From Our Last Meeting - Jan 12, 2026 A Network of Kindness: Christmas Clearing Council By Sarah William Berg Becky Brock sharing the CCC mission. Becky Brock presented on the Christmas Clearing Council (CCC) of Waukesha County. The organization promotes and coordinates giving to families in need during the Christmas season, matching families with area groups and individuals who wish to help. Brock described the organization as “Good people with big hearts,” adding, “We want to make sure the parents we serve know that their children will have a normal Christmas.” Last Year's Impact • 1,900 families served • 4,300 children reached • 100+ toy collection barrels • 70+ bikes built by volunteers What's Your Service Idea? Is there a hands-on project you've been dreaming about? A local organization that needs our hands-on help? A gap in Oconomowoc that Rotary is uniquely positioned to fill? Pitch your project idea to the Board! BINGO NIGHT! Join us at Shorehaven on Jan 26 at 5:30 PM. We need high-energy volunteers! Register →  Today’s Needs. Tomorrow’s Legacy. The Christmas Clearing Council shows us vital immediate response. But what happens when the holidays end? Our Endowment Fund ensures we never have to say 'no' to a student in need. BREWFEST 2026 SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 5:00 PM Help is needed for our biggest event! Thank you to Bank Five Nine for the support. Volunteer Sign-Up  Chamber Networking Any member is welcome to attend Chamber events to represent Rotary. Contact Mike Menefee for details. CALENDAR & SERVICE Jan 19: Guest Speaker - Girl Scouts Jan 26: Shorehaven Bingo (Noon Meeting Canceled) © 2026 Rotary Club of Oconomowoc

From Our Last Meeting - January 5th, 2026 Liberty at Stake: The Joshua Glover Story In 1852, Joshua Glover made a daring decision that would change his life. He determined to escape from the St. Louis farm where he was enslaved and seek freedom in the North. He could not have known that his decision would also alter American history. Glover’s journey would lead him nearly 400 miles to Racine, Wis., where he was welcomed by the abolitionist community. Director Michael Jahr Glover found work at a sawmill and a place to live. For two years, he reveled in his newfound freedom. Slave owner Benammi Garland, however, was determined to reclaim his missing “property,” offering a $200 reward to anyone who found Glover. By early 1854, the slave catchers had located him. Garland traveled to the Milwaukee courthouse and secured a warrant for Glover’s arrest. A posse, which included two deputy U.S. marshals, was assembled. On the wintry night of March 10, the party traveled to Racine and knocked on Glover’s door. When it was opened, they rushed in. Director/producer Michael Jahr unveiled plans for the upcoming documentary Monday, describing the teams of Wisconsinites who rallied to free Glover from his persecutors. The 12-minute mini-documentary was chosen for the Madison Film Festival. Creative forces are working on a 60-90 minute full length documentary to air on PBS and Netflix. Documentary Progress Producers have raised $230,000 toward their $940,000 goal to bring this story to PBS and Netflix. Visit lasfilm.com to Learn More → Rotary Bike Tour Save the Date: September 12th Mark your calendars for our annual ride! Stay tuned for more details on routes and registration.

From Our Last Meeting - December 1^st, 2025 

No meeting Monday the 8th! 

 

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Classification Talks with New Members

Jim Funke and Kerry Pinkner described their lives, professions and interests.

Jim described his work as a garbage collector, baseball coach and playground attendant. The lifelong dentist and Marquette grad described his family’s pursuits and his love of his dogs. He is passionate about Rotary’s student scholarship initiatives.

 

Kerry described community outreach efforts through her work with the Waukesha Public Library, from helping design the MakerSpace, building memory cafes and StoryCorps programs, gleaning volunteers and reaching area schools. She loves to paint with watercolor, garden and travel.

 

Christmas Parade is this Saturday

Line up is at 5 p.m. on Oakwood. Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. We have vests, bags, cash receptacles and holiday hats to share. Please join in celebrating the season with “150 Years of Christmas” Oconomowoc Christmas parade presented by Oconomowoc Kiwanis!

 

Oconomowoc Food Pantry Donations

Please continue to donate to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during this time of need.

In Memoriam

We hold former Rotarian Brandon Rasmussen’s family close as Brandon passed away suddenly recently.

Memorials are listed here:

https://www.pagenkopf.com/obituaries/brandon-rasmussen

Donations can be given directly to the family here:

https://venmo.com/u/Gina-Rasmussen

 

From Our Last Meeting - November 17th, 2025 

 

No meeting Nov. 24. Rotary plays Bingo at Shorehaven at 5:30 p.m.

