By Administrator Account on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 

Today’s monthly business meeting featured the announcement that the first draw of $3,000 has been paid to Towne and Country Homes, an installment to be used for ordering arches and hardware for the band shell.

The $950 check from the RI Foundation for the cost-sharing on the Benin project arrived last week.

We raised $2,150 from the Character Ed calendar sales. Way to go, gang!

Valentines Day in Paradise raffle tickets are on sale. If you have money/tickets to turn in, bring ‘em to the Feb 1st meeting. Keep selling. We need to up the performance from last year. Most of our tickets were sold in the last week in 2011.

Three Student Rotarians said “so long.” All praised Rotary and are headed off to promising college exploits. Good luck, ladies.

Super Mike is happy that he’s has moved to temporary new headquarters in the old Care Wisconsin offices on Racine St. The move will probably last about 3 months while his new digs are under construction. Other Happy Bucks:

• Canoeist Lewis isn’t taking a nap at home today. He also had an optimistic trade show outcome in Chicago last week.
• Big Dave got a laugh when he tossed a newly-printed fiscal easing buck in the basket to salute the economic turnaround. Yeah, he really did!
• Attny Tom’s wife has returned home from a long vacation. He’s happy to be rescued from kid care.
• The Chamber Maid is delighted that Wayne Eihlenfeldt won the Citizen of the Year recognition at a highly successful Chamber Annual Banquet Monday night.

The Canoeist was also fined for being in town last week, but failing to show at Rotary. Shame!

• T2, Mr. Potter and Big Dave were also hit with 2X desserts. Will then never learn?

Speakers needed for the two Top 10 banquet in May. If you have an idea or two, see Prez Pat.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. Don’t forget it!

Upcoming programs & activities:
February 1, Greg Sambs, Pork, more than just the other white meat

February 8, Fire Department Tour – lunch at the firehouse

February 12, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

February 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

March 3, Alden Estates blood drive (8 a.m. ‘til 1:00 p.m.)

April 4, Women’s Issues in Afghanistan – from a soldier who’s been there

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

May 28, Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

May 30, Fifth Wednesday Social

June 8-9, District Conference

June 23, Rock River Family Fun Float @ Rotary Park

June 27, Annual Banquet

July 11-15, Jefferson County Fair

July 15, Cow Chip Challenge

August 20, Brat & Burger

August 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

October 31, Fifth Wednesday Social

Questions or comments? Contact President Pat Vandenberg 674-7020, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The City and County are part of a growing state-wide initiative to combat domestic abuse, reported Jefferson’s City Attorney Ben Brantmeier, Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) member Kathy Cheek and PADA Director Liz Hanson, all of whom spoke at today’s meeting. They reported that 58 people were killed in 39 incidents state-wide in 2010. There were 480 domestic violence cases in Jefferson County that year. A large county-wide initiative is focusing on training and education within the justice system, policy changes that help fight domestic abuse, and community awareness of the abuse problem. In addition to criminal penalties, Jefferson’s City Council recently passed an ordinance allowing City Police to issue a ticket for a domestic violence call.

 

That’s a tough way to lose 15 pounds! Fair Park Paul is back today after a two-week bout with pneumonia and a liver infection. Good to see your smile again, Paul. Paul’s also happy about the 2012 County Fair line-up that includes big-name headliners and sea lions! Other Happy Bucks included:

• Judge Joann on behalf of Canoeist Lewis and his successful trade show swing through Atlanta -- positive marketplace vibes.
• Fine ‘em Moore for his recent “man vacation” Up North.

 We can always print more! Brochures for the Valentines Day in Paradise raffle were handed out today. Sell those tickets.

Rotary International just doubled the money by reaching its $200 million goal for Polio Plus, thus qualifying for the matching challenge grant from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Fines this week were levied against:

• Double-dessert Dave,
• A despondent football fan fine, Trucker Shirley, and
• Late-for-lunch Loduca.

Cruel comment from a female Rotarian today who shall, mercifully, remain nameless: “Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut -- and still think they’re sexy.”

Upcoming programs & activities:
February 8, Fire Department Tour – lunch at the firehouse

February 12, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

February 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

April 4, Women’s Issues in Afghanistan – from a soldier who’s been there

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

May 28, Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

May 30, Fifth Wednesday Social

June 8-9, District Conference

June 23, Rock River Family Fun Float @ Rotary Park

June 27, Annual Banquet

July 11-15, Jefferson County Fair

July 15, Cow Chip Challenge

August 20, Brat & Burger

August 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

October 31, Fifth Wednesday Social

 

Questions or comments? Contact President Pat Vandenberg 674-7020, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, January 11, 2012

 

With the recalls and constant partisan bickering in Madison these last several months, our representative in the state Assembly, Andy Jorgenson, commented on the seemingly endless political hullabaloo. Guest of Rev. Nancy at today’s meeting, Jorgenson was introduced by Judge Joann.  He stated that this is a historic time for the state. To be more connected “you have to listen” and he strives to accomplish that, he said. Jorgenson referred to several bills that he had proposed and were adopted and some that were still in the works. He referred to Aztalan Engineering and how the state helped with marketing plans for this business. He emphasized that “your voice matters, so speak up on issues.”

