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Welcome to our new YE student, Nevyn! From Switzerland!

How much can you get done in 24 hours? Some days, more than others. How about picking up your entire life, pack it into 2 suitcases and a backpack, and travel through 4 countries and 5 airports to start a year full of new, exciting, uncomfortable, and sometimes scary experiences. Well that’s exactly what our new exchange student, Nevyn, experienced on his first of many new experiences.
 
 
Joining us from Switzerland, Nevyn started his first day of the next 365 day adventure with our club, our culture, and our country. He joins the ranks of 9000 other students embarking on their first of many journeys. A journey who’s goal is to build peace one young person at a time. Nevyn is excited to start school and start football this fall! Come to our meeting September 10th to learn more about Nevyn!
 
Please add any photos you capture with Nevyn throughout his year here in Wisconsin!
 
 
 
Eugene, Clara, Mikolaj, Eryn, Hagen, Mari, Ida, Nevyn. What do all these names have in common? All of them have been exchange students through Rotary After Hours, both inbound and outbound.
 
It’s hard to summarize the impact of Youth Exchange on the student’s life. It touches every aspect of your life and changes the student in ways that are hard to put into words. It gives you new experiences (both good and bad), new family and friends, new language skills, and new ideas about the world and your place in it. It can change the entire direction of your life. All at the age of 15 to 19.
 
Youth Exchange has been a large part of the RAH initiative for a long time. Likewise, Youth Exchange has been a large initiative of Rotary International for a long time. Rotary was founded in 1905 with the first exchange starting in 1927 in Copenhagen, Denmark, followed closely by a program set up by Nice, France in 1929. These first exchanges looked very different to those that happen now, only taking place during school breaks. The first full year exchange started in 1958 with a student traveling from Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Myrtleford, Australia and two students traveling from Myrtleford, Australia to Grand Lake, Colorado. In 1962, Japan and Germany were included into the program after tense relations following World War II. Since its inception, there are now 80 countries included in the program sending and hosting nearly 9,000 students annually. Now, 9,000 sounds like a lot, and it is. But that number comes from only 7.8% of all Rotary Clubs in the world participating in the Youth Exchange Program.
 
As we rocket through August into another new school year, 9,000 new students are taking on Rotary’s Mission of Peace through Understanding. If we can make that kind of an impact on the world with only 7.8% of clubs participating, imagine the impact with 10% or 15%. Imagine the impact of 100%.
 
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We’re thrilled to have Joleen Trussoni join After Hours!

As the Manager of Organizational Effectiveness at Dairyland Power Cooperative, Joleen drives positive change and development. She’s a proud alumna of Winona State University.

Growing up near Leo and Leona’s Tavern, Joleen has strong roots in the La Crosse area. As the youngest of five siblings—and the youngest by a whole decade—she humorously refers to herself as a “whoops” child. Joleen’s life is filled with adventures—whether she’s boating, jet skiing on the river, or escaping to warmer climates in winter. She’s a lifelong learner, always exploring new opportunities for growth.

Earlier this year, Joleen joined the Valley View Rotary Club, inspired by Rotary’s mission of promoting community and international goodwill. But as life and work changed, so did her schedule! After feeling the buzz at a Loggers Event and an After Hours Club meeting, Joleen knew she’d found her new Rotary family. She's excited to continue making a difference with the After Hours Club, where the energy matches her passion and the timing fits just right! 🌟

We’re excited to have Joleen’s vibrant spirit and passion for making a difference! Let’s give her a warm welcome to the After Hours Club! 💙

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Save the Date: Mini Masters 2024 - A Rotary Youth Exchange Fundraiser & Social

 
Join Us For Our 11th Annual Mini Masters Mini-Golf Fundraiser!
All proceeds go towards our Youth Exchange Program!

Thursday, Sept 19th
5:30-9:30 pm

Riverside Amusement Park in La Crosse
 
Registration fee is $120 per team of 4 - includes registration fee, commemorative t-shirt, beverages, and fun!
Teams of 4 can register together- ONE person should sign up as team captain so that payment stays at $120.00
Please indicate your t-shirt size for each team member
NEW! Please find a cool theme, team name, and dress up fo our "Team Themes" contest!
 
Secure your team by 9/4!
 
We also still need lots of help gathering sponsors, raffle items and gift cards. We are asking that every member to reach out and get at least get one of these items to help support our efforts to raise enough money for our Youth Exchange program. Please share the sponsorship documents that were provided to all club members with local businesses. Would your employer be interested in sponsoring? Please ask them!
 
