Attendance and Opening

The meeting was attended by Aubree Hanks, Bill Dunnington, Brent Yauchler, Dana Fager, Dave Reed,  Steven Salinger, Steve Salerno, Elizabeth Grabe, Heidi Kopras, Keith White, Melissa Lease, Paul Christiansen, Peggy Zalucha, Russ Christian, Sarah Straka, Shawn Bollig, Susan Smith, Tammy Wedig, Tracy Deihm, Zandra Heilmann, Franke Wallitsch, Audra, and Susan Wallitsch.

 

Zandra shared that she had recently enjoyed three meals at Sugar River. The meeting then moved into Happy Bucks, where members celebrated personal and family milestones, travel experiences, professional accomplishments, and community events. Shawn shared news about the publication of his mental wellness book, Triggered: From Reaction to Resilience. Liz reflected on a recent trip to California and Lake Tahoe for a family wedding, while Dana shared the joy of spending time with her granddaughter. Members also celebrated Susan Wallitsch's birthday, family academic achievements, graduation celebrations, and meaningful community gatherings.

 

Peggy and Shawn provided an update regarding the ClubRunner platform migration. Members discussed upcoming changes to member profiles, communications settings, and accounting functionality. The migration will consolidate profile information and introduce new financial management procedures. Board members will review permissions and settings before the transition is finalized.

 

The Membership Committee continues to explore new ClubRunner features that will help members stay connected and identify Rotary members traveling through the area. Members were reminded that District and Rotary International dues will be calculated as of June 30, making it especially helpful for members to provide six-month commitments whenever possible. Plans are also underway to host a Fireside Chat in September to welcome and acclimate newer members.

 

Keith provided a financial update, including the transfer of funds from the New Generations savings account into checking while maintaining scholarship reserves. He reported that several grant distributions and community grant payments have been processed and that fundraising and operating accounts remain healthy.

 

The club's 501(c)(3) status remains in good standing, and all required tax filings have been completed. The proposed budget has officially been approved, with a finalized budget presentation anticipated later this summer once year-end financials have been completed. At that time, committee budget carryovers and any remaining allocations will also be reviewed.

Discussion also continued regarding the Rotary Foundation and compliance matters associated with the club's nonprofit structure. Additional review is underway to ensure all organizational requirements remain current.

 

Members received an update on the club's Chilean grant project, which has encountered some administrative delays. Gary continues to work with district representatives to resolve outstanding issues and ensure the project can move forward.

 

The club also discussed several potential capital projects for future consideration. Ideas included partnering with the school district on a shelter structure at an athletic practice field, installing a Rotary-branded community clock, and exploring the possibility of a permanent bandshell or performance space in the community. Members expressed interest in selecting a project that combines community need with high public visibility while also creating opportunities for partnership with local organizations.

The MARC Center grant was also discussed. An administrative delay related to a required memorandum of understanding temporarily slowed the process, but members expect the project to move forward once documentation is completed. The grant would support soundproofing improvements to better serve program participants.

 

Community Outreach and Public Engagement

Liz provided an update on several outreach initiatives underway through the Green Team and other community partnerships. The Rotary Community Corps Green Team continues to support sustainability efforts, including recycling, composting, pollinator habitat projects, Bird City activities, and community beautification initiatives. Members were encouraged to participate in upcoming Farmers Market tabling event June 11th with the Green Team as a way to increase our club's visibility and demonstrate hands-on service in the community.

The club also discussed plans to potentially host a community forum focused on pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, and e-bike safety. The conversation stemmed from growing concerns regarding student safety and community drivers, particularly around roundabouts and pedestrian crossings throughout the village. The District has communicated this message, this video from School Officer Rosemyer, and this video from Transportation Coordinator Toth. In addition, Police Chief Vierck will be visiting with the Board’s Safety and Wellness Committee on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Middle School Step Room. In her capacity as a Rotary President and Board of Education member, Liz Grabe would like to coordinate a forum including discussion with village representatives, community members, and local leaders regarding strategies to improve visibility and safety for both students and drivers.

Members emphasized that safety concerns extend beyond scooters and e-bikes to include broader pedestrian visibility challenges. Ongoing conversations with village officials are expected to focus on practical solutions that improve safety for all users of local roadways and pathways.

Aubree and Brent work on the "Frolic Hard" social media blast inviting people to the Mount Horeb Frolic Rotary hamburger stand.