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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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

CPA Del Chmielewski explained at today’s meeting why CPAs will always have a job. He hit the high points of more than 50 provisions of the 2011 tax code that are set to expire. The tax laws are always changing, no matter what party is in office, said Del. Even things as inconsequential as the IRS-allowable deduction for mileage is strange – It’s 51 cents/mile pre-June 30 and 55.5 cents from July 1 through the end of the year. (Leave it to the IRS to make something worth a half-penny—and only for half a year!) There are so many changes in the tax law that it makes Spoke Ed’s head spin. But the bottom line is easy to understand – There’s no substitute for staying current and pre-planning your short and long-tem tax strategies.

Jackie Myers happily reported that her niece, nephew and granddaughters received a thrilling personal telephone call from Santa (aka Jim vanLieshout) over the weekend
• Spoke Ed was happy that the Division III National Champion UW-Whitewater Warhawks have the longest winning record in all of NCAA football.
• The Chamber Maid was happy for the Christmas Parade, Santa and his volunteer elves.

John Mason, Watertown Rotary member, and Mary Stuever, associate of CPADelC, were guests today.

Will they never learn? Prez Pat and Dell Olson were snagged again for double-dessert violations by our fitness fanatic Sergeant-at-Arms.

All of the Student Rotarians are college-bound next year. The three lovely ladies reported gaining new insights into the Club’s community involvement, interests and variety of occupations represented. Good luck, gals.

We sang an embarrassingly awful rendition of Happy Birthday to the Chamber Maid today.

The City Council and Planning Commission have approved the contract for the Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion. We’re hoping for clear construction weather and a Memorial Day ribbon-cutting.

Party animal Judge Joann Miller observes that because next year is a Leap Year, the calendar has four “Fifth Wednesdays.” She recommends that in lieu of our regular noon meetings, we plan a post-work social event on those days. So you won’t have to look them up, Fifth Wednesday social meeting will be held on Feb. 29, May 30, August 29 and Oct. 31. Sounds like a plan to me.

Head Start says “Thank You” in a letter we received acknowledging this year’s Breakfast with Santa event.

The officer line-up for 2012 was approved to be submitted to RI today.
• Steve Lewis, President
• Joann Miller, President-Elect
• Vice President (TBD)
• Tom Monogue, Secretary
• Jim vanLieshout, Treasurer
• Tom Moore, Sergeant-at-Arms
• Directors: Jackie Myers, Drew Hansen and Paul Novitzke;
• Craig Stoner, Foundation Chair
• Nancy Carmichael, Student Safety Chair
• Toby Tully, Membership Chair
• Shirley Dempsey, Special Projects Chair
• Gary Myers, Public Relations Chair

By today’s count, Rotary has sold 248 calendars, but there are still 125 to be turned in. Get ‘em to Super Mike or drop ‘em off at the School District Office during the holidays.

No meeting next week (Dec 28) due to the holidays.

Upcoming programs & activities:
December 28, No meeting
January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)
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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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Boys who stay in Scouts for at least 3 years are twice as likely to graduate from high school and college and to land good jobs than their non-Scouting peers, reported today’s speaker, Kurt Rusch (guest and shirttail relative of Rotarian Jim Jossart). Overwhelmingly, employers seek out personnel who have been Eagle Scouts. Kurt is the Southshore District Director for the BSA, an area that covers Racine, Kenosha and southern Milwaukee Counties. Kurt reports that Scouting recently observed its 100th birthday with 35,000 members and growing. Of that total, 15,000 are urban youth. By show of hands, half of the Jefferson Rotarians attending today’s meeting were former Scouts. Our speaker is a member of the Mitchell Field Rotary Club.

Welcome, Sue Reinen, Director of EMS for the City of Jefferson, our newest Rotary member inducted at today’s meeting.

Fine ‘em Moore was happy today ‘cause he attended his wife’s Christmas party last night and her boss bought the drinks.
• Trucker Shirley continues to be pleased with the Packer gridiron success.

You’re invited to enjoy the holidays with Canoeist Lewis and Judge Joann on at their open house Friday night, December 23, 6:00 ‘til whenever. Bring a feather for the tree and food for the Jefferson Food Pantry. Not to be outdone, Mr. Potter and his bride, Barb, are also opening their abode on Christmas Morning, 9:00 ‘til 12:30. Jim and Barb always put on a fun feed.

Fines were assessed against CPADelC for excessive bragging and Dell Oslon for a double-dessert infraction.

Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks in captivity, they can train people to stand on the edge of the pool and throw them fish.

Upcoming programs & activities:
December 21, Tax Update, CPADelC
December 28, No meeting
January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)
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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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Jefferson County Board Chairman John Molinaro gave the club an excellent overview of the County Budget and the elaborate process required to develop the 338-page document. Today’s guest of Fair Park Paul Novitzke, Molinaro reported that the $26,777,843 budget for 2012 is exactly the same as in 2011!

