March is clean water and sanitation month for Rotary
We take for granted our ability to drink clean water on a daily basis, but did you know there are two million Americans living without safe, running water and basic indoor plumbing? Check out this CBS Sunday Morning special to learn more. Right in our own back yard, some of our friends on French Island have learned their water supply has been contaminated by Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Our own Dustin Luecke explains more.
Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary works to bring sustainable change to communities; essential for healthy and productive lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that hand washing — which requires a safe water source — is essential to our health. Yet more than 2 billion people worldwide don’t have access to clean water and 2.3 billion lack basic sanitation services. For the past few years, After Hours, along with a few of our area Interact Clubs and the Rotary Works Foundation has provided funding for 15 water filters that bring drinkable water to 3,000 primary school students in Valladolid, Mexico. Some of our members even traveled down for the instillation dedication. (Ask Brandon, Josh, Bill or Keith Lease to tell you more about it next time you see them!)
$24 is all it takes to provide one person with safe water. Next time you take a drink of water, a warm shower or even flush your toilet, remember how lucky we are... and be proud to be a part of an organization that has invested more than $51 million in global grants to enable clubs like ours to carry out projects and make clean water and hygiene a reality for all.
Our March 23rd Club Meeting with The Good Fight will be Virtual Only
*** Change in Plans *** The Good Fight Community Center is unable to host us in person due to it being a busy night with kids and volunteers and potential space issues, so our meeting will be virtual only.
The Good Fight’s charitable mission is to provide at-risk and disadvantaged youth with hope, encouragement, and a safe environment to develop personal goals, discipline, and values free from juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, truancy, crime gang activities, and other difficult challenges. This past year, RAH contributed $10,000 to help them purchase a new van to transport their kids. Come hear more about this organization and what they are doing to help vulnerable youth in our community!
“Look, it’s the Leaning Tower of Cottage Chee-Sa!” Laura said.
Pallets full of highly-stacked boxes inched precariously into place, pushed by a forklift as Rotarians gathered for the WAFER food fair. Despite some “Oooh” and “Ahhh”-inducing sways, the boxes made it into the line-up. Nothing fell.
And so began a late-Saturday-morning volunteer gig for RAH. We had a cool gang of folks there, ready to serve! Our group ran the gamut: We had several charter members as well as a prospective member who actually turned in a club application on site! Our oldest …err, …wisest volunteer was 45 and our youngest was a 6-year old. Thanks, Bentley! There were even volunteers who were volunteering! Laramie and Lucas brought their ‘Little’ along, from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Way to go, Zach!
With Covid protocols in place we placed boxes and products into cars and trucks. “We got a back-seater!” the front of the line would holler to the back when a vehicle didn’t have room in their trunk.
We distributed frozen meat, cottage cheese, butter, peaches and pears, whole chickens and chicken legs. We gave out cookies and mangos and bread. The people loved us! And our President hawked hot dogs like a pro. Marissa is ready for Loggers Field.
And, like true Rotarians, we got the job done! There was nothing precarious about our crew. Solid as a RAH-ck! Thank you, everyone.
The end of the rainbow led RAHtarians to Dublin Square last Thursday to celebrate St. Patty's (the day after!) The laughter and joy of being together, cheers'ing with a cold Guinness and bites of Reuban Rolls made us feel like we found a pot of gold! Many thanks to everyone who came for the libations.
Join After Hours Rotarians, friends and family and {virtually} cheers with a cold one and raise money for Polio Eradication!
Since 1985 Rotary Clubs worldwide have been united in the efforts to eradicate this deadly disease. Every dollar raised will be matched 2-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. All proceeds raised will go to Polio Plus. Area Rotarians, friends, family or anyone interested is welcome to participate!
RAH's Virtual Pints for Polio event will take place on Friday, April 9th from 6:30-8pm.
Support us and our Polio fundraising efforts 1 of 2 ways:
$20 includes:
12 oz. can 6 pack
Pearl Street Brewery Pint Glass
Virtual tour of Pearl Street Brewery
DTB Brown Ale, Shitty Lyte Beer, Pearl Street Pale Ale, Turisimo Cucumber Lime Hard Seltzer, Turisimo Mixed Berry Hard Seltzer, Purple Reign ~ Semi Sweet
To Help Eradicate Polio and Drink Beer, sign up for the $20 option
$30 includes:
16 oz. can 6 pack
Pearl Street Brewery Pint Glass
Virtual tour of Pearl Street Brewery
DTB Brown Ale, Shitty Lyte Beer, Linalool IPA, Vanilla Orange Haze IPA, Supreme Fatty Juicy IPA, Me, Myself and IPA
To Help Eradicate Polio and Drink Beer, sign up for the $30 option
Sign up by April 5 at {rotaryafterhours.org}
Pick up location will be emailed out prior to virtual event.
