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"To make a pleasant and friendly impression is not only good manners, but equally good business." -Emily Post
What is the proper etiquette when you want to say: “What an amazing dinner and presentation RAH experienced at the Friday, March 3rd Pogreba event!”
 
OK, so maybe someone passed the bread to the left instead of the correct way to pass it, to the right.
Perhaps a couple people buttered their entire piece of bread and not just one little piece at a time like you are supposed to.
And there may or may not have been several silverware faux pas.... What are you gonna do?
 
    
 
 
Each course served to those in attendance was delicious. Salad, steak, pork, and oh my goodness those mashed potatoes! And the dessert was amazing lemon cake right out of a foodie magazine.
 

 
Janie Morgan filled us in with great information on how to be ON POINT with our etiquette.
 
And all our VIP’s were wonderful to engage in conversations throughout the evening. Judge Scott Horne, Jennifer Livingston, Peter Hughes and Todd Ondell may have enjoyed the evening as much as we all did!
 
Thank you to the RAHtarians who put this beautiful evening together, and to all who participated!
 
Read more...

"What Rotary Club Do You Belong To?" 

If you ever need a pick-up line or ice breaker, give it a try and invite them to join us at RAH!

March will be a special month of RAH activities welcoming new and prospective members and encouraging those we haven't seen in awhile to come hang out! 

You are encouraged to share an inite, or two, or three, or ten with someone outside the club to help RAH grow and increase the impact we can make in our world. The club member that has the most guests attend RAH events during the month will win a $50 gift card. 

The March events will all be ones you won't want to miss! 

*RAH MARCH MEMBERSHIP EVENTS*

Tuesday, March 14th - Club Meeting Featuring Vocationals From Our Own Members! (NETWORKING)

Some of our favorite meetings are Vocational meetings! We learn more about our amazing members - a look into their lives, what they love to do and why they chose to live a life of service above self through Rotary and other channels. 

Saturday, March 18th - Hixon Forest Trail Work  (VOLUNTEER/SERVICE)

RAH will be partnering with the Friends of the Blufflands to help clean up the bluffs and get them ready for Spring!

Our service event location will be coming soon. It is recommended to wear old clothes in layers, (your oldest winter jacket), boots with good tread, eye protection, and work gloves.

It will likely be work suitable for young teenagers and older if they would like to sign up and participate.  

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Tuesday, March 28th - Club Meeting featuring, Rick Kyte (PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT)

We are pleased to have Rick Kyte from Viterbo University join us for one of our monthly meetings! Rick will speak on “Citizenship, Service, and Social Capital: Keys to a Healthy Society.

Richard Kyte is Director of the D. B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he teaches a variety of courses dealing with ethical issues in business, health care, law, politics, and the environment. He has published and lectured widely on topics related to justice, forgiveness, virtue, and the meaning of life.

Thursday, March 30th - Pints for Polio (SOCIAL)

  

  • Attendees will sample (4) beers, plus enjoy (1) pint of their choice and pizza.
  • You'll learn a little about the sampled beers, Rotary's mission to eradicate polio and can participate in trivia while raising money for polio. 
  • $30/person includes beer, pizza, trivia and fun
Read more...

A Look at RAH Membership Trends

 
Membership growth is the engine that powers the vehicle of Rotary. Growth of our members is important because new ideas and new interests reinvigorate the club – bringing in new energy and future leaders. 

Our Rotary After Hours club has seen a gradual decline in Membership since the 2018-19 Rotary Year, when we had 81 members. We currently have 53 active members. 
Rotary International survey data shows that the main reasons people under the age of 40 is due to a life changing event (work, move, relationships, children), club environment, cost or time constraint. 
For members 40 to 60 it is often due to cost or time constraints, club environment, or unmet expectations. 
 
Your Board of Directors has worked hard to keep costs at a bare minimum for members. 
Your Membership Committee is asking for ideas on how we can make our club environment even better and ensure we are exceeding everyone's sexpectations. We need your help to grow our club membership. Please reach out to our club President or the membership committee if you have questions or concerns about your membership and what RAH can do for you.
 
