DMAM Monday Memo – May 4, 2026

Next Meeting:  Friday, May 8;  7:00 AM
Wakonda Club - 3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA
Program:  Lance Henning, CEO – Habitat for Humanity
 
Sergeant:  Cam Torstenson
Invocation:  Mark Brauer
Greeters:  Mike Barratt & David Sagula
Club Service Table:  John Bouslog & Mark Craiger

If you're unable to perform the duty assigned above, please find a replacement and report the change to Liz O'Connor at liz@rotaryclubofdmam.com.  Thank you!

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
 
May 7   DMAM Member Relations Happy Hour at Pelican Post, details below
May 8   Program:  Lance Henning, CEO – Habitat for Humanity
May 8   Next Chapter Retirement Group Meeting, 8am at Wakonda Bar
May 8   DMAM Foundation Board Meeting, 8am in Blue View room
May 15 Program:  Michael LaValle – The Many Lives of Michael LaValle
May 15 Connection Cafe sandwich-making, 8am following Rotary
May 15 DMAM Club Board Meeting, 8am in Blue View
May 20 Lunch & Link Social, details TBA
May 22 Program:  Founder's Day OFFSITE MEETINGS, sign up below!
May 29 Program:  Adam Shriver & Kerri Johannsen – Iowa's Cancer Crisis
May 29 DMAM Rotary Annual Meeting
May 29 International Service Committee Meeting, 8am in Blue View room
May 31 Deadline EXTENDED to Submit Applications for RYLA, details below
June 5  Outdoor Program: Aaron Krueger & Alex McCarty – History of Wakonda & PCC
June 5  Incoming DMAM Board Information Session, 8am in Blue View room
 
 
**For more event details don’t forget to check our website!
RYLA APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 31

Empower your children or grandchildren in grades 9–11 by encouraging them to apply for the scholarship-funded Iowa RYLA conference at Grinnell College this July. This intensive program helps future leaders develop vital communication skills and emotional leadership through the lens of "Service Above Self". It is a week-long investment that allows students to expand their comfort zones, connect with peers across the state, and return inspired to impact their local communities.

Rotarian Volunteers needed as well: Apply here to join in the fun and support the leaders of tomorrow.

View the event flier in the Download Files below, and check out their website, linked here.

MEMBER RELATIONS SOCIAL MAY 7TH
Date/Time:  Thu, May 7 4:00–6:00 PM
Venue:  Pelican Post,  265 50th Street, WDM, 50265
Parking:  Ample parking
Attire:  Anything goes!
Host:  Tony Schmalz, 515-306-1984
Notes:  Come for the networking, stay for the live band!

SIGN UP FOR DMAM FOUNDER'S DAY
Join us for DMAM Founders Day on Friday, May 22, 2026 - a special opportunity to celebrate our Rotary community while showcasing member businesses. This event will replace our regularly scheduled Rotary meeting at Wakonda and will be held from 7:00–8:00 AM at host locations.

Choose one of the following locations to attend:

  • Iowa Coalition for Public Charter Schools 
    (Des Moines Prep Charter School)
    95 E 5th St, Des Moines
    Hosted by Mike Huguelet | Capacity: 50
  • Pennie Carroll & Associates Real Estate
    3232 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines
    Hosted by Pennie Carroll | Capacity: 40
  • Group Benefits, Ltd.
    12006 Ridgemont Dr, Urbandale
    Hosted by Chris Haviland | Capacity: 45

A big thank-you to our generous hosts for opening their doors and making this celebration possible. We hope you’ll join us to connect, celebrate, and support the incredible businesses in our Rotary network.

Please RSVP here by May 15


Capitol View Elementary Thanks DMAM Rotary
Kindergarten students enjoyed a trip to the Des Moines Botanical Gardens to celebrate Earth Day.  Thank you for supporting these young people! 

Get Your Rotary DMAM Branded Apparel
In partnership with member Tom Triplett and Triplett Office Solutions, we are offering Des Moines A.M. Rotary branded apparel for members to purchase!
Delivery Options: 
  • Delivery to a Friday Rotary meeting (based on item availability)
  • Pickup at Triplett Office Solutions, 3553 109th Street, Urbandale IA 
  • Shipping to your location for an additional shipping charge. 
For questions regarding orders, please contact Triplett Office Solutions at (515) 270-9150 or email kkinning@tripletts.com.
DISTRICT 6000 & ROTARY INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Click on the blue links to view event details.
  • June 13-17 in Taipei, Taiwan
    2026 Rotary International Convention — Open to all Rotary members, deadline to register is Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
  • Apply to Join District 6000 Board of Directors
    Interested in representing DMAM and making an impact at the district level? Fill out the word doc (below in Download Files) and return to Bill Bruce, District Governor Elect at bbruce9@live.com
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS  
 
Golf with the 'Gators!
Join Blank Part Zoo on Tuesday, May 12th at Legacy Golf Course for Gators on the Green, a special day dedicated to golfing fun and animal conservation. This event is designed to support the Zoo's important work in protecting animals from extinction and advancing educational programs.
 
Whether you sign up as a golfer or choose to support the event in another way, your involvement directly benefits the Zoo's conservation initiatives and educational outreach. The event is a "best shot"; welcoming golfers of all skill levels to join in the fun.  Your registration includes fun day of golf, swag, food, and games of chance.
 
Some of the Zoo's ambassador animals will also be making special appearances, adding excitement and educational value to the day.
 
For additional details, please refer to the brochure (in Download Files) or click on the link below to learn more about the event and how you can participate.
Submitted by Judy Ralston-Hanson
 

An Evening of High Stakes and Higher Purpose
You're Invited! Friday, May 15, celebrate the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates’ 15th Anniversary. Enjoy a VIP cocktail reception, curated cuisine, casino games, a silent auction, and dancing. All proceeds support the preservation of this historic Des Moines landmark.  
Tickets and Tables Available HERE
Submitted by Kathleen E. McCracken

 

 
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • DMAM Rotarians are welcome to submit corporate and community event information for distribution to members as part of the Monday Memo.
  • Keep announcements brief!
The submission deadline is the close of business each Friday and must contain only text (no pictures or graphics).
Download Files
RYLA 2026
District 6000 BOD Application
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Gators on the Green
How to View Rotary Invoices

DMAM Rotary Social Media

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