*Must be 21 years of age on 4/9/2021 to participate
We'd like to recognize James Murray, our February Rotarian of the Month!
James joined After Hours on November 19 of 2019 and has been engaged and a real asset to our club ever since. He attends nearly all of our RAH events, socials and volunteer opportunities!
Additionally:
James organized a bike ride social
He hosted virtual trivia this past fall
He was a big help with Ugly Sweater, being in charge of the volunteers and spending many hours volunteering himself
He is a strong contributor to The Rotary Foundation (receiving his +1 already)
If asked, he always seems willing to help, like his devotion on our Strategic Plan writing team, our upcoming beer social fundraiser and signing up for multiple days to deliver Mobile Meals!
Whether it's volunteering, helping with fundraisers or coming up with new ideas for the club, you can always count in James to be there lending a helping hand. We are stronger because of him and his commitment to service above self.
Thanks for all that you do for Rotary After Hours, James!
Lakshya Arora has already built an impressive global resume. Originally from Chandigarh, India (near the Himalayan foothills about 155 mi [250 km] north of New Delhi), Lakshya lists travel at the top of his interests calling the US his third country of long-term residence. He said that helps him grow a unique perspective about our world.
Working as an intern architect with River Architects, Lakshya earned a bachelor's of architecture in 2019 from his hometown and a diploma of architecture in 2014. When he's not working, Lakshya enjoys taking in La Crosse's historic architecture. He enjoys photography, art and digital illustrations, and may find a few sights to capture at another favorite, Riverside Park.
He said he is both patient and a fast learner, helping him face tough situations. Lakshya said he wants to work for the community and sees RAH as a great opportunity to help improve the lives of others and make friends in a healthy environment.
Making friends likely won't prove too tough for Lakshya, as he's a big fan of “The Office” as well as Spotted Cow and cheese curds. But, to balance out our local indulgences, Lakshya also enjoys plenty of physical activity including adventure sports, hiking, tennis, soccer and cricket. Maybe he can give RAH a few pointers on batting and bowling in one of the world's most popular sports!
Share your perspective and learn a little more about Lakshya's world when you see him at a RAH meeting or activity!
Please give a warm RAH welcome to one of our newest members, Nathan Crowder!
A recent transfer to the area, Nathan (not Nate) Crowder appreciates the “automatic connection with like-minded people who want to serve their community” that RAH offers.
In coming to La Crosse, he joins a community that like his hometown of Weaverville, NC, is a beer mecca. Nathan tells us that Weaverville, known for being the home of the Biltmore Estate, also won the title Beer City USA several years back.
By trade, Nathan still works for Northwest Arkansas Community College but is looking for something locally in the actuarial or data science field, perhaps at a local college or university. He brings with him a master's degree in math.
Outside of work, Nathan said he's looking for anything outdoors or adventurous. Perhaps will find what he seeks with his partner, Megan on the trails and blufflands that comprise the Coulee Region.
Given his math background, it's no surprise he also enjoys solving problems and reading. He also said he can pogo jump and hula hoop, though he doesn't think he could do so at the same time. (Could make for interesting club social activities!)
Help make Nathan feel welcome by raising a glass with him at the next RAH event!
Home is a pretty big deal in new member Spencer Hegenbarth's life – not just because this past year has forced him (and the rest of us) to spend much of our time there.
Spencer (or Spenc) works as a Realtor with RE/MAX Results. And right now, you're thinking, “That's how I know him!” Likely you've seen his signs all over town.
What you may not know about Spencer is he calls Galesville his hometown, and served our country as a Marine. He said he also used to manage a grocery store.
Spencer tells us he joined RAH to better connect with people and find opportunities to help in the community. Connecting shouldn't be too hard as he's into a number of activities including: crossfit, golf, bowling, shooting, hiking, watching movies and more!
Help make Spencer feel right at home at the next RAH meeting or event!
The final part of the Wheels of Hope Project, the purchase of a bus, is on the horizon.
This is for the Zabuli Education Center, one of the few schools for girls in Afghanistan. A new school year begins at the end of March and Razia Jan, the schools’ founder, will travel from the US on March 5 to support the school’s opening. The top priority on her to-do list is to purchase a bus! She continues to express deep appreciation for the many Rotarians who supported this project. At a time where there are so many challenges because of the pandemic, the Wheels of Hope Project is a bright spot for the school.
