By Administrator Account on Wednesday, September 29, 2010

 

Municipal Judge Joann Miller was inducted into Jefferson Rotary today. Judge Joann came to Jefferson via Fort Atkinson three years ago. She set up her practice, Mediation and Collaborative Law Center, LLC, in April ‘09. A solo practitioner, she specializes in family law, mediation services and divorce. Judge Joann grew up in Jefferson County and graduated from Cambridge High. She completed her undergrad degree at UW-Whitewater and her law degree from Marquette. She was appointed Jefferson’s Municipal Judge in December ’09 and elected to the post in April this year. Joann has two adult children and is frequently seen around town in the company of Steve ‘Canoeist’ Lewis. [Lucky guy.]

Board/Business meetings confirms dates and data:
• The B&B came in $1,200 over budget at $16,042.03
• Billings for dues/meals will mail shortly
• Chris Stelzer requested a leave of absence until July of 2011
• Raffle calendars handed out my Mike Swartz
• Romantic Vacation Raffle has been officially set for February 12 at JABC. The planning committee will me on October 18th at Ray Krek’s house
• We are waiting on Santa to see if the Saturday, December 4th Breakfast with Santa date will stick
• The Rock River Family Fun Float date officially set for June 18th
• Paul Novitzke announced a sanctioned snowmobile event to be held on January 22nd at the Fair Park. This is an opportunity for Rotary to sell food & beverages and do gate sales. A band is a possibility that night. Prez Janet says the Chamber would be willing to chair the event and clubs would be paid by the hours they work -- the same as we do at the car show. A suggestion was offered to have snow/ice sculpting downtown.

Happy Bucks: Paul Novitzke asked for Bear fans and Super Mike Swartz raised his hand! Paul offered a happy buck because the Pack will get another chance at Bears at Lambeau. Paul will be going to Nashville to scout County Fair talent. Super Mike paid a buck because they’re moving dirt at JHS. Craig Carmichael Stoner paid one buck because Canoeist Lewis is opening his building to make scare crow heads; one for men’s Bible study 7:00 pm Thursdays, and one for Character Ed every Sunday on Center Street. Canoeist Lewis offered a proud happy buck in honor of the new Rotarian inducted during the meeting.

Paying up: Fines were paid today by Prez Janet for not calling for fines last week, Chad Stelse for being a die hard Packer fan, Super Mike for the Bears win, and Rev Nancy for talking on her phone last week.

Happy birthday, Dr. Andy Uhl, Drew Hanson and Sandy Swartz each have September birthdays. [Super Mike stood in for Sandy because he could not brag that she is older then he. Ouch! He’ll pay for that.]

Wacky Word of the Week: NINCOMPOOP is a fun sounding word that we don’t hear often. It comes to mind because it was used in a Daily Union headline last week in reference to a study showing that we’re raising a generation of nincompoop children who can’t tie their shoes (they prefer Velcro) or do simple arithmetic without a calculator. [Back in the day, your Spoke Editor grew up on a farm where common sense and problem solving were skills acquired through experience at an early age. He opines that our society is losing much of its collective common sense.]

Upcoming programs & activities:

Now through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
October 6, Joel Winn and the MATC referendum
October 13, 75th Anniversary member group photo, Rotary Park
October 20, TBD
October 22, 12:00 to 1:30, RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Alliant Center, Madison
October 23, Amy Grant at the CPA
October 23, Watertown Rotary Beer Tasting, The Windwood Golf Club, Watertown
October 27, Business meeting
November 13, The 4 Troops at the CPA
December 4 or 5 (exact date TBD), Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
December 19, The Lettermen at the CPA
January 22, Winter Tales at the CPA
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala @ JABC
April 9, RI District Assembly
May 5-8, RI District Conference, Madison (RI Prez Ray Klinginsmith to speak)
May 22-25, RI International Convention, New Orleans
June 18, Rock River Family Fun Float
June 29, Annual Awards Banquet
July 10, Cow Chip Challenge, Jefferson County Fair (July 6 -10)
August 15, Brat & Burger Raffle

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, September 22, 2010

New member plan launched

New member prospect list was reviewed by all. Recruiting contact plan set.

The planned program, Nancy Zolecki-Blood Center of Wisconsin, canceled due to illness. She will reschedule for a later date.
 

