Weekly Speakers
Aaron Libner
August 24th, 2023
Aaron Libner, Board President of Fierce Freedom and Past President of the Eau Claire Rotary Club joined the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning. Aaron talked about domestic sex trafficking. In the last year, over 100 traffic victims have been identified in our area. And every county in Wisconsin has reported sex trafficking. Thank you Aaron for joining us today.
Padraig Gallager
August 17th, 2023
Padraig Gallager, Executive Director of Stepping Stones spoke to our club on August 17th. He provided a brief history of Stepping Stones, outlined the current problem of sufficient food and housing in Dunn County and an update on the new shelter that is being built in Menomonie. The food and shelter issue is real and doesn't seem to be getting better. Stepping Stones continues to provide as much food as they can. Pagraig said that area organizations and individuals have been a great help. The new shelter should be completed in the fall and will be a model for other agencies to use when improving their support facilities. Thanks, Padraig for helping us better understand the mission of your organization.
Dan Lytle
August 10th, 2023
Dan Lytle, the Campus Manager for CVTC-Menomonie spoke to our club on August 10th. He outlined the mission of the Wisconsin technical college system, an overview of all of the campuses that Chippewa Valley Tech. College has, a brief history of this campus and how programs are developed, implemented and "sunsetted" when no longer needed in this area of the state.
Captain Jordan Machesky
July 27th, 2023
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Captain Jordan Machesky, son of Past President Steve Machesky on July 27th. Captain Machesky gave us an overview on the training process at Paris Island in North Carolina. Over 16,000 recruits pass through here every year. Thank you Captain Machesky!
Chase Cummings
July 20th, 2023
On July 20th, Chase Cummings, the director of the Dunn County Water Resource Office gave an excellent presentation about his office and responsibilities. Chase previously worked in this capacity in Minnesota and Pepin County and has over 20 years of experience. He and his team are working very closely with farmers in this area to stop waste-water and fertilizer pollution in our county streams, lakes and water wells. "There is a LOT to do, but we are being well received by nearly all of the farmers. His office is also working with the Dunn County snowmobile association to mitigate trail damage that can lead to erosion near our water resources. Thanks, Chase for an excellent briefing! Good luck with your efforts on behalf of all county residents.
Brent Schuler
July 13th, 2023
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed our very own Brent Schuler this morning. Brent gave his classification speech. Thanks Brent!
Sue Traxlor
June 15th, 2023
Fellow Rotarian, Sue Traxlor joined us this morning to talk about Home Sweet Menomonie. It's is a City of Menomonie Program in partnership with the Community Foundation of Dunn County. Home Sweet Menomonie combines public, employer, and private contributions to create a no-interest, partially forgivable loan for down payment assistance to employees of participating businesses who wish to own homes within the City of Menomonie.
Larry Jess
June 8th, 2023
This morning, the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club heard from club member Larry Jess. Larry is a long time member of the Ludington Guard Band and gave us a fascinating history on the band. Thanks Larry!
Brian Seguin
June 1st, 2023
Last week, the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary club got to hear from incoming President, Brian Seguin. Brian went over the clubs strategic plan. Thanks Brian!
Chief Rick Hollister
May 25th, 2023
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Menomonie Chief of Police Rick Hollister this morning. Chief Hollister is pictured with club member Rod Smeltzer.
Menomonie Community Gardens
May 18th, 2023
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary club is super excited to be donating $5000 from the Rotary Fest proceeds to Menomonie Community Gardens! Pictured here are Mary Lotten and Tyler Gilbertson from Menomonie Community Gardens and Jodi Carr -Club Member and chair of Rotary Fest
UW Stout Manufacturing Outreach-Aaron Bialzik
May 4th, 2023
A big Thank you to Aaron Bialzik for speaking at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this week. Aaron is the Director of the UW Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center. Aaron is pictured with Club Member Gus Myran
Season's Harvest
April 6th, 2023
A HUGE Thank You to Josh Bergman and Seasons Harvest for hosting the Menomonie Sunrise Rovary Club this morning. Josh gave the club a tour of his facility and explained the planting and growing process. Josh is pictured with Past President Court Sand. Thanks Josh!
Mayor Randy Knaak
March 23rd, 2023
Thanks to Mayor Randy Knaack for joining the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club for breakfast this morning! Mayor Knaack gave us an update on all the happenings in Menomonie.
Mayor Randy Knaak
March 23rd, 2023
Thanks to Mayor Randy Knaack for joining the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club for breakfast this morning! Mayor Knaack gave us an update on all the happenings in Menomonie.
