Beth Goetz, Director of Athletics
2026-02-27 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago) | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
University of Iowa & Other Big 10 Sports
TBA

BINGO BASH 2026
2026-02-28 09:00 - 19:00 | 3000 E. Grand Ave, 3000 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50317, United States
The fifth annual BingoBASH will be at the Elwell Family Food Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds again this year. There’s FREE parking nearby and there will be food and drink available in the building. It’s fun for the whole family, and you could win!
Tickets are available on site. Doors open early. You can play for one session or stay all day!
GAME SESSIONS
9am to 11:15am • 11:35am to 1:50pm
2:10pm to 4:30pm • 4:45pm to 7:00pm
In 1016, net proceeds will go to support three local nonprofits in our three areas of focus.

Food Insecurity – St. Vincent de Paul food pantries
Human Trafficking Prevention – Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Mental Health – Harvest Academy

If you can’t be there in person, consider making a donation to support our community using this LINK. **Be sure to leave a note that says: Donation to BingoBASH 2026. Thank you!

Ann Shimerdla, Blank Park Zoo President & CEO
2026-03-06 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Blank Park Zoo

Anne Shimerdla has worked in a Zoo setting for the past 29 years. Over the years, she has gained experience in almost all Zoo departments.
Anne received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University and a Masters of Public Administration at Drake University. She started her career at the Blank Park Zoo before moving to Duluth, Minnesota where she was the Education Curator at the Lake Superior Zoo.
For the past 24 years, she has worked at the Blank Park Zoo in various capacities. Starting as the Education Curator, her job has changed and increased scope over the years to include education, volunteers, guest services, operations revenue, animal care & health and human resources. On June 1, 2020, she was named the President and CEO.
Anne lives in Urbandale with her husband of 24 years and their three children. She enjoys volunteering with kids’ sports activities, the school and church.

Andrew Batt, Iowa Public Television CEO
2026-03-13 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
The Changing Path of Public Television

Andrew Batt serves as executive director and general manager of Iowa PBS, Iowa’s statewide public television network. He leads the organization’s four broadcast channels and expanding digital platforms, advancing its mission to educate, inform and inspire Iowans through trusted content, lifelong learning and community engagement.
Batt previously served in multiple roles at Iowa PBS ranging from Director of Programming to Senior Producer overseeing work in documentaries, sports coverage, public affairs, and rural agriculture reporting.
A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Batt earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, with a minor in political science, from Iowa State University, and a master’s degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

St. Patrick's Day Parade: East Village, DSM
2026-03-17 10:30 - 13:00 | East Village, Des Moines, IA, United States
Walkers & float riders needed to represent the DMAM Rotary. Friends & family are welcome to join us.
Sign Up Here
10:30 am – Rotarians meet @ Grand & Robert D Ray Dr to decorate the float
12:00 pm – The parade starts
Parade Route: Intersection of Grand Avenue and Robert D. Ray Drive. It will head down Grand Avenue. The parade officially ends at the Marriott – 7th.

Bring Candy or swag to hand out!

Join us for a networking social after parade ends at The Iowa Tap: 215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines.
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
Angie Weller & Member Relations Committee

Steven Ponsetto, Head of AG's Cold Case Unit
2026-03-20 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Cold Case Investigations

Steve Ponsetto grew up and was educated in Iowa. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Certified Managers Program (CPM) at Drake University.
Steve was selected by the Iowa Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) as a State Trooper in 1981. In 1991 he became a Special Agent with the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
In 2011, DPS Commissioner selected Steve to serve as the department’s Executive Director, a position he remained in until his retirement in 2014. Steve’s 33-year law enforcement career in DPS included a variety of positions and assignments.
In 2023, Steve was selected by Iowa Attorney General Bird to develop, implement and lead the Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit.

Connection Cafe
2026-03-20 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-04-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Join us! Club volunteers are needed every third Friday following the regular Rotary meeting to make sandwiches for The Connection Cafe.

