News
New Director Natalie Raemisch highlights Senior/Community Center services
Natalie Raemisch, who recently took over the Executive Director role at the DeForest Area Community & Senior Center, shared some interesting facts about the Center as the May 17th meeting speaker. She also shared examples of how the Center is a community gathering place for DeForest, Windsor and Vienna, providing a welcoming place to meet, participate and volunteer while promoting independence self-reliance and well-being for older adults and their families. Thank you to Rotarian Jacob Vehring for inviting Natalie to the meeting. Learn more about the Center at www.deforestcenter.org/.
Two DAHS students prepare for Rotary Youth Exchange
DeForest Area High School students Kayla Camarato and John Camarato will be spending their next school year in other countries, as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange. Kayla will be spending the year in France, and John in Sweden. At the May 3rd meeting, Kayla and John shared the presentation about the U.S., Wisconsin, and DeForest, which they will give when they arrive their new host countries.
Blessings in a Backpack feed school-age children
Heather Treinen, Lana Ziegler, and Anne Staniforth were guests at our April 5th Rotary Club meeting, sharing how Blessings in a Backpack serves school-age children in the DeForest Area School District (DASD). Blessings, a non-profit organization, affiliated with the national Blessings in a Backpack organization, provides shelf-stable food for school-age children who face food insecurity on the weekends.
According to Treinen, who helped to found the organization in 2014, said that one in five kids at DASD struggles with access food for the 65 hours they are not at school. Treinen, Ziegler, and Staniforth told Rotarians about the needs of the program, including purchasing enough food to serve the nearly 200 students each week. The organization accepts donations to provide children with a health meals.
The DeForest Area School District, who provides a space for the organizations' supplies, recently honored the DeForest Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack with the 2022 Non-Profit Organization - Friend of Education award. The award was presented at the DeForest Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Chamber & Our Communities breakfast, held in March!
Learn more about Blessings in a Backpack on their Facebook page.
Lunch and reading with Windsor Elementary School 3rd graders
On Wednesday, March 22, several DeForest Area Rotarians enjoyed lunch with students in Theresa Gartland's 3rd grade class at Windsor Elementary School. The annual event is part of the school district's Adopt-a-Class program. After enjoying pizza and cookies, students read to us their favorite books.
Photos from the event below . . .
DeForest Area High School students attend Rotary Ethics Symposium
Eliza Volz recently attended the Rotary Ethics Symposium and shared her experience with our Club at the March 1 luncheon meeting. Thank you, Eliza.
It's time for the DeForest Area Rotary Club's Annual Holiday Poinsettia and Cheese Sale!
With your support, our local club can continue to provide scholarships, continue to develop youth programs, and make a difference in the community. Order from any DeForest Area Rotarian by November 18th. Poinsettias and cheese boxes will be delivered in time for holiday decorating and gift giving.
Club donates to D.A.N.N.
Once again, the DeForest Area Rotary Club, with help from Rodeside Grill, donated to the DeForest Area Needs Network. At the October 12th meeting, a check for $1,150 was presented to Kim Henze, D.A.N.N. President.
The funds were raised during the September 10th Yahara Riverfest event in DeForest. Rotarians sold meals during the afternoon event, with all profits going to D.A.N.N.
During the check presentation, Henze gave an update on D.A.N.N., sharing that in 2021 they processed referrals worth over $28,000. According to Henze, the majority of assistance was provided for rent.
D.A.N.N. provides and coordinates help for people in the DeForest Area School District, in the areas of safety, health, and daily tasks by dispersing funds received via fundraising activities or donations. The group also manages two Food Pantries, provides Thanksgiving dinners to those in need, and provides meals to homebound individuals.
DANN is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization founded in November 1998 at the suggestion of the DeForest Area Clergy.
Pictured are DeForest Area Rotary Club President Colin Robinson and D.A.N.N. President Kim Henze.
