meeting on October 14, 2012. Their first meeting was held on October 23, 2012, at Wig & Pen with six prospective members and three noon members present. The first three members, Kristofer Orth, Amnda Rosman and Steve Wieneke were inducted into the Club on November 20, 2012. Kristofer was chosen to be the club's President-Elect, a position he filled for over 5 years until July 1, 2018, when Steve became President-Elect. It is only fitting that Kristofer be the Club's "Charter President" for the 2023-2024 year. The new club will be hosting a Charter Night on July 1lth at Magee's Irish Pub on July 11th beginning at 5:30 PM with a short program at 6:15 PM. All members of both the Rotary Club of Ankeny and the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening are invited to attend.    Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening and all it's members!! |
Rotary Club of Ankeny Guests
Special guests attending the Rotary Club of Ankeny's meetings last month included: 6/6 - William Pierce, guest of Sally Schroeder 6/6 - Savannah Potts, guest of Renee Potts - Evening 6/6 - Beth Schaefer, Library Circulation Manager, Speaker - Evening 6/13 - Amy Ratekin, visiting Rotarian - Des Moines AM 6/13 - Joseph Herst, guest of Brandon Converse 6/13 - William Pierce, prospective new member 6/20 - Parker McGoldrick, guest of Dylan Dyer 6/20 - Laura Anspach, guest of Anne Porter 6/20 - Amy Ratekin, visiting Rotarian - Des Moines AM |
DG Wieneke Recognizes Polio Plus Society Members
District Governor Steve Wieneke recognized the nine members of the Club that have made a commitment to Rotary's Polio Plus Society during the Club's Awards & Recognition Banquet on June 27th. These individuals have committed to making an annual donation or $100 to the Polio Plus Fund of The Rotary Foundation. This commitment will stay in effect until the World Health Organization certifies that polio has been fully eradicated worldwide. Each member making this commitment will receive a certificate and pin. Members that have made this commitment are Juan Aris, Jacquelyn Duke, Neil Fell, Rich Job, Kristofer Orth, Steve SchraderBachar, Sally Schroeder, Pat Timmons, Brenda Wieneke, and Steve Wieneke. Any member that would like to join the Polio Plus Society should contact Steve Wieneke or Nate Burnham to obtain the form.    |
Gavels Passed to 2023-2024 PresidentsThe Ankeny Rotary Clubs, both noon and evening, celebrated the accomplishments of the past year and announced several awards at their 2023 Awards & Recognition Banquet on June 27th at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. At the end of the program, 2022-2023 Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening President, Jeff Magner, passed his gavel to 2023-2024 President Kristofer Orth. Kristofer then presented Jeff with a golden gavel in recognition of his service as president for the past year for the evening club. Brian Tiernan, 2022-2023 President of the noon club, passed the gavel to Steve SchraderBachar the 2023-2024 President. Steve then also presented Brian with a golden gavel. Thank you Jeff and Brian for your leadership the past year.     |
Brenda Wieneke Named "Rotarian of the Year"
Kristofer Orth the "2022 Ankeny Rotarian of the Year" had the honor of introducing Brenda Wieneke as the Club's "2023 Ankeny Rotarian of the Year" at the Club's 2023 Awards & Recognition Banquet. Brenda joined the satellite club on July 2, 2019. She has served as the club's secretary and is the President elect 2024-2025 in addition to providing support for her husband, Steve Wieneke as he served as District Governor the past year. Congratulations Brenda!
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Twenty-Four Receive Paul Harris Recognition
Twenty Ankeny Rotarians and four spouses were recognized at the Club's 2023 Awards & Recognition Banquet held at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club on June 27th. They included nine new Paul Harris Fellows and fifteen multiple Paul Harris Fellows. Those recognized were: New Paul Harris Fellows - Rich Bergez, Dylan Dyer, Joanne Friedman, Brody Hanson, Xana Jolly, Sallie Martin, Susan Orth, Jessica Reynolds, & Chuck Stewart Paul Harris Fellow + 1 - Chris Brooks, Ben Digmann, Jason Gassmann, Diana Hawkins, Kent Patterson, & Brenda Wieneke Paul Harris Fellow + 2 - Craig Block Paul Harris Fellow + 3 - Gerry Bair Paul Harris Fellow + 4 - Mark Martin, Jacquelyn Duke, & Del Mohler Paul Harris Fellow + 5 - James Ramsey, & Steve Wieneke Paul Harris Fellow + 7 - Tim Hawkins Paul Harris Fellow + 8 - Juan Arias The Club now has 102 Paul Harri Fellows in the current membership including spouses and other family members and 52 are multiple Paul Harris Fellows. In the 2022-2023 Rotary year, the club donated a total of $29,110 to the Rotary Foundation's Annual fund and PolioPlus. The total contributions since the Club was chartered now total $602,180.
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Rotarians Recognized for Perfect Attendance
Twenty-five members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny were recognized for having perfect attendance, including make-ups, for the 2022-2023 Rotary year at the "2023 Awards and Recognition Banquet" on June 27, 2023. Those recognized included: 1 Year - Anne Porter, Kent Patterson, & Doug Wright 2 Years - Marie Kline, & Heidi Kramer 3 Years - Patty Munguia & Brian Tiernan 4 Years - Juan Arias, Jeff Magner & Brenda Wieneke 5 Years - Todd Eipperle 6 Years - Jacquelyn Duke 9 Years - Rich Job 10 Years - Kristofer Orth & Steve Wieneke 11 Years - Jim Ramsey, Steve SchraderBachar, & Todd Wehr 12 Years - Damon Miller 13 Years- Kathy Sibbel 14 Years - Mary Cochran 15 Years - Sally Schroeder 19 Years - Nate Burnham & Tom Friedman 33 years - Sharlene Dunlap |
Thank You From Aiden Orth
Aiden Orth is the son of Ankeny Rotarian, Kristofer Orth and who accompanied him to several Rotary meetings and service projects over the past several years. He was one of the Dollars for Scholars scholarship winners at Ankeny High School during Senior Spotlight Night on May 17th. The Club has received this thank you note from Aiden. Dear Rotary Club of Ankeny, Thank you so much for your generous donation to my education. It means so much that you are still supporting me even as I leave next fall. I will be using your gift to study math and physics at UCLA. I am so excited for this opportunity and so appreciative for the help. Participation in Rotary with my dad has taught me so much throughout the past decade. I've learned how to live a generous life and to put "service above self". With endless thanks, Aiden Orth
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Mike Lydon Celebration of Life
Ankeny Rotarian Mike Lydon passed away on December 28. 2022. His "Celebration of Life" was held at the Veterans Cemetary near Van Meter on June 21st, his 80th birthday. The service consisted of a bag piper, gun salute, folding of the flag and presenting it to his wife Molly, and comments from Judy Hines, and Molly's sister and son. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has made a contribution to a bench that will be at the cemetery and will have a plaque on it stating:  |
Summerfest Golf Ball Drop
The Rotary Club of Ankeny is partnering again this year with the Ankeny Service Center to sponsor a "Golf Ball Drop" during Summerfest. Our goal this year is to sell 1,000 tickets for $10 each. Each ticket is numbered a ball with a corresponding number which will be placed in a bucket and dropped from about 30 feet in the air onto a grassy area with one golf hole. The first ball in the hole wins $1,000, second $375, third $250 and fourth $125. Thank you to Ankeny Sanitation for providing the prize money and QB Studios for printing the tickets, and Tim's Amoco and Cold Stone Creamery for providing the coupons on the back of each ticket. The net proceeds from Golf Ball Drop are split 70% to the Ankeny Service Center and 30% to the Ankeny Rotary Clubs. Contact Tom Friedman, Tom.Friedman@FNB247.com if you have not received your tickets to sell. Also, be sure to turn in the ticket stubs and money to Tom by July 7th by dropping them off at First National Bank, 1205 N. Ankeny Boulevard.
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Summerfest Parade Volunteers
It’s that time again --- time to help with one of the greatest annual events Ankeny has to offer its citizens, as well as those from surrounding communities, the Summerfest Parade. At least 30 volunteers are needed to help make this year’s parade a HUGE success. We will plan to meet at 6:00 (a few volunteers are needed at 5:45) that morning, Saturday July 8th, in the parking lot of the Ankeny High School parking lot. Coffee and donuts will be provided. If you have not already done so, please contact Rich Bergez, rbergez@nw.bank, to let him know if you are available to help.
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Rotary Donates to Uptown Literacy Project
The Rotary Club of Ankeny has agreed to be a sponsor for an Ankeny Uptown Association literacy project. The club will provide $2,500 to purchase books to be distributed free at the Ankeny Farmers Market this summer. The plan is to hand out 250 books at the markets on 10 Saturdays: 7/1, 7/15, 7/22, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, & 9/30. The club will be recognized as the sponsor on a sandwich-board sign printed stating: Market Stories: free children's books brought to you by the Rotary Club of Ankeny & Uptown Ankeny. A sticker will also be placed in each stating it was donated by the Rotary Club of Ankeny and there will be a post each week stating the Market Stories will be at the market, with a link to Rotary's web site and recognizing Rotary as Market Stories sponsor.
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Blessman Global Grant - Feminine Hygiene
The Rotary Club of Ankeny has partnered with Blessman International in four Global Grants since 2017. These projects have included Farming Skills, Feminine Hygiene, Early Childhood Sanitation, and Phase II - Early Childhood Sanitation and have represented the majority of the Club’s International service projects. The Club now has the opportunity to be the US lead for an additional Global Grant with Blessman International. The previous feminine hygiene kit project purchased sewing machines and trained local women in the making of the kits, empowering them through training and job creation. This project will provide funding to purchase materials, pay women in South Africa to sew menstrual health kits, and distribute the kits. They hope to be able to obtain sufficient funding to make and distribute 10,000 kits to impoverished young woman. Young women in South Africa often miss work or school due to a lack of supplies during their menstrual cycle. During the distribution of the kits, the women are trained in their use. The kits are washable, reusable and should last for about three years. At their June meeting, the Rotary Club of Ankeny’s Board committed to provide $5,000 for this project and to also match any contributions from members up to an additional $2,500. Upon approval, by Rotary International, funds contributed towards this grant, will receive a match from District 6000 and also from Rotary International. The amount of the match will depend on the total amount contributed. Let Nate Burnham, nfburnham@gmail.com, know if you would like to make a contribution to this project. No payment is necessary until the grant is approved and ready to be funded. Please keep in mind every dollar you contribute will be matched by the Club and will become $2.00. With the match from District 6000 and Rotary International, your contribution could become more than $5.00 for each dollar contributed. Plus, your contribution is tax deductible, and you will receive Paul Harris Fellowship credit and recognition points. |
Rotary Fall Picnic
The Rotary Club of Ankeny's summer picnic will be on Tuesday, August 8th at Sunrise Park, 506 SE Peterson Drive. The evening will begin with social time at 5:30 PM and we will plan to eat at 6:30. The noon Rotary meeting on this day will be cancelled. The club will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments and table service. Please bring a side dish to share and your own beverages and chairs. All family members and guests are welcome!
