Welcome to the

RChaotary Club of Ankeny Evening

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of like-minded people who wish to improve the lives of others.

What is a Quilt of Valor?

A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a handmade quilt, crafted by machine or hand, awarded to Service Members or Veterans affected by war as a meaningful expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Established in 2003 by Catherine Roberts, the national grassroots movement provides comfort and healing through carefully designed quilts, presented at military hospitals, unit returns, VA facilities, and local ceremonies. To be recognized as a Quilt of Valor, it must meet size requirements, include a labeled record, be formally awarded, and be documented. Recipients are encouraged to use their quilts regularly for warmth and comfort. As of December 31, over 436,000 quilts have been awarded.

Veteran Guest Speaker Summary:
Colonel Steve Wieneke addressed the group on military service, emphasizing the Reserve Component and deployment experiences. He provided historical context comparing conscription during WWI and WWII to the all-volunteer force established post-Vietnam. Noting that less than 0.5% of U.S. citizens serve, he highlighted that approximately 85% of recent service members have deployed since Desert Shield/Storm.

He discussed leadership challenges as a company and battalion commander, including personnel readiness, medical qualifications, immunizations, equipment movement, and logistics, contrasting rail transport to ports with airlift via the C-5A Galaxy. Colonel Wieneke stressed the commander’s responsibility for safety and mission readiness, reporting that his units returned without major injuries or fatalities. He also announced a board discussion to donate funds to assist with materials costs for Quilts of Valor, coordinating with the quilting group.

Eleanor Moriarty served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, attending Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, RI. She was stationed at Naval Training Center San Diego and later at Camp Pendleton, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. A native of Omaha, NE, she is a graduate of Creighton University School of Dentistry.

Following active duty, she spent five years in the Navy Reserve. Ms. Moriarty enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and sailing. She was honored with a Quilt of Valor and expressed her gratitude for the recognition.

Amy Coyle is originally from Carroll, IA, and has a nursing background from Drake University and ROTC. She served at Walter Reed in Washington, DC, and was promoted from First Lieutenant to Captain. Her career included service at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Leaven (Kansas) as a surgical nurse and commander of a large medical clinic. In the Iowa National Guard, she served with the 71st Civil Support Team (WMD), training hospitals and first responders on biological, chemical, and nuclear incident responses. She led suicide prevention initiatives for the Guard. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, she commanded the 294th Medical Company and served as Director of Health Services. She retired in 2020 after 26 years, recognized for her significant contributions to homeland security training.

Leo Moriarty hails from Brookings, SD, and earned his DDS from Creighton University. He completed Navy Officer Indoctrination in Newport, RI, and was assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, providing dental care for recruits. He later served with the Fleet Marine Force, participating in landing exercises and rock-climbing training. Lt. Col. Moriarty also served in the Navy Reserve and co-managed a dental practice in Webster City for approximately 20 years alongside Dr. Eleanor Moriarty. He was honored with a Quilt of Valor and expressed his gratitude to the club.

Group photos were taken with the Quilt recipients and quilters. Each quilt requires an estimated 25–35 hours to complete, with long-arm quilting setups significantly increasing costs. The quilters expressed appreciation for the planned Rotary donation to help support these expenses.

Parady Boatright brings a powerful story of resilience, gratitude, and service to our Rotary family. Born in France to a Cambodian mother and a Chinese father who fled the Khmer Rouge genocide, Parady’s life was shaped early by global history and human perseverance.

At just 10 months old, she was placed with French foster parents through the Red Cross. Her foster father, born in 1911, was the son of a Russian refugee and a member of the French Resistance during World War II. Her foster mother, born in 1912, was a traditional French woman from Brittany.

Growing up on a rural farm in France, Parady was immersed in history, nature, and the values of courage and service, learning firsthand about sacrifice and gratitude.

After the passing of her foster mother, Parady’s foster father encouraged her to pursue his “American dream” for her—to finish high school in the United States and build a meaningful life. Before leaving, Parity made him two promises: to complete her education and to help an American in appreciation for the role Americans played in helping liberate France.

Parady fulfilled both promises. She completed high school, built her life in Iowa, and recently became a U.S. citizen—though she proudly says she was an Iowan long before she was an American. Her career in recruiting and human resources reflects her commitment to helping others, as she believes there is no greater honor than helping someone find meaningful work to support themselves and their families.

