Stories
World Immunization Week: Protecting Lives, Building Trust |
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Earth Day: A Call to Serve the Planet We Share
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2024-25 Grants ListView what grants we've done in 2024-25 |
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Celebrating Paul Harris – The Spark Behind a Global Movement![]() On April 19, we celebrate the birth of Paul Harris—born in 1868 and destined to change the world not through force or fame, but through fellowship and service. ![]() |
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A District Governor-Elect's Journey![]() A District Governor-Elect's Journey: International Assembly (IA), District Team Training Seminar (DTTS) & Midwest President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS / PELS) By: DGE Michael Kloss Looking back when I started my journey towards my District Governor (DG) year, it seems like an eternity ago, yet also so recent. Now that it is only three months before Todd finishes his term and I step up, I have been working on a lot of training items and preparations, which came to a head this past February. ![]() |
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Public Image 101: Zooming To An Easy How!![]() The new Rotary year will arrive sooner than you think and with it will come a treasure trove of helpful tricks of the trade from the Public Image Committee! Through our Vibrant Club Workshops and other conversations and club visits, there has been a common theme that has emerged: clubs know what they should do but not always the how. Let’s face it, many clubs out there don’t even have Public Image committees or chairs in place. ![]() |
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Membership Report -April 2025
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Waunakee Rotary Seeks District Grant Partners
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DID YOU KNOW? –Membership Olympics
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Imagine This: Rotary on the Road!
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Exciting Updates on Isha’s Journey!![]() We are thrilled to share some wonderful news about Isha’s life and studies as she approaches graduation. Her commencement ceremony at UW-Platteville is scheduled for May 17th, and we would love to see a strong show of support from all of you! ![]() |
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Exciting Updates on Isha’s Journey!![]() We are thrilled to share some wonderful news about Isha’s life and studies as she approaches graduation. Her commencement ceremony at UW-Platteville is scheduled for May 17th, and we would love to see a strong show of support from all of you! |
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ISC and RFE Committee Updates![]() We are excited to present the following International Project Opportunities available for clubs in our District. These projects have been preliminarily vetted, and initial agreements have been made with the host Rotary Clubs overseas.
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DID YOU KNOW? –Becoming a Rotary Positive Peace Activator
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How the Mararison "Light Up A School" Solar System and Water Project Came to Life![]() The Mararison Solar Panel initiative was made possible through the efforts of District 3850 Rotary Club of Antique's Past President Markus Helber (RY 2017-2018), who secured a full grant of $10,000 from Rotary Clubs of Fort Atkinson, Waunakee, and Stoughton in District 6250 Wisconsin, USA, to install at Mararison Elementary School in Antique, Philippines, for lighting and water supply. |
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Make March Memorable: Recognize Rotary Women!
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Rotary Water and Sanitation Month: A Ripple Effect of Change
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Join Us at TriCon 2025 – Connect, Learn, and Be Inspired!
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Membership Report -March 2025
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A September Friendship Exchange to Newfoundland
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March 2025 Governor's Message![]() I wrote this month’s letter just shortly after arriving back in the USA from Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul hosted 1,000 Rotarians at this year’s annual Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference. Promoting Peace (one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus) is important to me which is why I chose to speak about Peace (as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) during my District Governor talk with your club. ![]() (Photo: Governor Todd's recent visit to Mt. Horeb Rotary Club and shared part of his mission for sustainable peace.) |
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Membership Report -February 2025
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Invitation to Rotary International Impact Opportunities
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Register Now & Save For TriCon2025!
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Vibrant Club Workshop Recap
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India Croatia and Tanzania Await International Partnerships
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Changemakers Visits The Little French Bakery For A Sweet Lesson!
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GLOBAL GRANT SCHOLAR REIKA YOSHIDA
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GRANT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
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Rotary Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month: A Call to Action![]() Conflict is an unfortunate reality of our world. Whether in our communities or on the global stage, disputes can escalate into violence, division, and suffering. But Rotary believes in a different path—one of peace, understanding, and resolution. |
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Join the Movement to Fight Hunger
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120 Years of Rotary: A Legacy of Service, A Future of ImpactOn February 23, 2025, we celebrate a remarkable milestone—120 years of Rotary International! What began as a simple idea in Chicago in 1905, when Paul Harris and three friends gathered to form a fellowship of business professionals, has grown into a global movement of 1.4 million Rotarians in over 46,000 clubs worldwide. |
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Rotary Responds to California Wildfires
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In The Things We Think, Say, and Do![]() Many of you recite the Four Way Test at every meeting, so the phrase, “In the things we think, say and do” is very familiar. Today, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how this phrase pertains to you and your role within your club. How you THINK, SAY and DO for your club is instrumental in shaping its Public Image.
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DID YOU KNOW? –Rotary’s Action Plan
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February 2025 Governor's Message![]() In Rotary Magazine’s December 2024 edition, the editor in chief (Wen Huang) wrote a beautiful article about getting out to not only see the world, but to also experience the world. He referenced Lao-tzu’s fable of the frog in the well. After reading this previously unknown fable to me, I was inspired to read the re-read Plato’s allegory of the cave. The messages that come from these two philosophers’ (one Chinese and the other Greek) continue to be relevant today and are worth exploring again (or reading for the first time.) ![]() (Rotary District 6250 Leaders - left to right: District Governor Nominee Scott Ryan, District Governor Todd Restel, District Governor-Elect Mike Kloss and District Governor Nominee Designate Martha Klatt). |
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Celebrating 40 Years of Women in Rotary International: A Milestone for Equality and Progress![]() On January 23, 1985, history was made. Rotary International, long a male-dominated institution, began its journey toward inclusivity and equality by welcoming women into its Rotary Clubs. This momentous shift marked a turning point not only for Rotary International but also as a beacon for gender equality worldwide. ![]() |
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District Friendship Exchange Committee Update![]() We are thrilled to announce several exciting Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) opportunities for 2025! If you're interested in participating, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us. At the moment, the mini exchanges to the Netherlands and Poland are the only ones open for travelers. (Photo: RFE Croatia 2024) |
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District International Service Committee
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Do You Have a Poem Hidden Within?
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Celebrating Five Years of the Rotary Disaster Response Fund![]() January 10 marks a milestone in Rotary International’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts. In 2019, the Rotary Disaster Response Fund was launched, providing swift and effective disaster relief worldwide. This initiative embodies the very heart of Rotary’s mission: delivering hope and support when it’s needed most. |
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To the Tulips 2 - the Sequel and Poznan, Poland
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January 2025 Governor's Message![]() Youth Protection for Rotary International (“RI”) is a top priority. Many of our clubs engage with youth on a regular basis through their participation in Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, Interact, High School student of the month awards, and other avenues. ![]() (RYE during a successful TriCon 2024 event at Greenbay!) |
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Get Ready for TriCon 2025 – Register Now and Save!![]() Attention all Rotarians—TriCon 2025 is just around the corner, and it’s time to secure your spot at Rotary’s premier event of the year! Mark your calendars for April 25–26, 2025, and prepare to join us in vibrant Brookfield, Wisconsin for an unforgettable weekend. |
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The Service Project Center
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Membership Report -January 2025
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DID YOU KNOW? –Rotary Learning Center
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Pickleball for Polio—A “Fun” Fundraising Idea
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Rotary Calgary 2025![]() Set off on an exciting adventure of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Participate in engaging discussions, learn from esteemed speakers, and attend enlightening breakout sessions, all while surrounded by Calgary's stunning scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. |
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2025 Rotary Conference for Peace![]() Led by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from February 20-22, 2025. This event will allow the Rotary community and partners to enhance Rotary’s role in promoting peace. |
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Rotary Friendship Exchange for 2025 Sweden
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How is Your Club’s Online Presence? The PI Committee To Review Them All
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Empowering Communities Through Rotary: A Journey of Service and Impact![]() As December arrives, Rotary emphasizes Disease Prevention and Treatment by working on initiatives such as eradicating polio, supporting mental health, and improving communities. Key efforts involve funding vaccines, addressing healthcare needs, ensuring clean water, and providing medical training in underserved areas, all aimed at addressing the root causes of illness for sustainable change. ![]() |
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Rotary Club of Eau Claire and Hy-Vee Partnered to Provide Thanksgiving Dinner for 378 People in Need
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DID YOU KNOW? –Podcasts
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A Day Shared by ROTEX and Inbound Students
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How is Your Club’s Online Presence? The PI Committee To Review Them All![]() Ensuring that your club's authentic story is visible through your online presence is crucial, as this is where both community members and newcomers seek information about Rotary in your area. To support this, the District 6250 Public Image committee is evaluating each club's online representation by examining how effectively you convey your club's vision through your website and various social media platforms. |
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December 2024 Governor's Message![]() Succession planning is one of a few topics that I will readily discuss for hours. I strongly believe that succession planning builds lasting institutions and serves as a key building block for all successful entities. A few years ago, I directly experienced the power of succession planning when our 127-year-old family business implemented our emergency succession plan to great success. |
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Celebrating International Volunteer Day: The Heartbeat of Community Impact![]() We join the world on December 5th, in celebrating International Volunteer Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the tireless efforts of volunteers everywhere. Volunteers are the quiet champions of progress, bridging gaps in their communities with compassion, innovation, and selflessness. |
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Advocating Inclusion, Accessibility, and Empowerment
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Membership Report -December 2024
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Kick-off for the Rotary Exchange Alumni Gathering![]() D6250's newly formed ROTEX (Rotary Youth Exchange alumni) kicked off with a fun day for our Inbound exchange students on November 10th in downtown Madison. Oscar Mullikin, Germany 2022-23 Rebound from Ashland, WI and current UW-Madison sophomore along with 4 other Wisconsin Rebounds hosted 9 of our current Inbound students with a State Street scavenger hunt, lunch at Ian's Pizza and cheering on the UW Badger Women to a 4th quarter comeback win over Georgetown. |
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World AIDS Day 2024: Reflecting on Progress, Confronting Challenges, and Inspiring Change![]() Today, December 1, 2024, we pause to observe World AIDS Day—a moment to honor lives lost, celebrate progress, and reignite the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This annual commemoration reminds us of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go in our collective battle against this global epidemic. |
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December: Rotary’s Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
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RFE Philippines Enjoys the Magic of La Cosse![]() Rotary After Hours members got to experience the Magic of Rotary through the Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) in La Crosse from the Philippines. Joe Hammes, Jenny Arihood-Hanabarger and Stefanie Kline all were hosts for the Filipinos for 5 days and we got to experience the magic of the La Crosse area through their eyes. Other local Rotarians that helped host were Mark and Sharon Jolivette, Nancy Schmidt, Kathi Millard and Bud Hammes. All local Rotarians had a busy week with the RFE guests and also enjoyed getting to know each other. ![]() ![]() |
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Making Changes with the Changemakers
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And The Winner Is #Rotary6250
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Don’t Relax Your Cyber Security in Your Retirement![]() As a retiree you may now enjoy having time to pursue your hobbies or find new ones. But keep your guard up. It’s crucial to be vigilant about cyber risks that could threaten your financial security and personal information. |
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Stoughton Rotary Club Packs Meals to Help Alleviate International Hunger
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Al’s Musky Challenge Reels in $211,000 to Help Kids!
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The Rotary Foundation: Making a Difference and Transforming Lives![]() District 6250 has played a vital role in assisting Rotary clubs and districts around the world to bring positive change. One notable example is the Global Grant WALK VAN for D3850 in the Philippines, showcased in the photos here, which has consistently served many Filipinos in need. |
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Celebrating the Impact and Legacy of the Rotary Foundation Month 2024
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Marc’s November Membership Broadcast
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Commemorating World Toilet Day: A Call to Global Sanitation Action
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DID YOU KNOW? - The Rotary Foundation![]() Editor’s Note: This “DID YOU KNOW?” article is designed to help you discover and learn about the rich Rotary International life that happens outside of our individual clubs’ walls. This month’s article is on The Rotary Foundation. |
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November 2024 Governor's Message![]() With November being Rotary Foundation Month, I am excited to announce that our District is kicking off a Million Dollar Journey to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation (“TRF”). The timing of our Journey coincides perfectly with TRF’s goal to build its Endowment Fund to $2.025 billion dollars by 2025. This monetary goal is part of the TRF’s larger mission to help Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. ![]() |
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The 2024 Vibrant Club Workshop is November 9th!![]() There is no better time than the present to add a bit more VIBRANCY to your Rotary Club and no better way to accomplish this than by attending the District 6250’s Vibrant Club Workshop at the Cranberry Country Lodge in Tomah, Wisconsin! ![]() |
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RFE with Turkey![]() Rotary Friendship Exchange is exactly that – an exchange with another district in order to create new friendships and foster international understanding and good will. Participants are ambassadors for their own club and their country. Friendship Exchange is an intense social and cultural experience. ![]() |
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Leading the Rotary Friendship Exchange![]() District 6250 continues to have a strong and robust Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) program with several inbound exchanges currently visiting us.
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San Antonio’s Zone25b29 Institute and Conference – A Huge Success!
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Celebrate World Polio Day!
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Commemorating Economic and Community Development Month: October 2024![]() October is recognized as Economic and Community Development Month, a time to celebrate and highlight the efforts to foster economic growth and community wellbeing. For Rotarians, this month is a reminder of the pivotal role they play in driving sustainable development and creating resilient communities. |
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Your Digital Life Needs a Digital Defense
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Membership Report -October 2024
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DID YOU KNOW? – Rotary Awards
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Milestone in cervical cancer prevention in Ghana
![]() Milestone in cervical cancer prevention in Ghana: each of the 16 Regions now has at least one institution where women can have treatment of cervical precancer with ablation. ![]() Above: Group photo of recent graduates from the last training program. The box in the center is one of the thermal ablators purchased with our global grant funds. |
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ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT CALGARY?
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Navigating Your Club’s Social Media
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Tis' the Season...to Identify Potential Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Students!![]() On Saturday, October 26, the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee will be interviewing potential American Outbound Exchange Student Ambassadors. Do you know any potential Student Ambassadors who are good students (top half of class) and be between 16 and 18 1/2 years at approximately this time next year? If so, spread the word! This could be the start to a life-changing experience for them! ![]() |
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October 2024 Governor's Message![]() Rotary International recently released some figures that back up the claim that Rotarians are “People of Action.” With more than 1.2 million members, Rotarians transformed communities on a worldwide basis by volunteering approximately 47 million hours last year. In addition to our time and talents, The Rotary Foundation was able to award $291 million for sustainable global service initiatives during the 2023-24 year. As a CPA, I believe that these impressive figures back up the claims that Rotarians work hard to make the world a better place. Beyond the quantitative numbers, I see evidence of our value and good deeds in every community that hosts a Rotary club. ![]() |
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Admin Megs's Journey with ROTARY - IEP![]() Our dedication to peacebuilding aims for the most significant impact. Let's explore Admin Megs's involvement with ROTARY - Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Being a member of the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo in D3850 Philippines, she proudly carries the title of Peace Ambassador 2021 Alumna.
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Elevator's Speech![]() As a dedicated Rotarian, you enjoy the positive impact your club makes on your local community. You also value how you, a Midwesterner, can help change lives of people you will never meet half way across the planet. That is the power of Rotary. That is the power of your club! |
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September 2024 Governor's Message![]() When I send out Rotary-related emails, my signature block includes the following sentence which I believe captures the essence of who we are as Rotarians: “Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
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Stay Cyber Space![]() Be Smarter Than Your Smart Home Our digital age goes beyond our cellphones, laptops, and televisions. Now even our homes can be smart. Smart refrigerators make your grocery list, and then order the items. Thermostats learn our likes, dislikes, schedules. These devices can and do revolutionize our lives. However, smart homeowners wonder if they should be concerned about the security and privacy implications of the revolution. |
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Reflecting on RYLA
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To my Rotary sponsors in District 6250![]() To my District 6250 Rotary sponsors, It's that time again when I get to catch you up on what's been happening in my world. I hope this letter finds you well. ![]() Isha with her Rotary host family in Beloit From left to right Alice, Kris and Nick Dimassis. Nick is a member of the Beloit Rotary Club and the Director of the Beloit Public Library
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Nominate Your Next District Governor
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Celebrating 114 Years: Rotary's First Convention and Its Lasting Legacy![]() On August 15, 1910, Rotary held its first convention in Chicago, setting the stage for a global movement of service. From 17 clubs and 1,000 members then, to over 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members across 200 countries today, Rotary's growth has been nothing short of remarkable. ![]() The convention of the Rotary Clubs of America was held in Rotary’s birthplace, Chicago, in 1910. |
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International Youth Day 2024: Celebrating Global Change-Makers and Rotary's Youth Impact![]() On August 12, 2024, we celebrate International Youth Day, an occasion that has been recognizing young people's contributions to society since 2000. This year's event takes on special significance as we continue to navigate the post-pandemic world, with organizations like Rotary International playing a crucial role in empowering youth. |
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Become a Paul Harris Society Member![]() Currently 166 District 6250 Rotarians are members of the Paul Harris Society (PHS). PHS recognizes those Rotarians whose INTENT is to donate at least $1,000 annually to the Rotary Foundation. |
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MUSKIES ON BOARD FOR CHILDREN![]() Let me tell you a fishy story that started with diapers. Question: What do disposable diapers and the Wisconsin state fish have in common? Answer: Two crazy Rotarians by the names of Al Louis and David Amborn. One is passionate about musky fishing; the other was passionate about meeting the needs of young children, especially newborns and infants. Both were members of the Rotary Club of La Crosse. Unfortunately, David died suddenly before he could see all the good that their crazy dream has produced. Al is still an active member. |
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Stay Cyber Safe
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Hosting via the Open World Program
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Is Your Rotary Club a Best-Kept Secret?
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Putting the Fun Back in Fundraising![]() What’s some of the most fun you can have on a sunny summer day? How about a convertible ride through the hills and coulees of Western Wisconsin with a group of like-minded Rotarians? ![]() |
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DID YOU KNOW???![]() Rotary Fellowships Editor’s Note: This “DID YOU KNOW?” article is designed to help you discover and learn about the rich Rotary International life that happens outside of our individual clubs’ walls. This month’s article is on Rotary International’s Fellowships. Personally, I am a lifetime member of the Scouting, Whisk(e)y, and Wine Fellowships. ![]() |
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Batter Up in the Miracle League![]() The Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton had a fun night-out at a Miracle League of Dane County triple-header weeks ago. Twenty three club members and friends attended. This is a program that affords children and young adults an opportunity to play a modified version of baseball. Players are young people, 4-19 years of age, with some disability, who are aided by "buddies. " The buddies are community volunteers who assist the players bat, run/wheel the bases and play the field.
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Nominate Your Next District Governor
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August 2024: Membership and New Club Development Month - Time to Level Up!![]() Hey, community builders! August is here, and it's all about celebrating and boosting memberships and new clubs. Whether you're part of a school group, non-profit, or corporate squad, this month is your time to shine. |
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August 2024 Governor's Message![]() Rotary builds peace. Our District 6250 has recently taken a significant step towards advancing Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives by becoming a “Global Peacebuilder District.” As one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, individuals working to create peace in our communities does have a global effect. |
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Rotary Fellowship and a District Fund Raiser![]() We have a great opportunity for both Rotary Fellowship and a District Fund Raiser on Tuesday, August 6th at The Duck Pond at Warner Park! This is the home field for the Madison Night Mares and the Madison Mallards. The night's game will feature the Madison Night Mares, a NEW semi-pro girls fast pitch softball team. The Night Mares have waived the regular cost for us to host a fund raiser with them (saves us $600!) whereby for each $16 ticket sold to the game through the attachment, our District will receive $8 back. In addition, we have the opportunity to raise even more by selling 50/50 raffle tickets during the game. The stadium will provide us with the tickets to sell as well as vest to identify us as 50/50 ticket sellers. District 6250 will reap the benefit of 50% of those ticket sales as well.
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Rotary's First Project: A Century-Old Legacy of Community Service![]() July holds several important celebrations in the Rotary Calendar. These include the Rotary New Year, Rotary Leadership, Maternal and Child Health awareness, and marking 117 years since Rotary's inaugural community service project - establishing a public restroom in Chicago. This humble beginning set the stage for a global movement of service and impact. |
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Rotary International Launches 2024-2025: Unveiling "The Magic of Rotary"![]() Last July 1st, Rotary International embarks on a new year dedicated to service and making a difference. Guided by the theme "The Magic of Rotary," over 1.4 million members spanning across 200 countries are ready to create positive changes in communities worldwide. ![]() |
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Sharing Hope in the World
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Madison South Celebrates its 51st Brat Stand Season
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New Media Kits Initiative Provide Social Content at Your Fingertips
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OPEN WORLD PROGRAM 2025
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DID YOU KNOW???
