In my final article as District Governor for 6250, I want to provide you with an update on my recent club visits, a sneak peek at my last club visits on my itinerary, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone.
On a nice mid-spring Monday, I was back on the road for a long trip down to our southernmost club, the Rotary Club of Beloit. I walked into the fantastic Rotary River Center, beautifully located in the Riverfront Area alongside the Rock River. I was greeted by some very friendly Rotarians and met by Past-President Erick, who was running the meeting for President Jerry.
I also had the pleasure of connecting with District 6420 Governor Melissa McCormick, a great friend whom I’ve gotten to know well over the past few years during our DG journey. Beloit has been incredibly active in local community restoration, executing impactful District and Global Grants, and collaborating seamlessly with other area clubs.
District 6250 Rotarians are invited to gather for one of our favorite annual traditions—the Passing of the Gavel celebration! This special event marks the transition of district leadership while celebrating the friendships, service, and accomplishments that make Rotary so extraordinary. Come enjoy a traditional barbecue in the beautiful setting and best of all, the event is free!
As I prepare to begin my term as District Governor for Rotary District 6250 for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, I want to express both my deep gratitude and sincere excitement for the journey that lies ahead for all of us.
First, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our current District Governor, Mike Kloss, and the entire District Leadership Team. This includes several Past District Governors and two future Governors. Their commitment, dedication, guidance, and willingness to include me in the “inner workings” of the district over the past two years has been invaluable and prepared me to serve members of the district.
Rotary District 6250 is seeking a committed Rotarian to serve as Assistant Governor (AG) for the North Region, supporting clubs in the Wisconsin Rapids, Medford, and Marshfield clubs.
If this sounds like fun, it is! Read on for more details and contact Scott Ryan DG ‘26-27 at scottryanrotarian@gmail.com for more information.
Join Melissa and Michelle on Monday, July 14, at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom to learn how to create a simple, colorful, and easy-to-read annual report for your Rotary club.
Discover an easy way to showcase the impact of your club's accomplishments over the past year while also outlining goals and plans for the year ahead. An annual report is a powerful tool for celebrating successes, sharing your story, and inspiring members and the community.
District 6250's Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp returned to Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells this May for another transformative weekend.
Designed for high school sophomores sponsored by their local Rotary clubs, RYLA brings together young people from across the district for three days of leadership development, team challenges, and community-building — intentionally unplugged and fully present. This year's camp drew students from schools across the region, mixing them into cross-school "family" groups to encourage new connections and push everyone just outside their comfort zones. Keep reading to hear directly from those impacted by this powerful weekend!
I can’t believe that our current Rotary year ends in a few short weeks! I have some very exciting news for our District as of May 25. We are currently sitting with 2,211 members, or +11-year to date!
It would be awesome to see us increase our membership yet this year. Get those members inducted that you’ve been sitting on, reach out to those who you feel might be a great fit and let’s be one of the very few US Districts to have a net gain at year end! Governor Kloss would be very excited to end his year this way.
In the 16th century, “Hail Fellow, well met”, was a greeting that meant a hearty, friendly, informal welcome to someone who is sociable, genial, and eager to make friends. Does this sound like anyone you know?
A visit to any Rotary Fellowship certainly meets all the 16th century qualifications and a few more. But what is a Rotary Fellowship?
Posted by Susan Lampert Smith, Mount Horeb Rotary Club
The Mount Horeb Green Team, a Rotary Community Corps group that brings together Rotarians, students and local residents, has had a busy spring season.
Since the snow melted, the Green Team has:
Helped Mount Horeb earn designation as a Bird City.
Joined the Lions Club and a local Girl Scout to start the village's first food waste drop off site to compost waste and keep it out of landfills.
Staffed a booth at the weekly farmer’s market to attract new members interested in improving the local environment.
Promoted the “Yard in Every Yard” initiative to have village residents plant a yard of native plants in every yard to feed and shelter pollinators and birds.
Thursday was a beautiful evening in Middleton’s Lakeview Park, where the Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton and city officials gathered to celebrate the newly refurbished ADA (equally accessible) Rotary Pier.
Speakers included Mayor Lisa Janairo, Rotary Club President Mary Beth Growney Selene, Parks and Rec Director Kiley Scherer and Rotarian Mary Van Hout.
Lake Mills, WI — September 12, 2026 — Lace up your running shoes and bring your community spirit—the Rotary Club of Lake Mills is back with the sixth annual Pyramid City Run, and this year promises more energy, more impact, and more fun than ever.
This beloved local event isn't just about the miles—it’s about making a difference. Every smile (and every laugh along the route) helps raise money for a standout community resource: the L.D. Fargo Library. And let’s be honest: where else can you enjoy a scenic run, connect with neighbors, and support a place that fuels imagination, learning, and lifelong curiosity?
After an 18 month hiatus while relocating and reorganizing our operations, the Wisconsin Operations of Books for the World is once again fully operational and actively preparing shipments of library and text books to communities around the globe.
Books for the World is a Rotary-affiliated organization dedicated to promoting literacy and educational opportunity by providing books to schools, libraries, and community organizations where they are needed most.
How Rotarians in India and Wisconsin Teamed Up to Transform Surgery for Thousands of India's Poorest Patients
Imagine you have a sharp pain in your abdomen. Your doctor says you need surgery. In most parts of the world, that means a relatively brief procedure, a small incision, a few days of rest, and back to life. But if you are a low-income patient in Surat, Gujarat, India, and the calendar says 2024, that same diagnosis might mean something different: a waiting list that stretches two to three months — and the very real possibility that by the time your turn arrives, you will simply opt for a far more invasive open surgery just to get it over with.
Bigger cuts. More pain. Longer hospital stays. Greater risk of complications.
A new Rotary Friendship Exchange is underway between our district and Newfoundland, Canada. On June 22, a group of 11 Rotarians will arrive in St. John’s and spend time traveling throughout Newfoundland with local Rotarians.
During the exchange, participants will visit several communities, experience the region’s rich culture, and enjoy the hospitality of Rotary hosts who will provide accommodations, meals, and local tours. Friendship Exchanges create lasting bonds, strengthen international understanding, and build connections between Rotarians across districts and countries.
We look forward to hearing about their adventures and the friendships formed along the way! (The end)
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