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Welcome Three New MembersThree new members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny in June. They are: Joe Kirby was inducted on June 13 into the noon club. He is a Professor with Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska and was formerly a member of the Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary Club. Sally Schroeder will be his sponsor. William Pierce is a consultant for Senior Marketing Specialists and has recently moved to Ankeny from Columbia Missouri. He contacted the club through our web site and is now a member of the noon club. Sally Schroeder will be his sponsor. He was inducted on June 20th. Wendy Deppe is a Pharmacist with Unity Point Health in Des Moines but lives in Ankeny. She was also, inducted on June 20th and is now a member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening. She was proposed for membership by Ann Wright and Cathy McDaniel.    |
International Conventions
District Governor Steve Wieneke and Brenda represented District 6000 and the Rotary Club of Ankeny May 27-31 in Melbourne, Australia. Highlights and videos of the speeches are available on the Rotary International web site at Convention news | Rotary International Future Rotary International Conventions will be: May 25-29, 2024 - Singapore June 21-25, 2025 - Calgary, Canada June 13-17, 2026 - Taipei, Taiwan June 5-9, 2027 - Honolulu, Hawaii
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Rotary Foundation Earns Highest Charity Navigator Rating
For the 14th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only one percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received 14 consecutive 4-star evaluations. “We are honored to have been recognized and to be among the top 1% of charities evaluated,” said Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair John Germ. “Our donors can feel proud knowing that their gifts will allow them to make an impact in their communities and the world for years to come.” The rating reflects Charity Navigator's assessment of how the Foundation uses donations, sustains its programs and services, and practices good governance and openness. |
July Rotary Board Meeting
The July Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, July 13th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
July Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in July: 1st - Justin Morgan 3rd - Brad Botos 9th - Jim Ramsey 10th - Allison Ver Steegt 19th - Jason Gassman 22th - Gerry Bair 23rd - Todd Eipperle 25th - Shannon Maher |
2023 Celebration and Recognition Banquet
The "2023 Annual Celebration and Recognition Banquet" for the Rotary Club of Ankeny, both noon and evening clubs, will be held on Tuesday, June 27th at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. The evening will begin at 5:30 PM with a social hour including drinks and appetizers and the buffet line for dinner will open at 6:15. The program will begin at approximately 7:00 PM and will include perfect attendance awards, the naming of the "Outstanding New Members of the Year", "Rotarian of the Year" and the passing of the gavel to next year's president for both the noon and evening clubs. There is a $25 registration fee for each member and guest. This charge will be added to your July invoice. Plan to attend, bring your spouse or a guest, and celebrate all the accomplishments of the club during the past year. Hope to see everyone at the banquet |
Prospective New Member - William Pierce
The Board has approved an application for membership to the noon club for William Pierce. Will is a consultant for Senior Marketing Specialists and has recently moved to Ankeny from Columbia Missouri. He contacted the club through our web site. Sally Schroeder will be his sponsor. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Prospective New Member - Wendy Deppe
The Board has approved an application for membership to the Evening club for Wendy Deppe. Wendy is a pharmacist with Unity Point Health in Des Moines but livers in Ankeny. She is being proposed for membership by Ann Wright and Cathy McDaniel. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Mike Lydon Celebration of Life - June 21st
Long time Ankeny Rotarian, Mike Lydon, passed away on December 28, 2022. His celebration of life was delayed until June 21, 2023, which would have been his 80th birthday. The services for Mike will be at 2:00 PM at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, Iowa. The cemetery asks that guests do not arrive prior to 1:45 pm and you stay in your car outside the Administrative office. A VA staff person will lead the way (via cars) to the Shelter where the service will be held. The service will consist of the folding of a flag, some speakers, gun salute, and a bag piper. After about 15 minutes, Mike’s remains will be transferred to his grave and a VA staff person will guide us to his grave where flowers from his home will be laid on his grave. Immediately following the committal service, there will be a reception, with refreshments, at the Veterans Reception Center, 910 Main St., Van Meter, Iowa. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has made a contribution to a bench that will be at the cemetery and will have a plaque on it stating: In Loving Memory of Michael Lydon 6/21/43 - 12/28/22 Beloved Husband & Dedicated Rotarian |
Evening Club Cleans Up Bandshell LandscapeThe Evening Club met at the Ankeny Bandshell on the evening of May 16th to pull weeds and spread mulch. Twelve members and five guests made the work go fast. They had the bandshell plants looking beautiful in about 30 minutes! Thanks to all that helped.     |
New Chef at AG&CC
The Ankeny Golf & Country Club has a new chef. He is Adam Gillaspey. Adam is a graduate of the DMACC Culinary Arts program and Marge-Anderson French Scholarship winner. He was previously the Executive Chef at the Tournament Club of Iowa.
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Paddle Raiser Checks DistributedThe Ankeny Police Foundation and Dorothy's House were the two non-profit organizations featured as paddle raisers at the Club's 2023 fundraiser on April 15th. At the noon meeting on May 16th, Ankeny Police Chief, Darius Potts, accepted check from the Club for the Foundation's share of the proceeds and Kelly Markey, Executive Director of Dorothy's House attended the noon meeting on May 30th to accept the check on behalf of Dorothy's House. Each organization received $14,195.   |
Rotary Participates in Engage Ankeny
The Ankeny Leadership Institute class of 2018 started Engage Ankeny to provide a forum for Ankeny area non-profits to increase awareness of their services. The Rotary Club of Ankeny participated again this year. In addition to information on the club, those stopping by the booth were given the opportunity to play Plinko and win prizes. Thanks to Jeff Magner, Jacquelyn Duke, Rich Job, Zeb Goen, Brian Tiernan, and Nate Burnham helping with the booth.
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Ankeny Robotics Teams Present to ClubThe guest presenters at the noon Rotary meeting on May 9th were the three Ankeny Robotics teams. Rotarian Rich Job is the advisor for each of these teams.    |
Will Keeps Speaks at Rotary
The speaker at the noon rotary meeting on May 16th was Will Keeps, the founder of Starts Right Here. He gave a very emotional talk on how Starts Right Here focuses on helping troubled kids access mental health services, job assistance and educational opportunities, among other services. When he finished telling stories and answering questions, he received a standing ovation!!
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Sally Schroeder Joins RI Bequest Society
The Club's Foundation Chair, Tim Hawkins, presented Sally Schroeder with a certificate naming her as a Benefactor to the Permanent Fund of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and an insignia to wear with her Paul Harris Fellow pin. This is in recognition of her commitment to include Rotary's Endowment Fund as a beneficiary in her estate for at least $1,000. Congratulations Sally and thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation!
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June Rotarian BirthdaysThe following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in June: 2nd - Joe Ruddy 5th - Jenny Fields 6th - Ben Norman 7th - DuWayne McDaniel 10th - Josh Finch 11th - Noel Fiscus 14th - Sue Gibbons 15th - Andy Pollock 17th - Dave Mercer 20th - Steve Van Oort 22nd - Al Martine
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Rotary Dollars for Scholars Winners
Four Ankeny seniors, two at each high school, were awarded Rotary scholarships during the school's Senior Spotlight Night. President Brian Tiernan was able to present the scholarships to the Ankeny Centennial High School winners on the evening of May 23rd. They were Charlotte Brink and Hyah Rouse. Charlotte will be attending the University of Iowa and majoring in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Nyah will be attending Drake University and will be majoring in School Psychology. Kristofer Orth presented the scholarships at Ankeny High School on May 17th. He was privileged to present his son Aiden Orth with one of the scholarships and Samantha Forester with the other. Aiden will be attending Stanford University and will be majoring in Mathematics. Samantha, a former RYLA participant will be attending Colorado State University and will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Here are the contents of thank you letters from Samantha, Charlie, and Nyah. Hello, my name is Samantha Forester. I would like to thank you for the opportunity you have provided by awarding me the Rotary Club of Ankeny Scholarship. In the fall, I plan to attend Colorado State University and major in Biomedical Engineering and Biological and Chemical Engineering. This scholarship will go a long way toward helping me pay the out-of-state tuition. This summer, before classes start, I have been given the opportunity to study abroad for 2 weeks in July and August. I am heading to Copenhagen, Denmark, where we will tour engineering facilities and learn about green energy. I attended the RYLA leadership conference last summer where I learned problem solving skills and how to work as a team. I also made so many friends and have fond memories to look back on. My favorite of these memories happened during one of the team-building activities. We were divided into groups and played a game of telephone where we were communicating instructions on how to build with logos. I was the final person in the chain the one actually placing the pieces. Somehow this game perfectly combined teamwork with hilarious antics that had me rolling on the floor with laughter. I can confidently say that that was the moment during the conference which solidified this core memory in my heart. I still keep in touch with all of the people I met at the conference, and I'm planning on attending their graduation parties. I cannot express how much this conference has changed my life and the way I work with others. I have been able to apply so much of what I learned at the conference and have noticed a profound impact on my school life. I know that the conference helped to prepare me for college and opened my eyes to so many new experiences and possibilities. Thank you, Samantha Forrester Thank you so much for choosing me as this year's recipient of your Dollars for Scholars Award. I am grateful, as this award will help me considerably to finance my college education next year. In 2021 I was lucky enough to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and my experience there changed my life. I have become more outgoing and self-advocating because of my experience at RYLA in various ways. In addition, this experience gave me the courage to apply for Centennial's student school board representative position. The leadership skills I learned at RYLA helped me be the applicant they picked. Overall, what I learned at RYLA has completely changed the trajectory of my life, and I can't thank you enough for that experience and your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. Along with servicing as the student school board representative, throughout my time in high school, I've participated in activities such as cross country, track and field, and show choir. I've done my best to commit myself wholly to these activities, and I've done this by leading my teams through example as well as joining leadership teams. Along with these activities, I've also helped to lead different clubs and organizations at Centennial, including starting a green club, serving in a leadership role in the National Honor Society, and helping to run a fundraising campaign for the LLS. I've also worked at Magee's Irish Pub and Eatery for the past three years, where I've learned different skills pertaining to teamwork and leadership. In the fall, I plan on attending the university of Iowa and majoring in Biochemistry on the Pre-med track. I've always loved science and helping others which is why I want to pursue a career in the medical field. I hope that in college, I can continue to foster the leadership skills I learned at RYLA by participating in different student organizations and groups. Again, I cannot thank you enough for all the Rotary Club has done for me. You've helped me become who I am today and given me the resources to chase my dreams. Thank you so much, Charlie Brink I want to thank you. The Rotary Club of Ankeny and Ankeny Dollars for Scholars for awarding me this scholarship. I am excited to receive this award. Words cannot describe how grateful I am because I know every dollar counts when it comes to paying for my education. I currently work at the Ankeny Community School's before and after-school program which is so awesome and fun. This job made me realize that I want to work with kids in the future and helped me decide to study psychology in college. Working this semester has been challenging due to my tennis season. While I made the varsity team, I also made the difficult decision to play JV so I could work at least a few hours a week, instead of having zero hours per week. It wasn't to just make money, I really missed working with the students. I'm wrapping up my AP classes which definitely gave me a run for my money, especially AP statistics and AP Psychology. I'm grateful to DMACC for providing the opportunity to take college classes because they will transfer to Drake and satisfy some of my general ed college credits. My favorite class was AP psych, although the professor was a bit boring, he introduced our class to his favorite show Monk, and I genuinely fell in love with the show. I plan to attend Drake University in the fall to study psychology and education. I've already changed my college plans to a combined Bachelor and Master degree. A major in psychology with a Master of Counseling in education means I'm in school for five years instead of six. At graduation, I'll have a State of Iowa license to be a counselor for elementary-age kids. I hope to be in a school district like Ankeny to start my career and eventually be a therapist with my own practice. Thank you again for sponsoring the Rotary Club of Ankeny scholarship with Dollars For Scholars. I'll put it to good use. Sincerely, Nyah Rouse
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June Rotary Board MeetingThe June Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd.
