Historical Society member and our very own Rotarian Sandie Carter took us back in time this past Monday. She described her great-grandfather’s journey launching Dames Bottling Co., a local staple that produced seltzer and soda in distinctive 8” tall transparent bottles.
Long before Coca-Cola dominated the scene, local families navigated the regulations and challenges of a small-scale trade. From the local taverns to the shifting opportunities of the era, Sandie’s presentation provided a fascinating look at the grit required to build a local industry right here in Oconomowoc.
Brewfest: The Final Push
EVENT: SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Ticket Blitz! 🎟️
Help push us to our goal! Get your friends and family to buy the last of the Brewfest tickets today.
Meet at noon, Sunday, March 8 at the Bertrand’s Pavilion. "All hands" appreciated to reset the space!
Bingo Night: An Era Ends! 🎰
Monday, March 23 @ 5:30 PM
After 20 incredible years of calling numbers and keeping us laughing, Ed Johnson is hosting his final Bingo night for our club. It’s truly the end of an era.
We are excited to welcome Bonnie Terrill, who will be taking over the hosting duties.
Taylor Walsh (left) and Karen Spiegelberg gave their classification talks on Monday.
Karen Spiegelberg, at right, said two things were “the best decisions I’ve ever made”….Serving as City Council Alderwoman and becoming a Rotarian.
The Darlington native and daughter of a cheese maker became a CPA, married a CPA, and raised three daughters. The couple has served as foster parents to more than 20 “little souls”. In 2014 they moved to Oconomowoc “and it was the perfect fit for us.”
“Rotary is the grown up version of 4-H,” she smiled. “It’s service oriented and people really care.” The mayoral candidate likes reading, travelling and hiking the 14,000 foot trek to Pike’s Peak, a feat which she’s accomplished seven times. She said “strength and tenacity” defines her, despite any challenge thrown her way. “That strength will be with me to the end.”
YMCA at Pabst Farms Development Director Taylor Walsh is an animal lover, Packer fan and Kringle enthusiast. The Racine native spent summers on Pine Lake in Waupaca, learned to ride horses and soon traveled to Mongolia as a zoo representative. Her family of five explores their Sullivan acre lot. She’s tackled major capital campaigns with the Glacial YMCA organization, has become a community advocate and proudly serves on the Rotary Foundation board. The family also owns two Labs, the first who mysteriously escaped his pup crate and the front door to leap out onto a frozen pond and fall in, only to be saved by EMS personnel. A TV news team covered the incident. “We didn’t earn any points as dog owners on that one,” she laughed.
🎉 Parade Update
Jarrett Forster is meeting with police to secure a safe parade route in July.
📅 No Meeting This Monday!
February 23, 2026
Take a break! We will not be meeting this coming Monday, February 23. Enjoy the day off, and we'll see you the following week on March 2 when we welcome Justin Agar-Pratt from the Oconomowoc Historical Society. 🏛️
🎤 Take the Mic at an Upcoming Meeting!
We invite any member who would like to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, lead the invocation, or introduce the guest speaker to step up! Pre-written scripts can be provided for you, or you are welcome to write your own. It's a wonderful, easy way to actively participate in our weekly gatherings.
Email President Mike Menefee to volunteer
Brewfest 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
🔥 We Need You!
Brewfest is our club's engine. To make it a success, we need every member to lend a hand. Whether it's setup, pouring, or cleanup, your time makes our impact possible.
Help us sell out! Invite friends, family, and neighbors. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting local scholarships and community grants.
Staff Stacey Basile (left) and Meghan MacNeal presented at the Feb. 9 Rotary meeting.
Staff Stacey Basile, left and Meghan MacNeal presented on Roger’s healing broken spirits, becoming one of the most respected mental health organizations in the country. Roger’s Behavioral Health is now in 10 locations, providing inpatient and outpatient services.
