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Visiting and prospective Rotarians are always welcome. We hope to see you there!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 12:00 PM

River Club of Mequon

12400 North Ville Du Parc Drive
Mequon, WI 53092
United States of America

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Nancy touts gardens in celebration of Earth Day

Sometimes we forget what a plethora of knowledge and insights may be found at any Rotary gathering. Recently Matt Joynt enlightened us about all the great things happening in Mequon-Thiensville Schools. Ellen MacFarlane shared stories of the impact Rotary makes in Guatemala. Jenne Hohn, Sandy Custer, and Kathleen Schneider keep us up to date on the progress toward the Rotary All-User Playground.

Now we have our own Nancy Witte-Dycus sharing her wisdom about gardening and tips on how we can celebrate Earth Day. Join us April 21, for a program sure to feel like spring.

State of Schools: Matt Joynt on Local Education

TM Rotarian Matthew Joynt has been the Superintendent of the Mequon-Thiensville School District since 2017.

He began teaching in public education in 1999. Prior to his current role, Matt served as the assistant superintendent of educational services in MTSD for four years. He holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, a master's degree from UWM and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Matthew has extensive experience working to engage students, capitalizing on opportunities to embrace diversity, and facilitating change and continuous improvement efforts within organizations located in metropolitan areas. It is his goal to improve school performance, and Matthew has led school reform at elementary and secondary schools improving teaching and school culture to promote academic growth and help students embrace lifelong learning.

He will talk about the State of our Schools.

Aging Smart: Medicare Overview

Melinda Caughill did her best to demystify Medicare in 20 minutes. For more information, call her at Unbiased Medicare Help: (262) 223-3433, or visit 65-incorporated.com.

Melinda and her mother, nationally-recognized Medicare expert and pioneer, Diane J. Omdahl, RN, MS, , founded 65 Incorporated and the revolutionary i65 Medicare guidance software, Melinda uses her expertise to provide today’s seniors, their families, and their professional advisors with unbiased, expert Medicare guidance.

Brew & Business: Fiddleheads Coffee

Fiddleheads Coffee, Thiensville's oldest family-owned and operated small-batch roastery, has joined FairWave Collective, a collective of specialty coffee brands operating together to drive quality coffee within communities. Now a beloved local brand and community gathering place, Fiddleheads first opened their doors in 1996 against the backdrop of a burgeoning local arts scene as an abundance of craft coffee shops began to pop up across the Greater Milwaukee Area.

Since its founding, Fiddleheads coffee has been a champion for local artists. With 8 distinctly beautiful shops scattered across the Greater Milwaukee area, their legacy as a family-owned coffee retailer has stood the test of time. As Fiddleheads joins FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective, owner Ray Marcy is “thrilled” to have found a partner committed to carrying on his family’s legacy. “Fiddleheads is our family’s baby,” reflected Marcy. “It was really important to us that if we ever did decide to sell, it would be to someone who works in coffee—someone who understands how special Fiddleheads is to us, and how special it has become to the local community here.”

As Fiddleheads’ 29th birthday approached, Marcy and co-owner Mike Wroblewski, began thoughtfully considering what Fiddleheads’ legacy might look like at 40, and the best path to actualizing that vision. “After meeting with Isaac and the incredible FairWave team for over a year, we knew we’d found the right home for our brand,” Marcy continued.

Heart of a Survivor: Matt Panelli’s Journey

Join us to hear the compelling story of Matt Panelli, a 41-year-old cancer survivor. who has struggled with MS for over 10 years, overcame his emotional demons, and took on the challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHgoxi7V548

DIY Dreams: Board & Brush Story + Possible Activity

Board & Brush Creative Studio started as a “Girl’s Night Out” with wine and crafts in our founder’s basement and quickly turned into a business idea. From the first studio in Hartland, the business has grown to 191 locations in the United States, but the company is growing so quickly, there may be an update January 13, when we hear about this unique creative concept that combines woodworking, custom graphics, and fun!

While no experience is necessary, the Board & Brush Creative Studio goal is to turn anyone into a "DYI master" by teaching you to understand and appreciate the beauty of raw materials—the wood, the knots, the color variations and the simple imperfections that will make your project unique. Distressing, sanding with the grain, and staining are a few of the important steps we will guide you through to make your personalized wood sign look as though it has been with you for years—like a vintage heirloom.