When: Thursday, June 8th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Registration Now Open for RYLA
Registration for the 2023 "Rotary Youth Leadership Awards" conference is now open!! RYLA is a six-day conference for current high school sophomores and juniors and will be held at Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, from July 16-21. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a life-changing leadership training program for youth where leadership skills and principles are taught in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The purpose of RYLA is to assist potential youth leaders in methods of responsible and effective leadership. A subtext of the RYLA program is the development of confidence and self esteem. Many participants have said, “It was the best week of my life!” The Rotary Club of Ankeny is committed to providing a $500 scholarship to cover the cost of the conference for students wishing to attend. Applications may be submitted on-line at www.iowaryla.org. The deadline for applying is May 31, 2023. Contact Ben Digmann at ben@caliberiowa.com with questions.
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Ankeny Rotarians at District ConferenceThe Rotary Club of Ankeny was well represented at the 2023 District Conference. Not only were there 40 noon and evening club members in attendance, and our own Steve Wieneke was the current District Governor, but Kristofer Orth presented a Rotary Inspirational Moment, Todd Eipperle was recognized as a Guardian of Integrity Award winner, and Brian Tiernan was a door prize winner!    |
Polio Eradication Walk/Bike Ride
Bikers and walkers are invited to meet at the AMP at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, 2023. This is a new location. Registration is from 1:00-1:30 p.m. on the east patio. Parking on the east side of the building and street parking is available. Participants will walk and bike south on the High Trestle Trail. After completing your work out, please join us at Wig and Pen to enjoy fellowship, drinks, and food. The Rotary Club of Ankeny will provide snacks. Donations will be accepted before the Ride/Walk begins. Rotarians and guests are encouraged to donate $25 per person to Polio. Checks may be made payable to the Rotary Club of Ankeny, and you can bring the money the day of the event or mail to Treasurer, Jim Ramsey at 911 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50023. Rotarians donating $100 or more will be recognized as a PolioPlus Society member and will be matched with Paul Harris recognition points. All donations will be contributed to Rotary International's PolioPlus campaign and will be matched 2-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - $100 becomes $300. Please RSVP to Brenda Wieneke at powellbr24@gmail.com. *In case of inclement weather, our event will continue on unless there is lightning and thunder. In that case, we will be meeting inside Uptown Garage Brewing for fellowship. |
50th Anniversary Trees PlantedAs part of the celebration for the Club's 50th anniversary the Club applied for a District Community Service Grant. The grant was approved, and the Club received $5,000 to be matched by the Club for the purchase of 50 trees to be planted along the High Trestle Trail bike path just south of the Ankeny Market Pavilion. The City is now unsure of what they want to put along the bike path and decided to plant the trees purchased with our funds in three new parks in Ankeny, Centennial, Bellagio, and Aspen Ridge. We are currently in discussions with the city regarding some form of recognition for the Club.     |
Ankeny Clean Up Days - May 20-21
The annual Ankeny Cleanup Days will be held again this year on the weekend of May 20-21 at Ankeny Sanitation, located at 7002 SE Delaware Avenue. The cleanup site will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 PM on Sunday. The Rotary Club of Ankeny has been asked to provide volunteers to assist city personnel in unloading unwanted materials and debris from vehicles. Signup sheets will be available at Club meetings for the next several weeks. Members are encouraged to sign up for a two-hour shift, bring gloves, and wear their Rotary shirts. Anyone 16 years of age and over can help if you wish to bring another family member. Members will be credited with a make up for each shift they work. Contact Todd Wehr if you have any questions.
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Rotary Night at The Iowa Cubs
On Tuesday June 13th, all Rotarians are invited to Principal Park to watch the Iowa Cubs play the Indianapolis Indians on "Rotary Night at the Iowa Cubs". The first pitch is scheduled for 6:38 PM. Tickets are $13 each with $5 being donated to PolioPus. This is also $1.00 hot dog and bring your pup to the ballgame night. More details to come but save the date on your calendar.
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Todd Eipperle Named Guardian of Integrity Award Winner
At the West Des Moines session of the District 6000 Conference on April 29th, Todd Eipperle was named one of sixteen Rotarians in District 6000 who were nominated by their clubs to receive the Paul Hellwege Guardian of Integrity Award. This award honors individuals who have made contributions in business, media, academia or government and who have by their actions, writing, policies, and public pronouncements strengthened and fostered development of integrity and ethical practices, and who have made sacrifices and/or undertaken risks to uphold Rotary's Core Value of integrity. Todd is the Director of Annual Giving for the Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America and has served his country for 36 years first as an Iowa National Guardsman and now as a Sergeant Major in the U. S. Army Reserve. His service has included three deployments overseas including an assignment to an Afghan National Guard Army unit where he was involved in an ambush. Although wounded himself, he returned fire, killing the attacker and likely saving the lives of other members in his unit. Todd has earned numerous awards while serving his country including the Bronze Star for his heroism and a purple heart for his wounds. Since Todd is currently on deployment in Kuwait, his wife, Julie, accepted the Guardian of Integrity Award on his behalf. Each of the 66 clubs in District 6000 had the opportunity to nominate one member each year to receive the Guardian of Integrity award. Ankeny is one of only two clubs in the District to have a recipient of this award in each of the past eight years. |
May Rotary Board Meeting
The May Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, May 11th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Rotary Club of Ankeny to Charter July 1, 2023
The Rotary Club of Ankeny agreed to sponsor a satellite club in Ankeny to meet on Tuesday evenings in November, 2012. The first three members were inducted into the satellite club November 21, 2012. They were Kristofer Orth, Steve Wieneke, and Amanda Rosman (Daughter of current Rotarian Sue Gibbons.) The club grew slowly for the first several years but now has 30 members. The Evening club has submitted their application to charter on April 12, 2023, to Rotary Internatinal and it was immediately approved. Their official name will be Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening and their charter date will be July 1, 2023. There will be a "Charter Night Celebration" on July 11, 2023, at Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery, 1610 Southwest Main Street, Ankeny. Social time will begin at 5:30 PM followed by a short program at 6:15 and then more social time. Put the date on your calendar and plan to attend and join in this memorable event.
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Danny Nance Thank You
The following note has been received from Sharlene Dunlap: I want to tell you that over the years Danny always looked forward to our socials and he loved being a part of this Rotary family! I hope that you all know how much your prayers and kind words have meant to me! Sharlene - The prayer plant is lovely!!
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Engage Ankeny May 11th
The Rotary Club of Ankeny has reserved a booth at the upcoming "Engage Ankeny Nonprofit Fair" to be held on May 11th at the Ankeny Market Pavillion from 4:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. This is an opportunity for non-profits serving Ankeny to raise awareness of the services they provide and connect with volunteers with opportunities to give back to the community. If you can help set up the booth or take a turn manning the booth please contact Nate Burnham.
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ISU Athletic Director, Pollard Speaks to Packed Crowd
The guest speaker at the noon meeting on Apil 11th was Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. Jamie, in his 18th year leading the Cyclones, is the longest-tenured Director of Athletics in Iowa State history and fourth-longest tenured at their current Power Five institution. He was honored as the 2019 Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). The banquet room was packed with nearly 60 guests in attendance. Jamie touched on many topics regarding Cyclone athletics and Iowa State University including CyTown, NIL, Big 12 Basketball Tournament, recruiting, NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Selection Committee, current competitiveness of many ISU sports teams and more. Thank you Jamie for your leadership at ISU and for speaking at the Rotary Club of Ankeny.    |
2023 "Raise the Stakes for Community"
The Rotary Club of Ankeny's 2023 fundraiser, "Raise the Stakes for Community", was a great success!! This was all made possible due to the involvement of many members for ticket sales, obtaining auction items, and volunteering. Of course, this would not have been possible without the ideas, leadership, and many hours of service by our co-chairs, Laura Luetje and Stacey Koeppen. We cannot thank them enough. The committee would ask that each member send a thank you note to each of their guests and anyone that they obtained an auction item from. Also, if you feel any of your guests have a passion for serving, and you believe they would make a good Rotarian, invite them to attend a meeting as your guest. There are still a couple bills to be received, but it appears our net income will be approximately $85,627 and nearly $10,000 more than the net income realized from our casino night in October, 2021. Here is an estimate of our final numbers. 2021 2023 Ticket Sales & Sponsorships $38,430 $41,425 Donations 600 600 Net 50/50 Raffle 3,750 10,000 Silent Auction 19,650 19,921 Desserts 5,175 4,975 Live Auction 29,350 38,275 Paddle Raisers 19,520 28,390 Total income $117,735 $144,627 Total Expenses 42,010 59,000 Net Income $75,860 $85,627 |
May Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in May: 12th - Damon Miller 26th - Jon Lowman 27th - Jordan Niewoehner |
Welcome Gabe & Shey MooreGabriel and Shevaughn Moore were inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening on April 11th as the club met on the patio at Smokey Row. Both are employed by Action Coach Vanguard. Shey is the Business Development Manager and Gabe is the Firm Owner and CEO of Action Coach Vanguard. Steve Wieneke proposed them for membership. Welcome  |
Hard Working Todd EipperleLooks like Todd Eipperle is working hard while on deployment. These are pictures were taken while he was exploring Petra, Joedan - A wonder of the world. It is also the filming location for the ending scene of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.    |
Branden Converse Selected to President 2025-2026
President Brian Tiernan announced at the noon meeting on March 28th that Brandon Converse has been selected selected to follow Steve SchraderBachar, 2023-2024, and Kent Patterson, 2024-2025, as President of the noon Rotary Club of Ankeny forf the 2025-2026 Rotary year. As the club's President Elect Nominee, Brandon will assume the responsibility for arranging speakers beginning in July 2023. Thank you for agreeing to serve the Club in this capacity and congratulations Brandon!
