Norsk News 11/12/25
Attendance:
Mark Rooney, Tammy Wedig, Elizabeth Grabe, Brent Yauchler, Russ Christian, Gary Tree, Peggy Zalucha, Bill Dunnington, Steve Salerno, Susan Smith, Aubree Hanks. Franke Wallitsch, Sarah Straka, Dave Reed
Guests Zandra Heilmann, Jack Schultek, and Erin Luken.
Happy Bucks
Liz shared that the Green Team is now officially recognized as a Rotary Community Corps organization. Gary celebrated a phenomenal trip with family, while Russ noted that Clementine cut four seconds off her breaststroke time and that Django made the all-star team. He also enjoyed hosting Zandra for a Danish meal, complete with a gravy “fixing” lesson from her family back home. Peggy was excited to take Zandra to see Mary Poppins the next evening, and Sarah mentioned that Zandra has been practicing hard with the basketball team. Erin celebrated the recent Badger football win, and Mark shared that his son’s dog has been trained not to react to gunfire and now joins him pheasant hunting.
Archie has grown up! Below is his puppy pic.
Student Report
Jack Schultek, this month’s student Rotarian, spoke about his involvement with the Board of Education, his role as President of Student Council, and his leadership in the Green Team. Jack is currently applying to colleges with plans to study neuroscience and pursue a career in medicine. Marc Stoddard was unable to attend as he was preparing for the school’s Mary Poppins matinee, and Zandra shared that she’s been busy with basketball, badminton, and volleyball.
Announcements
Thanksgiving Day volunteer opportunities for food delivery, with members encouraged to bring brown paper bags to assist; more information about the number of drivers we'll need coming soon. The annual Super Bowl Brunch is coming up soon, and next week will be the committee gathering week—committee chairs will organize agendas and send out details via email. Additionally, Rotary Trivia Nights are scheduled for January 21 (hosted by Rotary) and February 11th (hosted by the Green Team), both beginning at 7 p.m.
Rotary Foundation Chair Erin Luken
Erin Luken presented an informative update. Erin, who has served as District Foundation Chair for nearly three years and was once a Rotary Exchange student to France, outlined the Foundation’s structure and impact. She noted that 47.5% of all donations to the Annual Fund go directly to the Rotary Foundation and encouraged members to consider contributing to an endowment share, which helps generate funds that return to the district. Erin celebrated the ongoing success of Rotary’s global polio eradication efforts, with no new cases reported in the past five weeks and only 39 cases of wild polio worldwide this year, down from 99 last year. To donate, please go to Rotary.org.give and select a program that is identified with the word "share" to take part in Rotary Foundation efforts.
She also explained updates in grant management and funding: clubs must donate at least $25 annually to qualify for recognition, and $100 per member annually to qualify as a lead club for grants. This year, 16 projects totaling $160,000 were funded, and District Designated Funds (DDF) are now divided evenly between district and global grants ($75,000 each). Because Rotary must spend its funds within five years, clubs are encouraged to use available grant funds promptly. Erin also shared that global grant contributions receive a 2:1 matching opportunity. Finally, the Global Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for global and peace scholars pursuing master’s degrees, and Erin encouraged members to refer potential candidates.