Join us to hear about this concept and company.

Fresh Start: Happy Place Kitchen Returns January 6

Tuesday, January 6, we welcome back the ladies who created the Happy Place Cooking Space, an accessible teaching kitchen designed for all ages and abilities, in Cedarburg. At Happy Place, everyone has the opportunity to learn at their own pace in a supportive environment with adaptive tools and equipment.

Our Vision: A world where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can explore their full potential and find community.

Our Mission: To foster happiness by sharing the joys of cooking and eating together, teach skills that build independence and inspire creativity, and create an environment of belonging where everyone is included, and where everyone can have a positive experience in the kitchen.

Chef Hadley urges everyone to make their own pasta

Chef Hadley Shully, daugher of Beth and Scott Shully, of Shully's Cuisine & Events, spoke at a recent TM Rotary meeting and demonstrated something that may baffle many -- pasta making. She amazingly made homemade pasta in the brief time allotted to our speakers.

She promised that the pasta is far tastier than anything that comes in a box and cooks even faster. Maybe it's time to give her simple recipe a try.

Winter Rally: Pickleball Pro Tips + Kingdom Launch

Pickleball is named after a dog named Pickles. Finally, the name makes sense to me.

This is just one of the things we learned from franchisees Greg Straub and Doug Reigle, who owns Pickleball Kingdom in Menomonee Falls. Pickleball is the fasted growing sport in the country. Pickleball Kingdom limits their membership to 100 per each of their 17 courts. They offer memberships, classes, drills, leagues, and events. There is something for everyone. The speakers both stressed that this sport can be played by anyone and offers physical, social, and spiritual benefits for those who play it.

Homestead Performing Arts Department

Join us for a look behind the scenes at the Homestead High School Fine Arts Department with Amelia Figg-Franzoi, Tuesday, November 18.

It is is comprised of five different areas: Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater, and Visual Arts. Through exposure to the arts, we strive to cultivate an environment where our students can grow into successful, confident adults. Artists can select from courses in acting, directing, technical theatre, concert band, string orchestra, Highlander Choir, metals, ceramics, digital art, painting, photography, AP Music Theory, AP Research, and much, much more.

Theatre is fundamentally about sharing ideas. It’s about sharing ideas not only from the cast to the audience but from and to everyone involved in the process. It’s about a writer having an idea and sharing it with the director, and about this director sharing that idea with a cast, and that cast sharing their ideas with the director and with each other, which – after a lot more sharing – is finally shared with an audience. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Theatre is about fun. It’s about playing make-believe, causing mischief, finding a family and sharing experiences with one another – connecting in ways you didn’t think possible. It’s about backstage parties, inside jokes and having a group of people you know will always be there for you.

Theatre is about gaining a deeper understanding of the way the world works, and how you fit into that. It’s about flooding your head with new bundles of feelings woven into those things we humans called Ideas and growing these Ideas with every rehearsal until they become embroidered and beaded into things which are fundamentally parts of You. And You develop too. Theatre is about constantly moving and growing and learning and developing as a person and feeding into that with everything you do.

Theatre is about challenging viewpoints. It’s about turning everything you and the people around you know as normal on its head and offering up ideas as to what could replace this pre-conceived normality.

Theatre is about making new worlds. It’s about working in a suspended reality where normality is meaningless, and anything can be anything because – momentarily – you can play god.

Theatre is a celebration. A celebration of humanity.

Service & Storytelling: Life at the Pentagon

We had a most appropriate speaker for Veterans Day. Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink, U.S. Navy Reserve (retired) shared stories of his 35 years of service in the Navy and Naval Reserves. We thank the Admiral and all Rotarians who have served in the military for their service and for our freedom.

October 24: A Day for Global Unity & Global Health

October 24 holds a dual significance that few days can match: it is both United Nations Day and World Polio Day. One honors our collective aspirations for peace and cooperation; the other celebrates a milestone in humanity’s ongoing journey toward a polio-free world.

These two observances share more than a date—they share a purpose. Both remind us of what is possible when people, communities, and countries come together to solve problems bigger than any one nation can handle alone.

Since 1988, thanks to the efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)—a partnership that includes the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Rotary International—polio cases have dropped by more than 99.9%. We are this close to eradicating a disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children every year.

