The COVID-19 level for La Crosse County is measuring at a HIGH level at this time.
Per current CDC guidelines, when a county is in high COVID risk level, wearing masks indoors is strongly encouraged.
According to the CDC's guidelines, individuals in communities at this level should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms, but wear a mask indoors in public if you choose. However, additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness. People may choose to mask at any time. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, we ask that you follow the CDC guidelines for quarantining/isolating.
This Week at Rotary: Chuck Hanson, The Brain Game New Edition
Chuck Hanson and other members of the Brain Game committee will present the updated Brain Game and share the story of where the Brain Game is going and the progress that has been made.
Last Week at Rotary: Sarah Arent-Beyer, Rotary Committee Speed Dating
We heard from many committee chairs this week about the opportunities Rotarians have to be a more involved in the life of the club.
We learn about which committees we offer, what each committee does and the impact they make in our club or community, what they'll be working on in the coming year, and how to join! This was a fun way to learn more about what our club's committees do and how you can get involved.
Reach out to one of the Committee Chairs through the link below for more information.
The meal will be Farro salad with grilled chicken.
Milk and iced tea will be available for you to pick up at the north bar as you find your seat. Cargill Room staff will also be happy to deliver a glass of milk or iced tea to you while they're serving the meal.
Note: If you prefer to keep your mask on during the entire meeting, you will be provided a boxed lunch to take home with you.
Wine Tasting and Appetizers - June 30
Wine tasting and appetizers in lieu of our normal Thursday meeting on June 30th.
Travel to Elmaro Vineyard in Trempealeau to enjoy fellowship with other members and guests. All are welcome! Pay as you go.
We are looking to update our records by June 30. Please be mindful of the following and let Niki Pohnl, Club Administrator, know how she can help you:
Is your financial account up to date? Do you have outstanding invoices to pay by June 30? Questions on your account can be directed to Niki to research.
How does your attendance look? Club policy suggest 50%. Let Niki know if you need make up attendance updated on your ClubRunner account. There are several ways to make up for a club meeting.
Is your Club Runner account accurate and update? How about your picture? (This is a great way for new members to get to know you so we want to keep it current.)
Seeking Avenues of Service Representatives
We are looking for one or two club members to serve as the Rotary Club of La Crosse Downtown's representatives on the Avenues of Service committee. Avenues of Service is an annual banquet held among all of the area Rotary Clubs to recognize and honor clubs' achievements. This includes recognition for Rotarians of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Rising Star Award, and Five Avenues of Service Awards (one in each category) for club projects that best exemplify Rotary ideals in the five avenues of service (Club Service, Community Service, International Service, New Generations, and Vocational). The Avenues of Service committee works May through August to plan and organize the event. If you are interested in serving in this role for our club, please email Sarah Arendt-Beyer, sarah@saraharendtbeyer.com.
Seeking Raffle Basket Items
Each Rotary Club needs to provide 2-3 baskets of goodies for the Avenues of Service raffle. Niki Pohnl is taking donations for the baskets. Looking for: gift cards, adult beverages, food items, $$ to purchase items, or anything you think might be a great addition for one of the themed baskets we are putting together.
Rita Von Haden as submitted her application for Club Membership. According to club procedure, Rita's name is to be published in our weekly email bulletin for two weeks. If there are no objections from the current membership, this application will be approved. Please contact the Club Administrator if you object to this application by July 3, 2022.
Avenues of Service
August 16, 2022
La Crosse Country Club
Nominations for Lifetime Achievement, Rising Star, and Avenues of Service are due July 7, 2022.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our membership survey - it was great to hear your feedback about what we're doing well and how we can improve. Have additional feedback to share? Know that you can always reach out to Niki at rotary@rotarycluboflacrosse.org or anyone on the club board of directors with suggestions and ideas.
First Aid Kits for Ukraine: A Note from District Governor Karen
President Nila is a refugee. Nila left behind soldiers and neighbors in Zaporizhzhia and attends Rotary Club meetings in her temporary home of Olstyn, Poland. There she met Irma, a fellow Rotarian and friend of 6250. Irma's club and 6250 Rotarians successfully wrote a global grant to establish a culinary training center in Olstyn a few years ago. Plans for a Rotary Friendship Exchange have begun.
Together, Nila and Irma are leading efforts to do the most good in the best way for the people and soldiers in Zaporizhzhia. Devastated by battles, without access to medical care, in desperate need of intensive humanitarian aid, Rotary Club of Olstyn Varnia, plans to send first aid kits in two sizes. The small kit will be designed to strap to a belt and the large kit will fill a backpack. The kits are intended for use not only by medics, but also by other people in the conflict area who are able to provide emergency first aid, saving health and life. The kits have been conceived and designed in consultation with military and medical leaders serving on the front line.
We hope to raise $30,000 in 30 days – half of the project's total cost. Gifts can be sent to our 6250 Foundation via the link below. Whether or not you have given to help Ukraine, we hope it will be your pleasure to help again. No gift is too small.
If you are giving via a donor-advised fund, please use our district foundation ID to be sure you've found the right rotary foundation (there are many). The number is 45-5097111.
Back in the summer of 2016 I was fortunate enough to do a summer exchange to Italy because of all of you kind and giving people at the rotary club! After 7 years, I was able to get my parents and grandmother over to Italy to meet my host family and reconnect after all these years.
We’ve built a lasting friendship and continue to keep in touch. I’m getting married in March, and Bianca (my host sister) planning on coming back to the states to celebrate!
Your work is appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed! Because of you I have a lasting friendship and connection with a family halfway around the world. I will forever be grateful for this experience.
