October 6, 2026
President Beth Naughton brought the meeting to order at 12:20pm. Pledge of Allegiance and 4 Way Test recited. Twenty one Rotarians were in attendance, plus five guests and four student Rotarians.
Happy birthday to Beth N.
Happy Bucks:
Brian B. noted that hockey season starts Saturday.
Beth N. loves the recent weather.
Ed H. noted that Wisconsin had a great sports weekend and mentioned that the students who worked in the concession stand had a great time.
Sandee M. has retired and just returned from a 5 week vacation and is grateful to be able to return to Rotary. Sandee exchanged Rotary flag with Clarenville, New Foundland.
Amy L. let the Club know that senior night for volleyball and boys soccer is coming up and she made 60 cupcakes for senior night.
Karan R. had a great time volunteering for October fest.
Tonya O. loves working with our teacher of the month.
Art D. noted that we have mentioned retirement but didn’t want to worry the student Rotarians.
Anita M. had a great time volunteering at the Rotary Culver’s Night and thank you to all the volunteers and those that ate at Culver’s.
Jim W. newest member of the family will be arriving in March 2027.
Club Business:
Concession stand needs a volunteer to work this Saturday. A sign up sheet was passed around.
Thank you to those that volunteered and ate at Culver’s on Monday, October 5.
Volunteers are needed for Witches Night Out to hand out candy downtown and help with costume contest. Sign up sheet passed around.
1st reading for Cindy Haas. Plans to attend the night meetings.
Christmas is not too far away. Optimists are planning to adopt a family. If you would like to donate, please make check out to the Rotary Foundation and add to memo line “Adopt a Family.”
Upcoming events:
Clawking is this Friday, October 9 at noon. Meet at Agency Insurance.
October 14 speaker will be Mick Selck.
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. Please contact Barb for more information.
October 19 – Rotary Foundation meeting at 7am at Agency Insurance.
October 21 – Blood Drive at Lake Mills HS with volunteers from NHS.
December 15 – Holiday party. More information will be available soon. No meetings on December 22 and 29, 2026.
Student Rotarians: introductions and high school attending
Lakeside Lutheran HS: Jeremiah K. and Madeline W.
Lake Mills HS: Kyndra B. and Milan F.
Program: Teachers of the Month
Lake Mills Elementary School: Deb Galstad (1st grade)
St. Paul’s Lutheran School: Donna Hackbarth (4K)
Thank you to the Teachers of the Month sponsors:
Bank of Lake Mills
Bank CMG
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Donors:
American Family Insurance - Amy Winkelman
Anytime Fitness
Coffee Van Go
Culver's
Doyle's Dogs
Edward Jones - Aaron Genthe
Fort Healthcare
Jimmy Johns
Kwik Trip
Legendary Lake Mills
Ryan's Automotive
Steve's Car & Truck service
Subway
Topel's Towing & Repair
Watertown Regional Medical Center
Weide's Auto Service
Congratulations to our first Teacher of the month, Ms. Deb Galstad!
She has dedicated the past 30 years to educating first-grade students at Lake Mills Elementary School. Her commitment to her students, her colleagues, and the Lake Mills community reflects the dedication and passion that defines an exceptional educator.
Here is a summary of what her nominee said about her:
“This teacher deserves to be recognized as Teacher of the Month because she goes far beyond simply teaching academics. She creates an environment where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and genuinely cared for every single day.”
“As a parent, I have watched incredible growth in my son in 1st grade, not only in his writing and reading skills, but also in his emotional regulation, confidence, and consistency. The difference from where he started to where he is now has been truly remarkable, and I credit so much of that growth to the structure, discipline, patience, and care she pours into her classroom.”
“What stands out most is the way she makes her students feel seen and loved. My son comes home saying things like, “My teacher hugs me so tight it hurts,” “She’s always excited to see me when I come back after missing a day,” and even, “My teacher is so strict.” To me, those comments say everything. They show that she has created a classroom built on both accountability and connection, where students know they matter.”
“Teaching is not just a job for her, it is clearly a calling. The energy, heart, and consistency she gives to her students make a lasting impact not only on their education, but on their confidence, emotional well-being, and future. Our family is deeply grateful for the difference she has made in my son’s life and in the lives of so many other students.”
Congratulations to our second Teacher of the month, Mrs. Donna Hackbarth!
She is a caring early childhood educator whose expertise shines each and every day. She has been teaching and inspiring students at St. Paul since 2008. She is currently teaching in our preschool department in our 4k classroom where she has been inspiring those young students for the past 18 years! She also serves as one of two teacher liaisons for the school’s PTO.
Here is a summary of what her nominee said about her:
“Mrs. Hackbarth is an incredibly loving and patient 4K teacher. She has a wealth of experience, and I am thankful that my children have the opportunity to be taught by her. She creates a foundation for them to enjoy and be successful in school.”
“My child loves the themes of the week and the activities that go with each theme.”
“My child was very nervous coming into the classroom the first day of school and Mrs. Hackbarth made him feel so welcomed.“
“Everything she does revolves around Jesus! Thank you for loving our children and for putting all of your heart and soul into teaching! We appreciate everything Mrs. Hackbarth does for our families in the St. Paul Early Learning Center. “
Our community celebrates you both and is grateful for all you bring to the classroom and beyond. Congratulations, Ms. Galstad and Mrs. Hackbarth.
Meeting adjourned at 12:41pm.