The United Nations has long been a cornerstone of that effort, ensuring that vaccines reach even the most remote and unstable regions. It’s proof of what multilateralism can accomplish: practical progress that saves lives.

But the job isn’t finished. Polio still exists in a handful of countries. And in an interconnected world, it only takes one missed vaccination to risk resurgence.

What can you do today?

Get informed. Learn the facts about polio and how close we are to ending it forever.
Support global health organizations. Even a small donation can fund critical vaccinations.
Talk about it. Share stories and stats about polio eradication. Many people think it’s already gone.
Thank frontline workers. Whether doctors, UN personnel, or volunteers—they’re the backbone of this fight.
Advocate for peace and access. Polio thrives in conflict zones. Peacebuilding and public health go hand in hand.

Let today be a reminder: global problems demand global solutions. When we unite across borders for a shared mission—like eradicating disease or preserving peace—everyone wins.

#WorldPolioDay #UnitedNationsDay #EndPolio #GlobalHealth #UN75 #PeopleOfAction #PublicHealth #OneWorld

Cookies & Courage: Cookie Artist’s Sweet Story + Activity

Melissa Wolfram, Owner of Truly Scrumptious Cookies LLC in Mequon, will join us Tuesday to tell us about her tasty business.

Truly Scrumptious Cookies specializes in creating deliciously fun cookie favors that will leave your clients with the Sweetest Impression of your organization. Our cookies are baked fresh to order in our commercial kitchen, using quality ingredients like King Arthur Flour, Land O'Lakes Butter & Premium Vanilla Extract. Each cookie is hand decorated with a soft, delicious glaze, then charmingly embellished with royal icing. A perfect combination!

Years of experience and a very organized system easily enables us to create corporate sized quantities. Lead time is generally 1 week for standard designs and a few weeks for custom designs. Treat your customers to a Truly Scrumptious Cookie and you'll be joining the ranks of some of our prominent business clients like Tory Burch, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Microsoft, Sam Edelman, Morgan Stanley and Mont Blanc. We ship year round to every state in the US! FedEx is our preferred carrier to safely and promptly deliver your delicious cookies.

For more information, visit Melissa's website (www.TSCookies.com) or visit her Etsy Shop: www.TSCookies.Etsy.com

Last call for Family Cooking Class

Join the TM Rotary Cooking Class!

Register

📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025

🕟 4:30 – 6:00 PM

📍 Happy Place Cooking Space W57N14280 Doerr Way, Cedarburg, WI

💲 $50 per person

What You’ll Gain:

Practical kitchen tips
Simple prep-ahead strategies
Repeatable recipes for healthy mornings

You’ll leave with a ready-to-go meal prep of breakfast items to enjoy at home!

Class Plan & Menu:

Start with a tasty amuse-bouche: Chewy Breakfast Cookies
Prepare and take home: Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches & Everyday Overnight Oats

Registration Deadline: October 21

Behind the Lens: A Unique View of the Green Bay Packers

At last week's Rotary meeting, longtime Green Bay Packers team photographer, Jim Biever, shared shots taken by him and his father before him.

As team photographer, Jim had access to the players in ways most fans can't even imagine. Yes, there fabulous action shots, lots of trophies, and community events. But we also saw the players goofing around in the lockeroom and on tour buses.

Biever’s photographs are now represented by Getty Images and AP Images, available for publication in newspapers, books, TV networks, websites and advertising worldwide. Jim Biever images, often emotional, often iconic, preserve the spirit of Green Bay Packers football legacy.

Chef’s Table Live: Culinary Stories & Tutorial

Who hasn’t had one of those moments after a hectic and exhausting day when you ask, “Can’t somebody just come over to my house and cook for me?”

When Karen Wilets, owner of the Good Life Catering company, recognized this niche in the culinary world, she sought to fill it. Wilets’ success story began when she started supplementing her income by making desserts for the restaurant where she was employed. Her reputation for phenomenal sweets grew, and people started to ask when she was going to make other foods. Three years ago, the demand for Wilets’ food was so great, she was able to leave her job and commit herself to the Good Life, her homegrown business specializing in catering and personal chef services.

“People don’t have to go out to a restaurant to get a perfectly plated, creative and delicious meal,” Wilets explains. “I want my clients and their friends to feel like they just had food from the best restaurant in town, but in the comfort of their own home.”

