APRIL 7TH MEETING-BURUNDI AND INDIA PROJECTS FUNDED BY ROTARY SHINES

Rotary Shines is just round the corner! As Rotarians we should feel good and proud of the impact this event has on reaching out and touching the needy around the world. On April 7th, Egide and Sridhar will talk about how the World Services Committee grants, funded by the last year’s Rotary Shines, have brought about remarkable relief and transformation through sanitation and water projects in Burundi and India. Further, Sridhar will explain how this year’s grant will make a difference in the lives of teenage girls from India, Bangladesh and Nepal who have been rescued from human trafficking. Learn how your dollars will empower and transform their lives through education and training.

SAS COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Service Above Self Committee is looking for volunteers for their first project.  If you are able to help out at Riverview Gardens on Monday, April 6 from 2-5 or Saturday, April 11 from 9-12 please email Jenni Eickelberg at jenni.eickelberg@thrivent.com or Dan Flannery at dflannery@goodwillnwc.org.   There will also be sign-up sheets at the next meeting on each table.

Here is the list of other volunteer opportunities coming up. 

• April/May: Old Glory Honor Flight
• July 29: Big Brothers, Big Sisters Timber Rattlers Game
• September 20: Fox Cities Marathon Water Station
• September 26: Octoberfest Wrist Band Sales
• November/December: Habitat for Humanity Gift Wrap

ANNOUNCEMENTS

·        Rotary Shines is looking for bottles of wine for the cork pull.  If you are interested in donating a bottle please bring to the meeting.  Value should be around $20/bottle.

·       District Conference is May 15-17 here in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.  Please visit the website at http://www.ridistrict6220.org/ to register.  Meghan will also have paper copies available if you are interested.

·       Reciprocity has begun!  If you are unable to attend our meeting you can now attend Neenah Rotary - Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk - Thursday-Noon, Menasha Rotary-Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha - Wednesday-Noon, Fox Cities Morning Rotary, Best Western Bridgewood, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah - Tuesday 7-8 am with no cost.  Please remember to sign a visiting Rotarian card.

·       On April 29^th, the Menasha Rotary will be meeting off-site.  They will be meeting
at the newly-renovated Menasha High School.  If you are interested in attending they will be eating hot lunch.

·       Help celebrate Edison students' hard work by volunteering for the Knowledgeathon on April 23, 2013.  We need volunteers from 8:45-11:15. Consider volunteering for a shift (either 8:45-10 or 10-11:15) or for the whole morning. We'll provide light refreshments (baked goods and beverages) for all of our volunteers.  Just bring your energy and enthusiasm so that you can ask questions in ways that give our students a chance to shine.
If you are able to volunteer, please send the following information to the Edison PTA edison.elem.pta@gmail.org by Monday, April 6:
(1) Name of volunteer or group (if a group--how many people will be helping).
(2) Preferred time: 8:45-10, 10-11:15, an hour, or the whole time.
(3) Best way for us to contact you.
Thanks in advance for your help!

• Children with Disabilities Committee meeting Tuesday, April 21st at 10:30am. Contact Amy Flanders to receive grant applications for review. You can email her at amyjaneflanders@gmail.com.

FOX CITIES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization that strengthens the Fox Cities by attracting visitors in the convention, sports and leisure markets through sales, marketing and destination development.  The Bureau operates a visitors center, which is open to the public as a resource of information on local hotels and attractions.  In the Fox Cities the FCC&VB has brought conventions, sporting events, which is continually growing each year for amateur youth sports and leisure, such as shopping at the Fox River Mall.  In 2013 visitors spending reached $411 million.  That supported 5,557 jobs in the tourism industry and 7,244 jobs in the Fox Cities.  $121 million was spent on food and beverage, $90 million on lodging and $89 million in the retail sector.  Numbers for 2014 are currently not out at this time but they are projected to be even higher than 2013.  The FCC&VB is promoting their new program called BRING it HOME FOX CITIES.  You may ask why should you be a part of this program.  You may have just returned from an event/convention in another city or state and want to bring it to the Fox Cities area.  If you are interested you can share this information with the FCC&VB.  If your organization books a meeting in the Fox Cities, you will receive a gift certificate valued up to $500 to select Fox Cities businesses.  If you are interested in learning more about this new program you can visit their website at www.foxcities.org/bringithome.  If you are interested in finding out more about the FCC&VB please visit their website at www.foxcities.org.