Ongoing treatment for OCD, eating disorders, anxiety and depression is provided by experts in the mental health field. “We help overcome barriers to care,” said Basile. “And you can help break the stigma.”
Introducing
Community in Bloom
A Spring Social | Celebrating a Legacy of Growth and Gratitude
Friday, May 15, 2026
5:30 p.m.
The Valerie
1281 Blue Ribbon Drive, Suite 200 Oconomowoc, WI 53066
There is also robust DNA research taking place, helping to identify genetic markers for mental illness. Ways to help? Go to https://rogersbhfoundation.org/ to learn more.
First-Time Attendee Incentive!
District 6270 has budgeted $4,000 to encourage Rotarians who have never attended TriCon to join us at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, April 17 & 18.
HOW TO GET REIMBURSED:
Available for District 6270 members who have not attended TriCon in the past.
Reimbursement is on a first-come, first-served basis until the $4,000 pool is gone.
Early Bird Registration is $295 through Feb. 13 ($325 thereafter). Reimbursement will be made after successful attendance in April.
District Report: Polio Plus Update
District representative Rob Bassett joined us to share a critical report on our global fight against Polio. He noted that while progress is being made, 44 cases remain across Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Hopefully in 2026 we can say we are done fighting Polio.”
Bassett, a dedicated advocate, highlighted the incredible generosity of our region, noting that District 6270 has already raised more than $125,000 toward the Polio eradication cause this year.
👋 See You Monday!
February 16, 2026
Join us this Monday for Classification speeches from Karen Spiegelberg and Taylor Walsh. It's a great opportunity to learn more about our fellow members and their professional journeys! 🎤👔
Correction: Last week, I promoted a mentorship presentation from Jason Curtis and OHS AVID for this coming week. That presentation is actually scheduled for March 16th. Sorry for any confusion! 🗓️🙏
PRESIDENT ELECT TRAINING SEMINAR
HELP BECKY WIN!
Becky Hammer is heading to PETS training in early March, and our district is competing to see who can gather the most donations.
Bring These to Our Feb 16 Meeting:
Nail Clippers
"Ace" style elastic bandages (2" or 4" width)
Let's show the district what Oconomowoc can do!
Brewfest 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
🔥 We Need You!
Brewfest is our club's engine. To make it a success, we need every member to lend a hand. Whether it's setup, pouring, or cleanup, your time makes our impact possible.
Help us sell out! Invite friends, family, and neighbors. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting local scholarships and community grants.
Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award: Investing in the Future
By Sarah Williams-Berg
Oconomowoc students were recognized for their perseverance and resourcefulness in their personal and academic ventures at Oconomowoc Rotary’s noon meeting on the Shorehaven campus Feb. 2.
Pictured left to right, Oconomowoc High School students Rachel Windett, Arlo Busalacchi and Jamison Neary.
OHS seniors Arlo Busalacchi, Rachel Windett and Jamison Neary were recognized for overcoming challenges and pursuing their goals. School staff Carrie Schultz, Alex Eidman and Susan Verhagen cited “purpose, accountability and hope” as some of the students’ strongest suits.
Verhagen said that Neary “had found the joy and love for learning again, especially joy.” Eidman noted that Busalacchi has demonstrated “a steady commitment to moving forward,” while Schultz shared that Windett had become a “confident, creative leader.”
“It is humbling to stand here in the wake of your stories,” Rotary President Mike Menefee told the students. “Consider that this is a contract, and we are investing in you.”
The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award is named after Rotarian and former OHS faculty Lyle Neeb, who initiated the scholarship program decades before. Rotary continues to dedicate funds toward continuing education for students recommended by OHS staff.
Brewfest 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
Get ready for our biggest fundraiser of the year! Enjoy local brews, live music, and great company as we raise funds for our community projects.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Rotarian who so generously matched our donations in December, and to every one of you who stepped up to contribute. Your collective spirit and commitment ensure our community grants will sparkle for generations to come.