Happy Bucks abound: Ellen Waldmer’s first G-Days celebration experience and was well pleased with the people it brought into her business. Rev Nancy & Craig for the 26’ truck they’ve packed (or maybe stuffed) with Craig’s items. CPA Del for Badger game. (They were in the end zone for a blocked extra point. Barry Alvarez was inducted into the Hall of Fame and walked right by where they were sitting. Del did a “Hi Barry” and received a look back.) Joann Miller had 2 bucks for Canoeist Lewis who was biking and playing golf with Tim Meekma in Fox Lake. Craig coughed up for Rev Nancy allowing him to start a Bible Study for men. (If anyone was interested let him know.) Attorney Tom Monogue had a happy buck for the 2 of 3 new members who have perfect attendance; one for Tony LoDuca being back with us, and one for Tom’s children in Janesville CPA Camelot production next month.

Please stifle your cell phones or put them on vibrate during our meetings.

Wacky Word of the Week: UXORIUS: Do you love your wife? How much? If you dote on your bride, then you might be uxorious. According to Webster, someone who is uxorious is irrationally fond of, or even submissive to, his wife. [Your editor is searching for an antonym that defines a wife who lavishes attention on her hubby, but no such word seems to exist! I wonder why.]

Upcoming programs & activities:

September 29, Business meeting – New member, Joann Miller induction
October 1 through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown
October 13, 75th Anniversary member group photo, Rotary Park
October 22, 12:00 to 1:30, RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Alliant Center, Madison
October 23, Watertown Rotary Beer Tasting, The Windwood Golf Club, Watertown
December 4 or 5 (exact date TBD), Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala
April 9, RI District Assembly
May 5-8, RI District Conference, Madison (RI Prez Ray Klinginsmith to speak)
May 22-25, RI International Convention, New Orleans
Mid-June (exact date TBD), Family Fun Float
June 29, Annual Awards Banquet
July 10, Cow Chip Challenge, Jefferson County Fair (July 6 -10)
August 15, Brat & Burger Raffle

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, September 15, 2010

 

Craig Carmichael-Stoner is a one of our three newest members, inducted today. Craig’s a heath care executive with experience running medical clinics with multiple specialties. Craig lived in California and Michigan in recent years. He has adult children and grandchildren in Philly and Kalamazoo. Craig and Rev Nancy now become the third Rotary “couple” in the Club. [Mike/Sandy Swartz and Gary/Jackie Myers are the other two.]

Earlene Ronk became the new administrator at Alden Estates at Countryside in July this year, when the property was sold by Jefferson County to The Alden Group. Earlene was a nursing administrator in Brown County prior to joining Alden. She and hubby of 43 years, Peter, moved to Jefferson this summer. They have two adult kids and three grandchildren.

Ellen Waldmer took early retirement from Chase Bank (Milwaukee) after where she worked for 34 years managing their call center. Ever the entrepreneur, Ellen just opened Rock River Gallery and Coffeehouse downtown. She features local artists and Altera coffee. [Drop in to this newly remodeled & redecorated addition to our downtown soon. It is a cool place.] Her shop also is headquarters for Emi Nicole Photography – Emi Nicole is daughter of Ellen and husband Eric. Emi photographs children, high school seniors, wedding parties, pets, you name it.

Welcome guests: Matt Anderson was hosted today by Fine ‘em Moore, and Joann Miller was guest of Canoeist Lewis.

Smile for the camera: Our club group photo will be taken at Rotary Park after our October 13th meeting.

Whole bunch of Happy Bucks: Super Mike reported on ground-breaking ceremonies for JHS, 10:00 a.m. Thursday (tomorrow). DNR finally approved the project and dirt moving starts next week. At age 24, Drew Hansen is obviously our youngest member – at least until Alexandra Ann Moore joins our ranks. Alexandra is the newborn babe of Fine ‘em Moore. Mom and baby are great and coming home Thursday. Rev Nancy’s happy she’s finished with first step of some new dental work. Speaking of jawbreakers, Banker Jim had to leave early last week due to a dental emergency, which drew an automatic fine for “being smart” this week. Canoeist Lewis went biking before coming to the meeting today and tossed a buck in the bucket to draw more attention to the need for more trails. Prez Janet reminds us to take full advantage of G-Days this weekend.

Please don’t park under the canopy as this area is reserved for FCCU customers and customers of their tenants.

Breakfast with Santa may be changed from Sunday (12/5) to Saturday (12/4). Prez Janet is checking it out.

