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Dearest Friends,
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all the things that you do to Create Hope in the World.
As you know, the 4-Way Test is an important fixture in Rotary, guiding Rotarians in our personal lives, as well as in our professional lives.
It asks the following four questions: Of the things we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
RAH does have the fifth question: “Is it fun?”
Friends, you make RAH fun. One example is the Build Days for the Northside Elementary Greenhouse. I did not know how much fun an event such as that could be. Of course, it was because of the hard work by those that participated, but also the smiles and laughter. Please understand that the finished product of that greenhouse will impact the lives of thousands and generations to come. RAH is truly creating hope in this world through good will and your great friendships. It is also beneficial to many, it expresses truth of the need in our community, and how fair it is that the children will learn and receive incredible plants and food. Oh yah- and it was fun!
Thank you, friends, for all that you do. Let us continue to have fun together as we walk the walk of creating hope in the world. Blessings, Phil
Seeding a Legacy: A Rotary After-Hours Success Story
In the heart of La Crosse, Northside Elementary/Coulee Montessori buzzed with excitement as students, parents, and teachers, community members and RAHtarians for the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art greenhouse. The scent of freshly turned soil mingled with the rainy spring breeze, setting the stage for a momentous day.
Rotary After-Hours brought this innovative vision to life as part of our 2023 Shark Tank project. Through a collaborative effort, a large 'living classroom' greenhouse has been constructed, aiming to educate students about botany while providing families with fresh, nutrient-dense food. President Phil and Bradley (Burke) pitched this inspiring project during the 2023 Shark Tank event, where it received the most votes in a highly competitive field. The project was awarded $5,000 from RAH and received a matching grant from District 6250, totaling $10,000 for the greenhouse's purchase.
Construction began on March 23rd and continued on April 6th and 20th during Club Build Days. The completed greenhouse will provide over 400 students and families each year with access to environmental, ecological, and sustainable gardening education. Students will engage in experiential cooking classes, learn composting techniques, and gain business and marketing skills through plant sales. "Everyone has a role in the greenhouse," said teacher Mariah Bigelow.
The smiles on the children's faces, and even the teachers, have made the hard work worthwhile. As the children huddled together, holding brightly colored scissors, they beamed with anticipation. With a collective snip, the vibrant green ribbon fluttered to the ground, and the greenhouse door swung open, revealing a lush, green oasis inside. Rows of budding plants, from tomatoes to marigolds, stood proudly in their pots, tended by Northside's young gardeners. They darted into the greenhouse, eager to show off their hard work, while parents followed, admiring the children's efforts.
"I was super happy. I really was like oh my gosh we're going to have a greenhouse! That was really amazing news. All of the greenhouse is really fun. Plants in general are just amazing and planting all these plants and stuff has been the best part of school probably." -Phoenix, 4th Grader & Greenhouse 'Manager'
The greenhouse stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared vision. It isn't just a building; it is a testament to the power of Rotary and the community, and to the bright future of these young students. Indeed, it was a day at Northside Elementary that will be remembered for years to come.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this living classroom possible. Together, we are truly creating hope in the world, one seed at a time.
Meet Pete Kacmaz, the Assignment Manager at News 8000 and one of RAH's newest members!
Pete's educational journey took him from earning an International Baccalaureate at UWC Dilijan in Armenia to completing a B.A. in Journalism & Communication at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Originally from Bursa, Turkey, his life's path has been quite international—his parents are Bulgarian, and he's lived in Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, and for the past five years, the U.S.
When Pete's not working, you'll often find him at home experimenting with new recipes or cleaning. He also enjoys frequenting Christo's Tavern for a good cocktail or checking out the latest restaurant or bar in town. The La Crosse Community Theatre and Rivoli are his go-to spots for events and shows. He's a dedicated Eurovision Song Contest enthusiast and has a deep love for world music, always eager to explore new genres.
