In 1999, Mayor Christine Nuernberg appointed a Blue Ribbon Visioning Committee to make recommendations for the future of Mequon. Part of this initiative was a city-wide survey sent out in 2001 including one question asking if residents supported the idea of establishing a joint town center with the Village of Thiensville. It was a pleasant surprise that a clear majority was in favor of this initiative and a Town Center Committee was established. It consisted of community leaders from both Mequon and Thiensville plus the M/T Chamber of Commerce. This committee included Rotarians Bob Blazich, Van Mobley, Stan Smith, and Nancy Witte-Dycus with city and village support from other Rotarians: Mayor Christine Nuernberg, Village Administrator Dianne Robertson and Village President Karl Hertz.
The Rotary Riverwalk was one of the first Town Center initiatives and had additional Rotarian members in leadership roles including Sandy Custer, Chris Frommel, Herb Hillman, Greg Huffman, Roger Kirgues, Roger Reinemann, and Ted Weirather as well as donations from numerous Rotarians.
Over the years, as the Town Center was developed, it was determined that some sort of a Gateway feature would play a key role on the river at the intersection of Mequon and Cedarburg Roads. A committee was appointed, comprised of citizens and staff members of both communities to design and create the project. After the design was approved, it was determined that fundraising and construction of the project would be simplified if it was led by the Thiensville/Mequon Rotary Foundation. Rotarians Tim Carr, Dan Gannon, Stan Smith, Herb Hillman, Tim Vertz, Connie Pukaite, Steve Peterman and Sandy Custer were leaders in the effort. Now completed, the project has been fully funded.
The Thiensville/Mequon Rotary Club was a leading donor, with large donations over the past three years. Many members find their names on the donor wall.
The threat of cold on Saturday, Oct. 23rd did not deter the eager volunteers from our club, the Sunrise Rotary Club, and student volunteers from the High School, as we eagerly accepted clothing, toiletries, and money for the Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy. We had so many volunteers that four of our volunteers assisted with the shred event taking place at the same time in Thiensville Park.
Connie Pukaite organized a group to inspect used clothing to make sure it was appropriate for winter in Wisconsin. As a result, Family Sharing benefited from 4-5 bags of slightly used clothing and Family Promise received three comforters. $200 cash was collected to supplement the donations.
If you missed the event and still want to donate monetarily, you can go to the website for the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition: MMWConline.org. Click on the green button, pull down the menu and click on Afghan Refugee Relief Fund. It’s easy and you can print out a receipt.
Todd Davis captured some Rotarians out and about during the Thiensville Business Association’s Trick or Treat for the Community on Thursday, October 28.
Rotarians and friends of Rotary were delighted to attend T-M Rotary’s annual Fall Into Comedy on Thursday, October 14. The event returned after a pause in 2020. This year’s event did not disappoint.
Thiensville-Mequon Rotarians generously put together donations from local businesses and beyond to support the Silent Auction. From local goods to local experiences, the auction and raffles raised a healthy amount for the Club. We offer special thanks to all those who volunteered for the event - from set-up to take-down - we had a wonderful team!
Although comedian John DeBoer was billed as the star of the show, the spotlight was stolen by two lovely princesses - Jax and Mads Guth (aka Anna and Elise). The two princesses “Trick or Treated to End Polio,” and raised almost $700. These funds will support Rotary’s global initiative to end polio. The girls’ giggles were the highlight of the evening.
We wish to thank the event’s generous sponsors. The event sponsor was Sommer’s Automotive. The marketing sponsor was Port Washington State Bank. The entertainment sponsor was O’Leary-Guth Law Office. Food sponsors were: American Family Insurance/Todd Davis Agency, Sandy & Jean Custer, Gathering on the Green, Richard Johannes, DDS SC, Tim Carr, RBC Wealth Management, John & Mimi Rosing, Spur 16, and State Farm Insurance. Table sponsors were: American Family Insurance/Todd Davis Agency, C.J.’s Table, Baird - The Sommersberger Group, Sandy Custer & Dan Gannon, Ellen MacFarlane, MATC, O’Leary-Guth Law Office, Port Washington State Bank, Sommers Automotive Group, Stan Smith, and the T-M Rotary Noon Club. Patron sponsors included: Sandy Custer, Karl Hertz, Herb Hallman, CPA, Dianne Robertson, Robertson, Ryan & Associates, and Stan Smith. Our in-kind sponsors included The Washington House Inn and Dean Johnson, Photographer.
Many thanks to Rotarians, friends, and community members who came out for an evening of fun, festivities, and philanthropy. We are grateful for the support. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event!