The Connection Cafe serves lunch five days a week to homeless and low income individuals and families in downtown Des Moines.
Learn more at their website https://theconnectioncafe.org/.

DMAM Club Board Meeting
2026-03-20 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-04-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Des Moines A.M. Rotary Board meeting to follow the regular Rotary Meeting.

Connie Wimer, BPC Chairwoman & Founder
2026-03-27 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Reflections and Expectations

Connie Wimer was born in Merrill, Iowa, a small town in northwest Iowa and attended Morningside College. Connie is the owner and Chair of Business Publications Corporation. In addition to publishing the Business Record and dsm magazine, they publish thirty-some different publications each year. The company also does custom publishing, book publishing and has created more than 40 events presented throughout the year. Connie serves on a number of civic, charitable and higher education boards in the city, the state and nationally. She is the founder of Winefest and was the first woman to serve as Chair of the Greater Des Moines Chamber and the first woman to receive the Business Hall of Fame Award from the Greater Des Moines Committee. Editor & Publisher, the respected monthly trade news magazine covering the publishing industry, recognized the Business Record in a special section called “10 News Publishers That Do It Right” in 2021 and two subsequent years. BPC was cited for launching “new initiatives that provided value to the community”. She received the Lewis Conn Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Alliance of Area Business Publications as well as the Milton W. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award from the City/Regional Magazine Association (CRMA), for her contributions to that organization and the magazine publishing industry as a whole.

District Grant Seminar
2026-03-28 08:30 - 12:00 | Shive-Hattery, Inc, 4125 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA, 50266, United States
For our club to qualify for a District Community Service Grant, or a Global Grant for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, at least 1 member of the club must attend a Grant Management Learning Seminar.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. This HYBRID seminar will be for Presidents-Elect, Presidents-Nominee, and whoever will be the main contact on any grant application. Register Here
Grant Management Seminar – West Des Moines – HYBRID
Where: Shive-Hattery, Inc. 4125 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM is check-in with breakfast. The Seminar will be 9 AM – 12 PM.
**Please note this will be the only time Global Grants training will be offered if you want to participate.
For more information contact District 6000 Community Service Grant Chairs Gretchen Nollman and Todd Wheeler at d6000csg@gmail.com.

Meals From The Heartland
2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Meals From The Heartland, 357 Lincoln St, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Please join our volunteer crew to package meals for malnourished and food-insecure children and families across Iowa, the United States, and the world.

When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 6pm – 8pm
Where: Meals from the Heartland, 357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines, IA

After the event, Rotarians are headed to Bix & Co. at 111 5th St, West Des Moines, for food, drink and fellowship. Non-packagers are welcome to join in.
Volunteer FAQs

DMAM Member Relations Social: The Angry Goldfish
2026-04-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, 2301 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA, 50315, United States
Join us for the next Member Relations get together on Thursday, April 2nd from 4-6pm at the Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, 2301 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315!

Robert Cramer, Board of Regents President
2026-04-03 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Iowa’s Public Universities

Robert Cramer, after growing up outside of West Des Moines, moved to Johnston for his high school years. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Engineering and went on to become a Licensed Professional Engineer in 1996.
Cramer served as Co-President of Cramer and Associates, Inc., a family-owned and employee-owned bridge construction company, until January 1, 2022. At that time, he stepped away from the bridge side of the business and now works as Vice President of Land Development. While Co-President, Cramer oversaw engineering, estimating, accounting, safety, human resources, and risk management. Now, he serves as Co-Chair of the Cramer board and is overseeing their large land development in Adel and a smaller one in Altoona.
Cramer is on the Industry Advisory Council for the Construction Engineering Department at Iowa State University and is on the statewide STEM Advisory Board. He served as President of the Associated General Contractors of Iowa (AGC) in 2010, was a member of their Board of Directors for eight years, and continues to serve the AGC as liaison to the Iowa Department of Transportation. He served nine years on the Johnston Community School Board as well as serving on several boards of non-profits including his church.
One such board was Blessman International. Cramer’s sister and brother-in-law run the ministry in South Africa which now feeds several million “Meals From The Heartland” per year to children in need. He also served on the board of The Family Leader and on the Advisory Board of Starts Right Here, Will Keeps’ non-profit that is helping kids from the streets get back in school and graduate.
He and his wife, Lori, have two adult children and opened their home to foster children for nine years. They took care of over 20 kids during that time.
He was appointed to the Board by Governor Reynolds on March 3, 2023, with his term beginning on May 1. His term expires on April 30, 2029. He was elected President of the Board with his term beginning December 4, 2025.

