What if you had great intentions, but so much of what you were doing was actually preventing you from achieving what you want? This presentation shares the origin story of what has come to be called Poverty-Informed Practice. It is drawn from real life events which changed the questions I asked, my approach to my life and work, and eventually the focus of my career. I do not expect you to choose a new career after a short presentation, but I hope you will start looking at the issue of poverty with fresh eyes and perhaps find new approaches to get the results you want.
Last Week: Rick Diermeier - Haven for Special People
Brief history of Haven for Special People and update on the Haven on Main Project: Haven for Special People is a like-minded group of parents, friends, and educators uniting around a common goal of providing a life-long residential community for people with disabilities living side by side with people who are not disabled. Our board member parents of children with special needs know first-hand the challenges and concerns for their children as they grow older and want them to live independent, purpose-filled lives. Since our first meeting in 2022, we remain focused on the vision that the challenges of a disability should not prevent individuals from living in their own home in a community of their choosing. We believe that inclusivity is the key and that all residents benefit from living in a “neighborhood in a building”. We also believe in extending this inclusivity to include the economic spectrum as well and will offer rent profiles that cover a wide range.
Lunch this week: Chicken and Pesto Sandwich, with garden pasta salad.
Coffee, ice tea, and water available.
Guests are ALWAYS welcome! RSVP in advance to Niki Pohnl if know you are bringing guests but last minute invites are also welcome!
Hospitalizations
Keep Emily Vanderfleet in your thoughts and prayer as her toddler son was taken to Mayo Hospital in Rochester last week due to critical health.
Quarter 4 Invoices
Watch for your Quarter 4 Rotary invoice in your email sometime this week. If you don't see one by Friday, reach out to Niki Pohnl please so we can make that connection.
Climate Roundtable - April 17th, 11:15am
A third of U.S. food is wasted. Join members of the Climate Team to talk about Food Waste and actions we can take in our homes to move toward zero waste.
*Climate Roundtable – Food Waste, April 17th , 11:15am (prior to noon mtg) *The Climate Team will offer periodic roundtable discussions before/after our noon meetings to talk about climate issues relevant to our lives and what we can do. All are welcome. Come and learn. Come and share your ideas.
The Humanitarian Committee is coordinating a collection to support last week’s speaker Sue Graf and the local non-profit WINN (What I Need Now). WINN visits local encampments and parks to deliver water, basic clothing, blankets, hygiene and first aid supplies, and other essential items to our unhoused neighbors.
WINN is currently in need of new or gently used backpacks and personal sized bug spray.
The Humanitarian Committee will be collecting these items through April 24 and invites you to participate in this drive. Please be generous and help fill WINN’s yellow van.
You may also contribute funds through Niki or VENMO the club at @RotaryClub-LaCrosse, #4491.
Al's Musky Committee is accepting applications for the 2025 challenge. If you or someone you know might qualify, consider the impact being a recipient could mean for your organization. Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions as evidenced by 501c3 public charity status
can demonstrate experience serving the youth of the Coulee Region
operate in alignment with the Rotary International mission to provide service to others,
promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace
The following community member has been proposed to become members of our club:
Daniel Gentges, proposed by Jerry Arndt, General Counsel J.F. Brennan Company (transfer from Rotary Club of Milwaukee)
Roseanne Northwood, proposed by Cindy Erickson, YWCA Executive Director
Erin Kujak, proposed by Tashyra Jackson
According to club procedure, applicant names are to be published in our weekly email bulletin for two weeks. If there are no objections from the current membership, these applications will be approved. Please contact the Club Administrator if you object to these applications by April 29th.
Come join us for an unforgettable night and make a difference in the community!
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities available at http://holmenarearotary.org/ or call (608) 780-1628
Colgan Air Hanger #4 - La Crosse
Proceeds will benefit improvements at Chad Erickson Memorial Park
Contact Bill LaRue for tickets or more information!
A Message from Stephanie A. Urchick, President, Rotary International
Dear Rotary members,
Over the past few months, while we visited Rotary clubs worldwide and witnessed inspiring projects that are making a tangible difference in their communities, many have approached us with concerns about the current political and economic volatility, and its potential impact on the work that we do.
We want to assure you that in times of uncertainty, one thing is certain - our mission and values remain unchanged. Rotary is a force for good in the world because we are deeply embedded in communities. We will continue to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
The ideals of service, fellowship, and diversity have enabled us to transcend boundaries of all kinds. We bring people of all backgrounds together, foster collaboration, and make our communities stronger.
For 120 years Rotary has thrived through two World Wars, through the Cold War, and through multiple deadly pandemics. We have endured and strengthened because we adhere to our mission and to our values. In times like these, we are once again reminded of the strength of Rotary and the importance of supporting our organization.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Regardless of what lies ahead, we will stay the course and keep our commitment to the world’s children by ending polio forever. At present, we’re coordinating with our global partners to closely monitor and assess the fast-evolving situation, proactively working with many governments to sustain their financial support and seek alternative funding sources. Now more than ever, your financial support of PolioPlus is critical.
We will continue to support our Areas of Focus to forge solutions and fulfill long-term goals. Through our programs, grants, and people-to-people diplomacy, we address the underlying causes of conflicts, creating an environment conducive to peace. We work with our partners to engage in sustainable projects that tackle poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education in our own communities and those around the world. Rotary’s recent peace conference in Istanbul, which attracted more than 1,000 Rotary members, peace builders, and scholars around the world is testimony to our commitment.
At this moment, it is ever more important that we channel our concerns and uncertainties into action and share that vision of hope with others.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Urchick
President, Rotary International
Mark Daniel Maloney
Chair, The Rotary Foundation
John Hewko
General Secretary
FOUNDATION MINUTE: April 14, 2025
Welcome to Week 3 of RI’s Month of Maternal & Child Health.
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Fellowship gives recipients the freedom to
choose what and where they want to study, as long as they align with one of the Rotary Foundation’s areas of focus: Promoting peace; Fighting disease; Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; saving mothers and children; Supporting education; Growing local economies; and protecting the environment. Anna Ursin ’25 arrived at Carleton determined to study biology or chemistry on the pre-med track.
She worked as a student EMT, shadowed healthcare professionals, and engaged in clinical research, all in only her first term on campus. Despite acing her coursework, she felt unfulfilled — until she enrolled in a medical anthropology course for the winter. Ursin was awarded the Rotary Foundation Global Grant Fellowship to study at Cambridge, where she will earn a Master’s of Philosophy (MPhil) in Population Health Sciences with a concentration in Global Health, which she says is a natural progression of her studies at Carleton. “Pursuing a degree abroad promises a transformative experience, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and fostering personal growth,” Ursin said. “Coming to Carleton from a rural, homogeneous town, I was inspired by the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of my peers. I believe I will replicate — and even expand on — that experience at Cambridge, a truly global community that attracts students from around the world…
As a global health student, my passions align with Rotary’s mission to improve health equity and foster sustainable development,” Ursin said. “It is meaningful to me that my education is supported by an organization committed to creating a healthier, more equitable world. I am honored to join Rotary’s global network.
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