Grinnell Rotary Club

10/20/2026

This week’s speaker was Sig Barber! Sig spoke in depth about Grinnell’s history including a proposed neighboring town that would’ve been named Jerusalem. His story wove details of J.B. Grinnell’s involvement and influence in the early history of the town and college and his contemporaries’ attempts to oppose him. More often than not, J.B. had the final word. There was talk of the tale being available at the Grinnell Historical Museum in the future but to get the full experience, it’s best to hear Sig tell it. Thank you Sig for your fascinating history and taking the time to share it with us!

The Grinnell Rotary club meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM at the West Side Family Restaurant in Grinnell. We’re always welcoming new members so don’t hesitate to check us out. Come for the great food and fellowship, stay to make a difference in Grinnell and around the globe.

10/07/2026

This week’s speaker was Judy Martin. Judy is an accomplished quilter and author. She has designed, quilted, and written about quilting for many years. She spoke about how she was able to turn something she loved into a career with her husband, Steve.

We were lucky enough to get to see some of her quilts in person. Many of her quilts of all sizes and styles can be found at the Grinnell Historical Museum until next spring. They are best appreciated in person. The detail, designs, precision, and planning are something to behold. Be sure to stop out at the museum to check them out!

Thank you Judy and Steve for taking the time to come and share with us! Come back anytime!

The Grinnell Rotary club meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM at the West Side Family Restaurant in Grinnell. We’re always welcoming new members so don’t hesitate to check us out. Come for the great food and fellowship, stay to make a difference in Grinnell and around the globe.

09/22/2026

The club took a vote tonight and decided to cancel this year’s Kites Over Grinnell event that was supposed to take place this Saturday the 26th. The forecast looks very rainy and in an effort to keep the professional kite flyers, volunteers, and attendees safe and dry we made the difficult decision to not have the event this year. We look forward to next year and hope that everyone has a safe weekend. Thank you for your understanding.

09/22/2026

This week’s speaker was Chris Nolte with the Poweshiek County Veterans Affairs Commission. Chris told us all about what the PCVAC does for veterans of all walks of life. Having served himself, Chris knows what it’s like to navigate the system from the other side. From transport to appeals, the PCVAC can help. If you or a veteran you know needs some assistance please call (641) 236-5722 or visit their office at Lincoln Savings Bank in Grinnell M-F 9a-4p. Appointments are recommended. Thank you Chris for all that you do and for taking the time to come and talk with us.

Chris will be part of A Star Spangled Salute by the Iowa Military Veterans Band, a concert on Sunday November 8th at 2 PM at the Civic Center of Des Moines. It’s a free concert for anyone to attend honoring men and women who have served.

The Grinnell Rotary club meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM at the West Side Family Restaurant in Grinnell. We’re always welcoming new members so don’t hesitate to check us out. Come for the great food and fellowship, stay to make a difference in Grinnell and around the globe.

09/16/2026

Tonight’s speaker was Scott Baumler of Grinnell College’s admissions office. Scott gave the group an overview of the admissions process and how it has changed over the years. His passion, humor, and expertise made for a great time. Thank you Scott for taking the time to talk to us!

The Grinnell Rotary club meets Tuesday evenings at West Side Family Restaurant in Grinnell from 5:30-6:30 PM. We’re always welcoming new members so don’t hesitate to check us out. Come for great food and fellowship, stay to make a difference in Grinnell and around the globe.

09/08/2026

This week’s speaker was Gavin Gamble. See him holding his team’s sign from this year’s RYLA conference. It’s an honor and cherished totem from the week-long marathon on leadership put on every year by Rotary known as RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).

He came to tell our club about his experience at RYLA. Gavin had attended as a Conferee in the past but got to be a Team Lead this year. A Team Lead gets to help, coach, and guide 10 or more lucky Conferees through the entire week at RYLA.

Gavin partially attributes his success in modeling and sales to his experience at RYLA. He believes that RYLA gave him the tools and confidence to try things that before attending the conference would’ve seemed impossible. We are so thankful that he took the time to come and speak to our club! We wish you the very best, Gavin!

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Kites over Grinnell Poster

08/19/2026

Kites over Grinnell September 26th at Ahrens Park South ball diamonds. This year all kites will be colored and put together at the day of the event. We are looking for volunteers to help at the kite hospital. If you have a group that would like to help please contact Grinnell Rotary Club member or call 641-990-1152 or message on Facebook. This is a Free family day sponsored by Grinnell Rotary Club.

08/19/2026

This week’s speaker was Rachael Kinnick with the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. She updated us on upcoming events in Grinnell such as the Small Business B(AI)sics event coming up on Thursday, September 10th. This event is free and only requires you to register ahead of time. Follow the link below to register.

Thank you Rachael for all that you do and for joining us at our meeting.

If you or someone that you know would like to join Rotary please join us Tuesday evenings at West Side Family Restaurant from 5:30-6:30 for food, fellowship, and amazing speakers like Rachael.

The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to share a new opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the local community — Small Business B(AI)sics!