Lake Mills Rotary
Meeting Agenda:
08/15/2023, Pyramid Event Venue
- Good Afternoon and Welcome to Rotary
- Pledge of allegiance and 4 way test
- Visiting Rotarians, Guests / Speaker, Zoomers
- Pam – American Family Insurance, Amy Winkleman’s Office
- Happy Bucks and Fines
- Gerard and his family went to Kansas for a vacation with his family. He is taking his son back to the University of Minnesota where he is studying engineering. He has made Dean’s list multiple times.
- Brian thanked Zach and Andy for their help at the last movie night. He also mentioned that the Annual Cash Raffle was a great time. Thank you to all of those who put time and effort into it.
- Andy said the Annual Cash Raffle was a great time last night. Andy also went knee boarding with his kids. His knees hurt, but he brought treats for everyone.
- Jim is having surgery on his shoulders and is looking forward to it.
- Steve’s son runs a small company in Maui to see the whales. He donated all of the money from his last run to the Hawaiian Fire. He has been working on the boat delivering diesel, brining press in, and doing whatever he can. If you happen to watch the news you may see his son Spencer speaking about what is happening in Hawaii.
- Raina mentioned that Legendary Lake Mills hosts so many events, and when looking at those who are volunteering, the Lake Mills Rotary Club is always so present. Last night Aaron, Andy, Pam, and Brian helped SO MUCH throughout the event. The help is so appreciated.
- Jenny will be out of town next week as she will be in Washington DC for work. There will be work and play. One of her kids moved out of the house…again! Meg moved to LaCrosse with her girlfriend. She now has one kid and one cat at home.
- This week’s Aug. Birthdays -Birthday Raffle –JULY AND AUGUST AUG. 29TH
Mick Selck August 8th
Micheal Sweeny August 9th
- This week’s Aug Anniversaries-none
- Committee Reports or Announcements—
- Movie Nights
- August 11 (2nd Friday each month). Rotary Park, 8pm. need 2 volunteers to make popcorn at 6 pm/interact runs concession at 7 pm
- Pre-movie activities by LM Rec Dept.
- Free popcorn for the kids from the concession stand.
- Cash donations or non-perishable food items can be donated and will go to The Mill (food pantry at Lake Mills High School)
- Music in the Mills
- The biggest hurdle is that we need to get the word out. Please, please, please spread the word.
- We ask that each Rotary Club Member sell 4 tickets. They will be brought to the next club meeting. Please don’t just purchase the tickets, and give the money, we need people at this event.
- This is our BIGGEST FUNDRAISER of the year, larger than the Beer and Wine Tasting. We will need all hands-on deck. Save the date.
- Sat. Sept 23rd Rotary Music Festival-Music In the Mills - 10:30am to 9pm. Need ALL HANDS to volunteer. Eventbrite for Advance Tickets $15/$20 at the door. Help promote on facebook, linkedin, instagram by liking, sharing, commenting!
- Club Business
- Program Speakers-openings! (if no speakers we have to do karaoke!)-see Janine
- Do you have a special skill or story you can share with Rotary?
- Do you know someone who has a skill, service or story they could share with Rotary?
- Aug. 29th Rotary Board Meeting at City Hall 7 am
- Sat. Sept 9th Pyramid 5k - Registration is live! Proceeds will go to Sunrise Reach https://lakemillsrotaryclub.redpodium.com/pyramid-city-run-2023
- Program: Pam Streich – Peru
Pam and her family have always taken part in Mission Trips. Many within the United States, but recently many out of country. One of their recent trips was in Peru. They literally were not sure that they were able to go until 24 hours prior due to the risk of danger because of political unrest. But they took the leap and got on the plane. They are so happy that they did.
Once in Peru they arrived at Casa Hogar orphanage. This is a place for orphans who were surrendered by their families who were homeless or can no longer care for them. This is a city in the desert, but the orphanage is like a Shangri la. It is a beautiful place. When you walk out of the delicate desert and into the orphanage it is amazing to see the retreat that they have. It was started by a Catholic Pastor out of Lacrosse who wanted a place for kids to have sanctuary and an oasis in the desert.
The purpose of this trip was to help with Optical eye checks. There were over 100 volunteers to help with this. Local people came to Casa Hogar to get their eyes checked and screened. They saw people from elementary school aged to age 95. It was remarkable to be able to tell people they would be leaving with glasses and their lives would be changed. Those checked would be screened, dilated, and then it would be determined if they needed glasses, what prescription, or if they needed medical intervention. Afterward the check, the patients would head to a dispensary where the glasses were on display and ready for pick up. When some would come into this oasis in the desert, they would beg to stay as it was a place like no other, they had seen before being in the desert. Pam showed a photo of a young child who was wearing glasses and was able to see her mom for the very first time ever.
While there, Pam and Terry were supposed to head to Machu Picchu. They were unable to go due to the danger previously stated, but they were able to make it to another community called Peracus. It is a beach resort area where they were able to hit wineries, shops, and see local art. It was a more touristy place, and of course, they are still in the desert, but it is more lush due to tourism. They went to the “main attraction” Las Ballestas Islands. What makes them fascinating is that have an artic current. There are penguins, sea lions, and 5 million birds! Someone actually collects their poop and sends it to Europe for fertilizer. Once they arrived Pam was told to wear a hat, she said no, and then shortly after realized her mistake! From being in the desert to seeing an artic-esque island, it was a crazy experience. Another oasis they saw was Huacachia. They were able to ride in a dune buggy on sand dunes and watched people sand board.
In January 2024 Pam and Terry will be going to Peru again because there was such a need, there are more glasses to give out. It was a life changing trip for them, and she was so happy to share.
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