Holiday Celebration

Our Holiday Celebration began with Frank Rippl playing the piano. President Dawn welcomed members and guests and thanked everyone for the donations to The Mooring House. We had a moment of silence for those in Sandy Hook, Connecticut then Rev. Roger Bertschausen gave the invocation. Lunch consisted of portabella stuffed chicken and egg plant napoleon. After lunch, Tony Gonzalez and Ruth Ann Heeter provided the answers to the holiday quiz. Tony then introduced 5 members of the Fox Valley Symphony’s Brass Quintet. The Fox Valley Symphony is in its 46th season. Sixty to eighty musicians play in 5 concerts in its Symphony Series. The Brass Quintet performed holiday favorites such as We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Deck the Halls, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, We Three Kings, Silent Night, Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Thanks to the Family of Rotary Committee for arranging this program: Tony Gonzalez (Chair), Michelle Devine-Giese, Ruth Ann Heeter, Nancy Heykes, Nancy Johnshoy, Eric Oelhafen and Val Wylie. Also thanks to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and staff for the wonderful lunch and service they provided us.

Sandy Hook School

In response to the Sandy Hook School tragedy, we as a Rotary District will be supporting the Newtown Rotary Club. You may wish to contribute as a Club and/or as an individual Rotarian. Below is the link to the Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund. The Newtown Rotary Club Foundation has established the Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund. The fund is dedicated to the victims of the Sandy Hook School tragedy, their families and those in the Newtown community who have been affected, to help support both their short term and long term needs. The link is: http://www.newtownctrotary.org/ Thank you for your generosity and prayers for this heartbroken community.

PolioPlus

After 25 years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating this tenacious disease, but a strong push is needed now to root it out once and for all. It is a window of opportunity of historic proportions. Reaching the ultimate goal of a polio-free world presents ongoing challenges, not the least of which is a hundreds of million dollar funding gap. Of course, Rotary alone can't fill this gap, but continued Rotarian advocacy for government support can help enormously. As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high. 2012 Convention PolioPlus Video "If we all have the fortitude to see this effort through to the end, then we will eradicate polio." - Bill Gates

Courtesy Awards

The Courtesy Awards are given to those who work directly with the public and have exhibited exceptional service or courtesy to the people they serve.  The nominee must be employed in the Appleton and contingent area, and work directly with customers or other members of the public.  Members, spouses, and children of club members are not eligible for nomination nor can Rotary Club members nominate their own employees.  Nomination forms can be found on our website at - http://www.focol.org/aprotary/Documents/courtesyNomination.html or Kathy will have them available at meetings.

Holiday Celebration - December 18

This years Rotary Holiday luncheon, hosted by the Family of Rotary Committee, will be held on Tuesday, December 18, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.  We will be entertained by the Fox Valley Symphony and the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel has again prepared a very special sit down meal for Rotarians and their guests.  If you plan to attend, please make sure to contact Kathy Dreyer at 731-4427 or dreyer.kathy@gmail.com by Friday, December 14 so that we can let the Radisson know how many to expect.  We will be charging $12.50 for those members who have the status of “attendance not required” and guests as we have done in the past.

We are also doing a collection for The Mooring House this year. They are in need of the following: weekly planners for clients; hats, mittens, boots, socks, winter coats, tennis shoes (adult sizes);CD player boom box; can openers; pens; Kleenex; paper towel; toilet paper; toiletries; craft items; bus passes; gift cards for haircuts; box fans; alarm clocks; outdoor lawn games; board games; silver ware; and a window air conditioner for group room at the MH.  Monetary donations will be applied to Goodwill gift cards. Please bring in your donated items or monetary donation at the Holiday Celebration.

Oshkosh Civility Project

Walter Scott, Jr. discussed how the Oshkosh Civility Project began as an ad hoc effort in the summer of 2010 to advance the cause of civility in order to enhance interpersonal effectiveness and to build and strengthen the social fabric of our shared community. Scott brought the idea for this initiative from this travels to Truckee, California where he saw the “Speak Your Peace” campaign that was developed by the Truckee-Tahoe Community Foundation.  A core group with representatives from the Oshkosh Community Foundation, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, community based organizations including the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Area School District and the Oshkosh Partners in Education Council met monthly to lay out plans to advance the program.  Dr. P. M. Forni, Crossing Civility, spoke at the Truckee Leadership Breakfast to provide visibility and a conceptual structure.  The core team and committees worked on communications, events, speaker’s bureau, business outreach, education and organization outreach.  Their mission is to promote the principles of civility in everyday life through education, imitation and community engagement.  The Oshkosh Civility Pledge: “We build a stronger and more diverse community by actively sharing our ideas and opinions with others in thoughtful and considerate ways.  By practicing this basic commitment to civility, we learn and grow from one another - even in disagreement.”  This is not a campaign to end all disagreements but a campaign to make it safe to disagree.  About 50% of Americans in the workforce experience a high level of stress.  The estimated cost to the workplace is $300 billion per year.  Dr. Forni talks about 25 rules of civility.  The following are 9 key rules / skills to practice and aspire to:  pay attention (be aware of others and sensitive to the immediate context of actions), listen (understand other points of view), be inclusive (welcome all and don’t exclude anyone), don’t gossip (remind others of the importance of this practice), show respect (especially in disagreement), be agreeable (find opportunities to agree), apologize sincerely (repair damaged relationships), give constructive criticism (focus on issues), and accept responsibility (don’t shift blame).  It is possible to be true to one’s beliefs and be civil at the same time.  It is not just what you say but how you say it.  Make civility your New Year’s Resolution.  

Appleton Rotary Foundation

The 2012 Fox Valley Sibling Support Network Santa Celebration took place last Saturday. This was partially funded by the Appleton Rotary Foundation's Helen Thom Roemer Fund.