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District to Serve Clubs Through Club Visioning
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The District Governor Journey
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Past President working with new members to increase engagement
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District Governor Bio - Scott Ryan |
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July 2024 Governor's Message![]() One of my favorite habits is sitting down to read the Rotary Magazine delivered to my home each month by the USPS (to be read as “Yes, I actually still enjoy the tactile feeling of the Rotary Magazine instead of the electronic version.”) However, just so you don’t think that I am too old school, I also love reading the electronic version our District 6250’s monthly Dispatch as well as my own Rotary Club of La Crosse’s weekly Coulee Report. I never get tired of reading, seeing and hearing stories about “People of Action” and “Service Above Self.” In my mind, I am able to connect these stories to the many fellow Rotarians that I have come to know as I enter my sixteenth year of being a Rotarian and to those Rotarians to whom I might not personally know but still inspire me. |
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Past President working with new members to increase engagement
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D6250 RFE Embraced by Philippines Hospitality![]() The Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) from District 6250 traveled to the Philippines from May 16th to the 24th. Ten travelers, including eight members from various Rotary clubs in Wisconsin, participated in this life changing experience. Members include Assistant Governor and RFE Team Leader Aaron Frank of Rotary Club of Madison South and spouse Rotarian Dawn Frank of Rotary Club of Madison-After Hours, incoming president of Rotary Club of La Crosse-After Hours Stefanie Kline, incoming president Mark Jolivette of Rotary Club of La Crosse-Downtown with spouse Sharon Jolivette, Elizabeth Naughton of Rotary Club of Lake Mills, Brent Van Gysel of Rotary Club of Columbus-Fall River with brother-in-law Craig Kolasinski, Jim Van de Bogard of Rotary Club of Beloit, and Cathy Statz of Rotary Club of Changemakers. (The photo captures the entire RFE Team Philippines enjoying breakfast on the stunning island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan, Philippines.) |
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Rotary Friendship Exchange with Het Hoogeland Rotary Club![]() Fifteen Rotary-connected Wisconsinites from District 6250 had a great experience recently, doing 3-day Rotary Friendship Exchange with the Het Hoogeland Rotary Club in the northern part of the Netherlands. Edwin Bos was our intrepid leader, as his parents and grandparents were all from that area, and he still has cousins there. Actually, most of the people looked like Edwin’s cousins—they are a long legged group, those Netherlanders! ![]() |
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SPOTLIGHT: Mrs. Jessica Hansen
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Goodbye and Hello
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Politics and Rotary
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Hosting an inbound student in the 2025-26 year
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June 2024 Governor's Message![]() Welcome to June, a month dedicated to Fellowship and above all, FUN. It seems only fitting that I end my Rotary year on that note – reflecting on the most significant piece of Rotary in my heart – connection. Connection is always front and center for us, not just in the month of June. ![]() |
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Exchange between 6250 and New Zealand District 9920
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Marshfield Rotary New Member Grant
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The RCC Livelihood and Training Center holds its inauguration event
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Membership Report
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McKinney-Marshall Scholarship Winner Announcement
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POSITIVE PUBLIC IMAGE DEPENDS ON EVERYONE![]() Rotarians from three districts recently gathered in Green Bay, WI for TriCon 2024, each arriving with their own intentions and unique purpose. Some attendees were eager to explore new service initiatives, others aimed to enhance their comprehension of Rotary’s impact, and many looked forward to rekindling old friendships and forging new connections. The event served as a platform for members to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards “creating hope in the world,” championed by a message from Rotary International’s current president. ![]() |
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Public Image Webinar Series!!
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The Shark Tank project
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May 2024 Governor's Message![]() "People that work together will win. Whether it is against complex football defenses or problems of modern society". Vince Lombardi ![]() |
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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT (Issue 7)![]() Explore the latest updates from around D6250! Stay tune for periodic updates to spread the word, inspire hope, and create a positive impact.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT (Issue 6)![]() Explore the latest updates from around D6250! Stay tune for periodic updates to spread the word, inspire hope, and create a positive impact.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT (Issue 5)![]() Explore the latest updates from around D6250! Stay tune for periodic updates to spread the word, inspire hope, and create a positive impact.
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What was Midwest PETS 2024?
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How String Bracelets Change Children’s Lives
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The Rotary Mobile Clinic, A Beacon of Hope
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Finding Harmony Between Rotary and Life![]() Becoming an administrator in another district within the Rotary community presents a fresh and thrilling challenge. This year, I had the opportunity to interact closely with Governor Michelle McGrath and the rest of the district team, whom I had previously only seen virtually via Zoom since assuming the role on July 1, 2023. |
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The Magic of Rotary for RY 2024-2025![]() On Feb. 17, D6250 Governor-Elect (DGE) Todd Restel led the District Team Training Seminar (DTTS) at her company’s First Supply function room in Madison. Governor Michelle McGrath set the tone by handing out playing cards, signaling the start of the fun. Admin Megs, who was visiting, met everyone for the first time. The breakout session was productive, with valuable insights shared. PDG Dean Ryerson also discussed the importance of facilitator training for clubs in need of support, focusing on sustaining both the district and clubs in the upcoming years. |
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It's Time to Plan Your Club's District Grant!![]() Springtime in Wisconsin means that our Presidents-Elect have just returned from PETS, full of inspiration and ready to collaborate with their club members on what their club's vision and plans will be for the new Rotary year. As the District Rotary Foundation Chair, I hope that your club will consider planning and implementing a district grant. We were able to fund fifteen district grants this year, with our District Designated Funds (DDF) lasting until December 2023 as the committee approved grant applications on a monthly basis. ![]() (In photo: Diane Whitmore picks produce during a volunteer event at River Run Farm for Harvest Against Hunger, a program of Rotary District 5030 (Washington, USA) that makes fresh, local produce that might otherwise go to waste available to people who face food insecurity by connecting farmers, truckers, volunteers, and food banks to bring resources into hunger-relief efforts across Washington state. Sequim, Washington, USA. 8 November 2023. Find the story in "Rotary" magazine, March 2024.) |
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Beds for Kids in Need![]() Holmen Area Rotary Club built beds for local children in need to improve sleep quality and academic success. Around 40 children in the community lacked proper beds. |
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Rotars of the Month![]() The Rotary Club of Chippewa Falls “Rotars of the Month” Ethan Faschigbauer, a senior high school at Chippewa Falls High School, with her team Kamryn and Bella, embarked on a project called "Impact Spouts" to benefit elementary school students, starting with Halstad and Parkview Elementary.
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March 2024 Governor's Message |
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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT (Issue 3)![]() Explore the latest updates from around D6250! Stay tuned for periodic updates to spread the word, inspire hope, and create a positive impact.
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Tierney Ray Hall, District 6250’s Global Scholar Reports from Oxford, U.K. |
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February 2024 Governor's Message![]() "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles M. Schulz Welcome to February, the month most of us associate with LOVE and in the RI world, the focus is on PEACE. Both important. Both necessary to create HOPE in our world. And if you're a Packers fan, LOVE did create HOPE, even if it didn't end like we wanted.
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Registration Open for RYLA 2024!![]() We’re once again inviting clubs to sponsor students to attend our District 6250 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp. We are very excited about this year's program and the opportunity to mentor young professionals in our community. The dates for this year's camp are May 17-19 at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. Plans are coming together for another transformational and fun weekend! New this year - Applications from clubs and Registrations from students/parents will be completely electronic. No more paper forms (woohoo)! For RYLA leadership to get everything we need, you’ll simply have to complete these 3 steps:
Keep reading for more helpful info!
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WATCH: D6250 Mental Health Series Webinar![]() D6250 Hope Squad, led by Governor Michelle McGrath, is committed to promoting mental health and wellness, a significant focus for our district and RI. We are excited to announce the successful mental health series on January 16th, in collaboration with NAMI. WATCH here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsM9Kw31R7s |
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Register SOON for Tricon 2024![]() Early Bird Specials expire on February 15th! Mark your calendars for April 18th to 20th, 2024, and be sure to join us in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Please register early and take advantage of the Early Bird Specials. |
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January 2025 Governor's MessageYouth Protection for Rotary International (“RI”) is a top priority. Many of our clubs engage with youth on a regular basis through their participation in Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, Interact, High School student of the month awards, and other avenues. |
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The Matagalpa Rain Harvesting Project: Bringing Hope to Nicaraguan Communities![]() The Coulee Region Rotary Clubs are working together to provide 100 rain harvesting and filtration systems to communities in Nicaragua. In this region, 65% of women spend over 10 hours per week collecting water for their families. By ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, the spread of waterborne diseases is curbed, children maintain better health and attend school regularly, while mothers can spend more time helping their families. Join us in this collaborative effort to make a difference. |
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Your 2026-2027 District Governor – Scott Ryan![]() ![]() Get to know your District Governor Nominee Designate, Scott Ryan of the Rotary Club of Holmen. Scott has held several roles in his club, particularly in the area of youth development. He is humbled and excited to be asked to serve in this leadership role for District 6250. Get to learn a bit more about Scott by checking out his bio. Congratulations, Scott!
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Get Ready for RYLA 2024!![]() The countdown is on for our next Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp at Camp Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells! What you need to know and can do right now:
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January 2024 Governor's Message![]() "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We are all meant to shine. And as we let our own light shine, we give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson Happy New Year Rotarians! It's time to SHOW UP AND SHINE! As we stand at the starting line of a new year, let the timeless wisdom of Marianne Williamson guide us. Soak in these words of wisdom in print or watch them play out in one of my favorite clips from Coach Carter. Click HERE to watch. ![]() |
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Rotary Friendship Exchange D6250 and D3850![]() Rotary Friendship Exchange – District 6250 (Wisconsin) and District 3850 (Western Visayas, Philippines) – Open to All District 6250 Rotarians. For those interested; this Friendship Exchange will tie into the Rotary International Convention in Singapore which you can attend independently. Alternatively, independent additional time at the famous Boracay resort island can be added to the end of the trip. Please read fully … contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com if interested. If you don’t receive a confirmation your interest HAS NOT been noted. Please resend. ![]() |
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TULIP LOVERS!!! Mini-Rotary Friendship Exchange![]() TULIP LOVERS!!! Mini-Rotary Friendship Exchange – District 6250 (Wisconsin) and the Rotary Club Uithuizen - het Hoogeland (the Netherlands) – Open to All District 6250 Rotarians. Please read fully … contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com if interested. If you don’t receive a confirmation your interest has not been noted. Please resend. ![]() |
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December 2023 Governor's Message![]() So much hope, peace and joy sent your way as we enter this holiday season. As we close out the calendar year, I want to extend a big THANK YOU for all you are doing to create impact, extend our reach, engage members, and adapt in the process - from the Club Level to District Leadership. It has been such a treat to visit your clubs these past several months and take in all of the JOY our members are spreading. 6250 Rotarians are creating so much HOPE and our world is a better place because of our members. ![]() |
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Highlighting the 2023 Vibrant Club Workshop![]() On Saturday, November 4th, district 6250 hosted the 2023 Vibrant Club Workshop (VCW) at the Cranberry Country Lodge in Tomah. The event was a success, with 42 Rotarians coming together for a day of camaraderie, training, and celebration. We focused on the Rotary Action Plan and its four key priorities, utilizing Public Image, The Rotary Foundations, and Membership to drive everything collaboratively. ![]() |
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Attention D6250 Rotarians: An Opportunity to Join in the Rotary Friendship Exchange program.![]() Rotary Friendship Exchange – District 6250 (Wisconsin) and District 4640 (Brazil State of Parana) – Open to All District 6250 Rotarians. ![]() Please read fully … contact Mark Etrheim at mark@mchlax.com if interested. If you don’t receive confirmation and an application to fill out and return within 2 days send it again. |
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The Fight To End Polio IS Won With Small Steps![]() ![]()
To learn more about Worlds Greatest Meal find them on Facebook or visit their website here. Lynn Perez-Hewitt President-Elect Fitchburg Verona Horizon Rotary Club |
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Join the Vibrant Club Workshop in Tomah, Wisconsin.![]() Join your fellow District 6250 Rotarians to *Learn-Share-Love* in beautiful Tomah, Wisconsin! All Rotarians that are looking for inspiration, whether to grow membership or to engage their communities, are encouraged to take part. The Vibrant Club Workshop is all about how Membership, Public Image, and Humanitarian Service through The Rotary Foundation are connected and work together in Rotary. This year’s Vibrant Club Workshop will incorporate RI President Gordon McInally’s theme, Create Hope in the World and the action priorities of Rotary’s Strategic Plan. Those attending a Vibrant Club Workshop will jointly discover and develop creative ways to achieve and sustain membership growth and retention, to increase Rotary Foundation giving and project engagement, and to gain enhanced public image in their communities. |
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D6250 Upcoming Mental Health and Wellness Programs![]() We are thrilled to announce that Governor Michelle McGrath, along with our district, supports mental health and wellness and a priority for both Rotary International and our district. Join our District 6250 Hope Squad for the annual NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) Walk, taking place on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in Madison, WI. Our goal is to raise $6250 and have 100 Rotarians participate in support of mental health for all. Click on this link below to join our team, and please share this information with your Rotary Club members. This event is sure to be amazing, with plenty of fellowship and fun for everyone who attends. REGISTER HERE Let us gather around with the District 6250 Hope Squad. There is also the same walk (on September 28th) in the Eau Claire area. Please share Walk Day photos by using the hashtags #Together4MH and #WhyIWalk |
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Rotary D6250 Mental Wellness Series![]() Our latest partner, NAMI Wisconsin, will provide a brief overview of mental illness and mental health, discuss stigma and discrimination in the workplace, and provide suggestions on how to integrate mental wellness practices into your work culture. They will also share resources available in your area to promote work life balance, internal best practices, and additional speakers/materials available to meet the needs of your organization, club, or workplace. Please share the below link with your club members and JOIN US for this important webinar. If you are unable to attend that day, no worries – the webinar will be recorded and available to view on our website. |
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Maximizing Rotary's Brand Image![]()
As a unique organization, we need to ensure our messaging reflects our distinct character. To help you achieve this, we offer many resources that can be used to showcase Rotary in your community and demonstrate that we're people of action. If you're new to the Brand Center, take a look at our introductory materials to get started. If you're a first-time user, start here for a seamless introduction to the Brand Center https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us/templates or check this video https://youtu.be/eFjtTRT4V5I Cover Photo: Rtn. Vera Allotey of the Rotary Club of Accra Dansoman (Ghana); Photo above: Service project that sent 16,000 meals to Ukraine by PDG Ben Bauer |
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2022-2023 District 6250 Year In Review![]() Every Rotary year gives us an opportunity to celebrate what our Clubs and District are doing to increase their impact and create lasting change. There's lots to celebrate so let's take a look back to 2022-2023 and take in some of the highlights of a year full of imagination! |
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Community Service Video Challenge Winners!![]() Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Community Service Video Challenge!
Check out the links above for all the great videos. Got a community service project to share? Email admin@rotary6250.org your story, video or project description and we'll share your project on our newly formed Community Service Committee page. |
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August 2023 Governor's Message![]() ![]() Welcome to August – a month dedicated to building the TEAM – your club, our district, and beyond. Surrounding yourself with the right people is always key – as Steve Jobs shares in his famous quote and commercial – the crazy ones, the people who see things differently are often the ones that change the world. I’m incredibly grateful to have those “people” Steve references, on our District 6250 Team. It brings me such JOY to plan, create, inspire and of course, enjoy fellowship with 6250 Rotarians. You are creating HOPE in all that you do. THANK YOU! |
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2022-2023 Rotary Citation Recipients![]() The Rotary Citation awards recognize the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Working to achieve the citation goals helps clubs engage their members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club not only fosters a positive experience for its members, but also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve citation goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come. 8 clubs earned the recognition of the 2022-2023 Rotary Citation! Congratulations to:
Several other clubs achieved double digit goals and were oh so close to getting the required 13. Please encourage your club leadership to engage with the citation again this year and use it as a tool to focus your club around some key measurements of club health and success. Citation goals can be found in Rotary Club Central. To achieve the Rotary Citation, review all the available goals, select at least half of them, achieve those goals, and report your achievement in Rotary Club Central. All achievements need to be reported in Rotary Club Central by 30 June. |
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Why stories move us, change us, and stay with us.
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Youth Exchange Inbound Program![]() District 6250 welcomed 17 new students to Wisconsin in August for the 2024-2025 academic year! Exchange Students: You will find a series of useful policy and form links on this page. Connect with us on the WhatsApp group with any questions (access is restricted to the inbound students).
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Bartels Beach Park in Memory of Dean Sanders |
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La Crosse After Hours - Sleep in Heavenly Peace |
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Madison Breakfast Rotary Reading Project |
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June 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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What does P.E.S.O have to do with Public Image?![]() ![]() What does P.E.S.O have to do with Public Image? P.E.S.O is an acronym for four avenues for your club’s messages and stories. P is for PAID. Paying to place your message is advertising, and advertising isn’t free. E is for EARNED. When you earn placement of your message or story you have gained the attention of a media outlet, through a press release, an email, a call. You earned it. S is for SHARED. We share our messages and stories through social media. Whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Facebook, Pinterest, or any of the latest and greatest technologies springing up. O is for OWNED. The most common owned channel is your website. Some clubs also produce a bulletin or send a formatted email. Owning also implies it is an internal distribution channel. P. E. and S. are all external platforms to share messages and stories. O is the only internal channel. And yes, you may forward a bulletin, email or link which means this avenue offers another means to reach an external group. Why is this useful? When you are aware of these four avenues you and your club can be more strategic and more effective building and maintaining your public image. |
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2022-2023 District 6250 New Member Project Grant Recipients!![]() ![]() Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022-2023 District 6250 New Member Project Grant! Some surplus in our membership development budget has created a great opportunity to support more clubs! In addition to the 5, $1,000 grants, we're awarding 4 additional $500 grants.
Clubs must have obtained four new members who have maintained their membership in the club for at least four months during the 2022-2023 Rotary year. Priority of the awards went to the clubs that have the highest percentage of net positive member growth for the Rotary Year as of May 31st. These new club members will use these funds to support a service project of their choice, helping them jumpstart their involvement with their clubs. Engaging new members early helps improve member satisfaction and retention. Congratulations again to all of our membership grant recipients this year.
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Trolls in Mount Horeb are fun. Copyright Trolls are not.![]() ![]() What do Copyright trolls and Risk Management have to do with Public Image? More than we would like. Risk Management at RI recently let us know that Clubs continue to post images and other media (cartoons, songs, etc.) online in disregard of copyright laws. This disregard has a direct and costly result for all of us. Over 40% of the open claims against our Rotary Club & District liability Insurance pertain to copyright infringement. Software applications that “troll” the internet looking for violations. When a violation is discovered, owners are contacted, and they make a demand to settle the violation. Failure to respond makes the situation worse. It is your club’s responsibility to comply with copyright laws. Take these steps to avoid receiving a notice of copyright infringement:
Then from Now On:
Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2020-2024 perezhewitt@hceonline.com |
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May 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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Be a Host in 2024-2025![]() ![]() Start watching your inboxes for Inbound Commitment letters for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. We had 16 clubs commit to hosting a foreign exchange student for the 2023-2024 year. Let's help District Governor Elect Michelle McGrath by raising that number by one or two. Support is available to new clubs that are interested or clubs who wish to re-engage with Rotary Youth Exchange. Reach out to RYE Chair BIll Pritchard at prosapiaeo@gmail.com for more details. Youth Exchange promotes Peace through Understanding...doesn't that feel like an important thing in our world today? |
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Transforming the Public Image of Rotary in La Crosse![]() We all respond to images, especially images that move and have sound. The skills to assemble the images and craft a story are on display in this video about the Rotary Mobile Medical clinic out of La Crosse. As you will learn when you click on the link https://youtu.be/p6uN3eHX62c It’s an extraordinary tale of collaboration, cooperation, and what happens when our best selves devise solutions. |
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April 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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District Membership Grant Creates Engagement and Supports Education![]() ![]() The Madison Breakfast Rotary Club utilized a District Membership Growth Grant to engage members in their project that will enrich the education and learning environments of hundreds of school children from pre-school into secondary school in Guatemala. Keep reading to see the rest of their project report.