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Donations Approved in March
The Rotary Board approved the following donation requests at their March meeting: Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa - $500 for a sponsorship of their "Walk For Epilepsy" in Central Iowa to increase awareness of the challenges those with epilepsy face each day and to raise funds to support programs and services for these individuals and their families. CIVITAS - $1,000 sponsorship for the Rotary multi-club program on human trafficking to be held May 2nd. Rotary International Disaster Relief Fund - $500 - The Rotary Foundation supports disaster relief and recovery efforts through grants from the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund. With the recent number of natural disasters around the world, the Club feels a donation to this fund is warranted.
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District 6000 Annual Conference
The Rotary Club of Ankeny now has over 40 members signed up to attend the 2023 District 6000 Annual Conference in West Des Moines. This will be one of three evening events in our district. The West Des Moines Conference will be held on Saturday, April 29th at the Hilton Garden Inn. If you have not signed up yet but would like to attend, contact Nate at nfburnham@gmail.com. The Club will pay the registration fee for you and a guest.
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Rotary Night at the Iowa Cubs
Rotary District 6000 is excited to announce they will be hosting a night of fun and fellowship with the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park on Tuesday, June 13. First pitch will be at 6:38 p.m. Tickets for your family and friends are $13 each, plus ticket order fee. In addition to watching a great baseball game, $5 for each ticket purchased will go towards The Rotary Foundation PolioPlus Fund. It will also be bring your dog to the ballgame and $1 hotdogs night. The link to purchase tickets is: https://fevo.me/iarotarydistrict6000
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CIVITAS - May 2ndThe next CIVITAS, Central Iowa Rotary Club's forum, will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd at 4:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Des Moines. The forum will be focused on "Human Trafficking". Both the noon and evening club's meetings are being cancelled on this day and the Club will pay the registration fee members and guests. Sign up sheets will be available at s Rotary meetings. If you are not able to attend a meeting to sign up contact Marie Kline at marie.kline@kw.com and have her add your name to the list. She will accumulate the registrations and submit them on behalf of the club.
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"Raise The Stakes For Community"
As of April 4th, there are only 10 days until the Club's fundraiser/dinner/auction "Raise the Stakes for Community". We now expect the event to be sold out with 400 guests. Thank you to everyone that bought tickets, tables and sponsorships. It will be great to have every seat filled. If you did not get a ticket purchased but still want to attend, contact Laura Luetje at laura.luetje@ankenylaw.com to see if there may be an opening. Please encourage your guest(s) to visit our wed site at https://bidpartner.net/rotary/ and register their credit card prior to the night of our event. This will allow them to start bididng on the silent auction items and it will also speed up registration that night. We have over $75,000, estimated value, of auction items that have been donated. This includes 24 items that will be sold live and approximately 100 silent auction items. The on-line silent auction is expected to go live the week of April 3rd. Some of the larger items include: A Ride with an Ankeny Police Officer for a Day, St. Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins Premium Tickets, 10-day Service Trip to South Africa, a 4-Night Stay in the Bahamas, a Garden Shed Built by DMACC Trade Students, A Patio Party for Up to 75 Guests on the Roof Top of TOAST, an E-Bike, Lasik Eye Surgery, Chicks Tickets at the Iowa State Fair, a 42 bottle Wine Cooler, Invisalign Treatment for Your Teeth, and more. Registration, the social, and Casino style gaming begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:45. The program and live auction will begin at 8:00 PM. It should be a fun evening!! |
Rotarians Get MarriedTwo Ankeny Rotarians got married last week!! John Biga and Clare Sotrdahl took off for Las Vegas on March 15th and got married there. Jim Ramsey and Kristi Leuthold were married in the Hope Lutheran Chapel in West Des Moines on March 25th. Congratulations to all the newlyweds!!     |
Community Service Grant Ideas NeededEach year the Rotary Club of Ankeny is eligible to apply for a Community Service Grant from District 6000. These grants can be up to $5,000 which must be matched by the club making a total of up to $10,000 available to a local service project. A club can apply for more than one grant if the club wants to split these funds between two or more projects. Ankeny's project for 2022-2023 is to plant 50 trees along the bike trail south of the Ankeny Market Pavilion. Past project have included a potato digger for the AGAPE garden, technology equipment for the new library, equipment for New Horizons Adult Daycare, and equipment for the Ankeny Service Center. Ideas are needed for a grant or two for the 2023-2024 Rotary year, Let a Board member know if you know of a project that you would like to have considered for a grant. The deadline to apply is June 1. To allow time for the application to be completed, a project should be selected soon.
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May Rotary Board Meeting
The Rotary Club of Ankeny's Board meets on the second Thursday of each month. The May Board meeting will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, May 11th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Welcome New MembersTwo new members were inducted into the Noon Rotary Club of Ankeny in March. They were: Jenny Fields, Associate Director Relationship Events for the Alzheimer's Association of Iowa. Jenny contacted the club through the Rotary International website. Sally Schroeder will be her mentor. Jenny was inducted as a new member on March 7th. Nancy Zwickel is a Private Banking Officer at First Interstate Bank. Brad Botos proposed her for membership. She was inducted on March 14.   Welcome Jenny and Nancy!!
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April Rotary Board Meeting
The April Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, April 13th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
April Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in April: 9th - Juan Arias 12th - Neil Fell 18th - Brendan Maher 18th - Diana Tran 20th - Brodey Hanson 22nd -Joe Smeltzer 27th - Bret Lindquist 29th - Heidi Kramer
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Prospective New Members
The Board has approved two applications for membership to the evening club. Shevaughn Moore, Business Development Manager with Action Coach Vanguard and Gabriel Moore, Firm Owner and CEO of Action Coach Vanguard. Steve Wieneke is the proposer. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Welcome New Member Jenny Fields
Jenny Fields is and Associate Director Relationship Events for the Alzheimer's Association of Iowa. Jenny contacted the club through the Rotary International website. Sally Schroeder will be her mentor. Jenny was inducted as a new member of the noon club on March 7th. Welcome Jenny!
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CIVITAS - Save the Date
The next CIVITAS, Central Iowa Rotary Club's forum, will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd at 4:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Des Moines. The forum will be focused again on "Human Trafficking". Both the noon and evening club's meetings are being cancelled on this date and the Club will pay your registration fee to encourage members to attend. More information and registration coming soon but for now "Save the Date" and plan to attend!!
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March is Water & Sanitation Month
The Rotary theme for March, Water and Sanitation, asks us to focus on the life changing improvements that we can make through international projects to provide a more readily available and healthy supply of water to all people. Here is an excerpt from this month’s message by TRF Trustee Chair, Rotarian Ian H.S. Riseley, published in the March edition of "Rotary". “Water is essential for life no matter where we live. Yet many of us take it for granted. Think of all the times today you turned on the tap. About 1 in 4 people in the world have quite a different experience when they do - if they have a tap at all. Today, 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, according to the United Nations. It is heartbreaking that each year, about 300,000 children under age 5 die from diarrheal diseases caused by poor sanitation, poor hygiene, or unsafe drinking water - all preventable circumstances. This is where Rotary comes in. Through your support, The Rotary Foundation provides water and sanitation for countless communities around the globe. Foundational grants have ranged from providing toilets and hygiene education for villages in the Philippines to building infrastructure for year-round access to safe, affordable drinking water in Brazil. The water and sanitation problems that we face are too great for any of us to solve alone. But whether we work with global grant partner districts across the world or with large agencies such as USAID, we are making a difference.” |
38 Days to Fundraiser & Counting
It is now only 38 days until our Club's "Raise The Stakes for Community" fundraiser on April 15th. We can still use a couple additional live and a few more silent auction items. We need to receive these additional auction items by March 28th. This will allow time for these items to be packaged, pictures taken, and entered on our web site. The auction brochure must then be completed and printed. We hope to be able to allow bidding to start on the silent auction items by the week of April 3rd. Also, we still need to sell an additional 150 tickets. If you have not as yet purchased your table or individual tickets please do so as soon as possible by going to our web site, https://bidpartner.net/rotary/.
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Have You Paid Your Rotary Invoice?
As of March 1st, the Club had 31 members that had not as yet paid their third quarter Rotary invoice. The due date for these invoices was February 3rd. If you have not completed this payment, please forward you check to Jim Ramsey, 911 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa 50023 as soon as possible. We would appreciate all of these past due invoices being paid by the end of March. If you are not sure if you have anything due, you can check you account balance on our ClubRunner web site. To check you account, log on to our web site. Then click on "My Account Balance" in the green box under "Edit My Profile". The most recent invoices will be shown or you can click on "All Transactions" to see your complete history.
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CIVITAS - May 2, 2023The Greater Des Moines Rotary Multi-Club Committee is holding its annual CIVITAS event on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The program will continue to focus on Human Trafficking! The Rotary Club of Ankeny has committed to cancel both the noon and evening meetings on May 2nd and pay the registration fee for those attending to allow members to focus on this important event. The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, West Des Moines, with registration at 4:00 and the program from 4:40-6:15. There will be a wonderful line-up of speakers this year including a trafficking survivor, Casey's representative, and a judicial/legislative professional. The speakers will be covering a diverse range of angles on this terrible issue. We will also be sharing the collective impact our clubs have had in the past year in supporting member education and community service to nonprofits working in this field. Register to attend by signing up at a noon or evening meeting.
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Final Call for D-6000 Celebration
Twenty-six members of noon and evening clubs have now registered the 2023 District 6000 Annual Conference, which will be a one evening event at each of three different locations, Carroll, Coralville and West Des Moines. The West Des Moines Conference will be held on Saturday, April 29th at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Club will pay your registration fee of $45 if you attend. If you have not as yet registered, complete the registration form and get it to Nate prior to the deadline for early registration, March 15th so you can join in the "Celebration of Your Accomplishments". Registration forms are available at weekly meetings or contact Nate at nfburnham@gmail.com.
