Attendance

Members and guests in attendance included Aubree Hanks, Bill Dunnington, Russ Christian, Dave Reed, Dr. Steven Salinger, Dr. Steve Salerno, Elizabeth Grabe, Heidi Kopras, Jon LaVenture, Judy Steinhower, Keith White, Melissa Lease, Paul Christiansen, Peggy Zalucha, Sarah Straka, Susan Smith, Tammy Wedig, Tracy Deihm, Frank Wallitch, Zandra Heilmann, and Steve Helwig.

10K Raffle & Event Update

Paul Christiansen thanked members for their outstanding efforts in selling raffle tickets over the past week. The club has now sold 234 tickets, an increase of 99 tickets since the previous meeting, putting the fundraiser in a much stronger position. Go team! We have 16 left to sell, so please keep going! Here's the sign-up form.

Paul reminded members that he will be out of town beginning Saturday. During his absence, members should copy Sarah Straka and Keith White on all raffle ticket sale emails to ensure the tracking spreadsheet remains current. Members who have not yet purchased a raffle ticket were encouraged to do so, and anyone unavailable to volunteer on event day was asked to notify Paul so the volunteer schedule can be finalized.

This year's event will feature several new volunteer roles and introduce a Fun Wheel, an interactive fundraising game designed to increase attendee participation and generate additional revenue throughout the event. Members were also encouraged to review the list of previous raffle ticket purchasers who have not yet participated this year and personally reach out to those they know.

The club confirmed that preparations for the event are progressing well, including sales of the tenth ticket. Members agreed there will not be a regular Rotary meeting on Wednesday, July 29, as preparations for the 10K event will take priority. Paul concluded by thanking everyone for their tremendous effort and continued support.

Exchange Student Presentation – Zandra Heilmann

Zandra Heilmann shared highlights from her recent Rotary Youth Exchange West Coast tour and reflected on the friendships, adventures, and personal growth she experienced during her exchange year.

The trip began in Arizona with visits to Sedona, Route 66, and the Grand Canyon. Zandra enjoyed seeing landmarks that reminded her of the Cars movie, attending a Western cowboy show, and experiencing the beauty of the desert landscape. She remarked that the dry heat was much more comfortable than Wisconsin's humidity.

The group spent several days in Las Vegas exploring the city, visiting the Hard Rock Café, the Coca-Cola Store, and the M&M Store, where Zandra created her own personalized M&Ms. They also visited the famous hotels, enjoyed the city's nightlife, and took in the iconic lights and attractions along the Las Vegas Strip.

Throughout the trip, Zandra formed close friendships with exchange students from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France, and fellow students from her Rotary district. She shared that the group quickly became like family and has already made plans to reunite this fall. One of her friends, Juan from Spain, is planning to visit her in Denmark. 

Additional highlights included visits to Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Beach, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios, Disneyland, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and several trips to In-N-Out Burger. Universal Studios was one of her favorite stops, particularly the Jurassic World ride, the Minions attractions, and Mario Kart.

Disneyland was especially meaningful for Zandra. Watching families enjoy the park together and experiencing attractions from her childhood brought her to tears, particularly during The Lion King. She described it as one of the most emotional moments of her exchange year.

The group also visited Yosemite National Park, Pier 39, rode San Francisco's historic cable cars, toured Chinatown and Alcatraz, and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Zandra especially enjoyed Chinatown and recently revisited Chicago's Chinatown with Clem, Russ Christian's daughter, because it reminded her of her experience in San Francisco.

As the tour concluded, saying goodbye to her friends was one of the most difficult parts of the experience. Zandra shared that the group remains close and plans to stay connected through future visits.

Following the West Coast trip, Zandra attended the Rotary Youth Exchange Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The conference brought together approximately 60 outbound students, 70 inbound students, and Rotarians from around the world. Participants reflected on their exchange experiences, discussed returning home, and shared advice with future exchange students.

Zandra enjoyed reconnecting with members of her Rotary district and meeting students from countries across the world. She also met two American students preparing for exchange in Denmark and has already made plans to show them around once they arrive. Although the conference ended with another emotional farewell, she appreciated the opportunity to encourage future exchange students and celebrate the friendships formed through Rotary.

Zandra's Closing Remarks

Zandra concluded her presentation by thanking the Rotary Club for making her exchange year possible.

She reflected on how much she had grown during her time in the United States, explaining that she arrived shy and uncertain but leaves more confident, open, and willing to step outside her comfort zone. She discovered new strengths by trying activities such as basketball and soccer and learned to embrace opportunities she might have avoided before.

Although there were times she missed her family, friends, and home country, she described the exchange as one of the most life-changing experiences she has ever had. She shared that the encouragement she received from her host families, friends, and the Rotary Club helped her become more confident and learn to appreciate herself.

Zandra expressed heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, generosity, and support she received throughout the year. She said she arrived knowing no one but is leaving with lifelong friends and people she now considers family. She concluded by saying she hopes to one day become a Rotary host parent herself so she can give future exchange students the same unforgettable experience that Rotary gave her.

Club Announcements

A welcome card was circulated for members to sign for the Village's new administrator, Gabe, prior to his meeting with Steve Salerno.

Members were also invited to sign up for the August 20 Mini Tri-Con in Fitchburg featuring motivational speaker Ed Futa. Members who have attended his presentations previously highly recommended the event and encouraged others to participate.

Treasurer's Update

Members were reminded that the new Rotary fiscal year has begun. Anyone wishing to pay annual dues in a single payment was asked to notify the treasurer so a full-year invoice could be prepared, as account credits can no longer be carried forward under the updated accounting procedures.

Committee Breakouts

Following announcements, members divided into committees to continue planning upcoming projects and initiatives.