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ShelterBox Responds Around the World![]() ![]() ShelterBox currently has response projects ongoing in 11 countries. Rotary support from District 6250 is vitally important to enable this work and replenish our warehouses with the core aid items so we remain prepared for a rapid response to the next disaster. Please read check out this summary from Bill Tobin, Rotary Relations Manager at ShelterBox USA. Clubs interested in giving to this important work can use the mail in donation form.
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TriCon 2023 - Register Today![]() There's still time to register for TriCon and be a part of a great event with amazing speakers, inspirational and informative workshops, and load of Rotary Fun! Join us for some fun and help us raise some dollars for Polio Plus! Get more info on the Polio Plus FUNdraisers (Pints for Polio Pub Crawl and an awesome Silent Auction).
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Midwest PETS 2023![]() ![]() The 2023 Midwest President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) was vibrant, engaging, and the first step towards a successful journey ahead. Over 400 Rotarians from 6 Rotary Districts in the Midwest gathered in Itasca, IL, on March 3-5th for a weekend of learning, inspiration, and fun. District 6250 had 72 participants representing Club and District Leadership. Club President Elects and Nominees spent their time learning from Rotary International experts, as well as, our very own District leaders - the Assistant Governors, Committee Chairs, and the DG team. The weekend was kicked off with a special visit from the Rotary International President Elect, Gordon McInally. Gordon had a chance to speak individually to each district, as well as share his inspiring message from the main stage. He shared his vision of hope and peace for the upcoming Rotary year. Other speakers included, Greg Podd, Rotary Foundation Trustee, and PRIVP, Valarie Wafer. Our plenary sessions were filled with inspiring messages from leaders across the country sharing stories about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership, and mental health. Tom Farley and John Williams closed out PETS with an uplifting message about the importance of connecting with others and creating an ensemble for success. |
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President Jennifer Jones invites you to the
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Global Grant Recipient Karissa Bjonstad![]() ![]() Please meet Karissa Bjornstad, who will be presenting on a Global Scholar’s Panel at TriCon! Karissa is District 6250’s Global Scholar for the 2022-2023 year. She is studying at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, completing a Master’s Degree there. The Holmen Rotary Club is her sponsor club here in the US. She is sharing her latest information here. |
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End Polio Now![]() ![]() Be a part of the final push to eradicate Polio. For polio eradication efforts, 2022 brought good news. Fewer genetic strains of the virus are circulating than ever before. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where polio remains endemic. And support from political, medical, and community leaders in those areas has strengthened vaccination efforts during the past year. Global support for polio eradication also reached new heights, as was proven at the World Health Summit in October, when Rotary and international partners and donors pledged a combined US$2.6 billion to eradicate the disease. Here's a few ways you can get involved:
Keep reading for more info and ways you can help.
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March 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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February 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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Volunteering with Youth 2023 Update![]() As Rotarians, we have a responsibility to ensure that when we interact with youth through our programs and activities, we are following Rotary's general guidelines. Some of you may be quite familiar with these, but as a reminder, please review the following information and reach out with any questions. We appreciate every Rotarian in our district and your commitment to ensuring that we are in compliance with any Rotary International policy that helps protect our Youth. |
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Public Image Thrives on Awareness![]() Everyday is an opportunity to share Rotary. By showing up in our communities to serve and volunteer each of us is sharing what Rotary means to us, what Rotary means in our communities. Sharing and showing up can be as simple as wearing your pin even on days when you don’t have a meeting. Add the Rotary logo or your club’s logo to the signature block of your personal email. If you use social media, post a mention of a speaker you heard at a meeting, link to an article in the Rotary magazine, put a Rotary decal on your car, in the window at your office. These are just a few suggestions that cost you little and will spread awareness that Rotary is here in our communities. When people see us, see Rotarians in action, the opportunity opens to extend an invitation to a meeting, to be a volunteer, and just maybe to become one of us. |
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The Power of Ethics + The Power of Youth = Transformation![]() Hosted by District Ethics Initiative Chair Bob Shumaker and event co-chair Mike Gotzler 180 students from 20 schools braved the arctic cold Friday morning, February 5th. Madison Rotary Club volunteers were as excited as the students to share and explore the R-O-T-A-R-Y framework for ethical decision-making. The young leaders came from small schools, large schools, public schools, private schools, schools who have participated in the past and schools for which this was a new experience. The excitement, and not a small amount of anxiety filled the welcome sessions. High energy keynote group, the First Wave Touring Ensemble, vividly demonstrated realistic challenges and complexities facing all of our youngsters. The tone of the morning was set, the framework for decision-making explained. Participants streamed from the ballroom to their assigned breakout rooms. Students were deliberately scattered so they could meet and think with peers they didn’t know. Keep reading to hear how these leaders stretched their minds. |
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You're Invited - Rotary Orientation![]() Once you’ve chosen a travel destination, what do you do next? Learn a bit of the language? Get a list of area highlights? Check out a map? Anticipate a warm welcome? Our Rotary District will be hosting new member orientation throughout 2023. On every fifth Wednesday (March 29, May 31, August 30, November 29) at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., new Rotarians – and Rotarians who feel new – can join others for an easy-going hour designed to give everyone a great start to a great Rotary experience. We will offer a warm Rotary welcome, Rotary language acquisition, Rotary highlights, and a Rotary map. This is not a series, it is a single opportunity, offered four days a year, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each of the four days. |
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Isha Paudel Update![]() ![]() Isha Paudel (the Girl from Nepal) was a Rotary Youth exchange student in our District during the 2019-20 school year. She was “discovered” as a 14 year old by a group of 6250 Rotarians who visited Nepal as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange in 2016. She currently attends UW-Platteville and this is her most recent update to the District 6250 Rotarians who help sponsor her education. Keep reading for a letter from Isha.
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Thank You from Rotary District 2331 & Szczecin Rotary (Poland)![]() ![]() Hello fellow Rotarians from District 6250! On the 21st of December our Club had its Christmas celebration. On this special occasion we wanted to honor fellow Rotarians who supported our Club`s help to refugees from the Ukraine and directly to the Ukrainian nation in their homeland. Therefore, we created a special statue "Dove of Peace" which is the representation of the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" and our motto for last year - "Service for Peace". We think of your District as our true friend in the help that we offer to Ukrainians. We wanted to honor your District. In attachment I am sending you a photo of the statue and diploma. We plan to bring the statue with us on return Rotary Friendship Exchange to your District in June. Wishing you all the best for the Upcoming 2023 Anna Łakomiak-Melka
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Vibrant Club 2023 Handouts![]() Hello Rotarian! Thank you for registering for Vibrant Club Workshop on January 21, 2023! We are so excited for a fun event! Vibrant Club Workshop – January 21, 2023 Online – 9:00 am to 11:30 am In-Person – 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm Handouts & Survey: Linked below please find handouts and the survey for this event. In Person event survey’s will be collected onsite. Virtual event survey’s should be emailed to DGN Todd Restel trestel@1supply.com. Zoom Connection information for the morning event: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 870 7958 0993 Passcode: 924123 Dial by your location +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Instruction for the afternoon in person event: Cappella Performing Arts Center 721 King Street La Crosse, WI 54601 There is a small parking lot on 8th Street and have access to the large parking lot next door on 8th Street as well. The 8th Street entrance is handicap accessible with an elevator lift inside. We look forward to a great event! Thank you, Todd Restel | CFO District Governor Nominee Cell: 608-790-5134 Heather L. Dyer, CAE Rotary District 6250 Administration TriCon Conference Chair Cell: 608-516-8505 Phone: 608-204-9835
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TriCon Registration Open |
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Friendship Exchange - Budapest 2023![]() Initial Details:
If you have not been on one of these they are an amazing experience of seeing the sights, experiencing local culture and making real Rotarian friends Group Leader will be Mark Etrheim, mark@mchlax.com, 608-769-7200. Any questions, please contact me directly. |
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Report on May-Oct 2022 Help for Ukraine![]() ![]() Please read this report that details the use of $5,000 from District 6250 to help Ukraine. So much important support was provided including equipment for refugees, activities for Children from Ukraine, school supplies, Polish language lessons, an activation project, dental care and therapeutic support. |
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2022-2023 District 6250 Membership Growth Grant Recipients!![]() ![]() Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022-2023 District 6250 Membership Growth Grants.
Two $1,000 grants have been provided to these clubs to help with membership retention, recruitment, starting a new club, promotion, etc. To qualify, clubs must have a Membership Chair. Priority of the awards went to clubs whose efforts demonstrate innovative and impactful ideas for growing a club’s membership. Learn more about this grant program or our other membership grant program, the New Member Project Grant here. Applications for the New Member Project Grant are due May 31st, 2023 – don’t wait! |
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Friendship Exchange - Croatia 2023![]() ![]() Your very own Rotary District 6250 is known for having the most robust Rotary Friendship Exchange Program in North American … take advantage of these once in a lifetime opportunities! Background: Currently, the Rotary Club of Beloit is the primary international sponsor on a large Rotary “Digital Literacy” Global Grant that is benefitting schools in various parts of Croatia. The relationships Beloit has established over the past 3 years has led to this Rotary Friendship Exchange opportunity. Members of the Rotary Club of Beloit were given first “dibs” on this exchange, however, there are several spots remaining. What: Rotary Friendship Exchange with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians in Croatia. Stay with local Rotarians, city and business tours, local food and drink, Rotary meetings and plenty of time for fellowship and discussion. Prepare to be surprised by the activities and tours organized for you. Return leg will bring Croatian Rotarians to Wisconsin in 2024. See also: Rotary International Website RFE Information and District 6250 Friendship Exchange Page When: District 6250 travel to District 1913 in Croatia will be from September 7-18, 2023. District 1913 travel to 6250 is TBD in 2024. No visa requirements in either direction, just a passport. Keep reading for a more detailed itinerary and to learn how to sign up! |
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Mayville Park Square Band StandThe Mayville Rotary Club exemplifies how a spark of an idea can take hold and bring community together. And it all started with a new member grant. From Mike Schuett: The summer of 2022 had over 15 events in The Square many due to the new stage and equipment. Pictured is Ukekrazy performing at the Kids Rock Day Afternoon in July 2022. Keep reading to learn more. |
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Your 2025-2026 District Governor – Michael Kloss![]() ![]() Get to know your District Governor Nominee Designate, Michael Kloss of the Rotary Club of Eau Claire Morning. Michael is currently an Assistant Governor, representing our Group 1 clubs (Eau Clair, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie) and is an active community member in Rotary and other organizations. He’s clearly got a passion for service and will be an excellent leader of our District in the coming years. Learn more about Michael here. |
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Make Public Image a Priority![]() ![]() When your club makes public image a priority, be prepared to see engagement rise. Showcasing how your projects make an impact in the community and touch people's lives gives the public an understanding of what Rotary does. Having a Public Image Chair is a great way to prioritize your club’s image. They can coordinate club messages and provide a consistent Rotary voice in communications. And the Brand Center is where they can find tools such as templates, images, and videos to create compelling ads, flyers, social media posts, and press releases. Keep reading to learn more about making public image a priority. |
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New Year Resolutions, New Youth Program Opportunities!![]() ![]() Happy New Year to all Rotarians in District 6250. It's that time of year where we make resolutions...reflect on what we did last year that we might want to change, do more of or stop doing completely. Most of the time these resolutions are self- reflective, but I would propose a challenge to each of you to look outward with your resolutions when it comes to Rotary. The District has an upcoming Vibrant Club Workshop on January 21st that would be a great way to get some ideas to bring back to your club.
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Grow Rotary Through Service – Webinar Series
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January 2023 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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December is the time to share food, family, friends, and Rotary![]() ![]() And we share greetings. Annual letters, cards, e-cards, phone calls… Consider adding a mention of Rotary when you send your greetings this year. Maybe your friends, co-workers and family members have heard you talk about Rotary, but maybe they haven’t. Experience shows us that sharing Rotary will build goodwill and better friendships, and as an added bonus will increase awareness of the organization we care so much about. Thank you all, and please have a safe, happy, healthy season. Lynn Perez-Hewitt Public Image Chair, District 6250 perezhewitt@hceonline.com
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Make Your Year End Contributions Soon!![]() ![]() Planning on making a year end contribution to The Rotary Foundation? If so, make that contribution as soon as possible so staff can process all the donations by the end of the year. Keep reading for more information and clear and simple instructions of ways to make your donation.
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Free Ukrainian/Polish Children's Book Downloads![]() The tales of ‘Ola, Boris and their New Friends’ and ‘Ola and Boris Go to School’ arose out of a heartfelt urge to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people who had to abandon their country because of war. The message these books convey is universal and would be an excellent read for any child you know. Digital copies of both books are available FREE here: |
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December 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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Community Service Video Challenge![]() Share a service project and win some cash for your club!Submit your video today! District Community Service Chair, Andy Bakkum, shares an exciting new opportunity to share your Community Service projects, tell some stories and be recognized for a job well done! Click on the image above to learn about District 6250 Community Service Video Challenge! |
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Polish Children’s Books Support Ukrainian Refugees![]() ![]() In September 20,000 copies of “Ola y Boris Go to School” were printed in Poland using Ukrainian Refugee Relief funds raised by the District 6250 Foundation, Inc. and several District 6250 Rotary Clubs. The book was published pro-bono by the Heweliusza Institute and written pro-bono by the academic staff at two universities in Wroclaw, Poland. It is the second book in a series. As a token of their appreciation, Rotary Poland and Anna Jasinowska-Czarny, Project Manager for the Heweliusza Institute, have made English language versions of the books available to all our District 6250 Clubs. Hard copies have been delivered or mailed to all Club Presidents. Digital copies of both books are available for FREE download at the link and/or QR below. The message these books convey is universal. They would be an excellent read for any child you know. Link for Free Download or View Link Book #1 (Ola, Boris and their new Friends). Keep reading for more info from the authors and some great photos!
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Rotary On The Air Podcast - Larry & Karen Hands![]() Listen to a podcast episode hosted by Steve Busalachhi and featuring Karen and Larry Hands about how they made environmental stewardship their RI Mission!!
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Resources for International Service![]() ![]() International service projects improve life for the people served and create the humanitarian culture that we experience as Rotarians. This is true at every level of Rotary including your club and our District 6250. District 6250 has many resources available to help your club achieve the international goals you have chosen. Those resources include mentoring, networking, and funding. Keep reading for a brief overview for reference while planning your next international service project. |
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Friendship Exchange – India 2023![]() ![]() Key Details:
More info available here at our Friendship Exchange Page! |
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November is Foundation Month!
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Polio Plus Update![]() The case of Polio that arose in New York is a reminder that our Rotary promise to children of the world to eradicate this devastating disease has not yet been fulfilled. While the New York case was brought from another country, it highlights the possibility that letting our guard down against this disease could have devastating consequences for countries that are currently polio free. Your support for Polio Plus is a critical strategy to fulfill this promise. With the match from The Gates Foundation, your dollar is worth $3 for polio eradication. Keep reading for more helpful info to help you achieve your Polio Giving Goals |
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Change Up Your Club’s Public Image efforts with AUDIO![]() ![]() By now you have probably heard the word “podcast”. Maybe you even listen to one or more. If you don’t feel ready to produce a regular podcast, you can relax. Few of us have the skills, yet. But…we can all start asking questions of our club members and recording what they say. A simple question like: How did you come to be a Rotarian? Or something with a bit more depth: What keeps you in Rotary? Do you need a tape recorder? If you have one, feel free to use it. Or…use that smartphone in your hand, in your pocket, on your desk, next to your cup of coffee. The recordings can be emailed to whoever will keep track of them until the club decides how to use them and share them. Many clubs have returned to in-person meetings. Adding regular brief recording sessions may add a fresh motivation for showing up in person. Try “The question of the week” Or create something all your own, then share your idea with your AG. And remember to have fun. Making recordings may create lots of laughter, may stir memories for sharing, could even prompt brainstorming for something new. Until next month, thank you for all you do. Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair perezhewitt@hceonline.com
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November 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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Reports from 2022 Rotary Wisconsin Project PartnersReports from Rotary Wisconsin Project Partners in the Ukraine, Poland and the Netherlands. How Funds Have Been Used to Assist With the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis. Updated October 2022. Note: This list does not include two $25,000 Rotary International Foundation Grants that Wisconsin Rotary has secured. The first, in support of Ukraine Medical Supplies and the second, in support of Kiev International Rotary's Refugee Housing Initiatives.
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District Polio Plus Challenge!
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Welcome Beloit College Rotaract!
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Kick-start Your Club’s Social Media
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District 6250 Rotary Direct Leads Zone 29
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Public Image is an opportunity for all of us
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October 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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2022 Member Survey Results![]() ![]() Thank you to all the members who took our District 6250 Member survey. Your input is incredibly valuable and there's no doubt that it will help guide the ways your District continues to support Rotarians and their Clubs. Keep reading to dig into the results!
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World Polio Day![]() ![]() As World Polio Day approaches, we’re getting ready to amplify our message about eradicating polio to protect the world’s children from this devastating disease. We’ve made tremendous progress so far, and now’s the time to intensify our fight to make polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated. In 2020, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus, showing that eradication is possible even in very difficult circumstances. The wild poliovirus remains endemic in just two countries — Afghanistan and Pakistan— but as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. So let’s use World Polio Day to advocate for the support we need to end polio in countries where children are still as risk. Get involved Take action this World Polio Day by hosting virtual and community events, creating fundraisers, and sharing posts about the importance of polio eradication on social media. Use the World Polio Day Toolkit to find resources and tips for planning activities and promoting a polio-free world. Download the World Polio Day Toolkit Register your club’s participation in World Polio Day to show how your club is taking action to eradicate polio. If you register your events, fundraisers, and promotions by 13 October, you’ll get early access to Rotary’s World Polio Day Global Update, one week before the program airs on 24 October on Rotary’s Facebook page and endpolio.org. Register your club's participation Use Raise for Rotary to start a World Polio Day online fundraiser. All contributions will go to the PolioPlus Fund. The top Raise for Rotary World Polio Day 2022 fundraisers will be featured on My Rotary. Start a fundraiser |
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Announcing the District 6250 Polio Plus Society![]() ![]() Please consider joining the District 6250 Polio Plus Society! This is a new program to recognize your gifts and pledges to support Polio Plus at a minimum of $100 per year. If you can’t give that amount, your contribution is still important to eradicate polio around the world. For the rest of this year and all of next year your contribution will be matched twice by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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The Gift of Reading![]() ![]() From the Rotary Magazine: The Guatemala Literacy Project is working to reverse the country’s low literacy rates and keep children in school. |
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Youth Programs Keep Rotarians Young![]() ![]() Fall means that Youth Exchange is back, and youth programs keep Rotarians young! As I’ve scrolled through my social media over the last few weeks, I get a feeling or a sense of normalcy that occurs each fall. Back to school shopping, fantasy football leagues forming, people counting down to pumpkin spice being on menus again and most importantly for Rotary, Youth programs gearing up in full force. Interact Clubs reconnecting after summer break and exchange students being so warmly welcomed into District 6250. Keep reading to learn about all of the great Youth Program activity that’s happened recently!
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Open World Program![]() ![]() The Open World Program is available only to Rotary clubs in the United States and provides an opportunity to build fellowship and friendship to strengthen international understanding by hosting emerging Eurasian leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan in your community. Rotary clubs are needed to host six-participant delegations for eight days and nights and prepare a professional program related to business, community, and civic life in the United States. You can view our 2023 hosting themes here. |
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September 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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The Mouse that Roared![]() ![]() You may think you know the story of the 1987 change that allowed women into Rotary. With our first female Rotary International President, there’s no better time to hear the rest of the story. Rotarian Lyn Kenney (formerly of the Rotary Club of Madison South) is a historian with the Rotary Global History Fellowship. Read more to see more info about that Fellowship, or click here to watch a presentation about the many pioneering women who helped make this significant change happen. |
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2022-2023 Membership Grants Now Open![]() ![]() 2022-2023 District Membership Grants Now Open!You’re invited to take the next step toward your club membership goals with the support of a District Membership Grant! District 6250 has allocated $10,000 in New Member Project and Membership Growth Grants for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. This support comes through two grant types. One that is for new Rotary club members to use towards a service project of their choice, helping them jumpstart their involvement with their clubs. The other is all about Membership Growth to help with membership retention, recruitment, starting a new club, promotion, etc. Get started today! For more details on qualification and the application process, visit https://rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program Ben Bauer District Governor |
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Public Image - Everything, Everywhere, All At Once![]() ![]() Yes, this is the title of a new movie AND it’s the way we can feel at the beginning of the new Rotary year. Great new theme, new leadership, high expectations and higher energy. And overwhelm. Where to begin? How to start? If public image for your club is up to you, and even if it’s not, here are a few suggestions:
It doesn’t need to tax your Imagination for Public Image to be managed and successful. Thank you for all you do, Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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Club Recognition for 2021-22 Giving![]() ![]() Rotary’s club banner program recognizes excellence in achievements made across a Rotary year. In November, six clubs form District 6250 will be recognized for excellence in giving to The Rotary Foundation. TRF Giving Banner – Awarded to clubs that achieve $100 per capita giving with 100% of members giving at least $25 to any of the following: Annual Fund, Polio Plus, approved global grants or the Endowment Fund.