Take a few new member brochures and recruit a new Jefferson Rotarian. They’re located by the badges.

Character Ed Raffle Calendars go on sale in October. Each Rotarian will be asked to sell or buy 10.

Wacky Word of the Week: HIGH JINKS: Meaning boisterous fun or lively pranks. Appropriate for Gemuetlichkeit weekend, don’t you think? Tune your tuba. Um pah, um pah, um pah pah.

Upcoming programs & activities:

September 17, 18, 19, Gemuetlichkeit Days
September 22, Nancy Ziolecki – Blood Center of Wisconsin
September 29, Business meeting
October 1 through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown
October 13, 75th Anniversary member group photo, Rotary Park
October 22, 12:00 to 1:30, RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Alliant Center, Madison
October 23, Watertown Rotary Beer Tasting, The Windwood Golf Club, Watertown
December 4 or 5 (exact date TBD), Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala
April 9, RI District Assembly
May 5-8, RI District Conference, Madison (RI Prez Ray Klinginsmith to speak)
May 22-25, RI International Convention, New Orleans
Mid-June (exact date TBD), Family Fun Float
June 29, Annual Awards Banquet
July 10, Cow Chip Challenge, Jefferson County Fair (July 6 -10)
August 15, Brat & Burger Raffle

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, September 08, 2010

 

Being energized is not magic. Carl “Energizer” Olson entertained the Club this week, courtesy of Sandy Swartz. Carl talked about goal-setting, staying self-motivated and how to energize others. At minimum, Carl will be remembered for his demonstration of how to sustain an enthusiastic presentation in front of a bunch of stoic Jefferson Rotarians.

Welcome Earlene Ronk, the administrator at Alden Estates, our newest member. Ellen Waldmer, proprietor of Rock River Gallery, has also committed to joining the club. Watch The Spoke for more background on these, our two newest members. Prez Janet has a simple brochure for your use in recruiting new member candidates.

Banker Jim sang the praises of Amtrac’s sleeper cars as he tossed a satisfied-looking happy buck in the basket. [Enough said.] Canoeist Lewis was a happy Hawkeye reunion attendee.

“Fine ‘em Moore” was in good form at this week’s Rotary soirée. DelO was fined for his lack of sartorial style because he wore shorts and sandals after Labor Day. Canoeist Lewis paid the price for helping himself to too much gravy. CPA Del got a lucky break by getting just one fine for three different infractions!

Trying to get everyone in the picture. The 75th Anniversary Group Photo Shoot has been postponed from this coming Wednesday. Member conflicts abound. Prez Janet is trying to identify a date when we can have 100% attendance. Stay tuned for an announcement of the rescheduled date. The purpose of this photo is to capture the membership during our 75th year. The photo will be used in club publicity and our collective image will be enshrined forever on the web. See the website under Heritage & History for past Club group pix.

Remember Stan Nash this Sunday. Don’t forget the memorial for past Jefferson Rotary president Stan Nash at St. Lawrence,1:00.

Wacky Word of the Week: KERFUFFLE (also kurfuffle): Your editor came across this cool-sounding word in a magazine article that was commenting on the expected November election results. The word is English slang derived from the Scottish word “carfuffle” which has two parts: car = twist, and fuffle = to disarrange. Kerfuffle can be used as a noun or a verb to connote a commotion, disruption, unruly noise or excitement. Example: “‘Fine ‘em Moore’ created a kerfuffle when he tried to assess ‘Banker Jim’ for wearing sandals at this week’s Rotary meeting.”

Upcoming programs & activities:

September 17, 18, 19, Gemuetlichkeit Days
September 22, Nancy Ziolecki – Blood Center of Wisconsin
September 29, Business meeting
October 1 through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown
October 22, 12:00 to 1:30, RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Alliant Center, Madison
October 23, Watertown Rotary Beer Tasting, The Wildwood, Watertown
December 5, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala
April 9, RI District Assembly
May 5-8, RI District Conference, Madison (RI Prez Ray Klinginsmith to speak)
May 22-25, RI International Convention, New Orleans
Mid-June (exact date TBD), Family Fun Float
June 29, Annual Awards Banquet
July 10, Cow Chip Challenge, Jefferson County Fair (July 6 -10)
August 15, Brat & Burger Raffle

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, September 01, 2010

 

The school girl and the hippie. Two “re-classification” speeches today; one from Prez Janet Werner and another from Canoeist Lewis – who’s on track to be our Prez in a couple of years.

