Rotary District Dispatch 6250 September (Sep. 15, 2025)

A Legacy Remembered, More Travels and Education

"Unite for Good is more than a slogan. It is a call for Rotarians to strengthen our collective power through collaboration, compassion, and action." Michael Kloss

Fellow Rotarians,

My message for this month reflects on the passing of Past District Governor, Dave Anderson, and honoring his legacy of friendship, mentorship, and service. As Dave lived his life, may be all embrace Rotary International’s 2025–2026 theme, Unite for Good, which calls members to strengthen impact through collaboration, innovation, and lasting change. Of course, I must also share my travels with Victor to several clubs across the district, showcasing local service and community spirit. Lastly, September highlights Rotary’s focus on Basic Education and Literacy—a cornerstone for reducing poverty, improving health, fostering peace, and advancing gender equality.

District 6250 Earns Global Peacebuilder Recognition!

Rotary District 6250 has been recognized as a Global Peacebuilder District for the 2024–25 Rotary year. This honor was earned through the district’s contributions of District Designated Funds and cash support for Rotary Peace Centers and the peacebuilding and conflict prevention area of focus. By investing in these efforts, our district helps fund scholarships for peace fellows, expand Rotary’s reach into new regions, and strengthen grassroots initiatives that promote peace and conflict prevention worldwide.

A special thank you to District Governor Todd Restel (2024–25) for his leadership in guiding our district to this achievement and for championing Rotary’s mission of peace and global understanding.

What Impact Can Your Club Make To End Polio Now?

"Rotary was the first to envision a world without polio—and today, we have the tools and knowledge to make that vision a reality,” said Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. “If we all maintain our commitment and keep funding the solutions we know work, then soon, no family will have to live in fear of this horrific disease ever again."

Thanks to Rotary, many people have not had any experience with polio.

So, what is polio?

Great Things Happening in our District's Membership

We are just two months into our 2025-26 Rotary year and there is exciting news to share with you! Recall that we began the year July 1 at 2,209 and at the end of the month we were even at 2,209. But some great things are going on in our District. At the end of August, we are +7 new members, bringing us to 2,216. Lets keep the momentum up as more clubs find using Membership Olympics gives them an advantage.

AND Membership Olympics is in full swing and here is game number two for September.

Game Two - Rotary Learning Center Basic Learning Plan

Complete the "Club Membership Committee Basic Learning Plan’ in the Rotary Learning Center

Send Report to: Marc Augsburger, District Membership Chair maugs13@gmail.com

Public Image - Dress For Success!

Thanks to Aaron and Dawn Frank, owners of Madison Top Company and long-time Rotarians, all 50 clubs in District 6250 can now purchase club-specific Rotary-themed merchandise at a 62.50% discount. Madison Top is donating this service with no profit, helping clubs save money so more funds can support local and international projects.

The online store portal is available through the Rotary 6250 website. Browse, order, and ship directly to your club!

A Friendship Exchange Is Coming!

Greetings from Newfoundland and Labrador!

Rotarians in Newfoundland are looking forward to welcoming our American friends from June 22 – July 2, 2026 for an unforgettable Friendship Exchange. We are excited to share some insights about our incredible island, a place that many find awe-inspiring for its size, rugged beauty, and unique character.

Newfoundland is a place of open spaces, friendly people, and unique experiences, and we can’t wait to share more with you during our Rotary Friendship Exchange.

Rotary To Unite For Good!

The District 6250 International Service Committee (ISC) encourages and helps clubs to get involved in all that is international in Rotary. This can include Global Grants, Friendship Exchange and Youth Exchange among others. Let your imagination run wild and use the many tools in the Swiss Army Knife that is Rotary to Unite For Good all around the world!

The ISC vets international projects on the following basis in the hope of picking out a few gems for you or your club to consider.

A strong and capable Host Partner / Club leading the project.
Our clubs prefer to be the International Partner on Global Grants.
Our clubs and District prefer that the Global Grant is the beginning of a longer-term relationship that may include other aspects of Rotary (RFE, Youth Exchange, etc.)
Our clubs and district prefer to see strong Host Partner and Host District financial support. We believe this shows that the project is viable and important to the local community.
Our clubs are not very often focused on specific priority areas … more important is building a good relationship with our Rotarian friends around the world.

Following below is a current list of international opportunities for individuals, clubs or AG groups to get involved in.

If any of the following appeal to your club contact the ISC via Edwin Bos at 920-650-0734 or edwin@bosdesignbuilders.com.

2026-27 RI President Announced

Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as the president of Rotary International for the 2026-2027. He will take office on July 1, 2026.

Unite For Good: Stoughton to Ft. Atkinson

The Stoughton Rotary Club & Rotarian Jake Fendrick were named Rotary Club and Rotarian of the month (by the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club) for dragging their very impressive Corn Roaster to Fort’s Rhythm on the River event on August 23rd. Not only did Jake bring the Roaster, but he set it up, and then worked a 5-hour shift feeding “the most delicious sweet corn ever” to the masses!

Rotary Works – Today! A Day of Service, Action, and Fun

When the Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton asked itself, “Where do we want to be in five years?” a clear plan of priorities and strategies was developed. The Club Visioning experience led to five specific, achievable priorities. One of those priorities was to be visible in serving the needs of our community. From that, Rotary Works – Today! began to take shape.

Bricks for Babies 2025!

The Bricks for Babies golf outing was held August 4th at Cedar Creek Country Club in Onalaska, bringing together area Rotary Clubs for a day of golf, dinner, auction, and raffle. This annual event supported two causes for children: tje Scott Erickson Guardian Angel Fund at the La Crosse Boys & Girls Club, and International Health Partners in Tanzania.

This year's outing raised a total of $26,100 for local and international service projects, bringing total donations since 2011 to more than $150,000! In addition, the La Crosse - Valley View Club has recently submitted a global grant request and is inviting clubs throughout the 6250 District to join them in a global project.

Interested in joining their global grant or their golf outing, reach out to them at Rotary Club of La Crosse - Valley View. Read on for more details.

Save the Date & Plan to Attend!

Save the Date: Vibrant Club Workshop on November 1st at The Madison Club

Rotarians from across District 6250 are invited to join us for the Vibrant Club Workshop on Friday, November 1st, at the historic Madison Club in Madison, WI. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. with refreshments and snacks provided, and the workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.