By Administrator Account on Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Brat & Burger is now! Get your tickets sold. If you sell out, extra tickets are available this year. Just as importantly, get your prize donations turned in by August 5th. The B&B is only two weeks away and it takes several days to build the scoreboard, print the program and make other preparations for this, our biggest annual fund-raising event.

A balanced budget is being drafted by the Board. A few tweaks are being made here and there. Once the budget is approved by the Board, it’ll be presented to the members for codification. Stay tuned next month.

The St. John Vacation fundraiser, originally planned to launch on Labor Day, will be postponed until this winter (probably January or February). This is because of the press of current activity, as well as cancellation of the CPA’s Antique & Craft Show originally planned to coincide with the condo vacation raffle.

Our equal-opportunity Sergeant at Arms, Tom Moore, fined himself today for coming late and leaving early! Mike Swartz was nailed for wearing Sandy’s badge.

Money’s cheap these days! Commenting on the Fed’s announcement of continued low interest rates, Banker Jim threw a buck in the basket. So did Paul Novitzki, who’s headed to Brewer’s Fantasy Camp. School Super MikeS thinks it’s super that the feds also ponied up $13+ million in no-interest loans to build the new high school addition. Prez Janet’s pullin’ for her sister who just pulled thru heart by-pass surgery. TomM is happy to be back from a family reunion in Missouri, and even happier to find his basement dry.

Good to see Sue Happ and Chris Stelzer back at our meeting after a too-long hiatus.

Word of the Week: DISCOMBOBULATED. This is a funny sounding word, isn’t it? But it means “to be made to feel uncomfortable; also disconcerting.” It is your editor’s lame attempt to not get completely morose about a very sad development this week – the retirement of Steve Lehmann from our Rotary Club. Steve is a 26-year veteran of our Club with a perfect attendance record. He’s a Past President and Paul Harris Fellow. He’s also the man who inspired/created both the Brat & Burger and Breakfast with Santa. Every Rotarian who cares about the future of our Club should be very discombobulated today.

Upcoming programs & activities:

July 28, Farmers Market, Concert in Rotary Park (Michael Drake and the No Tan Line Band)
July 31, Rock River Gallery Open House, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, Sue Johnson – Honduras Trip
August 11, Concert in Rotary Park (Anna Laube)
August 16, Brat & Burger
August 25, Concert in Rotary Park (Jesse Aron)

Questions or comments? Contact President Janet Werner, 674-4511, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

We adjourned our meeting by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, July 21, 2010

 

Where in the world is Camate, Benin? It’s on the “slave coast” of West Africa between Toga and Ghana on the west, Nigeria on the east, and a small strip of the Atlantic Ocean on the south. According to Peace Corps Volunteer Anthony Uhl – Andy’s son -- Benin used to be the hub of the slave trade. Today, Benin is a poor, rural nation of 8.8 million souls with a dysfunctional government. Benin gained its independence in 1960. Communistic between ’72 and ’90, Benin shifted to a democracy in ’91. Only 1% of the population is educated.

Tony graduated from UW-Madison in 2009 and spent the last year as a PCV in Benin. He returns to Benin in a week and will return home for good in Fall 2011.

The official language in Benin is French, but there are more than 50 languages and dialects spoken there. Benin has almost no small business and no meaningful jobs. Electricity, hard-surfaced roads and clean water are scarce commodities. The biggest industries in the nation are agriculture and “rock breaking” that produces gravel for road construction initiatives.

According to Tony, the most significant environmental and social issues are deforestation, erosion, soil depletion, water availability, food security, diet, sanitation and lack of economic infrastructure for job creation – all of which are caused by the demands of short-term existence (ie., lack of a long-term view).

Is traditional international foreign aide the answer? “Absolutely not,” says Tony. “The system is broken.” He blames the lack of a cultural entrepreneurial spirit, corruption and waste, and the need to create small businesses. “Stop giving to governments. Instead, invest in small business and industry through micro-loans,” Tony advises.

Jim van Lieshout confessed that he’s offloading some of his Rotary treasurer’s duties to a hapless subordinate at the bank. [Is that fair to all concerned?] Del Chmielewski’s heading to Turkey for some sailing on the Aegean Sea as part of the Rotary Friendship Exchange. Happy Bucks all ‘round.

Hello, Tina Jossart. It’s always great to see you accompanying Jim at our weekly meetings.

“Cool stuff” is needed for the Brat and Burger prizes, says co-chair Colleen Locke. Get your prizes turned in to Prez Janet at the Chamber office ASAP. Same goes for ticket sales. The August 16th B&B is sneaking up on us fast.

