Warm greetings, District 6250,
A little duck has been whispering in my ear, pointing me to Rotary Clubs across our District — and what a pleasure it has been to kick off my year of club visits with such fun, friendly, and energetic Rotarians!
In my first weeks of club visits, I had the pleasure of meeting with ten incredible Rotary Clubs — from Madison to Beaver Dam, Sparta to La Crescent, and more. Each club brought its own unique energy, creativity, and commitment to service, reminding me of the true spirit of Rotary. Thank you to all the presidents and members for the warm welcomes and inspiring conversations.
Kicking Things Off
My very first visit was to the Madison Breakfast Club on July 7th (Facebook). This welcoming club truly launched my year. Thanks to their President Betsy Nordstrom and all the members for a fantastic visit, and best of luck with your exciting book project!
A Lunchtime in Beaver Dam
Next, I headed north to the Beaver Dam Club (Website). Led by President Shane Christophersen, this super friendly group of Rotarians has an exciting fundraising event coming up at their local fairgrounds this month, and their annual Rotary Lights display that I hope to get back to visit!
Next, I headed north to the Beaver Dam Club (Website). Led by President Shane Christophersen, this super friendly group of Rotarians has an exciting fundraising event coming up at their local fairgrounds this month, and their annual Rotary Lights display that I hope to get back to visit!
Evening in Downtown Madison
I wrapped up the day with the Madison After Hours Club ((Website) in beautiful downtown Madison, overlooking the state capital—wow, what a view! President Dawn Frank and her members are involved in everything from food pantry initiatives to volleyball tournaments and concerts. What an energetic and lively bunch!
I wrapped up the day with the Madison After Hours Club ((Website) in beautiful downtown Madison, overlooking the state capital—wow, what a view! President Dawn Frank and her members are involved in everything from food pantry initiatives to volleyball tournaments and concerts. What an energetic and lively bunch!
A Busy Tuesday
On Tuesday the 8th, I traveled to Sun Prairie Rotary Club (Website) to meet President Jen Tooley and her dynamic, engaged club. Their calendar is packed—from their annual July golf outing to the Firemen’s Open House, Sunshine Supper, and environmental work to preserve the Prairie Marsh.
At lunchtime, I joined the Fitchburg-Verona Horizons Club (Website), where President Melissa Carlson and the Rotarians welcomed me with open arms. They're trying something very unique this year by rotating six different presidents throughout the year, each serving two months. What a great and creative idea, especially for a small club – I wish them the very best of luck!
The day ended in Sparta (Facebook). President Mike Huber leads a fun, multigenerational group of Rotarians who are super passionate about their small community. What a fun club!
Closing the Week
The week ended with the Madison Area Changemakers (Website), a vibrant virtual club of Rotarians led by President Sharon Bradish. What a great option for Rotarians on the go! They're an energetic morning club that knows how to have fun.
More Adventures the Following Week
A week later, I was off to the Logger Baseball game, joining Rotarians from around the La Crosse area on a beautiful Thursday evening overlooking the Mississippi River—a perfect setting for fellowship, camaraderie and good times.
A week later, I was off to the Logger Baseball game, joining Rotarians from around the La Crosse area on a beautiful Thursday evening overlooking the Mississippi River—a perfect setting for fellowship, camaraderie and good times.
The next morning, I crossed into Minnesota for the La Crescent Rotary Club early morning meeting (Facebook), led by President Mary Bubbers and joined by a hearty, warm club of Rotarians active in organizing bike rides, food drives, and more—truly embodying Rotary’s spirit of service.
Finally, my travels led me to Madison West Middleton Club (Website), where President Mary Beth Growney leads one of the most energetic, engaged, and welcoming groups I’ve had the pleasure to meet. They were another club of very welcoming and passionate Rotarians!
Gratitude and Reflection
A heartfelt thank-you to the ten club presidents and their members for making me feel so welcome. I really appreciated the opportunity to speak with and get to know you all. What a great group to work with and support! All of you are what makes Rotary such a fun organization to be a part of, not to mention all the good we do for so many people – "Unite for Good!"
A heartfelt thank-you to the ten club presidents and their members for making me feel so welcome. I really appreciated the opportunity to speak with and get to know you all. What a great group to work with and support! All of you are what makes Rotary such a fun organization to be a part of, not to mention all the good we do for so many people – "Unite for Good!"
Looking Ahead
August has been Membership and New Club Development Month for Rotary International. This theme highlights the crucial aspects of growing Rotary by attracting new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering the creation of new clubs. It's a key focus for the beginning of the Rotary year. It encouraging all of us to prioritize strengthening our membership base to maximize impact and this theme aligns perfectly with our "Unite for Good" message. Afterall, a stronger, more vibrant membership is essential to achieving good in communities worldwide.
August has been Membership and New Club Development Month for Rotary International. This theme highlights the crucial aspects of growing Rotary by attracting new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering the creation of new clubs. It's a key focus for the beginning of the Rotary year. It encouraging all of us to prioritize strengthening our membership base to maximize impact and this theme aligns perfectly with our "Unite for Good" message. Afterall, a stronger, more vibrant membership is essential to achieving good in communities worldwide.
Let's All Unite for Good!
Michael Kloss
District Governor 2025-26
Rotary Club of Eau Claire WI