(Photo l to r) IFeed 2025 volunteers, District Governor Todd Restel, District Governor-Nominee Scott Ryan and District Governor-Elect Mike Kloss. Photographed by Rotary Club of La Crosse After Hours.
April ended on a strong note with TriCon 2025 highlighting what is possible when hundreds of service-oriented Rotarians come together. As you know, District 6250 has been teaming up with two other Wisconsin Districts (6220 and 6270) for the past several years to create a single place where Rotarians can congregate to be inspired, to share insights and to join in fellowship with friends.
This year once again upped the game for all future TriCon events through its amazing keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, the always important impromptu conversations in the hallways, fellowship and loads of FUN.
April is also the month of our District Annual meeting where we made important decisions for the Districts future such as voting on the following: 1- members of our 2025-26 Board of Directors, 2 - the District Governor Nominee Designate (e.g. our DG for 2027-28) and 3 - the nominating committee who is responsible for finding our 2028-29 District Governor. We also received updates from our Committees who are working hard to support our Clubs.
Each year, Rotary International honors a maximum of 150 Rotarians with the prestigious “Service Above Self” award. One of this year’s winners is Mary Van Hout who has worked tirelessly for our District. Mary will readily admit that this award would not have been possible without the many Rotarians who have worked with her as a team. Our District, as well as many other Districts, is the direct beneficiary of her many Rotary (and non-Rotary) accomplishments. If you know Mary and weren’t at TriCon 2025, please reach out and congratulate her for this significant and well-deserved honor.
TriCon was one of my last opportunities to talk to hundreds of people as a District Governor before I “retire” into the role of Past District Governor. During one of my talks, I had the opportunity to highlight the following items and asked people to take action on these opportunities over the next couple of weeks:
Public Image - Keep a lookout out for Wisconsin’s newest “Special Group License Plate” which will highlight Rotary International. Please consider getting this license plate in a few months upon its release. (We do not yet have a specific release date but will keep you informed via the District Dispatch newsletter).
Peace – Today, our planet is experiencing over 30 active military conflicts. One specific action step to work for Peace is the completion of the “Rotary Positive Peace Academy” course. This free course has been completed by all of RI President Stephanie Urchick’s Board of Directors. More information on this course can be on RI’s website.
Water, Sanatation and Hygiene – Start planning a celebration: If you are looking for a new idea, very few people have ever celebrated World Toilet Day on Nov. 19th in our District. If you plan a fellowship event on this date, it will likely be everyone’s first time celebrating this day as well as this concept. I guarantee that this unique event will get people talking at work and at other places which will have the positive effect of generating a lot of Rotary-based conversations. Conversations spark interest and could possibly lead to new visitors coming to your club. It worked for my club!
Membership – Invite a friend, colleague, acquaintance, spouse, etc. as a visitor to your club. Nothing is more powerful than a personal and specific invitation.
Succession Planning – Our District Governor line reflects a gold standard when it comes to succession planning. After I finish my term in two months, we have three Rotarians lined up to become DG (in 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28). By fall, we will have identified the next DG. If your club has a similar depth in its Presidential leadership line, your club is most likely very healthy. If you don’t have this type of succession planning in place, I promise you that a clear line of leadership succession will be beneficial to your club.
The importance of youth in Rotary is emphasized in this month's presidential message from Stephanie Urchick, highlighting insights from young leader Vitor Joventino. He shares a transformative experience from a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event, where teamwork and inclusivity were key to overcoming challenges.
Key points include:
Young leaders bring energy and fresh perspectives.
A memorable exercise demonstrated the power of teamwork and adaptability, especially in including all members, such as those with disabilities.
Rotary programs like Interact, Youth Exchange, and RYLA empower youth to make impactful contributions.
The success of these programs relies on the support of Rotary members who believe in youth potential.
Encouragement to sponsor youth initiatives to amplify their impact.
A call to action for involvement in youth leadership, emphasizing its significance in Rotary's present and future.
