Rotary Receives Grant! Toni Pabon 2023-12-19 06:00:00Z 0
A Great Day at Rotary Jamie Racine 2023-08-23 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self 2023 Rich Holsinger 2023-06-27 05:00:00Z 0
Ice Cream Social Jamie Racine 2023-06-21 05:00:00Z 0
Sun Prairie High School Band Donation John Holevoet 2023-05-30 05:00:00Z 0
Derby Party 2023 Jamie Racine 2023-05-06 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self Nominations Rich Holsinger 2023-04-14 05:00:00Z 0
Derby Party John Holevoet 2023-03-21 05:00:00Z 0
Sangria & Tapas Dinner Party Toni Pabon 2023-02-25 06:00:00Z 0

Neighborhood Navigators Grant

The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation is proud to help support the Neighborhood Navigators with a $1,000 grant to help them continue doing the great work in our community.  This money will be used to help with The Emergency Stabilization Fund and to help with their promotional marketing.  Sun Prairie is a great place to live and Neighborhood Navigators help make this possible.
 
Neighborhood Navigators Grant Chad Wiedmeyer 2023-01-24 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Helps with Pancakes for SPFD Open House 

Rotary's pancake professionals were on hand to make and serve pancakes to the crowd for this year's Sun Prairie Fire Department Open House. It was a great way for Rotarians to be out in the community and it was our pleasure to help support our local volunteer fire department. 
 
Rotary Helps with Pancakes for SPFD Open House John Holevoet 2022-10-09 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Awards 2022

I am pleased to announce the 2022 Service Above Self Winners. It was a very close election with many outstanding nominees.  Therefore, the board approved that we expand the number of winners for the adults to 5 and increased the students to two.
 
The other 5 individuals will be revisited next year.  The nominators will be asked to resubmit their names for a second time. 
 
The awards were presented by the individuals who nominated at the June 28th picnic.
 
Thanks to all the members who voted.  We had 85% participation.  Service Above Self is Strong in Sun Prairie!!!
 
Thanks
Rich
 
 
 

2022 SUN PRAIRIE ROTARY

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS

 
Congratulations to:
 
Barry Mahlum
nominated by Stacy Darga and Chris Pederson
 
Caren Diedrich
nominated by Jamie Racine, Phil Frei and Brad Saron
 
Dave Petri
nominated by Rebecca Ketelsen
 
David and Shirley Mahoney
nominated by Laura Jennings
 
Sarah Wells
nominated by Steve Olson
 
The two student winners are :
Charlotte Schofield and Grace Edwards
who were nominated by their school counselors.
Service Above Self Awards 2022 Rich Holsinger 2022-07-12 05:00:00Z 0

Annual Picnic

We hope to see you at Orfan Park (2050 St. Albert the Great Drive) for our annual summer picnic on Tuesday, June 28.
 
The picnic will start at 5:00 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. We will have two food trucks there (one serving pizzas and one serving Hawaiian ice). If you'd like something else to eat, please bring your own meal.
 
We'll also be honoring our Service Above Self award winners that evening. We have an amazing selection of community leaders being recognized this year.
 
Annual Picnic Ann Oberle 2022-06-23 05:00:00Z 0
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ann Oberle 2022-04-26 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Youth Exchange: Looking for Host Families Toni Pabon 2022-04-11 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self Rich Holsinger 2022-04-11 05:00:00Z 0
Sunshine Supper Rose Freidel 2022-03-07 06:00:00Z 0
District Governor Meeting 8/31 Ann Oberle 2021-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
July 13th Meeting Ann Oberle 2021-07-13 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Winners 2021

Service Above Self Winners for 2021
 
I am pleased to announce that the 2021 Service Above Self winners are in.
 
Congratulations to:
 
George Chavez
Nominated by Aaron Oppenheimer and Chris Pederson
 
 
Linda Frautschy
Nominated by Barbara Komoroske
 
 
Steve Hanrahan
Nominated by Rose Freidel
 
 
These winners will be recognized at our annual picnic on June 29th.  I would ask that the members who have nominated these individuals contact them and invite the to the picnic at Orphan Park at 5 PM.  They will also be extended a 1-year complementary membership to the Sun Prairie Rotary Club.
Service Above Self Winners 2021 Rich Holsinger 2021-06-09 05:00:00Z 0
Annual Summer Picnic Aaron Oppenheimer 2021-05-10 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self Awards Rich Holsinger 2021-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Awards

Congratuations to  Joanna Cervantes of Sunshine Place and James & Robert Baerwolf of Sassy Cow for receiving the "Service Above Self" Award 2020.  
 
 
 
Sun Prairie Rotary Club initiated the Sun Prairie's Service Above Self Awards in 2001.  Criteria utilizes Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self" and "The Four Way Test".
 
Rotary’s motto, "Service above Self" exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s members.  Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.  Rotarian’s nominate individuals in the community who exemplify the principles. 
 
In addition to the “Service Above Self” motto, Rotary’s measuring sticks for all human relations is a Four-Way Test:
 
Is it the TRUTH?
  • Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  • Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotary fosters the ideals of service and high ethical standards in personal, business and community life and takes every opportunity to promote these values in the Sun Prairie Community.  We are proud to announce this year’s winners.
 
2020 SUN PRAIRIE ROTARY
SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS
 
Patrick DePula – Salvatores Restaurant
James and Robert Baerwolf – Sassy Cow
Joanna Cervantes – Sunshine Place
The Volunteers of The Sun Prairie Food Pantry
 
 
Service Above Self Awards Toni Pabon 2020-09-17 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self: Food Pantry Volunteers Toni Pabon 2020-07-24 05:00:00Z 0
Service Above Self: Patrick DePula Toni Pabon 2020-07-14 05:00:00Z 0
Congrats to our Sun Prairie Seniors! Rose Freidel 2020-06-17 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Updates - 5/5/2020

We have been meeting via ZOOM on Tuesdays at 8:00 am.  There has been some talk about moving our meetings to 7:15 am as originally scheduled.  I'd, like to get your feedback on the start times.  I know some of you work and the 8:00 am start does not fit your schedule.
 
We want to have a meeting time that would yield the most attendees.
 
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SHORT SURVEY FOR START TIMES!
 
Clock 7:15 | ClipArt ETC   OR  Clock 8:00 | ClipArt ETC
 
 
We are having a Happy Hour via Zoom on Friday, May 8th at 5:00 pm.  Anyone is welcome to join us for some social time and drinking!  BYOB.
 
 
 

We are accepting nominations for Service Above Self Awards 2020.  We discussed this at our meeting today.  We are accepting nominations for people who may be associated with a business that have gone above and beyond their "job" to help with the COVID-19 response.   
 
The nominations will still be individuals.  For example, James and Robert Baerwolf, from Sassy Cow, have been nominated for donating milk to food pantries, providing for community meals and self serve access to free milk at their farm store.
 
We know there are more businesses/organizations out there doing "above and beyond" AND "Service Above Self." 
 
Please submit nominations by June 2nd!
 
 

We are looking for Guest Speakers to attend our Zoom meetings.  If you previously had a speaker scheduled and had to cancel, please reach out and see if they would like to present at a future Zoom meeting.
 
Check our Speaker List to see what's coming up.
 

I'm still looking for host families for Joachim Milczarczyk from POLAND.  If you know of any families interested in having him be part of their family for 4 months, please let me know!
 
link     

We are going to start up our Classification Talks.  I will contact you in advance and let you know when you are scheduled to give your talk.  We are going in alpha order by last name.  I still have Rose F. and Svetha H. that were previously scheduled but not done.

At today's meeting we watched a short video from a great speaker about her experience in Rotary and how she has made an impact on her club, district, and community.  She offers good advice to help keep us engaged and stay in Rotary longer.  CLICK HERE to watch it.
 

 
Have a great week and I will see you either on Friday night for Happy Hour or on Tuesday at our meeting.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 

Toni Pabon
President 2019-20
Rotary Club of Sun Prairie
(C) 608-628-7306
(W) 920-478-2191 ext. 12286

Rotary Meeting Zoom Link (Tuesdays):   https://zoom.us/j/964291657

Rotary Updates - 5/5/2020 Toni Pabon 2020-05-05 05:00:00Z 0
Community Project - Completed! Toni Pabon 2020-05-02 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Updates 4/21/2020

 
The Colonial Club will remain closed through May 26th.  That means our club will continue meeting remotely via ZOOM until this time and possibly longer.
 
Our meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays at 8:00 am via ZOOM.
 
 
We have decided to postpone the "Service Above Self" Awards Ceremony until June 30th.  This will also extend the timeline for nominations and voting.  We are accepting nominations until June 2nd.  CLICK HERE to enter a nomination.
 
Last week, our club donated $2,000 to The Colonial Club to help support their home delivered meals program.
 
 
The Sun Prairie Foundation will be making other donations to Sunshine Place and The Boys & Girls Club of Sun Prairie.  Our club also applied for a District Grant for up to $1,000 for The Sunshine Place Food Pantry.  
 
As president, I get $1,000 to spend on projects of my choice.  $500 will go to The Boys & Girls Club of Sun Prairie and $500 will go to Rotary Club Valle de Santiago in Venezuela to support a project they do to feed hungry children in the community.  CLICK HERE for a short video on this project.
 
image
 
At today's meeting we watched a video about Polio and realized there are many similarities between the Polio Outbreak in the 1950's and what we are facing with COVID-19.  CLICK HERE to watch the video (10 minutes).
 
Dina Pocernich has ended her membership with Rotary because she moved to Baraboo last month.  Attending our morning meetings is no longer an option for her.  We will miss her dearly!
 
Exciting News!  We have 2 new members! 
 
Jen Tooley
Branch Executive of Sun Prairie YMCA
 
Lynne Goldsmith
Retired Personal Financial Advisor
 
Please help me welcome these two new members!  Lynne has attended our last two Zoom meetings.  We will be doing a Rotary induction with them soon.
 
Take care, stay healthy, and I will see you next week via Zoom!
 
Toni Pabon
President 2019-20
Rotary Updates 4/21/2020 Toni Pabon 2020-04-21 05:00:00Z 0
Supporting Colonial Club James Mastrangelo 2020-04-13 05:00:00Z 0

Accepting Nominations

We are accepting nominations for The Annual "Service Above Self" awards.

Each year since 2001, The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie recognizes 3 individuals (and/or couples) and a High School student. The award will be given to those who exemplify the principles of Rotary, to encourage and foster the ideals of service and high ethical standards in personal, business and community life.

Persons of all ages in the greater Sun Prairie area will be considered.

Nominate Now

Nominations need to be submitted by May 11th. Winners will be announced on May 19th. Award Ceremony will be June 2nd at 6:00 pm Cannery Wine Bar & Tasting Room.

Winners will also receive an honorary Rotary Membership for 1 year which includes breakfast at our weekly meetings.

Accepting Nominations Toni Pabon 2020-03-17 05:00:00Z 0
St. Patrick's Day Cash Raffle - CANCELLED Toni Pabon 2020-03-15 05:00:00Z 0

New Sound System @ MADTOWN BMX

Posted by Toni Pabon on Nov 04, 2019

Rotary Club of Sun Prairie helped fund and install a new sound system for the local BMX Track made possible by a Rotary District 6250 Matching Grant.

Rotary Volunteers today were: Toni Pabon, John Belkin, Ann Oberle, Gonzalo Delgado (RYE Inbound from Venezuela)

Madtown BMX Volunteers: Stuart Wright (track operator), Bill Kelly (master plumber), Jack Abrams (electrician).

New Sound System @ MADTOWN BMX Toni Pabon 2019-11-04 06:00:00Z 0
Bill Wambach 1925 - 2019 Toni Pabon 2019-10-23 05:00:00Z 0

District 6250 One Rotary Summit

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 03, 2019

District 6250 One Rotary Summit


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 29, 2019 - Sun Prairie
Time 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Hilton Garden Inn
1220 S Grand Ave, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
 
District 6250 One Rotary Summit Toni Pabon 2019-09-03 05:00:00Z 0
Gonzalo Arrives! Toni Pabon 2019-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Thank you Sponsors!

Posted by Toni Pabon on Aug 02, 2019
Thank you to our Golf Outing Sponsors for helping us have a successful event.  We could not do it without you!
 
Thank you Sponsors! Toni Pabon 2019-08-02 05:00:00Z 0
Pints for Polio Jake Robbins 2019-07-26 05:00:00Z 0
Thank you Letter from Sunshine Place Toni Pabon 2019-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome to the 2019-2020 Rotary year

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jul 01, 2019

Welcome to the 2019-2020 Rotary year.

Check out the video to learn more about your District Governor, Edwin Bos. Share this video and the Swiss Army knife that is ROTARY!

Happy 4th of July! What does the 4th of July mean to you and your family?

https://youtu.be/RPve7tyP-qU

 
 
Welcome to the 2019-2020 Rotary year Toni Pabon 2019-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

Meet Gonzalo!

Posted by Jake Robbins on Jun 13, 2019
Gonzalo Delgado is our Rotary Exchange Student for the 2019-2020 school year. He will be arriving this August, and we look forward to meeting him. Here's something Gonzalo wrote about himself so we could get to know him a little:
 
Hello, everybody! My name is Gonzalo Delgado, and I'm from Venezuela. My family is one of the most important treasures in my life! I have a big family and I really love all of them!
 
I will be pleased to share our traditions with you and what it's like to be a good Venezuelan! My other family is my schoolmates; I'm very happy because I will graduate this year!
 
Venezuela is such a beautiful country in the north of South America, and it capital is Caracas. We have awesome places to visit like the Angel Fall, which is the highest water fall in the world. It's an honour for me to be a representative of my country and to share with all of you my culture and customs! We love arepas (a delicious dish from my country) and we also love our music, and I will do my best to share it with you.
 
I enjoy playing the Cuatro, the most popular instrument in Venezuela! I will always be grateful to rotary for giving me this opportunity. Here in Venezuela, I'm part of Interact; my interact is called Valle de Santiago. I've learned to be a better person, and I love to help people in my community!
 
I'm so excited for this year; I can't wait to pass the best year of my life in Sun Prairie! Thank you all for giving me this opportunity!
Meet Gonzalo! Jake Robbins 2019-06-13 05:00:00Z 0

2019-2020 Rotary Theme

Posted by Jake Robbins on Jun 03, 2019
The new theme for 2019 through 2020 is Rotary Connects the World.
2019-2020 Rotary Theme Jake Robbins 2019-06-03 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Awards 2019

Posted by Thomas Hebl on May 20, 2019

Congratulations to our Service Above Self Award Recipients for 2019.

 

Pat Anhalt

Jimmy Kauffman

Karen Klemp

Thejasshri (Theju) Vembakkam - Student

 
 
For more details about these individuals: CLICK HERE.
Service Above Self Awards 2019 Thomas Hebl 2019-05-20 05:00:00Z 0
Highway Clean Up Andrew Bissonnette 2019-05-04 05:00:00Z 0
Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation donates $1,000 to Sun Prairie Jazz Band Rose Freidel 2019-04-30 05:00:00Z 0

Arbor Day 2019

Posted by Chad Wiedmeyer on Apr 30, 2019
 
In honor of Arbor Day 2019 and of two of its members, Sue Halambeck and Andrew Bissonnette, the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie is donating two trees to the City of Sun Prairie. On Tuesday, April 30th, City employees and members of the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie planted the donated trees at Orfan Park.
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
Arbor Day 2019 Chad Wiedmeyer 2019-04-30 05:00:00Z 0
Sun Prairie Foundation Gives $1,000 to Change HERstory Rose Freidel 2019-04-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary District Conference
 

 

 
  
 
 

Registration Open! No registration fee for 2019.

 

Join us in La Crosse Wisconsin! June 7-8, 2019!

 

Welcome to the 2019 District Conference!  We have had an inspiring year – now it’s time to celebrate, as well as exchange ideas and plan for the future.  In keeping with President Barry Rassin theme ”Be the Inspiration”, we have some truly inspiring stories to share with you.  We also have some inspiring challenges that face our entire district, that we will address and ask “What can a Rotary Club do about this?”  Two of those biggest challenges are the opioid epidemic in our region, and human trafficking. 
 
Besides the thought provoking sessions, we will have a membership summit meeting, our annual business meeting, and fun!  Be sure and check out the House of Friendship, and the silent auction items up for bid.  And take in some of La Crosse’s fun at the free Artspire street fair, just a block or so south of the La Crosse Center.  In the evening, there will be live entertainment there.  We also have several “international” ports of call lined up so you can sample La Crosse’s walkable downtown nightlife.
 
Rotary’s slogans and messages come and go, but this year’s theme will stay with me forever.  Because a central part of each and every Rotarian’s responsibility is truly to “Be the Inspiration”.  That should not end at the close of this Rotary year.  I hope each of us will embrace that mission, and share the gifts of Rotary with many others in the years to come!

Bill Hoel - District Governor 2018-2019
 
Select the links below to learn more about the 2019 Conference.
 

Explore La Crosse - View this video on downtown!

 
 

Hotel Accommodations in the La Crosse Area


Radisson Hotel La Crosse
Conveniently located adjacent to the La Crosse Center and within walking distance of Riverside Park, Radisson Hotel La Crosse welcomes you to Wisconsin! Enjoy a picturesque stroll along the Mississippi River, just steps from our hotel, or plan a scenic trip along the river with La Crosse Queen Cruises. Our pet-friendly hotel also offers easy access to nearby local restaurants, charming shops and a lively downtown nightlife. 
**Connected to the La Crosse Center**
200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI 54601
For Reservations Call: 608-784-6680
Reservation Code:  RD6250
Online Reservations Click Here
Complimentary wi-fi, mini-fridge and coffee makers in room.
Parking: Complimentary on-site gated parking
Rate:  $165  Deadline: May 29, 2019


Courtyard Marriott Hotel
500 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601
For Reservations Call: 608.782.1000
Reservation Code: Rotary 
Parking: Complimentary
Rate:  $152 per night   Deadline:  May 6, 2019
 
Make your plans to join Rotary District 6250 today!

Rotary District 6250 Administration
2820 Walton Commons, Suite 103
Madison, WI 53718
Phone: 608-204-9835
Fax: 608-268-8636
rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com
 
 
Rotary District Conference  Jake Robbins 2019-04-21 05:00:00Z 0

The Boys and Girls Club

Posted by Toni Pabon on Apr 16, 2019
 
 
We had a great meeting today. Michael Johnson, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, was our guest speaker and he talked about the plans for The Boys and Girls Club for Sun Prairie. Exciting things are happening in Sun Prairie and we look forward to partnering with The Boys and Girls Club of Sun Prairie in the future.
 
The Boys and Girls Club Toni Pabon 2019-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

Host Families Needed

Posted by Toni Pabon on Apr 01, 2019
The Sun Prairie Rotary Club will be hosting a BOY from VENEZUELA for the school year of 2019-20.   His name is Gonzalo Delgado and he is from San Cristobal, Venezuela
 
We are currently looking for Host Family #2 and #3.
 
2nd Host Family           December 2019 – March 2020
3rd Host Family            April 2020 – July 2020
 
Our student will be 17 years old when he arrives and he speaks fluent English.  He loves to read and to learn new languages.  Literature is his biggest interest.
 
Please contact Toni Pabon if you or someone you know may be interested in hosting.
Host Families Needed Toni Pabon 2019-04-01 05:00:00Z 0
Food and Beer Pairing with Raffle Jake Robbins 2019-03-30 05:00:00Z 0

Lucky Cash Raffle Winners!

Posted by Toni Pabon on Mar 17, 2019

Congratulations to our LUCKY CASH RAFFLE winners!

$2,000 won by Judy Levine Ticket #0258

$500 won by Debbie Fox-Schroeder Ticket #0024

$300 won by Cali Aslessen Ticket #0174

$200 won by Mary Koll #0344

Lucky Cash Raffle Winners! Toni Pabon 2019-03-17 05:00:00Z 0

Sue Halambeck

Posted by Toni Pabon on Feb 13, 2019
 
Susan M. Halambeck, 64, of Sun Prairie passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019 of natural causes.

Susan was born December 3, 1954 in Antigo, WI, a daughter of the late John and Lois (Pilecky) Halambeck.

Susan, better known as Sue to friends and family, grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Antigo High School in 1973. Susan began her college studies at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County and transferred to the University of Minnesota to complete a degree in Food Science and Technology in 1976, and later graduated with a Master of Agriculture in 1984. 

Susan was a dedicated, career-long employee of Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer, retiring in 2013. Outside of work, Susan had a passion for volunteering and was very involved with her community. Susan actively participated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. Susan volunteered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie. Susan enjoyed being a host parent for the Youth Exchange program. Recently Susan was honored to be the Rotary District Governor Nominee of District #6250 and was preparing for her term. She would have served as District Governor in 2020-2021. Susan also served as the District Grants Chair for 3 years from 2015 to 2018. These are just a few of the ways that Susan demonstrated a commitment to service in the community. 

Susan valued time spent with friends and family. Susan was a member of book clubs and bunco groups. Susan was also a master gardener. Susan's passion was traveling and she toured the globe. Susan enjoyed the adventure and absorbed the new culture at each destination. 

Susan is survived by her five sisters, Jeanne (Henry) Handschke, Green Bay, WI; Beverly (Ray) Bostwick, Bryant, WI; Lucy (Bob) Sippl, Birnamwood, WI; Betty (Mark) Nemeth, Marco Island, FL; and Mary Jo (Brent) Jiter, Kenosha, WI; her three brothers, John (Bonnie) Halambeck, Deerbrook, WI; David (Brenda) Halambeck, Kronenwetter, WI; and Matthew (Deanna) Halambeck, St. Louis, MO; 24 nieces and nephews and 21 great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents John and Emma Halambeck and maternal grandparents Louis and Bernice Pilecky, and step mother JoAnn (Baguhn) Halambeck.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, February 23, 2019 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive in Sun Prairie, WI at 11:00 am with Monsignor Donn Heiar presiding. A memorial visitation will take place from 9:00 am until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be made to the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation in support of the Kindness Retreats and the Youth Exchange Program.
 
Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054
Sue Halambeck Toni Pabon 2019-02-13 06:00:00Z 0

Highway Clean Up

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on Nov 10, 2018

The Sun Prairie Rotary Club conducted its final Highway Clean Up of 2018 on Saturday, November 10th.

Working along Hwy 151 between Reiner Road and Main Street.  The group collected 35 large bags of trash.

Despite how cold the weather was to start, everyone got comfortable as the sun rose higher and the wind died down.

Shown here in the front row, left to right, are Clean Up crew volunteers Rich Holsinger, Katie Klemp, Drew Pocernich, and Dina Pocernich. In the back row are Andy Bissonnette, Chad Wiedmeyer, Rick Klemp, Steve Olson, Dan Presser and Ann Weber.

Highway Clean Up Andrew Bissonnette 2018-11-10 06:00:00Z 0
Patrick Marsh Work Day Andrew Bissonnette 2018-11-01 05:00:00Z 0
Hope 2 Others Matching Grant Sue Halambeck 2018-09-18 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Exchange - Looking for Outbounds

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 17, 2018

It’s that time of year again! Rotary District 6250 is now accepting applications for Youth Exchange for the school year of 2019-20.

ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2019-20
• Not YOUNGER than 15.5 on August 1, 2019
• Not OLDER than 18.5 on August 1, 2019
• A minimum of 2.75 GPA or student ranking in the top 50% of class

For more information visit: https://goo.gl/WMC8Sp

 
Rotary Youth Exchange - Looking for Outbounds Toni Pabon 2018-09-17 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Night at Madison Mallard’s Game Aug. 11

Rotary Night at Madison Mallard’s Game Aug. 11

Join with other area Rotary Clubs for a Rotary Mallard’s Game on Saturday, August 11th, for Rotary Night at the Duck Pond when the Mallard’s take on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders for a 6:05 pm game. Ticket options are: $10 for a reserved stadium seat and official Mallard’s hat; $20 for a reserved stadium seat and all you can eat ballpark food and soda; or $25 for a reserved stadium seat and all you can eat ballpark food and beer. Tailgate begins when gates open at 4:30pm and goes until the start of the game at 6:05pm. 

To Purchase Tickets Go to MallardsBaseball.com  
Click Buy Tickets in upper right corner.  
In Promotions Box on the right side of the screen, enter Promo Code: RI HAT, RI SODA, OR RI BEER 
 
Follow the steps to purchase tickets *Online orders include $2.00/ticket fee
Rotary Night at Madison Mallard’s Game Aug. 11 2018-06-08 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Road Trip 2018

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jun 08, 2018
 
TAILGATE PARTY AND GAME
CHICAGO CUBS VS MILWAUKEE BREWERS
10:30 AM TAILGATE PARTY
1:10 GAME TIME
 
Event proceeds will benefit the One World Medical Foundation - a 501(c)3 organization supporting PTSD, TBI, and Moral Injury research and treatment for our Military Servants.
 
Event has been organized by Rotary District 6440 abd 6270.
Rotary Road Trip 2018 Toni Pabon 2018-06-08 05:00:00Z 0
Personal Photo Shoot with Lara Toni Pabon 2018-06-08 05:00:00Z 0

RYLA 2018!

Posted by Rose Freidel on May 22, 2018
 
Sun Prairie Rotary Club sponsored 4 students to attend RYLA this year.  Watch the video above to see what they did.  Three of the students came back to Rotary to talk about their experiences.
 
 
RYLA 2018! Rose Freidel 2018-05-22 05:00:00Z 0

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS

Posted by Thomas Hebl on May 22, 2018

2018 SUN PRAIRIE ROTARY

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS

Emma Johansson - Student

Natalie Rodgers - Student

Paul Esser

Lorie DeLong-Candelmo

Sandy Kintner

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS Thomas Hebl 2018-05-22 05:00:00Z 0

Josh & Caryn have TWINS!

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on May 21, 2018
I’m delighted to announce that my wife, Caryn, gave birth to twins on May 21st. We welcomed to the world Flora Pearl and Brecker Sage Kindkeppel! 

Flora was 7 lbs 2 oz, 20" long
and 
Brecker was 6 lbs 7 oz, 20" long. 

We have much to learn and look forward to.
 
Josh & Caryn have TWINS! Joshua Kindkeppel 2018-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

Highway Clean Up May 2018

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on May 21, 2018
 
 
The first Rotary Club Highway Cleanup project of this season took place on Saturday, May 12th, along  Highway 151 between Reiner Road and Main Street in Sun Prairie. The volunteers made an impressive haul that morning with 34 large bags of trash. Shown above in the first row are Sam Searles, Toni Pabon, Rich Holsinger, Laura Jennings, and Anne Weber. In the second row are Sarah Searles, Steve Olson, Chad Wiedmeyer and Mark Chin. Not shown is Andy Bissonnette. Mr. Chin is a member of the Sun Prairie Optimists Club, and this marked the first project where the clubs are planning on inter-club cooperation and providing mutual assistance. 
 
Highway Clean Up May 2018 Andrew Bissonnette 2018-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

Arbor Day 2018

Posted by Aaron Oppenheimer on Apr 30, 2018
 
 
SUN PRAIRIE, WIS. — April 21, 2017— Each year, the last Friday of April is designated as Arbor Day in Wisconsin. Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to the encouragement of individuals and groups to plant, and care for, trees. In honor of Arbor Day 2018 and of two of its members, Laura Jennings and Rose Freidel, the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie is donating two trees to the City of Sun Prairie. On Tuesday, May 1st at 8:30 AM, City employees and members of the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie will plant the donated trees at Orfan Park.
 