 

Blessings in a Backback stuffing – We showed up once again to make an impact

Journey21 clients, OHS seniors, and more than 38 Rotarians joined in stuffing sacks to send home with local elementary children who don’t have enough to eat on weekends. Blessings representatives addressed the 11,000 children in Waukesha County who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Monday we stuffed 500 bags of food to provide an extra bag of household food during the holiday break. More than 600 students in Oconomowoc have been touched by food insecurity. “And that number is growing with inflation and rising costs at the grocery store,” said Blessings manager Susan Reed.

 

Coordinator Julie Halbach reported the food we dispensed Monday was nut free, calorie dense and protein rich. Up to 5,000 boxes are stored in a donated storage space until distributed. 42 schools are served to date. Representatives said it costs just $5 to feed a child for one weekend and about $175 for the school year. A Giving Tuesday campaign will shed more light on ways to give to Blessings in a Backpack. Go to https://waukesha.blessingsinabackpack.org/ to learn more.

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Rotary Brewfest

The date at Okauchee Lions Park is March 7. Help is needed with recruiting sponsors and vendors, selling tickets and promotion. See John S. to sign up!

 

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Oconomowoc Food Pantry Donations

Please continue to donate to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during this time of need.

 

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Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6

Line up is at 5 p.m. on Oakwood. Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. Please join in celebrating the season with “150 Years of Christmas” Oconomowoc Christmas parade presented by Oconomowoc Kiwanis!

 

 

 

From Our Last Meeting - November 10th, 2025
 

Monday, Nov. 17  |  Blessings in a Backback stuffing, noon meeting

The Sysco truck has arrived with the Blessings bounty!

Lake Terrace Learning Center and Clubhouse. Picnic lunch provided. Come to assist with a significant cause making sure children have enough food over the weekend.
YOU MUST REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER BEFORE MONDAY THE 17TH

 

Business Meeting Monday

Committees described their devotion and dedication to their mission – from the Rotary Foundation, to the Lyle Neeb Perseverance Scholarship Fund, the Endowment, and donations to DECA Christmas Adopt a School outreach, Silver Streak, Historical Society, Shorehaven, Badger Boys and Girls, World Affairs and of course Blessings in a Backpack! The Foundation granted more than $28,000 this year.

 

OHS Principal Jason Curtis described other student needs, from internet access, lack of funds for drivers’ education, sports, activities, field trips and clubs. More than 20% of Oconomowoc students are on free and reduced priced lunch programs. He outlined several areas where Rotarians could assist.

 

CAMO Quilts

John Boray described how Rotarians are funding the CAMO quilts, patriotic quilts being presented to veterans in senior living facilities. John thanked all veterans for their service.

 

 

From Our Last Meeting - November 3rd, 2025

Program: Wisconsin Bike Fed

Government Affairs Manager Mike Ridgeman addressed the organization’s mission to promote bicycle education and safety, advocacy and special events. The Fed now employs 15 full time staff and relies heavily on its council of advocates. It provides mobile bike repair instruction, smart e-cycling, safe routes to school and bike rodeos. Its main emphasis now is to improve the projects in place, as in connecting trails, improving trail quality and further promoting cycling as one of Wisconsin’s largest tourist industries. Wisconsin biking is an $11 billion industry. Go to https://wisconsinbikefed.org/ to learn more.

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Chapman Park Tree Checkup

Thank you to Mike Herro and gang for checking on the health of the Rotarian trees planted last year.

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Oconomowoc Food Pantry Donations

Please continue to donate to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry during this time of need. Thank you to all for bringing your donations Monday.

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Business Meeting Monday at the Lake Terrace Clubhouse at noon

Board meeting at 11 a.m. in conference room

 

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🎃🍬Enjoy the Halloween festivities downtown this weekend!🍬  👻 

 

From Our Last Meeting - October 20th, 2025

Program: Learning in Retirement

Coordinator Deb Nicely described the 40 classes a semester, ranging from healthy aging to travels abroad to learning how to play the harmonica. The center offers four locations for classes to “become more spread out into the community.” A recent Native American talk featured the 12 tribes of Wisconsin, and some classes involve park hikes, Mahjong and festive outings to Lambeau Field, Ten Chimneys and movie theatres. “Social isolation is becoming the largest health risk we have,” said Nicely. The group now claims 245 members, and strives to include seniors in planning, coordinating and completing surveys of each class. LIRWC provides intellectual, cultural, educational and social opportunities to foster life-long learning for adults. Courses include a wide range of topics designed to appeal to adults. Go to https://lirwc.org/ to learn more.