New Member Orientation Session
2026-04-03 08:00 - 08:40 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Join us for our New Member Orientation immediately following our regular Rotary meeting. In just 40 minutes, you’ll gain valuable insight into Rotary, our Club, and all the benefits of your membership. You’ll also meet fellow new members, our New Member Committee, and Board members—making Friday mornings even more welcoming! We’ll gather in the Blue View room, just off the main meeting area.
Email Judy Ralston-Hansen at jamrhansen@gmail.com to let us know you’ll be there!

Trash Talk: 42nd Street Cleanup
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA, 50312, United States
Volunteer to clean up our adopted street! Meet at Des Moines Community Playhouse, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312. The 42nd Street cleanup runs from I-235 to Kingman Blvd. Gloves and bags provided. Drinks after at the Library Cafe, 3506 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311.
Sign Up Here

A Neighbor's Breakfast: Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter
2026-04-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Iowa Homeless Youth Shelter, 612 Locust St, Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Wednesday, April 8th (8-9am) at 612 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309. Help us end youth homelessness in our community. This annual breakfast is free to attend, because the mission isn’t just about a meal—it’s about showing up for our young people.
Impact: view Fritz’s story here.
Sign Up Link

DMAM Rotary Home Socials
2026-04-10
Join us on Friday, April 10th, for a special hosted social. Several of our members are opening their homes for an evening of fellowship.
Specific times and addresses will be sent to attendees closer to the date.
A huge thank you to our generous hosts!

Missed the sign up? Contact Ryan Newton at ryan@ssb.bank or 563-451-6822.

Habitat for Humanity Build Day
2026-04-10
Friday, April 10th (time/location TBA). Volunteers assist with framing, siding, flooring, trimming, painting, installing doors and windows, landscaping and more! No experience is needed.
Sign Up Here
Questions? Contact Anupam Mittra at anupam.mittra@gmail.com.

Matt McIver, Executive Director
2026-04-10 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
You Are The Message

Matthew McIver is Executive Director at the Iowa Cultural Coalition and a renowned communicator. Matt has experience in directing, stage and screen acting, writing original work, and public speaking/presentations. He is the founder of McIver Communications, a strategic storytelling, coaching and consulting firm focused on teaching business leaders on influence and strategic communications.

Next Chapter Retirement Group Meeting
2026-04-10 08:00 - 09:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
DMAM Next Chapter Retirement Group Meeting
When: Second Friday of each month, following the regular Rotary meeting
Where: Wakonda Bar
Who: Retirees, those considering retirement, and anyone with stories or advice to share
Join us for an informal and engaging discussion on planning for and living a fulfilling retirement. New topics each month! Stay after the Rotary meeting to connect, share, and learn from others navigating the next chapter of life

David Oppedahl, Chicago Federal Reserve
2026-04-17 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Chicago Federal Reserve Remarks on the Economy

David Oppedahl is a policy advisor on the regional research and engagement team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Oppedahl conducts research on the agricultural sector and rural development, as well as analyzing business conditions and the regional economy. He directs the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s survey of agricultural banks on agricultural land values and credit conditions and publishes the results in AgLetter—the Chicago Fed’s quarterly agricultural publication. In addition to his research, he monitors the regional economy through roundtables and other contacts, briefs senior staff on the agricultural economy, and organizes the annual Agriculture Conference.
Before starting his career at the Chicago Fed as an associate economist in 1998, Oppedahl was a consultant in the economic research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. While at the Dallas Fed, he provided research support in econometrics.
Oppedahl received a B.S. in mathematics from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and an M.S. in statistics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also completed graduate-level course work in economics while attending Southern Methodist University.