Mayor Randy Knaak
March 23rd, 2023
Thanks to Mayor Randy Knaack for joining the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club for breakfast this morning! Mayor Knaack gave us an update on all the happenings in Menomonie.
Mars Racing Tour
March 9th, 2023
This morning the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club got to tour the Mars Racing facility. Thank you to Chris Mars for the awesome tour! Chris is pictured with club member Brent Schuler.
Mary Lotten
March 2nd, 2023
On March 2nd, Mary Lotten spoke to our club about the Community Garden here in Menomonie. She is president of the Board of Directors there. Since the "Garden" will receive a $5,000. grant from Rotary Fest in April, Mary discussed the history, development and future plans for the project. First conceived in 2009, the Garden has grown in size and interest from local residents. Of note, extra produce is used by Stepping Stones and can be given to other such organizations, but is never sold for a profit. Thanks Mary, for taking time to talk with us.
New Member! Dan Paulson
February 2023
NEW MEMBER ALERT!! The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club officially welcomed Dan Paulson this morning! Welcome to the Rotary Family Dan! Dan is pictured with Club President Steve Macheski
Deputy James Gates
February 15th, 2023
Deputy James Gates visited the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club last week to talk about fire suppressant units. This year, our club will be donating part of the proceeds from Rotary Fest to purchase more of these units. Thank you Deputy Gates!
Mark Broses
December 8th, 2022
Mark Broses (Chippewa Falls Rotary Club) spoke to us about his recent Friendship Exchange trip to Poland. He included some information regarding District 6250 financial support for the war in Ukraine. Mark said that the trip exceeded his expectations and that the Rotarians in Poland were outstanding hosts. Thanks, Mark for sharing your photos and thoughts with us.
Rebecca Workman
November 17th, 2022
Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Rebecca Workman today. Rebecca is a special ed. instructor at Menomonie Middle School and coordinates the S.O.A.R. (Social, Occupational, Academic, Real life) program in the Menomonie schools. The program goal is to get these students to a knowledge & skill level that allows them to function in the community.
A very good presentation and we thank Rebecca for her time this morning and dedication to the S.O.A.R. program.
Loraine Garland
October 27th, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Loraine Garland from Arbor Place this morning. Loraine is the outreach & education coordinator.
Arbor Place provides prevention, treatment, renewal & recovery for individuals & families impacted be substance abuse & mental health disorders. Thanks for joining us this morning Loraine!
Margaret Breisch & Larry Jess
October 8th, 2022
This week, the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed our very own Margaret Briesch and Larry Jess as speakers. Margaret and Larry talked about our clubs history. Larry was one of the founding members of the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club. Margaret currently serves as the Club’s Secretary. Thanks Margaret and Larry!
Cooper Larson-RCU
September 22nd, 2022
A BIG Thank You to Cooper Larson for speaking to the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning. Cooper works at RCU and spoke about the ongoing financial education at the Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility. RCU also does financial education work with the Barron, Dunn, and Eau Claire County jails and the Barron County Drug Court program. Topics covered include budgeting, dealing with debt, and the true cost of life's expenses. Since the start of this program in 2015, RCU has impacted over 1700 students. Thank you, Cooper!
Boys and Girls Club
September 22nd, 2022
A HUGE Thank You to the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley-Menomonie Center for visiting the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club last week. They told us about their expansion that will increase their capacity to serve an additional 250 kids! You can check out more here:
Anne Ganong
September 1st, 2022
A big Thank You to Anne Ganong, Vice President of Alano of Menomonie for joining the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary today. Alano of Menomonie is a program for alcoholics, addicts and anyone affected by recovery to gather for meetings,fellowship and safe and sober fun. Thanks Anne!
Anne is pictured with President Steve Machesky.
Joe Zydowsky
August 28th, 2022
Our club was pleased to have Joe Zydowsky speak to us this morning. Joe is the Superintendent of the Menomonie school district. He provided an excellent update regarding post-covid plans, enrollment trends and funding for our schools. His efforts have surely helped the students learn in nice facilities that everyone can be proud of. Thanks, Joe for your leadership and updating our club members!
Sunny Skies CBD Tour
August 18th, 2022
Thank you to Sunny Skies CBD in Durand for hosting the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club today! We were able to tour the facility, learn about the business and even got a goodie bag!
