April 21, 2026
President Anita Martin brought the meeting to order at 12:18pm.
Pledge of Allegiance and 4 Way Test recited.
Twenty one Rotarians were in attendance plus one Rotarian on Zoom and 2 guests. Four student Rotarians were also in attendance.
Addison and Emma (Lakeside Lutheran HS) gave their speeches. Clara and Brianna (Lake Mills HS) gave their fun facts.
Happy Rotary Anniversary: Greg R. (17 years)
Announcements/Information:
- Today is Paul Harris (Founder of Rotary) birthday. Founded Rotary in 1905 in Chicago, IL. Rotary is in 200 countries around the world with 1,800 clubs. Congratulations to Ed H. for +8 fellow award. Rotary Club of Lake Mills has 18 fellows.
- Friday night (April 24) Bingo Night Fundraiser at Lake Mills Elementary School sponsored by the PTO to raise funds for the Jenny Nichols Outdoor Learning Center. Doors open at 5pm and bingo will start at 6pm. $5 per person.
- Learn to Play Pickle Ball Class will be 6/6/2026 at the Lake Mills Middle School. Lessons are 9am-10:30am and 10:30am-noon. Learn the rules, practice, play games. Registration fee is $25. Pass information to family and friends.
- Polio Challenge: Karen R. discussed info she learned from attending Tricon. Wisconsin Rapids has a private foundation. Goal to eradicate polio world wide. Two countries have still have polio in their population: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Polio has been eradicated from India. There is a matching program plus the Gates Foundation matches 2:1. If you donate $50 you will receive a gift from Karen R. (wine glass, beer glass or t-shirt.)
- Concessions: Karen R. has volunteered to schedule 1 day per week. And Dan S. will schedule a different day. Zach W. will also help with concessions and take the online food management class. Information will be sent to Board members and will be discussed at the next Board meeting. For those Rotarians that opt out of volunteering at concession stand, please email lm.rotaryclub@gmail.com so that you won’t be contacted.
Speaker:
Jenelle Blavat from the American Red Cross
- Lake Mills Blood Drives are amazing. Goal is 75 pints at each blood drive. Loyal donors and volunteers. 2,751 pints have been collected since 2/20.
- Reasons to donate: Brian B. mentioned that when he was in the Air Force you would receive a day off if you donated and when he worked for the county he received a couple hours off. Reached his 4 gallon mark. Don B. donated platelets during med school to make extra money. Jim W. gave his own blood before a surgery. He has a long history of giving. Ed H. gave in high school and he was able to miss a class. He is near 20 gallons.
- Donation can save up to 3 lives.
- Red Cross does a national give away for donors (gift cards, t-shirts) Critical time is during the holidays.
- Culver’s is a big supporter.
- Lake Mills Blood Drive always has amazing lunch food.
- #1 reason for not giving is not being asked.
- There are some reasons you can’t give. Go to Red Cross website to learn more or call 1-800-redcross
- Red Cross ap tracks your blood on the journey to the hospital
- Promote blood drive. Direct phone for Jenelle is 262-818-1461 if you have any questions or concerns.
- Higher deferrals due to new iron testing. 2 weeks before donation, make sure to eat foods high in iron and take vitamin C.
- Promote on social media and posters.
Next week: Lakeside Lutheran HS choir will be giving a performance.
Beth N. and Karen R. will give update from Tricon Rotary Regional Conference.
Dog show volunteers met after meeting today.
Scholarship committee meeting will be meeting Sunday, April 26 at Ed H.’s house.
July 20, 2026: Foundation Board meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 12:59pm.