 

World Polio Day is Oct. 24

Polio representative Rob Bassett reminded Rotarians of World Polio Day - World Polio Day holds immense importance for Rotary clubs, serving as a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to global health. For over three decades, Rotary has been a driving force in the fight to eradicate polio, mobilizing its members, raising billions of dollars, and advocating for widespread vaccination. World Polio Day is not merely a day of recognition; it is a call to action, a reminder of the progress made and the work that remains. It provides Rotary clubs with a crucial opportunity to raise public awareness, celebrate the heroes on the front lines, and rededicate themselves to the final push to end polio for good. Through events, fundraisers, and educational initiatives on this day, Rotary clubs reinforce their identity as a humanitarian organization dedicated to creating a healthier, polio-free world for future generations.

 

Crocus bulbs are now for sale for Polio Plus and the Hoan Memorial Bridge will be lit up in purple in recognition of World Polio Day.

 

Eagle Scouts Honored

Paul German reported that two brothers, Mark and Alex Pulaski were recognized as Eagle Scouts recently and he was proud to take part in the ceremony. Paul is our new Boy Scout representative.

 

Tree Maintenance

8:30 a.m. Saturday meet at Chapman Park to plant and maintain trees. Contact Mike Herro for further info.

 

Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6

Rotarians will pick up food for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. Please, all join in. More details to follow.

 

Rotary Holiday Party

Party is at the Club at Lac La Belle Wednesday, Dec. 17 in the early evening.

From Our Last Meeting - October 13th, 2025
OHS Seniors Awarded the Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award

Oconomowoc students were recognized for their perseverance and resourcefulness in their personal and academic ventures at Oconomowoc Rotary’s noon meeting on the Shorehaven campus Oct. 13. OHS seniors Ruth Johnson, Alesha Famularo and Addyson Mason were commended for overcoming challenges and pursuing their goals. School staff Lauren Black, Brianne McGuire and Susan Verhagen cited “determination, bravery and strength” as some of the students’ strongest suits. Principal Jason Curtis described the students as “incredibly powerful women…who never gave up on themselves.” “People believed in you, and the community invested in you.” Johnson will pursue a degree in nursing and nutrition, Famularo will pursue a degree from UW-Milwaukee or MATC in radiology, and Mason will attend UW-Oshkosh seeking a physician’s assistant degree. Rotary continues to dedicate funds toward continuing education for students recommended by OHS staff.

The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award is named after Rotarian and former OHS faculty Lyle Neeb, who initiated the scholarship program decades before. To help support these scholarships, click on the link below.

 

 

Since Our Last Meeting - October 6th, 2025

OHS Scholarship This Monday (10/13)

One of our most prestigious awards to OHS students achieving milestones. We have 16 student guests with faculty and are counting on 40 Rotarians for the lunch count. Email Sarah WB at swberg@lho.org if you plan on attending. (OHS guests already counted) Thank you Jerry McNellis for taking the charge on this, some of our most honorable moments.

 

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Ripon Rotary Club’s Liz Nevitt as District Governor

 

“Unite for Good”, both local and global was Nevitt’s message to Rotarians. “Our people are our superpower, to create lasting change in the community, the world and in ourselves.” She delivered inspiration and wisdom in “Be audacious, dream big and change lives.”

ALL HANDS ON DEC

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Lake Area Free Clinic

A community service to the uninsured and underinsured, the Lake Area Free Clinic’s new ex director Audra O'Connell described this year’s 730 patients, 240 volunteers, 4,000 medical visits, the partnerships with universities, ProHealth and Aurora, open door to students and interns, transportation and interpretation services. The newly opened dental clinic has had 37,000 patient visits to date.
The Free Clinic is committed to:

• Finding the means to serve each and every patient who qualifies
• Filling the gaps in medical care for our patients
• Using our limited resources prudently, and
• Earning our reputation as an indispensable community asset

 

The LAFC’s goal is to provide free medial and reduced fee dental services, and its mission is to improve the overall health of those in need. Go to https://www.lakeareafreeclinic.org/ to learn more.

 

 

Since Our Last Meeting - September 29th, 2025

Housing Action Coalition, Waukesha

 

Housing Action Coalition EOS refers to the Housing Action Coalition's Emergency Overflow Shelter initiative in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where a coalition of service providers works to ensure everyone has a safe place to sleep during the winter months by coordinating support and resources. This collaborative effort involves various providers, including Hope Center Inc. and Hebron Housing Services, working under the umbrella of the Housing Action Coalition to address homelessness in the area. Plagued with twice bursting sprinklers and subsequent water damage, the headquarters was rebuilt to accommodate families in need. Many are still without temporary homes and live on the streets or in their cars.