Our club returned to Shorehaven this past Monday for one of our most beloved traditions: Bingo Night!
There is nothing quite like the tension in the room as residents wait for that one last number to be called. We had a fantastic time assisting with the cards, handing out prizes, and catching up with old friends.
An Era Ends
After 20 incredible years, Ed Johnson is preparing to step down from the Bingo Committee. Join us next time for Ed's final night before he passes the bingo cage to Bon-Bon Terrill!
The Future Spark: $1,000,000 Goal
Building a legacy for our 100th Anniversary
December Matching Grant Results
Endowment:
$7,250
($4,750 donated + $2,500 match)
Scholarships:
$3,142
($1,571 donated + $1,571 match)
Monthly Total:
$10,392
A huge thank you to our generous anonymous donor for the challenge match!
Every dollar brings us closer to ensuring our community grants sparkle for generations to come.
Don't let your friends miss out on the best brews in town! 🍻 Text your group chat and bring the whole crew. Let’s make Brewfest 2026 our biggest one yet! 🚀✨
Lake Terrace residents on the Shorehaven campus are hosting an opportunity to meet the candidates in Oconomowoc’s April 7 election. Mayor and aldermanic candidates will convene Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Terrace Clubhouse.
For more information, contact Sarah Williams-Berg at 262 560-6907.
Pause with HAWS 🐶
Friday, Feb 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Hosted by our friends at Quality Tank Solutions 652 Armour Rd, Oconomowoc
Wish List Items Needed:
Canned Cat & Dog Food
Soft Training Treats
Non-Clumping Kitty Litter
Kitten & Puppy Formula (KMR/Esbilac)
Liquid Hand Soap & Sanitizer
Distilled Water
Stop by to meet adoptable pets and support a great cause!
CALENDAR & SERVICE
Feb 2: Lyle Neeb Scholarship Day
A cornerstone of our club's service legacy.
Feb 9: Guest Speaker - Rogers Behavioral Health
Feb 16: Club Business Meeting & Classification Talks
Building Character: Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
By Sarah William Berg
“Courage, confidence and character” in action.
Monday’s meeting featured Jaymee Harvey Willms, Amy Jilek and Gabrielle Hayden sharing the mission of the Girl Scouts.
Our club participated first-hand by stuffing treat bags for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry, a small glimpse into the service-minded culture of the organization. With 234 Scouts composing 30 troops right here in Oconomowoc, these young women are working to make the world a better place.
From STEM fields and Gold Awards to entrepreneurial skills learned through cookie sales, the Scouts are breaking down barriers. “These young women are working to make the world a better place,” said Willms, highlighting their efforts in fighting the epidemic of teen loneliness through relationship building and positive self-image.
Scouting by the Numbers
• 13,000 Scouts in the regional council • 6,000 dedicated volunteers • 1,000 acres of Wisconsin Scout property • 30 troops active in Oconomowoc
Our local partners have been incredible, but we’ve reached a point where we can no longer rely solely on the same group of sponsors to fund our mission. To generate the tens of thousands of dollars we need for our community, we must stop asking for donations and start creating independent revenue streams. It’s time to shift from solicitation to innovation—building our own sustainable funding engines that don't depend on a corporate checkbook.
Please click the button below to fill out the form and share your most creative, sponsorship-free fundraising ideas.
The Oconomowoc Rotary Endowment Fund is our club's long-term foundation. Your contributions provide the deep roots that ensure our service projects and community support continue for generations to come.
Becky Brock presented on the Christmas Clearing Council (CCC) of Waukesha County.
The organization promotes and coordinates giving to families in need during the Christmas season, matching families with area groups and individuals who wish to help.
Brock described the organization as “Good people with big hearts,” adding, “We want to make sure the parents we serve know that their children will have a normal Christmas.”
Last Year's Impact
• 1,900 families served • 4,300 children reached • 100+ toy collection barrels • 70+ bikes built by volunteers
What's Your Service Idea?