Jim Walker
July 29th, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Rotary member Jim Walker to the meeting this week. Dr Walker has been actively involved with health care in the Congo for a number of years. He talked about SIGN fracture care this morning.
SIGN is a humanitarian organization that builds sustainable orthopaedic capacity in developing countries by providing relevant education to surgeons, then manufacturing and donating the instruments and implants needed to treat fractures.
Becca Schoenborn
June 6th, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Becca Schoenborn to our meeting. Becca is the Outreach and Education Coordinator at the Menomonie Market. Becca shared about the Co-op's expansion to Eau Claire. The new 14,000 sq foot building will offer an expanded produce department, meat section, dairy and refrigerated space, deli, an indoor seating area, an indoor seating area, rooftop community space and much more!
Becca is pictured with Club Member Barbara Fagan.
Steve Jahn
April 28th, 2022
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Steve Jahn to the meeting this morning. Steve is the Executive Director of Momentum West. Momentum West is a regional economic development organization that provides technical assistance and spearheads talent and development initiatives.
Thanks Steve!
Mark Broses
April 21st, 2022
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Mark Broses this morning. Mark is a member of the Chippewa Valley Rotary Club and was recently approved for a 2nd Global Grant. They are collaborating with the Rotary Tunari Club of Cochabamba Bolivia and Auga Tuya to build a new wastewater treatment plant.
Mark is pictured with Current Club President Bethany Lewis who is presenting Mark with a $3000 check from the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club.
Thanks Mark!
Stacey Martin
April 7th, 2022
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Stacey Martin this morning. Stacey is the director of Literacy Chippewa Valley. They are a
community-based literacy organization that offers adults the opportunity to gain the skills they need to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Literacy Chippewa Valley is one of the benefactors of the 2022 Rotary Fest. Stacey is pictured with Past President Court Sand.
Thanks Stacey!
James Brown
April 1st, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed James Brown to the meeting this morning. James is the Teaching Pastor at Cedarbrook Church. James talked about how a church grows and stays relevant during a pandemic. This directly relates to how a Service Club stays relevant. James is pictured with current Club President Bethany Lewis.
Gail Mentzel
March 24th, 2022
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Gail Mentzel from UW Stout's Fostering Success program. Gail is the Advisor for the program. This is the first program in the UW system to offer informed and intentional support to foster youth who want tot earn a college degree.
Fostering Succes is one of the benefactors of the 2022 Rotary Fest.
Thanks Gail!
Jeremy Untz
February 17th, 2022
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club Past President Jeremy Untz presented at the meeting this morning. Jeremy gave his classification talk to the group.
Thank you Jeremy!
Larry Jess
February 3rd, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club founder Larry Jess presented at the meeting this morning. Larry gave his classification talk to the group.
Thank you Larry!
Andrea Nodolf
January 27th, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Andrea Nodolf this morning. Andrea has served as the District Attorney for Dunn County since 2014. The primary purpose of the District Attorney’s Office is to prosecute all criminal and juvenile acts that occur in the County, as well as a variety of civil offenses including boating, traffic, and other local ordinances. Andrea's office handles approximately 3,400 cases per year.
Dana Brunstrom
January 13th, 2022
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club member Dana Brunstom had a riveting presentation at last week's meeting on dart frogs. Dana has built the perfect habitat for the frogs at his office.
Holiday Extravaganza!
December 23rd, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club had their Holiday Extravaganza this morning, organized by Margaret Breisch. There was holiday music, a crazy gift exchange and a few ugly sweaters!
Lisa Husom
Mentoring Chippewa
December 16th, 2021
Lisa Husom from Mentor Chippewa presented at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning.
Mentor Chippewa is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization that provides the organizational structure for, and support of, a school site based mentoring program. Check out their program here:
Mentor Chippewa
Thanks Lisa!
Duey Naatz
UW Stout
December 3rd, 2021
Duey Naatz, Athletic Director at UW Stout presented at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning. Duey gave us an overview of the program and even brought tickets to some of the games. Duey is pictured with club member Brent Schuler.
Thanks Duey!
Megen Hines
City of Menomonie
November 11th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Megen Hines to the meeting. Megen is the Environmental Program Coordinator for the City of Menomonie and loves to "talk trash"! Megen updated us on recycling and disposal in the City of Menomonie. Megen is pictured with club member Mark Lewis.
Chris Smith & Lois Smith
Rotary
November 4th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed fellow Rotarians Chris Smith and Lois Smith. Chris is a member if the Rotary Club of Menomonie and Lois is a member of the Lacrosse Club. Chris and Lois spoke about Rotary District and Global Peace Fellowship. Pictured is Past President Court Sand and Chris Smith.