“I would like to thank the Rotary Club for continuing the tradition of planting trees in our community parks. Trees contribute to making our parks aesthetically pleasing, environmentally-friendly, and enjoyable for our residents.” – Aaron Oppenheimer, City Administrator
 
Arbor Day 2018 Aaron Oppenheimer 2018-04-30 05:00:00Z 0

New Members!

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Apr 30, 2018
 
Rick Holsinger 

Retired

 
Kathleen Chapman

The Chocolate Caper

New Members! Joshua Kindkeppel 2018-04-30 05:00:00Z 0

Twins Babies Shower!

Posted by Rose Freidel on Apr 24, 2018
President, Josh Kindkeppel, and his wife are expecting TWINS any day.  The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie showered him with gifts this morning. 
 

Best wishes from the members of Sun Prairie Rotary

Twins Babies Shower! Rose Freidel 2018-04-24 05:00:00Z 0

Hoops For Hope Winner!

Posted by David Berggren on Apr 24, 2018
Today, Jim Mastrangelo was awarded the annual trophy for winning Hoops For Hope.  He picked The Colonial Club to donate the proceeds to. 
 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Hoops For Hope Winner! David Berggren 2018-04-24 05:00:00Z 0

SP Rotary Foundation Gives $1,000

Posted by Toni Pabon on Apr 24, 2018
It was a busy day at Rotary today.  Laura Jennings, President of The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation, presented 2 check donations to the following organizations.
 
  • $500 to Sun Prairie High School Jazz Band for Essentially Ellington Competition

  • $500 to Patrick Marsh for a Wildlife Area Boardwalk

 
 
 
 
The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation, a 501(3)c tax-exempt organization, was established as the giving arm of the Sun Prairie Rotary Club in 1996 with an initial endowment from the estate of Rotarian Clarence Grundahl.  The Sun Prairie Foundation reached $100,000 in 2007.  
SP Rotary Foundation Gives $1,000 Toni Pabon 2018-04-24 05:00:00Z 0
Hoops for Hope 2018 David Berggren 2018-04-17 05:00:00Z 0

2018-19 Rotary Theme

Posted by Chad Wiedmeyer on Apr 12, 2018

2018-19: Be the Inspiration

Theme logo 2018-19 EN

RI President-elect Barry Rassin’s theme for 2018-19, Be the Inspiration, asks Rotarians to inspire change in the world and in each other. “I ask all of you to Be the Inspiration to help Rotary move from reaction to action — to take a hard look at the environmental issues that affect health and welfare around the world and do what we can to help.”

2018-19 Rotary Theme Chad Wiedmeyer 2018-04-12 05:00:00Z 0
D6250 Grants Review Sue Halambeck 2018-03-04 06:00:00Z 0

New Host Families for 2018-19

Posted by Toni Pabon on Feb 11, 2018
 
Sun Prairie Rotary is looking for 1 host family for our next student, Lekha, from India.  If you know of anyone interested in hosting, please have them contact us.
 
Toni Pabon, Youth Exchange Officer, 608-628-7306
Dan Presser, Youth Exchange Counselor, 608-239-1834
 
 
3rd Host Family host April through July 2019
 

Lekha, from India

New Host Families for 2018-19 Toni Pabon 2018-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

Welcome New Members!

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Feb 11, 2018
 
 
Sarah Searles 

New Perspective Senior Living

 
Svetha Hetzler
Rex Owens

Sun Prairie Library

Welcome New Members! Joshua Kindkeppel 2018-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

TRICON 2018

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Feb 11, 2018

Registration Open TRICON 2018

TRICON 2018 Joshua Kindkeppel 2018-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

Lara's YouTube Channel

Posted by Toni Pabon on Feb 11, 2018
Did you know that Lara Langkamp has her own YouTube channel?  Check it out and subscribe to her channel.  She is documenting her exchange through VLOG (a blog in which the postings are primarily in video form).  
 
Lara's YouTube Channel Toni Pabon 2018-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Posted by Rose Freidel on Feb 11, 2018

RYLA Dates for 2018: May 18-20, 2018 at Camp Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells, WI

What Is RYLA

Established as a Rotary Structured Program in 1971, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people.

The Rotary District 6250 RYLA program is a camp designed to build future leaders and Rotarians who exemplify the four way test.

  • Is it the Truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build good will and better friendships?
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Check out this video!

 

 

Where is it?

  • RYLA will be held at Camp Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells, WI

 

When is it?

  • The 2018 Rotary District 6250 RYLA Program is May 18 – 20, 2018

 

Who can attend?

  • Each year Rotary Clubs can sponsor students from local high schools to attend (it is strongly suggested sophomores be chosen, however this is not a requirement)
  • Adult Rotarians are always welcome and needed to help facilitate the Conference (and to come have fun!)

 

What is the cost?

  • The cost to attend the camp is:
    • $200 if complete paperwork is submitted by April 1, 2018 and is paid by the local Rotary Club.
    • $225 for any registrations with paperwork arriving after April 2, 2018 - Apirl 13, 2018
    • Please Note:  Due to club response and camp limits we will be at a a maximum occupancy this year.  Availability will be on a first apply, first filled basis.  All paperwork must be submitted to guarantee a spot.  
    • Please note that transportation is the local Rotary Club’s responsibility.
       

Learn about RYLA at RI

  • Click here to learn more about RYLA on the Rotary International website. 

Co-Chairs

Michelle TerMaat-McGrath (Madison Downtown Rotary Club):  Email -or- Phone 608-241-7107
Ben Bauer (Marshfield Sunrise Club): Email -or- Phone 715-650-1060
 

2018 RYLA Camp; May 18-20    

RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Rose Freidel 2018-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

District Governor Nominee Designate - Sue Halambeck

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Nov 21, 2017
Dear Fellow Rotarians - Just received the wonderful news that our very own Sue Halambeck has been selected as District Governor Nominee Designate.  She will serve as District Governor in 2020-21.  As someone who has worked along side Sue for the last 6 years on the Kindness Retreats, I know she will bring great honor, organization, execution, and excellence to this leadership position.  Congrats Sue!    Josh 
 
Here is a note from DC Joe Ruskey regarding Sue's nomination.  
 
I wanted to reach out to you to give you the exciting news that the District 6250 nominating committee has selected our District Governor Nominee Designate.  If approved at our district’s annual meeting in May,  she will follow DGN Edwin Bos.  We had interest from many candidates throughout the district.  After many interviews, deep discussion, and deep thought, the nomination committee has selected Sue Halambeck from the Sun Prairie Rotary Club.  Sue has been giving back through her job and Rotary for many years.  Before retiring with Kraft/Oscar Mayer, Sue travelled internationally working on food projects in developing countries.  She joined Rotary in 2004 to become more connected to the community.  She served as President in 2008/09.  Her passion has been working with the youth in many capacities.  She has worked tirelessly on the ethics initiative with the Youth Frontiers which ensures that every 4th grader in district goes through the curriculum covering ethics, anti bullying, and much more.  Sue also served on the Youth Frontiers Advisory Committee.  She has also served as a host mom for an inbound Exchange student from France among many other duties with her club.  At the district level, Sue has served in the role as District Grants Committee Chair for the past 3 years.  Through Rotary, she has also gone on multiple friendship exchanges.  Sue’s volunteer efforts and service extend beyond Rotary.  In addition to working with Youth Frontiers, Sue also has served on the YMCA Advisory board, Served on the Stewardship Subcommittee for TCM Downtown Madison, and has served as a Make a Wish granter.  I feel that her desire to serve others will make Sue an excellent addition to the deep tradition of District 6250 Governor’s belief of Service above Self and truly Making a Difference.
 
Please help me in Welcoming Sue as the District Governor Nominee Designate.  If there are any questions, please let me know.
 
Joe Ruskey
 
District Governor
2017-2018 Rotary Year
District Governor Nominee Designate - Sue Halambeck Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-11-21 06:00:00Z 0
Holiday Party 2017 Jane LaMere 2017-11-21 06:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast & Craft Fair

Posted by Chad Wiedmeyer on Nov 10, 2017
 

It's not too late to sign up as a Vendor for the Craft Fair.  CLICK HERE!

 
Rotarians.....If you have not paid for your 10 tickets, you can pay the $60 using PAYPAL.  CLICK HERE.  Otherwise send a check to Chad W. for $60.00.
 
Pancake Breakfast & Craft Fair Chad Wiedmeyer 2017-11-10 06:00:00Z 0

Highway Clean Up 2017

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on Oct 28, 2017
 
On Saturday, October 28th, members of the Sun Prairie Rotary Club conducted their final highway cleanup of the year along Hwy 151 from Reiner Rd to Main Street. They faced chilly weather with a low wind chill, but were undaunted.  They collected a record 34 large bags of trash for their efforts. Shown here from left in the front row, Debbie Fox -Schroeder, Andy Bissonnette, , Laura Jennings, and Jim Mastrangelo. Back row, Chad Wiedmeyer, John Belken, Mark Olson and Rick Klemp. Not pictured was Rose Freidel.
 
 
Debbie Fox Schroeder demonstrating what all well dressed highway cleanup workers should wear on a Badger game day!
Highway Clean Up 2017 Andrew Bissonnette 2017-10-28 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary International Tour Toni Pabon 2017-10-20 05:00:00Z 0

ColoniALE Fest '17

Posted by Mark Olsen on Sep 28, 2017

It's time again for the 7th annual ColoniALE Fest, a beer & wine tasting event that benefits the Colonial Club Senior Center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves older adults and their families throughout northeast Dane County, Wisconsin.

There will be over 60 different types of beer featuring everything from porters to IPA, from beer makers in Wisconsin and around the world. Special guest will be The Beer Baron from the Wisconsin State Journal. He will lead three short informational sessions about beers and things to look for when sampling. Another special addition is the continued presence of the Sun Prairie Wort Hogs, our local home brew organization. Sample some of their creations and learn about brewing beer. For the non-beer drinker in the crowd, we will be sampling a variety of great wines as well.

Ticket prices include free food. Designated driver tickets are also available, as well as free overnight parking and free trips home within the City of Sun Prairie.

BUY TICKETS NOW

ColoniALE Fest '17 Mark Olsen 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Partner of the Year

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Sep 28, 2017
 

The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie was awarded PARTNER OF THE YEAR from SP Community Schools.

Partner of the Year Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Sun Prairie Fire Department Open House

Posted by Ronald Riechers on Sep 28, 2017
 
We are making and serving pancakes at the Sun Prairie Fire Department Open House.  We serve the fireman at 7:30 am and then the public starting at 8:00 am.  We will need 14 - 16 volunteers to help in the morning.  There will be 2 shifts, first one starting at 6:30 am.  We will be done serving around 11 am or until we are out of food.  Sign up sheets will be coming soon.
 

SUN PRAIRIE FIRE STATION OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

Sun Prairie Fire Station #1
135 N. Bristol Street
Sun Prairie, WI  53590
 
For more information CLICK HERE
Sun Prairie Fire Department Open House Ronald Riechers 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

World Polio Day

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 28, 2017

World Polio Day - October 24, 2017

Mark your calendar World Polio Awareness Day on October 24, 2017!  Rotary District 6250 will host an event at the Madison Capital from 4 pm to 6 pm. We will be meeting at the State Street side of the Capital to create awareness of Rotary’s impact on the eradication of Polio.  


Rotary members in Wisconsin are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio – a vaccine preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. 

  
 WHAT: Polio Awareness Day
 
WHEN:  October 24, 2017 4 pm to 6 pm
 
WHERE: Madison State Capital Steps

Let us know your coming!  CLICK HERE!

World Polio Day Toni Pabon 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary One Summit

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Sep 28, 2017
 

Attention All Enthusiastic Rotarians!





Saturday
October 7, 2017

Wilderness Resort
Wisconsin Dells

9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Is your club finding it challenging to retain current and attract new members?
  • Are you frustrated with attempts at having non-Rotarians in your community hear about the good work of Rotary in your community and in the world?
  • Are you looking for ways to engage your members in Rotary’s work throughout the world through the Rotary International Foundation?
     
JOIN other Rotary LEADERS from our District as we EXCHANGE IDEAS and TAKE ACTION on actual proven ideas on how to energize and bolster your club for growth, service and public interaction. 

Why attend?  A much-used description of Rotary these days is “Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas, Take Action”.  Well, this is a chance to help lead your club in some fashion, by joining leaders, hearing ideas from other clubs, and taking them back to your own club.  In the process, you may well help another Rotary club by explaining how your club does something that they find interesting.  In short, this is not a chance to sit on your rear and listen to speaker after speaker.  It’s a chance to talk with others in a structured session, and then rotate to two more similar sessions with different people.  At the end of the session, we will have about a half hour to “shop” as you review many ideas from other tables you might not have heard, but you can read them off posters, and if necessary get a quick explanation, and take them back to your club.
 
 
AGENDA
8:30 amRegistration & Fellowship
9:00 amWelcome - Setting the Stage:
Membership, Public Image, Foundation, People o Action
9:45 amHometown Scenarios
10:45 amMoving to Action
11:15 amFundraising Ideas and stategies
11:30 amWrap-up and Idea Sharing
NoonEnjoy lunch to conclude the event!
1:00 pmDistrict Advisory Meeting (Agenda)
3:00 pmBoard of Directors Meeting
 

There is no fee, but please register by September 29, 2017 so that we can be sure to have enough food and materials for all attendees.

 
For more information please contact District Governor Elect, Bill Hoel at hoelb@centurytel.net​ or the District office at rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com or 608-204-9835
Rotary One Summit Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary International Tour &
 Chicago Crime and Mob Tour

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 28, 2017

Tentative Schedule

Time
 
7:00 am
Depart for Evanston, Illinois
Meet at the American Center Park & Ride,
2 Eastpark Blvd, Madison, WI 53718
Near Erins Snug Irish Pub & Enterprise Rent-a-Car
10:00 am
Arrive at RI Headquarters
10:15 am
Start RI TOUR
10:45 am
End RI TOUR
11:00 am
Walk to Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for LUNCH
8-minute walk
1850 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
1:00 pm
Depart for Northside of Chicago
Chicago Crime and Mob Tour
Near North Side, across from the Water Tower Place shopping mall
163 E. Pearson Street
South East corner of Pearson and Michigan Ave.
Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson St. (east of Michigan Avenue). Look for the black Windy City Limousine Bus with yellow Chicago crime scene tape. Bus departs on time.
2:00 pm
Start Chicago Crime and Mob Tour
3:30 pm
End Chicago Crime and Mob Tour
4:00 pm
Depart for Home
7:00 pm
Arrive at Home
 

Total Cost = $77.95 (estimated with lunch)

  • Cost $37.95 per person for Chicago Crime and Mob Tour  Bus Tour
  • Cost $20.00 to your driver for gas, tolls, parking
  • Cost $20.00 (estimate) for lunch and snacks.
Cancellation Policy – Chicago Crime and Mob Tour
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
 
Rotary International Tour & Chicago Crime and Mob Tour Toni Pabon 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Meet & Greet Lara Langkamp

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 14, 2017
Rotarians and host families are invited to an informal meet & greet at the Harris home on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  This is to get to know Lara, our inbound RYE student from Germany.
 

Mike & Wendy Harris

6322 Templeton Terrace

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

 
Meet & Greet Lara Langkamp Toni Pabon 2017-09-14 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor Comes to Sun Prairie 9/19

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Sep 14, 2017

Meet 2017 - 2018 District 6250 Governor Joe Ruskey on Tuesday, September 19

Joe has been a member of the Prairie du Chien Rotary club since 2003.  He served as President in 2007 -2008, a member of the board of directors, membership chair, and chair of the fundraising committee.  In 2008 Joe started to work with the district as an AG for group 10.  He held this position from 2008 – 2012.  In 2012 Joe accepted the position of District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair.  He will continue in this role until July 2016.  He has been a part of the team that has helped usher in Future Vision throughout District 6250.  Joe feels that with Future Vision, Our Foundation is uniquely positioned to change lives all over the world while ensuring dollars are used to their fullest.  That is the power of Our Foundation. 

Even though Joe has been in Rotary since 2003, he states he ‘actually’ became a Rotarian in 2007 when becoming president of his club.  While in this roll Joe truly learned what Rotary is.  It lined up with his and his wife’s belief that we are only here to serve others.  Continuing into the role of AG, Joe learned more about the power of Rotary both locally and internationally.  As he learned about the Foundation, he became more convinced that Rotary allowed him and his family to walk out their beliefs. 

Joe has been involved in both local projects and international projects.  He has worked with clubs all over the district to make sure that their ideas and projects are backed and strengthened through both district and global grants.  Joe and his team have been involved in awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of grants allowing him to have a front row seat to the power of Rotary and the amazing tool that Our Foundation is.  He was personally involved in a project in Ghana that allowed over 86000 people to have their lives changed.  Joe believes that is a statement of the importance and necessity of Rotary.  He also believes that right now is so important because needs all over the globe increase daily.  In addition, we are so close to finishing our job to eradicate polio.  We are on track to see it eliminated in 2018.  He believes we can’t let up when we are so close. 

Joe lives in Prairie du Chien with his wife, Tina, his daughter, Samantha, and his Son, Joseph.  His Daughter was an outbound Rotary Exchange Student to Denmark in 2013/14.  His family has also hosted 2 inbound exchange students.  Joe and Tina are both supporters of the Rotary Foundation.  Tina is a Paul Harris and a bequest society member.  Joe is a Paul Harris plus member, a sustaining member, a bequest society member, and a Paul Harris society member.  Joe and Tina own Dependable Solutions, Inc., a technology consulting firm specializing in Computer Network Support, design, and implementation with locations in Prairie du Chien, Boscobel, and La Crosse. 

In his spare time, Joe enjoys diving, grilling, and travelling with his wife and kids.  Joe and Tina enjoy travelling throughout the district and beyond to different Rotary events and clubs.  It allows them to see all the good Rotary does around the world and it is something so important to both of them.

District Governor Comes to Sun Prairie 9/19 Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-09-14 05:00:00Z 0

Looking for New Outbounds for 2018-19 School Year!

Posted by Toni Pabon on Sep 14, 2017
We are looking for new Outbounds for going abroad next year.  
 

Eligibility

  • Not YOUNGER than 15.5 on August 1, 2018
  • Not OLDER than 18.5 on August 1, 2018
  • A minimum of 2.75 GPA or student ranking in the top 50% of class

What is Rotary Youth Exchange?

  • Opportunity to learn a new culture and language
  • Opportunity to be an ambassador
  • Opportunity to make friends for a lifetime
  • It’s a year of adventure
Rotary District 6250, as part of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program, sends and receives students to/from 40 countries:
 
Australia
Greece
Paraguay
Argentina
Hungary
Peru
Belgium
India
Poland
Brazil
Indonesia
Spain
Chile
Italy
Sweden
Croatia
Japan
Switzerland
Denmark
South Korea
Taiwan
Estonia
Latvia
Thailand
Finland
Lithuania
Zambia
France
Mexico
+ many more
Germany
Norway
(List is subject to change)

The Application Process

STEP 1.
  • Talk with your parents and get their approval and support
STEP 2.
STEP 3.
  • You are contacted by a Rotary Representative
STEP 4.
  • You are connected with a Local Rotary Club which will sponsor you
STEP 5.
  • You and your family are interviewed by your local Rotary Club representative
STEP 6.
  • You are given the link to start the Full Application Online
STEP 7.
  • Make appointment for a physical with your doctor
STEP 8.
  • Make appointment for a check up with your dentist
STEP 9.
  • Get a copy of your birth certificate.  It must be validated/issued on or AFTER JUNE 1
STEP 10.
  • Apply for a passport or renew your passport if it expires on or before December 31 the year you return
STEP 11.
  • Complete the Full Application Online
STEP 12.
  • Complete the Application Supplemental Documents (sent via email link)
STEP 13.
  • Attend the District Outbound Orientation Interviews (First Sunday of November)
STEP 14.
  • Acceptance or Rejection notification takes place 1-2 days after interviews
STEP 15.
  • Start Preparing for your exchange...(more details to come)
 
****Steps are listed in preferred order, but do not have to be completed exactly in the order listed above.
 
Please share with students/parents who would be interested.  More information can be found online.  CLICK HERE.
Looking for New Outbounds for 2018-19 School Year! Toni Pabon 2017-09-14 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary International Tour & Chicago Trip

Posted by Toni Pabon on Aug 31, 2017
 
Our club is arranging a trip to Evanston, Illinois to visit The Rotary International Headquarters.  After we will have dinner and do something fun in Chicago.  Anyone is welcome to join us.  More details will be coming soon.
 

FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2017

Rotary International Tour & Chicago Trip Toni Pabon 2017-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

Dinner with Friends

Posted by Toni Pabon on Aug 31, 2017
The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie is trying something new.  "Dinner with Friends" is going to be held 2 times a year. Once in the fall and once in the spring. It's an event where we match several couples together and they have a pot-luck at someone's house or go to a restaurant for dinner (host's choice).  No more than 3 couples will be assigned to a host.
 
This is a great way to get to know others in our club and it's an opportunity to meet their partner. If you're single, don't worry, you can also participate and have a good time!
 
Please complete this form to sign up for Dinner With Friends.  We will be accepting sign ups for the next 2 weeks or until we have enough people to make small groups.
 
Groups will be assigned and notified by mid-September.  Hosts will be asked to contact their group and set up a date and time for the dinner.  Dinners should be planned before Thanksgiving.  Host can choose to invite children or not.
 
Have fun with this!  You can get creative and have a themed dinner or just keep it simple. 
 
CLICK HERE to participate.
Dinner with Friends Toni Pabon 2017-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
Georgia O'Keeffe Art Festival & Gala Aaron Oppenheimer 2017-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

Lara From Germany Arrives

Posted by Toni Pabon on Aug 16, 2017
 
 
Lara arrives in Madison on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 10:15 pm.  She arrived late because she missed her connecting flight in Atlanta due to a missing passport and identification.  Someone at the airport found her passport and it was returned to her.  She made it on the next flight to Madison.  After almost 24 hours of travel, Lara arrived safely in Madison.  She was greeted by all three host families and some Rotarians.
 
We are excited to host Lara and learn more about her in the coming year. 
Lara From Germany Arrives Toni Pabon 2017-08-16 05:00:00Z 0
Golf Outing 2017 Photos Toni Pabon 2017-08-03 05:00:00Z 0

Next Speaker

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel
story thumbnail

Don't miss our next speaker, Gary Hebl, Representative Assembly District 46. Gary Hebl will be talking about "Current Political Issues in Wisconsin" on Aug 01, 2017.

Meeting starts at 7:15 am and ends at 8:15 am @ The Colonial Club in Sun Prairie.

Invite a friend, co-worker, neighbor.

Next Speaker Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-07-28 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori dies

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel

Rotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.

Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori died Thursday, 13 July.

“Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone,” Sam said when he was nominated last year. “I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.”

Sam's term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on 1 July 2018.

“Please remember Sam as the outstanding, hardworking Rotarian he was,” said Rotary International President Ian Riseley. “In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family, and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.”

Under Sam's leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years. 

Sam saw in Rotary members "an incredible passion to make a difference," and wanted to "harness that enthusiasm and pride so that every project becomes the engine of peace and prosperity."

Sam was the chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, whose mission is to promote excellence in corporate governance principles and practice in the region by 2020. Previously, he was executive director of the African Development Bank, managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank.  He has also served as corporate secretary of the Central Bank of Uganda.

He served as member and chair of several boards including FAULU (U) Ltd., (now Opportunity Bank), the Uganda Heart Institute, the Centre for African Family Studies, Mulago Hospital Complex, Mukono Theological College, and the Kampala City Council.

Sam also was the vice chair of Hospice Africa Uganda, and board member and chair of the Audit Committee of PACE (Programme for Accessible Health, Communication, and Education) in Uganda.

“Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community, and the world,” Riseley said. “We are establishing details on plans to celebrate his life as they become available.” 

Rotary is establishing a memorial fund in Sam's honor and will provide details soon.  

Source:  https://www.rotary.org/en/president-elect-sam-owori-dies  

Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori dies Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-07-28 05:00:00Z 0

Jade's Going Away Party

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jul 28, 2017
Thank you Beth for hosting Jade's going away party.  It was AMAZING!
 
CLICK HERE to view all the photos
 
 
Jade's Going Away Party Toni Pabon 2017-07-28 05:00:00Z 0

2017-18 Board Meetings

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Jul 18, 2017
The Sun Prairie Rotary Club board meetings will be held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 4:30 pm.  Members are welcome to attend. 

Eustice, Laffey, Sebranek & Auby, SC

100 Wilburn Road, Suite 202

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

2017-18 Board Meetings Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-07-18 05:00:00Z 0
Food Pantry Help! Laura Jennings 2017-07-18 05:00:00Z 0

Jade's Airport Send Off

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jul 18, 2017
Jade is leaving from the Madison Airport on Friday, July 21st.  Her Delta flight 517  is departing at 4:30 pm.  If you would like to see her off, please plan on arriving at the Airport around 3:30 pm.
 
Thank you!
 
Toni
Jade's Airport Send Off Toni Pabon 2017-07-18 05:00:00Z 0

Good Bye Jade!

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jul 18, 2017
Click above to watch the video slideshow of Jade's Exchange Year.
Good Bye Jade! Toni Pabon 2017-07-18 05:00:00Z 0
Thank you Mark Olsen! Toni Pabon 2017-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

2017-18 Rotary Theme

Posted on Jun 29, 2017

Securing Rotary’s future

In his address to the 2017-18 class of district governors, Riseley also urged clubs to improve their gender balance and lower the average age of their members.

Only 22 percent of Rotary’s members are women, up from 13 percent 10 years ago. At that rate, Riseley said, it will take another three decades for Rotary to achieve gender parity.

We know that we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone.

“Three decades is far too long to wait to achieve a Rotary that reflects the world in which we live. We need to make it a priority now,” he said.

Noting that 103 of the 539 incoming governors are women, Riseley said they are the type of women we need in Rotary, “leaders who will help Rotary connect with, and represent, and better serve, all of the members of all our communities.”

Riseley also believes it is imperative that clubs find ways to attract and engage younger members. Today only 5 percent of reported members are under 40, and a majority of members are over 60, Riseley told the audience.

“Consider what Rotary stands to look like 10 or 20 years from now if we don’t get very serious, very soon, about bringing in younger members,” Riseley said.

Clubs will make a difference this year through their own decisions, said Riseley, but it will take teamwork on a global scale to move Rotary forward and secure its future.

“We know that we can do more together than we could ever hope to do alone,” he told incoming governors. “I ask you to keep that spirit of teamwork and cooperation always in your minds and to take it back with you to your districts.”

 

By Ryan Hyland:  https://www.rotary.org/en/2017-18-ri-president-ian-hs-riseley-announces-his-presidential-theme 

2017-18 Rotary Theme 2017-06-29 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Annual Picnic Toni Pabon 2017-06-29 05:00:00Z 0
Jade's Going Away Party susan 2017-06-29 05:00:00Z 0

Raffle Prizes, Sponsorships, Golfers Needed

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jun 29, 2017
Dear Rotarians, 
 
The Golf outing is just about 1 month away.  We are looking for every Rotarian to participate in some way.  There are at least 4 ways you can help.
 
You can also sign up for dinner only if you are not a golfer.  CLICK HERE for dinner tickets.
 