Every Rotarian Every Year Banner – Awarded to clubs that achieve a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, and every dues-paying member must personally contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund during the year.
We also had 11 clubs exceed $200 per capita giving to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund. While this is not a formal recognition category, it is a remarkable testimony to the generosity of District 6250 Rotarians. Rotarian support for The Rotary Foundation is the fuel that drives Rotary’s success to create lasting change that improves the lives of our neighbors around the world and in our communities. Thank you to everyone who gives to OUR Rotary Foundation! Dwight Heaney Foundation Chair |
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Seeking Rotary Club(s) to Host 2023 Inbound Youth Exchange Winter Weekend![]() ![]() We are welcoming 17 students to Wisconsin next month. The La Crosse Clubs are hosting these students the weekend of Dec 3 – Thank you La Crosse!!! We are hoping to add an additional winter weekend gathering in the January – February timeframe. Would your community be willing to host – perhaps 2 or 3 clubs joining together? The IB team of Janine O’Rourke, Rebecca Oettinger and Bob Dent would assist with planning. These students are looking for an opportunity to connect with each other and learn or see something new. An example weekend would involve:
Please contact Janine O’Rourke (608-577-6395, janinemoroukre@gmail.com) to discuss ideas or learn more. |
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Raise for Rotary![]() ![]() Have you ever seen one of those Facebook fundraisers that people do for their birthday or to simply raise funds for something they care about? It’s a great idea and can bring in some serious money – AND – there’s a better way! Raise for Rotary gives members a safe, secure way to do a personal fundraiser, maximize the dollars donated, and get Foundation recognition credit for the donations made by their nonmember friends. Keep reading to learn more and how to start your Raise for Rotary fundraiser! |
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Rotary Magazine Highlight August 2022![]() ![]() It Starts with an Invitation We’ve all taken our own path to become a member of Rotary. Some of you joined because your father was a Rotarian. Some of us signed up because an employer tapped us on the shoulder and asked us to attend a meeting. Others became members only after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it possible. Yet each of us entered through one mechanism — an invitation.
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August 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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2021-2022 Foundation Highlights![]() ![]() Rotarian Generosity… THANK YOU, District 6250 Rotarians! During the 2021-22 Rotary Year, your contributions to the Rotary Foundation totaled $673,115. The total includes $412,156 for the Annual Fund/SHARE program, $116,578 for Polio Plus, and the balance going to Areas of Focus, Global Grants, and Endowment as designated by the contributing Rotarian. There are many reasons to celebrate this result. Your generosity increased contributions to the Annual Fund/Share by $52,912 and $7,317 to eradicate Polio compared to last year’s totals. Keep reading for more results and results and information on matching grants and grant applications. |
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Karen’s Governor Year Reflections![]() ![]() Thank You to Karen Hebert for your service as our District Governor in 2021-2022. There’s no doubt that your service has changed lives and you’ll continue to do so for years to come! Keep reading for some beautiful reflections from Karen’s year.
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Friendship Exchange – Poland 2022![]() Key Details: District 6250 will travel to Poland approximately September 22nd to October 3rd, 2022. District 2231 (Poland) will travel to 6250 in 2023 (most likely). No visa requirements in either direction, just a passport. Deadline to express interest: July 31, 2022 Contact Edwin Bos at edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com if interested. If you don’t receive a message confirming receipt, your interest has not been noted. The Rotary Friendship Exchange program gives Rotarians (including spouse, significant other or one family member) the opportunity to host and visit Rotarians around the world. In addition to experiencing other cultures and making lasting friendships, an exchange provides a strong foundation for carrying out other international activities and service projects. Click "read more" to learn more about the upcoming Friendship Exchange to Poland!
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Traveling Philanthropists - Rob and Mary Gooze![]() ![]() Visiting another country and meeting its people may offer visitors the greatest educational epiphany imaginable. It might also be the key to unlocking our spirit of generosity. Such has been the case for Rob and Mary Gooze, itinerant travelers who are longtime donors to the Rotary Foundation.
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July 2022 Governor's Message![]() Click or tap play on the video above, or click 'read more' if you'd like to see the full transcript and get links to all of the goodies Ben shared in his message. |
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District Governor Bio - Karen Hebert |
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District Governor Bio - Michael Kloss |
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District Governor Bio - Todd Restel |
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District Governor Bio - Michelle McGrath |
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District Governor Bio - Ben Bauer |
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June 2022 Governors Message![]()
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June 2022 $30K in 30 days![]() When Miles Don’t MatterShe’s like you in so many ways. As a Rotary Club President, she motivates, plans, leads, and finds a way to balance her busy non-Rotary life. And then there’s the unusual, unexpected, and uninvited way she isn’t like you at all. President Nila is a refugee. Nila left behind soldiers and neighbors in Zaporizhzhia and attends Rotary Club meetings in her temporary home of Olstyn, Poland. There she met Irma, a fellow Rotarian and friend of 6250. Irma’s club and 6250 Rotarians successfully wrote a global grant to establish a culinary training center in Olstyn a few years ago. Plans for a Friendship Exchange have begun. ![]() Few opportunities to serve are so immediately necessary. Few opportunities will connect you so intimately lives saved and tended. Thanks to Rotary networks, miles do not matter. Will you help? ![]() Karen Hebert District Governor |
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June 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceOur task force began its work in November of 2020 and is disbanding at the end of this month. During our existence we have been able to help clubs with technology recommendations, the purchase of equipment and provide best practices on running effective meetings. If you, or your club are looking for information on these topics or anything else related to hybrid meetings be sure to keep an eye out for a special edition of this District Dispatch which will solely focus on the information developed by this task force for the benefit of all clubs in District 6250. As we wrap things up I would like to acknowledge, and thank the contributions from the following who joined me on this task force: Melissa Carlson from Verona-Fitchburg-Horizons, Sue Sippel from Wisconsin Rapids Noon Rotary, Bob Spencer from the Rotary Club of LaCrescent, Brandon Harris and Marissa Dickinson from the Rotary Club of La Crosse-After Hours. As always, should you have any questions about any aspect of hybrid meeting technology or best practices drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair |
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June 2022 Leadership![]() ![]() Three things you can do next to help your club thrive:
If you haven’t yet explored the Club Planning Assistant, it’s available anytime, and you can visit it as often as you like. Your District Leadership team is here, please remember that your Assistant Governor or any of us are available and happy to help. Ben Bauer 6250 District Governor Elect |
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June 2022 Public Image Update![]() Rotary loves slogans and themes Each month has a theme. June is Rotary Fellowships. Each RI President has a theme and image. The words and image are unique and personal to them and their year. The incoming RI President (RIPE) introduces their theme to the District Governors-Elect at the International Assembly each January. RIPE Jennifer Jones addressed the 529 DGEs almost six months ago and unveiled her stunning theme for 2022-2023: Imagine Rotary. As Hamlet said, “If it be now, 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all. The 2022-23 theme is yet to come… July 1. It is not now. Now we are still “Serving to Change Lives”. And yes, the readiness is all. Please be ready to use, share, and be energized by Imagine Rotary…July 1, 2022. Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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June 2022 Membership Update![]() June Membership UpdateAt the close of another Rotary year, our membership has changed. We are slightly fewer in numbers, have slightly more women, are somewhat more diverse, have very good retention in the long term, and are normal in comparison to the other districts in our zone - about 35 districts running north-south through the center of the United States and part of Ontario. Worldwide, Rotary has grown by a net 11,000 members – the first year of net growth for quite some time. South Korea, much of Africa, and India have lead the addition of new members and new clubs. Here are some 6250 highlights! ![]() Congratulations to the clubs who won membership grants this year. The district made grants to support membership recruitment events mid-year, and are happy to announce the grant awards supporting new member service here at the end of this year. Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Black River Falls, Janesville Noon, Lake Mills, Mayville, and Prairie du Chien! We look forward to what your cadre of new members plan and execute in Rotary service! This year I also have the pleasure of awarding a special $500 Governor’s Grant for the new members of Rotary Club of Holmen Area (HARC). HARC inducted four members in the meeting immediately following the grant application deadline. While HARC applied for the grant and barely missed qualifying, the induction of four more new members puts them near the top of all awardees. I’m sure you’ll join me in celebrating their success! HARC also formally organized an annual new member service project under the leadership of their Past President - whether or not they win a district grant. Well done, HARC! We are proud of you. Thank you to all of our clubs for inviting your community members to join you in Rotary fellowship and service. Mark your calendars now for next year’s membership grant opportunities: Membership Growth in December and New Member Projects in May. Karen Hebert District Governor |
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June 2022 Service Update![]() Youth MessageOur Incredible YearDistrict 6250 is a regional juggernaut in the area of Youth Exchange. We are amongst the largest programs in the Midwest, currently the largest of the 19 districts that make up the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange organization that stretches from North Dakota to Pennsylvania and includes parts of Canada. On average year, we welcome approximately 20-25 inbound students from around the world for a year-long exchange, an additional 14 students that do a yo-yo short term exchange (7 Americans go out and 7 foreign students return with them), and an additional 20 young Americans venture abroad from our cities and towns to points all over the world. All told, that means that over 50 students are touched by the Youth Exchange Program in District 6250 each and every year. It goes without saying that to lead a program that is so comprehensive takes extraordinary individuals. Our district has been so ably served by our remarkable Youth Exchange chairs – from Harry Van Camp (now a member of Madison Breakfast), to Judy Levine (2008 – 2014), to now Jan Bonsett-Veal (2014 – current). Each of these leaders held numerous positions within Youth Exchange before ascending to the chair position. It may be safe to say that no one position within Rotary demonstrates such loyalty and dedication to purpose as does the Youth Exchange Program. Jan Bonsett-Veal is about to embark on a new role as the Vice Chair of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange organization. She takes over on July 1st, and will be the first woman ever to hold this position. In one year, on July 1, 2023, she will take over as the first woman president of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange Organization. How fitting that this will occur the same year as Jennifer Jones becomes our first woman president of Rotary International. I have the incredibly enormous challenge of filling these incredibly capable shoes. This year I will be co-chairing with Jan – but in truth just trying to keep up with the incredible flow of communications and work flow. Jan is quick to say that if it wasn’t for the dedicated volunteers who give incredible effort to the Youth Exchange program – from the Youth Exchange Officers, Counselors and Youth Protection Officers in our clubs… to the remarkable Outbound Exchange team (led by John Holevoet and Ann Oberle), Inbound Exchange team (led by Janine O’Rourke and Tammi Richmond), and Short-Term Exchange Team (led by Carl Kinsley)… to the remarkable Judy Steinhauer and Sharon Richmond – who keep on top of the incredible flow of background checks, applications, foreign visas…( I could go on and on). If it wasn’t for this dedicated team, I don’t know how it would get done. But it does… in large part to the incredible work over these past 8 years by Jan. Congratulations Jan!! On behalf of all who have had the honor of working with you, I think past chair Judy Levine said it best when she shared with me by email: “She will be a great leader of Central States – just as she has been as our district chair.” I could not agree more. 😊 Bill Pritchard Edinburgh, Scotland June 1, 2022 |
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June 2022 Foundation HighlightsThames District Conference Global Scholars![]() Reflecting on her time at Oxford, Katrina said that collaboration with international professionals and students who are using diverse strategies to achieve positive social change has been a highlight of her work at the University. Learning the limitations of traditional economic theories in uncertain times has been an important part of her academic training. In her Principles of International Law class, she deepened her understanding of war crimes, genocide, and dispute resolution. Katrina Kalcic grew up in Kenosha and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Journalism. Before becoming a Global Scholar, she worked for two years in Uganda and was involved with the United Nations Spotlight Initiative working to reduce violence against women and girls in more than 25 countries. District 6250 is pleased to fund a Global Scholar annually. Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund/SHARE program make this scholarship using District Designated Funds. Thank you for supporting the Global Scholars we sponsor. Lois Smith Global Scholar Chair |
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June 2002 Empowering GirlsChange HerStory |
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June 2022 International ServiceInternational Service CommitteeOur Rotary District (western Wisconsin) has raised and donated nearly $60,000 to Ukrainian relief efforts in various counties. In early June the District’s International Service Committee (ISC) met via Zoom with Ms. Irma Kaminska of Olsztyn, Poland. Irma is responsible for supporting the 80+ Polish Rotary clubs in their refugee response. She is primarily tasked with identifying good projects that need additional funding. Irma is also a friend of our District having worked with the Rotary Clubs of Columbus, Mayville, Beaver Dam and Waupun on a Global Grant for a training kitchen in her community,now up and running. She also attended our District Gathering in Hamburg in 2019 and presented at our Virtual District Conference in 2020. Irma explained that projects in better known cities like Warsaw and Cracow are being funded quicker than projects in lesser-known Polish cities. For this reason, the ISC recommended, and the District’s Foundation Committee approved, a $25,000 donation to the Rotary Club of Szczecin, Poland and a $14,000 donation to the Rotary Club of Bydgoszcz Stare Miasto. The Szczecin funding will go out as a challenge grant funding the operation of 3 refugee centers in that community. The Bydgoszcz funding will be used to support a Rotary Food Pantry “Rotary Shelf” for the next 6 months. The following powerful videos was produced by the Szczecin Rotary Club and brings home the impact of this war on the 2-3 million Ukrainians currently living as refugees in Poland: Rotary Club of Szczecin “Appeal for Help to Rotarians”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej5gBwegTm0 Rotary Club of Szczecin “Far From Home – One Family’s Story” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S2DlWeQfwI Stay tuned for news on future fundraising efforts related to the Ukraine. To donate and for further details on how your funding is being used: |
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Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands receive Arch Klumph Society Recognition![]() Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands – Arch C. Klumph Society Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands are members of the Arch Klumph Society, The Rotary Foundation’s highest recognition. Their story is about Rotarians with a passion for children and their future that lad them to concerns about our environment. Their journey to establish Rotary International’s seventh focus area, a Rotary Action Group, and back that passion with significant gift to The Rotary Foundation. |
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May 2022 Membership SpecialChoosing New RotariansThere are many processes followed by Rotary Clubs that are so engrained that one thinks that they are not optional and do not vary among clubs. One of these processes is how community members move from potential, to prospective, to new Rotarians. Two of our District 6250 clubs have recently taken a fresh and critical look at their clubs’ paths to membership and arrived at different designs while maintaining the same attitudes of respect, care, and clarity. In one case, a prospective Rotarian is presented by a Rotarian to the club’s board. If the board decides to extend an invitation to membership, the decision is announced to the club. Any club member can oppose the membership without stating the reason. This club trusts the members to use good judgment and apply strong ethics. In the other case, a prospective Rotarian is presented by a Rotarian to the club’s membership committee. If the membership committee decides that the membership should be extended to the prospect, the committee recommends that action to the board. The board’s decision is final. There is no opportunity for the rest of the club to comment or stop the invitation to membership. During a recent club board meeting visit I asked a third club about their process. This club has a new member application that is completed by the prospect (not a Rotarian) and the board votes on the new member. The prospect must If you have questions about your process, ask yourselves if it is working well for all. If it is not, think about what might be changed to improve the process. At that point, do not hesitate to engage other clubs’ leaders and our District Membership Chair, John Locke for ideas. District Governor Karen |
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May 2022 Governors Message![]()
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May 2022 Helping Hands![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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May 2022 International ServiceInternational Service CommitteeThis month here are some examples of how the District International Service Committee is assisting clubs like yours. For some interesting international Shark Tank projects read on! Also, details on how, on your behalf, we approach overseas Rotary Clubs to identify solid Global Grant projects that have strong host support. Contact any of us if we can be of Service to your club! International Service Committee EM Addresses District 6250 Foundation Inc. - Ukrainian Relief - $60,000 raised to date. Assisting in leveraging existing relationships with specific Rotary Clubs in the Ukraine, Poland (pictured below) and the Netherlands who are heavily involved the Ukraine refugee situation. Funds have been sent and detailed Project Report information can be found here: District 6250 Ukrainian Relief Reports ![]() Sun Prairie Rotary Club – PE John Holevoet. Introduction to a Global Grant involving the Rotary Club of Poznan, Poland and the Zlotowianka Foundation. Subject to Sun Prairie Board Approval. La Crescent Rotary Club – PE John Farnen MD Laying contacts with Rotary in Nepal with a view toward the possibility of a Global Grant (if not with La Crescent then another 6250 club). Also, possible interest in specific Ukrainian relief efforts. Subject to La Crescent Board Approval. La Crosse After Hours Club – Rotarian Sierra Lyon Assistance in researching and establishing connections for a possible Global Grant in either Suriname or Columbia. The two countries were identified by the club as of highest interest together with specific focus areas. Subject to LCAH Board Approval. All District 6250 Clubs - Opportunities in the Mediterranean. Via Zoom, five small projects (under $8,000 each) presented at the Mediterranean Rotaract “Shark Tank” finale. These are possible District Grant projects open to all District 6250 clubs. Three projects are in Lebanon, one in Tunisia, one in Morocco. Link to the video recording of “Shark Tank” can be found here (warning, includes heavy District 6250 “shark” involvement :) Recording Team One – “Ally for Change” presented Aqua Agri Act (Lebanon). Involves water filtration, a park, and irrigation. Team Two – Dreamers presented Foodies (Tunisia and Egypt). Pilot program to divert restaurant preparation food waste from landfill to feeding hungry. Team Three- BeyCycle (Lebanon). Three phase approach (plan, design, implement) to improving bicycle safety and encourage more bicycle usage. Team Four – Cleaning Valley of Wad Martil (Morocco). A one-time event to clean up a garbage strewn area. Team Five – Les Rebelles (Lebanon). Pilot program to divert waste from rug making to make purses. Finally, this correspondence was recently sent to an overseas Rotarian already known to our District. It illustrates how the ISC attempts to help District 6250 clubs identify solid projects and partners by leveraging existing Rotary relationships. Thanks very much for your response. We’re very much looking for Global Grant projects that lead to long-term relationships between Rotarians in District 6250 and Rotarians in your country, district, and clubs. Of course, the larger the project the more challenging it is to realize. Therefore, we prefer smaller Global Grants as our clubs can more easily assist with these. Here are some guidelines that we use to determine whether to support a Global Grant. We often find that following these guidelines leads to stronger Global Grant applications.