Charity Miles

Here's a wonderful way to support Rotary!  You can help Rotary win up to 10 million United Airlines travel miles.  It won't  cost you a penny - and the miles will be used to help numerous Rotary projects.  

In the past Charity Miles have provided transportation for Rotary International's Gift of Life surgical teams. Last year, these teams traveled to Haiti and El Salvador, where volunteer doctors and nurses from the United States performed life-saving heart surgery on many children and provided important training for local doctors. Charity Miles have also helped Rotary International transport Iraqi children with birth defects to U.S. hospitals for treatments they cannot receive at home. 

Charity Miles are also used to send volunteers to help immunize children during National Immunization Days. And, Charity Miles provide airfare for financially disadvantaged Rotary youth exchange students so they may live and study overseas for one school year, enabling 8,000 secondary school students to study abroad in 80 countries around the world.

All you have to do is go to  Charity Miles and vote for Rotary International.  You can vote once a day until December 25th.  Rotary is currently leading with 505 votes.
 

And don't just vote yourself!  Share this message with your network of friends. If you are a Facebooker, a Twitterer or a Texter - get cracking and spread this message.  Remember, by winning these Charity Miles, we can bring smiles to the faces of thousands of underprivileged children! 

Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project

Imagine the challenge of obtaining medical care where just a few thousand physicians serve millions of people.  Imaging living where endless civil wars have created massive shortages of crutches and wheelchairs.  Where infectious diseases like Bubonic Plague – long extinct in North America, run unchecked.  And where virulent diseases like AIDS are decimating young and old alike.  Imagine trying to cope with these and other overwhelming medical needs without even the most basic equipment and supplies.  Some of us have been to Jamaica and stayed at resorts on the beautiful beaches.  But poverty, unemployment and inequality in Jamaica rank among the worst in America.  Jamaica has the second highest unemployment rate, roughly 11.8%, and fourth highest poverty rate, 43.1%.  The IMF report defined poverty as the share of population earning less than $2.50 US per day which translates to 1.1 million Jamaicans living in poverty.  Haiti scores better than Jamaica.  The population of Jamaica is 2,825,928 with 39 hospitals (1 hospital per 72,450 people).  The population of Wisconsin is 5,711,765 with 143 hospitals (1 hospital per 39,942 people).  The Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project is a recycling program for the salvage of reusable medical equipment, blankets and supplies.  The idea for this project was a result of a Group Study Exchange Team from Rotary District 9250 (Southern Africa).  The team consisted of 2 doctors.  In their visits to Rotary clubs in our District (6220), the doctors freely discussed the shortage of the simplest medical supplies and equipment and the high incidence of AIDS.  SAMP sent the first shipment to Southern Africa in 1993.  The founders of SAMP, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, created a strong foundation that has grown and flourished over the last 19 years.  Today, SAMP provides medical supplies globally.  SAMP collects, sorts, packs and ships medical supplies through the generosity of Goodwill Industries, First Supply, partnering hospitals and medical clinics, and volunteers.  SAMP has never lost a shipment or had a shipment end up on the black market since there is a corresponding club that receives the shipments.  All hospitals and clinics throw away thousands of pounds of medical supplies per year.  SAMP packs wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, gloves, gowns, drapes, pads, sutures, syringes, needles, IV tubing, catheters, wash basins, water pitchers, bed pans, blankets, etc.  They do not accept medicine, gurneys, large equipment and oxygen tanks.  SAMP needs your help with communication (sending thank you notes to our donating partners), shipping, public relations (contacting other Rotary clubs because we are seeking new area’s to ship) and packing on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Goodwill Industries Ralph B. Shiner Center in Appleton.  It is a great way to meet fellow Rotarians and you get a make-up.  The life you same today may be the leaders of that country tomorrow.  Make the world a better place for the next generation

Courtesy Awards

The Courtesy Awards are given to those who work directly with the public and have exhibited exceptional service or courtesy to the people they serve.  The nominee must be employed in the Appleton and contingent area, and work directly with customers or other members of the public.  Members, spouses, and children of club members are not eligible for nomination nor can Rotary Club members nominate their own employees.  Nomination forms can be found on our website at - http://www.focol.org/aprotary/Documents/courtesyNomination.html or Kathy will have them available at meetings.

REHAB: FITNESS AND RECUPERATION AFTER MAJOR SURGERY OR ILLNESS

Janine Boldra, Rehabilitation Manger for St. Elizabeth Hospital and Matthew Krueger, Physical Therapist for St. Elizabeth Hospital, talked about how life is good until something affects your health.  How can you be proactive to make your recovery go faster?  There are three things for optimum health and well being:  diet, exercise and balance of life.

We need to give our body the right fuel to stay healthy and in order to heal ourselves during a major surgery or illness.  Our body needs protein, good fat, carbohydrates and antioxidants to give us healthy strong cells.  Instead of the food pyramid, myplate illustrates the five good groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image – a place setting for a meal.  When putting food on your plate, ½ should be fruits and vegetables of various colors, ¼ healthy grains and ¼ proteins.  It is suggested that you put 3 colors in your meals. 

Exercise is important before any injury or illness occurs.  When you do not exercise, it directly affects your body’s rate to heal. Inactivity can lead to atrophy, contractures, bones loss, osteoporosis and decrease of cardiac output.  There are some things we can’t control such as the effects of aging on the body which varies from individual to individual.  With aging, your body isn’t able to function as it was at the age of 17 or 18.  When a heart attack or stroke occurs, your body cannot regenerate that tissue.  You can lose 4-6% of your muscle mass every decade of your life. Muscle mass starts to decline during one’s 30’s or 40’s.  Bone density peaks around age 20.  Joint tendons and ligaments are part of the process of degenerative changes.  Exercise gives your cells a greater chance of working more efficiently at preventing and promoting the healthy changes needed to recover.  It takes time before you start to see changes in strength, endurance and flexibility.  It can take 6 months before you start to see physical changes happening.  You can reverse some of the physiologic effects of aging with a good exercise program.  You can reverse 100% of your cardiovascular loss.  It can take 8 weeks to see strength changes as far as muscle mass.  It first little bit is all neuromuscular after that you start to see muscle mass being built.  Correct posture is also very important.  Posture is the position in which minimum stress is applied to each joint and minimal muscle activity is needed to maintain position. 

