Abby Stringer is hoping others can experience what she called “an amazing experience” at the Rotary Youth Leadership event, or RYLA. The Waunakee High School junior talked to the club about how much she enjoyed RYLA last spring, particularly getting a chance to play games, build trust with others and learn new leadership skills. Overall, she said she connected with “really cool people and leaders.”

The Aug. 25 meeting was a club assembly, but before the committees got together to talk about their ongoing projects and report to the larger group, Carl Ochsner, a guest from the Chico Sunrise club, spoke. His father began the Ochsner park and zoo in Baraboo, he said. His father had worked at Oscar Mayer and was relocated to California. Carl lives in Chico now, and noted that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers calls Chico home. While Rodgers may not be popular with everyone, he has been good to Chico, helping with relief efforts after wildfires there. 

During the club assembly portion, committee members gave their reports. Bob Klostermann of Fellowship reminded the club about the Bishops Bay event Sept. 6. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Also, he is wondering if the club might like to take a trip to Milwaukee instead of a Christmas party for a Christmas village, dinner and/or a Bucks game. 

Lisa Humenik from the international committee reminded the club that Food for Kidz is Oct. 16. The defluoridation project in Kenya is completed, and the committee may explore projects in California with Carl to take on for wildfire relief. 

Bob Arntz from the Youth and Vocational committee said the scholarship application is being revised and an application is being submitted for the club to host a youth exchange student. 

Peggy Acker-Farber said the Wauktoberfest event Sept. 16-19 will need volunteers to serve beer and wine. Rotary Lights and the solar light projects will follow.  The Santa at the Depot event is also coming up in early December, and Rotarians usually provide cookies for the event. 

Jim Kattner said the club will host a food booth at Schumacher Farm’s Heritage Fest Sept. 11 and at its Halloween at the Farm Oct. 22. 

Phil Willems also volunteers as a guide at the World Dairy Expo; if you’d like to volunteer there, let him know. 

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Other News

-President Joe Baer inducted Bret Toftness, the owner of Spinal Solutions, whose family has several members who are chiropractors. Welcome, Bret!  

Guests: Abby Stringer. 

Visiting Rotarians: Carl Ochsner, Chico Sunrise. 

Birthdays: Sept. 5, Gordy Meicher.

Anniversaries: None. 

Greeters: Sept. 1, Dan Statz and Ray Statz; Sept. 8, Jennifer Tasker and Howard Teeter; Sept. 15, Don Tierney and Bret Toftness; Sept, 22, Jon Townley and Max Ujdak; Sept. 29, Susan Vergeront and Ryan Walsh.