Is there a hands-on project you've been dreaming about? A local organization that needs our hands-on help? A gap in Oconomowoc that Rotary is uniquely positioned to fill?
Pitch your project idea to the Board!
BINGO NIGHT!
Join us at Shorehaven on Jan 26 at 5:30 PM. We need high-energy volunteers!
The Christmas Clearing Council shows us vital immediate response. But what happens when the holidays end? Our Endowment Fund ensures we never have to say 'no' to a student in need.
BREWFEST 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
Help is needed for our biggest event! Thank you to Bank Five Nine for the support.
From Our Last Meeting - January 5th, 2026 Liberty at Stake: The Joshua Glover Story
In 1852, Joshua Glover made a daring decision that would change his life. He determined to escape from the St. Louis farm where he was enslaved and seek freedom in the North.
He could not have known that his decision would also alter American history. Glover’s journey would lead him nearly 400 miles to Racine, Wis., where he was welcomed by the abolitionist community.
Director Michael Jahr
Glover found work at a sawmill and a place to live. For two years, he reveled in his newfound freedom. Slave owner Benammi Garland, however, was determined to reclaim his missing “property,” offering a $200 reward to anyone who found Glover.
By early 1854, the slave catchers had located him. Garland traveled to the Milwaukee courthouse and secured a warrant for Glover’s arrest. A posse, which included two deputy U.S. marshals, was assembled. On the wintry night of March 10, the party traveled to Racine and knocked on Glover’s door. When it was opened, they rushed in.
Director/producer Michael Jahr unveiled plans for the upcoming documentary Monday, describing the teams of Wisconsinites who rallied to free Glover from his persecutors. The 12-minute mini-documentary was chosen for the Madison Film Festival. Creative forces are working on a 60-90 minute full length documentary to air on PBS and Netflix.
Documentary Progress
Producers have raised $230,000 toward their $940,000 goal to bring this story to PBS and Netflix.
The Oconomowoc Rotary Club was proud to continue our annual tradition of marching in the Christmas Parade this past Saturday. While the lights and floats were festive, our primary mission remained the same: serving our neighbors in need.
We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the incredible generosity of the crowd, we collected:
$1,900In Donations
2 Full CartsOf Food
All proceeds and food items have been delivered directly to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry.
Thank you to everyone who brought a can of soup or a dollar bill to the parade route. Your small acts of kindness have made a massive impact this holiday season!
Jim Funke and Kerry Pinkner described their lives, professions and interests.
Jim described his work as a garbage collector, baseball coach and playground attendant. The lifelong dentist and Marquette grad described his family’s pursuits and his love of his dogs. He is passionate about Rotary’s student scholarship initiatives.
Kerry described community outreach efforts through her work with the Waukesha Public Library, from helping design the MakerSpace, building memory cafes and StoryCorps programs, gleaning volunteers and reaching area schools. She loves to paint with watercolor, garden and travel.
Christmas Parade is this Saturday
Line up is at 5 p.m. on Oakwood. Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. We have vests, bags, cash receptacles and holiday hats to share. Please join in celebrating the season with “150 Years of Christmas” Oconomowoc Christmas parade presented by Oconomowoc Kiwanis!
Oconomowoc Food Pantry Donations
Please continue to donate to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during this time of need.
In Memoriam
We hold former Rotarian Brandon Rasmussen’s family close as Brandon passed away suddenly recently.
No meeting Nov. 24. Rotary plays Bingo at Shorehaven at 5:30 p.m.
Blessings in a Backback stuffing – We showed up once again to make an impact
Journey21 clients, OHS seniors, and more than 38 Rotarians joined in stuffing sacks to send home with local elementary children who don’t have enough to eat on weekends. Blessings representatives addressed the 11,000 children in Waukesha County who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Monday we stuffed 500 bags of food to provide an extra bag of household food during the holiday break. More than 600 students in Oconomowoc have been touched by food insecurity. “And that number is growing with inflation and rising costs at the grocery store,” said Blessings manager Susan Reed.