Managing balance in your work, home and play is important.  Stress is not always a bad thing.  It can be used to drive or motivate people but it can be detriment to healing.  Cortisol is a chemical inside your body that is released in response to stress and can shut down your immune system so you cannot heal as well.  It can also create tissue damage.  Stress can affect your cardiovascular system (heart rate and blood pressure).  Positive thinking helps our tone and keeps tension down.  Music and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.  Our body has only so much energy and you have to make choices on what to focus it on. 

You need to give yourself time after surgery or an illness. Your body heals at its own pace.  Why wait for a health care episode to start dieting, exercising and balancing your work, home and play?

Our Wisconsin Waters

This year, the Program Theme Committee has chosen “water” as it theme series following the Nobel Conference’s examination of “Our Global Ocean” as a source of inspiration, danger, and knowledge. Today, Nicole Van Helden, Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy, discussed how the mission of the Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.  They are a private nonprofit conservation organization that works in more than 30 countries.  There are 1 million members worldwide – 22,000 being in Wisconsin. Scientists predict by 2025, two thirds of the population will face water shortages.  People take this freshwater resource for granted not realizing where this water is coming from and the actions we take that have an impact on it.  The Alliance for Water Stewardship is working to develop a voluntary program based on an international water stewardship standard to define actions that businesses and water users worldwide can and should take to improve social, environmental and financial sustainability of water use.   One half of the world’s population currently lacks access to safe drinking water and sanitation.  Appleton’s drinking water comes from Lake Winnebago.  Seventy seven percent of American’s (not on a private well) were unable to identify the source of their drinking water.  If people don’t realize the source of their drinking water, they are less inclined to be involved in what’s needed to protect this resource.  The Green Bay Watershed encompasses northern forests, agricultural lands, big cities and small towns, connecting people from Appleton and Escanaba to the Fox and Peshtigo Rivers.  Everything that happens on the land or in the water in this watershed has an impact downstream.  What happens in Lake Winnebago or the Fox River has an impact in the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.  The Bay of Green Bay is one of the largest freshwater estuaries in the world.  Over 10 million people rely on Lake Michigan for their drinking water.  Green Bay’s health has been degraded over the years from chemical pollutants, nutrients, sediments, evasive species and wetland loss.  Even through the overall health has been challenged, this system is capable of adapting and stabilizing for the long term.  It is still one of the most ecologically productive systems in the Great Lakes.  Important water initiatives have been underway in the Fox River for a number of years to restore its health.  The Boldt Company is coordinating the dredging and water clean-up to remove the largest PCB contamination in the United States.  Several years ago, The Nature Conservancy was asked to convene partners working in the Green Bay Watershed to come up with a comprehensive vision and plan to create a healthy watershed.  Some of the priorities that emerged where to protect the remaining coastal wetlands and enhance population of key species such as the Northern Pike. Services that the wetlands provide include shoreline protection from erosion, cleaning and filtering polluted water, habitat for fish and migratory birds, and buffers from intense storm events.  Over 70% of the wetlands have been lost on the west shore of Green Bay.  For Northern Pike to have a healthy population, they have to have spawning area.  Some of these areas are blocked by a bridge or culvert.  The Nature Conservancy is working to identify where these barriers are and to remove them to open up habitats for the Northern Pike.  The Door Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the Great Lakes region.  The Nature Conservancy has protected nearly 6,000 acres in Door County.  The Great Lakes contain 20% of earth’s freshwater, is the drinking water source of 40 million people and there are 500 beaches.  How can you make a difference to ensure clean or abundant water?  Replace expensive, less quality-regulated bottled water with drinking fountains and provide your employees with reusable cups. You will save money, reduce your carbon footprint attached to buying and discarding petroleum-based plastics, and ensure that the water that comes from out taps never ceases to be of the highest quality because people will always expect it to be such.

Holiday Celebration - December 18, 2012

The Holidays will be here before you know it and so will the Rotary Holiday luncheon, hosted by the Family of Rotary Committee.  This year we will be entertained by the Fox Valley Symphony and the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel has again prepared a very special meal for Rotarians and their guests.  So save the date, Tuesday, December 18 from 11:30 – 1:15 p.m.  Please be sure to sign up at the registration table so we will know if you are coming and the number of guests you are bringing.  We will be charging $12.50 for those members who have the status of “attendance not required” and guests as we have done in the past.  We are also doing a collection for The Mooring House this year. They are in need of the following: weekly planners for clients; hats, mittens, boots, socks, winter coats, tennis shoes (adult sizes);CD player boom box; can openers; pens; Kleenex; paper towel; toilet paper; toiletries; craft items; bus passes; gift cards for haircuts; box fans; alarm clocks; outdoor lawn games; board games; silver ware; and a window air conditioner for group room at the MH.  Monetary donations will be applied to Goodwill gift cards. Please bring in your donated items or monetary donation at the Holiday Celebration. 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to: demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders, encourage leadership of youth by youth and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.  Students from all over District 6220 including Rotary Youth Exchange students participated in the conference from Friday, October 7 – Sunday, October 9 at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.  Our Club sponsored 6 students – 2 from Appleton East, Appleton North and Appleton West High Schools.  These students were selected by school administrators and members of the RYLA Committee. Today, the students were awarded a framed certificate in recognition of successful completion of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards curriculum. 