In return we have clubs who are interested in participating as the International Partner on a Global Grant. They could offer:
Please let us know if what we’ve outlined above is of any interest. ![]() |
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May 2022 Foundation HighlightsGlobal Grants – Solar Power for Dependable Water Congratulations to the Lake Mills Club for approval of a $96,650 Global Grant to provide solar power equipment to provide energy for a dependable water source in the village of Goregaon, India. A $20,000 donation from the Lake Mills Club was matched by a District Grant funded by Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund. We look forward to sharing the results of this project with you upon completion. District Grant Applications Due May 25 Over $90,000 is available to match club funds through our District Grant program in 2022-2023. District Grant applications are due on May 25. Local and international projects are welcome. Matching funds can be requested up to $5,000 for a one-club project, $10,000 for a two-club project, and $14,500 for a three-club project. The application form and supporting materials are available on the District 6250 website under the Foundation/Grants menu or use this link: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/grants-information. Polio Plus – Children are Counting on Rotarians to Finish the Job During the past month, we have learned about two new cases of wild polio in Pakistan. Both cases come from the same area of the country. The good news is that we know about it, treatment can be provided, and the urgency for vaccinations is reinforced with local and national leaders. We also continue to encounter vaccine derived polio in Africa. While this news is disappointing, it also reminds Rotarians that we cannot let our guard down. If Rotary were to stop vaccinations today, it is estimated that at least 200,000 children across the globe would be paralyzed by polio within 10 years. That would mean that polio could make its way back to our own communities. Children are counting Rotarians to see this through. If you haven’t given to Polio Plus this year, now would be a good time to do so. To learn more and/or donate, visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/ending-polio. And don’t forget, every dollar you give is matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. That’s high impact giving! ![]() Dwight Heaney Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair |
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May 2022 RI Convention![]() If you’re still on the fence about going to the Rotary International Convention, maybe learning about some of the specific content you can take in is what will nudge you into joining me in Houston!?! You can learn from experts outside Rotary, as well as from members who are leading high-impact projects, by attending breakout sessions at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas - June 4th-8th. A few sessions to consider include:
With more than 70 breakout sessions this year, you are sure to find inspiration! Register now at www.convention.rotary.org ) Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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May 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceYou may recall from past articles that our task force identified three goals it wanted to accomplish. We have previously reported on the first two goals. Our final goal is “Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships.” As a condition of receiving funding from the District, each club was required to submit a final report. One of the questions they were asked to address was if the hybrid meeting format had contributed to membership growth. Several clubs reported adding to their membership count since early 2021 due to the use of hybrid meetings. If your club has experienced a positive membership growth and is planning to continue providing hybrid meetings we strongly encourage you to “tell your story.” Should you have questions about any aspect of hybrid meeting technology or best practices, drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair |
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May 2022 Leadership![]() |
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May 2022 Membership Update![]() May Membership UpdateHello Rotarians, Please step forward if you are interested in being apart of the Membership team. There are many different roles available and being involved at the district level on a dynamic team helping support the membership of our clubs is a great way to “Do Rotary”! The relationships and impact you will make may enhance your life and could even be life changing! Please email johnlockerotary@gmail.com if you would like to learn more, or if you would like to nominate another Rotarian. The deadline for the New Member Project grant is May 30th. We have only had 2 clubs apply so far for the five $1000 grants we are issuing for adding 4 new club members this year. Please complete the application here: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program. We still have FREE “Give Polio the Finger” sweatshirts and shirts to give away to clubs wanting to raise money for Polio Plus. The Janesville Noon Rotary club was able to use these shirts to raise $400! Please email johnlockerotary@gmail.com to get some free shirts to use for your fundraiser! Have a great May! ![]() John Locke D6250 Membership Chair 608-385-7954 |
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April 2022 Governors Message![]() Spring is in the air. In the minds and hearts of District 6250 Rotarians, Spring is welcome and awaited to a degree shared by few others in the (Rotary) world. Few live at our latitude.
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April 2022 RI Convention![]() Hit Me Up in Houston! We’re just a few months away from the Rotary International Convention, which takes place June 4th-8th in Houston, Texas, USA. If you’re going (or even interested), check out the 2022 Rotary Convention Facebook event page for the latest news. New breakout sessions added More than 3,000 people responded to a survey in February about what kind of convention breakout sessions they’re interested in. As a result of their feedback, a number of sessions have been added, including ones focused on member engagement, service projects, and leadership skills. You can find highlights of the program on the breakout session page. More details about the breakout program will be available in May. COVID-19 protocols Rotary International will follow the recommendations for safe gatherings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who is attending in person will need to either submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. CDC travel guidelines can be found HERE. Host Organization Committee events Don’t miss the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Houston! Choose from music, magic, visits to world-class museums, a tour of the famed Space Center Houston, and more. Visit houstonri2022.org to learn more about all these events and to purchase tickets. Engage with Rotaract Join us for the Rotaract Preconvention, 3-4 June, to meet Rotaract and Rotary leaders from around the world, learn more about how Rotaract members are taking action to make sustainable change, share tips and ideas, and gain valuable professional skills. Register for the Rotaract Preconvention now. We want you to know that, in response to questions and concerns raised by members world-wide, the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will still be an in-person event in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June. In addition, the Board has determined that all participants, including Rotary International preconvention participants, must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) OR provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival at the convention. Please, share this news with your Rotary community and invite a fellow member to attend this year’s convention with you. Thank you for your support, and we will see you in Houston! Register now at www.convention.rotary.org without worry! *If for any reason the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted. Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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April 2022 Foundation HighlightsDoes Your Employer Match Rotary Contributions?Micah Topel, Beaver Dam Club, inquired about employer matching gifts for donations to The Rotary Foundation. BP Foundation is matching Micah’s contribution. It is a great reminder that Rotarians can double the impact of contributions through your employer’s matching gift program. In addition, Foundation Recognition Points for the matching gift can be credited toward your next Paul Harris Fellow. It also counts toward your club’s Foundation goals.
The Rotary Support Center can assist you with detailed questions: (866) 976-8279. Thanks again, Micah, for inspiring Rotarians to investigate this opportunity. District GrantsMayville Completes Disc Golf Project – The Mayville Rotary Disc Golf Course is now open in Fireman’s Park. In partnership with the City of Mayville Parks Department, this new recreational option can be played by people of all ages. All you need to do is show up with a flying disc to enjoy your Annual Fund/SHARE contributions at work through the District 6250 District Grant program. Thanks to the Mayville Club for sharing their story and pictures.
The Fort Atkinson Club has received a $1,680 District Grant for a Clean Water Project in Baranguay Tigum, Philippines. In partnership with the Interact Club at Fort Atkinson High School, this project will install seven water pumps to provide clean drinking water for 1,607 residents of the community. The Madison West Towne Middleton Club has received a $3,750 District Grant to provide training for three community health workers (CHW) in partnership with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. The training will qualify the CHWs to provide services in publicly funded health programs. District Grant Reports Due May 15 – Clubs receiving District Grants during the 2021-22 Rotary year are required to file final reports by May 15. These reports will be used to help share the impact of Rotarian contributions to the Annual Fund/SHARE program. The reports are also critical to close the District Grant process to access District Designated Funds for grants during the 2022-23 year. Reports should be sent to D6250Grants@gmail.com. District Grant Applications Due May 25 – District Grant applications for projects during the year starting July 1 are due by May 25. Application materials are available on the District 6250 website under the Foundation tab. There will be more than $90,000 available for District Grants again this year. Now is the time for project planning and drafting an application to ensure your club has an opportunity to receive matching funds for qualified projects. Contact D6250Grants@gmail.com with questions. ![]() Dwight Heaney Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair Global GrantsSolomon Ochieng, 6250-Sponsored Peace Fellow and Partner ![]() Day Africa’s micro farming programs serve young women living in the poor rural communities in western Kenya. Through a micro-farming model, they are addressing this critical situation by providing an alternative source of livelihood for women by training them in soybean production for commercial purposes. ![]() Each $30 micro-farming donation provides women 25 kilograms of fertilizer, $40 provides quality soybean seeds, $50 provides pesticides and herbicides, and $20 provides ongoing support to ensure improved yield at harvest, and access to ready markets for their crops. If you are interested in learning more and exploring opportunities to make an impact in anti-slavery service with our 6250 partner Solomon, please contact him via email at oderosolomon84@gmail.com. He is happy to arrange a Zoom presentation for your club or club committee. |
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April 2022 International ServiceInternational Service CommitteeUkraine Humanitarian Assistance District 6250 Partners for Ukraine – Join us! Rotarians are responding to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. The unprovoked Russian invasion has devastated cities and sent millions of refugees seeking safety in surrounding countries, all of which have Rotary clubs providing direct help to desperate people from war-torn Ukraine. Our District International Service Committee working with our District 6250 Foundation, has established the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund. Already we have raised over $41,000 towards our District goal of $100,000. Funds will be sent to Rotary clubs or Districts providing direct assistance to Ukrainian refugees or to legitimate organizations responding to the needs of Ukrainians and refugees. We have already identified three Rotary efforts involving Rotary clubs with whom our district has had past working relationships. Feel to support them all or just one club or effort specifically. Rotary Club Kyiv International, Kiev, Ukraine – Ms. Oksana Tjupa, Past President, Current Secretary. ![]() Project: In partnership with the US-Ukraine Foundation (to transfer funds to the Ukraine) we are currently providing aid for Ukrainian women and children who have fled Russian-occupied combat zones. Our centers for the reception and support of refugees provide housing, medicine, food, and other basic necessities. These centers are located in Rakhiv, Polyanytsya, and Uzhhorod, and in the United Territorial Communities (UTG) near the borders of Poland and Romania. Request: The situation in Ukraine is critical, everyday people die. We actively help women and children. Could you help with a donation? Can you please help us? Rotary Club het Hoogeland, Warffum, the Netherlands – Ms. Francie Kaaijk, Past President, District Governor Nominee Designate. ![]() Introduction: Francie convinced nearby Rotary Clubs to join her club in funding and becoming the international partner for the La Crosse mobile hospital Global Grant. She led a Friendship Exchange to Wisconsin in the fall of 2019 and helped organize the Dutch end of the District 6250 Friendship Exchange that visited her area in May of 2019. The following from Francie regarding the actions being undertaken by her club. Short-term Project: This past week our small city of Warffum (population 2,500) accepted 100 Ukrainian refugees who are being housed in a largely unused senior residence called Warfheem. They came with nothing. Our town folk, our Rotary Club and our city, county and provincial governments are trying to make them feel welcome and to help them cope. This is very difficult given the language barriers and the situation. This is a short video mostly in Dutch but with some English: https://fb.watch/bS5J66c-IA/ Long-term Projects: We have developed a Work Group that includes Rotary Het Hoogeland, the local churches and the Festival at Roakeldais (international dance festival with its own grounds) to help the refugees in the long-term with both physical and mental needs. They are receiving 60 euro per week from the Dutch government, but the needs are higher, think of phone costs to communicate with their husbands and sons still in the Ukraine. Our Rotary District is helping us as well. It is very sad and everyday more refugees arrive in the Netherlands and need places to stay. Request: We are not complaining, our small town is very welcoming to our new neighbors. They came with nothing. I can assure my friends in District 6250 that any help you can provide will be put to good use. I will keep you informed. Rotary Club Olsztyn Varmia, Olsztyn, Poland – Ms. Irma Kaminska, Past President and District Disaster Grant Manager (all of Poland). ![]() Short-term Projects: 1) Transport of Ukrainian refugees from Polish-Ukrainian border to Polish cities; 2) Equipping for basic needs: cloths, hygienic materials, medicines, food, blankets etc.; 3) providing accommodation and support in finding the accommodation for Ukrainians refugees, mostly mothers with kids and orphans; 4) helping with social security matters: health care, education for children and kids care; 5) helping with finding jobs and becoming independent Long-term Projects: 1) Orphanage set up for Ukrainian children (renovation of the building and purchase of required equipment). This is a project with cooperation Olsztyn district county office, which will operate the orphanage. The total estimated budget for this project is $35,000. As RC Olsztyn Varmia we are planning to participate for about 30-50%. 2) Home appliance rental for Ukrainian refugees in their set-up for accommodation in Poland: Olsztyn and nearby (e.g. fridges, cookers, cooking equipment, beds, etc.). The equipment once not needed will be donated to social care organizations we are cooperating with. Here the total budget is still being estimated but is expected to be more than $50,000. Request: I ask District 6250 Rotarians to support us monetarily. An important note: the situation is changing very dynamically. Our Rotary District is developing specific disaster relief plans. We are taking an agile approach in terms of the short-term support provided to Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, we would like to focus on the long-term projects. Will keep you posted on the needs and our projects in Olsztyn and in Poland as they develop. You can make a difference by donating to The District 65250 Foundation Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund . With the assistance of our District International Service Committee, the District Foundation Board will send funds to legitimate organizations responding to the humanitarian needs of Ukrainians and refugees. Donations by credit card using the Donate Now button at https://www.rotary6250.org/50254/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=district-6250-foundation. A check can be sent to: Rotary District 6250 Foundation, Inc., c/o Treasurer Val Schroeder, 1723 Chadbourne Ave, Madison, WI 53726. A generous Rotarian has offered to match up to the first $5000 raised between April 1st and April 20th. You can double your impact by giving now. We have an opportunity to do our part not only to provide humanitarian relief , but to stand in solidarity with the brave people of the Ukraine as they fight for freedom. More than the Ukraine is as stake. We who have been so blessed by freedom realize that dictators unchecked are dictators unleashed. If such naked aggression is rewarded, who will be next? Thank you for considering a gift to this District 6250 campaign. Yours in Rotary Service, Chuck Hanson, ISC District Chair ceh@haleskemp.com |
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April 2022 Service Update![]() Youth MessageOver the last couple of months, I've spent some time away from work due to the birth of my first child, Sawyer. It has been an amazing experience to become a mother and with April being Maternal and Child Health month for Rotary it seems fitting to reflect on how important that focus really is. Due to complications during delivery, Sawyer spent the first two and a half weeks of his life in the NICU, some of that time in La Crosse and some in Rochester. While I feel incredibly blessed to have some of the best healthcare options available to me, it really made me think about how that's not always an option for new mothers around the world. I think of the work that Rotary has done for millions of mothers and children and it just puts a smile on my face to be just a small part in that larger effort across the globe. In District 6250 Youth news, we are starting to return to normal! If you haven't started recruiting students for RYLA, now's a great time. We're returning with an in person event on Saturday, May 21st at Upham Woods. I know that the RYLA team is so excited to be in person and are planning a fantastic event for these students. Our Exchange Programs are firing back up again and some clubs have already started to receive their Inbound assignments for the long term exchange program. The leadership team is working hard to revamp some training and ensure that we haven't lost our touch over the last couple of years off. In addition, Bill Pritchard has volunteered to be Jan Bonsett-Veal's co-chair. Jan will become the first ever woman to lead the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program soon, which is a huge accomplishment! We are so proud to have such awesome representation from 6250 at the Central States level! I sometimes feel like as the Youth Services chair, that I might not be doing enough, but then I realize that the team is just that good. The leaders who run District 6250's Youth Programs are experienced and dedicated to success, which makes them run so smoothly. It's comforting to know that all of the behind the scenes work that goes into it is being done by Rotarians that have a passion for youth, and the future of Rotary. Laura Lee ![]() |
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April 2022 Leadership![]() |
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April 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceIn January we identified three goals that our task force will be working on through the end of this Rotary year. As a recap, the February Dispatch Article and the March Dispatch Article covered our first two goals. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the newsletters to find our articles! Our third goal is to “Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships.” One of the many benefits of Rotary is the ability to collaborate with other Rotarians! Over the past few months our task force has had the opportunity to collaborate with both the District Membership Committee Chair (John Locke) and the District Public Image Committee Chair (Lynn Perez-Hewitt) on ideas surrounding membership growth. While still in the conceptual stage, we are evaluating the idea of providing success stories from clubs who have adopted hybrid meetings to clubs that may want to promote their own club’s hybrid meetings in a way that will appeal to potential new members. This may be an opportunity to utilize social media or a club’s website for targeted messaging. Stay tuned for an update in our article next month. Our task force remains committed to helping clubs and individuals with their hybrid meetings. Should you have any questions about hybrid meeting technology or best practices drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair |
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April 2022 25-000 Ukrainian Disaster Response Grant![]() The Rotary Foundation has approved Rotary District 6250 application for a $25,000 disaster response grant! Several Rotary Districts in our area are coming together to work with UMANA (Ukraine Medical Association of North America) to gather donated supplies and ship to Ukraine via Poland. The donations have largely come from Pharmacies, Hospital Supply Manufacturing, Healthcare Distributors, Hospitals, and clinics. They have a published list on their Facebook page and will only accept these items that have been identified as needed by Ukrainian clinicians, including Rotarians. The items are sorted by front-line emergency care, hospital needs, and surgical needs. Rotarians and community members have been donating tourniquets, blood clotting gauze, blood clotting mixtures, etc. as unlike many other wars, many injured are civilians. Rotary International Director-Elect Pat Merryweather-Arges, a PDG from Rotary District 6450 has been a key resource to ensuring that these funds are being put to good use. Pat is a gifted and incredibly experienced medical professional and you can see her at TriCon, our District Conference coming up in April (register today!). |
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April 2022 Public Image Update![]() Each one tell one. President Shekar asks each one to bring one. He understands that we grow our clubs one member at a time. Perception forms the same way. And Public Image is perception. A story is told about a person walking along a beach. They notice a youngster picking up something from the sand and putting it in the water. The youngster does this over and over. As the person grows near, they see that the youngster is picking up starfish that have been stranded on the beach. Stopping to chat the person asks what the youngster is doing. They say they are rescuing the starfish. The person points out that there are hundreds and hundreds of starfish on the beach and one starfish will never make a difference. The youngster pauses, picks up another starfish and says, “It makes a difference to this one.” To paraphrase the starfish story, if you can’t make a difference for everyone, make a difference for the one at hand. Rotary’s public image is built and shaped by each one of us. We each make a difference in the Rotary world. Sharing your Rotary story with one person is enough for today. If you need help sharing your story, please reach out to the Public Image team. Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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April 2022 Membership Update![]() April Membership UpdateI hope you are all enjoying the longer days and looking forward to the upcoming warmer weather! Now is a great time invite your coworker to a Rotary meeting! I’d like to bring to your attention to the New Project Member Grant. We will give away five $1,000 New Member Project Grants for new Rotary club members to use towards a service project of their choice, helping them jumpstart their involvement with their clubs. Engaging new members early helps improve member satisfaction and retention. In order to apply, clubs must have four new members who have maintained their membership in the club for at least four months during the 2021-2022 Rotary year. For more details, please refer to https://rotary6250.org/page/member-grant-program ![]() John Locke D6250 Membership Chair 608-385-7954 |
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$25,000 Ukrainian Disaster Response Grant![]() ![]() The Rotary Foundation has approved Rotary District 6250 application for a $25,000 disaster response grant! Several Rotary Districts in our area are coming together to work with UMANA (Ukraine Medical Association of North America) to gather donated supplies and ship to Ukraine via Poland. The donations have largely come from Pharmacies, Hospital Supply Manufacturing, Healthcare Distributors, Hospitals, and clinics. They have a published list on their Facebook page and will only accept these items that have been identified as needed by Ukrainian clinicians, including Rotarians. The items are sorted by front-line emergency care, hospital needs, and surgical needs. Rotarians and community members have been donating tourniquets, blood clotting gauze, blood clotting mixtures, etc. as unlike many other wars, many injured are civilians. Rotary International Director-Elect Pat Merryweather-Arges, a PDG from Rotary District 6450 has been a key resource to ensuring that these funds are being put to good use. Pat is a gifted and incredibly experienced medical professional and you can see her at TriCon, our District Conference coming up in April (register today!). |
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March 2022 The Empower Girls Project![]() Vision Realized![]() Time came to a screeching halt as I slid down the wall and sat on my bathroom floor. “Well, this really complicates things.” That positive sign was screaming at me. What was I going to do? A hopeless and completely desperate feeling started creeping in. This couldn’t have come at a worse time. Doing some quick math in my head, this little one would arrive right in the middle of my toughest semester of clinicals for nursing school. I knew when I walked through that bathroom door, I would have to be stronger than I had ever been. But that wasn’t saying much! I wasn’t strong or brave or even a little bit fierce. I was raised to do what I was told, to not question or step out of line. I grew up believing that I wasn’t smart enough, fast enough, talkative enough, and just overall good enough for my family. “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” was a question I received weekly. I wasn’t raised to do anything but stay close to home. I was told I wasn’t smart enough to even apply to any other college than the one in my hometown and I believed it. Why would my parents say that if it wasn’t true? I got up, walked through that door, and had the first of many conversations knowing that I would get pushback for my decision. But I knew what was right for me and I knew I would hold fast to that. I had to be strong. I also knew that this little one needed to be brought up completely differently than I was. They needed to be brought up knowing that they can do anything or go anywhere they put their mind to. They would be brought up learning to be confident in who they are. And that’s just what I did. That little one who changed my life, well, she is currently studying in Valladolid, Spain for the semester. She is over 4000 miles away experiencing a totally new culture. Her younger sister is in her second year of nursing school at one of the biggest colleges in the US, living in an apartment and completely killing it at school and big city living. These girls are FIERCE, and they know that their parents have their backs, no matter what the circumstances. These girls have been brought up to change the world for the better. And I feel blessed to be along for the ride. Yes, We Can!![]() One day, a friend and I were having the important discussion of what we wanted to be when we Grew Up. Our dads both worked for the State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), so it was no surprise when he declared, “when I grow up, I want to be a game warden.” My eyes lit up, and I said, “Me too!” He looked at me—I don’t think I’ll ever forget this—and said, “girls can’t be game wardens.” Was this my first brush with the patriarchy? I thought, “wow, is this guy misinformed!” And I replied, without hesitation, “yes we can!” I was empowered to respond that way because my parents had raised me to believe that I could do anything—be anything—that I wanted to be. Their unconditional support followed me through elementary school, middle school, undergrad, and on to getting my MBA. Though my career aspirations changed, that belief that I could follow any dream, any ambition, persisted, thanks to them. Choose![]() From a young age, it was common for me to find myself in leadership positions. I had many interactions with adults and peers, but just one that was unforgettable. Senior year, I was a captain of the track team at Green Bay Southwest. At the beginning of the season, we practiced indoors, and I was infected with a classic case of senioritis. Indoor practice was dumb, high school was dumb, caring was dumb. I was smart. Imagine my surprise when Coach Fax took me aside and gave me a choice. “West-lead or quit.” No one had ever talked to me so plainly, so responsibly. This wasn’t an ultimatum. Coach shed a bright light on my attitude and actions – and on the fact that I was already choosing. And now she was giving me one, finite opportunity to make a different choice. Coach Fax wasn’t interested in my feelings, my excuses, my concerns, or my justifications. We were not negotiating. We both had responsibilities and she was holding me to mine. She was empowering me as no one else ever had. I respected her so much. I knew she cared for me and because she did, wouldn’t rob me of my responsibility to choose. I chose to lead. Baller – and How “The Irish” Roll![]() This story is different than the others we told and a fitting grand finale. It represents the best in us – a dream pursued and realized, thanks to a courageous dreamer and a supportive, open-minded system of teammates, cheerleaders, coaches, parents, and administrators. It is a wonderful realization of our Rotary vision: Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. ![]() Heather Dyer, Owner-Morgan Data Systems, our district administrative partner, shared her story highlights and sent the picture. The bits of the story that I have, appear in the graphic above. The picture paints a thousand words. The year was 1982. If you know Heather, you’ll know she’s raising two strong, intelligent, competitive, and beautiful daughters. She runs a business with very high employee retention. What Heather received; she’s giving. She is changing our world in a lasting way. I hope her story changes us – as dreamers, doers, and allies. With Respect and Admiration, District Governor Karen |
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March 2022 Interact Instant![]() In the past, the Black River Falls Interact Club has held a "Give Polio the Finger" fundraiser, and a clothing swap and donation drive. Students donated clothes that were then offered to any student wanting or needing them to simply take what they need. The leftover clothes were then donated to the school’s clothing closet, which helps students and families. This year Interactors will be working with Rotarians to maintain the flower beds around the High School, providing beautiful curb appeal. They are also planning a book swap. Any leftover books will be placed in little libraries (built in collaboration with the School's SkillsUSA club) around town. Interactors will also be collaborating with the local Rotary club on a Spring Bouquet fundraiser.
