Keith White, Tracy Deihm, Elizabeth Grabe, Paul Christiansen, Sarah Straka, Peggy Zalucha, Shawn Bollig, Judy Steinhauer, Aubree Hanks, Steve Salerno, Laura Armstrong, Franke Wallitsch, Gary Tree, Bill Cunningham, Keith White, Heidi Kopras, Tammy Wedig and guests Zandra Heilmann, Anika Schaller, Eleanor Ginther, and Melissa Lease.

Melissa thanked everyone for welcoming her to join Rotary for lunch. Bill shared that his wife had a successful valve replacement after waiting twenty years, which is wonderful news. Keith celebrated Winston's 3rd birthday yesterday and noted that they’re entering the “magic years” — no car keys and no diapers. He also mentioned that last night marked the start of the Little Vikings Wrestling Camp. Steve was excited to share his birthday on Sunday with Eleanor and Will, Straka’s son, and joked about using his AARP card for the first time. Liz announced that the Green Team received a generous donation from the Mounds View Garden Club for the “Yard in Every Yard” project. Sarah Straka proudly shared that the Mount Horeb Girls Cross Country Team went to state, and Tammy shared that she enjoyed visiting her daughter-in-law in Canada. Gary is looking forward to spending the weekend with family.

Members discussed that many people aren’t opening club emails and considered whether text reminders might be a better communication option. Polio+ donations continue to be matched, and members are encouraged to connect with Peggy or donate online. The group voted to split the Membership Committee into two separate committees: Outreach and Membership. Committees meet on the third Wednesday of each month. The club’s five standing committees are New Generations and Youth, Grants and Giving, Membership Services, Outreach, and Fundraising. Anyone interested in serving as President for 2027 should contact Brent, and Keith expressed interest in the position.

Keith shared that he will begin preparing next year’s budget ahead of schedule. The budget meeting typically takes place in March, and he is developing a document outlining the club’s recurring payments.

The Grants Committee reported that the club is partnering with Rotary Milwaukee on a global water grant and will also participate in the Chile Trash Compactor Project. Thanks to matching funds from National and District Rotary, the club’s contribution will only need to total $9,000.

For Outreach, members are still waiting to hear from Rotary International about the Community Corps recognition. Brix Cider has invited the club to host a trivia night, and Keith has generously provided the questions for the event.

In Community Engagement updates, Franke and Susan Wallitsch will be speaking about service with Club Interact students at the Professional Learning Center at the high school this Friday at 9:10 a.m. That evening, Club Interact will host a bingo night for community seniors, complete with fun prizes, and all are welcome to attend. Last week’s reverse bingo event at Ingleside was also a great success.

Shawn shared membership updates, with more details forthcoming. Finally, the Fundraising Committee reminded everyone to mark their calendars for Super Brunch on February 8.