Samantha Wojnowski (Appleton West) said that the conference was really fun.  The kids were put in different groups so it gave her a chance to meet a lot of new people.  She talks to the kids from the camp everyday.  It was a cool experience that taught her a lot.

Patrick Bishop (Appleton West) explained that it was fun.  When the conference was over everyone got emotional.  He is still in contact with most of his group who got very close.  His favorite thing was dinner.  The conference taught him how to set a good example and get people involved.

Selena Rippl (Appleton East) had a fantastic time.  She got comfortable with the people on the bus and then was split into different groups and got to know more people.  Everyone was crying when they left.  It felt like they knew each other for a long time. 

Brandon Dosdos (Appleton East) – It was very cold during the conference.  He did not bring enough warm clothes.  He only knew one other person when he went to camp but then met so many people.  He learned what to do with people he did not know.

Kaitlan Herman (Appleton North) – It was a wonderful experience.  She was a little shaky at first since she was not used to meeting new people.  She got to know a lot of new people.  She thanked Rotary for this experience. 

Michael Barta (Appleton North) – He expressed his gratitude to Rotary and Appleton North staff for choosing him.  Michael has Asperger Syndrome.  This camp was the first time he has ever been in a safe, positive environment surrounded by kids his own age.  It took a little time to get used to the fact he was on his own.  One of the funniest moments for him was an exercise using high school social groups.  His group represented the mentally disabled.  He found it funny that he was randomly placed in this group.  He discovered how hard it is to be a part of only one social group in high school.  He also had to create skits using the 4 Way Test.  As the weekend drew to a close, he dreaded the farewells.  He reminded himself that there is never a final goodbye only new beginnings.  This camp helped him see that if you surround yourself with positive people, you will be positive too. 

Thanks to the RYLA Committee for arranging this opportunity for these kids – Alyce Dumke (Co-Chair), Dennis Hietpas (Co-Chair), Gary Hermsen, Marta Weldon, Rosie Cannizzo, Shannon Full, John Fuller, John Mielke, Jon Kester, Martin Rudd and Alan Blake.  

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION MONTH

Bequest Society - Couples or individuals who have made commitments of $10,000 or more in their estate plans, such as in a will, living trust, or through whole or universal life insurance, can become Bequest Society members.  All Bequest Society members receive recognition from the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation. Donors may elect to receive an engraved crystal recognition piece and a Bequest Society pin. Unless you request to not receive recognition you will be recognized automatically upon notification of your bequest commitment.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

President Elect Peter Kelly presented the slate of officers for the 2013/2014 Rotary year.  The membership has two weeks to present additional candidates. Additional nominations of directors and officers may be made within two weeks of such presentation by written -petition filed with the secretary and signed by at least five members of the club.  Such petition shall certify that the nominee has consented to run and will serve if elected.  The nominations of the committee and all such additional nominations shall be published in the issue of the club bulletin next following such presentation and filing.  At the first meeting in December, we will have our annual meeting and will vote for the candidates.  On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Peter submitted this slate of officers and board members for the 2013/2014 Rotary year:

Immediate Past President          Dawn Doberstein

President                                  Peter Kelly

President Elect                          Deborah Wetter

Secretary                                  John Fuller

Treasurer                                   Sridhar

Sergeant-at-Arms                       Paul Hillmer

One Year Term Board Members                Two Year Term Board Members

Caroline Lasecki                                                Michelle Devin Giese

Trey Neher                                                        Chad Hershner  

Mary Schmidt                                                    Egide Nimubona

Robb Waugus                                                    Marta Weldon

November is Rotary International Foundation Month

The Rotary Foundation provides many opportunities for donors to express their commitment to Rotary’s work or to honor a friend or family member through a named or endowed gift. 

These are available for the Annual Fund (outright contributions that provide immediate funding for the Foundation’s cultural, humanitarian, and educational programs) and the Permanent Fund (outright donations or endowed funds).

The Annual Fund makes it possible for Rotary clubs to transform lives worldwide. Your generous support funds local and international projects that advance The Rotary Foundation’s mission. All contributions to the fund are spent on quality Rotary projects.   The Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to help us reach our goal to support The Rotary Foundation financially each year. Our 2012-13: Worldwide EREY fundraising goal (Annual Fund goal) is US$120 million.

We invite you to give a gift that will go beyond your lifetime: a donation to The Rotary Foundation’s endowment, the Permanent Fund. This fund enables individuals to combine their gifts into a significant force to address the world’s greatest needs for generations to come.  The initial target of US$200 million for the Permanent Fund was met in 2005, six years ahead of schedule. The next target is $1 billion by 2025.  In a Rotary year, about $8 million from the Permanent Fund is made available to support Foundation programs.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION MATCHING DONATIONS

This year, our club will match a donation of at least $100 up to $500 until the club’s 10,000 points are used.  Through our club’s program, an individual can receive a Paul Harris Fellow for $500.  If you are so inclined, following are ways you can take advantage of the matching donation program:

·         On your birthday, make a donation of at least $100 to the Rotary International Foundation.  You will become a Rotary International Foundation sustaining member and your donation will count towards a Paul Harris Fellow.

·         Donate at least $100 to the Every Rotarian, Every Year Program.  All money raised goes to the Annual Programs Fund to support humanitarian and educational programs such as providing safe water, feeding the hungry, eradicating disease, and educating children and adults.  This donation also counts towards a Paul Harris Fellow.

·         Donate $500 and surprise your spouse, significant other, friend, or colleague with a Paul Harris Fellow.  The person you recognize will be acknowledged by Rotary International as someone who supports programs that make a positive difference in our world.

If you have questions, please contact a member of the Rotary International Foundation Committee.  They are:  Tom Boldt, Dick Calder, Egide Nimubona, Steve Rieth, Ram Shet, Dave Rothmann and Kathy Dreyer.

