At our most recent Rotary meeting, we welcomed members Keith White, Brent Yauchler, Heidi Kopras, Mark Rooney, Jorge Sevilla, Tracy Deihm, Elizabeth Grabe, Paul Christiansen, Sarah Straka, Peggy Zalucha, Russ Christian, Steve Salerno, Susan Smith, Tammy Wedig, Franke Wallitsch, We were also pleased to host guests Anika Schaller, Eleanor Ginther, Zandra Heilmann, Matt, Steve Grahn, and Susan Wallitsch.
 

Our student guests gave us a glimpse into their many accomplishments and activities. Anika Schaller, a senior, is playing the lead role of Mary Poppins in the upcoming musical and serves as the secretary of Interact. She also shared that musical tickets went on sale this week. Eleanor Guenther is actively involved in DECA, soccer, track, Forte, and serves as the social media officer for Interact. Zandra Heilmann shared a fun update about going fishing with the Outdoor Club on the Wisconsin River and attending a boys’ soccer game.
 

During our Happy Bucks session, Tracy expressed her gratitude to Russ for recommending a phenomenal restaurant that she and Jorge enjoyed after the football game. Russ proudly shared that Clementine is performing in the pit orchestra and that Django had a fantastic performance on the football field. Susan was thankful to have Lannia from Gilda’s Club visiting, and also shared wonderful news—Lily had three recent scans, and all were clear of cancer. Liz gave an update from the Green Team: new participants are joining from Madison, and Rotary International has officially received our application. Susan’s husband brought in a bit of sports spirit, predicting a win over the Cubs in an upcoming baseball game. Steve reminded everyone that Club Interact is hosting a roadside cleanup this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and encouraged all to join. Tammy shared highlights from her trip to Palm Springs during their version of a "cold front" (92 degrees), with just a few sprinkles of rain. She also visited Joshua Tree National Park and celebrated being able to hike again following her accident last year. Mark spoke about a recent Wisconsin Historical Society presentation, highlighting a brilliant scholar, Jeffrey Rosen, and their thought-provoking books The Pursuit of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, which explore the idea that true freedom lies in the pursuit of virtue. Brent wrapped up the session by thanking everyone for being such a dedicated Rotary team.
 

We are currently holding a club vote on two items, which is due within 30 days. First, at the recommendation of the Board, we are seeking approval to reorganize the former Membership Services Committee into two distinct committees: Membership Services (focused on Membership and Diversity) and Outreach (focused on Social and PR efforts). Second, members are encouraged to cast their votes using the following link: Click here to vote. Feedback from participants in Badger Boys and Girls State is also available and can be viewed here.

Speaker Presentation: Gilda's Club's Lannia Stenz

Our featured speaker was Lannia Stenz, Executive Director and CEO of Gilda’s Club Madison, with the program sponsored by Susan Smith. Lannia shared a moving personal story about her mother, who had planned to help Lannia shop for a wedding dress but had to cancel due to needing chemotherapy. Despite her illness, her mother remained resilient—determined to renew her driver’s license so she could vote, and even danced in the DMV after losing her hair. This experience inspired Lannia’s 14-year commitment to Gilda’s Club.

Gilda’s Club Madison offers emotional, social, and educational support to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, family members, and caregivers. Their programs are free and include 13 monthly support groups tailored to various needs, healthy living activities, cancer education, and help navigating treatment decisions. A key tool they offer is "My Lifeline," which enables users to connect with loved ones, coordinate care, and stay engaged. They also provide virtual programming to reach people wherever they are.

Looking ahead, Gilda’s Club Madison will become Gilda’s Club Wisconsin in 2026. Lannia encouraged us to help spread the word about their work, share information about volunteering, and connect people in need with their free resources. Supporters can get involved through their Red Doors Golf event, annual gala, and the Gilda’s Run/Walk. More details are available at gildasclubmadison.org, and the national cancer support helpline is 888-793-9355.
 

Upcoming meetings include joining Club Interact in a roadside cleanup this Sunday at 11:00 a.m., committee development on October 15, a to-be-determined program on October 22, and a special 5th Wednesday Lunch-and-Learn on October 29 at 12:00 p.m. in the Violet Room, which will include a full walkthrough of ClubRunner. Looking ahead, the next Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00 a.m. at Sjolinds, with virtual attendance options available. That same day, our Club Business Meeting will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Culver’s. Board meetings are held at 7:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.