Raffle Prizes, Sponsorships, Golfers Needed Mark Olsen 2017-06-29 05:00:00Z 0

Email Template for Recruiting Golfers

Posted by James Mastrangelo on Jun 29, 2017

Here is an email template that you can use to help recruit golfers for our Golf Outing in August:

 
I hope you will consider putting together a team of golfers to play in this year’s Golf Outing cosponsored by the Sun Prairie Rotary Club & Education Foundation.  This tournament is our main fund raiser and we hope to have at least 25 teams [100 golfers] registered for this important event.
 
The tournament will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at the Oaks Golf Course.  For a team of 4 golfers the cost is $350 which includes box lunch, golf with a cart, and dinner.  Individual golfers can register for $90 each and we would then try to create a foursome for all of those that register as singles.  In addition to golf, there will be many prizes, special events, and raffles for all to participate in.
 
You can register and pay online by clicking on the following link and pay with a credit card: http://www.golfoutingpro.com/event/sunprairierotary

Please invite your friends, co-workers, family, neighbors, etc....

Email Template for Recruiting Golfers James Mastrangelo 2017-06-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Picnic Venue Changed!

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jun 27, 2017
I received a call this morning that Orfan Park is not available today because of a power outage.  Apparently a car hit a transformer and took out power to the area last night and it will not be back in time for our picnic.  We could do without electrical power, but it also means that we can not use the bathrooms.  Because of that I decided it was best to move the location of the picnic.
 
With it being a beautiful day, my wife and I decided to host the picnic at our house.  Our address is 6368 Irving Dr. Sun Prairie.  If you are coming from Hwy 19 you will turn into Gehre's Knoll just across from Gus's Diner.  You will come to a stop sign right away and take a left onto Irving Dr.  Wind around to the back of the neighborhood and our house is on the left hand side (6368 Irving Dr).  It is a tan two story house with a basketball court in the backyard. 
 
If you could call a couple Rotarians that you are close to and feel may not get the email message that would be great.  Communication is the biggest challenge in a last minute change of location such as this.  Please help me out in this regard and contact a few Rotarians to make sure they are aware of the change.
 
Thanks a lot and I apologize for the inconvenience!
Mark
Rotary Picnic Venue Changed! Mark Olsen 2017-06-27 05:00:00Z 0

New Member

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jun 20, 2017
Welcome To Our Club!

Hank Egan

VP Business Banker
Starion Bank
 
Sponsored by Josh Kindkeppel
 
Hank has been approved as a member of The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie.
New Member Mark Olsen 2017-06-20 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Awards 2017

Posted by Thomas Hebl on Jun 06, 2017
 
Sun Prairie Rotary initiated the Sun Prairie's Service Above Self Awards in 2001.  Criteria utilizes Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and the Four Way Test.  Rotary’s motto, Service above Self exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s members.  Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.  Rotarian’s nominate individuals in the community who exemplify the principles. The last few years we have nominated one high school student. 
 

2017 Winners

From Left to Right:  Mark Olsen, President of Sun Prairie Rotary,  Winners:  Patrick Ross, Lisa Wilkins, Aditya Sharma (Student), Wendy Harris.  Photo courtesy of Meghan Chua, The Star.

 

2017 SUN PRAIRIE ROTARY

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD WINNERS

 

WENDY HARRIS

PATRICK ROSS

LISA WILKINS

ADITYA SHARMA


 

Wendy Harris (Retired School Teacher – Sun Prairie High School)

Nominated by: Toni Pabon
 
Wendy moved to Sun Prairie in 1991 and joined the Sun Prairie High School staff as a math teacher until her retirement in 2013.  During that time, she served as a teacher, curriculum leader, and was mathematics department coordinator for four years. She was also the union secretary and treasurer. 
 
In 1998, Wendy helped start the first Trig-Star program in the state of Wisconsin (math program organized by land surveyors with the goal of showing how trigonometry is applied in the real world).
 
Wendy welcomed the program and helped set up the state surveyor’s association.  The program grew from one school to 16 schools exposing on average more than 500 students to the test.  Sun Prairie High School has had four state winners and one national placement.  Without Wendy’s willingness to take on the extra work, this program would never have been successful. Wendy and her husband Mike were foster parents for a year. They hosted an AFS student from Indonesia for a semester. Wendy was an AFS student for a year in Austria when she was in high school. She speaks German and helped the Sun Prairie High School exchange program with their partner school in Friesack, Germany. She hosted teachers from Germany five times.
 
Wendy has traveled a lot...to Germany, Rumania, Iceland as well as in the United States.
 
She has a daughter, two stepsons and 3 grandchildren.
 
Wendy has been a tremendous help on The Rotary Youth Exchange program this year.  She and her husband Mike, were Jade’s (France) 2nd host family.  They took her in and gave her a great home environment.  They hosted Jade one month longer than normal because we were still looking for Jade’s 3rd family.  Wendy was the person to seek and find Jade’s 3rd family for us.  Without her help, Jade would not have 3 different host families this year.
 
We appreciate her and her support of Rotary Youth Exchange in Sun Prairie.

 

Lisa Wilkins (The Bed Lady)

Nominated by: Andrew Bissonnette
 
Lisa is the “bed lady”. You may not know what that means, but to hundreds of families in Sun Prairie over the past 10 years, that means that Lisa made the effort to bring them free beds for their children who were otherwise sleeping on the floor or a couch. She not only delivers new box spring and mattresses, but also pillows, sheets and lovingly selected comforters or bedspreads, with a floral pattern, for example, for little girls, and maybe a football or Star Wars pattern for boys. This is a project that Lisa invented from scratch after asking the school social worker at West Side School what she might be able to do to help the kids going to school there. The project has been run under the auspices of the Sunshine Place for most of its existence and Lisa has worked out many other partnerships for the funding, storage and delivery of the beds and bedding. For example, she has worked with the Sun Prairie High School baseball team to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the purchase of hundreds of new beds and bedding. On top of everything else, Lisa makes sure that she is part of the delivery team, allowing her many opportunities to throw a big hug in, in addition to the new bed. The kids love her. She is an amazing person, and highly deserving of our Service Above Self award.

 

Pat Ross (Owner of Ross Electric Inc.)

Nominated by: Tom Hebl
 
Pat Ross is a lifelong resident of Sun Prairie. He graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1979, having played hockey for SPHS and then coaching hockey for many years.
 
Ross has been a member of the Sun Prairie Lions Club for 19 years. Through the Lions Club he was the co-chair for the Sun Prairie Blue Fest for 8 years, volunteered to help with vision screening at a local daycare for more than 10 years, volunteered at the annual bike rodeo at Bird Elementary School and participated in the Highway 51 clean-up in the Spring and Fall for 15 years, and parked cars at the annual Corn Festival for 25 years.  He has also read stories to kindergartners at Westside Elementary and set up and helped with the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Angell Park.
 
For the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, he has helped with set up for the Corn Festival for 10 years and cooked thousands of pounds of sweet corn. He voluntarily set up the electrical temporaries for Relay for Life and the Groundhog Day Celebration for many years.
 
For the BID Board, he has volunteered with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Taste of Sun Prairie, the Sun Prairie Block Party, hanging up and judging the scarecrows along Main Street at Halloween, bartending for the annual Wine Walk and setting up Christmas decorations at the Crosse House each December.
 
Ross was the recipient of the Contribution Award from the VFW for donating his time and electrical supplies for the VFW building and Hero=s Park. He has also volunteered in various capacities at the annual VFW Thanksgiving Dinner for the past 13 years.
 
For the past 8 years he has volunteered to drive an official on his motorcycle for the annual Ironman bicycle races in Madison.
 
Pat also donates his time and money to the annual Christmas Party for special needs children.
 
Ross now sits on the Sun Prairie Transit Committee and attends regular meetings. 

High School Student Winner

Aditya Sharma (Student)

Nominated by school counselor: Monica M. Wagner
 
This letter is being written on behalf of Aditya Sharma, a senior student at Sun Prairie High School. I have been Aditya’s school counselor for 3 years and in that time I have found him to be an outstanding young person with drive and commitment. I want to take this opportunity to share a few things about Aditya that might help you understand why he is the perfect candidate for the Service Above Self Recognition.
 
Few high school students come with the entire package. Aditya, however, has it all, plus some. Aditya is smart, ethical and mature. He takes high school very seriously and is well known around campus by both adults and peers. In a sea of 1,750 students, Aditya shines both inside and out. He is a strong student with an even more impressive character. We have many “smart” kids, but he is kindhearted, polite and funny. He not only is a hard worker, but a good person. Some might say that Aditya’s unbelievable talent for the school-life balance is based solely on luck. Others might say he is an enigma. I, however, credit Aditya for being incredibly self-disciplined, morally driven and goal-oriented. In my 13 years as a high school counselor, I have rarely met anyone as driven, motivated or on a straight path to success. As a teenager this is not easy. Being a self-disciplined, he turned away from procrastination, avoidance, skipping, drinking or drugs, when his peers sometimes caved. This is Aditya; this has always been Aditya.
 
Besides his obvious academic achievements, most notable is Aditya’s musical talents. Aditya has been an active participant in SPHS’s music program across the board. He began his journey in band as a 6th grader, playing clarinet and tenor saxophone and has worked his way up to the highest, most prestigious band in our school, Wind Ensemble. Additionally, Aditya has participated in our extracurricular jazz ensembles since 2010. Lastly, he has been a member of our Marching Band (Sound of Sun Prairie) since 2013, devoting his entire summer to music and after graduation plans to participate one last summer. His dedication and commitment to his musical aspirations has definitely paid off, as evidenced by the invitation Jazz I recently received. They have been invited as one of 15 schools in the U.S. to represent our school at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York this May. What a reward for years of hard work!
 
Aditya has also enriched this world with a significant amount of service to his community. Diversifying his volunteer experiences, Aditya has spent over 70 hours working with the Red Cross, registering and monitoring blood donors at a variety of drives. He has assisted elderly patients at the Willows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Sun Prairie with therapeutic recreation and has helped to organize events since December 2014. Additionally, he began volunteering at Truesdell Animal Care in August of 2015 and has been working with animals there ever since. His desire to give back is strong and his demonstration of community kindness is honorable.
 
I could continue to brag about how wonderful Aditya is, referencing his incredible ACT score, the number of AP courses on his transcript, athletic ability, or his extracurricular accomplishments, but you are most likely well educated on these things. All I can tell you that I am 110% confident that he is ready for the challenge of a competitive university and will most certainly thrive in his environment. Hoping to specialize in Interventional Radiology one day, we will certainly be seeing great things from this young man.
 
It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Aditya Sharma without reservation.
Service Above Self Awards 2017 Thomas Hebl 2017-06-06 05:00:00Z 0

Sunshine Supper 2017

Posted by Sue Halambeck on May 26, 2017
 

Rotary joined forces with 4-H to serve a delicious meal on this beautiful night! Thank you to all who made the meal possible!

Sunshine Supper 2017 Sue Halambeck 2017-05-26 05:00:00Z 0

2017-18 Inbound Exchange Student Update

Posted by Toni Pabon on May 26, 2017
Lara from Germany has auditioned for the school fall musical:  Seussical.   She auditioned remotely using video.  She was casted in 3 ensembles.  
Mike & Wendy Harris will be Lara's first family.  Two additional families are in process of becoming Host Family #2 and Host Family #3.
2017-18 Inbound Exchange Student Update Toni Pabon 2017-05-26 05:00:00Z 0
Jade's Prom Photos Toni Pabon 2017-05-26 05:00:00Z 0

Did you know?

Posted by Toni Pabon on May 16, 2017
 
Did you know that when you are scheduled to bring a speaker, you are also expected to bring a gift around $10 in value?  The $10 gift goes to the raffle winner each week.  Many members have "forgot" or some member may have never known this.   To keep our tradition alive, please bring in a $10 gift the week you are scheduled for a speaker.
Did you know? Toni Pabon 2017-05-16 05:00:00Z 0

Highway Clean Up 2017

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on May 10, 2017
 
Caption for May 6th, 2017, Rotary Highway Clean-up photo submitted to Meghan Chua by Andy Bissonnette.
 
 
On Saturday, May 6th, members of the Sun Prairie Rotary Club conducted their first highway cleanup of the year along Hwy 151 from Reiner Rd to Main Street. They enjoyed pleasant weather and were able to collect 28 large bags of trash for their efforts. Shown here, from left, are Charles O'Connor, Laura Jennings, Jacob Monforte, Debbie Fox-Schroeder, Anne Weber, and Ann Oberle. Not pictured was Andy Bissonnette.
Highway Clean Up 2017 Andrew Bissonnette 2017-05-10 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self

Posted by Thomas Hebl on May 04, 2017
Sun Prairie Rotary initiated the Sun Prairie's Service Above Self Awards in 2001.  Criteria utilizes Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and the Four Way Test.  Rotary’s motto, Service above Self exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s members.  Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.  Rotarian’s nominate individuals in the community who exemplify the principles. The last few years we have nominated one high school student. 

 

2017 Timeline

April 25 – May 2 
Discuss Service Above Self
 
May 9
Collect Nominations
 
May 16
Vote
 
May 23
Announce Winners
 
June 6
Present Awards
Service Above Self Thomas Hebl 2017-05-04 05:00:00Z 0

Wednesday Night Rotary Meetings

Posted by Sue Halambeck on May 04, 2017
The group that meets on Wednesday Nights for Rotary Meetings have disbanded.  There will be no future Wednesday night meetings effective immediately.  The last meeting was May 3rd.
 
Wednesday Night Rotary Meetings Sue Halambeck 2017-05-04 05:00:00Z 0

Sun Prairie RYLA Students

Posted by Rose Freidel on May 04, 2017
 

Congratulations to these Sun Prarie High School Students

 

Thomas Collins

Ashley Butron

Tailyn Ludwiczak

 
They were selected to participate in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) May 19-21, 2017 at Lake Lucerne Camp, Neshkoro, WI.  They will be our speakers on June 20th.
Sun Prairie RYLA Students Rose Freidel 2017-05-04 05:00:00Z 0

May 23rd Meeting

Posted by Mark Olsen on May 04, 2017

May 23rd Meeting Agenda - Colonial Club

GOLF Outing Meeting at 7: 15 am

Followed By SPICE Celebration starting at 8:00 am in the auditorium.  

8:00 – Students and teachers arrive on buses. Get food and sit down.

8:15 – Dan welcomes folks and gives brief overview of SPICE Program. Introduces Dr. Saron (or SPASD representative.)

8:20 – Dr. Saron speaks for 5-10 minutes.

8:30 – Dan introduces speaker.

8:45 – Speaker concludes.

8:45 – Students come up for certificates and swag.

9:00 – Drawing for bike donated by TREK.

May 23rd Meeting Mark Olsen 2017-05-04 05:00:00Z 0
Colonial Club Reconzies SP Club/Foundation Laura Jennings 2017-05-04 05:00:00Z 0

One Volunteer Driver Needed

Posted by Rose Freidel on Apr 21, 2017
Dear Rotarians & Friends,
 
Rose is looking for one volunteer driver to help transport RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) students to Wautoma, WI on Friday, May 19th.  She will be departing early in the afternoon.
 
If you can help drive, please contact Rose Freidel at 608-513-7673.
 
Thank you!
 
One Volunteer Driver Needed Rose Freidel 2017-04-21 05:00:00Z 0

Arbor Day Recognition

Posted by Mark Olsen on Apr 21, 2017
Every year The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie plants two trees for Arbor Day honoring club members.  The two members selected to receive the honor this year are Steve Riggles and Diana Konkle.
 

Congratulations Steve and Diana!

Arbor Day Recognition Mark Olsen 2017-04-21 05:00:00Z 0

2017-18 Inbound Student

Posted by Toni Pabon on Apr 19, 2017
Rotarians! UPDATE...Our next Rotary Youth Exchange Student is a GIRL from Germany.  Lara will attend Sun Prairie High School for 2017-18.  She has one brother (age 18) and two step-brothers (ages 18-19).  Lara likes photography, art, music, and acting.  She also enjoys downhill skiing.  She is confident, social, and she likes helping others.  She has taken 8 years of English and 4 years of Spanish.  Lara is from Datteln, Germany.  
 
2017-18 Inbound Student Toni Pabon 2017-04-19 05:00:00Z 0

Need Sturdy Boxes

Posted by Toni Pabon
Wendy Harris is looking for some good boxes to pack Jade's winter clothes.  She will be sending them back to France.  If you have good boxes we can use, please contact Wendy at 608-698-6804.
 
Thank you!
Need Sturdy Boxes Toni Pabon 2017-04-14 05:00:00Z 0
Sun Prairie Golf Outing James Mastrangelo 2017-04-14 05:00:00Z 0

Hoops for Hope

Posted by David Berggren on Apr 11, 2017

Congratulations to George Alexander, the 2017 winner of SP Rotary’s Hoops for Hope contest. With 1,835 points, George received the Berggren-Hebl traveling trophy and will have the opportunity to designate a charity for the over $400 raised by the event for the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation.

Hoops for Hope is a Rotary fund raiser centered on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Each player pledges a penny for every point scored by six teams they choose before the tourney begins. Twenty-eight Rotarians participated this year.

Other notable Hoops for Hope achievements this year include:

  • Anne Oberle with the most points per game played (81.11)
  • Jon Landsverk (1,391) with the closest to the overall average score of 1,402.6 points
  • Josh Kindkepple was recognized has the high scorer on the second page
  • Deanna Popke and Judy Veith were recognized for coming in second place (1,762) with exactly the same picks.
Hoops for Hope David Berggren 2017-04-11 05:00:00Z 0

New Rotary Theme 2017-18

Posted by Toni Pabon
 
2017-18 RI President Ian H.S. Riseley announces his presidential theme, Rotary: Making a Difference
In 2017-18, we’ll answer the question “What is Rotary?” with RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”
 
New Rotary Theme 2017-18 Toni Pabon 2017-03-31 05:00:00Z 0
Jade's FAVORITE Coffeehouse Toni Pabon 2017-03-31 05:00:00Z 0

Downtown Clean Up

Posted by Dina Pocernich
 
Rotary Volunteers are invited to help clean up the downtown area on April 29th from 9:00 am 'til 12 Noon
 
Downtown Clean Up Dina Pocernich 2017-03-31 05:00:00Z 0

Golf Outing

Posted by James Mastrangelo
Save The Date

GOLF OUTING

Thursday, August 3rd, 2017

The Oaks Golf Course
Golf Outing James Mastrangelo 2017-03-24 05:00:00Z 0

Volunteers Needed - Food Pantry

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We will be helping the food pantry whenever there is  5th Saturday in a month.  Laura Jennings will be coordinating volunteers for April 29th.  If you are interested in helping from 8:00 - 12:00 pm on April 29th, please see Laura Jennings.
Volunteers Needed - Food Pantry Laura Jennings 2017-03-24 05:00:00Z 0

Inbound Student 2017-18

Posted by Toni Pabon
Rotarians!  News just in...Our next Rotary Youth Exchange Student is a boy from Germany.  More details about our next student will be announced soon.  Our priority is to find a first host family.  If you know of someone who is interested in hosting him, please let us know.
 
We will be looking for 3 families:
 
Host Family 1  August – November 2017
Host Family 2  December – March 2018
Host Family 3  April – July 2018
 
With the recent news of Steve Riggles moving to Arizona, the following changes will take place:  Toni Pabon will become our YEO (Youth Exchange Officer) and Dan Presser will become our YEC (Youth Exchange Counselor).
Inbound Student 2017-18 Toni Pabon 2017-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

Steve Riggles, Moving to AZ

Posted by Toni Pabon
On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, Steve Riggles announced to the club that we will be leaving in June.  Steve and his wife, Jessica, will be moving to Arizona.  As we all know, Steve has many roles in our club (Pancake Breakfast, Fantasy Football, Rotary Youth Exchange, and more).  We hate to lose him as a member, but life happens.  
 
Steve - we thank you for your years of service to The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie.  We won't forget you :)  Good luck with your new adventure.
Steve Riggles, Moving to AZ Toni Pabon 2017-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor's Message

Fellow Rotarians:

As we start March, a reminder that March 22 is World Water Day.  Water is a basic necessity of life.  Almost 10% of the world's population, or 660 million people, do not have access to clean, safe water.  Almost 900 children die in our world every day, 315,000 per year, due to diseases brought on by lack of safe water.  Water is one of the six areas of focus for Rotary International.​  Many clubs in our District and around the world have participated in projects through The Rotary Foundation to help tackle this problem.  Wells, filters, and centralized treatment systems are just some of the technologies being used.  Please consider something your club can do this month to raise awareness for World Water Day and our efforts in Rotary to bring clean, safe water to all people.

District Conference registrations are starting to come in.  As a reminder, Conference is May 12-13 in La Crosse.  Great speakers, workshops, as well as spotlights of Rotary projects and programs.  Plus an opportunity to share ideas with Rotary friends and make new ones.  Go to www.rotary6250.org/2017Conference for complete agenda information as well as a link to the super easy registration process.  Come join us.

Several clubs in our District have reported successes over the past month in the areas of membership and public awareness.  Inviting non members to socials, printing flyers highlighting past and current club projects, experimenting with new types of memberships, and contests within clubs to encourage guests are all ideas that have show positive results in some of our clubs.  As we enter the last third of the Rotary year, what is your club doing to increase membership and promote public awareness of your club?  If you are doing what you've always done, you are probably not getting the results you would like.  Brainstorm within your club and try something new.

As always, thanks for all you do in making the world a better place through Rotary.

 
Dean

Dean McHugh
District Governor 2016-2017
Rotary District 6250
District Governor's Message 2017-03-23 05:00:00Z 0
Beer Tasting Event 2017-03-23 05:00:00Z 0

New Executive Director of the Sunshine Place

Posted by Thomas Hebl on Mar 14, 2017
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Tom Hebl has invited Joanna Cervantes, the new Executive Director of the Sunshine Place, as a guest to our meeting on March 14th.  
 
New Executive Director of the Sunshine Place Thomas Hebl 2017-03-14 05:00:00Z 0

Jade Makes Honor Roll 2nd Qtr

Posted by Sue Halambeck on Mar 10, 2017
Jade makes the 2nd Qtr Honor Role as a Junior at Sun Prairie High School!  For the full lists of students on Honor Roll CLICK HERE.
 
 
Congratulations Jade!  We are so proud of you.  Keep up the good work.
Jade Makes Honor Roll 2nd Qtr Sue Halambeck 2017-03-10 06:00:00Z 0

Sunshine Legal Clinic Receives Grant Money

The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation along with Rotary District 6250 presents a check for $600 to the Sunshine Legal Clinic for purchasing a computer, printer, and other needed office supplies.  This money was matched by District 6250 in a matching grant.  Total funds going towards this project is $1,200.
 
  
NO FEE LEGAL CLINIC
1632 W. Main Street in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
 
The Sunshine Legal Clinic’s mission is to improve access to legal services to individuals in and around Sun Prairie, Wisconsin who could otherwise not afford an attorney.  This no cost legal clinic meets on every FIRST THURSDAY of the month from 5-7 p.m.  Come to the next session and have an opportunity to speak with an attorney and ask questions — with no fees.
 
We provide advice in the following areas:
  • Family Law
  • Immigration Law
  • Employment Law
  • Collections
  • Landlord/Tenant Issues
  • Small Claims and more
For more information visit:
Sunshine Legal Clinic Receives Grant Money 2017-03-10 06:00:00Z 0

Diana Konkle Teaches Us About Wheat

 
Diana is the author of “Baking with Einkorn: Modern Recipes for an Ancient Grain” 
 
 

Diana's book is available at these locations:

Ager Chiropractic Wellness Center
948 W. Main St. in Sun Prairie
 
Apple Wellness Health Food Stores
 2824 Prairie Lakes Drive, Suite 108 in Sun Prairie
6313 McKee Road, Suite 100 in Fitchburg.
 
Julie’s Java House
409 N. Ludington St. in Columbus.
Diana Konkle Teaches Us About Wheat 2017-03-10 06:00:00Z 0
Kindness Celebration 2017-03-03 06:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel
Dear Sun Prairie Rotarians - We did it! We served scrumptious pancakes, sausages, eggs, applesauce, coffee, juice, milk, and all the fixings to over 550 people today, and we had fun doing it too!   
 
I was reminded this weekend just how generous our members are with their time, their talents, and their willingness to make a difference in our community and beyond.  Just thinking about how everyone worked together to make the 2017 Pancake Feast a success fills me with pride.
 
Thank you to each of you for being you and doing your part! 
 
Josh Kindkeppel  
 
PS - Here's to next year's Pancake Feast!!
 
To see more photos from the event CLICK HERE
Pancake Breakfast Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-02-26 06:00:00Z 0

Grant Management Seminars

Under the provisions of the Rotary Foundation’s program, club’s desiring to participate in the grant program must be certified.  Part of that certification process is attendance at a Rotary Grant Management Seminar (GMS). District 6250 will offer three Grant Management Seminars:

 
The first two sessions will be identical in terms of the content that will be delivered.  The third session will be a refresher GMS for anyone that has attended a GMS in the last year.  Clubs need only have representation at one of the three sessions.  It is recommended that the club president-elect and foundation chair attend the GMS meeting.
 
At the GMS you will learn:
  • How to successfully manage a Rotary Foundation grant.
  • Foundation stewardship expectations
  • How to prepare clubs to implement the memorandum of understanding
  • How to qualify your club to receive Rotary Foundation grant funds.
Thursday
March 23, 2017

TBD
Madison, WI

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday
May 12, 2017

Convention Center
La Crosse, WI

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
 

Grant Management Seminars 2017-02-24 06:00:00Z 0
Donation to Food Pantry 2017-02-24 06:00:00Z 0

Inbound Student for 2017-18

Posted by Toni Pabon
 
The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation along with majority club support agreed to fund an inbound student for 2017-18.  Typically the Sun Prairie Rotary Club will host an inbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student every other year.  Toni Pabon and Steve Riggles announced to the club that they are looking to form a small committee to help with finding host families.  If you would like to be part of this committee contact Toni or Steve.
 
We must secure a 1st host family for the next student by the end of May.
 
Stay tuned for updates on our future student and host families!
 
Inbound Student for 2017-18 Toni Pabon 2017-02-09 06:00:00Z 0

Academic Decathlon

Posted by Thomas Hebl on Feb 09, 2017
 
Rotarians:
 
The SPHS Academic Decathlon team is leaving for State competition on Wednesday, March 1st, and they have asked if the SP Rotary would consider setting up one more round of interviews.  The date we are looking at is Monday, February 27th.  We would use the same format as before:  3:20 – 5:00 p.m.
 
We could do this with a minimum of six people (2 per team/3 teams).  Any more than six would just make each Rotary team stronger, and it’s more fun when you have more volunteers.
 
Please contact Tom Hebl at (608) 837-4325 or at hebllaw@hebl.net
Academic Decathlon Thomas Hebl 2017-02-09 06:00:00Z 0

Mayor of Sun Prairie

Posted on Feb 07, 2017
 
Sun Prairie Mayor, Paul Esser, gives us an update on what's happening in Sun Prairie.
Mayor of Sun Prairie 2017-02-07 06:00:00Z 0

Thanks to Rotary and the Sun Prairie Ed

Posted by Sue Halambeck on Jan 30, 2017
From: Alison Sipkins <asipkins@youthfrontiers.org>
Date: January 30, 2017 at 8:21:37 AM CST
To: Susan Halambeck <smhalambeck54@gmail.com>
Subject: Thanks to Rotary and the Sun Prairie Ed Fun for your continued support of our retreats!
 
Sue,
 
I hope all is well. Are you in town or somewhere warm? Snow storm here today in Minneapolis...
I wanted to write and thank you so much for all your work on our behalf to make our retreats in Sun Prairie possible. I know the weather delayed a couple of retreats last week, but they are already rescheduled!
 