Word-of-the-Week: NUPTIALS. Lots of Rotarians in the full-house crowd at the marriage of Rev. Nancy Carmichael to Craig Stoner tonight. The bride was radiant, of course. Congratulations to the new couple. Maybe the new groom would like to join Rotary?

Upcoming programs & activities:

July 28, Business meeting
July 28, Farmers Market, Concert in the Park
July 31, Rock River Gallery Open House, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, Sue Johnson – Honduras Trip
August 16, Brat & Burger

Questions or comments? Contact President Janet Werner, 674-4511, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

We adjourned our meeting by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pooping for profit: The Club cleared about $1,600 in profit from the Cow Chip Challenge at last week’s County Fair. Besides the Club coffers, the other big winners were Jeremy Chwala ($1,000), Shalayna Anderson ($500), and Verna Stelse ($250). All 3 winners were from Jefferson. While your Spoke editor wasn’t an actual eye witness, Mike Swartz says it took only 9 minutes for bossy to do her business and identify the winner. Thanks, Mike, for this creative fund-raising idea and all of the tail-twisting it took to make this event a success.

Get this man some raffle tickets! President Janet Werner inducted Drew Hansen into the club today. We’re looking forward to Drew’s classification speech. Did someone tell Drew that newbies are expected to sell 100 Brat & Burger tickets? B&B tickets were handed out today, by the way. Get your prizes turned in to Prez Janet at the Chamber office.

Lot’s of happy bucks this week. Chad Stelse for selling 2 of the winning Cow Chip tix; Paul Novitzski for a successful Fair; Colleen Locke for still being able to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl without throwing up; Ray Krek apologized for having a crappy attitude about what turned out to be a successful Cow Chip Challenge, and Prez Janet hyped tonite’s concert at Rotary Park.

What’s a Hospitalist? Fort HealthCare’s Dr. Alan Detwiler presented today’s program on the trend to “hospitalists.” A hospitalist is a doc who focuses on treatment of hospitalized patients typically referred there by an office-based Primary Care Provider (PCP). Hospitalists are the fastest-growing specialty in US health care, reports Dr.D. The trend to this type of treatment is driven by increasing time demands on PCPs as well as pressure from managed case schemes to reduce cost. For patients, hospitalists will allow PCPs more generous office hour availability, improve the quality of care and enhance patient satisfaction. The hospitalist program begins this summer at Fort Hospital with 3 practicing internists. Participation in the program is optional for PCPs.

Thanks, Tom Monogue, for stepping up to take on the Club Secretary’s responsibility.

Word-of-the-Week: Ruminant. The Rotary word-of-the-week is in honor of our Cow Chip Challenge. Cows are ruminants – that is, they have multiple stomachs, the first one being the rumen. Just in case you’re uncommonly curious, the other stomachs are the reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The 4-chamber GI tract is one reason bovines are such efficient converters of grass into milk. Camels are ruminants, too, but they have only three stomachs. Try working this word-of-the-week into the conversation at your next dinner party or wedding reception toast.

Upcoming programs & activities:

July 14 - TONITE, Concert in the Park – Liberty Blue Grass, 6:30 to 8:30
July 21, Alan Sherman – Open Range and Tony Uhl – Benin (West Africa) Water project
July 21, Wedding for Rotarian Nancy Carmichael & Craig Stoner, Methodist Church, 5:00 p.m.
July 28, Business meeting
July 28, Downtown Retail Gala, Farmers Market, Concert in the Park – A full day downtown!
July 31, Rock River Gallery Open House, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, Sue Johnson – Honduras Trip
August 16, Brat & Burger

Questions or comments? Contact President Janet Werner, 674-4511, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

We adjourned our meeting by reciting the Four Way Test

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Pooping for profit: The Club cleared about $1,600 in profit from the Cow Chip Challenge at last week’s County Fair. Besides the Club coffers, the other big winners were Jeremy Chwala ($1,000), Shalayna Anderson ($500), and Verna Stelse ($250). All 3 winners were from Jefferson. While your Spoke editor wasn’t an actual eye witness, Mike Swartz says it took only 9 minutes for bossy to do her business and identify the winner. Thanks, Mike, for this creative fund-raising idea and all of the tail-twisting it took to make this event a success.

Get this man some raffle tickets! President Janet Werner inducted Drew Hansen into the club today. We’re looking forward to Drew’s classification speech. Did someone tell Drew that newbies are expected to sell 100 Brat & Burger tickets? B&B tickets were handed out today, by the way. Get your prizes turned in to Prez Janet at the Chamber office.