COLLEGE COSTS: A QUESTION OF VALUE

Rolf Wegenke, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, discussed the cost of college.  In 2010-2011, the average tuition was $25,334 to attend a private nonprofit college or university in Wisconsin.  The average financial aid package received by the 61,000 students that attend private college in Wisconsin came to $20,446.  Of that, 73% was in the form of grants and the remainder was subsized loans.  The average net tuition in 2010-2011 came to $4,888 which was 16% lower than it was in 2006-2007. (The average U. W. tuition came to $7,330.) About 90% of the students who attend private college in Wisconsin receive financial aid.    These colleges are not supported by the taxpayers.  They are committed to a mission of providing educational opportunities to students across the state and they are doing it as a pubic service.  Providing financial aid is a moral issue since the aid provided makes a difference in the lives of young people who may not otherwise have attended college.  Wisconsin private and nonprofit colleges and universities enroll a higher percentage of low income and minority students than the U. W. System.  Wisconsin ranks 48 out of the 50 states in personal income growth.  This is a problem for the economic competitiveness of the state.  Wisconsin ranks 26 in the United States as the percentage of its population with a college degree and 26th place in per capita income.  There is a direct relationship between the educational attainment of our citizens and per capita income.  Two thirds of the jobs of the future will require post secondary education.  People with a baccalaureate   degree pay more taxes, draw less on social services, vote more, volunteer more, are healthier and have stronger marriages.  There is a value in every major because people are always changing careers and the changing economy.  About 50% of the jobs they will fill in four years don’t exist today.  Most important to employers are communication skills, critical thinking and reasoning, creativity and character.  Financial aid is empowering since it lets students make choices of what college is best for them.  Wisconsin is 30^th in the country in per capita student aid.  Financial aid will bring about change, value and increase educational attainment in this state and the country that commits to it.  

Long Term Care

China senior care is becoming an inspiration for new thinking about long-term care for elders. David Green, retired after 29 years with Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, outlined his work in China for a new for profit concept.  He is a 1% partner in a project spearheaded by a group of investors for a small skilled nursing facility housing 64 residents.  The facility will be in Hangzhou near Shanghai—a more than three hour drive from the city or 45 minutes by bullet train. Green said there is a great need for elderly care with some 155 million in the population today and 490 million by 2050.  China, he said, has no model for care and can learn some from US experience but, also the investment team model can allow the US to learn as well.  The Chinese have one child per family; women retiring at age 50 and men at 65; a new financially elite, and changing attitudes is placing great strain on the country.  In the past Chinese families took care of their own.  It was considered bad face in peer relations not to care for elderly family members. The new rich have left the interior, the farms and moved to the coast to work in factories and left the elderly uncared for. To save face elderly were put under care of a street person who stayed in a “back room” or placed in a hospital where all are sick to save face.  Now the new concept has established core values, sustainability, honor, excellence, caring and security.  He compared US constraints such as regulations, reimbursements and requiring certified nursing assistants.  The China model, Green said, will be based on private pay and some regulations but no certified nursing assistants - persons who will be considered life aides.  There will be life programs versus care plans and concerns for meaningful relationships. First will come life, second medical concepts, he said.  In a day study, medical filled about 30 minutes. Green’s video slides cited business plan concepts.  For the less than 2 acres of land $4.5 million was paid. Transitions, a slide said, is that life is a series of events joined by transitions.  Transitions are impacted by a person’s life styles.

Green said the new business concept for the elderly has immense possibilities with the millions of aging in need of care.  New buildings will be built always facing south for light and warmth and exercise will be outdoors, a major departure from US elderly care facilities.

Emergency Shelter

The Emergency Shelter drive netted 767 units/items collected.  The White Team led all teams with 328 units.  One of the great concerns at this time is the increase in children coming to the shelter.  About 193 have arrived thus far, taking up 41% of bed space, more than in past history.

Membership Drive

During the month of November, we will be holding a membership drive.  A member of the Membership Committee will be at the sign in table to give free lunch cards and member packets to prospective members.  If you were to leave the club, think about who would replace you. 

Stunts Committee

The Stunts Committee presented “A Day at the Improv”.  Robb Waugus begin with some jokes about the state of Iowa then Chad Hershner, Marta Weldon, Deborah Wetter, Ruth Ann Heeter and Robb Waugus did a skit using the scene “Home for the Holidays”.   Each table then formed a team and everyone was part of a scene they created.  Teams had 2 minutes to look in prop boxes the Stunts Committee got from Goodwill Industries.  Each team was then selected to perform their skit.  Some of the scene suggestions were a golf tournament, climbing a mountain, spies and going for a walk with friends. Alyce Dumke, Mary Harp-Jirschele, Carolyn Lasecki, Trish Huizenga, John Mielke, Dan Nisler and Tom Williams did a skit on golf etiquette.  Ron Altenburg, Steve Andrysczyk, Paul Hillmer and Shipra Seefeldt did golfing in Africa.  Karen Dorn, Jay Drzewiecki, Alan Blake and Hugh Begy did the ideal job.  Dawn Doberstein, Peter Kelly, Robb Waugus, Kathy Dreyer and John Fuller did enchanted kingdom.  Sonia Barham, Nora Schulz, Jeff Schulz and Donna Kidder did one on Green Bay Packer fans.  The team performing the ideal job won and were given make-ups. 

Thanks to the Stunts Committee for putting this program together:  Chad Hershner, Marta Weldon, Robb Waugus, Debra Wetter and Ruth Ann Heeter.

