RHODES — Formed in 2023, the Rhodes Engagement Committee (REC) is comprised of a group of residents dedicated to the betterment of the community. To learn more about its mission and activities, the public is invited to a free brunch and informational meeting, starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Clover Bloom Farms, owned by REC treasurer Chris Buck.

“People can ask their questions that they have, bring in new ideas, just kind of learn all about the events that we put on,” said Committee President Madelyn Pitzen, who will co-host the brunch with REC Vice President Jessie Perin.

The REC coordinates Rhodes Pride Days, Fall Festival, soup-off, Trailhead Park/Hoy Bridge cleanups, trivia nights, and more.

“Being a small town, we want to bring stuff the community can be a part of,” Pitzen added.

The REC meets monthly, and more often leading up to Pride Days and Fall Festival. She added that the committee is seeking additional people to help in any way they can, from raising funds, to manual labor, to making phone calls, writing letters, and securing donations for raffles.

“It’s about your own want of involvement. We will take what people offer. And we even have community members just sit in on meetings to give input,” she said. “We need more hands on deck. More events have grown and we need more manpower. We just need people willing to step in when needed.”

Pitzen said 2026 will see the return of trivia nights (the next one is on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at The Rhodes Bar) plus a yet to be determined Christmastime event.

Unlike other small towns in Iowa who are experiencing an aging population of community volunteers, Pitzen said the REC trends on the younger side.

“We have a pretty young group. I think our oldest members are in their 40s. Rhodes is a growing town. We’ve got a lot of houses coming up for sale, young people moving into town,” she noted. “However long anyone’s been in town we want to make sure people know that they’re welcomed, even if they didn’t get in right from the jump. If they’re new to town, we just want to have a very welcoming environment. We really have all grown a friendship. We don’t want it to be a closed off group.”

Rhodes Pride Days is set for July 24-26. Fall Festival will be scheduled around trick or treating activities so as to not interfere. In years past, the Fall Festival has included vendors, kids’ activities, food trucks, trail rides, pumpkin carving contests, movie night, and more. Rhodes Pride Days has seen a bags tournament offered, 5K, parade, food vendors, competitions, and more. Volunteers are always appreciated.

“The trail clean up in the spring will depend on the weather,” she said. “Trivia nights will be monthly over these couple of winter months and see how those go. Pride Days and Fall Festival are our solid events on rotation, but we always hope to have new ideas and new events.”

Those interested in attending the informational brunch can respond on Facebook or send a message to rhodesengagement@gmail.com.

The Rhodes Engagement Committee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax-deductible.

Checks may be sent to: 124 West Kimball Street, Rhodes. Learn more here: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095039805456.