Lot’s of happy bucks this week. Chad Stelse for selling 2 of the winning Cow Chip tix; Paul Novitzski for a successful Fair; Colleen Locke for still being able to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl without throwing up; Ray Krek apologized for having a crappy attitude about what turned out to be a successful Cow Chip Challenge, and Prez Janet hyped tonite’s concert at Rotary Park.

What’s a Hospitalist? Fort HealthCare’s Dr. Alan Detwiler presented today’s program on the trend to “hospitalists.” A hospitalist is a doc who focuses on treatment of hospitalized patients typically referred there by an office-based Primary Care Provider (PCP). Hospitalists are the fastest-growing specialty in US health care, reports Dr.D. The trend to this type of treatment is driven by increasing time demands on PCPs as well as pressure from managed case schemes to reduce cost. For patients, hospitalists will allow PCPs more generous office hour availability, improve the quality of care and enhance patient satisfaction. The hospitalist program begins this summer at Fort Hospital with 3 practicing internists. Participation in the program is optional for PCPs.

Thanks, Tom Monogue, for stepping up to take on the Club Secretary’s responsibility.

Word-of-the-Week: Ruminant. The Rotary word of the week is in honor of our Cow Chip Challenge. Cows are ruminants – that is, they have multiple stomachs, the first one being the rumen. Just in case you’re uncommonly curious, the other stomachs are the reticulum, omasum and abomasum. The 4-chamber GI tract is one reason bovines are such efficient converters of grass into milk. Camels are ruminants, too, but they have only three stomachs. Try working this word-of-the-week into the conversation at your next dinner party or wedding reception toast.

Upcoming programs & activities:

July 14 - TONITE, Concert in the Park – Liberty Blue Grass, 6:30 to 8:30
July 21, Alan Sherman – Open Range and Tony Uhl – Benin (West Africa) Water project
July 21, Wedding for Rotarian Nancy Carmichael & Craig Stoner, Methodist Church, 5:00 p.m.
July 28, Business meeting
July 28, Downtown Retail Gala, Farmers Market, Concert in the Park – A full day downtown!
July 31, Rock River Gallery Open House, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, Sue Johnson – Honduras Trip
August 16, Brat & Burger

Questions or comments? Contact President Janet Werner, 674-4511, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

We adjourned our meeting by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, July 07, 2010

July 7, 2010

President Janet Werner has set an ambitious agenda. In her first official meeting as our new numero uno, Janet reviewed the top line results of the “visioning session” attended by 17 members last week.

Following are the most interesting findings reflected from brainstorming club members as they looked ahead to the next 5 years:

• By May 2015, the club will have 60 members (up from about 36 today). The Club will continue to be the “service organization of choice” for Jefferson business leaders and professionals.

• There is a perception that the Club needs to actively recruit new, youthful members willing to step into active leadership roles.

• Scholarships and youth leadership programs will continue to be prominent beneficiaries of Club vocational and community service, as will completion of the band shell at Rotary Park. [Prez Janet notes that the pending decision regarding relocation of Tyson Foods will affect on the speed at which the band shell can be completed.]

• On the international scene, there is a ton of member support for Rotarian Arvind Shah’s India eye project.

• The Brat & Burger (coming up on August 16th) receives high acceptance for fund raising. And the new Rock River Regatta shows potential as a more aggressive future fund raiser in years to come.

A complete copy of the notes from the visioning session appear below (click on read more).

Welcome Drew Hansen. Michael Blau introduced new member prospect, Drew Hansen. Drew fits the youthful and energetic mold for future club members. He’s one of the owners of American Weld Design and will be inducted into the club in a few weeks.

Fine-Master Tom Moore wasn’t hard pressed to press worthy candidates to cough up a buck for the cause: Tom Monogue, Nancy Carmichael, Ray Krek and Del Olson were each nailed for not wearing their Paul Harris Fellows pins to the Annual Meeting. Steve Lehmann did something obscure to offend the Sergeant at Arms. And Jim van Lieshout was hit with a cell phone violation.

Fish stories and other happiness were shared by Club members: Mike Swartz was happy to be “past” president. Tom Monogue just got back from catching his walleye limit in Canada while Del Chmielewski told a whopper about catching 25 20-pound tuna in 2 hours while on a recent trek to Costa Rica with Turkish Rotarians. [Your editor thinks Del’s trying to promote Central American tourism.] Colleen Locke claims that the County Fair, which starts today, is her favorite five days of the year. [Get a life, Colleen!] And biker extraordinaire, Steve Lewis, reported covering 5 states and 400+ miles in 4 days on just 2 wheels. [That guy has too much energy!]. Steve is also hosting an open house at JABC tomorrow from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Free food and bev – plus a chance to see his truly impressive new digs.

