Many of us will remember Steve not only for his steady commitment to his family, but is passion and dedication to Rotary.  Until his passing, Steve served as our club’s international service chair. Over the years, he traveled in support of Rotary projects to Nepal, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and, most recently, Uganda. In each place, Steve represented the best of Rotary: service with humility, friendship across borders, and a deep belief that meaningful change is built through human connection.

He was our club’s community service chair for many years and was responsible for many hands-on events like  Roto-Mow, where we cleaned up yards for elderly or disabled homeowners. Steve spent countless hours reaching out to local churches and other groups, so many volunteers joined Rotarians in working at multiple homes all day. This earned Steve the nicknames “Godfather of Community Service” and “Saint Stephen.” which  embarrassed him because he didn’t do it for recognition.

Steve was a passionate supporter of Highline Music4Life, which provides musical instruments for Highline Public Schools students who cannot afford to buy or rent one. He was instrumental in establishing the Highline Music4Life chapter and served as chapter president for several years. He was adamant that Highline Music4Life be the primary beneficiary of the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival.

Many also knew Steve as our “music man” for the Blues & Brews Festival. This August marks our 17th festival, and much of its growth and success is due to Steve’s faithful work year after year recruiting quality, popular bands to perform at our event. In fact, Steve recruited and signed the bands for next month’s festival, ensuring that his love of music, service, and community will continue to be felt.

Steve’s legacy lives on in the projects he helped strengthen, the relationships he nurtured, the music and fellowship he brought to our community, and the example he modeled for all of us. His presence at our meetings, his thoughtful leadership, and his generous heart will be deeply missed.

Please join us in holding Steve’s family, friends, and fellow Rotarians in our thoughts as we remember a life of service well lived. We are grateful for Steve’s many years of friendship and dedication, and we say farewell with profound respect, affection, and gratitude.

Steve’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in his name to The Rotary Club of Des Moines and Normandy Park in support of the International and/or Community Service Committees. You can contribute here. Please note “In memory of Steve Swank” in the description field.

As the president of the newly formed Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, Traci is working to invigorate our business community and the vibrancy of our city.

Traci and her husband of 43 years have lived in Des Moines since 1982 and raised their family here.

In addition to her service on the Des Moines City Council, Traci has worked in real estate investment and property management for over 35 years. An avid community supporter, she has served in jails, mental health advocacy, and non-profit and youth programs.

Tony and Tacie own and operate Beans for Sharing, an online store that raises funds for charity. Shoppers purchase coffee beans and other gift items, and the net proceeds go to the cause of their choice.

Teams from West Seattle, Vashon, White Center/Burien and Des Moines/Normandy Park competed.

Congratulations to our winners!

• First Place: Coach Cornholio, Del Rivera and Soni Tuelio
• Second Place: Hop and Toss Cobs, Scott Harris & Mallory Murray
• Third Place: Corn Stars, Dan Johnson and Scott Logan
• Fourth Place: Obi Wan Cornobies, Susan and Steve Goegebuer (who would have been the tourney winners, had they not had to forfeit the last match due to fatigue!) Go, Sgt. Mom!

The vocational program teaches girls and young women the sewing and tailoring trade to provide future employment for families in the Gulu Region of Uganda.

The ultimate goal of this project is to build a 3,500 square foot vocational school and purchase sewing machines, fabric, tables, chairs, and other materials to furnish a complete sewing station for the school.

Our Rotarians were welcomed with a lively ceremony and gifts of fruit, vegetables and chickens.

Welcoming Ceremony

Wednesday, Mar. 4, 5:30-8 p.m.   |    Allstar Sports Bar, Des Moines

Allstar will donate a portion of food and beverage sales to benefit ADRAG.

Matthew graduated from Mount Rainier High School in 2003 and joined the US Navy. He served 10 years, during which he deployed twice. He married his high school sweetheart (also an MRHS alumnus, class of 2004) and returned to live in Des Moines.

Matthew and his wife have two children, Rachel and Michael, who attend Mount Rainier High School. In August 2025, Matthew founded the Des Moines Chess Club, where he serves as president.

]]> 102132 https://dmnprotary.org/15k-raised-for-youth-scholarships/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:51:40 +0000 https://www.dmnprotary.org/?p=102065 The City of Des Moines received a $15,000 check from the Des Moines/Normandy Park Rotary Club this month! The money will fund scholarships for children and youth to participate in City enrichment programs.

The funds were raised on New Year’s Eve at the Burning Boat Festival, a collaboration of the City and the Rotary Club. The proceeds from the event were boosted by a $5,000 contribution from the Des Moines Legacy Foundation.

“The Burning Boat Festival demonstrated the strength of community collaboration in Des Moines and our shared commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive traditions for all ages,” said organizer Jeff Gross, Rotary Past President.

Members and significant others dressed as a holiday of their choice. Among the special days represented were:

• Turkey Day (Jan Magnuson)
• Valentine’s Day (Michelle Curry)
• Fourth of July (Todd Downing)
• Chinese New Year (Jeff & Maria Gross)
• Labor Day (Ken & Catherine Carbone Rogers)

Unofficial winner of the Most Creative prize is Karen Satterberg, as Vacation Day!

Thanks to Maria Gross for organizing an unconventional way to celebrate the season!

Families and friends gathered around propane fire pits to warm hands and make s’mores. Participants were invited to write down an intention for the new year and add it to the boat replica. Then firefighters set the boat ablaze in the Scandinavian New Year tradition.

The money raised will provide youth scholarships for City Parks & Rec programs. Thanks to all Rotarians who volunteered to make this event a success!