Giving to the Appleton Rotary Foundation

Curt Detjen, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, discussed how giving to the Appleton Rotary Foundation is not just for Rotarians who support what the goals and objectives of the Club.  Anyone can make a tax deductible contribution.  Contributions can be made at any time, in any amount and through a variety of types of gifts.  Typically, member’s make out a check to make their donations to the various funds in the Appleton Rotary Foundation:  Arts Scholarship Fund, Community Service Fund, Paul and Elaine Groth World Service Fund, Charles Heeter Fund, Helen Thom Roemer Fund and the Scholarship Fund.  The Community Foundation can guide you through these other choices:  securities (stocks, bonds or mutual funds), business interests (closely held corporations, partnerships and limited liability entities), personal property (fine art, antiques, jewelry, rare books or almost any items of significant value), real estate or life insurance.  Contributions can be made by credit card or setting up an automatic deduction from a checking or saving account.  A relative of Helen Thom Roemer makes a yearly contribution to the fund.  We have a relative of Paul Groth who gives a monthly contribution through automatic deduction.  The Helen Thom Roemer Fund also received a $50,000 donation from Sylvia Cohodas, in memory of her husband, Arnold who was a member of our club from 1957-1981 and an active member of the Children with Disabilities Committee.  Think about the options you may have in front of you to leave something behind so Rotary can continue to do its good work.  

HAPPY HOUR - OCTOBER 18

The next Rotary Happy Hour, sponsored by the Family of Rotary Committee, is:

                                   

Thursday, October 18^th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

CopperLeaf Hotel-300 W. College Ave., Appleton

Cash Bar and appetizers to purchase

Bring a spouse, significant other, friend, potential Rotarian – and join us.  See old friends, meet new ones and generally relax and enjoy the camaraderie and conversation.  It’s a great chance to get to know each other better and you also get a make up.

SAMP PACKING - OCTOBER 30, 2012

The Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project will pack on Tuesday, October 30.  The Family of Rotary Committee is sponsoring a pizza dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and then packing from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Come see which costume Tony Gonzalez will be wearing:  Super Hero or Little Boo Peep.

ROTARY ART SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Lee Mothes has always loved to draw.  He has owned and operated Oceans and Dreams Art Studio since 1990, primarily working in watercolor and acrylic on canvas.  His work has been exhibited in art centers and museums throughout Wisconsin and he has won numerous awards.  Lee has also been creating a series of what he calls narrative paintings or pictures along with stories, road maps and a book length documentary of an imaginary island called New Island.  Nine years ago, he wrote a guidebook titled The New Island Relocation Guide, and he is currently expanding this into a full-color art book with a story line.  This project involves creating characters, developing a plot, then moving the story as an illustration work of fiction, using about 200 paintings, imagined maps and rewritten text from the original Guide as the background.  To help make this narrative paintings and this book more compelling, Lee wanted to get help from a master in writing fiction.  For creating realistic characters, a well developed plot and sharp, compelling sentences, he found the perfect writing course offered at The Clearing in Ellison Bay for a week long intensive course June 24-30, 2012 called Wring Well – A Workshop For Fiction and Memoir writers by Margaret Hawkins.  Lee received a scholarship from the Arts Scholarship Fund to attend this course.  

ARTISTS AS ENTREPRENEURS

Jan Smith, Executive Director of the Bergstrom Mahler Museum, explained how Harvey Littleton was a professor at U. W. Madison in the ceramics department.  He had a passion to explore glass as an art form.  His father was chief physicist at Corning Glass and inventor.  In 1962, Harvey Littleton set out to change the art world by making it feasible for artists to blow glass in studios and use it in educational programs.  Students have progressed in this art form from blowing glass to sculpting, carving and making things out of 800 lbs. of cast glass.  The Legacy of Harvey Littleton and his Students (50^th Anniversary of Studio Glass 1962-2012) is being featured at the Bergstrom Mahler Museum September 14, 2012 through February 24, 2013.  The exhibition features the work of Harvey Littleton and his early students who have carried on his legacy by further developing and sharing glass as a studio art.  Some featured artists include:  Christopher Ries, Dale Chihuly, David Huchthausen, Tom McGlauchlin, Audrey Handler, Gary Beecham, Fritz Dreisbach, Michael Taylor and Marvin Lipofsky.

U. W. Fox Valley

Dean Martin Rudd discussed how U.W. Fox is one of 13 campuses within the University of Wisconsin Colleges.  In the U.W. System, there are 26 campuses.  U.W. Fox provides the first two years of liberal arts education for students who wish to transfer and complete their baccalaureate degree at another university. The U.W. Colleges mission is to prepare students for success at the baccalaureate level of education and advancing the Wisconsin idea by bringing the resources of the university to the people of the State and the communities that provide for and support its campuses.  Because students are under prepared for college, U.W. Fox is working closely with their high school partners to try to understand what the students are missing to help them succeed at the collegiate level.  U.W. Fox hosted an in-service day for the Appleton West High School teachers to understand the difference between finishing a high school education and beginning a college education.  About 45% of the students at U.W. Fox are part time and 35% nontraditional students.  More than 50% of their students work more than 25 hours per week.  This can present some challenges.  There are 1819 students are U.W. Fox, 596 new freshman, 63% first generation, 34% age 22+ and have an average ACT score of 20.4.  The average student to faculty ratio is 20:1.  How do you retain students at all levels?  One of Dean Rudd’s passions is undergraduate research – taking sophomore level students and having them work on an undergraduate research project.  U.W. Fox is seeing an uptake in the number of students coming from high school backgrounds who are very prepared to do volunteer work and engage in civic projects.  Many of the classes at U.W. Fox encourage students to engage in civic learning projects to further their educational cores.  The U.W. System growth agenda goals are focused on producing more degree holders in Wisconsin, increasing the number of well paying jobs and building stronger communities.  How do they best prepare students?  They do so by the resources they use, operational excellence and collaborations.  Last Week, U. W. Fox opened a new collaborate engineering degree building with U. W. Platteville that was funded by Outagamie and Winnebago Counties.  There are 200 students in the collaborate degree program with U.W. Platteville.  Since 2005, they have put nearly 60 baccalaureate degree holders in mechanical and electrical engineering back into the community.  U.W. Fox is partnering in traditional and innovative ways for students to transfer from campus to campus in order to complete their baccalaureate degrees.  

