Last week's meeting was my last as club President. I wanted to let all of you know what a special honor it has been to lead Valley View Rotary Club.
We have met or exceeded all the club goals that were set at the beginning of the Rotary year. None of this could have been done without club members like yourselves stepping up to contribute when needed. To get my job done I relied on many of you for knowledge, direction and support.
Our club members managed and contributed to countless local and global projects. Some of these projects were very complex and difficult to manage, but we got them done as a team.
I believe our club is in very good hands with our next group of leaders. I would recommend that all of you consider taking a leadership role as a board member or officer when you get the chance.
In my mind our club is #1.
“Until My Memory Fails Me”
This is the name of Sharon Lukert's book. Sharon was our guest speaker last week and gave an insightful message about neurodegenerative disease.
Sharon Lukert explained, "The book is intended to be an affirming guide to enhance a positive approach toward the emotional and spiritual aspects of facing a neurodegenerative disease."
Johann is our club-sponsored long-term inbound exchange student for 2026-2027. He will be living with three host families (arranged by Nancy Schmidt) for the 11 month exchange period. Johann is from Germany and will be arriving in mid-August, and we are looking to assemble a team of 8–10 club members to assist with transportation (similar to what we did for Ana from Mexico). Drivers will take turns driving Johann to and from Rotary meetings, West Salem High School, and various special events There may also be opportunities to drive other local Rotary Youth Exchange students to district events.
Please note that a simple background check is required. If you are interested in joining the driver team, contact Nancy Schmidt at nkschmidt4965@gmail.com and she will send you the link to initiate the background check process.
Three Fun Facts Game: Submit Your Facts
We want to get to know you better! On the 5th Wednesday of the month, we play the Three Fun Facts game where we try to guess which set of three facts go with which club member. If you haven’t already submitted three fun facts about yourself (and a picture too), please do so! Make sure your facts are generic enough that they won’t identify you. Email your facts & photo to Kate Dunnum at dunnum.kate@mayo.edu. The next game is scheduled for July 29!
THIs valley view rotarian golfed 142 holes in 12 hours
Club member Bob Newberry raised over $8,000 and counting. All he had to do is golf 142 holes in 12 hours. Easy task for Bob Newberry who was determined to help the Chihoni Medical Center in Tanzania acquire an x-ray machine.
Above is a screen shot of the Moon Tunes Facebook page showing Moon Tunes now has 16,721 followers. We need all of you members to like and share Moon Tunes posts. Our next goal is to have 16,750 before the 4th of July.
The screen shot on the right is the Facebook Analytics page for Moon Tunes. We are now seeing enough activity that we are starting to monetize Moon Tunes. We've raised $141 in the last 28 days and that sum is growing quickly as we add reels and other content. This is money we can use for community projects and to help the disadvantaged.
Moon Tunes Band Poster Auction
The next poster auction is for the Matt Mahlum Band. This auction started on June 18 and ends at 6 pm on July 9. The poster is a framed collage of band photos by Jim Lund and autographed by the band members. The winning bidder will be announced on July 9 at Moon Tunes intermission. You can own this one of a kind poster if you are the high bidder.
Last week's auction high bid was $255 for the Mr. Blink/La Crosse Sessions Band poster. All auction proceeds are split between Hunger Task Force and YMCA Community Youth Center.
There is a link below but you can also get there by logging into Clubrunner and then click on “Volunteers” (under Events & Volunteering) and then click on the dates you want and sign - up.
The 2026 Rotary Avenues of Service Dinner is a major event for local Rotary Clubs. Amy Bettis has already been named Valley View Rotary Club's Rotarian of the Year and will receive an award at the August 12 Avenues of Service Dinner.
If you are working on a District Grant please get your application submitted soon. The DistrictGrants Committee has received eight applications for projects for the 2026-27 Rotary year, with a total request for $44,000 of DDF. We expect to have about $75,000 of DDF available for districtgrants. With that in mind, we're opening a second round of applications for districtgrants. Your club must be districtgrant qualified in order to apply, and all qualification milestones must be met by June 30, 2026.
Kabara Cancer Research Institute Tours
Tours are available on the dates listed below:
Tues, July 14 11 am - 12 pm, room 2076
Mon., Aug 4 3 - 4 pm , room 2076
Thur., Sept 24 9 - 10 am, room 2076
Valley View Rotarians are welcome to attend the tours.
To sign up for a tour contact Valley View Rotary Club member Monica Herman.
Our annual Riverfest fencing take down project is coming in early July. It is a time to do some fun manual labor with your fellow Rotarians. Friends and family are welcome to come help. A sign-up sheet will be circulated at upcoming meetings. If you have any questions, please call or text Mike Herro @ 608 780 1217 THANKS!!
Sunday, July 5th, 2026… 7am – 9:30 am. (arrive when you can).
Bring: Gloves, wire cutter, plastic bag for old zip ties, old clothes
We will need one or two trailers to haul the fencing and posts.
The Rotary Works Foundation was founded in 1982 with the purpose of awarding grants for local and international activities. Through generous gifts from area Rotary Clubs (including VVR) and others, the Foundation makes a difference in the quality of life in our area and the world.
2025/2026 Grantees:
May 2026 - Northwoods International PTO - Increasing Playground Accessibility at Northwoods Elementary
Rotary Club of La Crescent - La Crescent Water Fountains Project
March 2026 - La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium - -Creating Connections program (with Alda Center)
February 2026 - La Crosse - Bantry Friendship Association - Jack & Kathy Lucey --Family Alzheimers Fund - robotic therapy dogs
River City Running Club - La Crosse Youth Track Club
Emanuel Lutheran Church
Caledonia - Summer Eats Program
Holmen Area Community Center - Tables
Caledonia School District -7th Grade Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center trip
Join us on Zoom if unable to meet with us in person.
https://laxymca-org.zoom.us/j/81822994924?pwd=ZzlVeHZoOUdXeGZwSkx
Password 469027
Check the schedule as holidays, social events or off-site meetings can alter our regular meeting time or place.