Coordinator Julie Halbach reported the food we dispensed Monday was nut free, calorie dense and protein rich. Up to 5,000 boxes are stored in a donated storage space until distributed. 42 schools are served to date. Representatives said it costs just $5 to feed a child for one weekend and about $175 for the school year. A Giving Tuesday campaign will shed more light on ways to give to Blessings in a Backpack. Go tohttps://waukesha.blessingsinabackpack.org/ to learn more.
Rotary Brewfest
The date at Okauchee Lions Park is March 7. Help is needed with recruiting sponsors and vendors, selling tickets and promotion. See John S. to sign up!
Line up is at 5 p.m. on Oakwood. Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. Please join in celebrating the season with “150 Years of Christmas” Oconomowoc Christmas parade presented by Oconomowoc Kiwanis!
Committees described their devotion and dedication to their mission – from the Rotary Foundation, to the Lyle Neeb Perseverance Scholarship Fund, the Endowment, and donations to DECA Christmas Adopt a School outreach, Silver Streak, Historical Society, Shorehaven, Badger Boys and Girls, World Affairs and of course Blessings in a Backpack! The Foundation granted more than $28,000 this year.
OHS Principal Jason Curtis described other student needs, from internet access, lack of funds for drivers’ education, sports, activities, field trips and clubs. More than 20% of Oconomowoc students are on free and reduced priced lunch programs. He outlined several areas where Rotarians could assist.
CAMO Quilts
John Boray described how Rotarians are funding the CAMO quilts, patriotic quilts being presented to veterans in senior living facilities. John thanked all veterans for their service.
Government Affairs Manager Mike Ridgeman addressed the organization’s mission to promote bicycle education and safety, advocacy and special events. The Fed now employs 15 full time staff and relies heavily on its council of advocates. It provides mobile bike repair instruction, smart e-cycling, safe routes to school and bike rodeos. Its main emphasis now is to improve the projects in place, as in connecting trails, improving trail quality and further promoting cycling as one of Wisconsin’s largest tourist industries. Wisconsin biking is an $11 billion industry. Go to https://wisconsinbikefed.org/ to learn more.
Chapman Park Tree Checkup
Thank you to Mike Herro and gang for checking on the health of the Rotarian trees planted last year.
Oconomowoc Food Pantry Donations
Please continue to donate to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during this time of need. Thank you to all for bringing your donations Monday.
Business Meeting Monday at the Lake Terrace Clubhouse at noon
🎃🍬Enjoy the Halloween festivities downtown this weekend!🍬 👻
From Our Last Meeting - October 20th, 2025
Program: Learning in Retirement
Coordinator Deb Nicely described the 40 classes a semester, ranging from healthy aging to travels abroad to learning how to play the harmonica. The center offers four locations for classes to “become more spread out into the community.” A recent Native American talk featured the 12 tribes of Wisconsin, and some classes involve park hikes, Mahjong and festive outings to Lambeau Field, Ten Chimneys and movie theatres. “Social isolation is becoming the largest health risk we have,” said Nicely. The group now claims 245 members, and strives to include seniors in planning, coordinating and completing surveys of each class. LIRWC provides intellectual, cultural, educational and social opportunities to foster life-long learning for adults. Courses include a wide range of topics designed to appeal to adults. Go to https://lirwc.org/ to learn more.
World Polio Day is Oct. 24
Polio representative Rob Bassett reminded Rotarians of World Polio Day - World Polio Day holds immense importance for Rotary clubs, serving as a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to global health. For over three decades, Rotary has been a driving force in the fight to eradicate polio, mobilizing its members, raising billions of dollars, and advocating for widespread vaccination. World Polio Day is not merely a day of recognition; it is a call to action, a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains. It provides Rotary clubs with a crucial opportunity to raise public awareness, celebrate the heroes on the front lines, and rededicate themselves to the final push to end polio for good. Through events, fundraisers, and educational initiatives on this day, Rotary clubs reinforce their identity as a humanitarian organization dedicated to creating a healthier, polio-free world for future generations.