ALL HANDS ON DEC

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✉️ Recruiting: The Best & Brightest (and Hungry) 😁

 

Consider this your official Rotary mandate: Go forth and find the most brilliant person you know, then convince them to come eat lunch with us on a Monday. We're talking great food, great people, and maybe even learning something that isn't about the weather. Help us keep the "best" part of Oconomowoc in the room.

Haven't gotten an invite? Clearly, your local Rotarian is slacking. Find them.

 

Don't know a Rotarian?

That's what the link below is for.

We'll send one to you. 

 

Since Our Last Meeting - September 8th-29th, 2025

2025 Oconomowoc Rotary Bike Tour Success!

The Oconomowoc Rotary's annual Bike Tour was a huge success, thanks to the fantastic support from everyone who registered and participated. The energy of the day was undeniable, with cyclists of all ages and abilities enjoying the scenic routes around our community.

This event is about more than just a bike ride; it's a chance to make a real difference right here in Oconomowoc. With the incredible support of participants, volunteers, and the community, the tour raised many thousands of dollars for important local projects. This money helps fund initiatives like the Interurban Trail and provides scholarships for local students.

An event like this is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their hard work and commitment are what make everything run so smoothly. For us in the Oconomowoc Rotary, it’s exactly these kinds of experiences that make our service so fulfilling—knowing that our time and effort directly contribute to a successful event that benefits our community.

WATCH SLIDESHOW

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BINGO Night at Shorehaven!!

 

Thank you to all who played Rotary Bingo at Shorehaven Sept. 22! You helped light up the evening for nursing home residents.


 

 

 

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OCONOMOWOC ROTARY BIKE TOUR

THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH
SAME-DAY REGISTRATIONS WELCOME


From Our Last Meeting - September 8th, 2025

Sydney Walker on MDA Summer Camp

One week of camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy can change the lives of 45 campers, and the staff and volunteers that help. MDA representative Walker described the children’s sheer determination to master summer camp, from games to campfires, canoeing to zip lines and ropes courses. “Lifelong bonds are formed,” she told Rotarians. Camp leaders, medical team support, and program coordinators are sought for the single week adventure. She encouraged Rotarians to join the fun, and the mission, becoming part of the “global force for research and hope.”

More on the topic here:

MDA Summer Camp:
https://www.mda.org/summer-camp
All About MDA:
https://www.mda.org/about-mda
Register as a volunteer and be notified of all MDA volunteer opportunities in your area:
https://www.mda.org/get-involved/become-a-volunteer
Updates & Further Research on Neuromuscular Disease:
https://www.mda.org/science

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Beer Garden at Fall Fest volunteers:

Thank you to all the volunteers who worked one of two shifts Friday night during Oconomowoc’s raging Fall Fest. Hundreds of brews were served and many tips made.

 

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From Our Last Meeting - August 18th, 2025

Boy Scout Troop 12's Rotary Luncheon

 

Troop 12 Scout Leader John Kyle described Philmont climbs, cookouts, camping, sea base excursions, Festival of the Arts cleanup, Eagle Scout projects, and the myriad of projects the 36 members of Troop 12 take on. Kyle is marking 34 years with the organization.

Rotary charters the troop and is proud of its partnership since 1933. We fund repairs at the Fowler Park Scout House and keep posted on Troop needs and directives.

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From Our Last Meeting - August 4th, 2025

This Week: Recycling Wisdom

 

Our recent meeting was packed with an insightful presentation from Waukesha County Recycling's Jenna Biermann, who shared valuable tips on everything from curbside recycling to home composting. We also have an exciting Annual Rotary Pontoon Outing planned for this Monday, August 11th, so get ready for a fun evening on the lake! Plus, learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Artist Shuttle, Fall Fest Beer Garden, and the Rotary Bike Tour. And don't forget, we're collecting Beanie Babies for a good cause!

At the heart of our last meeting was an invaluable presentation by Jenna Biermann of Waukesha County Recycling. Discover her essential advice on how to improve your recycling habits, what not to include, and simple ways to reduce waste in your daily life.....

From Our Last Meeting - July 28th, 2025

Making a Global Impact: Education, Empathy, and Opportunity
 

Our recent meeting was packed with updates on our diverse club activities. We received reports on local service projects like Blessings in a Backpack and Family Promise, and discussed upcoming volunteer opportunities for the Artist Shuttle, plus important details on our next meeting speaker and exciting events like the Rotary Bike Tour and a pontoon outing. We also celebrated a successful turnout for Shorehaven Bingo, thanks to our mighty Rotarians.

At the heart of our last meeting was an inspiring presentation by Brett Weiss of the Weiss Scholarship Foundation. Discover how his family’s unique, holistic approach is empowering Kenyan children and breaking the cycle of poverty through education, building bridges of opportunity...