MARCH 31ST MEETING-INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES IN THE FOX VALLEY

MARCH 31st MEETING-INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES IN THE FOX VALLEY

Every year, over 27 million people are forced to flee their homes because of persecution and conflict, or a very present fear of it.  On March 31, City of Appleton Diversity Coordinator Kathy Flores along with Tami McLaughlin, the new Office Director for World Relief Fox Valley will be here to discuss how new refugees are being integrated into the Fox Valley.

ROTARY SHINES--APRIL 17TH, 2015 AT FOX BANQUETS

ROTARY SHINES APRIL 17^TH, 2015 AT FOX BANQUETS

This year’s beneficiaries will be:

Polio Plus Program

United Way Fox Cities PATH (Providing Access to Healing) for students program

Project Bharati: Rehabilitation and Empowerment for Girls Rescued Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence

 

Here are the Sponsors so far:              

Presenting Sponsor            Community First Credit Union

Supporting Sponsors          Associated Bank

Barb Merry

Bassett Mechanical

BOLDT

Goodwill Industries

Nicolet National Bank

Schenck

Stifel Nicolaus

Friend Sponsors                  American National Bank

                                                       Curt Detjen Family Fund

                                            Wichmann Funeral Home

                                                       Fiduciary Partners

                                                       Herrling Clark

                                                       Esker and Associates

                                                       Jeff Werner

                                                       Ulness Health Insurance

SAS COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Service Above Self Committee is looking for volunteers for their first project.  If you are able to help out at Riverview Gardens on Monday, April 6 from 2-5 or Saturday, April 11 from 9-12 please email Jenni Eickelberg at jenni.eickelberg@thrivent.com or Dan Flannery dflannery_gw@gwic.org.  There will also be sign-up sheets at the next meeting on each table.

 

Here is the list of other volunteer opportunities coming up. 

• April/May: Old Glory Honor Flight
• July 29: Big Brothers, Big Sisters Timber Rattlers Game
• September 20: Fox Cities Marathon Water Station
• September 26: Octoberfest Wrist Band Sales

November/December: Habitat for Humanity Gift Wrap

ANNOUNCEMENTS

·         Rotary Shines is looking for bottles of wine for the cork pull.  If you are interested in donating a bottle please bring to the meeting and give to Megan Klubertanz or Amy Flanders.  Value should be around $20/bottle.

·         District Conference is May 15-17 here in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.  Please visit the website at http://www.ridistrict6220.org/ to register.  Meghan will also have paper copies available if you are interested.

·         Reciprocity has begun!  If you are unable to attend our meeting you can now attend Neenah Rotary - Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk - Thursday-Noon, Menasha Rotary-Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha - Wednesday-Noon, Fox Cities Morning Rotary, Best Western Bridgewood, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah - Tuesday 7-8 am with no cost.  Please remember to sign a visiting Rotarian card.

·         President Deborah welcomed our newest member: Jeff McLaughlin. Welcome Jeff!

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNER PROJECT

 

Neighborhood Partners is a collaboration of more than 20 nonprofit, government and corporate organizations that work alongside people who are creating a positive social, economic and environmental change in their neighborhoods.  Their vision is for a vibrant and resilient Fox Valley, built neighborhood by neighborhood, by people at the grassroots.  Their pilot neighborhood, located just north of downtown Appleton has partnered with St. Therese Parish to make community gardens plots available to more than 40 parish and neighborhood families.  They are learning about the gifts and skills neighbors have to share, and connecting people in the community.  They have launched the Historic Central Neighborhood Food Hub where gardeners learn and share.  They have renovated the Columbus Elementary/Appleton Bilingual School playground.  They are training kids in learning lawn care skills and matching them with property owners needing those services.  Neighbors are teaching neighbors how to save energy and money and there is community planning for the future.  All across the Fox Valley, citizens have tremendous potential to self-organize to create new ways of meeting their needs in our local communities.  Most just need organizational support to get started.  By providing support- applying methods, models and organizational assistance this project hopes to help other communities as they did their own and will continue to do.  If you are looking to get involved with this project please check out their website at http://sustainfv.org.  The Neighborhood Partner Project would like to thank all of you for the donation they received last year from our club.