Book Club: Back Roads Lounge
2026-04-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Back Roads Lounge, 8460 Birchwood Ct, Ste 900, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
APRIL Book Club meeting will be held this Friday the 17th starting at 4 PM at Back Roads Lounge at 8460 Birchwood Court Suite 900, Johnston, IA (east of Raising Canes Chicken Fingers). We are starting a new tradition this month. There will be a “Book Box” where Rotarians can place a voluntary cash donation (cost of one refreshment?) that we will collect and accumulate until end of the year when the amount collected will be donated to Capitol View Elementary to purchase books!!!

Darrell L. Smith
Book Club Maestro

Rotarians Telling Their Stories: Dan Montgomery & Chris Nebons
2026-04-24 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Dan Montgomery: A Different Kind of Normal: Life in Rural Alaska
Chris Nebons: From Forced Labor to the Lunar Lander – The Neboshynskys’ Coming to America

Each of us has at least one great story to tell. Join us in hearing as Dan & Chris, two Des Moines AM Rotary members, share their stories in our Friday morning meeting.

Next Generation Committee Meeting
2026-04-24 08:00 - 09:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
The Next Generation Committee Meeting chaired by Janet Witte will meet at 8am following the regular Rotary meeting in the Wakonda Club Bar area.
Please reach out to Janet with questions: wittej_dsm@yahoo.com

FIFA Panel Discussion - Ozzie White, Trina Flack, Dan Cataldi
2026-05-01 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Daryn “Ozzie” White is a soccer professional with over four decades of experience spanning professional playing, elite coaching, and executive club leadership across the world. A former professional player and captain of the Australian Youth Schoolboys National Team, Daryn transitioned into coaching and administration, earning the United Soccer Coaches Master Coach Diploma and the USSF ‘A’ License. As a TV commentator for Mediacom and Fox Soccer Channel, published author for World Class Coaching, and producer of seven audiovisual coaching productions, he has made an impact on the sport far beyond the pitch.
Dan Cataldi is the CEO of the Iowa Soccer Association, where he oversees sanctioned youth and adult soccer across the state. Before transitioning to sports leadership, Dan held senior roles at the American Red Cross in disaster response and fund development. An elite former referee, he has officiated at every level—from Iowa high school state championships to professional and international friendlies. A dedicated fan of the beautiful game, Dan has followed the US Men’s National Team to World Cups in both Brazil and Qatar.
Trina Flack is the President & CEO of Catch Des Moines, where she has been instrumental in securing major events like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rounds, IRONMAN North American Championships, and the Dew Tour. An Iowa State MBA graduate, Trina is a fierce advocate for community investment, serving on the American Planning Association board and the City of Ankeny Planning and Zoning Commission. When she isn’t championing the region, she’s likely cheering for the Cyclones, running, or spending time with her husband and three children.

Member Relations Social: Pelican Post
2026-05-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Pelican Post, 265 50th St, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Join us for the next Member Relations get together on Thursday, May 7th from 4-6pm at Pelican Post, 265 50th Street in West Des Moines!
Please direct questions to the event host, Tony Schmalz: tonys@tmservices.net

Lance Henning, CEO
2026-05-08 07:00 - 08:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Habitat for Humanity

Lance Henning serves as the President and Executive Director of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity since December 2003, overseeing efforts to build homes and communities across Dallas, Jasper, and Polk counties. Prior to this role, Lance held the position of Executive Director at Northland Habitat for Humanity from 1998 to 2003 and worked as an Environmental Associate at MRIGlobal between 1992 and 1998. Lance began a career in service as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps from 1989 to 1991. Educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University, a Master of Science from the University of Kansas, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and completion of the Executive Education program in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School.

DMAM Foundation Board Meeting
2026-05-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50321, United States
Des Moines A.M. Rotary Quarterly Foundation Board Meeting to follow the regular Rotary Meeting.
