Historical Society member and our very own Rotarian Sandie Carter took us back in time this past Monday. She described her great-grandfather’s journey launching Dames Bottling Co., a local staple that produced seltzer and soda in distinctive 8” tall transparent bottles.
Long before Coca-Cola dominated the scene, local families navigated the regulations and challenges of a small-scale trade. From the local taverns to the shifting opportunities of the era, Sandie’s presentation provided a fascinating look at the grit required to build a local industry right here in Oconomowoc.
Brewfest: The Final Push
EVENT: SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Ticket Blitz! 🎟️
Help push us to our goal! Get your friends and family to buy the last of the Brewfest tickets today.
Meet at noon, Sunday, March 8 at the Bertrand’s Pavilion. "All hands" appreciated to reset the space!
Bingo Night: An Era Ends! 🎰
Monday, March 23 @ 5:30 PM
After 20 incredible years of calling numbers and keeping us laughing, Ed Johnson is hosting his final Bingo night for our club. It’s truly the end of an era.
We are excited to welcome Bonnie Terrill, who will be taking over the hosting duties.
Taylor Walsh (left) and Karen Spiegelberg gave their classification talks on Monday.
Karen Spiegelberg, at right, said two things were “the best decisions I’ve ever made”….Serving as City Council Alderwoman and becoming a Rotarian.
The Darlington native and daughter of a cheese maker became a CPA, married a CPA, and raised three daughters. The couple has served as foster parents to more than 20 “little souls”. In 2014 they moved to Oconomowoc “and it was the perfect fit for us.”
“Rotary is the grown up version of 4-H,” she smiled. “It’s service oriented and people really care.” The mayoral candidate likes reading, travelling and hiking the 14,000 foot trek to Pike’s Peak, a feat which she’s accomplished seven times. She said “strength and tenacity” defines her, despite any challenge thrown her way. “That strength will be with me to the end.”
YMCA at Pabst Farms Development Director Taylor Walsh is an animal lover, Packer fan and Kringle enthusiast. The Racine native spent summers on Pine Lake in Waupaca, learned to ride horses and soon traveled to Mongolia as a zoo representative. Her family of five explores their Sullivan acre lot. She’s tackled major capital campaigns with the Glacial YMCA organization, has become a community advocate and proudly serves on the Rotary Foundation board. The family also owns two Labs, the first who mysteriously escaped his pup crate and the front door to leap out onto a frozen pond and fall in, only to be saved by EMS personnel. A TV news team covered the incident. “We didn’t earn any points as dog owners on that one,” she laughed.
🎉 Parade Update
Jarrett Forster is meeting with police to secure a safe parade route in July.
📅 No Meeting This Monday!
February 23, 2026
Take a break! We will not be meeting this coming Monday, February 23. Enjoy the day off, and we'll see you the following week on March 2 when we welcome Justin Agar-Pratt from the Oconomowoc Historical Society. 🏛️
🎤 Take the Mic at an Upcoming Meeting!
We invite any member who would like to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, lead the invocation, or introduce the guest speaker to step up! Pre-written scripts can be provided for you, or you are welcome to write your own. It's a wonderful, easy way to actively participate in our weekly gatherings.
Email President Mike Menefee to volunteer
Brewfest 2026
SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM
🔥 We Need You!
Brewfest is our club's engine. To make it a success, we need every member to lend a hand. Whether it's setup, pouring, or cleanup, your time makes our impact possible.
Help us sell out! Invite friends, family, and neighbors. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting local scholarships and community grants.