Mini Masters 2024 Event Night Schedule:
5:00 PM - Set Up (RAH members only)
5:30-6:00 PM - Registration begins! Come pick up your shirts, and have some food/drinks, music, and raffles!
5:30-7:00 PM - Social Time/Food Truck (5 pm- 7 pm) and Raffles
6:15 PM - Round 1 Teams go to holes and begin golfing
7:15 PM - Round 1 Teams end, Round 2 Teams head to holes
7:30 PM - Round 2 Teams begin to golf
8:00 PM - Raffle Ends
8:30 PM - Round 2 of Teams end
8:45 PM - Raffle and Winners Announced!
9:00 PM - Group Photo
9:30 PM - Clean Up and Leave Riverside (RAH members only)

If you have any questions, please reach out to Stefanie Kline or Bill Pritchard!
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There’s something truly magical at 429 7th Street North in La Crosse, Wisconsin! ✨

The Hixon House, built in 1858 by pioneering lumber baron Gideon Hixon, has been a local gem for generations. Nestled in its Victorian splendor, it holds the legacy of Gideon, his wife Ellen, and their five sons. Remarkably preserved with original furnishings, the house was a gift to La Crosse County Historical Society in 1965, retaining the charm Ellen Hixon cherished until her passing in 1913.
 
At this week's RAH meeting, members and friends explored this historic marvel, guided by knowledgeable docents who shared fascinating stories about the Hixon family's impact on our community. For many of us, this was our first visit, and let me tell you—it’s a hidden treasure! 🌟 If you weren't there, you missed out!
 
Many thanks to Executive Director Megan Meyer, Curator Amy Vach, Property Host Margaret Lichter and all the wonderful docents for hosting us at the Hixon House and after at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center!
 
 
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What makes a town magical?

Ask 100 people and you’ll get 100 answers. Google defines a “Magical Village” as a place with symbolism, legends, history, important events, festivals, traditions, great food, and a place with enjoyable shopping and day-to-day life. In other words, "magic" in its social and cultural impacts.

As part of our year of magic with Stefanie, she brought in just a few of the things that make La Crosse magical. La Crosse has always been a special place and a place of celebration far before the city officially was formed. Not much has changed in 2024. With 33 fests in La Crosse throughout the year, there is almost always something to celebrate. Whether it’s Irishfest or Oktoberfest, Rotary Lights or the Great River Folk Fest, the celebrations never stop; finding anything to celebrate.

La Crosse is a rich community that finds joy in the diversity within its borders. Do you like trying new foods? Check out the Taste of Summer or Beer, Wine, and Cheese Fest! Are you a huge Christmas fanatic? Maybe take a round through the Rotary Lights or check out Frothbite! Looking for an event you can bring the whole family to? Maybe try the Westby Skijump 102nd annual International Skijump Tour or the Children’s Fest. Want to learn more about music and culture? Oh boy, you have to check out Irishfest, Oktoberfest, and the Great River Folk Fest!

No matter what you are looking for or what you want to celebrate, chances are, there’s someone in the La Crosse willing to celebrate with you. And that is truly magic. 

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Have you ever seen the pure joy in a child’s smile? Now, imagine that smile growing even brighter with the excitement of a new pair of shoes!

In the midst of live music and the tantalizing aroma of popcorn from the Salvation Army, five dedicated RAHtarians helped make a difference. With pulled pork from Pogrebas and mouthwatering chicken wings from Howies, they spent an evening fitting children from our community with shoes to start the school year off on the right foot.

The fun didn’t stop there! Families indulged in sweet treats from The Sweet Shop while Logan Middle and High School’s softball teams took charge of the dunk tank. Meanwhile, volleyball players from the same schools orchestrated a scavenger hunt, guiding families to explore over 30 local and nonprofit organizations offering essential resources.

School Resource Officers were also on hand, engaging in meaningful conversations and building strong, positive connections with the community. And if you were lucky enough to spot it, a train chugged through the neighborhoods, leading families to exciting attractions like the fire department’s live house fire demonstration—where kids got to suit up in firefighter gear—and the Rotary Mobile Clinic.

If you missed out on this event, don’t worry! There’s always next year, and we’d love for you to join us—whether to volunteer or just to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made this night unforgettable and helped strengthen our community bonds. See you next year!

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Save the Date: Pickleball for Polio!

 
Rotary has dedicated 35+ years and $2.1 billion to eradicating polio, protecting nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries and reducing cases by 99.9%. Today, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year. Rotarians and community members are invited to support the cause and participate in the first annual Pickleball for Polio event on World Polio Day.
 