Karen Hebert |
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March 2022 RI Convention![]() Don't miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022We want you to know that, in response to questions and concerns raised by members world-wide, the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will still be an in-person event in Houston, Texas, USA, 4-8 June.
Register now at www.convention.rotary.org without worry! *If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.
Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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March 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceI am writing this month’s article from my hotel room in Itasca, IL while attending the annual Midwest PETS training. If you are not aware, PETS is where all incoming club presidents (a.k.a. PE’s) come to receive almost two days of training on how to successfully take on the role of club president. In a district wide breakout session yesterday our incoming district governor Ben Bauer led a session in which he asked every attendee, both in person and virtual, to state one or two goals or a vision they held for their upcoming year. With almost every club represented, nearly sixty in all, the majority of PEs said, “reengage club members” and/or “grow membership”. What does this have to do with hybrid meetings? As mentioned in a prior article, we are not going back to what some would say are the “good old days” or “back to normal”. We continue to evolve and hybrid meetings are a part of this evolution so let’s embrace the technology and use it effectively to help reengage club members and help grow membership. Effective use is where our task force can help. Last month we provided a few tips on boosting member engagement. You can use this link to see the February 2022 article. This month our topic is improving member experiences through technology-based tools. If you have ever shopped for anything electronic you know there are oodles of choices and that in itself can be overwhelming and an impediment to going shopping. The good news for you is that we have already done the shopping and chosen equipment for both small and larger clubs. By accessing this link to recommended equipment you can see pictures of the various pieces and there are hyperlinks on the equipment that will take you right to Amazon. If you are not sure what equipment you need, take a look at this small club equipment layout or the large club equipment layout for guidance. If you have any questions on the topic of hybrid meetings, please do not hesitate to contact me at mdag6250@gmail.com. We are here to help you figure out what to buy and how to set it up. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair |
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March 2022 Leadership![]() 6 BIG Things from PETS (President Elect Training Seminar)![]() 1. Rotarians Are Amazingly Generous: Some who’ve seen me around the District, have heard me say something like: “any time Rotarians get together is an opportunity to do something impactful”. Well PETS delivered that opportunity. PETS is a training event, not a fundraiser, but through the power of our people and their giving hearts, we raised $4,000 for Polio Plus to support those important last steps to eradicate Polio and $3,000 for the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation for the amazing work she’s doing in Afghanistan. The generosity of Rotarians will never stop amazing me.
2. We Must Share Our Story: Let’s spread the word. This is essential to recruiting new members, creating awareness for our clubs and Rotary International. You have a Rotary story, so does your club. Look around…how has your community changed because you’re in it? Connect with a public image resource, like our District Public Image chair Lynn if you need a boost.
3. District Grants Are Powerful: The money is available. Funds can be used for so many great things. Every club is in a community that needs something. How might a District Grant support something you’re doing locally or globally. Look around your community and see who you can help next and maximize the impact with a grant!
4. Goals are Good: President’s-Elect have started to set goals and will be planning their years, and beyond, with their club leadership. Club Presidents aren’t the only Rotarians who can benefit from clear SMART goals and an action plan to execute those goals. Setting goals and setting action plans are a way to manifest your dreams for your club, community, and yourself. When your target date hits, you’ll have achieved something or learned something – both of which are great reasons to celebrate.
5. Rotary Direct is Super Easy: Donating to the Foundation, Polio Plus or another Rotary cause of your choosing is so easy. A simple form can set you up to give with a bank account or even a credit card. Any amount, quarterly, monthly, pretty much as often as you'd like. What would it look like if every non-giving member in our District knew they could donate this way?
6. I Love Our 2022-2023 Theme: Imagine Rotary I look forward to imagining with all of you. Imagine what your future club looks like. Imagine what may be possible across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. Our new theme is a gift of inspiration. Imagination is free and Rotarians are free to give what they can. It is crucial for you to know what you can give (time, talent, money), and just as important for you to know what you can’t.
7. Feedback is Necessary: The clubs in our District are doing amazing things. Your District leadership is a big and broad team with seemingly endless experience and resources to connect you to. We’re doing a lot well, but what could we do better? Getting feedback is essential to finding that answer. We’ll be intentionally and respectfully looking for your feedback and I’m excited to see what we’ll learn. When we ask for feedback, you can use that opportunity to ask me to stop writing silly top 7 lists.
I am grateful and extremely excited for the opportunity to serve with you all, especially our Club Presidents in 2022-2023. Just imagine what we’ll do!
Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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March 2022 Membership Update![]() March Membership UpdateDear Rotarians, I hope you are all enjoying the longer days and (slightly) warmer weather! Now is a great time invite your coworker to a Rotary meeting! If you haven’t checked out the Membership page on Rotary International yet, now may be a great time! On this page, please check out: Strategies for Attracting New Members and Finding New Club Members: A Perspective Member Exercise. The link to the website is: https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/membership ![]() In other news, I have some Give Polio the Finger sweatshirts and t-shirts available for your club to use at no cost to your club. All your club has to do is send a request to me at johnlockerotary@gmail.com on how you will use the GPTF clothes to raise money for the Polio Plus Foundation. This will be a first come first serve basis until the clothes are sent out. Have a great month! ![]() John Locke D6250 Membership Chair 608-385-7954 |
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March 2022 International Service
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March 2022 Service Update![]() Youth MessageRYLA is back LIVE in 2022 - Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21st - 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. As we transition out of the pandemic, we couldn't be more excited to announce that RYLA will be held in person this year at Upham Woods in WI Dells for a one-day event filled with leadership training, fellowship, and fun! AND for 1/2 the cost - $100 per student. Click HERE to learn more. ![]() Our Calls to Action for Clubs: As you know, in Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs. We recognize that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to participation and leadership. AND here is what we are asking of you: For the selection process this year, we ENCOURAGE clubs to partner with other local organizations in their community that support youth (Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc.) and utilize the cost savings this year to fund more students to attend RYLA. We also encourage Rotarians to join us on staff this year. Since it is only a ONE day event, we are hopeful that the commitment will allow Rotarians that haven't had a chance to serve now have the opportunity! Click here to apply: https://forms.gle/FSYsAGUHuLosyGCHA We look forward to another AMAZING RYLA experience for young people in our district. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us! Your RYLA Team, Ben Bauer, Michelle McGrath, Zach Zellner, Suzanne Imhoff |
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March 2022 Foundation HighlightsDistrict GrantsCongratulations Holmen! – A $5,000 District Grant was awarded to the Holmen Club to place nine AEDs in area businesses. Project partners include the Holmen Business Association, Holmen Fire Department and Winona State University nursing students. This project will increase the number of AEDs available in the community by 45%. Open Application Pilot Project - The District Grant Committee is closing the open application pilot project on April 1. This timeline gives clubs time to apply yet this year and complete projects and reports before the May 15 due date. There is $21, 647 still available. If you have questions about submitting a grant application, contact Liz Evans, District Grant Committee Chair at d6250grants@gmail.com. Grant Management Seminars have been completed for 2022. 44 clubs participated to be eligible for District Grants and Global Grants in 2022-23. Over $84,000 will be available for District Grants. Start planning your projects today. Applications are due by May 25 for projects to begin in July. If your club was not represented, you can still access Rotary grants by partnering with a qualified club. Global GrantsAnnouncing New Global Grant Committee Chair - Thank you to Mike Casey, Madison, who agreed to serve as the District 6250 Global Grants Subcommittee Chair. Mike’s experience with international projects and global grants will be a benefit to clubs in District 6250. Mike can be reached at jmcasey222@aol.com. The Global Grants Committee provides assistance with the global grant process and reviews requests for District matching funds. Supporting UkraineWith deep regret, many Rotary service projects have been placed on hold in Ukraine for the indefinite future. The following information about emerging ways to help was shared by PDG Rich Kaye, Rotary Region 36 Foundation Coordinator.
Rotary International Official Statement It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world. As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue. In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support, and peace to the region. Polio Plus Update2021 marked a dramatic step forward in Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio. We began 2021 with only two remaining polio-endemic countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan. The World Health Organization confirmed only 1 case of polio in Pakistan last year. Further, Pakistan has not had a confirmed case of polio since January 27, 2021. Afghanistan reported only 4 cases of polio in 2021. There was not a single confirmed case of polio anywhere throughout the world from January 27, 2021 through October 29, 2021—a period of more than 9 months! Unfortunately, a case of polio was confirmed in Malawi in November 2021. That case has been genetically linked to the virus that had previously been detected in Pakistan. Because the recent case was an imported case, Malawi still retains its certification as a polio-free country. As a result of its high level of surveillance in the region, the World Health Organization has launched a rapid pop-up vaccination campaign in the area. This recent news only reinforces the fact that polio anywhere is a threat to children everywhere. For over 35 years Rotarians have focused on the goal to eradicate Polio. Our clubs set a goal of raising $100,560 towards Polio eradication this year. Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 72% of that goal. Our support is just as important today as it was 35 years ago. Let’s reach this important goal to help protect children from the life-long consequences of this devastating disease. And don’t forget the 2:1 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation match that triples the impact of your contribution. ![]() Dwight Heaney Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair |
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March 2022 Public Image Update![]() I care what other people think about RotaryI care that they know what Rotary really does locally and around the world. I care that they appreciate what it means to be a Rotarian through the Four-way test. I care about what they tell other people about Rotary. I want them to get it right. Why? Because when people understand what Rotary does; what it means to follow the four-way test; and see who we are in our communities…they want to spend time with us. They want to do what we do. Why? Because when people really get who we are they want to join us. Let’s all care about Rotary’s Public Image and do something about it. How? We can share stories about who we help. Use social media, use traditional media, just have a conversation. If you need help getting started, please reach out to your Public Image team. Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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March 2022 Governors Message![]() The world has a new hero for peace. It comes as no surprise to me that this hero was born out of comedy. Humor is an asset that gives strength to stay connected to life as it is, with people as they are, and to grow courage and ease in others. ![]() Thank goodness for the comedians among us. How often has a funny and fun-loving Rotarian opened a channel for hope and action previously blocked by worry and stress? Let’s value our Rotary comics and make room for their gifts. President Zelensky’s actions stand out in stark relief to the stark challenge Ukraine is facing. But most challenges to peace are complex, nuanced, and tangled. Solutions take careful understanding, focus, and enough energy for patient and persistent service. Everyday heroes for peace are less obvious. Large acts for peace and small acts for peace all matter. It is impossible for us to separate them or to judge them properly. We are limited in our awareness, but we can grow it and grow our appreciation. Be on the look-out for peacebuilders and thank them. If you’re one – please pause in gratitude for your own good fortune. No one shares peace who doesn’t possess peace. As I write, District Governor Elect Ben and our 6250 Presidents Elect are making plans to attend the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). The next months will be defined by Rotary’s annual leadership hand-off. The rest of my remarks are devoted to the joy of planning and the rewarding engagement that good planning offers. The better we do, the more our mission will be accomplished, the more joy will fill our Rotary experiences. ![]() There are two sources of energy to get from “here” to “there”, two methods of observing, two sets of strategies that accompany the energy we’re sourcing, two kinds of experiences, and two types of outcomes.
Since we’re all so very human, we all tap into both sources all the time. The goal is to get better at noticing what’s motivating us, and to take the path of unselfish service sooner and more habitually. Be generous in helping others do the same. If the choice is difficult, it is because we believe that something important to us is at risk. Be humble, strong, and kind always-with yourself as well as your neighbor. Your strategies will be your plan. You have a plan – the only question is whether you can articulate it in an engaging way. ![]() Can you describe your aspirations in a SMART goal? Can you imagine who you need on your team in sufficient detail so that when you recruit you are likely to attract the right people? Can you lay out a budget of time and money so you are sure that you will have the right resources at the right time? Can you be content to act within your means, adjusting wisely as you go? Will you know when it is time to celebrate? We have a planning tool to share with you. Let me know if you’d like to see it. Nothing would make me happier. Long Live Rotary. ![]() District Governor Karen |
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February 2022 The Empower Girls Project![]() Empowered to Lead![]() When I thought about leading my fellow students, I knew I was ready. I had always been a serious student and had become even more so following the accident, so I put my name in as a candidate for student council president. Then I learned that I couldn’t be student council president. I couldn’t even be a candidate for student council president. Why? Only a boy could be student body president. A girl could be vice-president. The gender tradition/restriction continued, only a boy could be treasurer and only a girl could be secretary. And no, I didn’t ride to school in a horse and buggy. It was, however, a Catholic school slow to respond to changes in society. This wasn’t my first challenge to the administration. I sewed a patch bearing a dove to my uniform blazer. “Take that off.” I wore slacks to an after-football game mixer. “If you want to come to the dance, you have to change.” Would this be another losing battle? Friends rallied around me. They shared my frustration and encouraged, demanded, that I run for Vice-President. They empowered me to rise to the occasion, rise above my anger at the unfairness of the situation, and run for the office that was open to me. I still remember sitting at the home of one of the upperclassmen when we came up with my slogan. Let the Sunshine In with Lynn. I was elected. And the following Fall I joined the speech team, writing and competing with my Original Oration about women’s rights. But that story is for another day. Enjoy the Ride![]() The first deadline was haunting us. There were many pressures: photographs to take, film to develop into pictures, layouts to create, working late after school. And, at the top of the list, publishing a yearbook our whole class would be proud to have as a keepsake. In a state of panic, I rushed into Mr. Shold’s office and proceeded to have an emotional breakdown. He was our yearbook advisor and the superintendent of our school district and I had great respect for him. Mr. Shold listened to my woes and in a very calm manner encouraged me to focus on the first deadline—one step at a time. I dried my eyes, gathered my pride, and returned to the team. We met the first deadline! One photograph at a time, one layout at a time, we met every deadline. I gained many valuable life lessons from this experience. I was definitely outside my comfort zone. But, I was not alone. Team members and mentors shared that same journey that contributed to our success. Deadlines became more attainable by breaking them down into manageable pieces. Perhaps most importantly, I learned to enjoy the ride—and many cherished memories resulted in the process. Game of Life![]() One of my choices was to be the first in my family to go to college. For a young woman from a small farming community in rural Wisconsin this was a bold choice. And it would only happen if I earned enough money. In high school I was a starter on the girls’ varsity basketball team. I also worked at a local store 20 hours each week to earn spending money and save for my college dream. To be on time for my job I needed to leave basketball practice 20 minutes early a couple of times a week. A few weeks into the season as I was again leaving early to race to my job, the coach called me out. In front of the entire team, he said I lacked commitment and a hard work ethic. And if this continued, I’d find myself on the bench. I gathered all the strength I could, walked over to him, and said, “I’ll gladly take my place on the bench.” And walked out. I had a choice that day. I could let his words define me, mold me into his vision of hard work and commitment. Or I could have faith in myself, my vision, knowing that what I was doing, what I was choosing, demonstrated more commitment and hard work than he could ever imagine. Maybe I lost the game on the basketball court that day, but I have always known it’s the game of life that matters. Transformed![]() Imagine this: my parents were living in Ft. Worth, Texas when I left for college at UW-Madison. I was 1,000 miles away from my family. I knew no one on a campus of 40,000 students. I had moved a lot but I always had my parents and sister with me. Now I was on my own. I chose to make the campus a little smaller by joining a sorority. It was the best decision I made my freshman year. Little did I know that I'd find a group of 100 women I could call friends. However, I quickly realized this group was about more than friendship: it was also about building leadership in young women. They saw qualities in me that I had yet to discover. Outsiders often view sorority life critically, but having experienced it firsthand, I can affirm the incredible opportunities it provided me as a young woman just discovering herself. It transformed me. Through a variety of experiences in the group, I developed skills I used during my college years and beyond. By my sophomore year, I was asked to be the House Manager for the 50 women who lived in the house, collaborating with the House Parents and Alumni House Board. This was a leadership position I would never have dreamed I was capable of holding, yet I had developed the skills and confidence to perform the job I was being asked to do. An amazing transformation had occurred. From that point forward, I confidently said yes to tasks I was asked to lead, knowing I had the skills to successfully complete them. Stand![]() Except for that one day. That one winter day, in 1974, during art class. Steve G. was a classic bully. He was tall, strong, smart, and shameless. He ruined everything that I valued and hurt people who couldn’t stand up to him – which was nearly everyone, including the system. Until this day, I was just an observer. If the day’s art required sticking things together, we St. Agnes students walked to the front of the room with a scrap of paper on which we would spread a blob of paste from a giant plastic tub. While I was on my way up, Steve smeared his paste on my navy uniform skirt. In that moment I was transformed from observer to victim. I looked down, sized up the situation, continued to the front, got my paste, turned toward Sister Mary Louise and wordlessly asked for permission to act. I wondered if she, like me, was in the frame of mind to stand up to bullying. She nodded. I was empowered. I stopped beside Steve’s desk, he looked up, and I smeared my paste from his forehead to nose. “I’m going to kill you, West,” he responded. I figured he meant it. In the hallway a bit later in the day, Steve smashed my face into the bubbler as I drank. Returning to class, Sister suggested I stay after for an hour to let things cool off. I did. Things didn’t. On my solo five-block trek home - Ninth, Russell, Langlade – Steve appeared. He’d hidden behind a house, waited an hour, and amassed an arsenal of good-sized ice chunks. He whipped them at me – at my head particularly – and I thought I might just die after all. I ran – Rockdale, Biemeret – home; bruised, shaken, afraid. And liberated. My memories of what followed are vague. I don’t remember anything more about Steve’s bullying. Since I was so nervous, I’m guessing there was, in fact, less bullying. But the memory of Sister is crystal clear. She supported my stand for justice, knowing that she couldn’t protect me from the risks. It’s important to stand, and I admire the courage in those that do. |
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February 2022 Leadership![]() Welcome to February - Peace and Conflict Resolution and Prevention month in RotaryThroughout District 6250, Rotarians are working tirelessly to tackle challenging issues that face our society and our world, especially in the scope of peace and conflict resolution. And as they tackle these challenging issues, they make it a priority to invite As you likely know, political polarization in the United States is at an all-time high. This has led to less communication and consideration of each other's views, animosity, and even violence. The reduced ability of “Blues” and “Reds” to work together means fewer constructive conversations to address significant problems this country faces. ![]() These Braver Angels events facilitate bi-partisan conversations and build skills as a foundation for democracy. Rotary International has embraced working with Braver Angels. Members of the Rotary Club of Madison will be hosting two Braver Angels’ events that will be held on Friday, February 25 and Saturday, February 26. Guests of Rotarians are also welcome. Choose either Friday, February 25 OR Saturday, February 26 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This event will be at Holy Wisdom Monastery, Middleton (accommodation information below) Cost ($30) includes coffee, tea and lunch. (Cost is non-refundable after Feb. 16) Click here to register: https://forms.gle/3JWbck5TnVHrPx6m6 Overview: Sessions will be facilitated by trained Braver Angels’ Moderators. 5-8 Republican-leaning citizens (“Reds”) and 5-8 Democratic-leaning citizens (“Blues”) gather together for a full-day of structured conversations. Background information: · Rotarian Magazine article on Braver Angels · 3-minute video on a Red-Blue workshop: Americans Experience Braver Angels · Braver Angels presentation to Rotary on December 1 (28 min long; starts at 26:00) Reserving a space is first-come, first-served. Participants register as leaning Red or Blue to ensure a mix of different views. Independents are welcome and will need to register as leaning Red or Blue. Reserve your spot now. Once all slots are filled on each day, additional people will be able to register as observers. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/3JWbck5TnVHrPx6m6 If you would like to stay overnight at Holy Wisdom Monastery, accommodation information is included below. |
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February 2022 Interact Instant![]() We’re hoping this instant whets your appetite for more! Lake Mills High School Interact membership doubled almost 100 in one year. What changed? The club’s advisor shared a vision of Rotary that resonated with students. Watch for the full story in the next Dispatch.