Today, Parady continues to live out that promise through community involvement, service, and a belief that true worth is measured not by what we take, but by the value we give. We are proud to have her as part of our Rotary family.

Ankeny Evening

New Member

At a recent club meeting, we had the pleasure of formally welcoming Patrick Domann as the newest member of our Rotary family. The board approved his membership, and he was enthusiastically inducted, receiving a membership packet filled with essentials—a Rotary pin, a club t-shirt, and other thoughtful club-specific gifts.

Patrick was introduced to the core values that guide all Rotarians, with a special emphasis on “Service Above Self” and the Rotary Four-Way Test: Truth, Fairness, Goodwill, and Beneficence. He was encouraged to take full advantage of Rotary’s global network, connecting with over 40,000 clubs worldwide to create meaningful impact.

A little about Patrick: he is a successful business owner specializing in investments and insurance through his private RIA. A long-time resident of Ankeny, Patrick has been married for 18 years and is a proud father of two children. His professional experience and dedication to community service promise to make him a valuable addition to our club.

Ankeny Chamber of Commerce.

The Ankeny Area Chamber is led by a dedicated team committed to supporting local businesses and the community. Jamie Anderson has served as Executive Director since 2019, stepping into a lead role in August 2023, while Tony Petersman directs membership engagement. Together with a total staff of five, they manage over 200 events annually, ensuring members have ample opportunities to connect and grow.

Membership in the Chamber comes with robust benefits. Members enjoy dual membership with both the Ankeny Area Chamber and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, along with access to resources such as free conference room rentals for small businesses, online directory listings, and mailing label access for a fee. New members are highlighted with 45 days of top-tier website listings and radio introductions via Cumulus Radio, giving them a strong launch into the business community.

The Chamber also hosts a wide array of programs and events designed to foster networking and business growth. Monthly gatherings like “Lattes and Leads” and “Business After Hours” provide valuable connections, while the Chamber facilitates roughly 90 ribbon cuttings each year to celebrate new businesses. A highlight on the community calendar is Ankeny Summerfest, scheduled for July 10–12, featuring a carnival beginning Thursday, a parade on Saturday, and fireworks on Sunday. Volunteers are welcome to assist with ticket-taking and parade marshaling.

While maintaining political neutrality, the Chamber partners with the Greater Des Moines Partnership on legislative advocacy and remains focused on encouraging residents to shop local and supporting the regional workforce. Through these initiatives, the Chamber continues to strengthen both the local business community and the greater Ankeny area.

Tuesday, January 13, was a great success at our Rotary Club’s Speed Friending Social. The evening was filled with laughter and meaningful connections among many wonderful people. As a reminder of Rotary’s final rule—“Is it fun?”—this event clearly delivered—many thanks to Susan Mitchell and Mia Kelly for organizing such an enjoyable and engaging gathering.

PolioPlus Night with the Iowa Wolves highlighted Rotary’s long-standing global effort to eradicate polio, which has reduced cases dramatically since 1985, though challenges remain in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Presenters emphasized the urgency of finishing eradication, supported by personal testimony and recent case data. Over 17 years, the annual fundraiser has sold about 18,000 tickets, raised $170,000, and—through the Gates Foundation’s match—directed more than $510,000 to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children.

New member inductions occurred for Amy Myers and Parady Boatwright, emphasizing Rotary's commitment to "Service Above Self" and the significance of the Four-Way Test.

Amy Myers, a resident of Ankeny for 17 years, has worked in corporate communications and branding at Corteva/Pioneer for 15 years. She has a rich Rotary history, having been involved for about 14-15 years in Ames and participating in a Group Study Exchange to India. Her family includes a retired husband, two stepdaughters, and grandchildren, and she enjoys travel, fitness, and outdoor activities.

Parady Boatwright, originally from rural France, has lived in Iowa since 1995 and became a U.S. citizen in 2023. She has experience as a job coach for survivors of traumatic brain injury and stroke, and with people with disabilities for an employment company located in both Ankeny and headquartered in Decorah. She is currently workingin this role while also launching a consulting business. Parady is experienced in technical recruiting and looks forward to making new friends and contributing to service

Ankeny Evening Rotary members recently had the privilege of attending an informative and deeply moving seminar presented by Jackson Harper-Griffith of the Iowa Donor Network. The program provided a comprehensive examination of the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of organ and tissue donation, brought to life through personal stories. Most memorable was Ginger’s powerful journey and gratitude following a lung transplant, which underscored the profound, life-saving impact of donation.