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Prospective New Members
The Board has approved two applications for membership to the noon club. Jenny Fields, Associate Director Relationship/Events for the Alzheimer’s Association has a background in marketing, event planning, fundraising, and networking. Nancy Zwickel is a Private Banking Officer at First Interstate Bank. Tim Cox is the proposer. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Welcome New Member Hans Hoeksema
Hans Hoeksema is Advancement Director for Ankeny Christian Academy and was proposed for membership by Richard Bergez. Prior to coming to ACA last year Hans was the Director of Philanthropy Projects at WesleyLife and before that was manager of Grant Writing at Lutheran Services in Iowa. He was inducted as a new member of the noon club on February 14th. Welcome Hans!
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Imagine Rotary Theme Shirts for Sale
Rotary District 6000 is offering you the chance to purchase a 2022-2023 theme t-shirt. You can wear this shirt proudly when you are doing community service projects or any time. You can order directly from the Wee’s Tees Web Store by going to https://imaginerotary-2.itemorder.com/shop/home/. Shirts are made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The shirts are only $11, plus $1 handling fee for a total of $12 for M, L, & XL - $14 for 2XL. The shirts come in gray or yellow. Let Nate Burnham or Brenda Wieneke know if you would like to order a shirt. District Governor Steve Wieneke will also have some shirts for sale at the Spring Education Assembly and the District 6000 Regional Conferences in April 2023. |
March Rotarian BirthdaysThe following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in March: 7th - Andrew Larson 8th - Craig Block 9th - Trent Murphy 12th - Zane Smith 18th - Stacey Koeppen 23rd - Preston Williams 25th - John Biga 25th - Brandon Converse 27th - Chase Netusil 27th - Raj Reddy
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March Rotary Board Meeting
The March Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, March 9th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
"A Celebration of Your Accomplishments" District 6000 Conference
The 2023 District 6000 Annual Conference, "A Celebration of Your Accomplishments" will be a one evening event at three different locations, Carroll, Coralville and West Des Moines. The West Des Moines Conference will be held on Saturday, April 29th at the Hilton Garden Inn. Registration is now available. For Ankeny Rotarians that would like to attend the conference, your Board has approved paying the $45 registration fee for all members and spouses. Registration forms are available at noon and evening Rotary meetings or go to the District 6000 website and print out a registration form. After completing the registration form, give it to Nate Burnham and he will get you registered using the Club credit card to pay the registration fee. Be sure to get your registration submitted by March 15th so we can take advantage of the "early bird" discount.
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50 Year Celebration, A Great Night!The Rotary Club of Ankeny held celebrated the 50th anniversary of it's being chartered with a gala at the FFA Enrichment Center on Saturday evening January 21st. The Evening included Ankeny Mayor Mark Holm reading a proclamation from the City of Ankeny recognizing the Club for 50 years of service in the Ankeny community, District Governor Steve Wieneke reading a certificate form Rotary International President Jennifer Jones honoring the Club, Nate Burnham providing some club history and recognizing all past president including 23 in attendance, Steve SchraderBachar recognizing 19 new Paul Harris Fellow and 14 that have reached a new level, President Brian Tiernan recognizing Steve SchraderBachar for becoming a Benefactor to the Rotary Foundation, Sally Schroeder announcing the Club's "50 Trees for 50 Years" project and several champagne toasts. Thank you to Sally Schroeder for chairing the 50th anniversary committee, to Tim Cox for acting as our Master of Ceremony and to everyone that contributed to the success of this celebration. Here are a few pictures and more pictures are available on the Club's web site in the "Photo Albums" section on the home page.          |
Todd Eipperle in KuwaitThe following is from Todd Eipperle's Face book page on Janaury28th. "I was honored to serve as guest speaker for Equal Opportunity Leaders Course Graduation Ceremony. I always feel good when I get a chance to influence Soldiers strengthening their leadership tool box."   You can follow Todd's activities on his Facebook page.
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Jamie Pollard to Speak to Ankeny Rotary
Iowa State Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, will be the guest speaker at the noon Rotary Club of Ankeny on April 11th. This will be a great opportunity to invite a prospective new member to attend a Rotary meeting! We anticipate a larger than normal attendance and will need to provide the AG&CC with an estimate of the number planning to attend. Please advise Kent Patterson, Kent.Patterson@edwardjones.com, if you plan to attend and how many guests you will be bringing. Space is limited!!
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2023-2024 Rotary Theme
District Governor elect Dennis Drager and Heidi attended the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, Florida on January 8-12. During the Assembly 2023-2024 Rotary International President-Elect, R. Gordon R. McInally announced his these for the year. It is "Create Hope in the World" When presenting his Theme McInally stated "....these are our plans for the year ahead: that we help bring peace to the world and soothe those afflicted by conflict, and that we help each other and our communities deal with our own internal struggles, and that we end the stigma associated with asking for help. In all these actions, the goal is to create hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts, and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves. Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living. By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world, a more hopeful world. As Rotary’s leaders from all the regions, I urge you to "Create Hope in the World".
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Noon New Member Orientation
The Membership committee will conduct a new member orientation at 11:00 AM prior to the noon meeting on February 28th at the Ankeny Golf & Country Club. All new members are invited to attend and anyone else that may have any questions regarding Rotary and our Club.
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"Raise the Stakes for Community"
Now that the 50th Anniversary Gala is behind us, it's time to concentrate on the Club's 2023 fundraiser, “Raise the Stakes for Community” which will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the FFA Enrichment Center on the campus of DMACC in Ankeny. All members need to plan to attend, buy tickets, (preferably a table of 8), and obtain auction items. We will have 20-22 larger, live auction items and need about 100 items to be sold during the silent auctions. Generally, any restraurant, will provide a gift card and most retail stores will donate an items, for our auction. You just have to ask! Any item, large or small, is acceptable. The evening will be similiar to past years, with everyone purchasing a ticket receiving chips to play the games which will include Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Poker, Three Card Poker and Let It Ride. Complimentary wine and beer will be available throughout the evening and a buffet dinner will be available beginning at 6:30 PM. In addition to a silent auction, there will be a program that will begin at 8:00 PM which will include, "Heads or Tails", dessert auction, paddle raisers, "100 for 100 Raffle" and a live auction. A new feature this year will be the Brazilian Twins performing in the atrium as you play at the tables. They came from a reality in which some days it was hard to smile. Now their desire is to positively impact the world and bring a smile to everyone they encounter. There will also be "Caricature By Steph" available to create a hilarious drawing of your face. Steph loves to make people smile and enjoys the laughter that each drawing brings as it is revealed. And magician, Jonathan May will be strolling to amaze you with close up magical moments. Tickets, $75 each or a table of 8 for $550, and sponsorships may be purchased on-line at https://bidpartner.net/rotary/
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Proclamation from Ankeny Mayor Mark HolmAnkeny Mayor, Mark Holm, recognized the Rotary Club of Ankeny on their 50 years of service to the Ankeny Community prior to the City Council's meeting on January 17th. Mayor Holm then attended the Club's 50th anniversary gala on January 21st and read the proclamation to the club. Congratulations, to the Rotary Club of Ankeny!!    |
Prospective New Member Hans Hoeksma
The Board has approved an application for membership to the noon club from Hans Hoeksema. Hans is Advancement Director for Ankeny Christian Academy and is being proposed for membership by Richard Bergez. Prior to coming to ACA last year Hans was the Director of Philanthropy Projects at WesleyLife and before that was manager of Grant Writing at Lutheran Services in Iowa. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Welcome New MembersTwo new members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Ankeny on January 24th. Preston Williams, Jedi Wizard, was added as an additional member to noon corporate member Jul's Design and Al Martine joined the evening club. Al is an IT Consultant/Project Manager with Central Scribe in Ankeny.   |
Ankeny Recognized by RI President Jennifer JonesDistrict Governor Steve Wieneke received a certificate from Rotary International President Jennifer Jones honoring the Rotary Club of Ankeny for "50 Years of Membership". Steve read the certificate during the Club's 50 Year Gala on January 21st and then presented it to Club President Brian Tiernan.   |
AGAPE Garden Growing & Feeding Others!Craig Crist provided us with a report on the total harvest for the past year at AGAPE Garden. Production was down this year due to a potato beetle and less than desired rain, but the Garden still produces 7,000 pounds. This makes the total harvest for the past 13 years 185,104 pounds. From 2002, the first year of the Garden through 2009 the production was not documented. Craig also has advised us that he is stepping down from Co-Leading the management of the Garden after 14 years. Thank you Craig for your hard work and dedication to the Garden. It is impossible to imagine how many hungry mouths have been fed from the Garden and your efforts. This is Craig's favorite picture taken at the garden with his beloved granddaughter Fiona and his canine companion Gracie.
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Save the Date for Annual Meeting
The date for the Rotary Club of Ankeny's "Annual Meeting and Gavel Passing" has been set for Tuesday evening June 27th. Save the date on your calendar and plan to attend to witness the passing of the gavel, perfect attendance awards, "Rotarian of the Year", "Outstanding New Member of the Year", and more.
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February Rotary Board MeetingThe February Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, February 9th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
February Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in February: 2nd - Mike Goedeke 4th - Jim Blessman 6th - Doug Parker 8th - Terry Peter 10th - Zeb Goen 12th - Chris Baker 17th - Cathy McDaniel 17th - Andy Schnurr 26th - Steve SchraderBachar
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Prospective New MembersThe Board has approved two new applications for membership. Juhl's Design has applied to add Preston Williams to their Corporate Membership. Preston's title is Jedi Wizard. Al Martine is applying to join the Evening Satellite Club. He is an IT Consultant/Project Manager with Central Scribe in Ankeny. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member.
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Rotary PolioPlus Night at the Iowa Wolves
The annual PolioPlus night at the Iowa Wolves will be Saturday, February 4th at 7:00 PM at Wells Fargo Arena. The Wolves will be playing the Austin Spurs and promos that night include Country Night with a post-game concert and $2 Beer night with a koozie giveaway. The tickets are discounted to $20 each with $10 from each refunded to the Club to be donated to PolioPlus. Tickets may be purchased online at https://fevo.me/polioplus23 or use the signup sheet to indicate how many tickets you would like, and the Club will place a group order and charge the tickets on your April quarterly invoice. Use the signup sheet if you would like to purchase tickets to be donated. If ordering your tickets on-line, be sure, when checking out, to indicate you are with the Rotary Club of Ankeny. Alex Barker, Iowa Wolves Account Manager, plans to attend our noon meeting and Ed Arnold, NW Des Moines Rotary Club, the Evening meeting on January 3rd to provide more details and answer any questions. Each dollar donated will be matched 2 for 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation resulting in each ticket purchased providing 50 children with the polio vaccination.