The annual budgeting process starts in July when department heads submit their budget requests. The Finance Committee then reviews a working budget in September, followed by a run by the entire County Board in October. The full Board has 14 days to submit amendments and the final budget is ultimately passed at the end of November.

“I’m proud of our fiscally conservative approach” says Molinaro, noting that representative employees took some benefit cuts ($1.3 million in savings), property values are in decline and that State revenue sharing funds are down this year ($900,000 to the county).

Major problem facing the County next year will be resolution of the County Highway Dept facility problem. The County garage was built in 1937 and is beyond repair. On the upside, the County is now totally out of debt.

Breakfast with Santa was a gala success last Sunday, reports Shirley “The Trucker” Dempsey. 86 head start kids and their families were served pancakes, sausage links, ham and other assorted breakfast delights. Even more delightful was the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and receive personal presents courtesy of Jefferson Rotary members. What a fun way to spend a morning during the holidays. Thanks to all who showed up to make the event memorable.

The expert pancake flippers merited a Happy Buck from Trucker Shirley, as well as the Pack and the Badger for victories last weekend.
• Jim “Mr. Potter” vanLieshout is happy to be out of the hospital where they had bad TV but good surgeons who knew the difference between a temperamental gall bladder and a bone obstruction!
• Visiting Rotarian Joel Wynn remembered Capn’ Randy Schopen, who passed away last weekend. Randy was a pillar of both the Fort and Jefferson communities and was recognized by the Jefferson Chamber as Citizen of the Year a few years ago. Capn’ Randy Schopen will be missed.

Fine ‘em Moore was in the giving spirit today, giving fines to Spoke Ed for eating too many sausages at Sunday’s breakfast event; the Chamber Maid and Super Mike were fined for not being “Christmassy” enough, and Mr. Potter and T2 were assessed for double-dessert violations at today’s lunch.

Pam “Lois Lane” Chickering from the Daily Union, and Joel Wynn, Fort Atkinson Rotary, were our guests today.

Welcome new Student Rotarians, Meghan Cummings, Hailey Erdman, and Krystin Bartelt.

We’re signing the contract with the City for the Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion, after review of the language by the board. The City Council and Planning Commission have to bless the agreement, but all systems should be a go.

Our December 28 meeting is cancelled due to an expected low holiday turnout.

The date for the Valentine Vacation Raffle fundraiser has been moved to Sunday, February 12, 3:00 ‘til 6:00, due to the conflict with JHS Boys Basketball on the original date (the previous Friday night).

You’ll know a true friend because, whenever you are blue, they’ll try to dislodge whatever’s choking you.

Upcoming programs & activities:
December 14, Scouting (Jim Jossart)
December 21, Tax Update, CPADelC
December 28, No meeting
January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)
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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By Administrator Account on Wednesday, November 30, 2011

St. Coletta’s has been a Jefferson fixture for 108 years, but it’s amazing how little we know or understand about this historic institution. Following a fine lunch in their refurbished new headquarters, Rotarian Tony LoDuca gave club members a thorough overview of the truly unique operation that serves developmentally disabled adults.

Did you know:

• St. Coletta’s was a Catholic elementary school serving the St. Lawrence parish until families began bringing their disabled children to them for care in 1904. That’s when St. Coletta’s current mission originated.
• Rosemary Kennedy spent 57 years (most of her life) in the care of St. Coletta’s.
• The operation has a $16 million operating budget, 351 FTEs, and 270 residents.
• They pay $7.7 million in annual salaries, $90,000 annually in sewer and water charges, and more than $250,000 in property taxes.
• In addition to Jefferson County, they operate group homes in Madison, Waukesha and in several Illinois communities.

According to Tony, the biggest issue facing the DD care industry is the aging of the DD population. In the 1930s, the average lifespan of a developmentally disabled person was 10 years. Today it is 61 years – nearly the same as the normal population.

St.Coletta’s is hosting an open house this Saturday from 1 ‘til 4. Tours and hayrides are on tap. Come on out before the Parade of Lights.

Ho Ho Ho. Fine ‘em Moore issued a warning to the Breakfast with Santa Workers – show up Sunday in appropriate holiday garb, or suffer a fine at lunch next week. T2 was nailed for a double cookie infraction today.

As if his guts weren’t jumbled enough, Mr. Potter went back into the hospital (St. Mary’s) this week to have his gall bladder removed. Ouch.

The Christmas Parade of Lights will be held this Saturday and, in addition to launching the Christmas season, will commemorate Jefferson’s 175^th Birthday. The Chamber Maid is so happy about it that she tossed a buck in the basket. Other Happy Bucks included:

• Shirley the Trucker received a $25 check in the Character Ed raffle.
• Ron “Tooth Fairy” Michaelis touted the Fisher Family Christmas concerts this coming Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
• Canoeist Lewis who was happy that he got to have gravy on his Thanksgiving turkey without fear of a “too much gravy fine” from the Sergeant at Arms.
• Rev Nancy won last week’s Rotary Packer football pool.

