Stories

We're saddened to share that we learned of Warren Madden's passing yesterday (October 7th). Warren was a 41-year member of the club and a Paul Harris Fellow

We'll keep you updated as soon as we have more information.

The Rotary Club of Ames is looking for passionate leaders to help guide our club's future! Our Nominating Committee will be meeting soon to nominate dynamic candidates for two key leadership roles:

• Board of Directors Members (2027–2029 term)

• President-Elect Designee (serving as Club President in the 2029–2030 Rotary year)

As "People of Action," our strength comes from our members' diverse skills, ideas, and energy. Serving on the board is a rewarding way to lend your expertise, shape our community initiatives, and ensure our club continues to make a lasting impact locally and globally.

Interested or have questions? All members are strongly encouraged to step forward or reach out to learn more. Contact President-Elect Randy Olson (rolson@limestone.org) to express your interest or to ask any questions about what these roles entail.

Let's keep building a stronger club together—consider raising your hand for Rotary leadership today!

World Polio Day, on October 24, is a special day for Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide. It's a chance to unite with our partners, supporters, and public health advocates to raise awareness and funds, with the heartfelt goal of ending polio forever. We've made a promise to the children of the world: no child should have to suffer from this preventable disease. 

Here's how you can be part of this important mission: 

• Your $25 quarterly donation to Rotary International, billed on this month's invoice, will go directly to the PolioPlus Fund.
• On Monday, October 5th, we'll be distributing the famous white take-out boxes. Please fill them with loose change or write a check to the Rotary Club of Ames, and return them on October 19th so we can collect and donate the funds to the RI PolioPlus Fund.
• Bring your cash and your Brags to our Monday meeting (October 5th). Every dollar collected through The Brag Bucket will help us fight polio and will be generously donated to PolioPlus.

True to the spirit of service above self, Rotarians leverage their global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders to take on complex global challenges. Recognizing that sustainable change requires broad collaboration, Glen Rippke visited the Rotary Club of Indianola during its Foundation Dinner on September 24, 2026, to share firsthand experiences and updates regarding ongoing water solutions. 

During the event, Indianola Rotary Club President Terry Pauling presented a $1,000 check to help fund the next phase of the Tanzania Water Project. By linking local club efforts with international development goals, these leaders showed how collective giving and community partnerships drive transformative results.

Dave Fox will be presenting a similar update to the club on October 19th.

Under beautiful autumn skies on September 23 and 24, 2026, the Rotary Club of Ames put service into motion during the Ada Hayden Golf Car Tours. Over 14 dedicated Rotarians contributed more than 100 volunteer hours guiding free, 90-minute accessible tours for about 140 community members—primarily senior citizens and individuals with mobility impairments. As true People of Action, these volunteers ensured everyone in our community could experience Ada Hayden Park's natural beauty. Equipped with audio sound systems, experienced drivers navigated the carts through the park. At the same time, local experts shared commentary on native ecology, park history, and wildlife preservation, answering questions along the way.

Rotarian Jim Patton (in photo) led the event's seamless execution, organizing complex logistics and driver schedules. Keeping the volunteer crew fueled and energized, Jim’s wife, Diane Patton, generously organized lunch for all the drivers throughout the two-day initiative.

The Rotary Club of Ames extends its deepest gratitude to the 14 club members who volunteered their time and skills to make this year's tours a memorable success. Allyson Walter, Sheila Schofer, Tom Snyder, Jon Christy, Jamie Courtney, Jim Baker, Mike Roof, Kent Frankenfield, Maynard Hogberg, Glen Rippke, Louie Banitt, Roger Maharry, & Doug Timmons.

Cinian Zheng Durbin was presented with her Paul Harris +6 pin, and John Dalhoff was presented with Paul Harris +8 on Monday, September 21st.

Exclusive Ticket Discounts for Stephens Auditorium Fall Shows!