 
 
Unlike many Rotary Clubs, After Hours has always had a healthy balance of men and women. We are currently at our lowest number of male members (23).
 
 
 
Those ages 30-39 represent the largest cohort of Rotary After Hours membership. 
 
 
The asset of each Rotary Club is its members. Who is responsible for Membership Growth? The answer to this question from Rotary International is “Every Rotarian”. 
 
Can we grow the diversity of our club? Are there certain business sectors that aren't currently represented in our membership? 

The Future of Rotary is in your hands …. Share the gift of Rotary, invite a friend. 

Read more...

Last Day for TriCon Early Bird Pricing! 

Join Rotarians from Districts 6220, 6250 & 6270

Join us for 2023 Rotary TriCon Friday April 28 and Saturday April 29, 2023 in La Crosse, Wisconsin!

The Rotary Western Great Lakes District Conference, intended for any Rotarian, not just leadership.

Attendance will be in person at The La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI.

Attendees from Districts 6220, 6250 and 6270 will have the opportunity to gain useful skills that can be used in their Rotary club, and inspiration that will motivate them to embrace Rotary even more. Internationally-known featured speakers will provide keen insights about their passion projects during the addresses on both days.

Register Now and save $25. Prices increase March 13th.

*Registration is required, however meal purchase is not required to attend speakers if you chose not to eat.

Read more...

An Opportunity to Sprinkle a Little Coulee Region Magic on a Past Rotary Inbound Student

For those that don't know me, my name is Bill Pritchard. I am a member of the La Crosse After-Hours Club, former member and past club president of the La Crosse Club, and your former District Governor during the 2020-2021 year.  My current role finds me taking the chairship of the Rotary Youth Exchange committee starting in July.
 
I was contacted by PDG Edwin Bos with a request - a small prayer actually. Without going into too much background, you may remember that Governor Edwin told stories about the girl from Nepal - Isha Paudel. Long story short... a number of us have been helping Isha to attend college in the United States (Platteville). This coming summer, we have arranged for an internship for Isha at Trane Technologies from mid-May to mid-August. PDG Edwin and I are wondering if any of the Coulee Region Rotarians might have a place for her to stay during this time. We are looking for "inexpensive" lodging... I was thinking of it as a youth exchange hosting opportunity! She has been talking about getting an old junker car and driving back and forth... but as a new driver that makes us a bit nervous... plus the additional expenses of upkeep, etc... :-)
 
If you or someone in your club is interested and willing to be Isha's angel for all or part of her internship, please have them reach out to me at this email address (Prosapiaeo@gmail.com) or call me on the cell number (608-780-2637).  More than one person/family could be a good fit as well and split the time.
 
Isha is a remarkable young woman who has truly changed the world with her dedication. Consider that this young lady... went from hiding in a car to meet Americans in Katmandu... to learning English... to going on a special exchange to the United States (in our District)... to being accepted into an American University. It is truly remarkable, and just one example of the incredible power of Rotary and specifically its Youth Exchange Program. These young people - both inbound like Isha and our sons/daughters/grandchildren who go abroad to study - quite simply change the world and our lives.
Read more...

Host Families are Needed for the 2023-24 Year

We are looking for 2-3 host families for our upcoming Youth Exchange year. Please reach out to Lisa Kobs if you (or a friend, family or coworker from the area) are able to accommodate a high school year for approximately 3-4 months. The student arrives mid-August and leaves mid-July.
 
You DO NOT need to have other children in your home. ALL are welcome to host!
 
Read more...

Our Rotary District will be Hosting a New Member Orientation Throughout 2023

On every fifth Wednesday (November 29) at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., new Rotarians – and Rotarians who feel new – can join others for an easy-going hour designed to give everyone a great start to a great Rotary experience.
 
We will offer a warm Rotary welcome, Rotary language acquisition, Rotary highlights, and a Rotary map. This is not a series, it is a single opportunity, offered four days a year, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each of the four days. Remember! Fifth Wednesdays, 7 a.m. OR 7 p.m.
 