Happy Hour - October 18th

The next Rotary Happy Hour, sponsored by the Family of Rotary Committee, is:

                                    Thursday, October 18^th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

                                    CopperLeaf Hotel, 300 W. College Ave.  in Appleton

                                    Cash Bar and appetizers to purchase

Bring a spouse, significant other, friend, potential Rotarian – and join us.  See old friends, meet new ones and generally relax and enjoy the camaraderie and conversation.  It’s a great chance to get to know each other better and you also get a make up

Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project Update

On behalf of our President Saleem Zamindar and all members of Rotary Club of Karachi, Pakistan, I would like to convey our thanks for sending the Container having Medical Equipment and supplies.

The container was today unloaded and after making inventory we will start distribution to charitable hospitals. We are thankful to your club for this noble act which will bring relief and happiness to many poor and deserving.

Once distribution is completed, a detail report and pictures will be sent to you. In the past I have visited your club and will definitely visit your club again.

With kind regards, Aziz Memon

Peruvian Mobile Medical Unit

The proceeds of the past two Rotary Shines event have helped to fund the Peruvian Mobile Medical Unit in Arequipa, Peru.

NAMIWALKS – SUPPORT THE ROTARY CLUB OF APPLETON TEAM!

We have accepted the challenge! Now we need your help to reach our goal.

In support of NAMI Fox Valley, and the challenge we received today from our fellow Fox Cities Rotary Clubs, we have formed a Rotary Club of Appleton Team. We are looking for fellow Rotarians from our Club to sign up and join us for NAMIWalks on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Appleton Memorial Park. Walker Check-In Time is 7:45 a.m. and the Official Walk start time is 9:30 a.m.

We have set a team goal for the Rotary Club of Appleton to raise $5,000!  Sign up to be a member of the team and/or make your gift today in support of Rotary Club of Appleton by visitinghttp://www.namifoxvalley.org/rotary.html. When you register or make your contribution please be sure to select the Rotary Club of Appleton Team. We have a little friendly competition and we want the Rotary Club of Appleton to bring home the traveling trophy!

If you have questions, please contact Chad Hershner, Team Captain for Rotary Club of Appleton at (920) 969-5360or via email at chershner@chw.org

All Rotary Drive - Emergency Shelter

The All Rotary Drive will be held October 2^nd on behalf of the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley.  Items on the attached Wish List can be brought to the noon Rotary meeting held at Michiels Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering.  Please count your items prior to donation day and know your team color when you drop off.

League of Women Voters

Shirley Strange and Irene Strohbeen discussed how the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  They neither support nor oppose candidates at any level of government.  This does not mean that they do not have opinions or are willing to share them.  The League began out of the suffragists.  From 1848-1920, a group of women worked tirelessly to get the vote for women.  With the ratification of the 19^th Amendment on August 26, 1920, women got the right to vote and Wisconsin was the first state to ratify it.  From 1920-1929, the League began to evolve - designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibility to be an informed educated voter.  There are three levels of the League:  National, State and Local.  There are over 800 state and local Leagues.  The League helps with voter service, study issues, observe government, citizen education and action/advocacy.  When they speak out about an issue, it is because they have a position in their position papers.  They start by choosing an issue that is important in the community in January, present it as a study, accept it as a study, form a committee, gather information/speakers, disseminate information to the membership, call a consensus meeting, develops a position statement, goes before the full membership to accept as a position then it gets published and is advocated.  This process can take 1-2 years.  The League believes in respect for individuals and their opinions, diversity and the common good.  The U.S. Constitution grants voting rights to various groups:  15^th Amendment granted the right to vote to all citizens regardless of race, color or history of servitude; the 19^th Amendment granted the right to vote for women; and the 26^th Amendment granted the right to vote to 18 year olds.  The Voting Rights Act in 1965 ensured that these rights were being exercised.  The League’s mission is to maximize voter turn out among eligible voters. The U. S. historically is near the bottom of democracies of eligible voter turnout – 40-60%. The League’s Voter Service educates and informs through voter educational forums, voter registration assistance, outreach to 2^nd language speakers and candidate forums.  September 25 is National Voter Registration Day.  The 2011 Wisconsin Voting Law enables people to vote through voter registration, absentee voting and early voting.  

ALL ROTARY DRIVE FOR THE EMERGENCY SHELTER OF THE FOX VALLEY

The All Rotary Drive will be held October 2^nd on behalf of the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley.  Items on the attached Wish List can be brought to the noon Rotary meeting held at Fox Banquets & Rivertyme Catering.  Please count your items prior to donation day and know your team color when you drop off!

Rotary on the Road - Boldt Construction

The Boldt Company is a fourth generation family owned business. The company started in 1889 when Martin Boldt opened a carpentry shop in Appleton Wisconsin.  Today, Boldt works across the United Stares from Maine to California and has projects ranging from healthcare, industrial and power. They are the 77th largest contractor in the United States and recognized as one of the safest construction companies in the nation.  They are also known for their scope of construction services and LEED projects.  Their driving corporate values are honesty fairness hard work and a passion for construction.

Rotary on the Road - Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley was established in 1998 assuming the lead role in developing a safe place for kids and youth in the Valley in direct response to the deaths of several area teens through gang activity.  The Club offers young people what they need and want most—adults who respect and listen to them; a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves; and interesting, constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits.  More than 14,000 children and youth are served annually at our downtown Club and at six school-based sites including young people from every Fox Cities community and outlying areas.