And a special Happy Buck was donated by DrewH, who announced that he and his bride are expecting a baby in June.  His fellow Rotarians kindly suggested that he start hanging on to his money.

Next week County Board Chairman John Molinaro will address the club regarding the county budget and other doin’s at the Courthouse. Be there or be uninformed.

Show up for Breakfast with Santa at about 7:45 on Sunday at the Masonic Lodge. Kids will be arriving in three waves, 8:00, 8:30 and 9:00.  Drop of wrapped presents at the Chamber office.

Craig Stoner has answered the call to re-up as Foundation Chair for next year. Thanx, Craig.

Super Mike has 35 extra calendars if you need a few.

The Student Rotarians said so long today. All were enlightened by Rotary’s global reach and all have college aspirations.

Guests today included Marla Michaelis, Sandy Swartz and Robin Novesky (Marketing Comm Mgr for St. Coletta’s).

Overheard at an Occupy Wall Street gaggle: “I thought I wanted a career; turns out that I just wanted a paycheck.”

Upcoming programs & activities:

December 4, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge

December 7, County Board Chairman John Molinaro

December 14, Scouting (Jim Jossart)

December 21, Tax Update, CPADelC

December 28, Business meeting

January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)

January 11, State Representative Andy Jorgenson

February 10, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

April 4, Wis National Guard (Ellen Waldmer)

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

June 8-9, District Conference

June 27, Annual Banquet

 

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, November 23, 2011

The Valentine’s Vacation Raffle is currently scheduled for Friday, February 10^th (the weekend before Valentines Day.) That presents a conflict with JHS Boy’s Basketball that same night. To move the event to Saturday, February 11^th, would conflict with a CPA program. Do we want to move the event a week earlier to Saturday, February 4^th? What do you think? We will resolve at the December 7th club meeting.

Event committee members, Gary Myers, Jackie Myers, Shirley Dempsey and Prez Pat have met with representatives from Jefferson Travel. The recommendation to the club is that, in lieu of the Ray Krek St. John condo, the club will offer a Caribbean cruise. This option would allow for an attractive week-long sailing out of Port Canaveral with flexible timing (limited blackouts). Cost of the cruise would be capped at $2,500. Add $500 in air fare for two and we’re at a $3,000 cost of the “grand prize.” While no vote was taken, consensus of the club was that the concept met with approval.

The Chamber Maid provided a pavilion update at today’s lunch. The pavilion and the restrooms will likely be split into two different structures.  The multi-building approach is actually expected to save $10K! A final budget will be coming by December 1^st. The construction plan calls for groundbreaking in March and ribbon-cutting by Memorial Day.

$900 down and only $79,100 to go. Our guitar pickin’ President Pat and his band, the VanEskes, raised $900 toward the Rotary Waterfront Park Pavilion fund at the Concert and Chili Contest staged at Vinnie’s Riverfront two weeks ago.  If you’re one of the few Jeffersonians who have never caught this great act, you’re missing out. They’re a toot.

Gifts are needed for Breakfast with Santa, Sunday Dec 4^th at the Masonic Lodge. Spend around $5 or so. Wrap the gifts and mark “boy,” “girl,” or “either.”  Drop them off at the Chamber office.

We still have Character Ed calendars to sell. Super Mike has extras if you need them.

Ryan Braun is the National League MVB and Brewer fan Jackie Myers dropped a buck in the basket ‘cause she’s so happy. Also tickled this week:

• Big Dave’s son is on the freshman basketball squad and daughter is home for Thanksgiving.
• CPADelC got a 9-pointer.
• Prez Pat says the VanEskes are playing tonight at The Concord House.

Fine ‘em Moore is in the Thanksgiving spirit. No fines today.

A club banner from the Cusco, Peru, Rotary was presented by CPADelC after his recent trip and exotic meeting make-up.

Let’s meet at St. Coletta’s next week for a lunch and tour hosted by Tony LoDuca. Be on time to make sure we have plenty of time to get fed.

We need speaker ideas. See the program list below. Forward your ideas to Prez Pat.

We’re up on Facebook. Feel free to “friend” this social media tool and post anything relating to Rotary or community interest. Be aware that the world is watching.

Deer Hunting Fever took a toll on today’s attendance. Some good programs coming up. Don’t be a no-show.

You’re older than Jim Jossart if these disappearing words are still in your vocabulary: Fender Skirts, Curb Feelers, Spinner Knobs (aka Suicide Knobs), Continental Kits, Running Boards, and Foot Feed.