ROTARY DAYS, TUESDAY,MARCH 17TH

Fellowship



Networking

Community Service Projects

Ending Polio in the World
Who’s Doing That?
The Rotary Club in Your Community
Check us out on Rotary Day! Only $5 (includes a meal)
Open to the public. If you are not a Rotarian but would like to attend, please RSVP to the

email of the meeting you want to attend so we’ll be sure to have enough meals.
Tuesday, March 17 7-8 A.M. Fox Cities Morning Rotary Club
RSVP: rread@remleylaw.com Best Western Bridgewood



1000 Cameron Way, Neenah

Program: Menasha Community/City Projects - Mayor Don Merkes



Tuesday, March 17 Noon-1 P.M. Appleton Downtown Rotary

RSVP: rotaryappleton@gmail.com Radisson Paper Valley



333 West College Avenue, Appleton

Program: Neighborhood Partner Project -

Julie Filapek


Wednesday, March 18 Noon-1 P.M. Menasha Rotary

RSVP: azemlock@ci.menasha.wi.us Waverly Beach



N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha

Program: Injuries and deaths from falls -

Dr. Raymond Georgen & Deb Doyle,

ThedaCare


Thursday, March 19 Noon-1 P.M. Neenah Rotary

RSVP: azemlock@ci.menasha.wi.us Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk



123 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah

Program: Omni Resources – Leading the Way in IT Innovation



Friday, March 20 Noon-1 P.M. Appleton West Rotary

RSVP: jhendrickson@bankofkaukauna.com Holiday Inn Select



150 S. Nicolet Rd, Appleton

Program: Insongniacs - Katie Schuld

COURTESY AWARDS

 

The Courtesy Awards are given to recognize sales people and others who work with the public and have provided service above and beyond the call (went the “extra mile” for the Rotarian). The recipients received a framed Courtesy Awards certificate, a check in the amount of $100.00.  Congratulations to the following Courtesy Award recipients:

Sue Woefel

Walgreens Pharmacy-College Avenue

Nominated by: Merle Mueller

 

Matt McDaniel

Fox River Brewing Company

Nominated by: Rich Redman

 

Robert Ventgen

United Express

Nominated by: Tom Simon

 

Juan Ramirez

Coverall Cleaning

Nominated by: Mark Logemann

 

Thank you to the Courtesy Awards Committee for putting on this program: Barbara Kelly (Co-Chair), Tom Simon (Co-Chair), Mary Harp-Jirschele, Gail Popp and Tim Reich.

THUMBNAIL: ROBIN LUTZ

 

Robin is from Ohio but currently resides in Oshkosh with her partner, Kay and her 15 year old son, who will be driving in 6 months, and their 2 dogs.  Robin works for Wipfli as a Tax Senior Manager.  Robin is passionate about tax planning and says that’s the nerd side of her.  She is a strong believer in equal rights and loves a good protest.  She is very involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past 3 years and is their treasurer.  She loves to see the children’s lives change forever.  She is also part of the AFS-Student Exchange program as their treasurer.  Her parents still reside in Ohio and her mom has Alzheimer’s.  Robin is putting together a golf outing for June 21^st for the organization.  She is excited to be a part of the Rotary Club of Appleton and to do great things with our club.  Welcome, Robin!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

·         Rotary Shines is looking for bottles of wine for the cork pull.  If you are interested in donating a bottle please bring to the meeting and give to Megan Klubertanz or Amy Flanders.  Value should be around $20/bottle.

·         District Conference is May 15-17 here in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.  A flyer is attached with details.

