This is the time of year when we count our blessings and look for ways to share with others. We also think about giving to charities by the end of December to get tax deductions. There are many worthy causes; however, I would like to remind you of “Every Rotarian, Every Year”. An annual campaign that encourages all members to donate to the Rotary Foundation. The goal is for each club to average $100 per member per Rotary Year. Our current year began on July 1st, 2024 and will end on June 30th, 2025. District and Global Grants for the 2025-2026 year will be awarded through the Rotary Foundation to those clubs who meet this goal. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to anyone of our club officers. I hope you all have a My Rotary account with the International Rotary site, rotary.org. It is easy to set up and you are able to donate to the foundation online or to find information on how to mail a check.
I hope you can all join us for the December 6th monthly meeting starting with social time at 7:30 and business meeting from 8:00 – 9:00. Our guest speaker is Susan Holding from The Little French Bakery between Baraboo and North Freedom. I visited Susan at the bakery and we taped an interview. You will learn how she evolved from nurse to pastry chef and bakery owner. Susan also will show you how to make a tart shell. If you cannot make the meeting in person, Val will post a link and it will by on changemakersrotary.org for you to view at your convenience. You might want to have head phones or earbuds in order to hear the interview better over the bakery noises.
We are still accepting donations to the Ukrainian-Hungarian Bilingual School in Budapest. You can give online at the 6250 District Foundation.
At our board meeting on December 10th from 5:00 to 6:00 pm we will be discussing participating in a Rotary Global Grant project for the opening of new maternity wards in the Rhine-Sieg region of Germany. All members are welcome to attend our board meeting. The link is found on changemakersrotary.org
We were able to donate $500 to the Rotary Metro Club of Kalibo’s fundraising project for dental equipment. Thanks to all our members who donated.
This is my sixth month as President of Changemakers Rotary Club. My presidential year is flying by! I want to be frank with you. I cannot keep wearing all these hats, President, Service Club Co-chair, Interact liaison, and program chair. I need other people to share some of these duties. We still need a president-elect for 2025-26.
The Midwest President-Elect Training will be from February 28th through March 2nd at the Westin Hotel Chicago Northeast near Schaumburg, Illinois. For more information go to midwestpets.org. Our club pays for your registration fee but not for your lodging. I attended PETS last year and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. We also are looking for a treasurer for next year. Reach out to any board member for more information.
Wishing you all a wonderful December and holiday celebrations.
Service Above Self
La Crosse, WI 54601
United States of America