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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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, August 25, 2010

 

Today’s business meeting was chock-full of dates and details about the upcoming Rotary year. A stickler for planning and scheduling, Prez Janet and the Board set the slate for the busy Rotary season. Mark your calendars or update your Blackberrys per the list of dates at the end of this edition of The Spoke.

The budget shows black ink. Handed out at the meeting, our annual budget projects income of $45,086.92 and expenses of $41,497.80. If Treasurer Jim’s math is right, that’ll leave us $3,589.12 to the good at the end of our next fiscal year. If you didn’t get a copy of the budget, give Jim a ring.

Steve “Canoeist” Lewis has agreed to chair the Family Fun Float again next spring. In search of more predictably mild weather, Steve wants to push the date from mid-May into mid-June. Steve is talking with the local bike/float club, as well as the City, to nail down some event partnerships and a hard date.

Breakfast with Santa needs a chair person. The event will be December 5th and Prez Janet has the complete file. Is it time for you to step up and volunteer?

The St. John Romance Raffle tickets will be drawn at the Beer and Wine tasting on February 12th. A drawing for a romantic week in St. John teamed with a beer/wine tasting just prior to Valentine’s Day should be a winner. Ray Krek and Shirley Dempsey are co-chairs. Stay tuned for more details. [See “Word of the Week” below.]

We’ll start selling Character Ed Calendars in October; finish by December 31st, of course.

Who do you know? A push for new Rotary members is getting underway. A lengthy list of member prospects was circulated at today’s meeting with those present signing up to make initial contacts. Prez Janet has a simple tri-fold brochure to hand out to member prospects.

Two Birthday Boys were serenaded today. CPA DelC reached his 58th year and Attorney TomM achieved age 44 during July and August.

Stan Nash, Jefferson Rotary President in ’87-’88, died in Florida yesterday. Stan was a Jefferson native and the father of current Rotarian Chris Nash. Stan was a furniture designer for Schweiger Furniture for many years. There will be a memorial service at St. Lawrence on September 12th. The Club will commemorate Stan’s club and community service at that event.

Word of the Week: EXTRAVAGANZA. A dramatic fantasy. Elaborate. Spectacular. For example: The St. John Romance Raffle will be an extravaganza.

Upcoming programs & activities:

September 1, Classification speeches
September 1, Cruise Nite at Walmart
September 8, Carl Olson
September 15, Program TBD
September 17, 18, 19, Gemuetlichkeit Days
September 22, Nancy Ziolecki – Blood Center of Wisconsin
September 29, Business meeting
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown
October 1 through December 31, Character Education calendar sales
December 5, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge
February 12, St. John Romantic Raffle drawing/Beer & Wine Sweetheart Gala
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, August 18, 2010

Future scholarship winners were the real winners of the Jefferson Rotary Brat & Burger last Monday night. While the final financials aren’t in quite yet, President Janet Werner thanked everyone who sold tickets, solicited items for prizes, worked the event and made it a successful event like Rotarians do. In addition to ticket sales, we earned $50 in tips, $823 in the 50/50 money raffle, and $1,310 for the silent auction. Prez Janet notes that there are four people who have to pay for their items. She also read an e-mail from Dr. Volk commending the Club on a job well done.

Adopt a Classroom was the program presented today by Mike and Sandy Swartz. They played a Character Education film and handed out programs from a recent C-E conference where the Jefferson school program was recognized. The Jefferson Rotary is a regular contributor to the Character Education initiative.

Guest Joann Miller sat in Steve Lewis’ chair today. She and Steve were one of the “final four” at the B&B and jointly donated $50 in appreciation for all of the hard work to pull off our flagship fundraiser.

Lot’s of Happy Bucks this week: Michael Swartz for the fabulous and successful Brat & Burger. Jim van Lieshout dittoed Mike’s remarks. Del Chmielewski questioned when we stopped the live auction. Pat VandenBerg added $1 to the tip jar to make it an even $50 from the B&B bartending. Shirley Dempsey thanked her crew and grillers for an awesome job. Tom Monogue thanked everyone and reported that 26 out of 32 active Rotarians were helping Monday night. Joann Miller had $15 for SteveL (absent) moving his last son into his last dorm room and pays his last tuition bill.

Jim vanL was fined for not wearing a helmet when riding his moped. Jim states that he wears gloves while tooling around town on his Harley wannabe two-wheeler. Apparently Jim thinks his hands are more precious than his noggin! Fines were also levied on Chad Stelse for wearing too many stripes at Monday’s B&B. Michael Blau, Drew Hansen, and Jim Jossart were fined for not supplying the grillers with enough liquids. Fines were waived on SteveL for the $50 given earlier in the meeting, and Joann Miller was waived for the “Rotary Dress” worn at the B&B.

Word of the Week: NOGGIN. Jim vL’s helmet episode (see item above) caused your editor to look up the derivation of this interesting word that is commonly used as a synonym for “head.” A noggin is actually a small cup, used for measuring out about 1/4th pint of ale or liquor.