Pete joined Rotary After Hours to network, learn more about the local area, and become more active in the community. He's passionate about making a positive impact and looks forward to contributing in meaningful ways. Welcome Pete! You've already made a positive impact in RAH!
Rotary Leadership Series: Anne Snow, Inspiring Community Engagement
The Rotary Leadership Series Welcomes Anne Snow - TOMORROW, Thursday, May 23rd at 12pm
Anne Snow has earned a reputation as an innovative and inspiring leader. When Anne and her family moved to La Crosse in 1996, she brought the vision of a children’s museum with her.
Nearly three decades later, fully realized, that vision remains a vital and popular presence in downtown La Crosse.
Anne Snow served as the founding executive director of Children’s Museum of La Crosse for 27 years.
She has been able to grow the organization through a solid business model and programming that inspires volunteer and community support. The museum opened to the public in 1999 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary. During that span, it has welcomed over 1.4 million visitors.
Anne has been an active member of the community, notably through her involvement in Rotary.
In her remarks, she will provide insight about her personal leadership journey.
You won’t want to miss this enlightening program! You have the option of attending the presentation in-person at the luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of La Crosse, Cargill Room 322 Front Street South, La Crosse or by virtually. It is open to the public at no cost, via Zoom.
The Rotary Leadership Series is sponsored by the Rotary Club of La Crosse and the La Crosse-area Rotary clubs.
THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP SERIES COMMITTEE:
Lee Rasch, Andrew Bakkum, Stephanie Fraase, Chuck Hanson, Joe Kress, Jeanne Meyer and Emily Nolte
Thank you for your help with RAH's 2024-2025 Board of Directors! We have a eager and exciting group of individuals who are commited to serving on the RAH Board of Directors and that needs your approval!
Please submit your response by Friday, May 24th. The new board will be announced at the Tuesday, June 11th meeting- please be there to show support.
Also, on the Tuesday, June 25 meeting, we will be doing our RAHk the Rotary Year Party! We will celebrate all the great things that happened during President Phil's year of service. Please wear your RAH apparel to this meeting as we will take a new group shot, member photos at the meeting and event after the meeting. More details to follow!
Save the Date for the annual Avenues of Service Event on Wed., Aug. 21st
Join your friends in Rotary After Hours and many Rotarians across the Coulee Region Rotary Clubs as we gather to celebrate club projects, Rising Stars and Rotarians of the Year at the 34th Annual Rotary Avenues of Service dinneron Wednesday, August 21st.Enjoy a relaxing evening, a wonderful meal, and meet really great people and new friends who are actively involved in the community.
(*The RAH Board of directors will be discussing offsetting the cost by $10/per member to bring cost to $40/each; Stay tuned for more info but feel free to sign-up if you plan to go regardless. Payment is not required at the time of sign-up. Anyone registered as of 8/2/2024 will be billed. There will be no same-day walk in availability.) Significant others/guests are welcome!
Choose from: Parmesan Crusted Chicken OR an 8 oz. Center Cut Sirloin Steak OR Salmon; Vegetarian entree will be Chef's Choice
All Choices Include: House salad, vegetable, potato, dinner rolls and dessert
Each is unique and special in its own way. We often collaborate and work together to make a greater impact in our community. Consider joining them for a club meeting to meet and network with other area Rotary members.
Meeting times and locations are as follows for these Rotary clubs:
Caledonia- 1st and 2nd Fridays at Elsie’s Bar and Restaurant from 7:30-8:30am
Holmen Area - Every Wednesday at Holmen Community Center from 7-8:00am
La Crescent - 1st and 3rd Friday at Corky’s in La Crescent from 7-8:00am
La Crosse - Every Thursday at The Cargill Room (Waterfront) from 12-1:0 pm
La Crosse East - Every Monday at the La Crosse Club (part of Radisson) from 12-1:00pm
Valley View - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays at The Onalaska YMCA from 7:30-8:30am
