Attendance: Brent Yauchler, Aubree Hanks, Laura Armstrong, Elizabeth Grabe, Peggy Zalucha, Tracy Diehm, Gary Tree, Dana Fager, Steve Salerno, Keith White, Paul Christiansen, Franke Wallitsch, Sarah Straka, guest Melissa Lease, exchange student Zandra Heilmann, student Rotarians Laurel Aquino and Khaya Kasubaski.

 

Happy Bucks

Gary shared that a recent health scare ended up being benign, and that his kids will be able to be here this weekend. Keith celebrated that Theo and Harrison achieved first place in wrestling. Laura shared that she read "The Women" in advance of the book club. Brent shared a more somber update, noting that his dad recently passed away after receiving hospice care at home; his wife, a registered nurse, had the opportunity to speak at the funeral, and Brent has been spending significant time mourning. He also shared a “sad buck” from the accounting side: currently, the club’s only accounts receivable are member dues. Members who have not yet submitted payment will receive a quick call, and everyone is encouraged to check their balance on Clubrunner.

 

Zandra shared that it was a fun weekend and noted an upcoming basketball game. The Student Rotarians also reported that a written project for DECA is coming up soon.

 

Super Bowl Brunch - February 8

Members were asked to review the email from Paul regarding the Super Bowl Brunch. Anyone with a preference for working a morning or afternoon shift should email Paul directly. Members were encouraged to promote the event to help drive brunch sales, and Paul Christiansen has tickets available for those who need them. The placemat structure was reviewed, noting that a double–double ad equates to four single ad squares; this advertising opportunity may be revisited in the future. Student Rotarians were recognized for doing a phenomenal job rotating which side of the placemats faced up at each table setting. Brent will transport the trailer on Sunday, and Paul will ensure the kitchen is set up on Saturday. Zandra will also have her own section at the brunch to request funds for her upcoming trip.

 

Gary reviewed that the club’s constitution references the latest amendments from Rotary International. There are two elements the club can change independently: the meeting time and the club name. The club also operates under bylaws. As homework, please review the by-laws, as by-law changes will be brought back to the full club for a vote; once approved, the handbook will be updated to reflect those bylaws. The team has already updated the 11 articles to ensure consistency. Gary also shared an update on the Chile grant: the club secured a $1,000 donation from Madison South, which will leverage to more than $4,000, along with additional corporate donations.

 

The Super Bowl Brunch will take place on February 8 at 9:00 a.m. February 11, the Green Team will host a trivia event at Brix. On February 24, the Rotary Mega Meeting will be held in alignment with Rotary International's goals to promote a steady and peaceful handoff. The District Governor will visit in March, and the club will create a welcome basket; members are asked to bring an item or swag in the coming weeks.
Tricon will be held on April 17 in the Wisconsin Dells and is highly recommended as a conference where three districts collaborate to strengthen clubs. Rotary is also verbally supporting a political panel in partnership with the League of Women Voters.

 

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