During the past decade, Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation (named for its founder Razia Jan) has created transformative change by educating more than 1,000 girls from kindergarten through college. Graduates have have gone on to become teachers, midwives and shop owners, equipping them to support their families and creating positive economic and social impact where they live and work.
Enjoy this inarguably adorable video from RRH kindergartener Mubashira, reciting a nursery rhyme in Dari.
It's one of the easiest things you can do on our new ClubRunner site, and it helps others in RAH get to know you better
Maybe you're new to RAH or you're new to our new ClubRunner format website. Perhaps the list of things to do in the member area is a little overwhelming. In this "How To" series, we'll help you sort through some of the clutter to clear up any confusion.
First things first, let's get that profile updated.
The first step to accessing your profile is to get to the ClubRunner administrative menu. Access this by clicking Member Login in the upper right corner of the main page. From there, you'll be brought to the member login.
To login, you'll need to enter your username. That's your first name and last name, separated by a dot, followed by the number 11961--the RAH identification number on ClubRunner. For example: First.Last.11961 (capitalize the first letter of both first name and last name). Then, enter your password in the field below.
If you don't have a password yet, click the New User option (or Forgot Password if you've done that already) and enter the email you entered in your RAH application. If you encounter any problems, please send us a message via the Contact Us option on the main page.
Once you're logged in, you'll be brought back to the main page. Now there will be three options on the top of the page. Click on the Member Area option. That will bring up the administrative menu, with many of the options grayed-out. ClubRunner gives access to the various options through different administrative levels. Some of you might see more options than others. For our purposes today, the one that matters is in the lighter blue bar and titled "My ClubRunner" and in the light grey bar beneath pops up several different options. Select "My Profile."
After clicking that, you'll be able to upload a photo (think something you'd use on LinkedIn), edit your personal details and any biographical information you'd like to include. This helps fellow members both recognize you at meetings or events and find some common conversation topics. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Polio Plus is a Signature Program of The Rotary Foundation
PolioPlus is Rotary’s priority program which supports global efforts to eradicate polio. It was launched in 1985, with the help of Dr. Albert Sabin, developer of the oral polio vaccine, as a worldwide program to protect children from the cruel and fatal consequences of polio. In 1988, the World Health Assembly challenged the world to eradicate polio, and since that time, Rotary’s efforts, along with partner agencies, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and governments around the world have achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide.
As of 2018-19, The Rotary Foundation has raised over US$1.6 billion for polio eradication. By the time the world is certified polio-free, our contributions will make Rotary the largest non-governmental financial contributor to the global polio eradication effort.
ROTARY’S POLIO CHALLENGE
Since 2013, the Gates Foundation has matched every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication 2-to-1. In January 2020, the Gates Foundation announced that they will continue to match 2:1 every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication up to $50 million per year through 2023!
Rotary has contributed more than $2 billion to fight polio, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985.
OUR ROTARY SUCCESS WITH THE POLIO PLUS CAMPAIGN
Because of Rotarian support, more than 2.5 billion children have received polio vaccines and have been protected against this crippling disease for life. There are currently only two countries that are endemic: Afghanistan and Pakistan. We must not stop our efforts until we give the children a Polio Free world!
Will you help The Rotary Foundation make history by eradicating Polio from our planet? Give today at endpolio.org.
Mark your calendar for the next Rotary Leadership Series!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 8th from 7-8am via Zoom.
Our next Rotary Leadership Series features Michelle McGrath, Ed.D. Read more about Michelle!
The Rotary Leadership series will involve featured speakers providing insight and information about various aspects of leadership and is designed for the members of the nine La Crosse-area Rotary clubs. Members may invite guests.
Registration is required to attend. The link to register will be emailed out as soon as it's available.
We hope you will be able to attend.
In service, the Rotary Leadership Series Committee:
Lee Rasch, Andrew Bakkum, Scott Butler, Stephanie Fraase, Mary Beth Hensel, Art Lyons, Emily Nolte
Once you're logged in, you'll be brought back to the main page. Now there will be three options on the top of the page. Click on the Member Area option. That will bring up the administrative menu, with many of the options grayed-out. ClubRunner gives access to the various options through different administrative levels. Some of you might see more options than others. For our purposes today, the one that matters is in the lighter blue bar and titled "My ClubRunner" and in the light grey bar beneath pops up several different options. Select "My Profile."