Paul Harris fellow
DeForest Area Rotary Club President Colin Robinson and Past President Jacob Vehring presented Kris Smith with her first Paul Harris Fellow recognition. This recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
Remarkable healthcare for kids
Lori Schultz, Development Outreach & Events Strategist for UW Health Kids was the featured speaker at the July 20th Rotary Club meeting. Such amazing services the UW Health American Family Children's Hospital provides to children and families. A cause definitely worth supporting, whether to enhance the patient experience or for medical research!
Rotary members volunteer at Village of DeForest Sports Complex
Rotary members combined community service, fundraising, and fun at the Village of DeForest Sports Complex July 15 & 16, 2022. Several members volunteered their time to work in the concession stand during a two-day baseball tournament that raised over $1,500. The funds will be used for local community projects.
More Paul Harris fellows!
This past month, four DeForest Area Club members earned Paul Harris Fellow recognition: Colleen Coyle (pictured at left with President Jacob Vehring), Eric Runez, David Grove, and Jacob Vehring (pictured at right with incoming president Colin Robinson). This recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
Lunch and reading with Windsor Elementary School 3rd graders
On Wednesday, March 16, several DeForest Area Rotarians enjoyed lunch with students in Theresa Gartland's 3rd grade class at Windsor Elementary School. The annual event, which was cancelled the past two years due to COVID, is part of the school district's Adopt-a-Class program. After enjoying pizza and cookies, students read to us their favorite books.
Photos from the event below . . .
Schultz recognized as Paul Harris Fellow!
DeForest Area Rotarian Mary Schultz, was recently recognized by our Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. This recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
Wilson recognized as Paul Harris Fellow!
DeForest Area Rotarian Pete Wilson, was recently recognized by our Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. This recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Pete is the Director of Administrative Services for the DeForest Area School District.
Blood drive: December 14, 2021
The DeForest Area Rotary Club will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1-6 pm, at the DeForest Area Public Library. Register to give here.
Club donates to D.A.N.N.
Once again, the DeForest Area Rotary Club, with help from Pete Beeber, owner of Rodeside Grill, donated to the DeForest Area Needs Network. At their November 10th meeting, a check for $1,700 was presented to Kim Henze, D.A.N.N. President, and Kristel Tatus, Joining Forces for Families Social Worker and D.A.N.N. Board Member .
The funds were raised during the September 11th Yahara Riverfest event in DeForest. Rotarians sold meals during the afternoon event, with all profits going to D.A.N.N. The Club added $1,000 more to the donation.
During the check presentation, Henze gave an update on D.A.N.N., sharing that in 2020 they processed 76 referrals worth over $35,000.
According to their Facebook page, D.A.N.N. provides and coordinates help for people in the DeForest Area School District, in the areas of safety, health, and daily tasks by dispersing funds received via fundraising activities or donations. The group also manages two Food Pantries, provides Thanksgiving dinners to those in need, and provides meals to homebound individuals.
DANN is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization founded in November 1998 at the suggestion of the DeForest Area Clergy.
DANN’s Board of Directors is comprised of a representative from each of the local churches, a representative from the local Joining Forces for Families, and a representative from the DMB Community Bank, and a representative from Thrivent Financial.
Pictured are DeForest Area Rotary Club President Jacob Vehring, Rotarian and Yahara Riverfest Chair Katie Lea, Kristel Tatus, and Kim Henzie.
Treats for kids!
A few DeForest Area Rotarians volunteered their time on Monday, Nov. 1 to hand out candy treats to children. The annual Trick or Treat event is hosted by the DeForest Area High School National Honor Society. Hundreds of children dressed up, started at the Rotary station, and then moved through Harvest Intermediate School for fun activities and lots of treats!
District Governor visits club meeting
Thank you to 6250 District Governor, Karen Hebert, for visiting our club on October 13th, and for your inspring message. https://rotary6250.org/
Fellowship at the park!
Great to meeting in-person with our Rotary friends. May 26th meeting at Fireman’s Park.
Club supports Books for the World
Thanks to our DeForest Rotary Club members Blake Hart and David Grove, along with the Madison Horizons Rotary Club, for delivering 11 pallets of books for the Books for the World program!
The books, which are no longer used, were donated by the DeForest Area School District.