[The views expressed in this newsletter are those of your new Spoke blog editor. In the spirit of open communication and freedom of the press, the writer of this weekly tome herby declares himself exempt from fines from the Sergeant at Arms or retribution from any other Rotarian. – GM]

Upcoming programs & activities:
July 8, Open House at Jefferson Area Business Center, 4:00 to 7:30
July 11, Cow Chip Challenge, 2:00, Fairgrounds
July 14, Dr. Detweiler – Fort Health Care
July 21, Alan Sherman – Open Range
July 28, Business meeting
August 4, Sue Johnson – Honduras Trip
August 16, Brat & Burger

Questions or comments? Contact President Janet Werner, 674-4511, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.
 

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June 24, 2010 was the date of our Annual Banquet held at JC Plaza & Conference Center at Johnson Creek. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of our club. Past presidents were invited to attend the event, those attending were Ted Koslowski, Don Nass, Dell Olson, Jerry Schuld, Robert Martin, Bill Bluege, Ray Krek, Steve Lehmann, Chris Nash, David Olsen, Tom Monogue, Gary Myers, Toby Tully Jr, and Dennis Gruennert. Past presidents were pinned with a yellow/blue carnation boutonniere.

President Michael Swartz welcomed everyone and introduced the past presidents. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing God Bless America. President Swartz did a review of our past year and President Janet Werner gave a Glimpse into the Future.
Steve Lewis presented the Service Above Self-Non-Rotarian Award to Andy Didion. Steve also presented a Rotarian of the Year award to Janet Werner.

President Elect Janet Werner presented Michael Swartz with the presidential award and a couple of “fun” items including a Badger/Green Bay license plate (cardboard of course) and a gift certificate to a world renowned restaurant somewhere????

Following dinner a power point was presented by Tom Monogue compiled of old photos and notes from the clubs past 75 years was enjoyed by all and brought some giggles and laughter at seeing the old photos.

June 29, 2010
Our club held its first visioning session. Eighteen members attended the four hour session which was facilitated by four Rotarians from our District. Everyone participated in a writing exercise including ten different categories which were discussed and voted on by everyone. Once all the information is compiled it will be emailed out to the entire club for those of you who weren’t able to attend. Pizza from The Blue Moon Depot was served along with beverages and cookies from Bon Ton.

Rotary Programs:
July 7 President Werner
July 14 Dr. Detweiler-Fort HealthCare
July 21 Alan Sherman-Open Range
July 28 Business Meeting
August 4 Sue Johnson-Honduras Trip

 

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK-Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist, but in the ability to start over. F. Scott Fitzgerald
Adjourned by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, June 23, 2010

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, June 09, 2010

President Mike Swartz led us in the pledge.

Visiting Rotarians: Charles Bardenwarper from Fort Atkinson Rotary Club who also is celebrating 40 years of perfect attendance in Rotary.

Happy Bucks
Dr. Meyers for their trip to Idaho.
Tom Moore for the Brothers Classic Golf outing.
David Olsen for their trip to Washington DC to pick up Ryan.
Steve Lewis for the Concert in the Park tonight.
Steve Lehmann referencing the speakers torn pants last week.
Ray Krek whose clerk Philip Myers is now an associate and works long hours.
Michael Swartz for students last day of school today. Also for working with the architects for the school which is going well.
Charles Bardenwarper if it hadn’t been for the Jefferson Club sponsoring the Fort club in 1937 they wouldn’t have a club.

Fines:
For does his/her duty typo.
One person at each table regarding tear in speakers pants.

Reminder:
President Swartz hoped that everyone would support the golf course once they are opened. He also handed out 10 tickets/rules for the cow chip challenge. We need to sell tickets
Steve Lewis handed out sheets to take to solicit donations for the Brat & Burger. Raffle tickets will be here soon.
Get your reservations in for the Annual Banquet ASAP to Mike Swartz.
President Swartz then stated our club is facing a challenge as members –Gary Thompson and Jackie Myers have requested leave of absences. Dr. Volk resigned affectively immediately. He stated how worried he has been the last few months, wondering if it was him or the times. Dr. Meyers suggested an exit interview to see if that could give us some input. President Swartz stated he had called each of the above and spoke with them. We will need a new secretary to fill Dr. Volk spot.
Get your reservations for the Banquet in asap to President Swartz.