Karen Hebert |
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February 2022 International ServiceInternational Service CommitteeHaitian Well Project Energizes Club In 2018, as a memorial to a longtime member of our Janesville Noon Rotary club, we decided to have a Haitian water well constructed, in his name. The $21,000 necessary for the project was a big ask, considering it had not previously been budgeted -- but the members of our club were determined to find a way to make it happen. ![]() Our application was approved and along with the $5,000 from the District Grant, sufficient additional funds were raised to move forward. In late February of 2019, our team of four Rotarians along with three of their family members traveled to Haiti to assist with the completion of the well and structure. It was dedicated on February 26, 2019 (just days before COVID put a hold on so many lives). This project really helped our club to become even more energized. Working together to raise the funds, complete the project and meet with the people who would benefit was truly life-changing for many of us. This is just one example of the benefits of taking on a club-sponsored International service project. Planning an international project for your Rotary Club can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. District 6250 has a committee of experienced and dedicated members to assist you with planning the perfect project for your club. It is called the international Service Committee (ISC) and is akin to having a knowledgeable friend who’s only a phone call or email away. Whether it’s identifying a worthy project, finding an international partner, providing guidance on a grant application, or simply sharing encouragement to your club, the members of the ISC are available to help. Projects can be large or small and your club’s involvement can be extensive or, with the help of cooperating partner clubs, minimal. Yours in Rotary Service, Chuck Hanson, ISC District Chair ceh@haleskemp.com |
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February 2022 RI Convention![]() Ideas Inspire Action in HoustonThe Rotary International Convention is a launch site for service projects that make an impact. It’s the starting place where members learn new skills, find inspiration, and connect with others to create change in their communities and around the globe. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’re bound to find inspirational moments throughout the convention. It’s an experience unlike any other Rotary event and will renew your commitment to service and leadership. Don’t miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022. If you can’t attend in person, a virtual convention option offers the opportunity to participate in events and share in the convention experience with your friends, family, club members, and community. Register now at convention.rotary.org without worry* and save! *If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.
Imagine RotaryRotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world. “Imagine, a world that deserves our best where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.” -RI President-elect Jennifer Jones Jones, who will make history on 1 July by becoming Rotary’s first female president, gave a live online address preceding Rotary’s annual training event for district governors from around the world, the International Assembly. Jones told us incoming governors’ stories about “that certain Rotary magic”. Something that Rotarians experience every single day. I’m incredibly moved by this beautiful theme and can’t wait to see how our imagination takes us to action here in District 6250. Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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February 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceAs mentioned in last month’s article, this month we are focusing on Growing a club’s ability to boost engagement of individual members. Here are a few thoughts to consider around that subject:
For a few additional suggestions check out this You Tube Video Meeting Do's and Don'ts. Should you have any suggestions on this subject or have a question please drop me a note at mdag6250@gmail.com. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair |
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February 2022 Foundation HighlightsGrant Management Seminar – Last Chance for 2022-23 Grant EligibilityAny District 6250 club wanting to apply for District Grants or Global Grants in 2022-23 is required to have a member attend a Grant Management Seminar this winter. The last virtual GMS session is on Wednesday, February 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Rotarian can register for the seminar on the District 6250 website: https://www.rotary6250.org/page/2022-grant-management-seminars. Please join us to be eligible for matching grants for projects that are priorities for your club. District GrantsCongratulations to the Mayville Club for receiving a District Grant for their Park Street Square Band Stand project. The new park provides a downtown community gathering place for celebrations, commemorations, and a variety of community functions and entertainment. This project is being led by their new members. A $2,730 District Grant was awarded in late January. In November, our District Grant Committee announced an open application process for District Grants to help fund projects to be completed by May 15, 2022. If your club is considering a short-term project this winter with a budget less than $30,000, District matching grants are available. Projects can be local or international. Detailed information about District Grants is available on the District 6250 website. Contact Liz Evans at D6250Grants@gmail.com if you have further questions. Thank you to every District 6250 Rotarian who contributes to the Annual Fund/SHARE program of The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions make District Grants possible for projects like the Mayville Band Stand project. When you drive through downtown Mayville this summer, you can take pride in knowing your support is helping Mayville enhance their sense of community. ![]() Dwight Heaney Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair |
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February 2022 Governors Message![]() Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta asked us District Governors to pursue four themes this Rotary year: Each One Bring One, Grow More Do More, Days of Service, and Empower Girls. If you were at your club meeting when I visited, you’ll remember that we considered the energy and renewal that comes when each of us makes a commitment to extend Rotary fellowship (Each One Bring One) and give generously to our Rotary Foundation (Grow More Do More). During the first week of October, 6250 Rotarians, our friends in 6220 and 6270 (our TriCon partners) joined in Rotary Days of Environmental Service, celebrating our foundation’s new area of focus with action. In this and future Dispatches, we’ll tell stories on the theme of Empowering Girls. I asked women district leaders to tell a story when they, as girls, were empowered. Their stories reveal a critical moment, someone who believed in them (or didn’t), and how they found the courage to move through the challenge, opening their lives to new strength. I hope you enjoy learning what shaped the women alongside whom you serve. In future Dispatches, we’ll tell some of our international and community service stories that have empowered girls. We have made a lot of progress in what we imagine for girls and women. We have made a lot of progress in what we imagine for people of color, and people with disabilities. There’s more to imagine – for every single one of us. There is so much more to learn. Empowerment begins with seeing. The more we cultivate the attitude and skill of putting others at the center of our attention, of living “Service Above Self” as others are presented with important opportunities, the more Rotary will flourish. Our joy will be in others’ strength and others’ success. Our service will change lives. Thanks for reading! P.S. Now is the best time to REGISTER for TriCon2022! Listen to what 6220 District Governor Sridhar has to say about it! ![]() District Governor Karen |
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February 2022 Service Update![]() Youth MessageI want to take the opportunity to kick off the year with some tips for how to learn more about Youth Programs within District 6250 and Rotary as a whole. We have a very strong Youth focus within our district and are active with each of the main areas. If you're not familiar, the different areas of Youth Programs for Rotary are:
If you visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-programs you can learn about each of these different areas in more detail. Rotary also has newsletters that highlight information on Youth Exchange and Young Leaders in Action, you can opt-in to receive those once signed into your MyRotary account and going into your Account Settings. If you need any help, just let me know! The district is currently looking to update our district website as well, so I'd like to know if there's anything Youth related that you'd like to see added or available through our district site. Would committee chair contact information be helpful? A youth specific calendar? A listing of all of our Interact clubs? We want the site to be helpful to you as a member of our district, so reach out to me if you have any suggestions! As we look to rebound from a few years off of "normal" Youth Programs, it's important for us to keep our involvement strong and feel supported in our local clubs. If you feel like your club might be slipping away from Youth activities and you want to rejuvenate them, I'm here to help. Here's to a strong 2022 for Youth Programs, continued involvement and growth and getting back to connecting with the smiling faces that belong to the future of Rotary. Laura Lee ![]() |
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February 2022 Public Image Update![]() Loneliness is an epidemic and Rotary is the antidote.Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated. More than one quarter of the U.S. population lives alone. As Rotarians we understand that Rotary is all about social connectedness and building better friendships…the perfect prescription to cure loneliness. ![]() Where does Public Image come in? When we share Rotary, we build and enhance our public image. And it is through sharing and spreading and influencing our perception in the public that just as we are ending polio, we can end loneliness. Help us prescribe Rotary today. Happy New Year, Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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February 2022 Membership Update![]() District Member Count: 2483Member Growth Success:
Dear Rotarians, Happy New Year! We usually see a drop in membership as clubs clean out their rosters; however we are only down a net of 2 members from the start of the Rotary Year. It’s time now to reach out and add those new members you’ve been waiting to reach out to! Remember that having more Rotarians helps create a better Rotary experience for us all! Our Membership Growth Grants have been awarded! Congrats to the following clubs on receiving the awards! $1000 to Marshfield - Expanding Impact of the Rotary Winter Wonderland $1000 to LaCrosse After Hours - Member recruitment video $300 to Sparta - Logger's game $300 to Wisconsin Dells - New Member Christmas party $300 to Janesville Morning $300 to LaCrosse East - New Member Project $300 to Oregon Rotary - New Member Project $300 to Madison Breakfast - New Member Project Have a great month! ![]() John Locke D6250 Membership Chair 608-385-7954 |
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TriCon 2022![]() Join Rotarians from Districts 6220, 6250 & 6270April 29 - 30, Elkhart Lake, WisconsinThe Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference, intended for any Rotarian, not just leadership, is set for Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30, 2022. Attendance will be in person at the The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI. Attendees from Districts 6220, 6250 and 6270 will have the opportunity to gain useful skills that can be used in their Rotary club, and inspiration that will motivate them to embrace Rotary even more. Internationally-known featured speakers will provide keen insights about their passion projects during the addresses on both days. For more information and to register, please go to: www.rotarytricon.com
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January 2022 Membership Update![]() District Member Count: 2483Member Growth Success:
Dear Rotarians, Happy New Year! We usually see a drop in membership as clubs clean out their rosters; however we are only down a net of 2 members from the start of the Rotary Year. It’s time now to reach out and add those new members you’ve been waiting to reach out to! Remember that having more Rotarians helps create a better Rotary experience for us all! Our Membership Growth Grants have been awarded! Congrats to the following clubs on receiving the awards! $1000 to Marshfield - Expanding Impact of the Rotary Winter Wonderland $1000 to LaCrosse After Hours - Member recruitment video $300 to Sparta - Logger's game $300 to Wisconsin Dells - New Member Christmas party $300 to Janesville Morning $300 to LaCrosse East - New Member Project $300 to Oregon Rotary - New Member Project $300 to Madison Breakfast - New Member Project Have a great month! ![]() John Locke D6250 Membership Chair 608-385-7954 |
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January 2022 Global Grant Katrina Kalcic![]() Katrina Kalcic Blog Post: January 2022![]() Michaelmas Term has at last concluded, and as I reflect on this first milestone in my program, I could not be more grateful to be a member of the MPhil in Public Policy class of 2022. With more than 40 nationalities represented, it is an incredibly diverse cohort full of some of the most passionate and amazing professionals I’ve ever been privileged to know. It’s refreshing to learn so many unique approaches to tackling policy challenges around the world, and conversations with my inspiring colleagues fill me with hope for the future. Discussing artificial intelligence policies in emerging economies; strategies to address the colonial legacies of British museums; and hosting potlucks with delicious national dishes shared by new friends are some of the memories I treasure most. I am looking forward to Hillary Term in 2022, and as always, I am profoundly grateful to Rotary for the opportunity to join the Oxford community. |
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January 2022 Interact Instant![]() Care to guess where MOHO Interact is located?Mount Horeb! Great name, isn’t it? Their greatness doesn’t end at their name. They earn that reputation with heart and service. Here they are in action decorating their school for Valentine's Day and partnering for successful service with a local non-profit, Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Well done, Moho Interact! You inspire us!
District 6250 Interact Clubs were busy with holiday cheer while providing boundless gifts to mankind.Lodi Rotary club and LHS Interact club combined efforts to hold a fundraiser for local food pantry, and American Legion Columbia cabin that supports veterans in need. ![]() Mount Horeb Interact club in conjunction with Shoebox Gifts for Kids did an amazing job at their high school collecting children’s gifts for the holiday season. ![]() Baraboo Interact Club had the pleasure of helping out with the Holidays With The Heroes event making crafts an wrapping gifts with community officers, emt’s, and other first responders. All the children who participated have had trauma in their lives and are experiencing poverty. ![]() |
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January 2022 Governors Message![]() In your mind, can a Rotarian be an excellent Rotarian if “all they do” is attend meetings? Can a club be an excellent club if “all they do” is gather for fellowship and networking? Please take a moment to answer these questions honestly for yourself before reading on. I answer both questions with a resolute “Yes!” - if these Rotarians are engaged in their vocation (in modern, North American Rotary this might include retirement, homemaking, and parenting) as an avenue for Rotary service. This is Rotary character in action. Soaking in the fellowship of Rotarians for encouragement in, and examples of, a life that exemplifies “Service Above Self” is also full of excellence. ![]() As much as I appreciate and champion our mission and vision statements and strategic priorities, they sometimes eclipse the historical “Object of Rotary”, from which our notion of vocational service springs. Each club is free to decide what’s required of its members. When we choose, let’s do so without denigrating the “knife and fork club” and the “check-writing club”. If these clubs are full of Rotarians who dignify and value every vocation as an opportunity for service, and pursue vocational service instead of vocational selfishness, they are powerful Rotarians and Rotary Clubs, and their contributions help to fulfill our mission. I am proud to be associated with them. Aspire to be, as a Rotarian and club, what you want to be without comparison or criticism, and be open to just how simple, powerful, and free Rotary life can be. You can Invite others into this kind of Rotary experience. If you want to TAKE ACTION and improve your club’s culture in honoring vocational service, check out Rotary’s Introduction to Vocational Service. It might open bright and hopeful vistas for you and your club. ![]() District Governor Karen |
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January 2022 RI Convention![]() Discover New Horizons in Houston June 2022There is nothing quite like our annual Rotary International Convention. It’s the only opportunity we members get to connect personally with people from around the world, celebrate our works of service together, and collaborate on every level to find solutions to our most pressing challenges. We do all of this at one event — while making memories that will last a lifetime. On top of all the Rotary you’ll get, in Houston, you’ll discover: · Great food. More than 10,000 restaurants represent more than 70 cuisines. · Diversity. More than 145 languages are spoken in the city. · Space exploration. At Space Center Houston, you can touch a moon rock, see former spacecraft, and simulate a spaceflight or spacewalk. · Sports. The city is home to six professional sports teams. · Shopping. The Galleria is the largest shopping center in Texas, with 400 shops and restaurants. · Parks. The city ranks first among the 10 largest U.S. cities in total park area. · Arts and culture. Houston has 19 world-class museums and seven cultural districts. · Accessible transportation. METRORail trains and an underground pedestrian tunnel system make navigating the city easy. Don’t miss your chance to Discover New Horizons and join us in Houston, Texas - June 4-8, 2022. If you can’t attend in person, a virtual convention option offers the opportunity to participate in events and share in the convention experience with your friends, family, club members, and community. Register now at convention.rotary.org without worry! *If for any reason your plans need to change or the convention is cancelled, refunds will be granted.