Crocus bulbs are now for sale for Polio Plus and the Hoan Memorial Bridge will be lit up in purple in recognition of World Polio Day.
Eagle Scouts Honored
Paul German reported that two brothers, Mark and Alex Pulaski were recognized as Eagle Scouts recently and he was proud to take part in the ceremony. Paul is our new Boy Scout representative.
Tree Maintenance
8:30 a.m. Saturday meet at Chapman Park to plant and maintain trees. Contact Mike Herro for further info.
Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6
Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. Please, all join in. More details to follow.
Rotary Holiday Party
Party is at the Club at Lac La Belle Wednesday, Dec. 17 in the early evening.
From Our Last Meeting - October 13th, 2025 OHS Seniors Awarded the Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award
left to right, Rotary Foundation President Leslie Olson, students Ruth Johnson, Alesha Famularo and Addyson Mason, and award representative Jerry McNellis.
Oconomowoc students were recognized for their perseverance and resourcefulness in their personal and academic ventures at Oconomowoc Rotary’s noon meeting on the Shorehaven campus Oct. 13. OHS seniors Ruth Johnson, Alesha Famularo and Addyson Mason were commended for overcoming challenges and pursuing their goals. School staff Lauren Black, Brianne McGuire and Susan Verhagen cited “determination, bravery and strength” as some of the students’ strongest suits. Principal Jason Curtis described the students as “incredibly powerful women…who never gave up on themselves.” “People believed in you, and the community invested in you.” Johnson will pursue a degree in nursing and nutrition, Famularo will pursue a degree from UW-Milwaukee or MATC in radiology, and Mason will attend UW-Oshkosh seeking a physician’s assistant degree. Rotary continues to dedicate funds toward continuing education for students recommended by OHS staff.
Award recipients pose for a photo with Lyle Neeb
The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award is named after Rotarian and former OHS faculty Lyle Neeb, who initiated the scholarship program decades before. To help support these scholarships, click on the link below.
One of our most prestigious awards to OHS students achieving milestones. We have 16 student guests with faculty and are counting on 40 Rotarians for the lunch count. Email Sarah WB at swberg@lho.org if you plan on attending. (OHS guests already counted) Thank you Jerry McNellis for taking the charge on this, some of our most honorable moments.
Ripon Rotary Club’s Liz Nevitt as District Governor
“Unite for Good”, both local and global was Nevitt’s message to Rotarians. “Our people are our superpower, to create lasting change in the community, the world and in ourselves.” She delivered inspiration and wisdom in “Be audacious, dream big and change lives.”
ALL HANDS ON DEC
Lake Area Free Clinic
A community service to the uninsured and underinsured, the Lake Area Free Clinic’s new ex director Audra O'Connell described this year’s 730 patients, 240 volunteers, 4,000 medical visits, the partnerships with universities, ProHealth and Aurora, open door to students and interns, transportation and interpretation services. The newly opened dental clinic has had 37,000 patient visits to date. The Free Clinic is committed to:
Finding the means to serve each and every patient who qualifies
Filling the gaps in medical care for our patients
Using our limited resources prudently, and
Earning our reputation as an indispensable community asset
The LAFC’s goal is to provide free medial and reduced fee dental services, and its mission is to improve the overall health of those in need. Go to https://www.lakeareafreeclinic.org/ to learn more.
Representatives Dr. Paula C. Decker, at left, and Kathleen Christenson Fisher
Housing Action Coalition EOS refers to the Housing Action Coalition's Emergency Overflow Shelter initiative in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where a coalition of service providers works to ensure everyone has a safe place to sleep during the winter months by coordinating support and resources. This collaborative effort involves various providers, including Hope Center Inc. and Hebron Housing Services, working under the umbrella of the Housing Action Coalition to address homelessness in the area. Plagued with twice bursting sprinklers and subsequent water damage, the headquarters was rebuilt to accommodate families in need. Many are still without temporary homes and live on the streets or in their cars.