There are four ways to participate in this fundraiser, all of which include a donation to Polio Plus:
*Social Only: $15/person
-Includes a drink ticket and a Polio Plus donation
 
Play - All Levels Welcome!
*Open Play: $20 with equipment, $25 without
-Instructors on site to assist in explaining rules, etc.
*Royalty of the Court Tournament Play: $25
-$12.50 will be donated back by the Blue Zone
 
*Donate! All money raised will go to End Polio Now
 
Items available for purchase at the event: Beverages from Blue Zone, food from Food Truck in the parking lot, bucket raffle tickets, other raffle drawings.
VISIT THE PICKLEBALL FOR POLIO WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE! - https://rotarycluboflacrosse.org/page/pickleball-for-polio
 
Hosted by: Holmen Area Rotary, La Crosse After Hours Rotary, Rotary Club of La Crosse, Onalaska Hilltoppers Rotary
 
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The Rotary Foundation

“The mission of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.”
In short form, this means that the Rotary Foundation is committed to those programs which support the premise that there cannot be world understanding and peace when people are hungry, sick, uneducated and living in squalor.
 
The Foundation is funded through the following:
 
ANNUAL FUND-SHARE
Annual Fund-SHARE is the primary source of funding for a broad range of local and International Rotary Foundation actvities, including funding local and international humanitarian projects t ambassadorial scholarships, vocational training teams, and more.
 
The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative asks all members to donate to the Annual Fund each year and take part in at least one Foundation project or program each year. Contributions to Annual Fund-SHARE from Rotary members and other donors are directed into two subfunds: the World Fund and District Designated Funds. Through the SHARE system, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into grants. We'll share more about the Annual Fund in the coming months! 
 
THE WORLD FUND
The World Fund provides the necessary funding for our highest-priority activities around the globe. A percentage of SHARE-designated contributions is applied to the World Fund. The Foundation uses the World Fund to pay for grant and program opportunities available to all Rotary districts, including PolioPlus, Rotary Peace Centers, Programs of Scale grants, global grants, and more.
    THE POLIO PLUS FUND
    Supports the ongoing efforts of R.I. to eradicate polio.
     
    THE ENDOWMENT FUND
    Financed by cash gifts and bequests left by Rotary members and their families, ensures the long-term viability of the Foundation and its grants and programs. Spendable earnings from the Endowment enable the Foundation to expand existing activities and underwrite new ones. Contributions are invested in perpetuity: A percentage of the total value of the fund is directed annually to Foundation grants and programs.
     
     
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    Under Past-President Phil's leadership, Rotary After Hours received the 2023-24 Rotary Citation.

    This recognition is to celebrate the hard work clubs do throughout the year. Working to achieve the Rotary Citation goals helps clubs engage their members, increase their impact, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. A welcoming and engaging club not only fosters a positive experience for its members, but also reflects the values of Rotary. When clubs achieve these goals, they contribute to the overall health and culture of Rotary for generations to come.
     

    Rotary After Hours received the Citation for 2023-24 for achieving goals that strengthen Rotary and our club. Goals include increasing club membership, engaging members in sustainable service projects, giving to The Rotary Foundation, building awareness of Rotary in your community, and having an up-to-date strategic plan.

    It was a year of CREATING HOPE in the WORLD, and that we did!  Congratulations to everyone who helped achieve the goals set out before us.
     
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    Rotary District 6250 District Dispatch

    Check out what's happening in Rotary Clubs around the district in the monthly District Dispatch newsletter.
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    After Hours Membership

    Active Members: 52

    Welcome to our Newest Members:

    • Spencer Niebur (transfer from Rotary East)
    • Jason Jones
    • Joleen Trussoni

    Members leaving us:

    • Macy Fitzgerald
    • Griffin Moe 

    Rotary Attendance:

    • June 29% 
     
    Member Birthdays
    Griffin Moe
    November 6
     
    Jennifer Luedtke
    November 13
     
    Joe Hammes
    November 15
     
    Amy Schmidt
    November 29
     
    Join Date
    Dean Dickinson
    November 15, 1980
    44 years
     
    James Murray
    November 19, 2019
    5 years
     
    Board Minutes
    June 2024 Board Meeting Minutes
     
    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 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
    RAH Board Meeting
    Online
    Nov 19, 2024
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
     
    Ugly Sweater 5k Meeting
    The Main
    Nov 26, 2024
    7:10 PM – 8:00 PM
     
    Rotary Lights Parade
    Downtown La Crosse
    Nov 29, 2024 3:45 PM
     
    The Ugly Sweater 5k
    Myrick Park Center
    Dec 07, 2024
     
    Membership Committee Meeting
    Dec 10, 2024 7:00 PM
     
    Service Committee Meeting
    The Main - An Event Space
    Dec 10, 2024 7:00 PM
     
    View entire list
    YE Photo Directory Link
    Please contribute memories with Nevyn as they are created!
    Board of Directors & Officers
    President
     
    President Elect
     
    Immediate Past President
     
    Treasurer
     
    Treasurer-Elect
     
    Secretary
     
    Secretary-Elect
     
    Sergeant-at-Arms
     
    3-Year Director (23-25')
     
    1-Year Director (24-25')
     
    1-Year Director (24-25')