The Boys & Girls Clubs provide diversified activities in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness and recreation. Through these programs and services we fulfill our mission of “Inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” In addition, we offer an array of free mental and behavioral heath services through our Youth Resource Center including Youth & Family Counseling Program, Runaway Program, Truancy Reduction & Assessment Center and Center for Grieving Children. Youth who use their time constructively and have a positive self-identity, emotional health and physical well being, social competency, positive values and a commitment to learning will be more apt to become successful adults than youth who do not have these benefits.

Rotary on the Road - Outagamie Airport

Rotarians who visited the Outagamie Airport on Tuesday listened to an excellent presentation during lunch on the airport facilities, funding and future plans by Airport Director Marty Lenss.  The airport is owned and operated by Outagamie County but requires no county tax dollars to operate because the $9 million budget is funded by passenger use fees paid by airline travelers and by leases/rents of airport buildings and property.  The airport is operated by 20 county employees and three contractors.  The contractors are responsible for public safety, the parking lot and the FBO (fixed base operator which has a flight school, maintenance facilities, rentals/charters and FBO services).  Outagamie County Airport is a significant asset for our community.  It is responsible for an impressive $407.5 million in economic output, supported 2,642 jobs and contributed an additional $119.9 million in wage income to neighboring economies.

After lunch the Rotary group boarded a Lamers bus and was given a guided bus tour, with Marty Lenss as our tour guide, of the Outagamie County Airport site including a trip through the maintenance shop.  During a snow event, employees working in the maintenance facility don't go home.  They are housed in a bunk house and are available to work when needed to clear runways, de-ice plans and keep the airport open.  As Marty said, "if you can get to the airport during a major snow event, we can get you on your plane and on your way to your destination.  We never shut down."  The bus tour took us by the Gulfstream facility which has over 1 million square feet of leased space, Fed Ex, the airport fire department, the new taxi-way that is being constructed for $12 million in federal capital funds to give full length departure access without crossing a runway, the site for the future Fox Valley Tech training center, Civil Air Patrol Buildings, and the area where new General Aviation buildings and hangars are going to be built.

The airline industry is incredibly competitive.  As Marty said, "In this turbulent economic climate, it's even more critical that our Fox Valley neighbors take full advantage of local air service options.  Ultimately, community support is the fuel that keeps our airport economy running smoothly and allows for regional business retention, relocation and growth."

Rotary on the Road - Outagamie Jail

The Outagamie County Jail opened in 1992.  The facility contains 556 beds between the 3-5 floors.  Currently, 75% of the facility is used for lock up and 25% Huber/GPS.  A majority of the inmates are white males, 40 years and under, from Appleton.  On an average, there are 17 people booked at the Jail per day.  The average stay in lock up is 21 days, Huber 24 days, GPS 41 days and DRC 36 days.  GPS populations began in June 2001 and DRC populations began in February 2004. The average daily population of adult lock up is 336 and Huber Law 40.  The Outagamie County Jail offers offenders programs such as alcohol management, creative writing, employability, employment assistance/referrals, GED/HSED and issues of incarceration.  They have also partnered with FVTC.  During lunch, we saw some types of contraband:  cup holder made of toilet paper, latex paint balls, Saran balls, lighters, greeting cards where things could be put between layers and dominos in a sock. Inmate health care is provided by a nurse practitioner, mental health care worker and nurse.  Inmates intake 2700 calories per day and the meals cost $1.06 per meal.  The facility has 300 cameras and everyone is recorded on the DVR system.  We were provided with a tour of the interview rooms, visiting area, camera room, processing area and recreation room.  

Rotary on the Road - Salvation Army

Captain Randy Tooley and Rob Waugus were our hosts.  Captain Randy and Melinda Tooley began their appointment as officers for The Salvation Army here in the Fox Cities, In July 2012.  They had previously served in Alton Illinois.

For over 125 years, the Salvation Army shield has been the symbol of commitment to helping people in need.  Their purpose is simply stated.  They are dedicated to doing the most good.  They work closely with neighborhood groups and residents to identify and address specific issues through programs and initiatives that embrace both body and soul.  They rely on volunteers and passionate supporters to accomplish their mission.  The Salvation Army is active in over 115 countries in every corner of the world.  They were at ground zero on 9/11 offering pastoral care to firefighters, law enforcement officers and others.

Locally 83% of all funding goes directly to services provided by The Salvation Army.  About 60-70% of all of their funding comes from “Bell Ringing” during the holiday season.  This is a great way to volunteer with friends or family members.  Last year a national record was set for money raised in this area during the campaign.  They have many programs some of which are:  Noon Feeding Program –which offers a noon meal 365 days a year, over 60,000 free meals were provided last year; Food Pantry which provided over 1,000,000 pounds of food last year; Transitional Housing Counseling; Worship services and Sunday School Programs; Children’s Day Care Center; and Utility, food and clothing  assistance.  There are always in need of volunteers to assist with noon meals, bell ringing and many other ways. 

Children with Disabilities Grants

The mission of the Children with Disabilities Committee is to develop and carry out projects that benefit mentally and physically challenged children in Appleton and the immediate surrounding area. The projects are funded with income from the Helen Thom Fund that was started in 1941. This year, 12 agencies requested $46,751 in grants. The committee reviewed the applications and granted $22,284.59 to the following organizations: Appleton Area School District, Building for Kids, Cerebral Palsy/ARC, Chaps Academy, Easter Seals Disability HelpLine, Fox Valley Sibling Support Network, Girl Scouts, Muscular Dystrophy, Special Olympics and YMCA Fox Cities.

New Members

The Rotary Club of Appleton inducted Sonia Barham, Executive Director of The ARC Fox Cities, Inc. and Randy Prasse, Executive Director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.