I would like to "thank" the team members who researched, discussed and determined what we think will provide timely, thorough, efficient communications with all District 6000 Rotarians.
We hope you enjoy the new format but most of all that every club submits articles to share with your fellow Rotarians.
Likewise, always feel free to offer suggestions to improve the newsletter and district communications.
One thing that is certain in life is CHANGE. As Rotarians we have adapted to many changes over the years in our organization. Because we are motivated by our motto of “service above self”, we have moved forward with change to maintain our focus of “doing good in the world and in our communities”. Our communication with members will now adapt to new methods and this is our first monthly digital communication with our District 6000 Rotarians.
The Corning Rotary Club was pleased to present a check in the amount of $2000 for Polio Plus to John Ockenfels, District Polio Chair, at the Rotary Foundation Reception in Creston on October 27th . Presenting the check was Nancy Turner, Foundation Chair for the Corning Rotary Club.
Rotary International is very focused on eradicating Polio. We are down to 20 cases fiscal YTD through August 30th. John, Peter and Ed have done more than their part. Therefore, the District 6000 Board of Directors is issuing a challenge to the 66 Rotary Clubs, 9 Extension Clubs, and 3 Rotaract Clubs. The board has committed up to $10,000 as a $1 - $1 match for any Rotary Clubs and/or individuals who donate to the “Flight Around the Atlantic.” As with all Polio Plus donations the Gates Foundation is matching $2 - $1 for this flight also.
Imagine, three guys, flying a small piston and propeller driven, single-engine airplane, who shared a dream of flying around the world to help bring about the end of polio. What could happen? Never in our wildest dreams did we realize the excitement, success, and goodwill we would achieve in support of Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to End Polio Now.
The success of both Flight To End Polio missions, Around the World and Circle the Atlantic can be greatly contributed to the inspiration and leadership of Rotarians who learned of, and then embraced, this crazy dream of flying a small single engine airplane around the world in 2023, and, Circling the North Atlantic in 2025.
The Rotary Club of Corning accepted the challenge of their District Governor, Norlan Hinke, to plant at least one tree for every member of the club, in a unique way. The club decided to complete the challenge through its connections and work in Kenya with Fr. Eluid Mwenda. In August, Fr. Eluid visited with the club explaining how food trees would benefit families in his community by providing not only food and nutrition but also by adding to their $2/day income as the families sell the excess.
Madison County Rotary Evening Club had the honor of hosting Jeri and Rod Beem and Linda Fuller Hewitt on August 14th, 2025 for a special Quilts of Valor Presentation.
Three veterans - Tom Ver Straeten, Troy Brenning, and Lance Queck - received beautiful handmade quilts and we heard their powerful stories of service and sacrifice. We are grateful for their selfless commitment to our nation! This is a presentation to a Veteran - whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserves - is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, to defend the Constitution, for any amount up to and including their life if necessary.
Ottumwa, Iowa (July 15, 2025) – Ottumwa Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it has distributed 250 “Josh The Otter” packets to Ottumwa Family YMCA and The Beach Ottumwa. Committed to “Service Above Self”, the Ottumwa Rotary Club notes the community’s proximity to the Des Moines River, as well as numerous ponds and lakes, as the driving force to educate some of the area’s youngest members and families on drowning prevention. Part of Joshua Collingsworth Foundation, started in 2008 in Lincoln, Neb., the “Josh the Otter” packets include coloring pages and stickers that convey the Foundation’s mission to educate children and adults worldwide about water safety through the utilization of drowning prevention campaigns and early childhood safety training.
In a heartwarming demonstration of community spirit and commitment to literacy, the Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Ankeny, recently hosted an event at the Head Start center in Ankeny, Iowa. Both clubs are in Rotary District 6000 and this gathering brought together young learners, their families, and dedicated Rotary members for a memorable afternoon filled with storytelling, creativity, and connection. At the heart of the event were Sherry Kubalsky, a talented author, and Kathy Sibbel, both passionate advocates for promoting literacy among children. They captivated a group of students with a reading of Sherry's charming book, "If I Were a Caterpillar."
Perry High School Students honor RYLA Mentors in National Honor Society Induction.
Perry, Iowa — Congratulations to the newest members of the Perry High School National Honor Society! Among the students recognized for their scholarship, service, leadership, and character were two outstanding young leaders, Dani Galindo and Angie Orellana, who credited their Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) experience for helping shape their path to success. Both students chose RYLA mentors—a Team Lead, Hank Christeson, and an East Polk Rotarian Volunteer, Marie Pipes, —as their personal mentors during the NHS application process, noting that the leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence gained at RYLA made a lasting impact. RYLA’s emphasis on service above self and ethical leadership continues to inspire students across Iowa to lead in their schools and communities. Perry High School’s new NHS members exemplify the spirit of Rotary in action—turning the lessons of RYLA into real-world achievement. Congratulations to all of the inductees and to the RYLA mentors who continue to make a difference in the lives of young leaders!
This year's District Conference is sure to inspire! Join us on May 1st and 2nd, 2026 at The Hyatt Regency Hotel Conference Center in Coralville, IA.
Our very special guests and Keynote speakers are Immediate Past Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick and Rotary International Director Elect Tom Gump. A few of the topics that will be covered during the two-day conference include Mental Health, Membership, Public Image, The Rotary Foundation and a special youth services track for our Interact, Rotaract and International Exchange Students.
Extra special events include the Kentucky Derby and the opportunity to bid on “the famous Deb Ockenfels District Conference Quilt”.
Register before December 31, 2025 to save $50! REGISTER HERE
District Conference Co-Chairs: Chris and Vernette Knapp
Knoxville Noon and Evening clubs joined forces October 23rd, at Knoxville Raceway to participate in the annual Trunk or Treat. Making sure that they gave families of not only Knoxville but surrounding towns a wonderful way to celebrate this wonderful time of year.
Members from both clubs dressed up and handed out candy to the kids and talked to the adults about what Rotary does for their community.
Pictured - Cindy Dilliner, Ben Butler, and John Mertz
The 2026 World Affairs Seminar registration window is now open. We invite you to sponsor student delegates from your community for a weeklong academic program where high-school students build real-world skills in diplomacy, leadership, and peacebuilding. Here are the students that we sent in 2025 from Iowa City Rotary’s and schools. We usually send 26 students per year. They always come back and say ‘it changed my life. This is a great compliment to RYLA. We send students between their sophomore and senior years to RYLA for amazing leadership training.
We send students to World Affairs between their junior and senior year to awaken them to the world and work through peacemaking exercises.
Do you have a great club story, project, fundraiser or experience that you want to share? Submit your story along with pictures at the link below for consideration to be included in a future emailed bulletin.
From night markets to tea plantations, American chef Rick Bayless leaves no avenue unexplored as he tastes his way through Taipei. Find out what flavors he’ll never forget. Then, get ready to pick up the culinary journey yourself during the 2026 Rotary International Convention.
