President Kelley Krueger called the meeting to order and led members in singing “Smile.”
Introduction of Guests:
President Kelley introduced Brian Johannesen and Keegan Colletta Huckfeldt from the Englert Theatre. Rotarian Verne Folkman introduced his guest, Tory, who is new to Iowa City.
Rotary-Related Announcements:
- Rotary Outbound International Scholarships: Rtn. Brianna Wills, chair of the Rotary Outbound International Scholarships Committee, invited members to join the committee. Each year, Rotary sponsors college students studying abroad, and the committee awards scholarships to support University of Iowa students pursuing international study opportunities. The committee is also seeking student applicants.
- Tree Planting Project: Rtn. Shannon Ramsay invited members to participate in an upcoming tree planting project on November 14 at Oak Hill Elementary in Tiffin, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- Stomp Out Polio: President Kelley encouraged members to join fellow Rotarians for a bike ride or walk to raise awareness and support polio eradication. The event will take place at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area on November 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Paul Harris Fellowships: Verne Folkman announced two new Paul Harris Fellow recipients: Dave Seibert and Bill Dickenson.
- Iowa Homecoming: In honor of Iowa Homecoming, Bill Bywater shared his collection of Homecoming buttons with members.
New Member Induction:
President Kelley inducted new member Tara Sterba.
Program: Iowa City Songwriters Festival
President Kelley Krueger introduced today’s speakers, Keegan Colletta Huckfeldt, Executive Managing Director, and Brian Johannesen, Executive Artistic Director of the Iowa City Songwriters Festival.
Brian shared how his appreciation for the arts grew in Iowa City before he attended Belmont University in Nashville to study the music business. He has been with The Englert for five years and has been in his current role for approximately six months.
Keegan began his career in dance and later worked at The Old Creamery Theatre. After spending time in Washington, D.C., he missed Iowa’s nonprofit arts community. Returning to The Englert was a dream come true.
The Englert Theatre: A Community Institution
The Englert Theatre opened in 1912 under the ownership of Bill and Etta Englert. In 1926, a devastating fire nearly destroyed the building. Although the interior was lost, the exterior was saved.
The Englert has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Extensive renovations took place from 1999 to 2004, and the venue now accommodates approximately 700 people. The organization is currently engaged in long-term facility planning to ensure the theatre remains a vibrant community resource.
A $3 venue fee is added to each ticket to support the organization’s long-term sustainability. These funds help pay for facility improvements and renovations, including upgrades to the lighting, HVAC, and security systems, as well as the addition of a new lounge.
Mission: To inspire and activate positive community growth through the arts.
Vision: To build and sustain a thriving, arts-centered community.
The speakers highlighted several reasons The Englert matters to Iowa City:
- Approximately 40% of its programming is community-based.
- It provides a respite and a place for people to connect through the arts.
- It creates an inclusive space where everyone can feel welcome.
- It helps sustain meaningful community traditions.
- It engages residents through partnerships with local organizations.
Iowa City Songwriters Festival
The Englert created the Iowa City Songwriters Festival (ICSF) to celebrate the craft of songwriting and give audiences a deeper understanding of the creative process. Now in its second year, the three-day festival and conference features intimate performances, artist interviews, panel discussions, and opportunities for community building.
From November 5–7, the festival will take place at intimate venues throughout Iowa City, including The Englert Theatre, The James, Trumpet Blossom Café, The Black Angel, and Gabe’s. Artists will share not only their songs but also the stories and inspiration behind them, offering audiences a closer look at the creative process.
Looking Ahead
The long-term goal is to establish Iowa City as a destination where songwriters can develop their craft, connect with fellow artists, and find inspiration. By attracting more songwriters to the area, the festival hopes to build on Iowa City’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Literature, celebrated for its literary traditions in fiction, poetry, and books, while expanding the city’s identity as a community that nurtures songwriting and musical creativity.
Next Week’s Meeting – Thursday, November 5, 2026
Program: Marty Lenss - Airport Director, CID, Eastern Iowa Airport Update
Program Chair: Rtn. Haley Rosendahl
Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll
Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll
Club Communications:
Please send newsworthy items and/or photos to janicebaldes@gmail.com for inclusion in the weekly slide presentations.
For questions or additional information regarding club administration, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.