Stutz is her name
Jingles, songs, rhythms and rhymes are her game
Not her meme, but mine!
Poised to present, to the podium she strode
Her poetic verses ready to be told
A stanza, bonanza would entertain and delight!
Featured speaker at a recent Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton meeting was Rotarian and accomplished poet Dr. Janet Stutz. My own weak effort above is a response to her end of talk challenge. Give poetry a go!
In addition to writing, Janet Stutz is a former teacher, principal, and, in her capstone role, superintendent of the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District in Iowa. Today, Stutz serves as South Central Regional Co-Op Vice President for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. Janet is also one of our own Rotarians.
At some point in life’s journey, many of us recall a formal introduction to poetry from a language arts teacher. An even earlier exposure may have been a rhyming ditty tucked into a favorite children’s storybook. Dr. Seuss comes to mind. Perhaps your memory conjures a parent’s voice reading one of his books at bedtime, or receiving a copy at your kindergarten, high school, or college graduation. Maybe you were inspired by the line from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!: “So... get on your way!” As we’ve learned, though, rhyming is just one expression of the art of poetry.
Janet Stutz’s presentation to the Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton was enlightening, fun, and ended with a creative challenge. Always the teacher, Stutz had her audience put pencil to paper and try writing a bit of poetry themselves. No grades were issued, for which this writer is grateful.
Janet Stutz’s own introduction to poetry came from her father, Ralph J. Gilfether, former mayor of Willowick, Ohio, who also doubled as the family Easter Bunny. In that role, the big bunny hid the family’s Easter baskets, leaving behind clues in the form of limericks. Stutz has carried on the family’s poetic tradition, as has her daughter.
Janet considers herself a lyric poet, perhaps because of the form’s rhythmic and musical qualities—two characteristics shared with limericks, although lyric poetry is generally more serious than its comic, and sometimes bawdy, cousin.
As a junior in high school, Janet found herself enrolled in an English class for talented and gifted students. Her sixteen-year-old self was convinced she didn’t belong and told her teacher, Mr. Silva, exactly that. He responded by assuring her they would find her niche. Obviously, this future superintendent of schools did belong. Thank goodness for the Mr. Silvas of the world!
As a younger woman, Janet always thought she would enjoy playing the guitar. On her 35th birthday, her husband bought her one and set her on a path of lessons. She enjoyed it and later took up the piano as well. While she appreciated learning both instruments, Janet told her instructor she had no desire to play like the professionals. Instead, she wanted to write melodies to accompany her poetry. And now she can.
Stutz and her photographer brother, John Gilfether, combined their talents to publish a book of poetry and landscape photography titled Discover Beauty Through Challenges. Included is a poem inspired by a heartbreaking incident from Janet’s early teaching days. A fellow faculty member stopped by her classroom seeking volunteers for a play she planned to direct. A young boy was among the first to eagerly raise his hand, only to have his enthusiasm immediately crushed when the drama teacher firmly replied, “No!” The memory never left Janet and inspired her poem, “The Labeled Child.” Its message encourages teachers to “break the crutch” by seeing a child’s potential rather than perceived limitations.
After her presentation, Janet was asked if she would author a poem, with the subject entirely of her own choosing.
On Being a Rotarian
Gathering globally with a common vision
Serving communities, aligned in our mission
To build lasting peace and goodwill that will endure
Through fellowship, service, and motives that are pure
To serve as Rotarians is an honor we share
Connecting with neighbors to show that we care
One project at a time, we answer the call
Planting the seeds of abundance for all
We nurture a world for the tomorrows ahead
Vibrant and peaceful, healthy and fed
For Rotary opens new doors everyday
Through leadership and service, we pave a new way
To give of ourselves is the ultimate art
Changing the world, one project, with heart
J. Stutz
June 2026 - copyrighted
(Poem Used with permission