Stephens Auditorium is offering special ticket deals to our Rotary members for several exciting performances this October through their Super Groups program. Take advantage of these exclusive savings and support live entertainment right here in Ames! To claim your discount and purchase tickets directly from the Stephens ticket office, visit this link: https://www.center.iastate.edu/rotary-club/

Here is a quick look at the upcoming October show lineup and member offers:

• The Temptations — American music royalty brings their iconic Motown catalog ("My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg") and legendary stage presence to Ames.

  • Offer: $20 off Level B Tickets or Buy One Get One FREE Level C Tickets

• World Ballet Company: Swan Lake — Experience Tchaikovsky's timeless classic featuring 50 world-class dancers, exquisite costumes, lavish sets, and a live orchestra.

  • Offer: 20% off All Price Levels

• Mania: The ABBA Tribute — The world's top ABBA tribute performance recreates the disco-era magic of the Swedish supergroup with electrifying choreography, authentic costumes, and hit after hit.

  • Offer: 15% off All Price Levels

• THE WIZ — The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical returns in an all-new, high-energy Broadway revival packing soul, gospel, funk, and stunning visuals.

  • Offer: $20 off Level B Tickets

• Brad Williams — One of today's most in-demand stand-up comedians, bringing his high-energy, candid, and hilarious storytelling to the stage.

  • Offer: Discount details coming soon — check back on the link!

Grab your tickets early to secure the best seats at these exclusive rates!

Miracle League Volunteers: Sign up to be a buddy for games at Innis Grove Miracle League Field (Saturdays in September & October).

Thank you to those who have volunteered so far this fall! Lisa Heddens, Kris Eastman, Kent Frankenfeld & Maynard Hogberg. We still need volunteers for this Saturday, Sept. 26, at 9 am and Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9 am. Please email RotaryClubofAmes@gmail.com if you can help out!

ISU Home Football Concession Stand: Volunteer to help raise funds for our club & community support at ISU home football games.

Thank you to our past volunteers, Dave Fox, Kate Renolds, Selden Spencer, Allyson Walter & Park Woodle. Help us by working at the Gridiron Grille inside Sukup End Zone at the remaining home games. Please email RotaryClubofAmes@gmail.com if you can help out!

We are excited to once again participate in the 2nd Annual Celebrate Community Event, a collection drive organized by several Ames-area service organizations. Please mark your calendars and consider donating items or volunteering your time!

What: We are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries for students. Please refer to the attached poster for suggested donation items.

• Thursday, September 17: Rotarians are invited to join members of all participating service organizations to help sort, box, and deliver donated items.
• Noon at the Hickory Shelter in Brookside Park
   

Who: Participating service organizations include:

• Kiwanis
• Lions
• Altrusa
• Optimist
• Rotary

Why: This is a unique opportunity to amplify our collective impact by partnering with other service organizations in our community and supporting local students and families.

When we work together, we make the world better.

On July 20th, President Tammy Koolbeck and Past President Kent Frankenfeld officially welcomed four outstanding new members to the Ames Rotary family. Please take a moment to greet them at our next meeting and learn more about the incredible experience and dedication they bring to our club:

Tom Snyder
Tom was born and raised in Spencer, Iowa, and earned his Civil Engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1978. He spent the majority of his career serving as a county engineer in Osceola County and was an active member of the Sibley Rotary Club for 25 years. Tom and his wife, Jan, moved to Ames two years ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In his free time, Tom enjoys reading, coin collecting, running, biking, traveling, cheering on ISU Athletics, and tending to his lawn and garden.

Steven Lawrence
A lifelong Ames resident, Steven serves as the Marketing Director at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA). He holds degrees in Marketing and Sports Management from Wartburg College, where he played baseball for the Knights. Deeply committed to community leadership, Steven serves on the boards of Friendship Ark, the Story County Community Foundation, and the Gilbert Tiger Gridiron Club, and is a graduate of Leadership Ames Class 36 (as well as a 2023 AREA "4 Under 40" honoree). In his free time, Steven enjoys golfing, traveling, commentating for Gilbert High School football, cheering on the Chiefs, Royals, and Cyclones, and spending time with his wife, Alissa, and daughter, Brooklyn.