While the Good Life accommodates cocktail parties, gourmet champagne brunches and catered corporate events, the business is gaining notice for its creative take on a private, in-home multi-course dinner with wine pairing. For a “Mystery Dinner,” a host or hostess invites 10 to 20 guests with instructions to bring their own “portion of protein,” anything from alligator to textured vegetable protein. Without any knowledge of what the guests will be bringing, chef Wilets, with a nod to “Iron Chef,” designs an eight-course meal around the ingredients.

“The last time I made a mystery dinner I was given four live lobsters,” Wilets says. “Whatever it is, I will make it work.”

She has a gift for spontaneous recipes that carry the flavor and texture of a dish that has been time-tested. Guests can expect petite plates that arrange color and dimension in a presentation that reflects the art degree Wilets earned from UW-Madison.

The Good Life also offers intimate cooking classes for four that teach students recipes and culinary techniques ranging from South American cuisine to sushi rolling. Once they have completed at least four classes, Wilets treats students to a dinner for two. “For me, eating scrumptious food and having fun with friends is the good life,” Wilets says. “I try to bring the good life to every event we’re invited to.”

For more information on the Good Life Catering, call (414) 416-2005 or visit www.glcatering.com.

Russ earns fifth Paul Harris Award

Russ Witte-Dycus earned his fifth Paul Harris Award.

Paul Harris (1868-1947) founded Rotary Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey. They gathered at Loehr’s office in downtown Chicago for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting, February 23, 1945. Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Society recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Butterflies & Balance: Monarch Education & Interaction

Raising Monarch butterﬂies from egg to release is a passion for Shelly Culea. This has led Shelly to also become an expert in growing pollinator plants and establishing butterﬂy gardens.

Traveling to the UNESCO World Heritage Monarch Sanctuaries in Mexico was a remarkable and profound experience for Shelly. Since the 2015 Monarch Sanctuary visit, she has volunteered to help the butterﬂy by presenting Monarch lectures, workshops and installing Butterﬂy Gardens in area public and private land. Shelly has installed Butterﬂy Gardens at the Port Washington City Hall, seven Group Homes, the Villa Terrace Museum and the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin. Through Shelly’s enthusiasm and encouragement she is able to persuade citizens to embrace the Monarch butterﬂy and help it’s recovery.

To learn about the three Monarch Lectures Shelly can present to your organization please go to: www.monarchprograms.com

Donate:

Monarchwatch.org

No meeting this week, but lots of news!

Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club Members are taking center stage at Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce Events this fall.

Wednesday, September 17, the Chamber Luncheon features Jenne Hohn, Sandy Custer, and Kathleen Schneider talking about the Rotary All-User Playground. The trio will discuss the importance of building community through inclusive play. The luncheon will be at North Shore Country Club, 3100 West Country Club Drive. Make your reservation directly through the Chamber. In the comments section please note: I want to sit with other T-M Rotarians.

The Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce is honoring our own Angelica Niemann as Next Generation Leader Wednesday, October 23, 5 to 8pm, at the Watermark at Shully's, 146 Green Bay Road, Thiensville. Please make your reservations directly through the Chamber. In the comments section please note: I want to sit with other T-M Rotarians.

Meet the Team designing the Rotary Park Playground

Join us for the Rotary Park Playground Rotary Joint Meeting and meet the team who will bring this all-inclusive park to life.

Registration is now live for the October 1 event at Reuter Pavilion. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAD2EA3F4C25-58090956-joint

The food for the event is being generously donated by Highland House. The deadline to register is September 24.

Melinda Pearson, Regional Manager for Landscape Structures:

With 30+ years in the recreation industry, Melinda has led hundreds of creative, user-focused projects worldwide.

Jill Moore Inclusive Play Specialist and Employee Owner for Landscape Structures:

Jill focuses on best design practices for multi-generational spaces, inclusive play environments, and universal design principles.

Meghan Barrett, Consultant, CPSI:

Meghan brings a great perspective on inclusivity and a passion to promote play in the most inclusive, safe, and imaginative way.

Hollie Rickey, President of Gerber Leisure Products - Landscape Structures Wisconsin Representative:

Holly's firm is a leading designer and installer of commercial playgrounds, splash pads, shelters, site furnishings, and everything that makes a park come to life.