Join us at Smokey Row in Des Moines for the Quarterly Coffee Social hosted by the Member Relations Committee. This is a great meetup for those who are morning people and are looking for another way to get to know other Rotarians. Contact the event chair (linked left) for more information, but no need to RSVP. See you there!
Preparedness is a partnership Adam DeCamp has served the people of Iowa and the Division of Criminal Investigation for nearly thirty years. In the wake of unscripted, life-altering events across the state, he has stood alongside law enforcement, victims, survivors, and community leaders. His experiences have reaffirmed relationships are the foundation of readiness.
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/.
Des Moines A.M. Rotary Board meeting to follow the regular Rotary Meeting.
University of Iowa & Other Big 10 Sports TBA
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!
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.
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.
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
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.