 
Great pictures too!
 
 
If there is anything that I can be doing to support your good work, let me know.
All the best,
Ali

--
Alison Sipkins
Executive Assistant and Donor Relations Manager, Wisconsin
"As an administrator, I have seen the positive impact of a Youth Frontiers retreat. The retreat leaders were able to break down our students’ barriers through a variety of fun, highly energetic and engaging activities and take them on an emotional, soul searching journey. By the time our retreat concluded, our students were electrified with excitement over how to improve themselves and act with courage. Both their teachers and I have seen a significant improvement in their interpersonal skills and are confident that this has impacted their lives outside of school as well." - Educator, Milwaukee, Wisc.
 
Youth Frontiers
Minnesota | 6009 Excelsior Blvd. | Minneapolis, MN 55416
Nebraska | 7101 Mercy Road, Suite 210 | Omaha, NE 68106
Direct: 952.697.2660
Main: 952.922.0222
www.youthfrontiers.org
Thanks to Rotary and the Sun Prairie Ed Sue Halambeck 2017-01-30 06:00:00Z 0
9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament 2017-01-27 06:00:00Z 0

Patrick Marsh Snowshoe and Bonfire

Posted by Sue Halambeck
Join Natural Heritage Land Trust for an evening snowshoe and bonfire at Patrick Marsh. We will bring the marshmallows, you bring your friends!

Saturday, February 11, 2017
Afternoon: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm 

Where: Stein Road, Sun Pairie, WI -- Right of of Hwy 151 in Sun Prairie. Take Columbus Street to Stone Quarry Road. There is a parking lot for Patrick Marsh on Stein Road parking lot at the end of the gravel road (map). This is where we will park/meet. 

Who: FREE and open to members and others

What: One hour snowshoe along family-friendly walking trails.

What to Bring: Please bring appropriate clothing, water and snowshoes if there is deep snow. 

Hiking and snowshoeing at dusk, a roaring bonfire, roasted marshmallows and warm refreshments await you at our first winter hike and bonfire at Patrick Marsh east of Sun Prairie. Traverse 1.5 miles of trails, with a warm beverage and snacks to be enjoyed at the end. If there is little or no snow cover, the event will be a hike instead of a snowshoe. Don't miss this opportunity to visit a place you've helped protect and enhance and meet other Natural Heritage Land Trust supporters who share your commitment to conservation where you live.
 
CLICK HERE For more Info.
Patrick Marsh Snowshoe and Bonfire Sue Halambeck 2017-01-27 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Story Toni Pabon 2017-01-20 06:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2017 Returns to La Crosse!

Posted by Mark Olsen
This is a going to be a busy busy weekend in La Crosse with several other events in town taking up hotel rooms.  We strongly urge you to book early to be sure that you'll have a room for the 2017 Rotary District Conference!
 


Room Block Information:

Radisson Hotel - Conference Venue
200 Harborview Plaza
La Crosse, WI 54601

Standard King Room: $149
Standard 2 Queen room: $159


Reservations: 
(608) 784-6680 or (800) 333-3333
Ask for the Rotary District 6250  Conference Rate
www.radisson.com/lacrossewi   Enter promo code:  RD6250
Room block deadline: April 14, 2017



Home2 Suites by Hilton
210 Jay Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

King Studio Suite with complimentary breakfast: $149

Reservations:
(608) 881-6666
Reservation Code: Rotary District 6250
Room block deadline: April 21, 2017


The Charmant Hotel - upscale boutique hotel
101 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Standard King or Double Queen Room: $249

Reservations:
(608) 519-8800
Ask for the in-house reservations:  Rotary District 6250 Rate
Room block deadline: March 27, 2017
 
 
District Conference 2017 Returns to La Crosse! Mark Olsen 2017-01-20 06:00:00Z 0

New Member

Welcome To Our Club!
Laurie Kelsey
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
 
Sponsored by Diana Konkle
 
Laurie has been approved as a member of The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie.
New Member 2017-01-13 06:00:00Z 0

Stipend for President Elect -The RI Convention

The Club board of directors approved a new policy on Thursday, January 12th.  The motion to provide a stipend to the president elect, or board approved designee, to attend The Rotary International Convention annually in the amount up to $3,000 for International (outside the Continental USA) conventions or up to $2,000 for Domestic (inside the continental USA) conventions, which can be used for Travel, lodging, registration costs, meals, and other approved expenses.
 
This will be funded 100% from the club earnings and NOT from The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation.
 
Attending the annual convention is a perfect way to experience Rotary’s internationality, exchange ideas with fellow members, and discover new avenues – and potential partners – for service.
 

TOP 5 REASONS TO ATTEND

1. Meet the most inspiring people in the world

Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention every year. This is your unique opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and share stories about your club’s current and future projects.

2. Strengthen your club and your passion for Rotary

The general sessions and breakout sessions offer countless ways to help you get the most from your Rotary membership and make your club stronger. In the House of Friendship, you’ll find new ideas, learn best practices, and share project successes — it’s where the Rotary world comes together!

3. Join The Rotary Foundation celebration

The culmination of a yearlong celebration of the Foundation’s centennial takes place in the city where it all began. Join the festivities at The Rotary Foundation’s 100th Birthday Party. Attend a book signing and meet the author of “Doing Good in the World: The Inspiring Story of The Rotary Foundation’s First 100 Years.” See all the activities we have planned.

4. Explore the American South

Bask in the sun on the Atlantic and Gulf shores. Test your game at some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. Experience the magic of Florida’s Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.

Explore the natural wonders of the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg. Sample the sophisticated charms of New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston. Learn more

5. Enjoy special tours and events offered by the Host Organization Committee

Watch for more information about special activities like Restaurant Night, Host Hospitality Night, and a screening of "Gone With the Wind" at the historic Fox Theatre. Visit the Host Organization Committee site to find more activities.

Stipend for President Elect -The RI Convention 2017-01-13 06:00:00Z 0

57th Annual Pancake Feast!

Posted by Joshua Kindkeppel on Jan 13, 2017
 
As most of you know, as president - elect, I get the fabulous job of organizing our Club's 2017 Pancake Breakfast.  In order to make this major fundraiser a success we need your help!
 
We are looking to sell AD's for the Pancake Breakfast Event.  CLICK HERE for the AD Sell Sheet.  We also now have PayPal as an available option for payment of AD's.  To pay using PayPal, CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your support to Rotary and all of its worthy causes!

Josh Kindkeppel 
President Elect
57th Annual Pancake Feast! Joshua Kindkeppel 2017-01-13 06:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast - Winter Fest 2017

Posted by Rose Freidel on Jan 10, 2017
 
Our club is working with the Lions Club to host a Pancake Breakfast on Feb 4 and 5 as part of the Winter Fest at Angell Park. A lot of you were able to sign up to work a shift (or 2) this morning at the meeting but I thought I'd catch those that weren't at the meeting.
 
The shifts will be 6-9am and 9am -12 both days. We would love to have a good showing of Rotarians to work along side the Lions Club.Also, you can bring a friend or family member with you. Please email me if you can help or if you have questions.
 
Please look for an article in The Star regarding the events of Winter Fest!
Pancake Breakfast - Winter Fest 2017 Rose Freidel 2017-01-10 06:00:00Z 0

Carol & Lee Heisz Fund

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jan 06, 2017
 
On December 30th Carol and Lee Heisz were involved in a serious car accident while on their way home from visiting family for the holidays. Lee unfortunately did not survive the crash, Carol was taken via medflight to a trauma center in Joplin, Missouri. She suffered a spinal injury and will require extensive surgeries, eventual medical transport back home to Wisconsin and a long, difficult recovery as a parapalegic. Please consider helping Carol and their two devoted children, Jordan and Cameron navigate this difficult and trying financial responsibility. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
 
Posted by Susan Daehn Miller 
 
Just a quick update on how Carol is doing. Yesterday she had surgery to fuse the vertebrae. That was a success. But she is, and will remain paralyzed from her stomach on down.

She has some fractures in her neck that will heal on their own in time. The facial fractures appear to was also broken but they believe they will not require surgery unless something changes. She was able to get off the ventilator this afternoon that was placed during surgery and she is awake, alert and in good spirits. 

Thank you to everyone that posted pictures on Facebook wearing something purple in support of her. If you haven't, please do!
Thank you again for all the love, support and donations, we are truly humbled.
 
 
Carol is a Rotarian with the Portage Rotary Club
Carol &amp; Lee Heisz Fund Mark Olsen 2017-01-06 06:00:00Z 0

Jade enjoys the holidays!

 
Jade and her host sister Vicky.
 
 
Jade in Minneapolis
 
 
Jade with Susan Berggren at The Reformation Art Exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Jade enjoys the holidays! Toni Pabon 2016-12-30 06:00:00Z 0

A Visit to Zoo Lights

Posted by David Berggren
 
Jade and her host sister Vicky on the carousel at Henry Vilas Zoo. 
A Visit to Zoo Lights David Berggren 2016-12-24 06:00:00Z 0

The Spirit of Giving

Posted by Laura Jennings
 
Laura Jennings presents Mark Olsen, President, a check in the amount of $1,550 for the Spirit of Giving donations by the club and its members.  Thank you for everyone who donated.
 

2016 Spirit of Giving

AN ANNUAL GIFT-GIVING CELEBRATION

Many of our neighbors in this community could use an extra hand around the holidays to provide for their children. Your sponsorship of these children and donations of food means so much to the families. You are joining a community of thousands who are working together to make Christmas a little brighter in Sun Prairie.

Annually, you've helped us do just that! Your generosity supports about 1,200 area children (450 families) each Christmas.  For more information CLICK HERE

The Spirit of Giving Laura Jennings 2016-12-17 06:00:00Z 0

Holiday Party Fun

Posted by Toni Pabon
Tuesday, December 13 was our Annual Rotary Holiday Party at Buck & Honey's.  We had great attendance of Rotarians and Guests.  The night was filled with good conversation, good food, and good cheer!  Our group was also generous as we raised $332 for the food pantries.  In addition, our club is donating $900+ from our weekly raffle ticket sales.
 
A special thanks goes to Jane LaMere and Diana Konkle for organizing the event.  
 
 
Jade opening her Christmas Gift from the Club.  She received a Bucky Badger and a Star Wars Bracelet (Let the Force Be With You).
 
 
The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie Foundation donated $1,000 to From Houses to Homes to help fund home building in Guatemala.  Michele and Mark Olsen will be traveling to Guatemala to build a home with this program.
 
As tradition in our club, each year the President chooses a special person to receive a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.  This person will receive the actual award one year later at the following Holiday Party.  Last Year, Rose Freidel, Past President 2015-16, gave this award to Laura Jennings.  This year, Mark Olsen, President 2016-17, awarded Toni Pabon with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.
 
For more information about the general History of Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, CLICK HERE.
Holiday Party Fun Toni Pabon 2016-12-17 06:00:00Z 0

Sun Prairie Foundation Project Funds Request

Posted by Laura Jennings
Last week I announced that the SP Rotary Foundation Board met and identified that there are funds available that we would like to allocate to community service projects. We know that many of you have interests in valuable and worthwhile causes throughout our community and, therefore, would like to be sure that the money we have, and was hard earned by you, is spent towards projects meaningful to our members.  
 

CLICK HERE

Please send your suggestions to me, at ljennings@colonialclub.org,  on how we can allocate this money to help those in need.  We are looking for a description of a project or agency with information on how this money will directly impact the community it will serve. The number of requests will determine the amount available for a project, however, a rough estimate is to request between $500 and $2000.  If you have something outside that, feel free to submit it. I have attached the new Foundation funds request form as a helpful tool when looking at what information to include. 
 
Donation to another Foundation will not be considered. 
 
Please submit your ideas by December 31 so that we may evaluate if might also be eligible for a district grant. 
 
As always, thank you for your dedication and hard work to help so many and create a strong community.  
 
Happy Holidays and stay safe and warm this chilly December!
 
Laura L. Jennings
SP Foundation President 2016/2017
SP Club President 2013/2014  
Sun Prairie Foundation Project Funds Request Laura Jennings 2016-12-17 06:00:00Z 0

Kindness Retreats

Posted by Sue Halambeck on Dec 09, 2016
We are looking for Sponsors for the Kindness Retreats.  CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Kindness Retreats Sue Halambeck 2016-12-09 06:00:00Z 0
Fantasy Football Week 13 Steven Riggles 2016-12-09 06:00:00Z 0

Cheese Delivery - Dec 20

Posted on Dec 09, 2016
Harry Ripp will be delivering the Holiday Cheese orders to our club on December 20th at our Club Meeting.  If you ordered cheese, please be here to pick up or make arrangements for your someone else to pick up.  Payment is also due on the 20th.
 
Cheese Delivery - Dec 20 2016-12-09 06:00:00Z 0

Meals On Wheels

Posted by Laura Jennings
Meals on Wheels Driver Schedule
 
February 2017
 
Thursdays
 
Lead Emergency Contact:
608-669-7550
                               
February                                                                    
2-16     Andy Bissonnette
2-23     Michele Olsen
 
Meals On Wheels Laura Jennings 2016-12-02 06:00:00Z 0
Family Fun Nights Rich Darga 2016-12-02 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Holiday Party Jane LaMere 2016-12-02 06:00:00Z 0

Fantasy Football Week 12

Posted by Steven Riggles on Nov 29, 2016
Team
Record
(Last 5)
Points Scored
Week 12 Results
TD Green Machine (Terry / Debbie)
8-4  (4-1)
1,473.45
Java Queen 173.05, El Presidente 155.45
Clueless II (Dan P)
7-5  (2-3)
1,658.15
Clueless 156.75, Minnesota Kings 108.85
El Presidente (Mark O)
7-5  (3-2)
1,657.95
TD Green Machine 148.85, Julie’s Gems 131.40
Java Queen (Beth M)
7-5  (4-1)
1,634.90
Husker Fan 137.30, Secret Weapon 87.50
Minnesota Kings (Steve R)
6-6  (2-3)
1,531.65
Gouda Gals 134.60, Steel Curtain 129.60
Husker Fan (Laura J)
6-6  (2-3)
1,530.55
John’s Team 104.95, Law Enforcers 100.40
Gouda Gals (Sue / Ann)
6-6  (3-2)
1,490.30
 
Law Enforcers (Tom H)
6-6  (3-2)
1,469.40
Week 13 Schedule
Julie’s Gems (Julie M)
5-7  (3-2)
1,441.25
TD Green Machine vs. Clueless II
John’s Team (John B)
5-7  (1-4)
1,417.10
El Presidente vs. John’s Team
Secret Weapon 2.0 (Dina P)
5-7  (1-4)
1,367.80
Java Queen vs. Secret Weapon 2.0
Steel Curtain (Jim M)
4-8  (2-3)
1,297.95
Minnesota Kings vs. Gouda Gals
 
 
 
Husker Fan vs. Steel Curtain
 
 
 
Law Enforcers vs. Julie’s Gems
Fantasy Football Week 12 Steven Riggles 2016-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Tom Farley - Guest Speaker

Posted by Toni Pabon
Tom Farley was our guest speaker at Rotary on Tuesday, November 22.  He entertained us with stories about Chris Farley.  He also told us stories about the impact he has made on children by using comedy to reach them with important messages.  He co-authored the New York Times bestselling book, The Chris Farley Show, a Biography in Three Acts.   Tom also told us his memories of attending Rotary Club meetings at Madison Downtown with his Father, Tom Farley Sr and Chris.
 
Tom Farley - Guest Speaker Toni Pabon 2016-11-25 06:00:00Z 0
Jade's First Thanksgiving Toni Pabon 2016-11-24 06:00:00Z 0
Happy Thanskgiving Rotarians 2016-11-24 06:00:00Z 0
Upcoming Events Mark Olsen 2016-11-18 06:00:00Z 0
Fantasy Football Week 10 Steven Riggles 2016-11-18 06:00:00Z 0

Board Nominations ​​for 2017-18

We will vote on the new board members on December 6th.
 
Board Positions 2017-18
 
Position   Name
President:   Joshua Kindkeppel (2017-18)
President Elect:   Chad Wiedmeyer (2018-19)
Treasurer:   James Mastrangelo
Secretary:   Julie Marshall
President Elect Nominee (Director):   Toni Pabon (2019-20)
President Elect Nominee Designate (Director):   Aaron Oppenheimer (2020-21)
Past President:   Mark Olsen (2016-17)
Board Nominations ​​for 2017-18 Mark Olsen 2016-11-18 06:00:00Z 0

Think Rotary, Shop Locally

 
Think Rotary Shop Locally
 
All artists and businesses will donate 20% of their sales to support the youth and literacy related projects of Madison Breakfast Rotary.
 
When
Friday December 2nd
12:30 - 7:00  p.m.
 
 
Where
The Nordstrom Home
7847 Noll Valley Road, Verona 
 
Café
Quiche, soup, sandwiches and desserts available for purchase. Complimentary wine and beverages!
Think Rotary, Shop Locally 2016-11-18 06:00:00Z 0

Here's what's cooking at SCI

Posted by Bill Wambach on Nov 18, 2016
Our Club used to support Solar cookers every year with a Rotary group out of California.  Bill Wambach is our lead on this project.
 

Join me in Africa

From a recent conversation at an SCI project.
“My name is Magreth, and I live in Rau, Tanzania.” 
Q: How many meals and what times of the day do you prepare them? 
“3 meals during the evening, morning and noon time. I cook for 5 people.”
Q: Who cooks and do family members help?
“I myself and my daughter. We cook makande, ugali, rice, beans, vegetables.”
Q: Do you gather your cooking fuel or purchase it?
“I do both. My fuel is maize cobs and maize residues. I also use charcoal and firewood. I spend almost half our family’s money on fuel. I burn a bag of charcoal every day.
Q: Do people in your family suffer from health problems related to the smoke from cooking fires, such as eye irritation and breathing problems? 
“Yes.”
Besides improving their health, why is it important to teach Magreth and her neighbors about solar cooking?
Africa’s demand for charcoal is likely to double or triple by 2050 (NY Times). And trees are paying. You can do something about it.
 

Now more than ever

A recent report from the International Energy Agency found that by 2050 the sun could be the largest source of electricity, ahead of fossil fuels, wind, hydro and nuclear power. 
Solar Cookers International is determined to lead the way. Now is the time to act.
Solar Cookers International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, U.S. Tax ID 68-0153141. Gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
 

Contact Us

Solar Cookers International
2400 22nd Street
Suite 210
Sacramento, California 95818
916-455-4499
info@solarcookers.org
 
 
 
Here's what's cooking at SCI Bill Wambach 2016-11-18 06:00:00Z 0

Highway Clean Up

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on Nov 14, 2016
 
On Saturday, October 29th, the Sun Prairie Rotary Club conducted a Highway Clean-Up of Highway 151 between Reiner Road and Main Street. They collected 23 extra large bags of trash, bringing the total collected this year to 75 bags. 
 
Shown here is the crew from Saturday, left to right in the front row, students from the Interact Club at Sun Prairie High School, Pachia Vang, Taylor Olsen, Jacob Monforte, and Rotarian Jim Mastrangelo. The back row, from left, are Rotarians  Anne Weber, Tyler Riekena, Club President Mark Olsen, Steve Riggles and Andy Bissonnette.  Not pictured was Rob Weber. 
 
The crew enjoyed working together in unseasonably warm weather. 
 
 
Highway Clean Up Andrew Bissonnette 2016-11-14 06:00:00Z 0

The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Toni Pabon on Nov 11, 2016
 
“When the history of Rotary is written in the days to come, the name of Arch Klumph will stand high in the place that marks the remembrance of anyone who has achieved great things in the history and development of the organization.”
– E Leslie Pidgeon, 1917-18 RI president, speech to the 1918 Rotary convention
 
In 2016-17, our Rotary Foundation turns 100. That’s a century of Rotary members changing lives and improving communities all over the world. And that’s definitely something worth celebrating.
 
Through our Foundation, Rotary members have supported thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, provide basic education, and grow local economies. We’ve also been a leader in the fight to eradicate polio worldwide.
 
The centennial is the perfect time to share this impressive record with the world. Join us in making sure that every Rotary member and people in every community know about the vital work of Rotary and its Foundation.
 
The Rotary Foundation Toni Pabon 2016-11-11 06:00:00Z 0

Club Service Opportunity

Posted by Bill Wambach on Nov 04, 2016
Monday, Nov. 7th over 200 middle school students will be planting prairie grass seeds on our Rotary project, Patrick Marsh. The planting location is on the East side of Town Hall road, just South of the marsh. They'll be starting at noon, so join them. Tony Abate from the Natural Heritage Land Trust is the adult leader.
 
Right across Town Hall Road on the west you can see the EXCITING results of our prairie grass seed planting 3 years ago. The grass is OVER OUR HEADS!!!
 
Remember, there's no Rotary meeting the next day, Nov. 8th. That week is for service project work.
 
If Monday morning fits your schedule better, Tony (& I) will be setting up the grid squares with stakes starting at 9:00AM.
 
Club Service Opportunity Bill Wambach 2016-11-04 05:00:00Z 0
Fantasy Football Week 7 Steven Riggles 2016-10-28 05:00:00Z 0

S.P.I.C.E.

Posted by Daniel Presser
Sun
Prairie
Involved in
Children's
Education
 
SPICE (Sun Prairians Invested in Children’s Education) a community-initiated elementary mentoring program.  Originally it began as a program of the Sun Prairie Rotary Club, the program is expanding to access and allow a broader cross section of the community to serve as mentors. 
 
Purpose:  To mentor & inspire 5th grade students who need encouragement or a little boost in order to reach their improvement GOALS by
 
  • Establishing a relationship
  • Spending regular time together (Usually, 45 min-one hour a week during lunch or other agreed upon time.)
  • Sharing life stories
  • Serving as an adult role model
  • Communicating with the student’s teacher
Our Rotary SPICE liaison is Dan Presser.
 
S.P.I.C.E. Daniel Presser 2016-10-27 05:00:00Z 0
Why Rotary? Toni Pabon 2016-10-21 05:00:00Z 0

Good Work of The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation

Posted by Rose Freidel
Proud to say that our Rotary Foundation was able to help with 2 local projects, one being the benches around the new sculpture at the Sun Prairie Library and the other is the continued support of the Community School with First Friday Nights.  Laura Jennings, President of The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation, delivers the checks.
 
 
Aaron Oppenheimer, City Administrator, Sun Prairie
 
 
Rich Darga accepting on behalf of Sun Prairie Community Schools
 
Good Work of The Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation Rose Freidel 2016-10-21 05:00:00Z 0

Need Volunteers!

Posted by Toni Pabon
 
Dear Rotarians,
 
The District 6250 RYE Outbound Interviews are taking place on Sunday, November 6 at The Clarion Hotel in Baraboo.  This the last round of interviews that our future outbound students will participate in.  If they pass the interviews, they are officially accepted into the Youth Exchange Program for 2017-18.
 
We are looking for 8-9 Rotarians to help with interviews in the morning session which starts at 8:00 am and includes lunch.  In addition, we need another round of Rotarians to help in the afternoon session which could go until 5 pm. 
 
Clarion Hotel and Convention Center
626 W Pine St
Baraboo, WI 53913
 
2 Sessions
AM 8:00 – 12:30 pm
PM 12:30 – 5:00 pm
 
Please spread the word to your club members.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering should SIGN UP ONLINECLICK HERE
 
Thank you!
 
Toni Pabon
Information Coordinator
Rotary Club of Sun Prairie
District 6250, Wisconsin USA
Need Volunteers! Toni Pabon 2016-10-21 05:00:00Z 0
Fantasy Football Week 6 Steven Riggles 2016-10-21 05:00:00Z 0

Family Fun Night Recap

Posted by Sue Halambeck
Dear Rotarians,
 
We had a great turnout of families and Rotary members last Friday night.  We estimated we had over 200 people here and had Rotary members helping make creations in our Maker space area (Dina), help play games in the gym (the Whalens, Rich and Steve R) with families and I think they enjoyed themselves as well.
 
We have another one coming up on Friday, November 4 and would love to have Rotary members attend/volunteer at that one too.  Rich will bring another sign up sheet to one of the upcoming meetings.
 
Just wanted to keep you in the loop!
 
Stacy Darga
Buena Vista Site Coordinator
Sun Prairie Community Schools
PO Box 825
Sun Prairie WI 53590
Office: 608-834-7564 Cell: 608-334-1733
 
CommunitySchoolslogowithTagLine.pngSun Prairie Community Schools
  Opening doors for kids and families
 
Family Fun Night Recap Sue Halambeck 2016-10-20 05:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast at Fireman's Open House

Posted by Steven Riggles on Oct 16, 2016
We had a lot of fun serving pancakes at the Fireman's Open House this morning!  What a fun way to see so many families in Sun Prairie.
 
 
 
Pancake Breakfast at Fireman's Open House Steven Riggles 2016-10-16 05:00:00Z 0
Jade Attends UW Hockey Game Sue Halambeck 2016-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

One Rotary Summit

 

Saturday
November 12, 2016

 

Wilderness Resort

Wisconsin Dells

9:15 am - 1:00 pm

  • Is your club finding it challenging to retain current and attract new members?
  • Are you frustrated with attempts at having non-Rotarians in your community hear about the good work of Rotary in your community and in the world?
  • Are you looking for ways to engage your members in Rotary’s work throughout the world through the Rotary International Foundation?
     
JOIN other Rotary LEADERS from our District as we EXCHANGE IDEAS and TAKE ACTION on actual proven ideas on how to energize and bolster your club for growth, service and public interaction. 
 
The purpose of the Summit is to understand how membership, public image and the Rotary Foundation all work together and support the work of your club and Rotary around the world.

You will walk away with ideas and hands on tools to help strengthen your club’s membership, public image and involvement in the Rotary Foundation’s fundraising and programs
 
AGENDA
8:30 am Registration & Fellowship
9:15 am Program Begins
Noon Enjoy lunch to conclude the event!
1:00 pm District Advisory Meeting
3:00 pm Board of Directors Meeting

 

There is no fee, but please register by November 7 so that we can be sure to have enough food and materials for all attendees.

 
For more information please contact District Governor, Dean McHugh at dmchugh@mchughexcavating.com or the District office at rotarydistrict6250@morgandata.com or 608-204-9835
One Rotary Summit 2016-10-14 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2017 Returns to La Crosse!

May 12-14, 2017

This will be a very busy weekend in La Crosse, with several other events in town taking up hotel rooms. Book early to be sure that you'll have a room for the 2017 Rotary District Conference!

Room Block Information:

Radisson Hotel - Conference Venue
200 Harborview Plaza
La Crosse, WI 54601

Standard King Room: $149
Standard 2 Queen room: $159


Reservations: 
(608) 784-6680 or (800) 333-3333
Ask for the Rotary District 6250  Conference Rate
www.radisson.com/lacrossewi   Enter promo code:  RD6250
Room block deadline: April 14, 2017


The Charmant Hotel - upscale boutique hotel
101 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601

Standard King or Double Queen Room: $249

Reservations:
(608) 697-7300

Ask for the in-house reservations:  Rotary District 6250 Rate
 
Room block deadline: March 27, 2017
 
 
District Conference 2017 Returns to La Crosse! 2016-10-14 05:00:00Z 0

Holiday Party

Posted by Mark Olsen on Oct 07, 2016
SAVE THE DATE
 
 
is Tuesday, December 13th
at
 
Holiday Party Mark Olsen 2016-10-07 05:00:00Z 0
Fantasy Football Standings Week 4 Steven Riggles 2016-10-07 05:00:00Z 0

Family Fun Nights at Westside Elementary

Posted by Rich Darga
In May, our club applied for a Rotary District Grant in partnership with Sun Prairie Community Schools.  The project that we hoped would be funded was called "Opening Doors for Kids and Families in Sun Prairie."  The project calls for SP Rotary to be integrally involved with the First Friday Family Fun Nights held at Buena Vista Site of SP Community Schools located within Westside Elementary. Rotarians are asked to volunteer at our First Friday Family Fun Nights.  Your family members are invited to attend as well.  This is a community wide event.
 
