THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER JASON GILMAN RIVERPOINT PROJECT
Jason Gilman previously served as the director of planning and development for the city of La Crosse, after which he became a principal at JBG Planning LLC. His 38-year career has centered on the improvement of the city, focused on the stewardship and revitalization of the urban core. Trained in landscape architecture and urban planning, Jason has served in leadership positions at the state and national level with the American Planning Association. Currently, he is project manager for the 70-acre River Point redevelopment project in La Crosse.
An energetic group of 20 Valley View Rotarians, family members and friends played pickleball at the Dash Center. About half the people had never played before. Everyone survived with just a few minor bumps and scrapes, but no bruised egos.
Longtime Valley View Rotarian Tom Sahlstrom, left, received two Paul Harris Fellowships presented by Valley View Rotarian Brad Quarberg during the Wednesday, Feb. 4, meeting. Sahlstrom received his PHF +5 and PHF +6 pins after compiling points from his on-going and one-time donations.
Sahlstrom graduated with a bachelor of science in hotel restaurant management from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota, in 1983. From 1984-1994 he worked for The Four Seasons Hotel, The Ritz Carlton Hotel and La Costa Resort & Spa in different locations — all while being committed to service excellence in hotel management.
In 1994 he changed careers and joined Edward Jones as a financial advisor. From 2006-14 he was the regional leader for Wisconsin and in 2007 became a managing partner with Edward Jones, where he worked until retiring in September 2020.
Sahlstrom has been a member of Valley View since 1994, serving as president in from 1999-2000. Currently, he heads up sponsorships for the club’s Moon Tunes. He has served with the Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors for English Lutheran Church. He sits on the La Crosse Country Club board, along with working on special projects with hotel renovations.
The La Crosse School District is doing s survey to name the 2 new elementary schools. Please click on the links below to submit suggestions for naming the schools.
We are seeking host families in the West Salem School district for our high school age international exchange student Aug 2026-July 2027. The exchange period is split between 3 host families so about 3 1/2 months per family. This is a life enriching experience for both the host families and the student.
"Hosting pushes us outside the regular hum-drum of daily life. We are more likely to go to activities, visit cities, museums—all fun! And we appreciate learning about the student, their culture, and language." ~2024 La Crosse WI Host Family
Please contact Nancy Schmidt if you are interested in learning more or wish to refer a family member or friend: nkschmidt4965@gmail.com or 608-518-2666
TriCon brings together members from three Rotary International Districts: 6220, 6250, and 6270. These districts serve clubs in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a portion of Minnesota, and most of Wisconsin.
At TriCon, participants learn, are inspired, and grow through interactive workshops, plenary speakers, and networking opportunities. All this truly makes TriCon an outstanding Rotary conference experience.
Don't miss out on this lively, educational, and fun-filled Rotarian experience.
When Shari Laffredi was working with Viterbo University during the Ukrainian delegation's Open World visit, she made contact with a student organization called "The Sustainability Club" (Sustainability Club offers a way into environmentalism – Lumen). Since sunflowers are a significant industry in Ukraine, they plan to do a "Sunflowers for Ukraine" fundraiser. They will have a booth at the Logan High School Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 21, where they will sell sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, sunflowers, and sunflower-themed paintings and crafts. “100% of proceeds will go to UNITED24:UNITED24 - The Initiative of the President of the Ukraine”. I know we have many talented, crafty and artistic people in our club, so if anyone would like to create or donate artwork/crafts to sell at this fundraiser, your donations would be very welcome! As we get closer to the event, we will work out details for setup/takedown and manning the booth from 9am-3pm. If anyone has art/crafts to offer, can help out at the booth on 3/21, or has questions, please contact Shari at slaffredi@yahoo.com or 262-488-0021. More info to come. Thank you!
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.
April 17-18, 2026 in Wisconsin Dells