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Welcome 2023!! |
A Fun Rotary Holiday SocialApproximately 75 Rotarians and guests attended the Club's holiday social at Briarwood Golf Club on the evening of December 13th. Entertainment included a brass choir from the Ankeny Community Band, an appearance by "Bad Santa", and everyone playing "JEPROTARY". Thank you to everyone that helped plan the social and especially to Marie Kline, Cathy McDaniel, Cathy Maher, and Shannon Maher. Also, thank you to Jeff Dammam for arranging the brass choir.     |
Rotarians Bell Ringing
Ankeny Rotarians rang the bell for the Salvation Army at both HyVees in Ankeny on Saturday December 10th from 10 AM to 8 PM. At the Ankeny Blvd. HyVee, $929.04 was collected and $761.92 was collected at the Oralabor HyVee for a total of $1,690.96. In addition, the club had agreed to match the amount collected up to $1,000 making the total raised $2,690.96. Major Butch Frost attended the Club's noon meeting on December 20th to accept the Club's check and thank the Club for helping to ring the bell. Thank you to each member and family that helped ring the bell and a special thank you to Anne Porter for organizing this service project.         |
Todd Eipperle UpdateTodd Eipperle departed Ankeny on December 5th to meet up with the 143d Sustainment Command Expeditionary (ESC) in Orlando Florida. The unit consists of Soldiers representing 32 states including California, New York, Iowa and Puerto Rico. The143d ESC Soldiers will provide mission command, combat support, and combat service support in supply, maintenance, transportation, and field services while coordinating the tactical operations of the rotational, functional, and sustainment brigades. Additionally, they will serve as the forward operational command post for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command and be critical to supporting three named operations in the U.S. Army Central Command Area of Responsibility: Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve, and Enduring Sentinel. Then on December 8th, the 143rd got a flight on a plane donated by the New England Patriots, to Fort Hood, Texas mobilezation base camp. They then deployed and arrived in Kuwait in late December. Looks like they had quite a feast for Christmas. You can follow Todd on his Facebook page. His address in Kuwait is: SGM Eipperle, Todd 1 TSC / 143 ESC / G6 APO, AE 09366 United States          |
January Rotary Board MeetingThe January Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, Janaury 12th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
January Rotarian BirthdaysThe following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in January: 6th - Pennington, Jack 15th - Lanning, Jenna 19th - THE ROTARY CLUB OF ANKENY - 50th Anniversary! 20th - Schroeder, Sally 21st - Matter, Nicole 27th - Damman, Jeff 28th - Spahr, Roger 31st - Gocke, Jim |
Oh What Fun! Jingle & Mingle with Ankeny RotaryNearly 70 members and guests have registered for the Rotary Club of Ankeny's annual Rotary Holiday social to be held on Tuesday, December 13th at Briarwood Golf Club. Each member may bring one guest. The cost per person attending is $25 that will be charged to the member on the club's January invoices. If you you have not register yet, contact Nate at nfburnham@gmail.com, for assistance. The deadline to register is Tuesday, December 6th.  |
2023 Fundraiser - "Raise the Stakes for Community"
The Rotary Club of Ankeny’s 2023 fundraiser “Raise the Stakes for Community” will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023. It will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center on the campus of DMACC in Ankeny. The evening will begin with appetizers and professional Las Vegas style gaming tables open for action at 5:00 PM. Everyone purchasing a ticket will receive chips to play the games which will include Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Poker, Three Card Poker and Let It Ride. Complimentary wine and beer will be available throughout the evening and a buffet dinner will be available beginning at 6:30 PM. In addition to a silent auction, there will be a program that will begin at 8:00 PM which will include, "Heads or Tails", dessert auction, paddle raisers, "100 for 100 Raffle" and a live auction. A highlight of the evening will be the Brazilian Twins performing in the atrium as you play at the tables. They came from a reality in which some days it was hard to smile. Now their desire is to positively impact the world and bring a smile to everyone they encounter. There will also be "Caricature By Steph" available to create a hilarious drawing of your face. Steph loves to make people smile and enjoys the laughter that each drawing brings as it is revealed. And magician, Jonathan May will be strolling to amaze you with close up magical moments. All members are encouraged to purchase tickets, attend this event, donate bottles of wine for the Wall of Wine, and help obtain auction items. Tickets will be $75 each or a table of 8 is $550 and will be available for purchase on-line in a couple weeks.. |
50th Anniversary Gala
Invitations have gone out for the Club's "50th Anniversary Gala" to be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the FFA Enrichment Center. All current members, past presidents, several District 6000 and City of Ankeny dignitaries have been invited. The dress for this event will be semi-formal. Members should have received their invitation by email and need to use the RSVP card to provide the name of their guest, if any, and their meal preference, and return it with your check. They can also bring their checkbook to a Rotary meeting and turn in their RSVP and check there!! |
Rotary Float in Rose Parade
Rotary International will have a float in the Rose Bowl Parade for the 43nd consecutive year. The theme for the 2023 Rose Parade is "Turning the Corner" - celebrating rising above – alone, or with family, friends and community. The theme for Rotary's float is "Serving With Imagination and Hope" and will highlight the progress of Rotary and its partners in our quest to help educate people around the world. Tune onto the Rose parade and watch for the Rotary International float.
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Rotarians to Ring Bell For the Salvation Army.jpg)
Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Ankeny have been ringing the bell in each of the past 5 years during the holiday season for the Salvation Army. Club members will be ringing the bell again this year at both HyVee locations (north and south) on Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. The Club's Board has agreed to match all donations collected during this time up to $1,000! Contact Anne Porter, anneporterrn@gmail.com, with any questions or if you would like to work a one-hour shift (or more). This is a fun activity, counts as a make-up, and you can bring your children and spouse!
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Prospective New Corporate Member - Karl's Chevrolet
The Board has approved an application for a corporate membership to the noon club from Karls Chevrolet. Karl's has been a major sponsor for the Club's fundraiser for several years. Tony Mills, Marketing Director, will be the Primary Contact and Joseph Smeltzer, Sales and Leasing Professional, will be an additional member. They are being proposed for membership by Laura Luetje. Comments regarding these proposed members may be directed to any Board member.
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Welcome New Member Zeb Goen
Zeb Goen was inducted into the Ankeny Evening Rotary Club on November 22nd. Zeb is a Software Design Consultant with Creative Cloud Lab, L.L.C.. |
Rotary Club of Ankeny Recognized by Rotary Foundation During Rotary District 6000's Foundation Dinner on October 21st. The Rotary Club of Ankeny was recognized for our contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Of more than 36,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide Ankeny was recognized as one of only 4,500 clubs worldwide to become a 100% Foundation Giving Club, one of only 3,900 clubs worldwide to attain status as an "Every Rotarian, Every Year" club, and one of only 1,530 clubs to achieve Top Three Highest in per Capita Annual Giving honors in their district.
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Happy Hour Honor's Todd EipperleUS Army Reserve Sergeant Major Todd Eipperle will be deployed to Kuwait for one year beginning on December 4, 2022. Todd will serve with the143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), U.S. Army Reserve under the U.S. Central Command. This will be Todd's third deployment. From May 2010 to November 2011 as an Iowa National soldier, Todd deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th infantry Division, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to an Afghan National Army embedded training team to help mentor Afghan police and military leadership. On July 9, 2011, two weeks before he was scheduled to return home, Todd was driving one of two vehicles in Afghanistan's Panhshir Province, when they were approached by an Afghan security person who started shooting and killed both the driver of the other vehicle and a civilian passenger. Todd got out of his vehicle and returned fire, killing the attacker however he was shot in the shoulder and near the knee. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, with valor, for his actions. Todd was also deployed from March 2003 to May 2004 to Iraq with the 234th Signal Battalion, Iowa National Guard, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom The Club's "Happy Hour" social with noon & evening club members at B&B Theaters on November 8th was converted to a deployment party for Todd. The club purchased a party package including an hour of bowling and the party room. Thirty-seven members and guests were present to wish Todd well and to give him a proper Rotary send off. A highly decorated bowling pin was available for everyone to sign to wish Todd a safe and successful deployment.    The winners of the bowling prizes were, Kent Patterson - "Highest Bowling Score", Kristofer Orth - "Gutter - Ball?? - Talk??", Patty Munguia - "Fanciest Bowler".     Thank you to Cathy Maher for making arrangements for the party including the cake and decorating the bowling pins.
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Evening Club Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
The Rotary Club of Ankeny launched a Satellite Evening Club with the induction of three members on November 20, 2012. The first inductees were Kristofer Orth, Steve Wieneke, and Amanda Rosmann. Also, Karl Koedam had been inducted into the noon Club on Nov. 13th but soon transferred to the Evening Group and Chad Sorenson joined the group on December 4th. They became the core original group of the Evening Club. Only Kristofer and Steve are still members. Amanda, resigned after learning she was expecting a baby, Karl a job change, and Chad due to family obligations. But the club slowly added other new members and now, 10 years later, has 31 active members.
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"50th Anniversary Moment" - Rotarian of the Year
The Rotary Club of Ankeny is now one month from completing 50 years of service to the Ankeny Community and will be celebrating with a gala on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the FFA Enrichment Center. Here is some history of the Rotary Club of Ankeny's "Rotarian of The Year": During the Board meeting on September 2, 1980, Ben Norman proposed a plan to recognize one outstanding member of the Club each year as the "Rotarian of the Year". He said this should help to develop a spirit of closeness internally and good public relations externally. In 1981, Milt Anun was recognized as the Club's first recipient of this award. It was felt it was only right to recognize him for all he did to get the Rotary Club of Ankeny chartered and having served as the first President of the Club. He was also made him the Club's first Paul Harris Fellow. Each year since 1981, the Club has recognized a member as the Rotarian of the Year and in four years, two members have been recognized as co-recipients. A total of 46 Rotarians have been recognized. Twenty-two of these recipients are still members of the Club today. Only one member has been recognized twice, Gerry Bair in 1995 and again in 2005.