Can you imagine Prez Janet in a poodle skirt and bobby socks sitting on the JHS steps “at the top of the hill?” [Me either.] School girl Janet Lueck grew up in Jefferson at graduated from JHS in ’61. She eventually married well-driller Jim Werner. After 43 years of wedded bliss, Janet and Jim have two adult kids and three grandchildren. When Prez Janet isn’t doing Rotary chores, she’s the Exec Director of our local Chamber of Commerce. She also likes golf, fishing and gardening. She doesn’t like mosquitoes and weeds.

Self-described Hawkeye Hippie, Steve “Canoeist” Lewis, says he graduated on the five-year plan from the U of Iowa. Steve was attracted to northern Wisconsin by 40 wooded acres that he purchased for only $1,250. He lived “off the grid” for 10 years in a log cabin powered by 12-volt batteries. Steve and his friends got by as “highly-educated migrant workers” who took odd jobs in the north woods. There he came in contact with some local ladies who crafted homemade Christmas wreaths. Ever-the-environmental-entrepreneur, Steve took 500 of the wreaths to Chicago that winter – an experience he says taught him that the holiday decorating business is based on very early-season pre-sales. With hard business lessons learned, Steve now makes a great living selling pine cones in various configurations to Walmart, Walgreens, K-Mart, Hobby Lobby and others. Steve credits fellow-Rotarian, Chris Nash, with alerting him to the possibilities at old Borg Textile Building on the west bank of the Rock River. Steve’s Jefferson Area Business Center (JABC) is not only the home to his company, Winter Woods, but also houses an electrical contractor, an attorney’s office, a sports medicine office, a chair manufacturer and a Fed Ex office. Steve and his building/business are in the news frequently because of Steve’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Buy a new tie and smile for the camera: Don’t miss Rotary on Wednesday, September 15th. That’s the day we’ll shoot the official 75th Anniversary club member group photo. We’ll gather at noon for lunch at the ballroom per usual. Then, in lieu of a program, we’ll stroll over to Rotary Park to snap a group shot commemorating our 75th year.

Member misbehavior: “Fine ‘em Moore,” did what he does best at today’s confab. Prez Janet was fined for not having a microphone; Attny Colleen’s new sign that is out of legal compliance with City code; Dr Brad was overexposed in Ft. Health Care ads; Canoeist Lewis was pictured in the Daily Union hosting an embattled Democrat Senator at JABC, and all the men not wearing a suit or sport coat coughed up a buck for the cause! [Do our by-laws specify a dress code? Must all female members wear dresses next week?]

Three member-prospects checked us out today: Joining us at lunch today were Earlene Ronk, administrator at Alden Estates (guest of Dr. Brad), Ellen Waldmer, owner of Rock River Galleries (guest of GaryM), and Craig Stoner (guest of Rev Nancy). Let’s encourage them to join our ranks.

Four reasons to be happy: Super Mike likes the first day of school. Rev Nancy’s travels to Europe, Colorado and Peru are over and she’ll be staying at home with her new hubby for a while. Canoeist Lewis, who is on the Workforce Development Board, reports that manufacturers are hiring. Hurricane Earl did minimal damage to Attny Ray’s St. John condo.

Word of the Week: OBAMA: From the Official Oxford Redneck Dictionary, a prefix commonly used to describe self-reliance and/or pride in a singular accomplishment, as in, “I bought me a case a beer and drunk it obamaself.”

Upcoming programs & activities:

September 8, Carl Olson
September 15, 12:30 (after our usual lunch) 75th Anniversary Photo, Rotary Park
September 17, 18, 19, Gemuetlichkeit Days
September 22, Nancy Ziolecki – Blood Center of Wisconsin
September 29, Business meeting
October 1 through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown
October 22, 12:00 to 1:30, RI President Ray Klinginsmith, Alliant Center, Madison
October 23, Watertown Rotary Beer Tasting, The Wildwood, Watertown
December 5, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala
April 9, RI District Assembly
May 5-8, RI District Conference, Madison (RI Prez Ray Klinginsmith to speak)
May 22-25, RI International Convention, New Orleans
Mid-June (exact date TBD), Family Fun Float
June 29, Annual Awards Banquet
July 10, Cow Chip Challenge, Jefferson County Fair (July 6 -10)
August 15, Brat & Burger Raffle

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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