For information about the event CLICK HERE
 
To sign up to volunteer on October 14th CLICK HERE (you will need to log in to our Rotary website to sign up)
 
Family Fun Nights at Westside Elementary Rich Darga 2016-09-22 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Exchange - Looking for OUTBOUNDS!

Posted by Toni Pabon

CALLING ALL FUTURE ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENTS!

Your future awaits...

What is Rotary Youth Exchange?
  • Opportunity to learn a new culture and language
  • Opportunity to be an ambassador
  • Opportunity to make friends for a lifetime
  • It’s a year of adventure
 
The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, as part of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program, sends and receives high school students to/from 40 countries:
 
Australia
Greece
Peru
Argentina
Hungary
Poland
Belgium
India
Singapore
Brazil
Italy
Spain
Chile
Japan
Sweden
Croatia
Korea
Switzerland
Denmark
Latvia
Taiwan
Estonia
Lithuania
Thailand
Finland
Mexico
Zambia
France
Norway
+ many more
Germany
Paraguay
(List is subject to change)
 
 
 
We are accepting applications now until October 15th.
 
Contact us for questions:
 Steven Riggles • YEO - Youth Exchange Officer • 608-852-6619
Toni Pabon • YEC - Youth Exchange Counselor • 608-628-7306 
 
Rotary Youth Exchange - Looking for OUTBOUNDS! Toni Pabon 2016-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

Accepting Nominations

Posted by Mark Olsen
The Board is accepting Nominations for the next board.  Nominations are due by November 1st.  We will vote on the new board members on December 6th.
 
Board Positions 2017-18
 
Position Name
President: Joshua Kindkeppel
President Elect: Chad Wiedmeyer
Treasurer: James Mastrangelo
Secretary: Julie Marshall
President Elect Nominee (Director): Toni Pabon
Past President: Mark Olsen
Director: OPEN
 
Article II           Board
The governing body of this club shall be the board consisting of seven (7) members of this club, namely two (2) directors elected in accordance with article 3, section 1 of these bylaws, and the president, vice-president/ president-elect, secretary, treasurer, and immediate past president.
 
Article III Election of Directors and Officers
 
Section 1 – At a regular meeting one month prior to the meeting for election of officers, the presiding officer shall ask for nominations by members of the club for vice president/president elect, secretary, treasurer and two (2) directors. The nominations may be presented by a nominating committee or by members from the floor, by either or both, as a club may determine. If it is determined to have a nominating committee, such committee shall be appointed as the club may determine. The nominations duly made shall be placed upon a ballot in alphabetical order under each office, and shall be voted for at the annual meeting. The candidates for vice president/president-elect, secretary and treasurer receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected to their respective offices. The two (2) candidates for director receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected as directors. The vice-president/president-elect elected in such balloting shall serve as a member of the board as president-nominee for the year commencing on the first of July following his/her election as vice-president/president-elect, and shall assume office as president on the first day of July immediately following his year of service on the board as president-elect.
 
Accepting Nominations Mark Olsen 2016-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

ColoniALE Fest

Posted by Mark Olsen
 

BUY TICKETS NOW

The Colonial Club Senior Center in Sun Prairie, WI will hold its 6th annual "ColoniALE Fest" on Friday, November 4, 2016.  With over 60 different types of beer and over  a dozen types of wine, this event has become a popular event over the years.  Wisconsin State Journal's Chris Drosner, aka "The Beer Baron" said: 

“I’ve been to a lot of beer festivals, and ColoniALE is a nice change of pace, perfect for people with a budding interest in beer or intermediate connoisseurs. Its relatively intimate size and friendly people on both sides of the pouring tables – not to mention the good cause -- have kept me coming back.”

As Chris mentioned, the cause is a good one.  ColoniALE Fest raises money to help sustain the programs and activities of the Colonial Club and its mission:  to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults.  Whether we're delivering a nutritious meal to a homebound senior or providing compassionate care in the Adult Day Center, we're helping people age well. 

This year, we welcome the Sun Prairie Rotary Club as a co-sponsor of our event.  The Rotary Club does lots of charitable work in Sun Prairie and around the globe and we're happy to have them join us.

All of us, regardless of age want to remain in our homes for as long as it's safely possible.  Your purchase of tickets will help make that possible.  Ticket price includes complimentary souvenir tasting glass, comprehensive program of beer descriptions and samples of great, local food. 

 

ColoniALE Fest Mark Olsen 2016-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

District 6250 Friendship Exchanges

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We have an exchange with Nepal, where eleven travelers from our district will visit five clubs over a two week period from September 26 - October 10.  No Rotarians from Nepal plan on visiting us, stating that the cost of travel is beyond their individual budgets. 
 
There is another exchange planned to travel to the Philippines in mid January.  Edwin Bos is arranging the details, with 20 travelers from our district visiting areas of the Philippines where they are already involved in Rotary projects.  The Rotarians from the Philippines plan on visiting our district as well, but this is based on ongoing projects, so we are not looking for host clubs.
 
The next trip being planned will occur between our district and a district in Gujarat, India.  They have six couples selected to travel here in May/June of 2017.  We are accepting clubs who are interested in hosting these twelve visitors.  We are also looking for participants from our district to travel to Gujarat from January 21- February 5, 2017.   If you, or your club, are interested in getting involved in this exchange, let our Friendship Exchange chairman, Dave Clemens, know.  Any questions, or interest, should be expressed to him.  Any travelers are expected to pay their air fare, first hotel night and some rental car costs.  Food, lodging and entertainment are the responsibility of the hosts.
 
Preferred contact - email drdave@dellsdental.net cell phone - 608-408-8941
 
Dr. David Clemens
245 W. Munroe Ave.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-254-2345

 

District 6250 Friendship Exchanges 2016-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

Million Dollar Journey Announced

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We are currently in the 100th year of our Rotary Foundation.  Founded in 1917 under the direction of Rotary’s sixth President Arch Klumph with $26.50 as an endowment “to do good in the world”, its assets have now grown to over $1 billion.  Rotary International is planning celebrations in Cleveland, where Klumph was a distinguished Rotarian, as well as Atlanta for the International Convention, to celebrate 100 years of The Rotary Foundation. 

To mark this important milestone, our district has set a goal to raise a minimum of $1 million in new major gifts of $10,000 or more for The Rotary Foundation.  Gifts can be spread over 3 year pledges of at least $3,333 per year, or new or increased bequests of $10,000 or more.  According to District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Dave Warren, “early pledges and gifts have already exceeded a quarter of a million dollars with over 14 months left in a campaign…and it hadn’t even been officially been announced!”

A celebratory dinner has already been scheduled for the evening of Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the beautiful Trappers Turn Golf Club in Wisconsin Dells for all who make major gifts toward this goal.  There will be a special address from a major Rotary International dignitary.   For more information on how you can be a part of this special effort, please contact Dave Warren at dave@davesace.com

Million Dollar Journey Announced 2016-09-16 05:00:00Z 0

Inbound RYE Student:  JADE (France) Arrives

Posted by Toni Pabon
Our 2016-17 Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student has arrived safe and sound.  A group of Sun Prairie Rotarians greeted Jade as she arrived in Madison on Tuesday, August 23rd at 4:30 pm.  Jade will be attending Sun Prairie High School and her first host family is Sue Halambeck.  
 
 
CLICK HERE to watch a short video of her arrival at the airport.
CLICK HERE for more photos
 
Please help us welcome her to our Rotary Club Family and our Community.  If you have questions or comments about Rotary Youth Exchange please contact us:  Steve Riggles or Toni Pabon
 
 
Sue has been a very busy host Mom helping Jade with school registration and Tennis sign up.  Jade has her school Chrome book & school ID. She is also getting her bus pass. Jade starts tennis practice on Friday.  Coach Mr. Wilke is lending her a tennis racquet for the season.  She is off to a great start of an amazing year.
 
Inbound RYE Student:  JADE (France) Arrives Toni Pabon 2016-08-23 05:00:00Z 0

Rebound RYE Student - Steven Bertelsen

Posted by Toni Pabon
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Steven gives us an emotional presentation as he walks us through his experiences as an American Rotary Youth Exchange Student in Germany 2015-16.  Steven says this was the BEST DECISION of his LIFE so far.  His exchange year changed him in ways he would have never expected.  Steven THANKS ROTARY for the opportunity to be a RYE STUDENT and for THE EURO TOUR (the highlight of his year abroad).
 
 
     
 
Rebound RYE Student - Steven Bertelsen Toni Pabon 2016-08-23 05:00:00Z 0

September 13th

Posted by Mark Olsen
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There will not be a meeting on Tuesday, September 13th in the morning.  Instead you are invited to attend the Rotary District Group 6 social that evening at 5:30 pm.
 
Guest Speaker:  Justin Doherty, Senior Associate Athletic Director, UW-Madison.
 
Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel 
3841 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI  53704
 
Tuesday, September 13th
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
 
Click Here for More Info
 
September 13th Mark Olsen 2016-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Golf Outing Update

Posted by James Mastrangelo
The golf outing was a success.  We had about 90 golfers participate.  Thank you to all the sponsors, golfers, and volunteers that made the event possible and successful.  The final fundraising numbers will be announced soon.
 
 
 
CLICK HERE for PHOTOS
 
Golf Outing Update James Mastrangelo 2016-08-11 05:00:00Z 0

Help unite District 6250 on November 5… Join us for iFeed 2016!

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iFeed?  What is iFeed?  It’s a one-day effort to alleviate hunger in our world AND in our own communities. iFeed was the collaborative effort of five La Crosse area Interact clubs and the Rotary Clubs that support them. As the students started to brainstorm, the project grew and grew and soon exploded into an all-community effort. The results were nothing short of amazing. More than 275 volunteers packed over 54,000 meals that were sent to Nicaragua. For six hours, dozens of volunteers worked a drive up/drop off site at Logan High School. This resulted in over 13 tons of food being collected, sorted and donated to the Hunger Task Force. This group of Interact Clubs even won the International Interact Video Competition highlighting iFeed!
 
Now, the same five Interact clubs, joined by two newly chartered clubs are gearing up to do it all over again, and we are looking for your club to be involved as well. We want to make iFeed a day to help alleviate hunger throughout District 6250 and beyond. If you haven’t seen the award-winning Interact video yet, CLICK HERE. Read the extended article and plan to get your Rotary Club and your Interact Club involved!
 
For more information, more ideas and to register, please email Stephanie Fraase at stephdesigns@centurytel.net or call Stephanie at 608-780-7220 (please leave a voicemail if you don’t get an answer). 
 
 
 
Help unite District 6250 on November 5… Join us for iFeed 2016! 2016-07-29 05:00:00Z 0
Robert Rockman Plays Marimba Toni Pabon 2016-07-26 05:00:00Z 0
Colonial Club Van Gets Branded! Rose Freidel 2016-07-22 05:00:00Z 0

Gale Chase - Honorary Member

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jul 22, 2016
On Thursday, July 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie voted to give Gale Chase, the title of Honorary Member.
 
Gale Chase, Rotarian since 1960
 
What is Honorary Membership?
Honorary Membership "Honorary" is one of the four types of membership a person may have in a Rotary club and is exercised only in exceptional cases to recognize an individual for unusual service and contributions to Rotary and society.  They do not hold office, and are exempt from attendance requirements and club dues. 
 
Eligibility for Honorary Membership. Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and those persons considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary's cause may be elected to honorary membership in more than one club.
 
Gale Chase - Honorary Member Mark Olsen 2016-07-22 05:00:00Z 0

Board Meetings

Posted by Mark Olsen on Jul 22, 2016
Our Board of Directors will meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 5:00 at First Weber located at 1777 W Main St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.  The meetings are held in the First Weber Board Room on the 2nd floor.  MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
 
Current Board of Directors
 
Name
Position
Dr. Mark Olsen
President 2016-207
Josh Kindkeppel
President Elect 2017-18
Chad Wiedmeyer
President Elect Nominee 2018-2019
Toni Pabon
President Elect Nominee Designate 2019-2020
Rose Freidel 
Past President 2015-2016
Jim Mastrangelo Treasurer
Julie Marshall Secretary
Aaron Oppenheimer Director
 
 
Board Meetings Mark Olsen 2016-07-22 05:00:00Z 0

Matching Grant - Benches

Posted by Aaron Oppenheimer on Jul 22, 2016
The Rotary Club of Sun Prairie received a Rotary District 6250 matching grant for up to $1,500 to help support the purchase of 2 benches that will be near the library.  We need to raise $1,500 in donations to receive the full $1,500 in matching grant funds.  If you have pledged or want to donate to the benches, payment is required now.  Please make the check out to Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation and checks can go to Debbie Fox-Schroeder.
 
Everyone is invited to attend...
Matching Grant - Benches Aaron Oppenheimer 2016-07-22 05:00:00Z 0

Books for The World - Needs Help!

Posted by Toni Pabon on Jul 14, 2016
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Thom Weiss was our guest speaker on Tuesday, July 12th.  He talked about Madison Breakfast Signature Project:  Books for the World.  
 
Thom also formally recognized Beth Mielcarek with a plaque for her support and dedication over the years with this project.
 
Thom is looking for a Sun Prairie Coordinator to help collect books from the Sun Prairie School District and deliver them to Hallman/Lindsay Paints.  Sun Prairie School District does the collection once a year.  Harry Ripp from the Madison East-Monona Rotary Club has been coordinating the pick up and he is looking for a replacement. 
 
If anyone is interested in volunteering and taking over the coordination with Sun Prairie School District, please contact Thom Weiss at (608) 212-7005.
 
 
For more information please visit:  http://books6250.weebly.com
 
Books for The World - Needs Help! Toni Pabon 2016-07-14 05:00:00Z 0

New Members

Posted by Julie Marshall on Jul 14, 2016
Welcome To Our Club!

Jon Landsverk
Executive Director
YMCA of Dane County
 
Sponsored by Sue Halambeck

John Sheehan
President
UW Health at The American Center
 
Sponsored by Tom Hebl

 
New Members Julie Marshall 2016-07-14 05:00:00Z 0
Golf Outing Mark Olsen 2016-07-12 05:00:00Z 0

Passing the Gavel 2016

Posted by Rose Freidel

Welcome to the new Rotary year! We had the official passing of the gavel on Tuesday evening. Mark Olsen will be serving as President- it will be a great year! Thanks for your leadership Mark!

Rotary Club of Sun Prairie's photo.
Passing the Gavel 2016 Rose Freidel 2016-06-29 05:00:00Z 0

2016-17 Rotary Theme

Posted by Toni Pabon
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Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, believed that serving humanity is “the most worthwhile thing a person can do,” RI President-elect John F. Germ said, and that being a part of Rotary is a “great opportunity” to make that happen.

Germ unveiled the 2016-17 presidential theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, to incoming district governors on 18 January at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA.

“I believe everyone recognizes the opportunity to serve Rotary for what it truly is: not a small opportunity, but a great one; an opportunity of a lifetime to change the world for the better, forever through Rotary’s service to humanity,” said Germ.

Rotary members around the globe are serving humanity by providing clean water to underdeveloped communities, promoting peace in conflict areas, and strengthening communities through basic education and literacy. But none more important than our work to eradicate polio worldwide, he said.

After a historic year in which transmission of the wild poliovirus was stopped in Nigeria and all of Africa, Germ said we are closer than ever to ending polio.

“We are at a crossroads in Rotary,” he added. “We are looking ahead at a year that may one day be known as the greatest year in Rotary’s history: the year that sees the world’s last case of polio.”

Last year’s milestones leave just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the virus still circulates. Polio would be only the second human disease ever to be eradicated.

When that moment arrives, it’s “tremendously important” that Rotary is ready for it, said Germ. “We need to be sure that we are recognized for that success, and leverage that success into more partnerships, greater growth, and even more ambitious service in the decades to come.”

Germ, a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, encouraged attendees to return to their clubs and communities and spread the word about Rotary’s role in the fight for a polio-free world.

“People who want to do good will see that Rotary is a place where they can change the world. Every Rotary club needs to be ready to give them that opportunity,” Germ said.

Enhancing Rotary’s image isn’t the only way to boost membership. “We need clubs that are flexible, so our service will be more attractive to younger members, recent retirees, and working people.”

He added: “We need more willing hands, more caring hearts, and more bright minds to move our work forward.”

Find more videos from the event
Download 2016-17 theme logo and materials
Follow the assembly on Facebook and Twitter using #IA2016
Download speech transcripts

By Ryan Hyland

Rotary News

18-Jan-2016
 
2016-17 Rotary Theme Toni Pabon 2016-06-24 05:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self Award Presentation

Posted by Thomas Hebl on Jun 07, 2016
Sun Prairie Rotary initiated the Sun Prairie's Service Above Self Awards in 2001.  Criteria utilizes Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and the Four Way Test.  Rotary’s motto, Service above Self exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s members.  Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.  Rotarian’s nominate individuals in the community who exemplify the principles. The last few years we have nominated one high school student. 
 
2016 Recipients
Ann Maastricht
Michelle Olsen
Bishop Harold E. Rayford
 
Student
Abigail Voegeli
 
 
 
Service Above Self Award Presentation Thomas Hebl 2016-06-07 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Highway Cleanup a Success

Posted by Andrew Bissonnette on Jun 04, 2016
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Seven determined Rotarians and three of their children gathered early at the Sun Prairie YMCA on Saturday morning, June 4th, for the Highway 151 Clean-Up. Even as we were standing there, the rain was sputtering a little bit, but we were undeterred.  Andy Bissonnette was the organizer and had all of the safety vests and bags, courtesy of the previous organizer, Rich Darga. Debbie Fox-Schroeder had brought three or four grabbers and passe them out as well.
 
The other Rotarians participating were Dan Presser (with his children Sam and Audrey), Laura Jennings (with her son Jacob), Jim Mastrangelo, Sue Halambeck, and Ann Oberle. Altogether we had a crew of 10 people which worked out very well. We put five people on each side of the highway.  Everyone was walking against traffic, as is recommended for safety purposes.  We had placed our cars strategically on the ramps so that everyone was walking towards their own car at the end of their walk. 
 
There was plenty of trash to pick up and the group filled 27 or 28 large bags. The crew on one side came across three dead deer....we did not bag them up! Audrey Presser found a wallet with a driver's license and other personal items in it. Dan took it and will be calling or contacting that person to tell her where her stolen wallet ended up.  We picked up lots of plastic bags, lots of plastic soda bottles, etc. We found car parts of all kinds. It rained lightly on us for maybe 10 or 15 minutes of our two and a half hours out on the road. This, despite a forecast for ongoing thunderstorms throughout the morning. We totally lucked out on the weather, although the farmers and our gardens were crying for more water.
 
At the end of our work, Andy provided cold bottled water as well as cold bottled beer.  After sharing a drink there on the shoulder of the highway, six of us made our way over to Monks for a nice lunch together.  Food seems to taste better after working up an appetite doing work outside, so this tasted great. Another successful community service project in the books! 
 
  
 
Rotary Highway Cleanup a Success Andrew Bissonnette 2016-06-04 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2016

Posted by Toni Pabon
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District Conference was fantastic!  We had several of our members attend.  Here are some photos from last weekend:
 
Lovely Ladies at Tailgate Party
 
Rotary Youth Exchange with Buckey
 
Beth and Debbie doing "JUMP AROUND"
 
Ron Dancing with the students!
 
The biggest purchase ever in the history of silent auctions at Rotary District conference...Quote from Tom Marshall 
 
District Conference 2016 Toni Pabon 2016-05-26 05:00:00Z 0

2016 High School Scholarships

Posted by Rose Freidel
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Congratulations to our Sun Prairie High School Scholarship recipients.
 
Alicia Tahlier
received the Clarence Grundahl Award
Daniel Weber
received the RICE Award
Lilian Vang
received the Robert Devenish Scholarship
 
Best of luck to all of you as you pursue your education. Please keep in touch!
 
2016 High School Scholarships Rose Freidel 2016-05-20 05:00:00Z 0

The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Toni Pabon
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On Tuesday, Aaron Oppenheimer, talked about the importance of giving to The Rotary Foundation.  Below is a link to see the giving that each club in our District 6250.
 
 
Sun Prairie Rotary has given $5,400 YTD and has exceeded our goal for the year.  We currently average $148.19 per capita, meaning on average, our members give $148.19 per year to The Foundation.  This is up 35% compared to 2011-12.  There are 52 active members in our club.  Only 23 members have donated to The Rotary Foundation this year.  
 
Imagine how much more, club giving could be, if more members gave to The Rotary Foundation...
 
Sun Prairie Rotary has been fortunate to receive many District Grants in recent years.  This money is made possible by District 6250 Rotarian's giving to The Rotary Foundation.  CharityNavigator.org gives ranks The Rotary Foundation 96 out of 100 points:  CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Did you know that Madison After Hours Rotary Club is a "New Generations" club and they have 30 members.  Their per capita is higher than ours at $175.67.  I would hope that next year, Sun Prairie Rotary can exceed or meet them and raise our per capita to $175.00 for 2016-17.  If they can do it, so can we!
 
Check out this video about The Rotary Foundation:  CLICK HERE
 
 
The Rotary Foundation Toni Pabon 2016-05-18 05:00:00Z 0

and the WINNERS are....

Posted by Thomas Hebl
 
2016 WINNERS ARE:
 
Ann Maastricht
Michelle Olsen
Bishop Harold E. Rayford
 
Student
Abigail Voegeli

Thanks to all!!
Tom Hebl
 
For more information about Service Above Self Awards
 
and the WINNERS are.... Thomas Hebl 2016-05-13 05:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Rose Freidel on May 05, 2016
We had a busy meeting Tuesday! We had an awesome group of Rotarians and Nicholas from Kenya sharing his story of planting trees and bringing his community together. We also were able to present Bob Power and Laura Jennings from the Colonial Club with a $10,000 grant for their van from our Rotary Foundation and a matching grant from our District 6250!  Thanks to all who made this possible!
 
 
Weekly Update Rose Freidel 2016-05-05 05:00:00Z 0

2016 District Conference Volunteer Opportunities

Posted by Debbie Fox-Schroeder
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On Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 21, 2016 our Rotary district will be hosting its annual conference at Union South in Madison.  This event has been in the works for well over a year and will draw hundreds of Rotarians and guests.  As you may suspect, an event of this magnitude requires a lof of people to ensure its success.

In order to make registration and the traffic flow as smoothly as possible, we'll need several volunteers.  We've identified almost 30 short (1.5 - 3 hours) opportunities for you and your club members to help.  These positions are for registration assistant and sergeant at arms and are not difficult.  What little training is required will be provided by email and at the beginning of each shift.

Would you please share this need with your members?  Two separate Doodle polls have been created for each of the type help needed.  

For those people interested in helping with registration, go to:  http://doodle.com/poll/2vukvciuyt3ysqqt

For those interested in being a Sergeant at Arms, go to:  http://doodle.com/poll/kfn7gsdebutnxdi2

Thank you in advance for your help in filling these important positions!
 
2016 District Conference Volunteer Opportunities Debbie Fox-Schroeder 2016-05-05 05:00:00Z 0
Lori Hackman Owner of Oilerie - Guest Speaker Rose Freidel 2016-05-05 05:00:00Z 0

Colonial Club Receives Their New Van!

Posted by Rose Freidel
Christmas in April! Because of the generosity of the Madison Community Foundation William E. and Edna B. Walker Fund for the Elderly and the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation and District 6250 Rotary Foundation, this beautiful new handicap accessible van was just delivered! We are so happy! — feeling thankful.
 
 
Colonial Club Receives Their New Van! Rose Freidel 2016-04-29 05:00:00Z 0

District Assembly

Posted by Toni Pabon
District Assembly provides sessions designed for club officers and others interested in learning more about club administration, leadership and the bigger picture of Rotary.​
 
Register for District Assembly on May 20th at Union South starting at 2:00 pm.  There is no cost to attend Assembly.
 
 
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm District Assembly Session 1
  1-A Club Administration and Goal Setting
  1-B Membership
  1-C Foundation
  1-D Public Relations & Social Media
  1-E Club Projects & Fundraising
  1-F Club Runner
 
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm Break
 
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm District Assembly Session 2
  2-A Club Administration and Goal Setting
  2-B Membership
  2-C Foundation
  2-D Public Relations & Social Media
  2-E Club Projects & Fundraising
  2-F Club Runner
 
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
 
Break
 
 
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm District Assembly Session 3
  3-A AG Meeting with Clubs by Group
  3-B Treasurer
  3-C Secretary
  3-D Rotary's Council on Legislation
  3-E RYLA/Interact
  3-F Rotary Youth Exchange
 
 
District Assembly Toni Pabon 2016-04-29 05:00:00Z 0
Arbor Day Tree Planting Rose Freidel 2016-04-20 05:00:00Z 0

Mike Leckrone - UW Band Director

Posted by Toni Pabon
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Our guest speaker on Tuesday was the legend, Mike Leckrone.  Mike has been the director of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band since 1969.  He told us stories about music, the band, and leadership.  He was fun, energetic, and a great speaker.  
 
 
Mike Leckrone - UW Band Director Toni Pabon 2016-04-20 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Golf Outing 2016

Posted by Mark Olsen
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Jim Mastangelo has agreed to co-chair this years golf outing if someone else is willing to step up and help him out.  I will also help out with organizing the golf portion of the event.  
 
It will be held at the Oaks again this year on either Thursday Aug. 4th or 11th.  Please let me know via email if you are willing and able to help out with one of our two major fundraisers of the year.  We need someone to step up so we can continue giving to the community like we have in years past.  If we do not get the funds we will be unable to continue many of the programs that we have done. 

Thanks a lot in advance,
Mark
 
Rotary Golf Outing 2016 Mark Olsen 2016-04-13 05:00:00Z 0

West Point Military Academy Presentation

Posted by Rose Freidel
Thank you George Alexander for you presentation on West Point and congratulations on your 50th celebration of your graduation this spring!
 
 
George gave a presentation on West Point Military Academy on Tuesday, April 12th.
 
West Point Military Academy Presentation Rose Freidel 2016-04-13 05:00:00Z 0

Sun Prairie Area Community Band

Posted by Laura Jennings
Sherry Jenkel, Director of the the Sun Prairie Area Community Band was a speaker at the evening meeting on April 6th.  If you missed the meeting and would like to watch her presentation:
 
 
Upcoming Sun Prairie Area Community Band Performances
 
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 1st 2:00 p.m. SP Library
 
Summer Concerts
Saturday, June 11   11:00 a.m. Taste of the Arts
Saturday June 18   11:00 a.m. Strawberry Festival
Tuesday, June 28   6:30 p.m. Sun Prairie Library
Thursday, July 7    6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wetmore Park
Sunday, July 17      1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Community Band Festival at Waunakee.
 
Sun Prairie Area Community Band Laura Jennings 2016-04-11 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference

LOOK WHO'S SPEAKING AT DISTRICT CONFERENCE!