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Board Approves Donation Requests.jpg)
During their November meeting, the following donation requests were approved:
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December Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in December: 1st - Patty Munguia 2nd - Chuck Stewart 3rd - Sherry Kulbalsky 3rd - Scott Port 12th - Rich Job 12th - Sharon Winkel 14th - Tim Cox 15th - Dylan Dyer 16th - Doug Ripley 18th - Cathy Maher 19th - Richard Bergez 21st - Doug Beech |
December Rotary Board Meeting
The December Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, December 8th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
November Rotary Board Meeting
The November Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, November10th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Rotary Halloween Guests
Queen Elizabeth II, AKA Sally Schroeder, and the Fireball Man, AKA Nate Burnham, made guest appearances at the noon Rotary meeting on October 25th. They were a few days early for Halloween, so they did not get any treats.
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"Oh What Fun! Jingle & Mingle with Ankeny Rotary"
Registration is now open for the annual Rotary Holiday social, “Oh What Fun! Jingle & Mingle with Ankeny Rotary”, to be held on Tuesday, December 13th at Briarwood Golf Club, 3405 NE Trilien Drive. There will be a social hour beginning at 5:45 with dinner to be served at 6:30. Each member may bring one guest. The cost per person attending is $25 that will be charged to the member on the club's January invoices. Each member should have received an invitation by email with registration information. If you did not receive this invitation contact Nate at nfburnham@gmail.com, for assistance.
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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's New Commitment
On October 16, 2022, at the World Health Summit, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced it will commit $1.2 billion to support efforts to end all forms of polio globally. The announcement was made ahead of a key pledging moment that was co-hosted by Germany and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) on October 18. The new financial commitment will support implementation of the GPEI’s Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026, which aims to end wild poliovirus in the last two endemic countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan—and stop outbreaks of new variants of the virus. The foundation has contributed nearly $5 billion to GPEI. “Polio eradication is within reach. But as far as we have come, the disease remains a threat. Working together, the world can end this disease,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “The fight against polio has done far more than protect children against polio. It has played a key role in strengthening health systems,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Polio workers have been especially vital in responding to COVID-19 and reaching communities about the importance of vaccination against preventable diseases.” The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is a public-private partnership led by national governments with six core partners; Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. |
Rotary Foundation Recognizes Rotary Club of Ankeny
At the District 6000 Foundation dinner on October 22nd, the Rotary Club of Ankeny was recognized for our contributions to the Rotary Foundation. During the 2021-2022 Rotary year our club made contributions to the Foundation of $23,055 to the Annual fund and $8,392 to Polio Plus for a total of $31,447 which equals $305 per member. We were also recognized as a 100% Foundation Giving Club. Rich Job attended the banquet and brought the following letter back to the Club. On behalf of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, please accept this special 2021-2022 banner as an expression of our sincere appreciation for your membership's generous support of the Annual Fund. Your club is distinguished from more than 36,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide as being one or more of the following:
Please convey our gratitude to every member of your club for their generous gifts to our Rotary Foundation. Your support enables Rotary members to tackle the world's toughest challenges both in your community and across the globe. Congratulations and thank you for making The Rotary Foundation a continued priority in your club. Sincerely, Eric Schmelling, Chief Philanthropy Officer, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
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Evening Club Completes Service ProjectsThe Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening Satellite Club met on Tuesday, October 18 for two different community service projects. One group went to the Ankeny Service Center and did some painting, recycling, and cleaning. The other group did yard cleanup at a local resident's home. Thank you, Ankeny Rotarians, for volunteering in our community!      |
Deployment Party for Todd Eipperle - November 8th
US Army Reserve Sergeant Major Todd Eipperle has been advised he will be deployed to Kuwait for one year beginning on December 1, 2022. We would like to use the Club's social with noon & evening club members at B Roll Bowling @ B&B Theaters (1508 SW Market St.) on Tuesday November 8th as a deployment party for Todd. The party will begin at 5:30 pm. and for those that want to bowl, bowling will begin at 6:00 pm. If you wish to bowl and have not as yet registered, please send an email to Cathy Maher, cathymaher451@gmail.com, to let her know how many lanes to reserve. We will also be reserving their party room for when we are done bowling and for those not bowling. Please plan to attend and help give Todd a proper Rotary send off.
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2023 Fundraiser - April 15, 2023
The Club's next "Raise the Stakes for Community" fundraiser will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center on April 15, 2023. Now is the time to begin gathering auction items. Remember experience items and creative ideas make the event extra special! Think about your wish list or dream item/event….have you seen something at a recent event? We have some holes to fill from last year's items, so we need to start thinking now! Let Laura or Stacey know if you have contacts for items such as a limo, trips/experience travel, professional sporting or event tickets, concert tickets, vehicle lease, or any other item you think would make a great live auction item. We have reached out to some new larger sponsors (in addition to Polk County and Prairie Meadows) and we are waiting to hear back and we already have Lasik eye surgery confirmed and 12 live auction desserts, courtesy of Kathy Gocke, Foggy Bottom Farms and Sweet to Eat Bakery. Doug Beech and Brian Tiernan will be in touch soon with the club competition and rounding up ticket sales and additional sponsorships. Keep your eyes out for the new promo materials - our new signature color is green and tell your friends to save the date. New this year will be the Brazilian Twins (high energy fiddler entertainers), additional magic, caricature artists, roaming photographer, and a new photo booth experience! Let’s make this the best one yet!! Our next fundraiser planning meeting will be November 8 at 11:00 am at Ankeny Golf & Country Club. Please join us if you are willing to volunteer to help with the Event. We need everyone's help. . Laura Luetje & Stacey Koeppen |
November Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in November: 3rd - Steve Wieneke 4th - Nate Burnham 8th - Julie Mangels 11th - Laura Luetje 12th - Jim Foreman 25th - Jan Franck 25th - Del Mohler 26th - Kathy Sibbel 29th - Darius Potts
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Prospective New Members
The Board has approved three new applications for membership. Juhl's Design/QB Studios has submitted an application to add Josh Finch, "da finci", and John Tompkins, "awesomeness advisor", to their corporate membership. Josh will be the Primary Contact. Zeb Goen is applying to join the Evening Satellite Club. He is a Software Design Consultant with Creative Cloud Lab, L.L.C.. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Pints & Pumpkins
On Saturday, October 8th, there was a special event held at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion. It was called "Pints & Pumpkins" and was a special fall Farmer's Market. The Evening Rotary Club of Ankeny had a booth at the event. Over 300 free books were passed throughout the evening. They also had a PLINKO game that the children could play and win prizes. A free will donation to the food pantry at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church raised $360 which will go to their food pantry. This was a great service project for literacy, as well as food insecurity, which are two of Rotary District Governor Steve Wieneke's initiatives this year. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with this event.
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Prospective New Members - Bradley Butin & Sherry Kubalsky
The Board has approved two new applications for membership. B & B Theaters has applied to add Bradley Butin to their Corporate Membership. Bradley has been with the theaters for several years and is now assuming the position of Marketing and Events Coordinator. Sherry Kubalsky is applying to join the Evening Satellite Club. She has spoken to both the noon and the evening club in the past several months. She was the author of children’s books and donates the sales proceeds to the “Save the Rain” project. Comments regarding these prospective new members may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Iowa State Rotary TailgateOn September 17th, prior to ISU defeating Ohio by the score of 43-10, Ankeny Rotarians prepared for the game with a tailgate in the parking lot. Since it was an early game, the snacks included an egg casserole, donuts, and sausage. Drinks included "Cowboy Coffee", mimosas and Bloody Mary's. No one minded the few sprinkles, and everyone enjoyed the pregame festivities. Thanks to Todd Eipperle for organizing the tailgate.     |
Rotary Happy HoursThe September Happy Hour for the Ankeny noon and evening groups was held at the Uptown Garage on September 13th.     Happy Hour socials for the noon and evening groups are held on the second Tuesday of each month. The next Happy Hour will be on October 11th at Benchwarmer's (705 S. Ankeny Blvd.) beginning at 5:30 pm. Cathy McDaniel will lead the group in a "Speed Meeting" activity. |
Second Rotary/ISU Tailgate - October 8th
The second Rotary/ISU tailgate this year will be Saturday, October 8th when the Cyclones play Kansas State at Jack Trice Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM and the tailgate will begin at 1:00 PM. Look for the blue Rotary tent in parking lot A4. All Rotarians, family, and guests are welcome to attend. Some snacks and beverages will be provided but you are welcome to bring your favorite drink and snack to share if you would like. Go Cyclones!! |
Welcome Back - Tracy Frette
Tracey Frette is a Senior Mortgage Lender with LSB. She was previously a member of the Club from 2018 to 2020 but resigned in 2020 due to the pandemic and her work load that did not allow her to attend meetings. She was inducted back into the Club by President Tiernan at the noon meeting on September 27th. Welcome back Tracy!!
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Rotary Foundation Minute - Programs of Scale
In response to Rotary International’s focus on increasing its impact, and mobilizing networks in order to create lasting solutions, TRF created Programs of Scale to support Rotary member-led, evidence-based programs with demonstrated success. Each year, Programs of Scale will support a competitive grant process resulting in one award of $2 million from TRF that is distributed over a three-to five-year period to a club -or district-sponsored program showing success and readiness to expand to help more people in more places. TRF $2,000,000 Programs of Scale Recipient for this year, is The Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria. Aimed at reducing the maternal and neonatal mortality rates in four Nigerian states by 25%, the grant is a collaboration of the following entities: Rotary Districts 1860 (Germany); 9110, 9125, 9141 and 9142 (Nigeria); the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health; Nigerian Federal and State Ministries of Health; Medical Associations and Community Leaders. The $2 million grant will enable the program to provide education and training for quality care, knowledge of healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies and full adoption of the national system for death surveillance and response. In addition, the grant will expand health education for families as well as access to quality clinical care for pregnant women, mothers and babies. |
Packing Meals From the HeartlandThe Evening group completed a service project of packaging meals for Meals from the Heartland on the evening of September 20th. President Magner presented a check to Meals From the Heartland in the amount of $500. This will cover the cost of the ingredients for the 44 boxes with 36 meals in each for a total of 1584 meals.    |
"50th Anniversary Moment" - Attendance
The Rotary Club of Ankeny is now 3 months from completing 50 years of service to the Ankeny Community and will be celebrating with a gala on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the FFA Enrichment Center. Here is a moment from the Rotary Club of Ankeny: Attendance at Rotary meetings was very important when the club was first chartered. At a Board meeting on December 15, 1975, the Board adopted a policy to strictly enforce the following two attendance rules: "Membership will be terminated if a member has four consecutive unexcused absences which are not made up." and "Membership will be terminated if attendance, including make-ups and excused absences, falls below 60% for any 6-month period." Any member who missed three consecutive meetings were to receive a letter or telephone call reminding them of the four-meeting rule. The Board was also concerned about too many "early birds" - members not staying for the whole meeting. They raised the fine for leaving a meeting early, not staying for at least 2/3 of the meeting, from 25 cents to $1.00 and agreed to a limit of one early bird per member per month. Another sign of the significance the Club put on attendance was in each weekly newsletter the percentage of members attending meetings year to date was published as well as a section called "We Missed You!" that named the members that were not at the previous week's meeting and another section that listed the members with "100% Attendance" for the year.