A Big Thank You & The Power of Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)
By: Mike Kloss, District-Governor Elect
I first want to thank ALL of our District 6250 Youth Exchange Rotarians for their dedication and hard work! We have so many to thank but for this article I want to especially call out RYE Chair Bill Pritchard, whose term as Chair is coming to an end soon and who will be moving on as of June 2026. Bill has dedicated many hours leading an almost flawless program for us. He would be the first to push the credit down to the many others who support him, and justifiably so, because many of those people have been working on the program longer than he has, working many hours each week helping youth. So, with Bill's looming departure only a little over a year away, we are actively seeking a replacement to step up now and work alongside Bill, learn the nuances of the program, and succeed him. If you feel the passion or if you know someone who would be a good candidate, please let one of the District Leadership team know. Read more,,,
Have Your Heard About The District Double?
By: Erin Luken, District, Rotary Foundation Committee Chair
Q. What is the District Double?
A. District 6250 will be matching every dollar of club money in Global Grants with two dollars of District Designated Funds (DDF), within the following limits: One club on each Global Grant may receive the double match for up to $5000 of club money ($10,000 DDF). Each of the next nine clubs to join that grant may receive the double match for up to $2500 of club money ($5000 DDF). All other club money will continue to receive the 1:1 match. Read more...
A September Friendship Exchange to Newfoundland
Rotarians in Newfoundland are excited to host American friends from September 15-25, 2025, for a Friendship Exchange. We have now 8 people who have committed to this exchange. We have space for four more.
Highlights about Newfoundland include:
Vast area of 108,860 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest U.S. state if part of the U.S.
Largest island in Canada outside the Arctic, with a 17,000-kilometer coastline, ranking as the 16th largest island globally.
Rich maritime history and stunning ocean views, deeply connected to the sea.
Small population of around 545,000, with over 50% living in eastern Newfoundland, including St. John's, the capital.
St. John's is one of North America's oldest cities, known for its culture and community.
Participants will experience Rotary activities from various locations across the island. Newfoundland offers open spaces, friendly people, and unique experiences awaiting exploration during the exchange.
Yours in Rotary
Lorraine Ennis & Miriam MacLeod
Rotary St. John’s East
Rotarians, we are holding strong for April in District Membership! We only lost 1 member in the month of April and currently sit at 2,253 members (start of year was 2,266), -13 members since the start of this Rotary year on July 1, 2024. Keep using the Membership Olympics as an opportunity to attract those new or returning members. This is really positive news and we are really on track to finish in June with a positive District Membership number. Read more...
REFLECTING ON TRICON 2025
By: Michelle Skemp, Rotary Club of La Crosse, District PI Chair
It’s hard to believe that TriCon 2025 has already come and gone; however, its memories continue to bring a smile to my face. I recall the familiar faces of fellow Rotarians who I now call friends and I find comfort in knowing that Rotary is truly my Third Place. Whether it’s my home club, connections within my district, or acquaintances from afar, Rotary has filled my life with goodness, inspired me to do more, and introduced me to like-minded friends who help me achieve what I couldn’t do alone. I know many of you have the same sentiments. Read more...
RI Convention in Calgary June 21st – 25th
By: Gov. Todd Restel
It’s not too late to register for Rotary International’s convention in Calgary, Canada. Our District currently has 33 members registered to attend! Due to the proximity of Calgary to our District, you will not likely see a more affordable RI Convention for several years. The link to register and find out more information is as follows: https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/
While at the Rotary International Convention you’ll find people of action from around the world brainstorming solutions to some of the most pressing challenges and celebrating our works of service that create lasting change.
The convention is where you’ll renew connections, discover fresh perspectives, and create unforgettable moments and enduring relationships.
At the convention, you’ll:
Participate in engaging breakout session discussions
Attend motivating general sessions
Network with fellow changemakers
Mingle with old and new friends
Browse exhibits and visit the House of Friendship
Explore an exciting host city
Enjoy live entertainment and enriching attractions
The convention is RI’s largest event of the year. I hope to see you in Calgary.
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