This Week: Pat Stephens, Rotary Lights Award Presentation
The annual Rotary Lights display began in 1995 and has grown tremendously since then due to the fantastic support from the greater La Crosse community.
Pat Stephens has partnered with incredible volunteers and volunteer organizations since then and now, nearly 130,000 visitors per year enjoy this holiday tradition while driving, walking or taking a carriage ride through Riverside Park.
At our meeting, the past year's illumination of the downtown waterfront and some of the people who helped make it a success will be celebrated with checks to multiple organizations.
Pat Stephens retired in 2013 from UW-L after many years in leadership with its Foundation. He is the "Irish Man of the Year", an Iverson-Freking Ecumenical award recipient, long-time leader of Freedom Fest, recipient of Viterbo University's Pope John XXIII award and the driving force behind many community fund raisers and community events.
Last Week: Rotary Friendship Exchange to Philippines, Mark and Sharon Jolivette
Sharon and Mark Jolivette will shared stories of their Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) to District 3850 in the Central Visayas islands of the Philippines. They experienced Rotarians at work in incredible ways, along with tremendous hospitality, and shared photos and experiences. They hope this encourages members to expand their Rotary world through Rotary travel, experiences of club activities in other countries, and the home stays that lead to lifelong friendships.
Lunch this week: Turkey, avocado, tomato, and havarti croissant sandwiches, with a side of 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!
PETS Conference last weekend. Regina Siegel, Richard Strauss, and Niki Pohnl attended the PETS Conference last weekend. PETS is President Elect Training, with a variety of workshops of all kinds. Above are the participants from our District. Michelle Skemp presented on Public Image and Joe Ruskey was instrumental in organizing the event. The weekend was informative, thought provoking, and fantasitc networking for all.
STAR Meeting for Newer Members - March 11th
Our next STAR Meeting will be Tuesday, March 11th from 12-1pm. Location: Big Brothers Big Sisters Office, 313 4th Street South, La Crosse. Hosted by Jodi Widuch, Todd Restel, and Jeanne Meyer
STAR - Specialized Training for Action in Rotary....you will meet other new Rotarians from the area. We will provide programs on the Avenue of Service, The Rotary Foundation, and the Rotary Works Foundation, along with other aspects of Rotary. This is a great time to ask questions you may have about our club or Rotary in general. Hope you will be able to join us.
Our club will be the ushers for tonight's performance of Steel Magnolias. Volunteer opportunities include taking tickets, helping with seating, handing out programs, 50/50 raffle ticket sellers, and Will Call ticket distribution. Attire: Rotary volunteer t-shirt. Come out and support the La Crosse Community Theater! Volunteers see the show for FREE this evening!
Note: You don't have to be a Rotarian to sign up. Feel free to sign a friend or family member up if you wish!
This simulator offers community members the opportunity to be sensitized to the realities faced by individuals with low incomes. In the simulations, participants are assigned an identity and a family for one "month." During four 15-minute "weeks," participants try to navigate daily life on the family's low-income budget, with the goal of retaining shelter and meeting basic needs.
The opportunity is in partnership with the Rotary Club of La Crosse DEI Committee.
Note: Volunteering is open to Rotary members only.
Note: Participation is open to Rotary members first and community members thereafter.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of David Trapp, a Honorary Member of our club, who passed away earlier this month. David had been a member since April 1986 and served as our Club President in 1998-1999. View obituary HERE.
Member Spotlight
Let's Celebrate!
Active Rotarians
177
Honorary Rotarians
14
Rotary Attendance
96 between in person, guests, and Zoom
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