Upcoming programs & activities:

November 30, Meeting and tour at St. Colettas, (Thanks, TonyL)

December 4, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge

December 7, County Board Chairman John Molinaro

December 14, Scouting (Jim Jossart)

December 21, Tax Update, CPADelC

December 28, Business meeting

January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)

January 11, State Representative Andy Jorgenson

February 10, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

April 4, Wis National Guard (Ellen Waldmer)

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

June 8-9, District Conference

June 27, Annual Banquet

 

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, November 16, 2011

 

Our State Senator of 18 years, Scott Fitzgerald, provided the club with an update on the state’s efforts for job-creation as well as commentary on the partisan political unrest and recall fever that has infected Wisconsin during “this bizarre period in our state’s history.”  In today’s presentation, the Senator reported that the episode has been “fascinating and interesting” and has “changed the dynamics in Madison.”

Key points made during Sen. Fitzgerald’s wide-ranging talk included:

• Wisconsin is now in a very competitive position to attract jobs from Iowa and Illinois.
• ACT 10 and the budget reconciliation legislation bills have eliminated the budget deficit without “accounting tricks.”
• The collective bargaining provision of the legislation that is causing much of the political hub-bub now allows local school boards and municipal governments to take greater control and accountability of their own budgets.
• The Assembly and Senate have 20+ bills in the works to deal with job creation.
• Two of those bills are essential, says Fitzgerald, as one makes venture capital investment in Wisconsin more attractive. The other deals with proposed mining that would create 2,500 jobs in the construction phases and more than 5,000 long-term high-paying jobs. Senator Fitzgerald noted that groundwater and surface water issues must be addressed in the mining bill.
• The broad economy is barely chugging along, with tax revenues low.
• Local property taxes should be stable or lower this year. More than 20 state school districts are seeing a drop in tax levies.
• The former Department of Commerce has been replaced with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., modeled after Indiana’s successful system and Forward Wisconsin from the Tommy Thompson era.

Money does grow on trees, according to Canoeist Lewis who’s made a pretty good living selling pinecones via his Winter Woods business (which was recently written up in his hometown newspaper). Other Happy Bucks included:

• CPADelC is back from Peru and a visit with his daughter. He also did a Rotary make-up.
• Big Dave was bumped on still another flight, qualifying him for a round-tripper to Vegas.
• Fair Park Paul says his daughter is graduating after 3 ½ years at St. Norbert’s College. Plus she already has a job with the PGA!
• TonyL reports that the sale of St. Coletta’s 44-acre campus finally closed today. Good for St. Coletta, the City and for the Sanctuary Ridge developers.
• Super Mike got a deer -- in the headlights.
• Rev. Nancy will miss next week’s meeting because she’ll be officiating at her daughter-in-law’s nuptials.
• Mr. Potter made a confusing off-color reference to big racks and deer season.
• The Packers are 9-0 and Shirley is happy.

Double dessert fines were assessed against Prez Pat, T2, Big Dave and Mr. Potter today. CPADelC was nailed for failure to bring back a Rotary Club banner from Peru. Nash paid the price for “too much on his plate.” Canoeist Lewis received a gravy waiver.

Rotary Birthday Wishes were vocalized for the November birthdays of TonyL and GaryM as well as our guest, Senator Scott Fitzgerald (whose birthday is actually today).

Welcome guests: Mayor Dale Oppermann and CPADelC’s associates, James and Donna. Lois Lane was also at today’s meeting to cover the Senator’s remarks for the Daily Union.

Signing up for Breakfast with Santa: ShirleyD notes that the ever-changing date for the Santa Head Start event is Sunday, December 4, at the Masonic Lodge. (Changed from Dec. 3 at Alden Countryside Estates.) Rotarians should be bringing at least two gifts for kids ages 5 and below. A signup sheet for workers is circulation. By the way, K-Mart is staging a Buy-One-Get-One-Free sale this coming Saturday. Super Mike has agreed to shop for you if you’ll supply the cash.

TonyL needs a headcount for the lunch at St. Coletta’s on November 30. Sign-up sheet is being routed.

 Investment tip from Tom Moore: Our resident financial wizard forwarded some insider information at today’s meeting. Apparently Knott’s Berry Farm is merging with the National Organization of Women. The new entity will be called KnottNOW.

Upcoming programs & activities:

November 30, Meeting at St. Colettas, (Thanks, TonyL), Business meeting

December 4, Breakfast with Santa, Masonic Lodge

December 14, Scouting (Jim Jossart)

December 21, Tax Update, Del C

December 28, Business meeting

January 4, John Ebbott (Steve Lewis)

February 10, Valentine’s Vacation Raffle

April 4, Wis National Guard (Ellen Waldmer)

May 2, Top 10/Middle School

May 9, Top 10/High Schools

June 8-9, District Conference

June 27, Annual Banquet

 

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

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