·         Reciprocity has begun!  If you are unable to attend our meeting you can now attend Neenah Rotary - Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk - Thursday-Noon, Menasha Rotary-Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha - Wednesday-Noon, Fox Cities Morning Rotary, Best Western Bridgewood, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah - Tuesday 7-8 am.

·         Nigel Schusters from Rotaract gave the Club a report.  They have established a some new board members for next term and Nigel will be President of the Rotarct club.  They are looking forward to start the Menoring Pilot Program with our club.  The Rotarct student’s will be partnered with members of the club to discuss school, beyond school and any other questions they have.  They are also excited about our new SAS (Service Above Self) Committee.  They are excited to collaborate with the club on volunteer opportunities.

·         Peter Kelly gave the club an update on the Grant Task Force Committee.  A task force was set in to place by President Deborah so our club can establish a Grant Committee, annually budget for a District project grant, Process a timeline for applying for District and Rotary International global grants, and to explore collaboration with other clubs in the area for multi-year funding.

MARCH 24th MEETING-FCCVB-AMY KARAS

 

Have you ever heard your kids whine and say, “There's nothing to do!” or maybe you yourself take the Fox Cities for granted.  On March 24, Amy Karas of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau will be accompanied by Pam Siedl, Executive Director of the Bureau.  Pam will talk about the evolution of the Convention and Visitor Bureau since its founding.  Amy, who is Convention Sales and Marketing Director, will speak about their new “Bring It Home Campaign” and the impact of conventions on our economy.

SAMP SHIPMENT TO KARACHI

Picture taken after opening two forty feet containers of medical supplies donated by Rotary Club of Appleton, USA, March 3^rd, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Rotary District 6220 Global Scholar Program provides $30,000 scholarship awards for graduate students outside the USA.  Scholars must commence studies between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 and expend the scholarship funds within 12 months of starting studies.  For more information on this Global Grant Scholarship please visit the website at: http://www.ridistrict6220.org
• Reciprocity has begun!  If you are unable to attend our meeting you can now attend Neenah Rotary - Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk - Thursday-Noon, Menasha Rotary-Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha - Wednesday-Noon, Fox Cities Morning Rotary, Best Western Bridgewood, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah - Tuesday 7-8 am
• Rotary Shines is looking for bottles of wine for the cork pull.  If you are interested in donating a bottle please bring to the meeting and give to Megan Klubertanz or Amy Flanders.  Value should be around $20/bottle.
• District Conference is May 15-17 here in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.
• The Rotaract Club would like our help in collecting items for the Hygiene Drive below. We will collect them at the March 10 Rotary meeting.  The most urgently needed items are laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine care products, shampoo, diapers, baby wipes, liquid soap, unscented deodorant, soft toothbrushes (adult and child sized), and toothpaste

 

Sinfonia-March 21st-James Perry Hall at UW Fox Valley Menasha

• On March 21^st, a group of 50 extraordinary people in the Fox Cities will come together to dazzle your ears in unique musical ensemble.  Sinfonia takes place at James Perry Hall at UW Fox Valley Menasha, WI. 6pm cocktails and heavy appetizers and show starts at 7:30 pm.  We have several members and spouses participating:  Rosie Cannizzo-flute, Beth Schnorr-flute, Karen Laws-flute, Mary Harp-Jirschele-violin, Chad Hershner-violin, Lisa Kogan-Praska-violin, Shannon Full-violin, Karen Dorn-violin, Peter Kelly-bass, Rich Redman-Trombone, Michelle Devine-Giese-Percussion, Jeff Amsutz-violin, Renee Boldt-bass, Sally Mielke-percussion, Milly Rugland-percussion

MARCH 17th MEETING-NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNER PROJECT-JULIE FILAPEK

Julie Filapek of Neighborhood Partners will share the impact of the Rotary-funded Columbus Elementary playground renovation on the school and neighborhood. Strengthening the Fox Valley's core neighborhoods is critical for residents' health and well-being, as well as to the overall vitality of our region.  Neighborhood Partners brings neighbors together to build the social capital necessary to address community challenges, partnering with nonprofit, corporate and government organizations as needed for maximum impact.