ALL HANDS ON DEC
✉️ Recruiting: The Best & Brightest (and Hungry) 😁
Consider this your official Rotary mandate: Go forth and find the most brilliant person you know, then convince them to come eat lunch with us on a Monday. We're talking great food, great people, and maybe even learning something that isn't about the weather. Help us keep the "best" part of Oconomowoc in the room.
Haven't gotten an invite? Clearly, your local Rotarian is slacking. Find them.
The Oconomowoc Rotary's annual Bike Tour was a huge success, thanks to the fantastic support from everyone who registered and participated. The energy of the day was undeniable, with cyclists of all ages and abilities enjoying the scenic routes around our community.
This event is about more than just a bike ride; it's a chance to make a real difference right here in Oconomowoc. With the incredible support of participants, volunteers, and the community, the tour raised many thousands of dollars for important local projects. This money helps fund initiatives like the Interurban Trail and provides scholarships for local students.
An event like this is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their hard work and commitment are what make everything run so smoothly. For us in the Oconomowoc Rotary, it’s exactly these kinds of experiences that make our service so fulfilling—knowing that our time and effort directly contribute to a successful event that benefits our community.
THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH SAME-DAY REGISTRATIONS WELCOME
From Our Last Meeting - September 8th, 2025
Sydney Walker on MDA Summer Camp
One week of camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy can change the lives of 45 campers, and the staff and volunteers that help. MDA representative Walker described the children’s sheer determination to master summer camp, from games to campfires, canoeing to zip lines and ropes courses. “Lifelong bonds are formed,” she told Rotarians. Camp leaders, medical team support, and program coordinators are sought for the single week adventure. She encouraged Rotarians to join the fun, and the mission, becoming part of the “global force for research and hope.”
Thank you to all the volunteers who worked one of two shifts Friday night during Oconomowoc’s raging Fall Fest. Hundreds of brews were served and many tips made.
Troop 12 Scout Leader John Kyle described Philmont climbs, cookouts, camping, sea base excursions, Festival of the Arts cleanup, Eagle Scout projects, and the myriad of projects the 36 members of Troop 12 take on. Kyle is marking 34 years with the organization.
Rotary charters the troop and is proud of its partnership since 1933. We fund repairs at the Fowler Park Scout House and keep posted on Troop needs and directives.
Our recent meeting was packed with an insightful presentation from Waukesha County Recycling's Jenna Biermann, who shared valuable tips on everything from curbside recycling to home composting. We also have an exciting Annual Rotary Pontoon Outing planned for this Monday, August 11th, so get ready for a fun evening on the lake! Plus, learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Artist Shuttle, Fall Fest Beer Garden, and the Rotary Bike Tour. And don't forget, we're collecting Beanie Babies for a good cause!
At the heart of our last meeting was an invaluable presentation by Jenna Biermann of Waukesha County Recycling. Discover her essential advice on how to improve your recycling habits, what not to include, and simple ways to reduce waste in your daily life.....
Making a Global Impact: Education, Empathy, and Opportunity
Our recent meeting was packed with updates on our diverse club activities. We received reports on local service projects like Blessings in a Backpack and Family Promise, and discussed upcoming volunteer opportunities for the Artist Shuttle, plus important details on our next meeting speaker and exciting events like the Rotary Bike Tour and a pontoon outing. We also celebrated a successful turnout for Shorehaven Bingo, thanks to our mighty Rotarians.
At the heart of our last meeting was an inspiring presentation by Brett Weiss of the Weiss Scholarship Foundation. Discover how his family’s unique, holistic approach is empowering Kenyan children and breaking the cycle of poverty through education, building bridges of opportunity...
