November 22, 2022 Meeting Report
Karen Nichols from the Manitowoc Chamber was this week's speaker, sharing with us the reminder that we need to shop local.
Photograph: Courtesy of the Lester Public Library
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Junior Rotarians. It was a quiet week in the life of our Junior Rotarian, Sophia Allington, spent preparing for the Thanksgiving break.
Last call for Rotary Beer. just make an offer to Steve D. and it’s yours. Leftovers will be added to the refreshment bar at our Club's upcoming Seasonal Social event.
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony
Brenda G. is program chair introduced Karen Nichols from the Chamber of Manitowoc County. Karen presented an enthusiastic review of the Chamber’s activity. The Chamber of Manitowoc County is a member-driven organization that provides resources and services to promote and maintain a strong business environment. Examples of such programs include:
- Keep It Local initiatives facilitated by the provision of Chamber Bucks (with over $500K in annual sales) good at 250 county businesses
- Chamber Advantage Cards offering discounts to members
- Youth/Student Leadership development programs like Partners in Education, Reality Stores (building financial literacy), Career Expo, and Heavy Metal Bus Tours
- Adult Leadership development programs like Leadership Manitowoc County, with several of our Club members noted as alumni.
- Social opportunities including events, symposiums, and receptions
Our Club’s membership status gives our members access to all of the Chamber’s services and programs!
Club Operations
The Club needs you! Although many members have stepped up to fill roles, a few roles remain, including chair positions for the New Membership and RI Foundation committees.
Chris Eggert-Rosenthal was selected by acclamation to our Club’s Board of Directors replacing retiring member, Brenda Georgenson. Thanks for your service!
The Board of Directors on Wednesday, November 23, considered several requests for funding. These include $1000 grants each to
- Lakeshore Foster Family and Friends (for sponsorship of an upcoming fundraising event)
- The Haven (in support of their annual fundraising campaign).
Both groups have appeared before our Club with speakers with long-standing support noted.
It’s time for a Seasonal Social timed with next week’s 5th Tuesday to be held on November 29 at 5:30 at the home of Robert and Terry Gahl. Hope to see you there. Thank you to Wendy for organizing this event. The meats for the Christmas social are being provided by Wendy and Jean. Please feel free to bring sides and desserts for this joyful event. Also just as a reminder there is no regular meeting next week in preparation for the social at night. A very merry time is promised!
The 30th Annual Hunters Rose Sale. Thank you to all who helped sell and distribute roses, and to Lori Z. for her leadership! This successful project netted over $1,200 in support of Club activities through the sale of 125 dozen roses and donations. This includes special deliveries to the Hamilton Home, Wisteria Haus, and the “impulse” buyers.
District Grant (2022-23) – AKA The Peace Pole Project: Creating Space to Explore Peace. The “afterglow” of Thursday’s successful dedication ceremony included a showing of the local news feature that appeared on TV26. This ceremony featured our very own Michael Ditmer joined by a student representative of the TRHS Hope Squad. This group has taken the pole and will run with it – providing for its continued care and feeding. A tangible expression of today’s Global Peace Pole day, this project will function as a catalyst for conversations about peace.
“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, ” Michael Ditmer said.
Meals on Wheels. Colleen I. expressed interest in coordinating our Club’s participation. The details/forms have been shared. 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. These cards will be delivered along with the TRHS’s home delivered meals the week of December 12th.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing will take place at Piggly Wiggly Friday, December 16 from 9am - 7pm. A sign up list is prepared and posted! Kim Henning is the chair for that event. Historically, our Club is a top performer – both in garnering dollars and in sharing cheer.
- We need two more volunteers for Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Friday, December 16 (9am & 2pm). Please let Deborah know of your willingness to fill these last two spots.
Adopt-a-Family. Diane Johnson is coordinating the effort and has found a family that includes three (3) students and a single mom. Sign ups are available both on-line and at each meeting. Remember you can sign up to purchase specific gifts for the family or you may elect to make a cash donation. Please contact Diane directly with your selections and your willingness to wrap the gifts! Please be aware that the mom needs gifts, too. Gift cards and spa items would be great choices for her. This is a wonderful project for our club and your generosity is greatly appreciated. This project will be wrapped up with a wrapping party at the TRHS.
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.
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) ⚙️
⏭ A 5th Tuesday – Seasonal Social event…see you at TerraGahlia gathering at 5:30 and lasting until the “cows come home.”