Using the gift of music to bring the world together

Dr. Jonathan Overby
 
On July 1, 2013, University of Wisconsin Extension Chancellor Ray Cross conferred on Dr. Jonathan Overby the prefix title of “Distinguished” Broadcaster at WPR. 

Originally from Milwaukee, Dr. Overby, an ethnomusicologist, lecturer and lyric baritone, served as music director at UW-Madison Campus Ministry, Edgewood College Artist In Residence, and Vice President of the Wisconsin Arts Board. 

Currently, he is the executive producer and director of Wisconsin’s Official Annual State Tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the oldest such state ceremony in the nation.  He holds a doctorate in administrative leadership in higher education from Edgewood College in Madison.   

His travels and research abroad include independent excursions throughout the Caribbean, Japan, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Ghana, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Cuba, Columbia, Peru and Morocco.

These travel experiences says Overby "…inform how one might better understand the human condition through varied traditions of sacred world music which may have the potential for building bridges between diverse groups while illuminating and celebrating cultural diversity and the inclusion of marginalized groups…such understanding may in fact reduce human hatred."
 
RI President's Rep Message: Being a Gift to the World
Share the Gift of Rotary - One District, One Club, One Person Makes a Difference

Nicki Scott, PDG
 
Rotary is a way of life for Nicki who considers herself to be a global citizen. The values of Service above Self, Internationalism and building understanding between different cultures and religions resonate strongly with Nicki's own principles.  After serving as President of Naperville Sunrise in 2009/10 and Assistant Governor in 2011 she had the honor of serving as District Governor 6450, in 2014-15. She is currently Vice-Chair of MidWest PETS and was recently appointed to a three year term as Rotary Coordinator for Zone 28 from July 1, 2016.
 
Having experienced first hand in Zambia and India the incredible good that The Rotary Foundation and our EndPolioNow effort does in the world, Nicki is a strong supporter: a founding member of the Paul Harris Society, a Major Donor and member of the Bequest Society.
 
With a background in corporate finance and change management consulting Nicki then owned a promotional product business for 12 years and developed expertise in branding and entrepreneurship.  She recently launched a new business to pursue her passions in professional speaking, business coaching and leadership development and aims to use those skills in service to Rotary International to help to bridge the gap to the next generation of leaders for our second century of service to the world.
 

Red Lights and Screaming Sirens
 
Mary Herness
 
Mary was born and raised on a dairy farm near the small community of Pigeon Falls, WI.   In 1951 at age 13 , she contracted polio, which changed her life forever.  In spite of this she went on to graduate from Whitehall High School in 1956, attended college and started her teaching career.  In 1959 she married her high school sweetheart Everette Herness. Together they worked as dairy farmers with a herd of registered Holsteins, supplemented by her teaching job.  Busy years as a wife, mother, teacher, 4-H leader and always as a student followed.  They were blessed with 3 sons, and today have 10 grandchildren.  She is now a widow of five years.
 
Mary's ongoing education included grades 1-8 at Pigeon Falls State Graded School 1943-1952; Whitehall Memorial High school 1952-1956; Wisconsin State College Eau Claire two-year program 1956-1958.  Continuing her studies at  Wisconsin State University Eau Claire, she earned a BS degree in elementary education 1967, and was awarded MST-Reading degree in 1979 at UWEC.  Teaching experience included 30 plus years as (1) elementary teacher (2) K-12 reading specialist (3) adjunct professor at UWEC reading department.
 
Current memberships are Friends of the Library, Sons of Norway, WI Retired Educators Association, Book Club, Western WI Post Polio Group, Landings Lag, Toten Lag, and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Hobbies and interests involve Mary in quilting and sewing, reading, family genealogies and writing.
 
Developing Leaders and Teamwork On and Off the Court

Kelly Sheffield
 
Sheffield became the 10th head volleyball coach in Wisconsin history in December 2012 after five years as head coach at the University of Dayton.  In his first two years at Wisconsin, Kelly Sheffield has brought the Badger volleyball program back to national prominence. He has led UW to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, including a berth in the 2013 national championship match in his first season.

In his second year, the Badgers won the 2014 Big Ten Conference title with a 19-1 mark with Sheffield being named the Big Ten Coach of the Year. Wisconsin nearly swept the year-end conference awards, picking up Player of the Year, Setter of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. UW also advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
 
Friends, Family and Fun for Five Generations

Dick Leinenkugel
 
Dick Leinenkugel is President for the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, having been appointed October 1, 2014.  Dick joined the Tenth and Blake Beer and Cider Company in 2010 as Manager – Business Development after serving as Wisconsin’s Commerce Secretary from 2008 to 2010.  Dick spent 21 years with the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company based in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, as District Sales Manager, Chain Account Manager and VP – Sales and Marketing. Before joining his family’s business in 1987, Dick was the Tournament Director for the LPGA Women’s Kemper Open golf tournament based in Hawaii.  Upon graduating from Marquette University in 1980 with a B.S. in Business Administration, Dick served four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
 
Dick and wife, Jean, of 31 years, have three grown children, Jeffrey, Katie and Lindsay and enjoy their cabin in Eagle River, WI, when not in Chippewa Falls.  
 
 
District Conference 2016-04-08 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Exchange - Inbound Announcement

Posted by Steven Riggles on Apr 03, 2016
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Our 2016-17 Inbound Student:
Jade from France
 
 
Jade is a junior in high school and she will be arriving in Sun Prairie in August to spend a year living with 3 host families and attending Sun Prairie High School.  She is interested in math and science and wants to become an architect or civil engineer in the future.  She loves traveling and experiencing new things.  Jade hopes to improve her English skills and learn everything she can about the USA during her year.
 
Jade does not have siblings.  She likes to play piano and tennis.
 
Jade's first host family will be Sue Sue Halambeck.  We are currently searching for two more host families.  The second host family will host December - March and the third host family will host April - July 2017.  If you know of anyone interested in hosting a student, please contact one of us:
 
Name Title Cell Phone
Steven Riggles YEO - Youth Exchange Officer 608-852-6619
Toni Pabon YEC - Youth Exchange Counselor 608-628-7306
Ann Oberle YPO - Youth Protection Officer 608-347-1266
 
For more information about Rotary Youth Exchange: CLICK HERE.
 
Rotary Youth Exchange - Inbound Announcement Steven Riggles 2016-04-03 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2016

Posted by Rose Freidel
I’m delighted to welcome you to District Conference 2016! 

In this Rotary year, we have worked tirelessly to “Be A Gift To the World” and through your efforts our 63 Clubs have accomplished goals that have improved our communities and our world.  

So join your fellow Rotarians in sharing your successes and finding solutions to projects that have presented challenges.  District Conference 2016 offers you the opportunity to improve your Rotary IQ at District Assembly and at Workshops.  Our Inbound and Outbound Exchange Students will delight us with their energy and enthusiasm.   Listen to inspiring and motivating speakers who will help us understand teamwork, diversity, and how to build goodwill.  Learn from a Wisconsin woman why we must eradicate polio.   Take home new ideas to improve your Clubs.  Learn about the amazing projects occurring in Clubs around the District. 

Most important, renew great friendships with your Rotarian friends from around the District.  Join us to
          
SHARE THE GIFT!!   CELEBRATE!!
 
We Are A Gift To The World!        We Are Rotary!!
 
Mary Van Hout
District Governor 2015-2016
 
District Conference 2016 Rose Freidel 2016-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

March Update

Posted on Mar 18, 2016
The month started off right after a successful pancake breakfast on February 28. Thank you to the many people who helped make this fundraiser a success.
 
Steve Riggles gave an overview of the Youth Exchange program.  Steve, Toni Pabon and Ann Oberle are the team that coordinates and oversees the Youth Exchange program for Sun Prairie Rotary.  SP Rotary will be welcoming another exchange student this summer and are awaiting more information about the student, such as from  which country he or she will be arriving.Host families living in Sun Prairie are needed, Rotarians and non Rotarians are welcome to apply.
 
We also heard from Pastor Rayford this past week with information about eliminating the achievement gap and moving minority children forward in a positive way.  Pastor Rayford leads the Faith Place Church in Sun Prairie and is also leading 1800 Days, a grassroots organization that is committed to eliminating the achievement gap in Dane County, through community engagement in 1800 days, one child at a time. This includes distributing information about child development milestones and mentoring young parents.
 
Hoops for Hope started this week and Dave Berggren is leading this fun activity. 
 
The next meeting is Tuesday March 29.  
March Update 2016-03-18 05:00:00Z 0

Pancake Breakfast Coming Soon!

Don't miss the 56th Annual Pancake Feast on Sunday, February 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Round Table, 1611 N Bristol in Sun Prairie.This is Sun Prairie Rotary's biggest fundraiser of the year. all you can eat pancakes, sausages, potatoes, applesauce, coffee, juice and milk on are the menu for $7 Adult, $6 Ages 6-16 and free for children under 6.  Money raised from the breakfast will be used to fund a variety of service projects including scholarships for high school students, Kindness Retreat support, support for Sunshine Supper and Sunshine Place and a host of other ongoing projects that serve Sun Prairie and our community.
 
Volunteers are still needed to help on Saturday and Sunday.  Contact Mark Olsen to sign up.
 
 
Pancake Breakfast Coming Soon! 2016-02-19 06:00:00Z 0

Updates

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jan 29, 2016
Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser was our guest speaker and gave the "State of the City" presentation.  Mayor Esser gave an overview of the 13 new initiatives in the 2016 budget which included a fulltime teen librarian, funding for youth programs and a police liaison. Other new projects and items for 2016 include the new fulltime fire chief, Chris Garrison, fiber to the home project, the treatment of Ash trees for the Emerald Ash Bore, development of a financial management plan and development of a comprehensive plan for the city.  The mayor discussed topics for future consideration that included public works, the volunteer fire department, diversity in city government, availability of workforce housing and transportation challenges.  The city is also recruiting  for poll workers and police officers.  Check the city website for more information, www.cityofsunprairie.com.
 
Other Rotary News:
 
  • Rotary District 6250 approved a matching grant for $5000 for the Colonial Club Fund the Bus project.  SP Rotary is providing $5000 that is matched by the district.  This will go towards the purchase of a replacement bus that will be used to transport senior adults in Dane County to the Colonial Club for adult day care services and the nutrition program.  Rotarians will have an opportunity to participate by driving the bus, which transports senior adults, to the weekly Sunshine Supper on Monday evenings.
  • Fr. Mike Tess visited the meeting to discuss the Sun Prairie Involved in Children's Education (SPICE) program for 2016.  Rotarians are asked to participate by volunteering an hour/week for a 5th grade class as a mentor.  Dan Presser will be the contact for SP Rotary if you would like to be involved.
  • Tom Hebl, Sue Halambeck and Beth Mielcarek received Paul Harris Fellows! Thank you for  your support of the Foundation.
  • Ads for the Pancake breakfast are due no later than Tuesday, Feb 2. Contact Mark Olsen for additional information.
A couple of reminders:
 
  • If Sun Prairie schools are closed due to the weather, the Colonial Club is also closed.  If it falls on a Tuesday, the Rotary meeting is also canceled.
  • If your speaker needs audiovisual support, contact Todd Schultz at the Colonial Club at 608-837-4611 or tschultz@colonialclub.org.
  • Don't forget to check out the Wednesday evening meeting. Information can be found on the website at sunprairierotary.org
Have a great weekend.
 
 
Updates Laura Jennings 2016-01-29 06:00:00Z 0

Global Educator of the Year Award

Posted by Rose Freidel on Jan 26, 2016
Last Friday, PDG David Warren assisted State School Superintendent Tony Evers in presenting the first Global Educator of the Year award to Lou Kindschi from Oregon High School. The award and a $1,000 check were underwritten by the DeForest, Madison East, Madison West, and Sun Prairie Rotary Clubs.
 
Global Educator of the Year Award Rose Freidel 2016-01-26 06:00:00Z 0

January Update

Posted on Jan 15, 2016
This past week our speaker was Franco Marcos from the Department of Transportation.  Franco gave an overview of some of the proposals for the major traffic ways near Sun Prairie, including Hwy 19.  They are currently gathering data about the usage of the highway and proposing changes to improve traffic flow and safety.  They are considering 15 intersections for improvements as adding traffic signals and signs and roundabouts in addition to other intersection improvements.  These are just evaluations as there is no immediate funding to make any current changes.  
 
Rotary moments:
  • Mark Olsen discussed ads for the Pancake Breakfast, scheduled for Sunday Feb 28 at the Knights of Columbus Roundtable.  You should have received your ad assignments.  See Mark if you have questions or other business' in mind to approach.
  • There will be a GRIT celebrations at Creekkside school on Wednesday, January 27 from 8:40 to 9:10 a.m.  Rotarians are invited to attend to recognize students who have achieved their goals.
  • Don't miss the Wednesday evening meeting on January 20 at 6:00 pm at Buck & Honey's Restaurant in Sun Prairie.  We will be joining the Sunshine Place Community Conversation to brainstorm ideas to address poverty in Sun Prairie.
  • There was a unanimous vote to approve the previously presented membership changes.
 
Please remember, if your speaker needs audiovisual support, contact Todd Schultz at the Colonial Club at 608-837-4611 or tshultz@colonialclub.org.
Another reminder; if Sun Prairie schools close due to inclement weather, the SP Rotary meeting place Colonial Club will also be closed.  If schools are delayed, the meeting will occur as scheduled.
 
Have a great week
 
 
 
January Update 2016-01-16 00:00:00Z 0

12/29 Tuesday morning SP Rotary Meeting cancelled

Posted on Dec 27, 2015
Due to current weather and predictions of snow, sleet and wind into tomorrow morning, the 12/29/2015 Tuesday morning meeting for Sun Prairie Rotary is CANCELLED.  Stay safe!
12/29 Tuesday morning SP Rotary Meeting cancelled 2015-12-28 00:00:00Z 0

Meeting Update

Posted on Dec 20, 2015
Nate Pokrass, Foundation and Tournament Director of the American Family/Steve Stricker Golf Tournament was our guest.  Nate gave an overview of the planning for this tournament that will occur June 20-26, 2016 at the University Ridge Golf Course.  This event is attracting local and national attention.  The tournament is for pro golfers aged 50 and older and will  include many well known names.  This is also a charitable event with the proceeds to benefit the American Family Children's Hospital and several additional local non profits.  The Golf Channel will televise the event which will include  a youth clinic, player hospital visits and a hospitality reception before the tournament begins on the 24th. Additional activities are being planned and the goal is to make this an annual event.  For more information, go to amfamchanpionship.com and strickerfoundation.org.
 
 
Don't forget to buy your Kwik Trip cards. They make a great stocking stuffer and a percentage of your purchase is donated to the SP Rotary Foundation! They will be available at the Tuesday meeting or you can pick them up from Laura Jennings at the Colonial Club
 
Other Rotary news was the annual election of officers.  Below is the information from Julie Marshall.
 
On December 15, 2015, President Rose Freidel brought to order the annual Sun Prairie Rotary meeting.  The purpose of this meeting was to elect officers for the 2016-17 year beginning on July 1, 2016.  
 
Aaron Oppenheimer moved and Tom Hebl seconded the unanimous election of Julie Marshall as secretary.
 
Aaron Oppenheimer moved and Tom Hebl seconded the unanimous election of Jim Mastrangelo as treasurer.   
 
Josh Kindkeppel serves on the board and will be president in 2017-18 Rotary year.
 
Aaron Oppenheimer was added to the Board of Directors to fill Barb Trimble's vacated position.  Tom Hebl moved and Sue Halambeck seconded for Aaron to be on the board for the 16-17 Rotary year. 
 
Tom Hebl moved and Laura Jennings seconded a motion to accept Chad Wiedmeyer on the Rotary board now and presidency in 2018-19.
 
The annual meeting was adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted by Julie Marshall, Secretary.
 
 
 
Meeting Update 2015-12-21 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Dec 03, 2015
This week Sun Prairie Rotary welcomed fellow Rotarian and Sun Prairie native John Sheehan, President of the UW Health American Center. John gave an overview of the new center that opened this year and is located near American Family.  The 56 bed facility was built in response to growing population in Sun Prairie and the east side of Madison.  There was also a need for UW to have a location that could primarily focus on elective type surgeries for the health and well being of the community.  55% of the positions at the center are newly created, offering job growth in the area.  The center was designed with input from patients and their families. It includes an emergency department,  lab, pharmacy, imaging services and specialty clinics.  There is room for a 28 bed expansion in the future. The facility is also dedicated to being a green facility and serving health food options.
 
Other Rotary Moments:
 
  • Don't forget to invite prospective members to the Wednesday evening meetings, which are held the first and third Wednesday each month.  The December 16 meeting will be held at the Market Street Diner and mayor Paul Esser is the featured speaker.
  • Kwik Trip cards are a great holiday stocking stuffer and a portion of the sales will benefit the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation.  See Laura Jennings if you would like to purchase cards.
  • The Rotary Christmas party will be held on Tuesday, December 8 at the Watertower Chophouse with drinks at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.  RSVP to Jane LaMere asap if you plan on attending.  The cost is $25 per person. Bring a non perishable item for the food pantry. There wil be NO morning meeting on Tuesday.
  • Spirit of Giving Gifts are being collected by Mark Olsen.  You can drop them off at his dental office or bring them the evening of the Christmas Party.  Please be sure to label the bags with the family you have been assigned.
  • The Fantasy Football league is winding down to the playoffs.  Law Enforcers (Tom Hebl) is currently in the lead and guaranteed a playoff spot.
Have a great weekend.
 
Weekly Update 2015-12-04 00:00:00Z 0

Meeting on Wednesday, Dec 2

Posted on Nov 22, 2015
Mark your calendars for this evening meeting.  
 
> Here are the details:
>
> Date:                   Wednesday,  December 2, 2015
> Where:                 UW Health At the American Center
>                            Room 1007
> Time:                   6:00 p.m.
> Speaker:              Diane Scherschel, Community and Corporate Wellness Programs Manager (Diane will speak for about 20 minutes)
> Beverages           available for sale and also have a vending machine close to the room we are using.
>
Meeting on Wednesday, Dec 2 2015-11-23 00:00:00Z 0

Update

Posted on Nov 08, 2015
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome"  Booker T. Washington
 
Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away" Anonymous
 
This past week, Stacy Darga gave an update on the Community Schools initiative. This partnership provides quality out of school programming for students and their parents.  There is evidence that students that participate in this after school programming have higher attendance rates, higher math and reading scores and a lower number of discipline referrals.  Sun Prairie Rotary provided a grant in 2015 to help fund the Westside (Buena Vista) Community School.  Kids are able to learn about engineering and grew a community garden this year.  The produce was used in the program and offered to families at the school.  Other programs included the International club where families learned more about the cultures of individual students and English in the schools.  This program gives the non English speaking parents an opportunity to learn English and is taught by the Literacy Network from Madison.  
 
The community schools are looking for a program manager and continue to need financial support.  If you are interested in learning more or helping, contact Stacy Darga at Westside School.
 
Other Rotary moments:
 
  • November is Rotary Foundation Month. Please consider a donation to the Foundation.  Money donated is invested and can be returned back to the community through grant applications. Your donation will make you eligible for a drawing to match your donations from the Rotary board.  Your accumulated $1000 or more donation will result in  a Paul Harris award.  
  • Creekside GRIT celebrations is Tuesday, Nov 10 at 8:40 a.m.  Contact Debbie Fox-Schroeder if you plan on attending.
  • Don't forget to pick up your Kwik Trip cards for that holiday gift or stocking stuffer.  The cards will be available for sale during the week at Colonial Club.  See Laura or the main office.
See you on Tuesday!
Update 2015-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Patrick Marsh and the Community

Posted on Oct 08, 2015
Sun Prairie Rotarians are proud to have helped fund and build this valuable community resource!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Sue,

We were thrilled to have so many people from the community join us last Sunday for the Patrick Marsh ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. It was great to see everyone exploring the trails, reading the new interpretive signs and kiosk panels, and checking out the view from the wildlife viewing platform. Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser, Wisconsin DNR, Operation Fresh Start, Patrick Marsh Middle School and Sun Prairie Rotary all spoke about the impact these public open spaces have on a community. If you missed it, you can watch a video of the ceremony here

THANK YOU to everyone who made a contribution to Natural Heritage Land Trust in support of these improvements at Patrick Marsh.

Was your photo taken with Curt the Cardinal on the viewing platform? Check out the photos taken by Angie Banks here.
We were honored to work with so many partners at Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area and look forward to continue improving and restoring this landscape gem.
Sincerely,


Jim Welsh
Executive Director
(608) 258-9797
jim@nhlt.org
 
               
Patrick Marsh and the Community 2015-10-09 00:00:00Z 0

Update for Week of September 28

This week we heard from Clint Cry of Wisconsin Public Power, Inc. (WPPI).  WPPI  is a not-for-profit, regional power company serving 51 locally owned electric utilities. They serve 200,000 customers and are community owned. They supply power to the Sun Prairie Utilities, which is a community owned power company.  Energy efficiency programs are available for the consumer and for business.  Due do these programs, $1.5 million has been saved since 2010.  Incentive programs such as energy efficient appliance rebates and proactive monitoring have contributed to these savings.  
 
Nick Voegeli and his son, Luke, also presented about Luke's pursuit to eventually become part of an Olympic Luge team.  Luke is one of ten from 1000 applicants chosen to attend a 5 month training program that includes time in Lake Placid, Calgary and Park City.  He is the only Wisconsin candidate.  If you are interested in learning more about Luke's story and how to contribute to his fundraising goal of $10,000 to pay for this training, visit lukevoegeliusaluge.com.  
 
Other Rotary moments:
  • Thank you to everyone who helped this week at Sunshine Supper.
  • Books for the World will be occurring November 14.  See Rose Freidel if you are interested in being part of this effort.
  • World Polio Day is October 23.  This is another opportunity to get involved in a good cause.  Contact Rose for more information.
  • Fireman's breakfast is Sunday, October 11.  Contact Steve Riggles if you are available to help serve breakfast.  You can also attend and enjoy this fun and free community event.
Just a reminder, if you deliver meals on Thursdays, please remember to check the schedule (posted on clubrunner homepage and emailed to drivers).  There have been several weeks when the driver doesn't have it on their calendar and other Rotarians and community members have had to do a last minute fill in.  If you can't deliver meals on your week, please let the Colonial Club know as soon as you can and they are happy to find a backup driver.  Thank you!
 
Have a great weekend.  See you Tuesday.  
Update for Week of September 28 2015-10-02 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Sep 17, 2015
The New Life Band from Tanzania presented and performed at the Rotary meeting this week. The band is part of New Life Ministries, which operates a secondary school aiming to improve access to education. They are in the United States for several months to raise money to support a girls hostel for the boarding school in Tanzania.  It was an entertaining and fun meeting.  To learn more about their school and efforts in Tanzania, contact Rotarian Rick Klemp whose Hope 2 Others organization has a partnership with New Life Ministries.
 
Sue Halambeck introduced that we will be starting an Alternate meeting time for Sun Prairie Rotary.  This meeting was created to meet the needs of members and future members who could not fit a Tuesday morning meeting into their schedule.  The structure of the meeting will be similar to the Tuesday meeting.  Please consider attending and inviting a guest to the first meeting on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Buck and Honey's restaurant in Sun Prairie.  If you are interested in being part of the planning or learning more, there will  be a committee meeting on Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m. at Colonial Club. There is also an informational handout in the "Downloads" section of the clubrunner homepage.
 
There is NO regular morning meeting on Tuesday, September 22.  Rotarians will be serving at the Sunshine Supper on Monday, September 28.  This is a change to the date which was previously scheduled for Sept 21.
 
There is an opportunity to travel to Kenya in January to help with the SOAR Kenya project sponsored by the Waunakee Rotary.  Contact Don Hoffman, leader of the trip, at 608-849-7119, if you are interested in learning more.
 
Please check the "Events" section on the home page of clubrunner to get more information about upcoming events such as sunshine supper and the Fireman's Breakfast, which will be Sunday, October 11.
 
Have a great weekend.  
Weekly Update 2015-09-18 00:00:00Z 0

Welcome September

Posted on Sep 03, 2015
This week, Rotary District 6250 Foundation representative, and Sun Prairie Rotarian, Sue Halambeck presented a check for $10,000 to Jim Welsh of the Natural Heritage Land Trust for the Patrick Marsh platform and nature project. Greg from Operation Fresh Start followed with information about their programs including how they help kids between the ages of 16 and 24 to find opportunities for success such as school and jobs. Operation Fresh Start is funded through United Way and private donors and also work with Americorp. Operation Fresh Start worked with Rotarians on the Patrick Marsh project and Greg had some great photos of their work.
 
Rotary Moments:
  • Check out the Madison East/Monona Rotary brat stand at the west side Copps in Sun Prairie on Saturday, Sept 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Help support Harry Ripp and his club and enjoy lunch!
  • Consider volunteering with the Schools of Hope as a middle school tutor.  A brochure with more information can be found in the "Download" section on the sidebar of the homepage.
  • Reminder, there is NO morning meeting Sept 22 AND Oct 13.  Details about service project opportunities such as Sunshine Supper and Fireman's breakfast can be found in the "Events" section. Consider signing up to volunteer at these great community events.
  • Thank you to everyone who pitched in and volunteered at the Farm Progress Days.  What a community effort!
  • Steve Riggles is coordinating the Fantasy Football league.  Please contact Steve if you have questions or to find out if there is still openings.  The draft will be at Sue Halambeck's house, 1118 Lori Lane - just north of St. Albert Drive.  Draft will begin at 7:00 p.m. and try to be there by 6:45 p.m.
Have a good holiday weekend and see you on Tuesday!  
Welcome September 2015-09-04 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Aug 13, 2015
The speaker was introduced by former Rotarian Richard Wright  this week and was Chad Fedler, VP of Prairie Development that is coordinating  Prairie Lakes development that includes Costco, Cabela's, Target and several smaller business including Wright Vision and Forever Yours Jewelry.  Chad gave a history of the development that started with the land being bought in the 90s and negotiations with Target.  Soon to follow were Marcus Theaters and Costco.  Both of these businesses have surpassed expectations with Costco revenue expected to exceed the Middleton store by next year and Marcus selling 50 thousand tickets in the first 32 days of opening. Chad's advice for success is to be selective and stick to your vision.  There is still space available and they would like to include apparel and possibly a sit down restaurant.  There are also plans to complete a lighted fountain and courtyard in the spring.
 
Other Rotary news:
  • Mark Olsen thanked everyone who helped make the golf tournament a success.  There were several auction items left and will be auctioned at the next Tuesday Rotary meeting.  Bring your cash and checkbooks!
  • Steve Riggles is coordinating the Fantasy Football league and passed around a sign up sheet.  The cost is $100 and the winner receives a Paul Harris fellow at the end of the season.  There will also be small prizes throughout the season for weekly leaders.
  • Debbie Fox-Schroeder announced that Nigeria is now considered polio free!
  • Portage Rotary is having a raffle to fund student scholarships.  See John Krueger to buy tickets.
  • Farm Technology Days are coming up - thank you to everyone who has signed up to help.  If you have questions, see Debbie Fox-Schroeder.
 
Sun Prairie Police Chief Anhalt will be our speaker on Tuesday.  See you on Tuesday!
 
 
Weekly Update 2015-08-14 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Aug 06, 2015
Our speaker this week was Dr. Michael Dugan from Exact Sciences in Madison.  Dr. Dugan provided information about Cologuard, a recently FDA approved home test that detects the DNA from precancerous polyps. This test is highly accurate at detecting pre cancers and more cost effective.  Additionally, more people are inclined to perform this test than would for a colonoscopy, the current screening procedure for people over 50.  Medicare reimburses for this test and the company is working with other health insurance plans to provide coverage.  Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, second only to lung cancer.  
 
