November 15, 2022 Meeting Report

Our Peace Pole project was dedicated at Two Rivers High School, a combined "Fifth Tuesday" event and holiday party is happening November 29th, plus lots more news from the Club.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

This week’s greeter was Brenda Georgenson.

Junior Rotarians. A week in the life of our Junior Rotarian, Sophia Allington, went swimmingly, highlighted by wreath-making and an induction into the National Honor Society. Sophia was joined by fellow junior, Anatasia Chang.  Anastasia is interested in business and drama, a formula for success in life, and is on a college prep track in the Rising Phoenix program.

Last call for Rotary Beer. just make an offer to Steve D. and it’s yours.

Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony

Our Club's District Grant (2022-23) project is dedicated to Creating Space to Explore Peace. 

Our Club hosted the dedication ceremony for this year’s project on Thursday the 17th at 10 AM at the Two Rivers High School.  

Post cards and email invites to a various interested parties and dignitaries in the community. Our Club members were extended a personal invitation.  Students, Rotarians (from far and wide) and various other dignitaries attended the ceremony.  A press release has been circulated with interest from GB area media expressed as well.

Two Rivers Rotarians recognized the need to create a peaceful, reflective space on the campus of the Two Rivers High School.  After tragic events involving high school students and the stresses of growing up in an increasingly complex society, we created the Two Rivers Peace Pole Project.  We believe there is a need for a quiet place to reflect on global and personal issues, remember those who have suffered or died, celebrate and give meaning to peace, and initiate conversations about peace.

Club Operations

The Club needs you! Although many members have stepped up to fill roles, a few roles remain, including a need for a Club Communications officer. Instruction and mentorship is available if you’re interested! Other openings include a co-chair for Applefest and chair positions for the New Membership and RI Foundation committees.  
 
Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary members will host another Veteran's Breakfast at Felician Village at 7am on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.  The cost is $12 per person. Veterans dine for free. The board has decided to cancel our general meeting for that day so that you and a guest may attend!  The cost of your breakfast will be covered by the club! We are looking forward to having breakfast together and honoring those who made so many sacrifices to protect our freedoms by serving our country.
 
Club members discussed our interest and logistics for the Rotary Youth Exchange program with a target date of 2024.
 
A 5th Tuesday Social event (November 29th) and a Club Holiday celebration will be combined with plans to be coordinated by our Social Committee for November 29th.
 
Strengthening Our Lakeshore Rotary Clubs Connections. The Board of Directors has set a goal of strengthening our connections with our fellow Lakeshore Rotary Clubs.  Our Club has extended an invitation to a joint breakfast meeting with the Manitowoc Sunrise Club in early 2023. 
 
Seven members of our Club attended the Veteran’s Day Breakfast hosted by the Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary Club. A thank you card was circulated for signatures expressing our appreciation for sponsorship by the Sunrise Club.
 
The 30th Annual Hunters Rose Sale is this week!  All time slots are filled. Thank you to all that helped sell and distribute and to Lori Z. for her leadership!
 
District Grant (2022-23): The Peace Pole project at the Two Rivers High School will be dedicated on Thursday, November 17th at 10am. Saturday’s work resulted in the building of the planter. It's looking nice! 
 
Meals on Wheels. Thanks to those who helped with last week’s MOW service to our community!  Our Club is looking for a coordinator to coordinate this important community program next year.  Historically, the ask for help is well-received and supported by our Club’s members.  Please consider this aspect of service.  While our Club service commitments are complete for 2022, Lori Z. has tapped into the creative energy of area Girl Scouts for preparation of Christmas cards for inclusion in December’s home delivered meals.
 
Get the Community Back in our Schools.  It’s great to see the community support for the recent facility referendum – now the real work begins!  Last week’s Veterans Day events were well received at all of the District’s schools.  Rave reviews were shared from last weekend’s musical
 
Salvation Army Bell Ringing will take place at Piggly Wiggly Friday, December 16 from 9am - 7pm. A sign up list is coming soon!  Kim Henning is the chair for that event. Historically, our Club is a top performer – both in garnering dollars and in sharing cheer
 
Diane Johnson is coordinating the Adopt-a-Family 2022 effort. She has identified a family that includes three (3) students and a single mom.  She is getting their wants and needs together with a signup forthcoming.
 
PolioPlus Society. Rotary District 6270 is excited to announce the start of the PolioPlus Society in our district.  This is a district program to recognize those Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends of Rotary, who have pledged to give at least $100 annually to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation, until the wild poliovirus is no longer endemic around the world. The goal of this PolioPlus Society is to raise awareness and provide recognition for Rotary’s goal of eliminating the disease from the planet.
 
Happy Bucks is an opportunity for each member to share personal “quips and quotes.” Kudos were shared for Diane J.’s leadership – the successful referendum and the character of our students demonstrated in the classy behavior of our football team and their fans.   Quoting St. Vince... “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”  Look out for next year
 
November Club Member Birthdays

Dennis Swetlik (11/10) 🎂
Jim Lester (11/13) 🎂
Steve Denzien (11/18) 🎂
Steve Romero (11/18) 🎂
Tim Schroeder (11/27) 🎂

Rotary Anniversaries

Lauretta Krcma-Olson (33 years) ⚙️

  Next week’s greeter and program chair is Brenda G. Our guest presenter will be Karen Nichols from the Chamber of Manitowoc County.