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October Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in October: 5th - Mary Cochran 12th - Marie Kline 20th - Kristofer Orth 22nd - Melisa Cox 24th - Shar Dunlap 24th - Brenda Wieneke 27th - Mark Densmore 29th - Renee Potts 30th - John Foster Happy Birthday Rotarians!!
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October Rotary Board Meeting
The October Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, October 13th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
Prospective New Member - Tracy Frette
The Board has approved an application to add Tracy Frette to the Corporate Membership of Lincoln Savings Bank. Tracey is a Senior Mortgage Lender with LSB and was previously a member of the Club from 2018 to 2020. She resigned in 2020 due to the pandemic and her work that did not allow her to attend meetings. Comments regarding this prospective new member may be forwarded to any Board member. |
"50th Anniversary Moment" - Rotary Meeting Locations
The Rotary Club of Ankeny is now 4 months from completing 50 years of service to the Ankeny Community and will be celebrating with a gala on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the FFA Enrichment Center. Here is a moment from the history of Rotary and the Rotary Club of Ankeny: The first meetings of the Rotary Club of Ankeny were held at the "Trader's Inn" (Later Elwell's and now where The Attic is located.) on Highway 69. The Club then met at the Best Western Inn from 1983 until moving to Elwell's in June, 1986. In June 1993, the Club moved to The Boulevard and then met for year from 1995-1996 at Wallaby's Down Under before moving to Duffy's. In December 2001, the Board discussed changing meeting locations and decided it needed to be a Club decision. They decided to be "Roving Rotarians" for the month of January, 2002, as they moved each week from the Best Western, Golden Correl, Happy Chef, and Pintasse. An evaluation form was developed to rate each restaurant on the quality of food, acoustics and accommodations, parking, service and accessibility. The Pintasse received the highest rating, but a final decision was tabled until the Club had a chance to meet at Benchwarmers. The Pintasse received the highest rating, and it was decided to move the weekly meetings to this location beginning in March, 2002. Subsequently, Pintasse decided not to host Rotary meetings and the Ankeny Golf & Country Club offered to accommodate Rotary Club meetings but on Tuesdays instead of Monday. The first noon meeting for the club at the AG&CC was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2002, and the Club has been meeting there ever since.
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Save the Date - Christmas Social - December 13th
The date has been set for the annual Rotary Christmas social, for both the noon and evening groups. It will be held on Tuesday, December 13th at Briarwood Golf Club, 3405 NE Trilein Drive. More details will be coming but put the date on your calendar and plan to attend.
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Rotary Literacy Committee At Work
The Club's Literacy Committee is working on several projects. They helped the Kirkendall Library kick off their summer reading program, several members are putting books in book boxes around town, and they are supplying free books to the Ankeny Service Center for their clients as shown in this picture. Donated books are always appreciated as they keep sharing with children and families around town. If any member has a book box in their neighborhood, they are encouraged to add books to them. This helps fit in to the Club's literacy goal that is part of Rotary international. If any member has books in good condition they would like to donate to this project, they can bring them to a meeting and give them to Kathy Sibbel.
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Prospective New Member - Brendan Maher
The Board has approved an application for membership into the Evening Group of the Rotary Club of Ankeny from Brendan Maher. Brendan is a Senior Account Manager with FuFeng USA. His responsibility is business development in the upper Midwest. Brendan works out of his home in Ankeny and his primary states are Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. FuFeng USA is a global leading bio-fermentation company manufacturing products that serve the animal nutrition market. Fufeng USA is a subsidiary of Fufeng Group Limited which is based in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. They are in the process of establishing their headquarters in Grand Forks, N.D. and have offices in the Chicago metro area. Comments regarding this prospective new member may be forwarded to any Board member. |
Evening Group Harvests 588 Pounds at AGAPESeveral members of the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening Satellite Group met on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Agape Garden for a community service project. It was a small group, but a mighty group. They harvested 345 pounds of potatoes, 85 pounds of pears, and picked peppers and squash. The total was 588 pounds! Great job, Rotarians!    |
September Rotary Board Meeting
The September Board meeting for the Rotary Club of Ankeny will be held at Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. When: Thursday, September 8th Time: 12:00 PM Where: Wig & Pen, 2005 South Ankeny Blvd. All members are welcome, and it counts as a make-up! |
District 6000 One Summit Educational Session
District 6000's Fall education event, One Summit Educational Session, is to energize and boost a club's growth, service and public interaction. Rotarians are Leaders! Engage fresh new thinking and take away tools to strengthen membership, public image and involvement in Rotary Foundation programs. This learning experience is available for all Rotarians! This year ONE SUMMIT will be held virtually from 6:30-8:00 pm on Thursday, September 29th. Advanced registration is required. To register click this link: https://rotary6000.org/event/one-rotary-summit-1/ Ankeny's Evening group is planning to have a watch party at Juan & Patty's home. Please let Juan or Patty know if you would like to join in the watch. |
Jacquelyn Duke Becomes PHF + 3
Evening group President Jeff Magner announced that Jacquelyn Duke had achieved the level of Paul Harris Fellow + 3 during their meeting on August 23rd. Congratulations Jacquelyn and thank your support of the Rotary Foundation!
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Beautiful Evening For a Picnic!The Rotary Club of Ankeny Noon and Evening Satellite Group met on Tuesday evening, August 9, 2022, for their annual picnic at Sunrise Park. There was a great turnout of approximately 60 members and guests on a beautiful evening! Brian Tiernan, President of the Rotary Club of Ankeny, welcomed the members and guests. The picnic was a potluck with the club providing hamburgers and hot dogs. Entertainment included the smashing of a pinata by the kids.     |
RI Selects 2024-2025 President
Stephanie A. Urchick, of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2024-25. Since current President, Jennifer Jones is the first women to serve as Presidnet of Rotary International, Stephanie will be just the second woman to hold that position. She will be declared the president-nominee on October 1st, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
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District Conference In West Des Moines April 29, 2023"Save the Date", April 29 for the 2023 District 6000 Conference. Ankeny Rotarian and the 2022-2023 District Governor Steve Wieneke and First Lady Brenda Wieneke are planning to hold three one-day sessions instead of one three-day conference. This will reduce travel time, cost, and the time commitment for Rotarians from across the District to attend one of the sessions and join in "A Celebration of Your Accomplishments". The sessions will be on April 15th in Carroll, April 22 in Coralville, and April 29th in West Des Moines. Rotarians are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, but it is assumed Ankeny Rotarians will want to attend the session on April 29th. Here are ten exciting reasons to attend one of the conferences:  Volunteers will be needed for several committees to assist with the conferences. If you are interested in serving on a committee, contact Steve at swieneked6k@gmail.com. |
Rotary Supports New Horizon Adult Day CareLisa Noble was a guest of Terry Peter's at the noon Rotary meeting on August 2nd. She was introduced as the new Executive Director of New Horizon Adult Day Center. The Club will be a sponsor for New Horizons' annual golf outing and presented Lisa with a check for $1,000 for this sponsorship. Dave Mercer also presented her with a plaque recognizing the support the Club has given New Horizons for the past several years including a District Community Service grant this past year to assist them with their relocation into their new facility.    |
DG Wieneke Makes Official Visit to AnkenyAnkeny Rotarian and District Governor Steve Wieneke and his wife Brenda made their official visit to both the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Ankeny and the Evening Satellite group on August 2nd. In recognition one of the projects they would like to emphasis, literacy, Steve presented President Brian Tiernan with a book for him to give to someone in need. He challenged the club group to complete a project with an emphasis on literacy and/or food insecurity in the next year. The group thanked Steve and Brenda for their presentation and all they do for the club with a gift basket and a beautifully decorated cake. He also presented Brian with a banner from the Iowa City AM club that he was given when he made his official visit to their club.    |
Patty Munguia Becomes Paul Harris Fellow +2
Evening group President Jeff Magner recognized Anna Patricia Munguia at the August 2nd meeting for becoming a Paul Harris Fellow +2. She received this recognition as a result of her husband, Juan Arias, donating recognition points in her name. Congratulations Patty and thank you Juan.
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September Rotarian Birthdays
The following Ankeny Rotarians will celebrate birthdays in September: 3rd - Ann Wright 6th - Ron Matthews 7th - Teri Crist 7th - Tom Friedman 7th - Mark Martin 7th - Scott Obstarczyk 8th - Kent Patterson 9th - Jacquelyn Duke 13th - Adam Boeding 15th - Doug Wright 16th - Todd Wehr 20th - Kevin Brooks 20th - Lewis Todtz 25th - Jim Hudson 25th - Amber Weger 29th - Tm Hawkins 29th - Anne Porter
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Evening Group Welcomes DG Wieneke
District Governor Steve Wieneke and his wife Brenda made their official visit to their home Rotary club, the Evening satellite group of the Rotary Club of Ankeny, on August 2nd. Steve presented President Jeff Magner with a book for him to give to someone in need and challenged the group to complete a project with an emphasis on literacy and food insecurity. The group thanked Steve and Brenda for their presentation and all they do for the club with a gift basket and a beautifully decorated cake.    |
Thank You From Salvation Army
Last month, the Board approved a $1,000 donation to assist the Salvation Army with remodeling a bus that was given to them by DART. The bus will be used to serve people with needs outside the Des Moines Metro area who are unable to travel to Des Moines to access help. This will enable more people to be served. The following thank you has been received from John N. Foster, Donor Relations Director: "Thank you so much for generously donating $1,000 to The Salvation Army's mobile social services program. You are helping provide a life changing service that will assist people transitioning from dependence to independence. People facing challenges need living assistance in many forms and, above all, the hope The Salvation Army abundantly provides. The bus will bring all this and much more to those most in need. You are providing a hand up to people with your greatly appreciated and valued support. This important work is only possible with your help; thanks to you, the homeless, the hungry and people rebuilding their lives will receive the help they need. Please thank all who took part."
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Evening Group Completes Service ProjectThe Evening Group completed a community service project on and off site on July 19th. They first met at Mistress Brewing and brought food for the food boxes around town. Then some members delivered the food and placed it in the boxes while other members repaired a "Little Free Library" that needed a new roof. The new roof was put on and painted it Rotary colors - blue and yellow. Thank you to all members that brought food and helped with this project.     |