October 4, 2022 Meeting Report
Today's program featured Brian Dellemann (Electric Utility Director) from Two Rivers Utilities.
October is Economic and Community Development Month
Today’s Junior Rotarian was Addy Bauknecht. Addy is a soccer scholar with medical aspirations. She currently is taking college level coursework offered cooperatively with UW-GB. Addy credits her exposure to the Rotarian service model through activities provided in an affiliated high school club.
Today's Program: Two Rivers Water & Light
Brian Dellemann the Electric Utility Director from Two Rivers Utilities provided our quarterly City of Two Rivers departmental visit. Issues de jour included:
- Recent Rate Increase…the explanation involves the adjustable component of the cost structure. With two (2) of our generating plants out of commission, a pass through cost was generated reflecting the increased cost of production.
- The week of October 2-8 is Public Power Week (10/2-10/8). “We” are a locally owned utility with local decision-making, close to community issues with local skilled employees providing committed service.
- TR Utilities has launched a new set of tools in September that allows customers to view their usage patterns.
- TR Utilities is exploring electric vehicle charging stations and the changing landscape of our electrical system…it’s a brave new world. Future plans are being supported through a variety of grants and incentives to develop this infrastructure right here in river city. First steps contemplated include four (4) dual head community charging stations and differential EV charging rates at the home level.
Club Operations
Brian J. gave a “report from the Valley” offering an overview of his Club service activities. These reflect a sense of duty instilled in him by the late, great Tom Finley. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent a remote presence is not sufficient to perform this role in a suitable manner. It is time to hand these tasks off to another member or members. These include:
- Meeting agenda, minutes and a recap for the eBulletin.
- Periodic Club communications (already being handled by Deb!)
- Club website administration (already being handled by Todd!)
- Meals on Wheels coordination for our Club
- Foundation Board/Secretary
Please consider the opportunity work in this avenue of Club service. Brian J. is open to helping with the transition.
Brian concluded, “the Rotary Club of Two Rivers has been an important part of my life for over 29 years. The friendships formed, and impact of our work has certainly enriched my life immeasurably. I am proud to be called a Rotarian and grateful for the opportunities provided!”
📰 Check the program schedule for your next chance to contribute to meeting programming. An email communication will be sent to all members listing the program schedule with plans to send out specific chair responsibilities monthly.
🖐 Rotary Club of Two Rivers Committee List. Please review the structure and consider the opportunities. The plan is to engage committee chairs early. A menu of opportunities will be distributed at each meeting for member consideration.
Club Events / Service Opportunities
🍽 🚗 Meals on Wheels, November 7-11. An invitation has been extended to our members.
🌳 VDB Arboretum Wine Walk. The wine walk for Saturday, October 1st (4-7pm) attracted over 100 attendees, including many newcomers. Everyone thought the event was a great success and worthy of a reprise next year.
🇺🇦Ukrainian Storytelling Project... Building on the remarkable story of Rotarian Barry Nelson, the Club plans to build upon interest in a broader community story-telling initiative. This project will include representation from the Wisconsin Ukrainian group providing awareness and support for the needs of the Ukrainian people. Colleen I. will represent our Club in the planning process.
☮️ Peace Pole Project Completion Dedication this month! Our winning 2022-23 District Grant concept is for a Peace Pole project at the Two Rivers High School. Upon completion, the pole will allow students to gather, reflect, and find peace. It will be part of a larger Rotary peace initiative.
- Project should be completed in October
- The Peace Pole parts and plaque have now arrived
- A document is being prepared to help plan for promotion and public relations for our Club
- Contact Betty B. or Michael D. to volunteer
- We are still awaiting the pouring of the concrete. The plan is to have this completed by the time the snow flies. Let’s hope for a late start to winter…
Get the Community Back in our Schools is an opportunity for our Club to build student connections as school gets back into session.
- Kudos to Tim W. for getting this year’s Junior Rotary program off and running.
🏎 Road Rally 2022 Raffle Baskets. This joint Club program is scheduled for October 15th. Each of the three (3) Clubs has committed to four (4) themed “raffle baskets” valued at $100 each. Deb reports that all of the raffle baskets have been accounted for from our Club.
- Registration materials are now available
- The event is being actively promoted on Facebook - if you see a post about it, please like, comment, and share!
🍎 Applefest 2022 and beyond! This year’s fun-filled event is scheduled for October 8th with big plans for future growth going forward. Club president Michael D. has contributed $50 to the promotion of the event.
- Great food!
- 30 arts & crafts vendors!
- Four apple vendors!
- A host of activities ranging from music to face painting!
- Meetings are held at the firehouse. Our current focus is on logistics.
- An Applefest website has been launched to help promote the event.
- A final pre-event meeting was scheduled for 4pm Wednesday at the Firehouse, but it’s not too late to join the committee!
💐2022 Rose Sale Lori Z will lead this year's effort! The sale is scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Looking ahead, 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.
And, looking way ahead. Interest was expressed in creating a Rotary Float as a highlight of the 2022 Christmas Parade. This would be a fine idea to kick off our Club’s Centennial Year! Concepts were raised that incorporated such Club themes as “promoting peace on earth” and “making a difference in Two Rivers for 100 years”. An exploratory committee is being explored (or floated). 🎅🏻 🎄
💵 Happy Bucks is a way to share and celebrate member news with others, including "quips and quotes" about their experiences from the past week. Shout outs were given to
- Both Michael D. and Wendy B. extolled the beauty of the lakeshore area
Birthdays: Stanley Palmer (10/22); Jean Andrews (10/28) Anniversaries: Jeff Zimmerlee (17 years); Brian Jensen (29 years); and Jim Lester (57 years!)
October Club Member Birthdays
Stanley Palmer (10/22) 🎂
Jean Andrews (10/28) 🎂
Rotary Anniversaries
Jeff Zimmerlee (17 years) ⚙️
Brian Jensen (29 years) ⚙️
Jim Lester (57 years!) ⚙️
⏭ Next week’s program is Chair is Peter Crabbe. Greeter is Steve Denzien
2021-22 Board Members:
President: Michael Ditmer
President-Elect: Tim Schroeder
Secretary: Deborah Brotcke
Treasurer: Jeff Zimmerlee
Past President: Steve Denzien
Members at large: Brenda Georgenson and Kim Henning
President: Michael Ditmer
President-Elect: Tim Schroeder
Secretary: Deborah Brotcke
Treasurer: Jeff Zimmerlee
Past President: Steve Denzien
Members at large: Brenda Georgenson and Kim Henning
RI President Jennifer Jones - using the Theme, IMAGINE ROTARY.
Mike Phillips is our District Governor 2022-23.
Mike Phillips is our District Governor 2022-23.