Why Organ Donation Is Rare

Organ donation is possible only under very specific medical conditions. A donor must pass away in a hospital while on a ventilator, as organs quickly deteriorate without oxygen. Because of these limitations, only about 3 in 1,000 deaths are eligible for organ donation. In Iowa, approximately half of those eligible are registered donors, highlighting the importance of continued education and awareness.

A Highly Coordinated Process

Donation involves close collaboration among hospitals, transplant centers, and regulatory partners. Medical teams evaluate donor eligibility and organ function, while confirming legal authorization. Organs and tissues are matched nationwide through UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), and once a match is identified, recipients often have only a short window to accept the organ. Precision, speed, and coordination are critical at every step.

The Critical Role of Tissue Donation

While organ donation is rare, tissue donation is far more common and has an extraordinary reach. Donated tissues—including skin, corneas, heart valves, bones, and tendons—can often be recovered up to 24 hours after death. A single tissue donor can improve or save up to 75 lives, restoring sight, mobility, and quality of life.

Legal, Financial, and Family Considerations

Organ and tissue donation in the United States is federally regulated through CMS, OPTN, and UNOS. Under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, registering as a donor is legally binding and serves as an advance directive.

There is no financial cost to donor families. All expenses related to recovery, transportation, and transplantation are covered through insurance, reimbursements, grants, and charitable funding. Organizations such as the Iowa Donor Network rely on a combination of government support and public donations.

Families play a vital role in the donation process. Even when an individual is registered, open conversations with loved ones help reduce uncertainty and stress during critical moments. Donor families also receive ongoing advocacy, guidance, and emotional support, with opportunities—when desired—for connection with recipients under strict privacy safeguards.

Medical Advances and the Recipient Experience

Organs that may be donated include lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestine. Recipients are matched using strict medical criteria such as blood type, size, and urgency. Advances like organ preservation pumps are extending viability and improving transplant outcomes. Living donation—such as kidney or partial liver donation—adds further complexity and continues to benefit from medical innovation and enhanced donor support.

Community Outreach and Ongoing Service

The Iowa Donor Network actively engages communities across the state through education, outreach, and partnerships. Many staff and volunteers have personal connections to donation or transplantation, strengthening the message through lived experience.

Rotary clubs continue to support complementary missions of service and generosity, including literacy initiatives, Beds for Children, and Meals from the Heartland, while fostering education and awareness around organ and tissue donation.

A Message That Resonates

Throughout the seminar, personal stories reminded attendees that behind every donation is a human life—filled with purpose, generosity, and hope. The program reinforced how informed choices and open conversations can transform tragedy into healing and save lives.

Ankeny Evening Rotary Christmas Party

Our Rotary Christmas party, which was celebrated on December 9^th, was pure Saturday Night Fever! The moment you walked in, the 1970s vibes hit—think disco lights, funky beats, and bell-bottoms swishing across the floor. The Ankeny Golf and Country Club kept the groove alive with food so good it could’ve been served on a silver disco platter.

Games turned into giggles, laughter echoed like a Motown chorus, and every Rotarian brought their own sparkle to the dance floor. IMPACT wasn’t just a word—it was the rhythm of the night, the heartbeat of our celebration.

Here’s to memories that shimmer like sequins and to service that keeps the groove going long after the music fades.

We are excited to welcome Eleanor Moriarty to our club!

Eleanor is a retired dentist, originally from Omaha, Nebraska.
She met her husband—also a dentist—while in dental school, and together they built a life dedicated to dentistry.
After many years of service and practice, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa, for retirement, her husband’s home state.
Following dental school, Eleanor proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Southern California and at Camp Pendleton.
She then established a thriving private practice in Webster City, where she cared for patients for 27 years.
Later, she continued her career as a federal civilian employee, serving communities in South Dakota (Indian Health Clinic and Mount Rushmore) and Tennessee (Fort Campbell).
Eleanor met her sponsor, Susan Mitchell, through their HOA, and we’re thrilled she’s now part of our community.

Voting Results for the

2026–2027 Rotary Year Officers

A voting process was conducted to confirm the proposed slate of officers for the 2026–2027 Rotary Year. Ballots were distributed to all members, allowing them to indicate agreement or disagreement with the proposed plan. Khristopher was assigned to collect and count the votes.