Upcoming programs & activities:

August 25, Concert in Rotary Park (Jesse Aron)
September 1, Classification speeches
September 1, Cruise Nite at Walmart
September 8, Carl Olson
September 15, TBD
September 17, 18, 19, Gemuetlichkeit Days
September 22, Nancy Ziolecki – Blood Center of Wisconsin
September 29, Business meeting
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown

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, August 11, 2010

 

Someone will win $10,000 Monday night. Or maybe, four people will split $10,000. Or maybe, two ticket-holders will go home with $5,000 each. Or maybe one unlucky finalist will “hold out,” only to be left penniless. The only thing certain at the annual Brat & Burger Dinner Raffle, is that 25 ticket holders will go away with more than $15,000 in combined cash and prizes. Even more important, the Rotary will raise more than $10,000 that will ultimately be awarded to worthy high school students in college scholarships.

As of this writing, we still have about a dozen tickets to sell. Co-Chair Steve Lewis also reminds his fellow Rotarians that we could use a few more silent auction prizes. Let Prez Janet know (674-4511) if you have prizes or ticket buyers. And make sure you’re on the list to work Monday night. We also need Rotarians to work the set-up crew beginning at 12:45.

43 years is a long time to be married to the same person! That’s why Prez Janet tossed a happy buck in the basket in commemoration of her upcoming 43rd wedding anniversary with Jim Werner. Not-so-lucky-in-marriage, Paul Novitzke’s son is home for the summer. Dr. Brad’s daughter is starting her second year of med school.

Who do you know who would make a great Rotarian? In lieu of today’s no-show program, Rotary members made lists of potential new members. We need to grow our ranks.

Do you have an idea for a speaker? Prez Janet has quite a few open dates for the next several months – mostly on the third Wednesday. Let her know your ideas for an entertaining presenter. One potential progarm is Rotarian Ray Krek, who will raffle off a week at his St. Johns condo this winter in a planned Rotary fundraiser.

Word of the Week: EXCOGITATE: It means “to think about, or consider something seriously,” as in: Jim Jossart is excogitating the charities to which he will donate $10,000 when he wins the B&B raffle!

Upcoming programs & activities:

August 16, Brat & Burger, County Fair Park Activity Center
August 25, Concert in Rotary Park (Jesse Aron)
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown

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, August 04, 2010

 

To Central America this week. Tony Uhl introduced us to Benin, West Africa, just a few weeks ago. Today, Sue Johnson, former Jefferson Rotary President, took us on a fascinating trip to the Linaca Valley of Honduras.

Sue introduced us to World Resources Group, an NGO providing tutoring, nutrition and recreation to the children of the valley. It boils down to leadership development. Sue says they focus on building an expectation of a higher standard of living at the generational level. The organization does a lot with its $109,030 annual operating budget, including higher math scores, lower school failure rates and just “getting the kids off the street,” Sue says. WRG has plans to build a high school and new career opportunities in the region. Come back soon, Sue. We miss you.

The get ‘em sold scold: Prez Janet reminds us that too many Brat & Burger tickets are still outstanding. Just as important – we still need prizes. A sign-up sheet for workers was passed around today. If you haven’t signed up to work, call Janet and she’ll put you on the list.

Rotary travelers put bucks in the basket today, including a happy Drew Hansen who’s getting married this weekend. He’ll travel to Disney World on his honeymoon. Chris Nash just got back from Bar Harbor, Maine. And weary road warrior, Steve Lewis, put four George Washingtons in the kitty, one each for his past four weeks behind the wheel. DrewH would do well to talk with not-so-newlywed Ron Michaelis who tossed $16 in the basket this week in commemoration of his birthday and wedding anniversary.

Word of the Week: PERILOUS. If you fly into Honduras you’ll make a perilous landing at Tancontin Airport in Tegucigalpa. Forget about the mountain terrain you will be passing prior to the landing approach but your heart will skip more than a few beats as the pilot makes a last-minute 45 degree bank to the left to touch down properly in the middle of a deep bowl-like valley with only 6,112 ft. of runway. [Imagine landing a jet at the bottom of a tall coffee cup.] Check out this perilous airport via the amazing video on YouTube or Google.

Upcoming programs & activities:

August 11, Alan Sherman – Open Range
August 11, Concert in Rotary Park (Anna Laube)
August 16, Brat & Burger, County Fair Park Activity Center
August 25, Concert in Rotary Park (Jesse Aron)
October 2, Autumn Fest, 9:00 a.m. to 2: p.m., downtown

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.

All Rotarians Check our website www.jeffersonwirotary.com,

MAKE-UPS: To get credit for make-ups you need to turn in your slip from the club you visited to Secretary Tom Monogue. You can also do make-ups on line at www.rotary.org, click on Club-District Support, click on Club Resources, and click on Meeting-make-up; follow the prompts to fill out the form which you need to turn in to the Club Secretary. Make ups need to be done according to the rules set up by RI. You can also do make ups at Fort Atkinson 12:10 p.m. Monday’s at Jansen Banquet Hall, Lake Mills 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Pine Knoll Supper Club, Watertown 12:10 Mondays at Watertown Country Club, Sun Prairie 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Colonial Club.

FOUR WAY TEST
IS IT THE TRUTH?
IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?
WILL IT BUILD GOOD WILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
IS IT BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

 

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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 Novitzke, 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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