Other Rotary news:
  • Bill Wambach gave an update on the deck being built at Patrick Marsh.  Several Rotarians participated in a work day this past week, in conjunction with youth from Operation Fresh Start.
  • Steve Riggles will be coordinating the fantasy football league this fall.  More information will be at upcoming meetings. The winner receives a Paul Harris Fellow at the end of the season.
  • Jeanne Behrend and Bill Wambach are selling raffle tickets to benefit Patrick Marsh.  See either of them at the next meeting.
  • The Golf tournament is underway on Friday.  Thank you to the Rotarians who sponsored holes, provided prizes and helped at the event.
Have a good weekend and see you Tuesday.
Weekly Update 2015-08-07 00:00:00Z 0

News from Patrick Marsh

Posted on Aug 03, 2015
Read more about the Patrick Marsh viewing platform, funded partially with a grant from Sun Prairie Rotary and District 6250!
 

Patrick Marsh platform unveiling set for October 4

Posted 

Another reason will soon exist to visit the Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area in Sun Prairie: a unique wildlife viewing platform in the shape of a bird in flight.

The platform is currently being constructed on the west shore of the marsh by crews from Operation Fresh Start, a job-training program for at-risk youth.

An official unveiling of the viewing platform is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015.

The new viewing platform and other improvements at the Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area are made possible under a partnership that includes Natural Heritage Land Trust, Patrick Marsh Conservancy, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Operation Fresh Start.

The viewing platform was designed by Shane Bernau of Ken Saiki Design, based on a plan Shane developed in 2006 while a student in landscape architecture at UW-Madison.

The platform will provide easily accessible wildlife viewing, just a short walk from the Patrick Marsh parking lot on Stone Quarry Road.

The bird shape will make it possible for an entire class of students from nearby Patrick Marsh Middle School to get a front-row view of the marsh during outdoor classroom activities.

In addition, a new distinctive metal entrance gate (also in the shape of a bird) will soon welcome visitors at the parking lot, along with an updated information kiosk orienting visitors to Patrick Marsh. Students in the Discovery Club at Patrick Marsh Middle School are designing new interpretive signs for the trails that will explain the history of the marsh from pre-settlement times until now.

A new trail will connect neighborhoods on the south side of the marsh with the wildlife viewing platform.

Funding for the improvements to Patrick Marsh has been provided by the Sun Prairie Rotary Club, Evjue Foundation, Rotary Foundation District 6250, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Courtier Foundation, Natural Resources Foundation, Dane County Environmental Council, members of Natural Heritage Land Trust, and many community members.

Fund-raising efforts are ongoing.

For more information about the wildlife viewing platform or the unveiling event, or to make a tax-deductible contribution to support this work, please contact Jim Welsh, Executive Director, Natural Heritage Land Trust, atjim@nhlt.org or (608) 258-9797.

Natural Heritage Land Trust is a local, non-profit, community-based organization that protects natural areas, wildlife habitat, working farms, lakes and streams, and recreation land in or near Dane County, Wisconsin. For more information about Natural Heritage Land Trust, visit www.nhlt.org.

 
 
News from Patrick Marsh 2015-08-04 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jul 30, 2015
This week we heard from Jay Stock, owner of Woven Journey cards.  Jay highlighted the advantage of using personal and handwritten cards to send to clients.  People are more likely to notice and  read a handwritten note when sorting through the large amounts of mail received each day.  Woven Journey provides custom made cards for non profits to sell and receive a portion of the profits. Sunshine Place has a card designed by Woven Journeys that can be purchased for 27.50 for a set of 10.  The company also hires locally unemployed community members to complete the final touches on the cards.  Contact Peter Curran at Sunshine Place if you would like to know more about their custom designed card, available for purchase.
 
Other Rotary news:
  • Debbie Fox-Schroeer passed around a sign up sheet for openings at Farm Technology Days.  Check with Debbie to find out how to sign up if you are interested.
  • Mark Olsen reported that the golf tournament is looking good but there are still openings for foursomes and prize donations.  The date is Friday, August 7. If you can't get away during the day, you are welcome to attend the dinner afterwards.
  • Two new prospective members attended.  Remember, talk to your friends and colleagues about the advantages of joining Rotary.  Sue Halambeck also schedules orientations for new and prospective members.  Contact Sue if you know of someone interested in attending.
Have a good weekend. See you Tuesday.  
 
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2015-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jul 23, 2015
This week we heard from new mayor Paul Esser.  Mayor Esser gave an overview of his ongoing effort to meet with all city employees and department heads. Sun Prairie has doubled in population and has had much more business development since he was mayor in 1987. He outline his three initiative for his term as mayor:
 
1. Create more diversity within the city government.  33% of children in the SP school district are of color, however, the majority of city council, city employees and the mayor are not diverse.  
2. Explore how to improve public transportation such as park and ride, walking and bike trails and transportation options.
3. Develop a comprehensive plan for the city to address future economic development that includes future land use and transportation.  The last city plan was in 2009.
 
He is also pro actively seeking input from the city council to develop next year's budget and reported that the fire department is actively seeking a fulltime paid fire chief (past chiefs have been part time and volunteers). Additionally, he reported that Menards is still in discussion to build in the Prairie Lakes subdivision and that SP Utilities continues to plan for fiber optic cable with the next area to be in consideration is the Smith Crossing neighborhood.
 
Other Rotary news:
  • We also heard from Steve Bertleson, the outgoing exchange student, who will be traveling to Germany for a year.  We look forward to hearing more about his experience when he returns.
  • Jeanne Behrend is asking for volunteers to help with the Patrick Marsh building of a viewing platform.  Patrick Marsh received the SP Rotary community grant of $5000 which was then approved for a match from Rotary District 6250 for another $5000.  A contingency of the grant is that Rotarians are involved in the project.  Please contact Jeanne if you would like to help.  
  • Rich Darga thanked everyone who helped at the Relay for Life last Friday. The grilled cheese sandwiches made on the Blaser turned out great!  The American Cancer Society raised over $50K from the event.
  • Remember to notify Todd at Colonial Club if your speaker needs audiovisual support, 608-837-4611 or tschultz@colonialclub.org
  • Finally, a message from President Rose "If you were at the meeting on Tuesday, you know I made a plea for golfers for the outing. We also need items for the silent auction and the raffle. These are also a big part of the fundraising for the event. We need the help of of the club to make this work, please consider bringing in more items for the raffle or silent action.  You can drop them off at Rose's office- 1777 W. Main Suite 201 or with Laura Jennings at the Colonial Club. Thanks so much for making the 2015 Rotary Golf Outing a success! "
 
See you Tuesday!  
 
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2015-07-24 00:00:00Z 0

Sun Prairie Rotary News

Posted on Jul 15, 2015
We recently had speaker Kevin Qaumme, President of the North Bristol Sportsman Club present about the Sportsman Club. The North Bristol Sportsmen’s Club was founded in 1970 and is dedicated to the principles of sportsmanship, conservation and education.The Club facilities include, 1 combination skeet/trap field, 4 trap fields, 50 meter pistol range, 200 meter rifle range, and a Archery Target range.   The club has a variety of classes and trainings that include archery, hunting, wildlife management, trapping, fishing clinics and hunter safety classes.  They also have an excellent Friday fish fry.  
Other Rotary news:
  •  
  • We welcomed Rose Friedel for her first official meeting as the 2015/2016 President.
  • The Relay for Life on Friday, July 17 replaces this weeks meeting.  Rotarians will be helping in the "food court" by cooking grilled cheese on "The Blazer". You can come as early as 3:00 to help set up.   The food court is open from 5 to 7 but please stay and participate in other activities if able.  Contact Rich Darga for more information.
  • Remember, Kwik trip cards are available for purchase from Ron Reichers.  They come in denominations of $10, $25, $50 and $100.  10% of you purchase is donated back to the club.
  • Remember to contact Todd Schultz at 608-837-4611 or tschultz@colonialclub.org if your speaker needs audiovisual support.
  • Katie Hensel, Executive Director of Tri 4 Schools is available to present about their program to reduce childhood obesity.  Please contact her at katie@tri4schools.org if you need a speaker. 
  •  
     
See you on Friday!  
Sun Prairie Rotary News 2015-07-16 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Jun 25, 2015
This week we heard from President of the Second Harvest Food Bank, Dan Stein.  Dan gave interesting statistics and information about the status of hunger in Wisconsin.  Second Harvest serves 16 counties in Wisconsin. Did you know that over 50% of people who access local food pantries are employed?  The fastest growing need is among children; one of every 5 children are hungry. 50% of children in Madison schools qualify for reduced lunch and 78% qualify in Beloit schools.  A new program called Kids Cafe provides meals and activities for afterschool and weekends.  Some communities are starting a similar program for the summer months.  
 
For many people, they are forced to choose between paying for food or medications, utilities or rent.  3 billion meals were provided by food pantries in the US in 2014.
 
Next Tuesday's meeting will be the passing of the gavel at the annual picnic at Orfan Park at 5:30 p.m.  We will have sub sandwiches and ask that you bring a dish to pass. There will NOT be a regular morning meeting.  However, the golf committee will be meeting at the normal time if you are interested in being involved.
 
Have a great weekend.
 
Weekly Update 2015-06-26 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

This week we celebrated community service by recognizing several community members with the Service Above Self Awards.  These well deserving recipient's long list of accomplishments have contributed to making Sun Prairie a great community. 
Stacia Darga
Robert Faber
Barbara Komoroske
 
Students (tie):
Mikayla Friedel
Luke Waldbillig
 
Rotary News for this past week includes:
 
  • The Golf brochure is ready for distribution.  Please see Mark Olsen to get hard or email copies.  We need more sponsors and golfers for the Aug 7 tournament which will be held at the Oaks Gof Course in Cottage Grove.  You can also download a copy of the brochure from the Clubrunner homepage.
  • There will be a golf committee meeting Tuesday morning, June 30.  This is the day of the annual picnic so there will be NO regular morning meeting. The annual picnic will be at Orfan Park.
  • Rich Darga thanked everyone who helped with Highway cleanup on the 6th.
  • Dan Birrenkott gave a brief overview of the Trigstar competition.  This year Sun Prairie will have a student competing in the State competition.
  • Rotary will be serving at Sunshine Supper on Monday, June 22.  Contact Rose Friedel if you can help make a casserole and/or help at the supper that evening, starting at 4:30 p.m.
See you at Tuesday's meeting!
 
 
 
Weekly Update 2015-06-16 00:00:00Z 0

Copy of Weekly Update

Posted on May 17, 2015
 
We celebrated the success  of the SPICE (Sun Prairians Involved in Children's Education) program this year.  54 fifth graders with their teachers and school staff attended the breakfast.  We also heard from three high school students who gave their wisdom to the fifth graders about how to be successful going into middle and high school.  Trek Bicycles donated a bike that was won by a lucky Westside student. this was also Tim Culver's last meeting before leaving the SP School District.  We thank him for his years of support!
 
Other news:
  • Tom Hebl is coordinating the Service Above Self awards and nominations were due May 15. Be sure to attend the June 9 meeting when the awards will be presented. The votes have been counted and the winners are:
Stacia Darga
Robert Faber
Barbara Komoroske
 
Students (tie):
Mikayla Friedel
Luke Waldbillig
  • Don't forget the Group 6 Social will be nextTuesday, June 2 .  There will NOT be a morning meeting.  Please rsvp to Harry Ripp (Madison East Rotary) if you are attending.

 Tuesday June 2, 2015

5:30 to 7:00

 

Cash Bar

Light Hor doeuvres Provided

 

Guest Speaker @6:30

Journalist Doug Moe

The Bob and Irwin Goodman Story

 

Lake Windsor Golf Club

Pinnacle Room

4628 Golf Road

Windsor, WI 

  • Adopt a Highway cleanup will be Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.  Contact Rich Darga if you would like to help.  
Have a great weekend and hope to see you next Tuesday at the Group 6 social!
 
Copy of Weekly Update 2015-05-18 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on May 17, 2015
We learned more about Farm Technology Days from Heidi Johnson, who is with the UW Extension.  This annual event will occur at the Statz Farm in Sun Prairie on August 25 thru 27 this year.  This three day Agriculture Show attracts approximately 50 thousand visitors and includes 600 exhibitors, field demonstrations, an equine area and state of the art farming techniques.  The Statz Farm will showcase it's 3 new free stall barns and 2 manure digesters.  It takes over 1500 volunteers and a year of planning to make this event a success.  There is still a need for volunteers to direct parking and build the tents that will house the food vendors and exhibitors.  Sun Prairie Rotary is volunteering in a food booth and looking for help so be sure to sign up at the next meeting. 
 
Other Rotary News:
  • The GRIT celebrations will be at Creekside on the morning of May 29.  See Debbie Fox Schroeder if you would like to attend.
  • Sue Halambeck will conduct a new member/current member refresher orientation during the regular Rotary time, and before the SPICE celebration, on Tuesday, May 26.  This is also a good opportunity for prospective members to learn more about Rotary so invite  others to attend.
  • Tom Hebl is coordinating the Service Above Self awards and nominations were due May 15.  We will vote at the May 19 meeting and awards will be presented at the June 9 meeting.
  • Adopt a Highway cleanup will be Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.  Contact Rich Darga if you would like to help.  
See you at Tuesday's meeting!
Weekly Update 2015-05-18 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on May 07, 2015
Rotarian  Steve Riggles was our speaker today to update us on Healthcare Reform.  There are some changes coming up.  All Americans are required to have healthcare insurance or pay a penalty which was 1% of adjusted gross income.  This has increased to 2% for 2015.  Insurance companies will be sending policy holders, with a copy to the IRS,  a 1095 Form that will indicate months of coverage for the year. There are some exemptions from coverage for those whose insurance cost is 8% or higher of their adjusted gross income, live outside the U.S., Native Americans, incarcerated prisoners and members of a healthcare sharing ministry. For 2017, insurance rate formulas will be changing and based on a health questionnaire, age and other factors.  Slated to start in  2018, companies whose employees are paying premiums at a higher rate ($850/month for single; 2292 for family) may be penalized with a 40% excise tax. 
 
Rotary moments;
  • A GRIT celebration will be held at Creekside Elementary school on Friday, May 29 at 8:40 a.m.  Debbie Fox-Schroeder encourages Rotarians to attend to support the students who have worked hard to earn this award.
  • Mark Olsen asked for help securing prizes, sponsorships and foursomes for the golf tournament coming up on August 7 at the Oaks Golf Course.
  • Tom Hebl is asking for nominations for the Service Above Self awards that will be presented on June 9.  Please send your nominations to Tom by May 12.
  • Donations are being accepted for Nepal relief from the devastating earthquake a few weeks ago.  Rotarians can donate through the district 6250 charitable trust.  Visit their  website for more information.
  • Volunteers helping at farm technology days in August should attend a training.  The first will be May 28 at 7:00 p.m.  For more information, contact Ron Reichers.
  • Bring your money for raffle tickets on Tuesday - there are only a few cards left so your chances of drawing the ace of spades is good!
Have a good weekend.  See you Tuesday.
Weekly Update 2015-05-08 00:00:00Z 0

Speaker for Tuesday

Posted on Apr 26, 2015
Our speakers name for Tuesday April 28, is Mary Olson. She and her husband W, David Olson have a farm in Stoughton. They grow soybeans and corn.

They raised swine for 27 years. Mary taught family and consumer science in the Madison Metropolitan School District for 35 years. 

Now she is a speaker for the Wisconsin Pork Association. She will be speaking to us about the changes in farming procedures.

 
Speaker for Tuesday 2015-04-27 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Apr 26, 2015
Our speaker for April 21 was Connie from Americorp and who was invited by Dan Presser.  Connie provided information on the service these members provide to sites within the U.S.  It is described as a "Domestic Peace Corp" .  Members are paid a stipend and provide a variety of programs for youth, older adults and people affected by disasters.  Created in 1993 by the Serve America Act, the program has grown to include 250 thousand members with focus on service in education, health, environment, and veterans. Employers are finding the skills learned in Americorp service such as leadership are valuable in the work place.
 
 
If you would like more information on Americorps, here are some links to check out:
Below is the link to the video and here is our web page link. 
 
 
Other Rotary Moments:
  • Bring your $ on Tuesday, the raffle is up over $800 and only a few cards left  so your chances of picking the Ace of Spades is growing!
  • The golf tournament this year will be at the Oaks in Cottage Grove and scheduled for August 7. Contact Rose Freidel or Mark Olsen if you are interested in helping, playing golf or securing prizes.
  • The Middleton Rotary Golf tournament is June 8 at Blackhawk Country club and a few Sun Prairie Rotarians will be joining the fun.  Contact Jim Mastrangelo if you are interested in learning more.
  • The Sun Prairie Relay for Life is Friday, July 17 and will NOT be overnight.  SP Rotary is serving dinner and organizing a team.  Contact Rich Darga for more information.
  • Mark your calendar for the SPICE banquet which will be Tuesday, May 26 and will start about 830 at the Colonial Club.  This annual event is a celebration of the program with prizes and presentations by the students and school staff.
See you Tuesday!
Weekly Update 2015-04-27 00:00:00Z 0
Americorps 2015-04-24 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Stacy Reese from Sustain Dane gave an overview of their Business Champion program.  Sustain Dane works with area business to help them improve their use of local resources and conserve energy by tracking gas, water and electricity useage.  A green team is organized within the company who then develops the plan for the company to make  improvements.  For example, one company installed motion sensors to activate the lights in vending machines which resulted in a yearly energy savings of several hundred dollars.  
 
Other Rotary moments:
 
  • The golf committee is looking for help. Contact Mark Olsen or Rose Freidel if you are interested in helping.  The 2015 golf tournament will be in August and moved to the Oaks Golf Course.
  • Rich Darga gave an update on the Relay For Life scheduled for July 17 this year.  It will not be an overnight event so Rotary will not be serving the breakfast.  However, the committee has asked Rotary to serve the evening meal. He is also suggesting Rotary organize a team to participate in the walk. If you are interested in being involved, contact Rich.
  • Julie Marshall provided interesting information about the Rotary International Foundation -  92% of donations go directly to programs which ranks highly for non profit foundations.
  • Check out the District 6250 website to register for the upcoming district conference in Appleton.  Sun Prairie Rotary will reimburse members the $25 registration fee.
Have a good weekend and see you Tuesday!
Weekly Update 2015-03-27 00:00:00Z 0

Update for Week March 3

Posted on Mar 08, 2015
This week we learned about social media from Tony Rodriquez with MadCity Ads.  Tony also works for the Madison School District as the Web Manager.  As we know, social media has exploded over the past few years and provides instant messages to thousands or more people.  Tony encouraged business to take advantage of this relatively free form of communication.  The goal of your messaging should be to build trust and relationships and not to expect immediate sales or business.  Many are actually discouraged by "hard sale" tactics on social media.  If your business has a Facebook page, be sure that it is the appropriate page for a business and not the one designed for an individual.  If you are on Linked In, it is important to have a profile photo so that others can identify you and your connection with your business.He also advises that companies should have an open policy to allow employees to access their social media during work hours as employees are often your best advertising.  If you are interested in learning more about social media, check the website www.smbmad.org or contact Tony at tony@madcity.com
 
Other Rotary Moments:
  • Don't forget to mark your calendar for the Group 6 social on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 at Lucky's on the Lake near Lodi.
  • Laurie asked for someone to volunteer to chair the golf tournament this year.  Carl Olson, who has done it the previous few years, is currently on a leave of absence and unavailable.  There are several Rotarians who have offered to be on the committee and help but not chair.
  • We would like to apply for a district grant to match the $5,000 community grant that was awarded to the Patrick Marsh Conservancy.  However, one of the qualifications is that a club have an average of $100 per member annual donation to Every  Rotarian Every Year (which helps fund the district grants).  Our club is currently at an approximate $84/member.  Please consider making your donation this year if you haven't yet. Aaron Oppenheimer is coordinating this program for our club.
  • Rose thanked everyone and gave a wrap up of the pancake breakfast.  The estimate is 480 people attended.  If you haven't paid for your 10 tickets, please do so asap.
Have a good week and see you Tuesday!
Update for Week March 3 2015-03-09 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Feb 26, 2015
PANCAKES, PANCAKES, PANCAKES
 
This Sunday, March 1, is the largest Sun Prairie Rotary Fundraiser of the year.  Rotarians will be serving all you can eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce potatoes, coffee, milk and juice from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   The cost is $6.00 in advance or $7.00 at the door.  If you haven't signed up to volunteer, contact Rose Freidel.  
 
This week's meeting was a celebration with the Sun Prairie community and schools for the successful completion of Kindness Retreats for fourth graders in the Sun Prairie elementary schools. Rotary, along with sponsors Bank of Sun Prairie, Sun Prairie Education Foundation, Summit Credit Union, and the Sun Prairie School District, supported this anti-bullying program. Ameriprint designs and prints the T-shirts for the students and group leaders.    Over the past four years, 5509 students have benefited from this remarkable day of learning and insight about the affects of bullying.  High school student mentors, who help lead the groups, and fourth graders come away with tools on how to prevent and address bullies in their schools.  
 
The Sun Prairie community is a great example of how many groups working together can make a difference!  
 
 
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2015-02-27 00:00:00Z 0

Copy of Weekly Update

Posted on Feb 12, 2015
We listened to four very impressive grant proposals this week.  Four finalists for the Sun Prairie Community Grants gave 8 minute presentations about their projects:  Patrick Marsh trail and viewing deck; MakerSpace project in the SP High School library for giving kids a space to create and experiment; Regeneration of soil for the SP Community Garden; and Out of School programming for Westside Elementary school children and families.  After the 4 presentations, the membership were asked to vote for two of the projects to receive a $5K ea grant.  The results will be revealed next week when the two winning organizations will be present to receive their grant check.
 
Other news:
  • The Group Six social has been scheduled for March 10 at Lucky's Bar and Grill on the Lake in Lodi. Mark your calendars and watch for more details in the next few weeks.
  • The Kindness Retreats are finished with a successful outreach to 625 fourth graders.  Be sure to attend the celebration at the Feb 24 Rotary breakfast meeting.
  • Pancake Breakfast is coming on March 1 and ads were due this week.  The sign up sheet was also passed around.  If you haven't signed up, plan on attending on Sunday, Mar 1.  This is the SP Rotary's largest fundraiser and all Rotarians are asked to attend and help. Talk to Rose Freidel for more information.
  • Don't forget to sign up to attend the District conference in May.  See the district website or past articles for more information.
Have a great weekend.  See you Tuesday.
Copy of Weekly Update 2015-02-13 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted on Feb 12, 2015
We listened to four very impressive grant proposals this week.  Four finalists for the Sun Prairie Community Grants gave 8 minute presentations about their projects:  Patrick Marsh trail and viewing deck; MakerSpace project in the SP High School library for giving kids a space to create and experiment; Regeneration of soil for the SP Community Garden; and Out of School programming for Westside Elementary school children and families.  After the 4 presentations, the membership were asked to vote for two of the projects to receive a $5K ea grant.  The results will be revealed next week when the two winning organizations will be present to receive their grant check.
 
Other news:
  • The Group Six social has been scheduled for March 10 at Lucky's Bar and Grill on the Lake in Lodi. Mark your calendars and watch for more details in the next few weeks.
  • The Kindness Retreats are finished with a successful outreach to 625 fourth graders.  Be sure to attend the celebration at the Feb 24 Rotary breakfast meeting.
  • Pancake Breakfast is coming on March 1 and ads were due this week.  The sign up sheet was also passed around.  If you haven't signed up, plan on attending on Sunday, Mar 1.  This is the SP Rotary's largest fundraiser and all Rotarians are asked to attend and help. Talk to Rose Freidel for more information.
  • Don't forget to sign up to attend the District conference in May.  See the district website or past articles for more information.
Have a great weekend.  See you Tuesday.
Weekly Update 2015-02-13 00:00:00Z 0

Feb 3 Meeting Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Feb 02, 2015
Our speaker this week was Frank Lopez, his wife Judy and Frank's service dog, Nolan.  Frank is a volunteer with Custom Canines, a volunteer run service dog academy.  The organization is located in Madison and totally volunteer driven.  They train dogs for people with a variety of disabilities including vision, autism, diabetes, PTSD and physical disabilities.  Many breeds are used as service dogs in addition to commonly known Labrador Retriever.  The cost to raise and train a dog is $1500 and, when a donation is made, the donor is given the opportunity to name the dog.
 
Nolan is a yellow lab that Frank received while in California and was funded from a gift by Joan Rivers, whose estate continues to support service dog training and matching.  Nolan helps Frank in many capacities including keeping him safe by identifying hazards when walking and helping him find people, places and items when commanded.  Nolan can identify numerous grocery items and lead Frank upon a voice command for a specific item or brand..  A service dog can be identified by a specially marked vest and the owner may be carrying documentation.  It is important to ask an owner before approaching a service dog and to respect the response.  Often, if a dog is working, people are asked to refrain from petting the dog. 
 
More information can be found on their website, www.customcanines.org.
 
Other news:
  • Pancake ads are due next week.  Please get your information to Rose Freidel.
  • Plan to attend the district conference  May 15 thru 17 at the Paper Valley Resort and Convention Center in Appleton, WI.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary, the district and network with fellow Rotarians. 
Please make an effort to attend the meeting next week, Feb 10, when four community grant finalists will present about their program and project.  All Rotarians will be asked to vote afterwards to choose the two winners.
 
Have a good week.
 
 
 
 
Feb 3 Meeting Update Laura Jennings 2015-02-03 00:00:00Z 0
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2015-01-26 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jan 15, 2015
Our speaker this week was Dr. Sandy Agar from Agar Chiropractic and she was sponsored by Diana Konkle.  Dr. Sandy gave us information on the importance of spinal care and how to stay young.   Did you know a third of people suffer from neck pain and 85 out of 100 people have back pain?  An evaluation by a chiropractor can provide valuable information and treatment on how to prevent this pain.  About 50% of us will lose some mobility by the age of 50 .  This can also be prevented with treatment and routine spinal care from a chiropractor.  Most insurance will cover treatment visits, however, maintenance visits are usually not covered under insurance.  It is best to check with the chiropractor and your insurance carrier to determine cost and coverage.
 