Group Activity: Tie Blanket Making

Members participated in a hands-on group activity focused on creating tie blankets. The following technical instructions were reviewed to ensure consistency and quality

Cutting Corners: Trim each corner approximately 4 × 6 inches to prepare the blanket edges.
Cutting Strips: Cut fabric strips up to the pattern or color line—roughly a “knuckle’s worth” in width.
Tying Knots: Secure each pair of strips using double knots to ensure durability and prevent the blankets from coming apart.
Measuring Technique: Participants were encouraged to “eyeball” measurements rather than rely on rulers, using the fabric’s pattern as a natural guide.

Our Rotary group had the pleasure of hosting Joe Stevens from Joppa!

The organization has been operating for 17 years, focusing on immediate survival needs.

A resource center opened in 2021 and now serves approximately 8,000 visitors annually.

Housing placements have increased from 91 individuals last year to 95 so far this year.

Capital projects

The team is preparing for a capital campaign targeting $1.3 million for infrastructure and land development.

Plans involve building permanent "tiny home" villages to provide stable community living.

Community impact

Successfully helped 95 individuals get off the streets this year, aiming to surpass the goal of 100.

Mobilized over 2,000 volunteers in the previous year.

Resource distribution

Distributed 17,000 meals (donated contextually) and approximately 172,000 pounds of goods globally.

Maintained operations with 99.5% private funding, avoiding reliance on government grants.

Challenges and Adjustments Needed

Housing market shortages

There is a significant lack of affordable housing, with a gap of roughly 38,000 units.

Statistics show only 34 available units for every 100 families in need.

Service gaps

At least 11 other homeless programs have shut down or left the area in the last 12 months, increasing the burden on remaining agencies.

Operational costs

Permanent tiny homes cost approximately $120,000 each to construct.

The organization must rely on private donations to bridge gaps where government funding falls short, specifically regarding long-term support services.on here

Meals from the Heartland!

We are still buzzing from our amazing night volunteering with our Rotary group at Meals from the Heartland! We packed meals destined for Haiti, El Salvador, and Honduras — and we were thrilled to learn that they also serve 2 million meals right here in Iowa. How incredible is that? It’s truly inspiring to see how our efforts are making a difference both locally and globally. I can’t wait to keep this momentum going and see what we can accomplish next!

The story behind Meals from the Heartland is so uplifting — it all started with a simple Lenten food-packaging event in 2007 hosted by a church in West Des Moines. That success sparked a community-wide movement, bringing together volunteers from all walks of life to help feed hungry children and families. It’s a beautiful example of how faith, teamwork, and a shared heart can create something truly impactful. And now, it’s grown into a global effort that continues to touch countless lives!

Our Social Mixology was an enjoyable evening. Members gathered to learn about how to prepare 3 cocktails. Brandy Alexander, Jamison Orange Sour, and Sugarplum-tini

To make a classic Brandy Alexander, combine brandy, crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Popular Jameson Orange cocktails include the simple Jameson Orange & Lemonade, a bubbly Jameson Orange Spritz, and the citrus-forward Jameson Orange Burst. The orange-flavored whiskey pairs well with a variety of mixers like lemonade, soda water, ginger beer, and pineapple juice.

A Sugarplum-tini drink is a festive cocktail with various recipes, often featuring vodka or gin, a plum flavor (from plum liqueur or juice), and citrus, such as lemon or grapefruit juice. It may also include sweet or spicy elements like grenadine, triple sec, or a spiced simple syrup and can be garnished with a sugar rim, edible glitter, or plum slices for a festive look.

Saturday, Nov 8th at Hy-Vee North - we either had rain or snow and a big smile for everyone.

Sherry Kubalsky, Susan Mitchel, and Steve Wieneke

Nov 4th Meeting at Grimaldi's Pizza

A lively Rotary Foundation event was held at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, featuring insights from guest speakers. Attendees heard Steve Dakin and Dennis Drager discuss how Foundation projects are funded and implemented. Members celebrated how collective contributions drive meaningful change in communities near and far.
• Venue: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria gathering
• Presenters: Steve Dakin and Dennis Drager
• Focus: Rotary Foundation’s current initiatives

• Impact: Local and global benefits of member contributions
• Appreciation: Thanks extended to all participants
The evening highlighted the power of collaboration and set the stage for continued community impact.