Ben Bauer District Governor Elect (2022-2023) |
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January 2022 Leadership![]() District 6250 Leadership OpportunitiesServing in a District 6250 Leadership position is a fulfilling opportunity full of service, new connections, and fun! Maybe you’re already interested in Membership or Training, or have professional skills in Finance or Public Relations. Or, maybe you’re interested in learning something new and just know you want to serve. Wherever you may be, we’d love to hear from you! Check out our Leadership Opportunities page on the District 6250 website to see a list of current opportunities: https://rotary6250.org/page/leadership-opportunities ![]() |
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January 2022 Foundation HighlightsAnnual Fund/SHARE Needs Your Support![]() Thank you to every Rotarians who is supporting the Annual Fund/SHARE program in 2021-22. If you have not done so, please consider supporting today. The Rotary Foundation is recognized with Four Stars by Charity Navigator. That means we are one of the most efficient and effective non-profit foundations in the world. If your club has received District Grants or participated in a Global Grant, you know the impact of contributions to Annual Fund/SHARE. How you can help:
Global Grant ApprovedCongratulations to the Lake Mills Club for approval of a global grant to install solar to power a water system in Goregaon, India. The project will create a sustainable source of power in partnership with the Goregaon Rotary Club. $20,000 of District Designated Funds is being granted toward the $96,128 project. District GrantsCongratulations to the Madison Breakfast Club for receiving a District Grant to fund books and tees for the Black Girl Magic Conference in Madison. Black Girl Magic provides enrichment and academic opportunities to empower 4th through 8th grade Black, African-American, and Multiracial girls. A $2,000 District Grant is approved for this project. In November, our District Grant Committee announced an open application process for District Grants to help fund projects to be completed by May 15, 2022. If your club is considering a short-term project this winter with a budget less than $30,000, District matching grants are available. Projects can be local or international. Detailed information about District Grants is available on the District 6250 website. Contact Liz Evans at D6250Grants@gmail.com if you have further questions. Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson District 6250 Foundation Committee Chair |
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January 2022 Hybrid Task Force![]() District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task ForceBefore we wrap up our task force work at the end of this Rotary year, it is our intention to continue providing you with hybrid meeting information that is most relevant to you and your Club. As your Club navigates the hybrid meeting process, we are hopeful that you will find value from our forthcoming information associated with one or more of the following three goals: Goal #1 - Grow clubs' abilities to boost engagement of individual members. Goal #2 - Assist clubs with improving member experiences through technology-based tools. Goal #3 - Facilitate the creation of virtual tactics for use in growing club memberships. Mike Dillis District 6250 Hybrid Meeting Task Force Chair
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January 2022 Public Image Update![]() Loneliness is an epidemic and Rotary is the antidote.Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated. More than one quarter of the U.S. population lives alone. As Rotarians we understand that Rotary is all about social connectedness and building better friendships…the perfect prescription to cure loneliness. ![]() Where does Public Image come in? When we share Rotary, we build and enhance our public image. And it is through sharing and spreading and influencing our perception in the public that just as we are ending polio, we can end loneliness. Help us prescribe Rotary today. Happy New Year, Lynn Perez-Hewitt District 6250 Public Image Chair 2021-2022 (520) 400-4966 |
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January 2022 Service Update![]() Youth MessageI want to take the opportunity to kick off the year with some tips for how to learn more about Youth Programs within District 6250 and Rotary as a whole. We have a very strong Youth focus within our district and are active with each of the main areas. If you're not familiar, the different areas of Youth Programs for Rotary are:
If you visit https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-programs you can learn about each of these different areas in more detail. Rotary also has newsletters that highlight information on Youth Exchange and Young Leaders in Action, you can opt-in to receive those once signed into your MyRotary account and going into your Account Settings. If you need any help, just let me know! The district is currently looking to update our district website as well, so I'd like to know if there's anything Youth related that you'd like to see added or available through our district site. Would committee chair contact information be helpful? A youth specific calendar? A listing of all of our Interact clubs? We want the site to be helpful to you as a member of our district, so reach out to me if you have any suggestions! As we look to rebound from a few years off of "normal" Youth Programs, it's important for us to keep our involvement strong and feel supported in our local clubs. If you feel like your club might be slipping away from Youth activities and you want to rejuvenate them, I'm here to help. Here's to a strong 2022 for Youth Programs, continued involvement and growth and getting back to connecting with the smiling faces that belong to the future of Rotary. Laura Lee ![]() |
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December 2021 Dental Services for Greek Islands![]() Wisconsin Dells Celebrates Dental Services for Greek Islands ![]() The Wisconsin Dells Club just finished a big global grant project to renovate dental clinics on five remote Greek islands near Turkey. None of us knew the Rotarians of Athens and Kos, but we somehow managed to complete this mission together. We had lots of help from District 6250, District 2470 and Rotary International. Here is how it happened. Past District Governor, Edwin Bos, called me to describe a project he had learned of that involved dentistry. We had traveled together in Nepal, so we knew each other, and he felt I would be able to succeed on this endeavor. Our club had never been the primary partner for a Global Grant, but we had helped other clubs by being participating sponsors, so we knew the concept. They are similar to District Grants, just more expensive. The goal was to renovate dental clinics that were using 40-year-old dental chairs and operating units. It would cost around $70,000 to install new equipment on islands being inundated with Syrian refugees. The Dodecanese islands of Samos, Lipsi, Symi, Agathonisi and Fourni had well over 10,000 refugees, and their facilities were in poor condition. The Rotary Club of Wisconsin Dells, with our group of 27, agreed to be the primary sponsor. We met the requirements, so we thought we could succeed. I decided to call dentists I know and ask for contributions. Rotarian dentists, Mike Bender of Fort Atkinson and Betsy Long, of Wisconsin Dells, donated personally, along with non-Rotarian dentists from the US Public Health Service(I worked for them for 20 years) and dentists from around Wisconsin. We gathered the donations needed, which was matched by our district, then matched by Rotary International. The Greek Rotary Clubs in the grant area also donated, along with their district, until we had the necessary funds. ![]() Greek Rotary meetings are not quite like ours. We meet from noon until 1 on Thursdays. They start their meetings at 8 pm. We attended quite a few, and none of them were done until around midnight. They were very appreciative, and shared their Greek culture with us. My club is now working on another, much smaller grant, to help Samos Due to a recent earthquake and the flood of refugees, their needs are great but resources limited. Submitted by Dave Clemens, DDS, Rotary Club of Wisconsin Dells |
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December 2021 HolidaysThe Family of Rotary – Holiday Style![]() And how do families make a holiday special? With food, friends, a few very suspicious-looking reindeer ![]() For more years than Lisa Gits can or wants to remember members of the club have chosen to bring a Bingo party to the residents of St. Mary’s Care Center. It originally was because one of the club member’s moms was there. When word spread, a little Santa magic with a generous dollop of Rotary fellowship and goodwill, more than a handful of elves of various sizes and shapes, a party with food and gifts materialized. The tradition goes back far enough that there are notorious tales. No one will share the one about Juanita in B4…but if you ask Ted See, he just might share a story or two. ![]() Sometimes service is ambitious. Sometimes it’s playing BINGO on a December evening with some of our vintage community members. What the Family of Rotary is all about. |
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December 2021 Governors Message![]() I live parallel lives during the weeks before December 25th. I enjoy the lights, music, parties, jewel tones, and glitter. I also focus quietly and intentionally on Advent. It’s Latin for arrival, and the focus is on preparation. ![]() From Menominee to Mayville holiday service and fundraising events have arrived! Children receive gifts, families receive food, community members drink hot chocolate under magical lights. People we do not know will be changed by our service. And we will be the primary beneficiaries. Hope will grow in us. While we serve, we are simultaneously preparing for other arrivals. We are preparing for the leadership of Ben Bauer, District Governor 2022-2023. Next week the District Governor Team (Bill, Ben, Michelle, Todd, and I) will consider where we are and where we hope to be by the end of Ben’s year. Ben will take that vision into International Assembly (a gathering of the world’s DGs) in January, District Team Training (a gathering of 6250 leaders) in February, and President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in March. Ben is staking significant resources on this role. Will you stake some resources on supporting him and our district? We are preparing for TriCon2022. After back-to-back virtual conferences in 2020 and 2021, we will gather safely and joyfully at The Osthoff on April 29 and 30. Will you save the date? TriCon2022 will put you in the company of rich Rotary fellowship, service, and inspiring people of action. It’ll be worth staking some resources on it. And speaking of staking resources… ![]() Dawn Heath-Fiedler, District 6270 Rotarian, founded and leads the non-profit, Join the Movement Now (www.jtme.org), with the mission of bringing awareness of the presence of human trafficking to all communities in the State of Wisconsin and the entire Midwest. JTME is dedicated to educating our youth as our best defense in preventing victims’ grooming. Dawn (in the center of the photo, flanked by teammates) is serving and lives are changing. It is a story full of hope hopeless circumstances. Her district conference played a role. Keep reading on in our Dispatch for more wonderful Rotary stories and opportunities. Cheers for a happy, hopeful, holidays, Dear Rotarians. Thank you. ![]() District Governor Karen |
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May Interact Instant![]() Always excited to help, and always energized with creative ideas! Enjoy District 6250’s sampling of all things Interact.
Read more for some posts and photos of all the great work! |
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April Interact Instant![]() Virtual Exchange, park cleanup, food drives, little libraries and more! Check out the great work of our Interact Clubs in the March Interact Instant! ![]()
Read more for some posts and photos of all the great work! |
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February Interact Instant![]() Fleece blankets, Valentines, Polio Awareness and more! Check out the great work of our Interact Clubs in the February Interact Instant!
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January 2021 Governors Message![]() Greetings Fellow Rotarians. Welcome to January 2021! It has been some time since the turning of the calendar has felt so good! Goodbye 2020! January is Vocational Service month on the Rotary calendar. Vocational service can be hard to define, but it is easy to describe: It is simply the point where our Rotary lives and our professional lives Intersect. When we put our Rotary ideals to work through our work, that is vocational service. As I have traveled on my Rotary journey, I am again and again reminded of how often our work and Rotary intersect. Here in La Crosse, a few Rotary leaders had an interesting thought: If I asked area organizations what they would do with $250,000… what would their answer be? The results of this simple question, asked of the many incredibly talented and well meaning charitable causes around the Coulee Region, resulted in some truly remarkable ideas. From those discussions emerged an idea – to collaborate with the St. Claire Health Mission, Gundersen Health Systems, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, the La Crosse County Health Department and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to support a Mobile Medical Clinic that can travel throughout the region. The vehicle will provide family practice clinical services, preventative care, flu vaccine clinics, youth sports physicals, lab draws, mental health and pharmacy services to adults and children without health insurance. My work in finance puts me in a unique position to have an impact. I knew I could turn my professional path to good and help make this project a success and improve health care for those not covered by our systems throughout our district. |
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Global Grant Update - Guatemala Water and Sanitation Project![]() Chronic childhood malnutrition is a problem all over Guatemala. Almost 50% of children aged 5 and under are malnourished. In the highland villages of Tecpan, however, the number is as high as 95%. In 2019, Madison South Rotary wrote a Global Grant for a Water and Sanitation Project in two villages in the highlands of Tecpan, Guatemala. We partnered with ABPD (Association Behrhorst Partners for Development), the Antigua RC in Antigua, Guatemala, District 7750 in South Carolina and clubs in Florida and Maine. At the same time, Deb Walters from District 7790 (Maine and Quebec) wrote a Global Grant for Maternal and Child Health for one of the same villages plus one other that had been assessed to need this type of help. The “ask” comes from the village leaders themselves then a detailed assessment is done by ABPD. |
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Michelle McGrath - District Governor Nominee Designate![]() Madison Rotarian Dr. Michelle McGrath Selected as District Governor Nominee DesignateMichelle McGrath, a member of the Rotary Club of Madison has been selected as the next Rotarian to serve as District Governor for Rotary District 6250 upon approval at our upcoming annual meeting, this spring. As District Governor, Michelle will provide strong leadership skills and decision making to strengthen and support the 60 clubs that reside in Rotary District 6250. During her year in office (2023-2024), Rotary clubs will look to her for leadership, support, and motivation as they carry out service projects and participate in Rotary programs.
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Fort Atkinson Interact Supports Phillippines Club's Blood Drive![]() A group of Fort Atkinson High School students from the Interact Club had planned to travel to the Philippines in March to carry out their second humanitarian project in District 3850. Needless to say COVID-19 got in the way. Instead the Interact club donated the monies they had raised and the Metro Kalibo Rotary club used the funds to buy aprons and other serving equipment used in conjunction with the local Red Cross blood drives that the Rotary club actively supports. Does your Rotary Club sponsor an Interact Club? For more information contact District 6250 Interact Co-Chairs: Carol Hermann or Andy Bakkum. |
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November Interact Instant![]() Bingo Night, Pennies for Polio, Grateful Gourmet, oh my! Check out the Interact Instant for November 2020!
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November 2020 Governors Message![]() Greetings Fellow Rotarians. Welcome to Rotary Foundation Month!! Back in 1956, The Rotary International Board of Directors designated a week in November urging all clubs “to devote a program to the Rotary Foundation.” In 1982, the Board determined that the entire month of November should be dedicated to the Foundation. When one looks back at the momentous 1917 Rotary Convention (held in Atlanta, GA), it is difficult to see what could have been contentious about the words of then-Rotary President Arch C. Klumph: “It seem eminently proper that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world.” Yet, at the time, support for the idea was far from unanimous. Some thought an endowment fund would create more trouble than it was worth. But Klumph’s idea received the support it needed in the form of an in initial donation of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, MO. 103 years later, we recognize Klumph’s idea as not only visionary, but revolutionary: It set in place the mechanism that allowed Rotary to become the vast force for “doing good in the world” that it is today. I’ll take a risk here – I think our Rotary Foundation is the foundation of Rotary as we know it. It has created a mechanism for cooperation and partnership among clubs and between Rotary and other organizations; it has enabled us to be ever more ambitious in our work and to reach for goals of historic proportion, such as the eradication of polio. It is impossible to quantify the good that has been done over the last century as a result of The Rotary Foundation. All we can know for sure is that Arch Klumph, if he could see us, would be proud. |
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Rotary & RainworksROTARY & RAINWORKS!The Eau Claire Morning Rotary Club recently organized a project called R&R: Rotary and Rainworks in our community in Eau Claire. Rainworks is a super awesome invisible (and magical) street art that only appears when wet, most often on a rainy day. The designs are meant to make people smile and provide pure joy. The club got plenty of inspiration out of the project and many believe that it can change lives everywhere.
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October 2020 Governors Club President Message![]() Welcome to October! It may be difficult to believe, but you are now 25% thru your year as Club President. As you look back over the past three months, what have been some of your highlights? How is the club doing in regards to the goals that you have set for the year? Quarterly turns make great opportunities to review where you stand. You are at the first quarter poll. Take the opportunity to visit Rotary.org – go to your “My Rotary” page, and visit goal center section of Rotary Club Central. Update your goals while you are there – are there any that you have already achieved? There is some really low hanging fruit here… has your club had a discussion on your club’s Strategic Plan? Have you made an update on your clubs Facebook page? Have you had any social activities during the first quarter? Have you made a post on Facebook using Rotary promotional materials? All of these goals are found under the “Public Image” tab within the Goal Center. I’d bet that at least 2/3rds of you would be able to achieve at least two or three goals on this tab alone! |
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Club President Membership Update - OctoberDear Club Presidents, I have thought quite a bit about what makes Rotary so special and it always comes back to the people who make up the club’s membership. I continually meet new dynamic people in Rotary who broaden the friends I can learn from. It is the people involved with the club that come up with the great projects that make long lasting impacts in the communities. The millions of dollars raised for these projects all come from the members of club. Membership is the heart of this great organization. |
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Angling for a Better Tomorrow: Al's Musky Challenge![]() With a gleam in his eye, Rotarian Al Louis deftly set the hook on Musky #7; minutes later, he and his friend A.J. hauled it from the cold waters of Minnesota’s Lake Vermilion into their boat. This musky was special, not only because it takes, on average, 10,000 casts to land just one musky, but because this musky—all 41½” and 22 lbs. of it—represented more than $41,000 raised for five nonprofits in Al’s hometown, La Crosse, Wisconsin. It wasn’t easy. Al battled the elements, a lake crowded with 85 bass boats thanks to a two-day bass tournament, tedious hours without a strike, muskies that tracked the lure to the boat only to break away at the last second, the fog of a bizarre insect hatch, and a sinking boat (yes, really). Not to mention, raising money during a pandemic is ... challenging, to say the least.
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October Interact Instant![]() From donations of pints of blood to walking dogs for Paw Rescue, check out the Interact Instant for October 2020!
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October 2020 Foundation HighlightsNeed some more inspriation?Check out these videos which are both inspirational and informative presentations. One features our own Randy Sproule where he shares his passion and talks about why we need to finish the job of eradicating polio. The other is presented by Carrie Ronnander, Director of the Chippewa Valley Museum and she discusses the many aspects of living in a pandemic and the correlations between the times of Polio and COVID-19. Josh Mansee La Crosse Rotary - After Hours, President-Elect 2020-2021 District 6250 Foundation Chair 608-386-2641 |
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October 2020 Governors Message![]() Greetings District 6250 Rotarians! Welcome to October – Where we Focus on Economic and Community Development… along with celebrate World Polio Day! Rotary’s long-term, sustained battle against Polio has defined our organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that we have accomplished through the years. Our progress is real and noteworthy. In 1988, polio was endemic in 125 countries, with more than 350,00 new cases a year worldwide. Since then, Rotary and our Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners have reduced the incidence of polio by more than 99.9%, vaccinated more than 2.5 billion children against the virus, and prevented 18 million cases of paralysis. Over the years, Rotary has helped country after country move into the polio-free column. This includes India, which some considered impossible not long ago. Of the three types of poliovirus, type 2 has been eradicated and type 3 could soon be certified as eradicated. As we celebrated last month, Africa has been declared polio free, we are now down to just one type of wild poliovirus in only one section of the world – Afghanistan and Pakistan. World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians to come together, recognize the progress we have made In our fight against polio, and plan the action we must take to end polio forever. The key word is action, because we still have important work to do. |
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A Big Thank You From Southern Greece![]() Thanks to the Dental Care in the Isolated Municipalities program organized and implemented as a Global Grant by Districts 2470 (Southern Greece) and 6250 (Wisconsin, USA) of Rotary International, several thousand citizens in isolated areas of the Southeastern Aegean Sea in Greece can now enjoy dental care. So, instead of going to other larger islands and wasting time, especially in times of difficult climatic conditions, they now have the possibility to have dental care in their place. Specifically... |
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September 2020 Governors Message![]() Greetings District 6250 Rotarians! Welcome to September, where we Rotarians turn our attention to the good works surrounding Basic Education and Literacy. We also look forward to our district’s upcoming Vibrant Club Workshop, our Interact Clubs firing up in schools across the district, and an unusual opportunity for all to become involved in our Rotary Zone activities at the Rotary Zone Institute from September 8-13. More on that in a few moments… but I first want to return to the groundbreaking, earth shaking news of August 6th. On May 4, 1987, the US Supreme Court ruled that Rotary Clubs could no longer exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. At the first gathering of the Rotary Council of Legislation following the decision, Rotary moved to admit women into Rotary Clubs worldwide. This remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. The response to the decision was overwhelming: By June 1990, the number had skyrocketed to over 20,000. By July 2016, the number of women worldwide had surpassed 250,000. Women immediately embraced the leadership opportunities provided by their clubs and have been making an impact in communities around the world. District 6250 embraced the moment as well. Sharon K. Imes of La Crosse became our first female District Governor in 1997-1998. Mary Beth Growney-Selene of Madison followed soon after as District Governor in 2000-2001, and was then selected to join the Rotary International Board of Directors from 2013-2015, and then a Rotary Foundation Trustee in 2016-2017. We have been ably led by 6 female District Governors, and Karen Hebert will become our 7th in 2021-2022. Women now represent over 36% of our membership in District 6250. Which brings me to the present now. On August 6th, The Rotary International Nominating Committee selected Jennifer E. Jones of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario Canada to serve as Rotary International President for the 2022-23 Rotary year, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold the office of President in Rotary’s 115-year history.
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Social Kitchen Global Grant Update - Follow up from RotaryFestWith this report we would like to update you with the current status of the Social Kitchen project. Thanks to your financial support this project could kicked off in 2019. RC Olsztyn Varmia worked hard together with Food Bank in Olsztyn to renovate the venue and buy the gastronomy equipment to open Social Kitchen. As reported last time, just after the opening in September 2019, fire destroyed 2/3 of the building, where Social K itchen is placed. The losses were estimated at about €1 million. With great support from local, regional and countrywide communities and also insurance coverage (80% of the losses) the venue has been restored again. It was ready to re open in March 2020. Then, COVID 19 stroke in Poland and Olsztyn, which paused the launch of the face to face trainings. Finally in May 2020 the first gastronomy vocational trainings were initiated. Together in May and June, 6 trainings took place, which engaged 80 participants and lasted 48 hours. Yours in Rotary Service, Edwin Bos |
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Rotary Club of Mayville Supports P.A.V.E. with Disaster Relief Grant![]() Imagine living in the same home as your abuser. The pandemic hits, escalating stress and tensions. A bad situation becomes untenable, and you know: you MUST get out. You MUST find a safe place to stay. For residents of the Beaver Dam area, that safe place to stay might be P.A.V.E, an organization that provides services and shelter to survivors of violence. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought not only rising cases of violence, but with it, additional challenges in keeping the shelter a safe and healthy place:
Dedicated Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Mayville saw a need in their community, and being People of Action, stepped up. With the help of a Disaster Relief Grant from Rotary District 6250, the Rotary Club of Mayville provided needed cleaning and personal hygiene supplies— including 35 handmade face masks—along with entertainment items, to P.A.V.E for use in their shelter. We are Rotarians. We are People of Action. We believe in Service Above Self. Together, we EMPOWER. |
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Rotary Club of Sun Prairie Disaster Grant 2020Rotary Club of Sun Prairie Disaster Grant 2020Check out the impact that the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie made on their community through the use of their COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant! |
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August 2020 Governors Message![]() Twenty years ago a man named Chuck Hanson, an attorney that worked in downtown La Crosse, invited me to join Rotary. Back then, that was the common practice. A business person invited you to join Rotary because he thought it would be good for business and good for the community, and you said yes. If It was not for Chuck (yes… that one – our past District Governor) it is unlikely I would be a Rotarian. August is Membership and Extension month. In District 6250, our Membership Committee thinks every month is August – they are continually focused on helping clubs grow and thrive. More to come from John Locke and the membership team later. Be sure to use this valuable district resource to make your club stronger and more vibrant. Growing a vibrant membership was my entrance into Rotary at a beyond-my-club level. For three+ years, I was the District Membership Chair. I focused on traveling around our district with my sidekick Joe Ruskey (yup – also a past District Governor) on how strong clubs create a strong Foundation… and vice-versa. During my travels, I crafted ten tips to attract and retain members. These tips proved effective: our District had growing membership during two of these three years – and the third year was flat. So If you’re looking to add members to your club, consider taking a page from these 10 tips... |
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Foundation Highlights August 2020![]() Highlights from the FoundationOn behalf of the Rotary District 6250 Foundation Committee, thank you all for your service and gifts of time, talent and treasure this past Rotary year! While there are always obstacles, this year has been particularly challenging with the pandemic. While we work to adapt to limited social interactions, travel and in many ways a new lifestyle, our District continues to do its good work in our communities and abroad almost without pause. This is only possible because of the efforts of each of our committee members, and our many amazingly generous Rotarians in District 6250. Read a few highlights of our Foundation team's accomplishments in the past Rotary year.
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Rotary Magazine Highlight August 2020![]() 1. How does the environment fit into Rotary’s areas of focus?Any project in any area of focus will benefit from having environmental sustainability as one of its watchwords. It’s a lot harder to supply clean water to people if your watershed is compromised— if your river is full of industrial, human, and animal waste. Basic education and literacy is a challenge when kids are sick because the school well is contaminated. Health is affected when insects carrying diseases expand their geographic range due to changing climate patterns. Water wars and climate refugees will make achieving peace and conflict resolution more complicated. Economic development is slowed when there’s not adequate energy. Rotary would do a huge service to the world if it moved every water project from a diesel pump to wind or solar. That’s a project that’s scalable. |
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Supporting the Environment becomes a new area of focus![]() The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment.
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July 2020 Governors Message![]() Welcome to the 2020-2021 Rotary Year! This year, the Rotary theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. Each month, District Governor Bill Pritchard will share some thoughts and goings on from around the district. Click on the link below to read Bill's July message.
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