Guests today included Joel Winn from Fort, and Pam “Lois Lane” Chickering who covered the meeting for the Daily Union.

Rotarian Craig Carmichael-Stoner is having heart valve and bypass surgery in Houston today, says Prez Pat. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Valentines Day in Paradise raffle tickets have been handed out to all members, along with a list of buyers from last year. Brochures will be available next week.

Several spots for speakers are still open for this year. Make Prez Pat aware of your ideas.

Happy bucks:

• Super Mike for being at the Michigan Game -- which they won, of course.
• Ellen Waldmer for the JHS art show at the Gallery which kicked off on Sat. night and was well attended.
• Fine ‘em Moore for his twin boys celebrating their 4^th birthday.

Well-deserved fines:

• Prez Pat for not having a recycling bin.
• Dr. Andy and Mr. Potter for dessert overconsumption.
• Attny Tom for his non-Rotarian comment about Dave Olsen.
• Super Mike for his comment about all of us being old codgers.

A fun word that I miss: PERCOLATOR. This unique word has been replaced with the mundane “coffee maker” or “Mister Coffee,” or more recently “Kurig.”  How dull. Maybe Super Mike was right? Are we all getting old?

Upcoming programs & activities:

January 18, PADA response team

February 8, Fire Department Tour – lunch at the firehouse

February 12, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

February 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

April 4, Wis National Guard (Ellen Waldmer)

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

May 28, Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

May 30, Fifth Wednesday Social

June 8-9, District Conference

June 23, Rock River Family Fun Float @ Rotary Park

June 27, Annual Banquet

July 11-15, Jefferson County Fair

July 15, Cow Chip Challenge

August 20, Brat & Burger

August 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

October 31, Fifth Wednesday Social

 

Questions or comments? Contact President Pat Vandenberg 674-7020, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

 

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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, January 04, 2012

By US law, citizens accused of a crime are entitled to legal representation. But what about civil disputes?  Actually, judges can appoint, at their discretion, legal representation in civil cases. But judges make that choice only .3% of the time. Today’s speaker, John Ebbott, would like to see court-appointed attorneys made mandatory in cases where food and shelter, as well as language fluency and the inability to pay, are involved. Ebbott is the head of Legal Action, a Milwaukee-based group of 55 attorneys serving low-income clients in 39 southern Wisconsin counties. Ebbott’s organization has petitioned the State Supreme Court to instruct local judges to make mandatory attorney appointments. Cost is the overwhelming objection, says Ebbott.  He estimates a $56 million price tag, which puts a strain on budget-strapped counties and municipalities and must be balanced against the critical needs of the homeless and indigent who are ill-equipped to represent themselves in court.

Thank you, Ron Michaelis, for answering the call and becoming the club’s Vice President for 2012-13.

Let’s pack the Puerner ballroom for next week’s speaker, State Representative Andy Jorgenson.

The Packers win made Trucker Shirley happy today. And Canoeist Lewis was giddy about the Rotarian turnout at his festive pre-Christmas gala.

The Rotary Valentines Vacation Raffle is just 6 weeks away (Sunday, February 12, 3:00 ‘til 6:00). The $45/ticket deal is essentially the same as last year’s gala, except that we’re offering a 7-night Caribbean Cruise instead of the St. John condo. Tickets were passed out to Rotarians in attendance today – along with a list of last year’s ticket buyers. Brochures will be available next week, but it’s time to get on the phone right now.

Three new Student Rotarians joined the fray today. Welcome Jamie Findorff, Marcie Garity, and Alyssa Infalt.

The RI Foundation has approved our matching funds request for our Benin Moringa Project. Check is in the mail.

The city has dotted the “I”s and crossed the “T”s on the Rotary Waterfront Pavilion Project, reports The Chamber Maid.

Fine ‘em Moore was in good spirits today. No fines for anyone!

Spoke Ed overheard Jossart and Nash in conversation today. I’m not sure who said it, but the conversation went like this: “I didn’t say it was your fault. All I said was that I’m blaming you.”

Upcoming programs & activities:

January 11, State Representative Andy Jorgenson

January 18, PADA response team

February 8, Fire Department Tour – lunch at the firehouse

February 12, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

February 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

April 4, Wis National Guard (Ellen Waldmer)

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

May 28, Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

May 30, Fifth Wednesday Social

June 8-9, District Conference

June 23, Rock River Family Fun Float @ Rotary Park

June 27, Annual Banquet

July 11-15, Jefferson County Fair

July 15, Cow Chip Challenge

August 20, Brat & Burger

August 29, Fifth Wednesday Social

October 31, Fifth Wednesday Social

Questions or comments? Contact President Pat Vandenberg 674-7020, or Spoke Editor Gary Myers, 674-6235.

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