Member Spotlight

Amy Coyle is our featured member, celebrated for her exceptional service and dedication. She brings a wealth of experience from her military background and applies that same commitment to her nursing career. In addition to her professional achievements, Amy dedicates time to community volunteering and shares insights into her family life and personal interests.

Key takeaways:

Distinguished military service
Committed and compassionate nursing career
Active community volunteer
Engaging family and personal interests

We’re grateful to have Amy in our group and look forward to her ongoing impact.

Click Me!

The Rotary Club has been honored by the Rotary Foundation for the 2024–2025 year with three prestigious recognitions. The club’s sustained commitment to annual giving, global health initiatives, and foundational support earned it accolades in “Every Rotarian Every Year,” “End Polio Now,” and as a “Foundation Giving Club.” These awards reflect the club’s dedication to both community and worldwide service efforts.

• Every Rotarian Every Year recognition for consistent member contributions
• End Polio Now award for active participation in polio eradication
• Foundation Giving Club status for significant support of Rotary’s charitable programs

This recognition underscores the club’s ongoing commitment to impactful philanthropy and service.

Foster Squad

We spent a wonderful evening with our Rotary group packing 140 backpacks with essentials and fun for the Foster Squad. Seeing everyone come together for a great cause was heartwarming. Special thanks to Shaina Rolling and Kate Pauly from the Foster Squad for joining us and sharing their mission.

Offering a child a safe and nurturing home is an incredibly meaningful act of compassion. The Foster Squad is here to stand beside Iowa foster families, providing them with the resources they need to care for our community’s most vulnerable children.

The Foster Care Kits are created with love and understanding for children entering the system. They deliver these kits to foster families as they welcome new placements, helping to ease their transition during such a challenging time. Together, we can show these children that they are not alone and that there are people who truly care for their well-being.

The Foster Squad plays a VITAL role in supporting Iowa's children and foster families, helping to care for our community’s most vulnerable kids. Let’s continue to spread love and kindness. Together, we can make a difference.

A heartfelt thank you to Shaina Rolling and Kate Pauly of the Foster Squad for joining us and passionately sharing their inspiring mission.

Click Me!

Beads for Bravery Program

Iowa Cubs Social

What a fun night at the ballfield! The Rotary Club of Ankeny Evening held a social at Principal Park on Tuesday, July 1. We watched the Omaha Stormchasers vs. Iowa Cubs. The final score was 10-7 with Iowa Cubs losing, but we did get to see 2 homeruns in the 9th inning! Thanks to everyone that attended!

End of Year Celebration / Gavel Passing

Wow, what a night!

We had an incredible time celebrating our amazing Rotary members. A big thank you to Brenda Wieneke for her fantastic leadership over the past year as President. She truly embodied our mission of service, fellowship, and integrity!

As Brenda Wieneke passed the gavel to Noel Fiscus, we couldn't help but feel excited for the journey ahead!

We shared some laughs and enjoyed the fun awards throughout the evening.

It was heartwarming to honor our Rotarian of the Year, Cathy McDaniel, along with our Paul Harris Fellows and the Polio Plus Society members. Your dedication and service inspire us all!

Here’s to another great year ahead!

Blood Drive
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
NO MEETING
Feb 10, 2026
NO MEETING
Feb 10, 2026
Steak Night
Ankeny Hy-Vee

Feb 12, 2026
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Rotary Social
Fiscus Jewelers

Feb 17, 2026 6:00 PM
Rotary Board Meeting
Feb 24, 2026 7:00 PM
2026 Annual Fundraiser Roaring 20's Charity Event
FFA Enrichment Center

Apr 18, 2026
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Rotary Gala
FFA Enrichment Center

Apr 18, 2026
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Member Birthdays:

Cathy McDaniel

February 17
Phyllis Even

February 25

Spouse/Partner Birthdays:

Phyllis Even

February 25

Join Date:

DuWayne McDaniel

February 25, 2020

6 years

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM

Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery

1610 SW Main St
Ankeny, IA 50023
United States of America

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM are Rotary nights! We meet weekly for service projects, special programs, & fellowship. Our primary meeting spot is Magee’s Irish Pub—but some weeks we are out in the community making an IMPACT! Connect with us to check location.

District Site

Venue Map