Last year PDG Mike Kloss traveled with “Victor the Duck” as he visited our district clubs. While I will not be accompanied by a mascot, I am grateful my wife Mary has agreed to accompany me and attend as many club visits as possible.
The real service of Rotary begins at the club level. From western and southern Wisconsin to eastern Minnesota, our Rotary clubs are making a difference in 29 counties and the many cities, towns, and villages they serve.
Local members often feel their small clubs may not be so important. To the contrary, these clubs understand the needs of their smaller communities and they dig in to make lasting change.
We started the year off right by visiting a couple of inspiring clubs near our home.
My first club visit as your DG was to the “small but mighty” Tomah Rotary Club. They are a club that represents Rotary so well. Among their many successful local projects is an installation of permanently mounted musical instruments at Winnebago Park.These musical instruments invite children and families to explore the joy of playing and making music together.
While I thought I understood the project, I had to experience it for myself. It was amazing and fun for people all ages, including me! I encourage you to visit Winnebago Park where you can’t help but grab a mallet and make some music. What a great example of the impact the Tomah Rotary Club has on their community. Congratulations to the committed Rotarians of Tomah!
The Sparta Rotary Club is equally impressive! Their club is one of the oldest in our district, yet has several new and younger members who are very active at putting Sparta on the map! It was inspiring to watch the newer and “more seasoned” serving their community together. Their club may be smaller in size but their community impact is huge!
Years ago they built an 11-foot fiberglass parade float, equipped with lights and a rotating Rotary Mark of Excellence wheel! Today, the Holmen Area Rotary Club maintains the float, but it was the Sparta Rotarians who created the Sparta who designed and custom built it.
Mary and I have just started our club tour. We hope you will invite us to attend your club events and service projects. We want to experience and celebrate the power of Rotary in every community throughout our district!
In Rotary Spirit
Scott Ryan
District Governor 2026-2027
scottryanrotarian@gmail.com