Other club news:
  • SP Rotary is serving at Sunshine Supper on Monday, January 26.  Please contact Rose Freidel if you can help prepare food or volunteer on that day.
  • There are two district grant seminars coming up - January 24 in Tomah and March 19 in Madison.  For more information, check the district 6250 website or contact Laurie Krueger.
  • Sue Halambeck will be traveling to Australia in February on a Rotary friendship exchange.  Our Australian Rotary counterparts will be visiting in September.  Look for more information in the upcoming months about activities to greet our Australian Rotary friends.
  • Mark your calendars for the tri-District conference  May 15 thru 17 at the Paper Valley Resort and Convention Center in Appleton, WI.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary, the district and network with fellow Rotarians.  The Sun Prairie Rotary board agreed to pay the $25 registration fee for any SP Rotarian who will be attending.
  • Tim Culver handed on the Kindness Retreat schedule.  You can also find it in the "download" section on the clubrunner homepage.  the Kindness Celebration will be a breakfast in place of the regular Rotary meeting on February 24th.  Plan on attending to celebrate with our community in recognition of  this important school program.
Have a good weekend and see you Tuesday!
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2015-01-16 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Dec 28, 2014
Our guest speaker for December 23 was Peter Curran, Executive Director of Sunshine Place.  Peter gave an overview of the year and general information about Sunshine Place. The Sunshine Place is 100% donor funded and provides essential services such and food and clothing from a single location.   Although Sunshine Place was short of it's season of giving fundraising goal of $30K, it was still a successful year.  Peter provided the following statistics:
  • 2100 households were served by the food pantry
  • 125 guests were the average at the Sunshine Supper
  • 80 beds were given to kids who were sleeping on floors
  • 1200 children received gifts from the Spirit of Giving program
  • and 1000 children received backpacks filled with school supplies
Other Rotary news:
  • Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation is looking for applicants to apply for two community grants of $5K each. The application is in the downloads section of the sunprairirerotary.org website and was also emailed to all Sun Prairie Rotarians.  Please pass this information to an organization who might be interested.
  • Every Rotarian Every Year is the Rotary International campaign to raise $100 per Rotarian to donate to International and to be applied to grants for community service projects.  Once a Rotarian reaches $1000 in giving, he or she is presented with a Paul Harris fellow.
  • President Laurie Krueger is looking for a volunteer to help at the Farm Expo, which will be in Sun Prairie this summer.
  • Sue Halambeck will be going to Tomah for a District 6250 grant writing seminar on January 25. Sue is now on the grants committee and asked for a SP Rotarian to volunteer  to attend, which is a requirement of the District 6250 if our club applies for a district grant. Talk to Sue if you are interested in riding along.
  • Mark your calendars for the District conference will be May 15 thru 17 at the Paper Valley Resort and Convention Center in Appleton, WI.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary, the district and network with fellow Rotarians.
See you Tuesday.  Happy New Year!
 
 
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2014-12-29 00:00:00Z 0

Happy Holidays

Posted by Laura Jennings on Dec 21, 2014
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
 
Steve Riggles, past president for the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation, was our guest speaker this past week.  Steve updated the  membership on the Foundation budget and purpose.  Income raised from fundraisers such as the Pancake breakfast, Golf outing and the Taste of Madison provide the majority of the giving budget.  Projects funded through the Foundation include scholarships for Sun Prairie high school seniors, Sun Prairians involved in Children's Education (SPICE), the Kindness Retreats which are part of the SP Rotary Ethics initiative, and paying for two Sunshine Suppers.  There is also money available for an international project.  The Foundation board agreed to help support the Waunakee Rotary SOAR Kenya irrigation project. Additional checks were presented to the YMCA for their healthy eating initiative and the Sunshine Legal Clinic.   The SP Rotary Foundation Board for 2014/2015:
 
President - Sara Kirkman
Past President - Steve Riggles
Director - Laura Jennings
Director - Sue Halambeck
Treasurer - Debbie Fox-Schroeder
 
Sue Halambeck has taken the open position left by past president Nick Voegeli, who resigned this past November. For a copy of the budget, contact Sara or Debbie Fox-Schroeder.
 
Other news:
  • Gas cards make a great stocking stuffer!  Get yours at the meeting tomorrow!
  • President Laurie Krueger is looking for a volunteer to help at the Farm Expo, which will be in Sun Prairie this summer.
  • Sue Halambeck will be going to Tomah for a District 6250 grant writing seminar on January 25. Sue is now on the grants committee and asked for a SP Rotarian to volunteer  to attend, which is a requirement of the District 6250 if our club applies for a district grant. Talk to Sue if you are interested in riding along.
  • Mark your calendars for the District conference will be May 15 thru 17 at the Paper Valley Resort and Convention Center in Appleton, WI.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary, the district and network with fellow Rotarians.
See you tomorrow!
Happy Holidays Laura Jennings 2014-12-22 00:00:00Z 0

December News

Posted by Laura Jennings on Dec 02, 2014
Happy December.  Here are the notes from the December 2 meeting.
 
Rotarian Sue Halambeck presented about the Triangle Ministry that is located in the Madison neighborhood bordered by Regent, W Washington and Park streets.  This area includes subsidized apartments and housing.  87% of the residents are challenged with a chronic health condition and the average annual income is $9,948 per person.  The Ministry provides a parish nurse who can help residents find community resources and monitor the needs of the residents.  There is also a community chaplain and outreach staff.  The goal of the Ministry is to help build a community that includes spiritual, health and advocacy support.  They are managed by the Community Development Authority and have an annual budget of $73,200.  They are currently serving 350 people in this area and can benefit from volunteer and community financial support. Some of their programs also include a food pantry, art program, women's health education and event and an annual ethnic fest in August.  
  •  
  • ***HOLIDAY PARTY next Tuesday, Dec 9, at the Watertower Chop House! Cocktails start at 6:00 and dinner is at 7:00 p.m.  If you haven't already rsvp'd, do so asap to Jane LaMere or Diana Konkle.  For every food pantry item you bring, you will get a raffle ticket towards some great prizes. There will be NO morning meeting on the 9th.  
  • New members and any other member interested is encouraged to attend an orientation about Sun Prairie Rotary.  Contact Sue Halambeck for details.
  • Don't forget to check the sidebars on the homepage, www.sunprairierotary.org, where you can find duty assignments and attachments with various information including meals on wheels assignments.
  • Last, but certainly not least, we welcome new member Lewis Dahlberg!  Say hi and welcome Lewis the next time you see him.
 
Have a great week and see you next week at the holiday party.
 
 
December News Laura Jennings 2014-12-03 00:00:00Z 0

Update for week of November 17

Posted on Nov 20, 2014
 
Evie Hungerford, loaned executive for United Way, gave an overview of the 2014 campaign.  The United Way initiatives include programs that help prisoners successfully return to their communities by providing assistance to find jobs, housing and community support programs.  Schools of Hope focus on helping children succeed in school.  Children that are proficient in reading by 3rd grade demonstrate a higher level of learning throughout the following school years. United Way also sponsors a prescription review for seniors to help identify medicine interactions that could result in injuryor illness.  Volunteers can find more information about volunteer opportunities on Volunteeryourtime.org.
 
Michele Olsen and Kathy Schumann presented about the Sun Prairie Spirit of Giving program to help buy Christmas gifts for Sun Prairie families.  For more information or to sign up to help a family, go to the Sunshine Place website.  The drop off day is December 10 at the Sunshine Supper building.  This year 1300 families financially qualify for the program.
 
Other Rotary news:
  • President Laurie asked the members to review her previous sent email with attached proposals so the membership can vote at the next meeting.  Contact Laurie for more information if you need her to resend the proposals.
  • Every Rotarian Every Year campaign is currently in place.  Each Rotarian is asked to donate $100 or what you can afford to Rotary International. District 6250 governor Dave Warren is offering a match of points for anyone who, in the  month of November,  completes the rotary direct form (found on the Rotary International website) for an automatic donation payment.  
  • Thank you to everyone who attended the recognition event at Creekside this past Monday!
Have a great weekend and see you Tuesday!
Update for week of November 17 2014-11-21 00:00:00Z 0

Happy Veterans Day

Posted by Laura Jennings on Nov 13, 2014
We learned about Wisconsin native Alonzo Cushing this week from George Alexander. 1st Lt. Cushing posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during Pichett's Charge at Gettysburg.  We also honored charter member Louie Blaser who passed away this year.  Nov 11 was Louie's birthday and a special remembrance of Veteran's Day.
 
Our featured speaker was Jim Barber from the Waunakee Rotary.  Jim gave an overview of their international project in Kenya, Soar Kenya Academy . Goals of this project include funding a drip irrigation system to enable a year round growing season.  The produce will not only help feed the 220 orphaned students but also provide produce for sale to raise money to sustain the school.  They would also like to purchase a van that can be used to transport students and produce for market.  The fundraising goal is $20,000 with hopes to match with a district grant.  
 
Rotary moments:
 
  • We are still in need of a few Rotarians to volunteer for SPICE (Sun Prairians Involved in Children's Education).  Please contact Tim Culver as soon as possible if  you would like to volunteer for this mentoring program that will start in January.
  • Creekside Elementary School will have their student appreciation event on Monday, November 17.  Please let Debbie Fox-Schroeder know if you can attend this short afternoon program.
  • The Group Six social was a success with over 40 Rotarians attending from Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Lodi, DeForest and East Madison.  Please thank Rose Freidel for her hard work to pull this off!
  • We officially welcome new Rotarian Joe Pometto.  Joe is with Modern Woodmen.  
  • Rotarians Aaron Oppenheimer and Laurie Kreuger were on the local cable station KSUN to discuss Sun Prairie Rotary.
  • The meeting duties list has been added to the homepage.  Please check out the next few weeks to see if your name comes up.
Have a great weekend and see you on Tuesday!
Happy Veterans Day Laura Jennings 2014-11-14 00:00:00Z 0

Update for week of October 6

Posted by Laura Jennings on Oct 09, 2014

This week's speaker featured Bishop Nathaniel Mitachi from Dar es Salam Tanzania giving us an update on Hope 2 Other's effort to build a clinic and provide medical support.  One mission of the group is to educate new mother's on newborn resuscitation and provide kits to include hats and booties for newborns.  A number of babies die from hypothermia, especially during the rainy season when temperatures and humidity can cause very cool nights.   Additional land has been donated with a vision to build more clinics and healthcare communities.  Rick Klemp  and his wife, Karen are the founders of Hope 2 Others and happy to share more information about the organization.

Other news

  • The Sun Prairie Fire Department breakfast is this upcoming Sunday.  Steve Riggles is coordinating volunteers.  Even if you aren't volunteering, drop by to show support for the community.
  • More Kwik Trip cards have been ordered so there is plenty in stock.  Don't forget to purchase one or more.  It is a great way to support the Rotary Foundation, who receives 10% of the face value of every card.
  • The Rotary Foundation presented a charitable giving check of $1000 to Bob Power of the Colonial Club to support the nutrition program.  Upgrades to the onsite meal program allow more seniors to access the nutritional meal and it also provides social and educational support for senior adults who may otherwise be isolated.
  • Save the date for the Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 9.  

 

Update for week of October 6 Laura Jennings 2014-10-10 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Oct 02, 2014

President Laurie reviewed with the members on how to use clubrunner. You can access the home page at sunprairierotary.org.  Laurie showed the various links to the duty roster, the speaker list and more.  Contact Julie Marshall or Laura Jennings if you have questions or would like more information or find out your log in. Laurie also shared a  global warming initiative for the 2016 Council on Legislation to be submitted to Rotary International.  More information can be found the District 6250 website. 

Other items:

  • Steve Riggles is coordinating the Fireman breakfast volunteers so let him know if you are interested in helping on Oct 12 for this fun community event.
  • Laurie is planning the holiday party for Tuesday, Dec 9 at the Watertower Chophouse.  More details will be coming but plan on attending.  The holiday party will take the place of the normal Monday meeting.
  • If you speaker needs Audiovisual support, remember to email Todd at Colonial Club, tschultz@colonialclub.org.
  • Portage Rotary will be holding their annual fundraiser on Friday, Nov 7 in Portage.
  • Madison East Rotary will be selling brats at the West side Copps in Sun Prairie 11 to 2 on Saturday, Oct 4.  
Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2014-10-03 00:00:00Z 0

Highlights for the week of Sept 22

Posted by Laura Jennings on Sep 25, 2014

Our speakers this week were Henry Villas Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz,  and Executive Director of Friends of the Zoo, Alison Prange .  They shared the latest news on the progress of the new bear complex and plans for a sit down, indoor restaurant.  The restaurant will be available for meetings and gatherings and will generate revenue for the operations of the zoo, which provides free admission to guests. $4.7 million is needed for The new "Arctic Passage" exhibit, which plans an expansive polar bear habitat with an underwater viewing area for visitors to experience the beauty of the species up close. It will include a dynamic habitat for grizzlies that could allow visitors the rare chance to watch a bear capture a live fish for its lunch.

Other news:

  • Laurie Krueger has information about a RYLA conference happening in November in India.  Contact Laurie if you would like more information.
  • Sue Halambeck offered that the Swedish visitors enjoyed their stay and a BIG thank you to Beth and Tim Mielcarek for hosting the fish fry.  The fish, friends and wine were plentiful!
  • Steve Riggles is coordinating volunteers for the Rotary pancake breakfast at the Fireman's Open House on Sunday, October 12. Let Steve know if you are available to help out that morning for a few hours.
  • Tim Culver passed around a sign up sheet for SPICE (Sun Prairians Involved in Children's Education).  If you can offer an hour or so a week to help mentor 5th graders, contact Tim.  Several Rotarians shared what a rewarding experience it is to be involved with kids who may need another adult in their life to help guide them to make good choices.
  • Thank you to everyone who helped with Sunshine supper.  Diana's recipe was a hit!
  • The duty roster has been updated so please be sure to check if your turn is coming up to be a greeter, raffle ticket seller or to provide the thought for the day.

Don't forget - if you volunteer for any Rotary sponsored activity such as Sunshine supper, Fireman's breakfast or SPICE, record it on the sheet at Tuesday's meeting and it will count as a makeup meeting.

Have a great weekend!  

 

Highlights for the week of Sept 22 Laura Jennings 2014-09-26 00:00:00Z 0

Sept 8 Meeting Highlights

Posted by Laura Jennings on Sep 14, 2014

Mayor Jon Freund was our guest speaker this week. Mayor Freund was appointed in May of this year .   He gave some updates on economic development in Sun Prairie.  There are currently 3 areas of focus on development in the city - Main Street, West side and the Business Park.  Cabela's and Aldi's are among the business' building on the west side of Sun Prairie.  The old Famous Footwear building in the business park has be occupied by Colony Brands.  Thermal Spray will be expanding to the north of the business park.  In other areas, several road projects are slated in the 2015 budget including Tower Drive and extending main street to the west side.

Other club news included:

  • Saturday, September13 was the highway cleanup, coordinated by Rich Darga.  Thank you to everyone who signed up to help.
  • Monday, September 22, Rotary is preparing and serving the meal at Sunshine Supper.  Rose Friedel is the contact to sign up.
  • Sunday, October 12 is the Fire Department open house and breakfast, hosted by Rotary.  See Steve Riggles if you would like to sign up to help with the breakfast
  • There will be a membership summit in the Wisconsin Dells on November 1.  More information can be found on the District 6250 website.
  • There will be a webcast available to learn more about Global Warming and climate change.  This call to service will address the relationship between water, global public health, polio eradication and global warming.  The link to two webcasts are http://ghi.wisc.edu/jonathan-patz-director/ and http://citizensclimatelobby.org.

 

Sept 8 Meeting Highlights Laura Jennings 2014-09-15 00:00:00Z 0

Week of July 14

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jul 14, 2014

Our new Rotary year has started and here are some highlights from July:

  • Rich Darga is coordinating Rotary volunteers to help serve a continental breakfast at the Relay for Life on Saturday, July 19 at 6:30 a.m.  Please let Rich know if you can help.
  • Save the date for the Group 6 social, scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Lucky's Bar and Grill in Waunakee.  
  • Jeanne Behrend and Bill Wambach are selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser for Patrick Marsh.  First prize are two tickets to the Packer/Viking game in August.  Cost is $25/raffle ticket and there are only 200 tickets being sold.
  • If you are in need of a speaker, contact Laurie K who has contact information for Sandra Sullivan who has a history of working at Lambeau during the Lombardi years, and would love to present to Rotary.
  • Laurie K asked if anyone would like to step up to be the End Polio Now coordinator for the club.  Responsibilities include collecting money at Rotary functions and coming up with ideas on how to raise more funds.
  • Jeff Boudreau asked for volunteers to help with a Habitat for Humanity house in Sun Prairie on July 29 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Contact Jeff if you would like to help.
  • Sue Halambeck and South Madison Rotary are hosting Rotarians from Sweden in September as part of the friendship exchange she is in.  They are working on scheduling a Betty Lou cruise and also a fish fry at Beth Mielcarek's house.  Contact Sue for more details on how you can be part of this rewarding Rotary experience!
  • We still need a volunteer to help at the gate for a couple of hours at Cornfest on August 16.  Please let Laurie know if  you can fill in this spot.  It also counts as a makeup meeting if you volunteer.

We had a very information presentation by Jeff Robbins, Executive Director of the Sun Prairie Media Center which is located in the same building as the Sun Prairie library.  Jeff has been at the media center since March and has instituted  new programming including 6 continuing series programs. Other areas of programming include school, church, and government events and programs.

 

The media center was launched in 1976 and now includes Kids4, KSUN and a future radio station schedule to be in operation the summer of 2015.

The media center holds workshops and offers training to any Sun Prairie resident interested in media production.  Residents can also check out equipment to film events and KSUN will put them on the air.  

 

Hope you are having a great summer.  See you next Tuesday.

Week of July 14 Laura Jennings 2014-07-15 00:00:00Z 0

New Rotary Year begins

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jun 29, 2014

July 1 marks the beginning of our new Rotary year with Laurie Krueger as president.Thank you to everyone who has helped make this past year a success.  We have total gain of 6 new members!  Wow, that is great considering the struggles some clubs have with membership. Our newest members Tyler Riekena and Chris Schmidt will officially begin on July 1, although both have been attending meetings.  Please continue to welcome them each week.

Our annual picnic will be tomorrow, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. at Orfan park.  Rotary will supply the meat and paper goods.  Please bring the following if your last name starts with:

A-G  Drinks

H-O   Chips or a side dish

P-Z   Dessert

There is NO morning meeting tomorrow, July 1.

Some highlights from this past week:

  • Rich Darga is coordinating Rotary volunteers to help serve a continental breakfast at the Relay for Life on Saturday, July 19 at 6:30 a.m.  Please let Rich know if you can help.
  • Carl Olson reported that preliminary numbers indicate the golf tournament brought in more money than last year.  Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success!
  • Save the date for the Group 6 social, scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 at Lucky's Bar and Grill in Waunakee.  
  • Jeanne Behrend is selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser for Patrick Marsh.  The prize is tickets is Packer tickets.

That's it for this week and this year!  See you tomorrow at the picnic.

 

New Rotary Year begins Laura Jennings 2014-06-30 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Jun 15, 2014

Well, this will be a short update since I seem to have misplaced my notes from last week!  Thank you to Rich Darga and his small group of volunteers who cleaned up along Highway 151 on the 7th. Also, thanks goes to Debbie Fox-Schroeder and Sue Halambeck for agreeing to coordinate the Sun Prairie Rotary beer tent in September.  More information will be coming about volunteering for this fun day.

  • Be thinking GOLF for this Thursday, June 19 at the Sun Prairie Golf Course.  If you can't make it, bring your $$$ to tomorrow's meeting to buy raffle tickets to win a chance atA golf package at Northern Bay, A $500 guided fishing trip, A spa package or A family magic show and assorted magic tricks.
  • Save the date of this Sunday, June 22 for a graduation party for Fran.  We will be meeting at Bristol Garden's Shelter from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
  • The Annual Sun Prairie Rotary picnic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1 at Orfan Park.  Plan on bringing your families and this will take the place of the morning meeting that day.  We will also be welcoming the start of Laurie Krueger's year as president.
  • The Group 6 social has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 at Lucky's Bar and Grill in Waunakee. Put it on your calendar.

We learned this week more about the Book N It run in August.  Fellow Rotarians Harry Ripp, Ray Trimble and Heather Jones are all part of the planning.  If you would like more information, you can access the bookinitrun.com website or talk to Harry!

See you tomorrow when our speaker will be Ralph Middlecamp , executive director for Society of St. Vincent Depaul.  

Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2014-06-16 00:00:00Z 0

Last week of May

Posted by Laura Jennings on May 29, 2014

Hard to believe we are almost in June!  We had a good meeting this week with the SPICE kids and Rotarians gathering for breakfast and recognition of the 5th graders.  Tshirts, hats and a messenger bag were raffled and the ultimate prize winner was Ayanna Calhoun from Creekside when her name was drawn for the Trek 3500 bike.  

Be sure to attend the meeting on Tuesday when the Service Above Self awards will be presented.  We will have a bigger group and, therefore, in need of a couple extra greeters for next Tuesday.  Please let Laura know at ljennings@colonialclub.org  if you are able to arrive a few minutes earlier (around 6:55 a.m.) to help greet our guests and members.

Reminders:

  • If you have your speaker scheduled, please forward the information to Laura to be added to the homepage on clubrunner
  • The Golf tournament is fast approaching on June 19 and Carl and his committee are in need of sponsors and raffle prizes.  PLEASE let Carl know if your business would like to donate a prize for the raffle. You can also bring items, cash or gift cards to the next two meetings that will be used in the raffle.  
  • Would anyone  be willing to be the contact for the Taste of Madison beer tent on Saturday of Labor Day weekend?  Laura will be out of town that week and unable to coordinate but willing to help with the pre planning.  Please let Laura know if you can help.
  • Orfan Park has been reserved for the Rotary Annual picnic on Tuesday, July 1.  This will take the place of the morning meeting and will start the new Rotary year with president Laurie Krueger.

As always, thank you for your commitment and all the good work that you do for Rotary, our community and internationally.  The world is a better place because of it!  Have a great weekend and see you on Tuesday.

Last week of May Laura Jennings 2014-05-30 00:00:00Z 0

And the Winners Are . . .

Posted by Laura Jennings on May 22, 2014

Service Above Self winners are Andy and Chris Stiefel, Neil Stechschulte and Jeff Gauger.  The youth winner is Jordan Stiefel. Thank you to everyone who voted.  We will be presenting their awards at the June 3 meeting.

This week Nancy Spelsberg spoke about her venture as a small business owner.  She bought the Deerfield private carrier company BCP in 2011 and grew it from 4 trucks to their current 76 trucks and 98 employees.  Nancy offered practical information about becoming a successful business owner. Among her advice is to have a business plan, don't be blind to your weakness', regularly review your plan and goals and, most importantly, treat your employees well.  

Other news from the meeting:

  • Rich Darga asked for volunteers for the Adopt a Highway cleanup on the morning of June 7.  Let Rich know if you are available to help out.
  • Jim Amstadt is our new Kwik Trip card coordinator.  Members were asked to provide an estimate of the amount they would purchase in a month to give us an idea of what we need to order.  Let Jim know if you are interested in purchasing these cards so we can get an accurate amount.  The cards can be used for anything bought at Kwik Trip - gas, groceries and bananas!
  • Carl Olson reminded everyone to keep promoting the golf tournament on June 19.  Sponsorships, foursomes and prizes are still needed.

​Join us on Tuesday, May 27 for the annual SPICE banquet.  We will start the morning at 7:30 a.m. for the new member orientation at 7:30 a.m. and then we will have our meeting at 8:10.  The 5th graders will arrive around 8:30 to join us for breakfast and a short program.

Please note:  The Colonial Club parking lot is being repaved and will be closed on Tuesday, May 27. You will need to park on the street. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Hope to see you on Tuesday!  Have a great holiday weekend.  

 

 

 

And the Winners Are . . . Laura Jennings 2014-05-23 00:00:00Z 0

News for the Week

Posted by Laura Jennings on May 15, 2014

Happy Friday.  We did not have our normal Tuesday morning meeting this week but instead attended the Group 6 Social, held at Buck and Honey's in Sun Prairie.  Sun Prairie Rotary had a good turnout with 21 of us attending.  There were also Rotarians from Lodi, Waunakee and East Madison clubs.  Barb Trimble gave an informative presentation on press releases and the best way to get coverage for your Rotary events. Thank yours go to Barb for coordinating and hosting this great evening.  A few other things to note:

  • May 27 is the SPICE breakfast where we invite and recognize the 5th graders who have participated this year.  We have 54 kids coming for breakfast and the program, which will start at 8:30 a.m.  We will have a short Rotary meeting starting at 8:10 a.m.  The events on this day will take place in the Cremer Auditorium at Colonial Club. Please try to attend if you can, the kids appreciate  it.
  • Prior to the breakfast, Sue Halambeck will give a short orientation for new and prospective members at 7:30 a.m. in the Colonial Club dining room.  Current members who would like a refresher or just more information are also welcome to attend.
  • By now you should have gotten your Service Above Self nominations to Tom Hebl.  We will be selecting the recipients next week and presenting the awards at our regular meeting on June 6.
  • Please continue to promote the golf tournament, scheduled for June 19 at the Sun Prairie golf course.  Contact Carl Olson if you have questions or need information.  We need golfers, sponsors and prize donations.

Our speaker next week will be Nancy SpelsbergPresident and Owner of BCP Transportation and is a guest of Chris Schoenherr.

Have a great weekend and see you Tuesday.

News for the Week Laura Jennings 2014-05-16 00:00:00Z 0

April 21 Updates

Posted by Laura Jennings on Apr 24, 2014

This week's highlights:

  • Mark you calendar for: Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. for the Group  social at Buck and Honey's in Sun Prairie.  This will be NO morning meeting on May 13.  
  • SPICE breakfast with the 5th graders will be the Tuesday meeting on May 27.  An abbreviated regular meeting will start at 8:10 a.m. and the kids will be arriving by 8:30. Please try to attend if you can, it an important morning for these kids.  
  • Please get your service above self award nominations to Tom Hebl.  If you have a candidate but don't know all the details about their involvement in community service, get Tom their contact information and he will call them for more information.
  • Don't forget to bring your Date Night contribution for the district basket that will be donated for the silent auction to benefit polio plus. Next Tuesday is the last day to contribute.
  • Reminder, if you signed up to volunteer at the Sunshine Place breakfast on Sunday, Apr 7, please arrive by 8:30.  

Our speaker was Mike Ripp, the Youth Protection Officer for District 6250. Mike demonstrated a new online tutorial  Rotarian who would like to take the youth protection training.  Protection of youth and foreign students is important and this website can guide you through the steps to be trained in youth protection.  Did you know 90% of abuse is committed by a person known to the victim?  Rotary has a zero tolerance for abuse.  For more information or how to register for the training, contact Mike at mlr.ripp@gmail.com.

Next week, our speaker will be Sharon Theiler and she will present about Autism.  

Have a good weekend and see you on Tuesday!  

 

April 21 Updates Laura Jennings 2014-04-25 00:00:00Z 0

Weekly Update

Posted by Laura Jennings on Apr 17, 2014

Happy Spring!

Updates for this week include:

  • Get your Hoops for Hope dollars to Dave Berggren; a penny for every point your teams scored.  If you aren't sure how much you owe, check in with Dave or feel free to just round up to $20 :-) Jim Bell (the winner) has designated the Sunshine Place as the recipient of the money.
  • Tom Hebl is taking nominations for the service above self awards, which will be presented on June 3.
  • Barb Trimble asked for volunteers for the breakfast from 08:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 27 for Sunshine Days.  Please let Barb know if you would like to help.
  • Remember to bring an item for the "Date Night" theme basket SP Rotary will be donating to the District Conference silent auction.  We can't get too many items - any that won't be used for this basket will be used for the June golf tournament silent auction.
  • Consider attending the district conference on May 3 & 4.  The club will provide $25 towards your expenses to attend.  Contact Jim Mastrangelo if you would like to take advantage of this deal!

Our speaker was Tracy Herold, director of the Sun Prairie Library.  Tracy gave an overview of the Seedfolks reading project being sponsored by the library. The book can be picked up, free, at several locations around Sun Prairie including the library.  It is a short, easy to read story about 13 people in a community who join together to plant a community garden.  Along the way, they learn many lessons along the way about each other and overcoming obstacles.  The project will culminate when the author, Paul Fleischman, presents at Sun Prairie High School on October 17 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Have a good holiday weekend.  See you on Tuesday.

 

Weekly Update Laura Jennings 2014-04-18 00:00:00Z 0