Rotary Programs:
June 16- Tom Moore will preside over the meeting and Chris Stelzer will give his classification speech.
June 23rd – NO MEETING
June 24th-Rotary Banquet
June 29th- Visioning Session
June 30th- NO MEETING

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK-The highest reward for man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it. John Ruskin
Adjourned by reciting the Four Way Test

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, June 02, 2010

President Mike Swartz led us in the pledge.

Visitors: Pepeye is a AFS student staying the Jim & Barb van Lieshout.
Christine Gutzmer also was a guest.

Happy Bucks
Janet Werner for the great time welcoming the three couples from Turkey last evening, she thanked the host families-Sandee & Josh Macht- Sibel and Ismail, Steve Lewis & Joann Miller-Burcyn & Tansel, Del & Patti Chmielewski-Zeki and Guler. Sibel gave Janet a pair of hand made earrings as a keepsake and something to always remember her by. It is so amazing the events/people we experience by being Rotarians and the new friends we meet along the way. Sibel will be President of her club for the 2010-2011 year-so we had something in common.

Sandee Macht for the great time they had entertaining the Turkish couples and the cook out at Steve & Joann’s. Also that this would be Sandee’s last meeting in Jefferson as next week she will traveling to Briggs headquarters in the Milwaukee area.

Fines: Tom Moore assessed fines to the following:
Jim van Lieshout for wearing shorts to the meeting.
Janet Werner because she used the word “dainty” in explaining about the earrings she received.
Sandee Macht because it is her last meeting here.

Announcements:
Unity Day at JHS is today and it will go on rain or shine. Everyone is welcome.
Cow Chip Challenge is Sunday July 11 at the fair. Tickets will be available shortly. Rotarians will be asked to help sell prior to the event.

Reminder: Get your reservations in for the Annual Banquet ASAP to Mike Swartz.

Rotary Programs:
June 9-
June 16- Tom Moore will preside over the meeting and Chris Stelzer will give his classification speech.
June 23rd – NO MEETING
June 24th-Rotary Banquet
June 29th- Visioning Session
June 30th- NO MEETING

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK-Great men have not been concerned with fame. The joy of achievement that comes from finding something new in the universe is by far their greatest joy. William P. King

Adjourned by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, May 26, 2010

President Mike Swartz led us in the pledge.

Student Rotarians: Adham Aly (Egypt), Martina Brachetta (Italy), Jordan Halkoski , Carina Soerensen (Denmark), Sally Whitmore all shared what they learned about our club and how much our club does for the community. They all thanked the club for inviting them.

Happy Bucks
Sandee Macht for the great District Conference and that we will be having our RI President Ray Klinginsmith and President Elect speaking at our 6250 District Conference on May 6-7, 2011 in Madison. Ray Klinginsmith will be in Madison on October 22 also.
Shirley Dempsey for her pond that is gone but she still has a fountain that she can turn on when she wants. Hope I got that right.

President Swartz spoke about what a great honor it is that Jefferson received the School of Character Award, one of two districts selected to be interviewed in April amongst 20 in the nation. Also Unity Day at school will be next Wednesday 3:30 to 6pm.

Fines: Tom Moore fined everyone who didn’t show up at the Fun Family Float.
David Olsen for being late.

Board of Directors meet today.
Fun Family Float profits will be approximately $850.
Cruise Night group asked for a donation- no funds available at this time.
Cow Chip contest tickets will be ready soon, finalized some details.
Vacation raffle tickets will also be ready soon, we have six items on the ticket. If anyone has anything to add, get it to Michael Swartz asap.
Brat & Burger-Steve and Colleen offered to chair the event this year. This event will be here sooner than we think.
We accepted with reluctance a leave of absence from Gary Thompson for up to one year.

Janet Werner stated our club was presented with a plaque at the District Conference commemorating our 75 years of being a club. It was a surprise and quite an honor to be able to bring this home for our club.

President Swartz stated that Unity Day might be cancelled today due to the inclement weather which is predicted for later in the day. We’ll receive an email.

REMINDER GET YOUR NOMINATIONS IN FOR SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD-Non Rotarian and OUTSTANDING
VOCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO Shirley Dempsey asap. We need to get the plaques ordered asap.

Rotary Programs:
June 2 Mr. Thorne
June 9-
June 16- Tom Moore will preside over the meeting and Chris Stelzer will give his classification speech.
June 23rd – NO MEETING
June 24th-Rotary Banquet
June 29th- Visioning Session
June 30th- NO MEETING

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK-The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. Benjamin Disraeli

Adjourned by reciting the Four Way Test
 

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