Jennifer Hanson
Jennifer is the new Development and Communications Director at Food at First. A former Boone Rotarian, she previously served as the Executive Director of the Boone County Chamber of Commerce and has a rich background in nonprofit leadership and children/family ministry. Jennifer is a proud mom of four girls and is passionate about building community connections that make a lasting impact. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Ames Rotary family!

Amy Lang
Amy moved to Ames in 2023 to serve as Vice President of Business Services for MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, helping empower local businesses with strategic financial guidance. Active in civic service, Amy is the Board President of Advanced Cap Access, Board Treasurer for The Ames Foundation, and a dedicated financial literacy advocate who frequently volunteers in elementary classrooms. Outside of her professional and community work, Amy is an accomplished runner (having completed 5 marathons), an avid biker, and loves spending time with her family and two cats.

On August 31st, the club will be meeting at Ember's Recovery Campus. Rotarian Andrew Allen will give us a tour and talk about the facility.

This podcast from the Ames Regional Economic Alliance came out on August 9th and features Andrew and NASCAR racer Carson Ware. 

On AREA Podcast episode #027, we’re joined by NASCAR driver Carson Ware and Andrew Allen, President & CEO of YSS, as they share the story behind the “Before It Becomes More” campaign. They discuss Ware’s journey through addiction and recovery, the importance of reducing stigma, and how he's using his NASCAR platform to encourage others to seek help.

Enjoy it prior to our visit and learn more about the "Before It Becomes More" campaign, Ember Recovery, and YSS.
 

The Fall 2026 Miracle League season is here, and the Rotary Club of Ames needs your help to make it a home run for our players.

We are looking for "buddies" to assist players on the field, cheer from the sidelines, and ensure everyone has a blast. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, your energy makes all the difference.

How to Get Involved

• Who: Rotarians, friends, and family are all welcome! It's a great way to spend a Saturday morning giving back.

• Where: Join us at the Miracle League Field in Inis Grove Park.

• Game Dates: August 22 - September 26 (no games on Saturday, Sept. 5)

• Action: To commit to a date (or three!), please email rotaryclubofames@gmail.com.

• Impact: You aren't just helping with a game; you're helping provide an organized league experience for children and adults with disabilities.

Let's show our community what "People of Action" look like in the dugout. See you at the park!

Ready to be People of Action in our community? ⚙️🤝

Join Rotarians and fellow community members for the United Way of Story County's Day of Caring on Friday, September 11!

This impactful day of service offers multiple ways to get involved:

• 🥪 Afternoon: Head over to the ISU Alumni Center for lunch and join fellow Rotarians in a collaborative, large-scale kit-building project.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Engagement: Bring the family for kid-friendly afternoon activities, including packing snack kits and planting flowers for our homebound neighbors.

Every project completed and kit assembled builds momentum for Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being in Story County.

Let's show up, make meaningful connections, and serve our community together!

👉 Sign up to volunteer today and make a difference on September 11! 

Hats Off to History!
Ames History Museum invites you to join us for a fun evening featuring dinner and drinks, a silent auction, a raffle, and awards. 

Wear a fancy, fun, or unique hat!

Friday, August 28, 2026
Social Hour 5:00 pm
Dinner 6:15 pm
Awards & Auction 7:15 pm

All proceeds from the event benefit the Ames History Museum's mission!

More information at AmesHistory.org/Gala

Be a part of the 55th Annual Octagon Art Festival on Sunday, September 27, from 10 am – 4 pm in downtown Ames. It takes a community to make the Festival a success, and we need you!

Click HERE to sign up as a volunteer.

At our weekly meeting on June 15th, the Rotary Club of Ames proudly presented community grant checks to 9 local organizations, wrapping up a highly competitive selection process for the 2026-27 cycle.