September 29, 2026
President Beth Naughton brought the meeting to order at 12:21pm. Pledge of Allegiance and 4 Way Test recited. Nineteen Rotarians were in attendance, two Rotarians on Zoom plus two guests and two speakers.
Happy birthday to Tonya O.
Happy Rotary anniversary to Kyle J. (3 years)
Happy Bucks:
Don B. stayed in Savannah, GA across from Rotary Square. There was a Rotary meeting at the hotel he was staying at.
Beth N. was cycling with her partner Tim and saw a beautiful Rotary bench.
Jim W.’s mom ‘s 96th birthday is coming up and will celebrate with lemon meringue pie. He is also going to welcome a new grandchild.
Randy O. from South Carolina mentioned his son Max is now an accountant with the state of Wisconsin at the public defender’s office. He cleaned up a big project that allowed his boss to go on vacation.
Tom V. traveled to Chicago to see his son and daughter in law who received an award.
Tonya O. said the L-Cat fun run last Thursday raised $23,000 for field trips, staff appreciation, family events and student fun and enrichment and more.
Club Business:
Dues – please pay Q4 dues as soon as possible. Invoices for Q1 dues will go out in early October.
World Polio Day is October 24. Info was sent around for a t-shirt to recognize World Polio Day. Cost is $8.50. Amount can be added to your dues invoice.
Calendar Raffle – please consider sponsoring. Information is available from Beth N. or Barb C.
Rotary Magazine – Article about the president of Rotary International that contracted polio as a small child. Rotary International has vaccinated over 3 billion kids worldwide and we are 99.9% eradicated. There are still cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hoping to be 100% eradicated.
Upcoming events:
Jefferson County Literacy Council is celebrating their 30th anniversary. There will be an open house on September 30 beginning at 4pm.
Concession stand is good this weekend. Need a volunteer for October 10.
Clawking is this Friday, October 2 at noon. Meet at Agency Insurance.
October 5 – Culver’s Night for Rotary. Encourage friends and family to eat/take out at Culver’s to help raise money for the Club.
October 15 – Red Cross Blood Drive. Please sign up to donate blood online. Also need volunteers for set up and take down and volunteers for registering donors.
December 15 – Holiday party. More information will be available soon. No meetings on December 22 and 29, 2026.
Speaker: The Power of Microfinance
Organization helps people get back on their feet. Program began 13 years ago after earthquake in Haiti. Program makes loans for people ($50-$60) and pay 1% interest. Program is available in Dominican Republic, Philippines and 5 countries in Africa. They have given out $600,000 in loans since 2013. Target is rural women. 96% repayment rate. Today, loans are $100-$150. Used for small restaurants, ag businesses, small stores, sewing. Work with partners in all the countries they serve.
Worldwisemicrofinance.org
Meeting adjourned at 1:04pm