Email PDG Karen Hebert at karenrotarian@gmail.com for the link!
 
*This is different from both our RAH orientation and the area STAR meetings
Read more...

The next Rotary Leadership Series is Thursday April 6

The Rotary Leadership Series is proud to present a true champion for a most important cause… Janine Latus. Author of the New York Times best seller, If I Am Missing or Dead: A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder and Liberation, Janine will share her personal stories and insights on the subject of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Janine uses her own heart-breaking story to illustrate the insidious signs of abuse, to help audience members recognize them in their own lives and in those of the people around them, to intervene or ask for help, to break free or help others to do so, and then to build a life of respect and freedom from fear. 

Janine's presentation will be in person during the April 6 Rotary Club of La Crosse meeting. The presentation is open to members of any La Crosse Area Rotary club and their guests.
If you can't attend in person, please join us via Zoom.
Register Here
 
 
Read more...

The Avenues of Service Banquet is August 16th, 2023

The greater La Crosse Rotary Clubs along with the Rotary Works Foundation are invited to the 2023 Avenues of Service banquet on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 at the Cargill Room. Price is $50/person and includes dinner. Options include: steak, chicken parmesan or chef's choice (vegetarian option) and includes The Waterfront's house salad, greens and dessert.
 
Sign-up coming soon.
 
Area club projects will be recognized and celebrated, as well as each club's Rotarians of the Year, the area Rotary-club Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement will also be honored.
 
All area Rotarians and their guests are invited.
Read more...
After Hours Membership

Active Members: 53

Welcome to our Newest Members:

  • Olga Dedkova
  • Dean Dickinson (transferred from Downtown)

Members leaving us:

  • Carson Schneider
  • Liz Filter (transferring to Downtown)

Rotary Attendance:

  • February: 35%
 
Member Birthdays
Megan Hafner
April 3
 
Sierra Lyon
April 7
 
Join Date
Stefanie Kline
April 1, 2013
11 years
 
Brandon Harris
April 6, 2016
8 years
 
Amy Schmidt
April 11, 2018
6 years
 
Emily Nolte
April 11, 2018
6 years
 
Gibran Augustine
April 14, 2016
8 years
 
Board Minutes
February 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Photo Albums

Youth Exchange 2022-23
Club Meetings 2022-23
Service 2022-23
Social 2022-23
Paul Harris Fellow Recipients
 
Club Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
After Hours meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month 
5:30-6pm - Networking/social
6-7pm - Club meeting/program
 
Meeting Location:
The Main - An Event Space
422 Main Street, La Crosse WI
 
Parking: surrounding streets, in nearby ramps, or in the State Bank parking lot.
 
A meeting fee of $10-12 will be collected.
 
*A virtual option to join will most always be made available
 
RAH service and social opportunities vary each month - check out the upcoming events below to learn more! 
Upcoming Events
Volunteer: Mobile Meals
Mayo Clinic Health System
Apr 22, 2024 10:30 AM –
Apr 28, 2024 12:30 PM
 
Volunteer: Highway Cleanup
May 02, 2024
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Social: BBBB Bingo at Omni Center
Omni Center
May 08, 2024
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting
Northside Elementary School
May 09, 2024
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
 
Social: Holmen Rotary Service Auction
May 10, 2024
 
Volunteer: Monday Meals at Trinity
May 13, 2024
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
 
Meeting: APTIV
The Main
May 14, 2024
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Service Committee Meeting
The Main - An Event Space
May 14, 2024 7:00 PM
 
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
May 17, 2024 – May 19, 2024
 
RAH Board Meeting
Online
May 21, 2024
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
 
View entire list
Board of Directors & Officers
President
 
President Elect
 
President Elect Nominee
 
Immediate Past President
 
Treasurer
 
Treasurer-Elect
 
Secretary
 
Secretary-Elect
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
3-Year Director (23-25')
 
1-Year Director (23')