February 14, 2023 Meeting Report
We observed Valentine's Day today by continuing our 100-year long love affair with the City of Two Rivers.
Welcome (Guests and Junior Rotarians)
Our Junior Rotarians this week was Kasia Kamyszek.
Celebrating 100 Years of Rotary in Two Rivers
In 1923, the year our Club was founded, the world was very different; the Model T Ford was the most popular car, radio was just beginning to emerge as a form of entertainment, and the film industry saw the rise of Warner Bros and Disney. One of the biggest hits of the year was "Yes, We Have No Bananas!" And, due to the prohibition era, no booze was available! Some noteworthy inventions of the year included frozen food, and the release of the first issue of Time Magazine.
As we prepare for the celebration, we're eager to learn more about the founding from families of past Club members who are still living in the area, including the Hamiltons, Evans, Palmers, Websters and others. We also hope to find out which area companies had members who were part of the Club. Wendy has kindly shared a fabulous scrapbook of former Two Rivers Rotary members, so please reach out if you have any information or stories to share about the club's history. Let's come together and make this celebration one to remember!
Club Operations
The Club is still seeking a volunteer for the Membership Chair role.
Club Events and Service Opportunities
Update on Annual Dinner. The Annual Dinner planning committee has provided an update on the upcoming Rotary Club event. They have shared a sign-up form for Rotarians who wish to attend the event and are currently seeking sponsorships from a number of promising businesses, including funeral homes, banks, and Schwartz Industries. The committee is pleased to announce that the premier sponsorship has been secured by Bank First. However, they are still in need of additional auction items and contributions to the Booze Bin. Invitations for the event will be sent out this week, and the committee is encouraging all members to help spread the word and make this year's Annual Dinner a success.
Update on plans for 100-year celebration. There will be a meeting on Friday, February 17 at 4pm at CCB to discuss the celebration plans. Additionally, a proclamation honoring the club's 100 years of service will be read at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 20 at 6pm. The club is encouraging all members to attend both events and be a part of the anniversary celebrations.
World Seminar. Club members discussed students to attend the World Affairs Seminar 2023. The club will sponsor one student which will be credited to the next year if no one is found to attend.
Lori continues to work on Easter Bags. Lori will also report next week on the status of how the Club can support seniors at the Two Rivers High School on the street banner project.
Meals on Wheels. The Club is looking for volunteers to help deliver Meals on Wheels during the week of March 6th. Opportunities are available Tuesday through Friday and sign-ups can be completed online. The April dates for volunteering are also now available. For those who prefer a hard copy sign-up sheet, Colleen has provided one in the "black" book. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the community and help those in need.
District Activities
Tricon is scheduled for April 28 & 29 in LaCrosse. Rotarians are encouraged to attend.
Looking Ahead
Join us for our next meeting at Cool City Brewing Company (and online via Zoom) on Tuesday, February 14, at 7:00 am.