Jesse Singerhouse
Dunn County Energy Cooperative
October 28th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Jesse Singerhouse to the meeting this morning. Jesse is the General Manager of Dunn Energy Cooperative and a fellow Rotarian. Jesse is pictured here with Gus Myron.
Thanks Jesse!
Ryan Sterry
SDMA Career and Technical Education Coordinator
October 21st, 2021
Ryan Sterry joined our club this morning to tell us about the Senior Internship Program at SDMA. Over 80 students are participating this year. This program gives students experience in the field they are interested in pursuing a career in.
Randy Eide
Public Works Director: Menomonie
October 14th, 2021
Always a pleasure to have Randy Eide, Public Works Director for the City of Menomonie speak at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary meeting. Randy gave an update on upcoming projects that the city will be doing in the near future
Jim Harvey
Boyceville High School Aviation
October 7th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club's newest member, Jim Harvey was our speaker this morning. Jim has been involved with the Boyceville High School Aviation program. The program has 12 students enrolled this year and is the 1st program like this in Wisconsin. Check out www.stemflights.org. Thanks Jim!
Justin Heizer
Airtec Sports
September 23rd, 2021
Justin Heizer presented at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary meeting this morning. Justin is from Airtec Sports (airtecsportsmenomonie.com)
Airtec Sports has 4 locations (Rice Lake, Menomonie, Roberts and Holcombe) and carries a variety of powersports products. Thanks Justin!
Mary Kante, Holly Hart
William Klish
Cervical Cancer Screening in Ghana
September 16th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed Mary Kante, Holly Hart and Bill Klish from the Rotary Club of Eau Claire. Mary, Holly and Bill are involved in a project that is raising awareness of cervical cancer and opportunities to address screening, treatment, and vaccinations in Ghana. This project
provides lifesaving thermal ablations and is working with the Rotary Club of Accra East. Thank you Mary, Holly and Bill!
Court Sand
Cessna Overhaul
September 2nd, 2021
Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club Past President, Court Sand spoke to the club today about his Cessna airplane. Court has done a lot of work to the Cessna, from a new paint job, new engine and new interior. Thanks Court!
Karen Hebert
District Governor
August 26th, 2021
District Governor, Karen Hebert joined the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning and delivered an inspiring and uplifting message.
Karen is a member of the Chippewa Valley After Hours Club.
Brenna Jasper
Crime Prevention Specialist
Menomonie Police Department
August 19th, 2021
Brenna Jasper from the Menomonie Police Department presented at the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club meeting this morning.
Brenna is the Crime Prevention Specialist for the PD and gave an overview of her job and the events she organizes. Thank you Brenna!
Christian Peterson
Outdoor More
August 5th, 2021
Christian Peterson, current president of Outdoor More joined us and talked about Pinehurst Park in Eau Claire, WI. Pinehurst is a bike park and snow park destination for Chippewa Valley residents of all ages. Check out their website here: #OutdoorMore (pinehurstpark.org)
Officer Matt Harmon
Liaison Officer for Menomonie Schools
July 15th, 2021
Officer Matt Harmon joined the Sunrise Rotary Club on July 15th, 2021. Officer Harmon is the Liaison Officer for the Menomonie School District. He is primarily at the Menomonie Middle School. Officer Harmon talked to the club about the challenges he faces keeping our students safe.
Dustyn Dubuque
Menomonie Mainstreet
July 1st, 2021
Dustyn Dubuque, Exectuvice Director of Menomonie Mainstreet presented to the club on July 1st, 2021. Dustyn informed the club of all the happenings of the downtown area. For more info on Menomonie Mainstreet, check out their site: Downtown Menomonie
Access Ability Wisconsin
June 10th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club is excited to be partnering with Access Ability Wisconsin to provide all terrain wheelchair to the public! For more info, check out their website: Access Ability Wisconsin
Tom Sampson
Machine Shed
June 3rd, 2021
Tom Sampson, owner of The Machine Shed, presented to the Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club on June 3rd. For more info, check out their website: Machine Shed - CrossFit 235 | Gym | Weight loss - Machine Shed - CrossFit 235 (machineshedfitness.com)
Bob and Gary
Bait on Broadway
May 20th, 2021
Bob and Gary from Bait on Broadway presented to the club this morning. Not only do they sell bait, they also buy-sell-trade gear. Check out their Facebook page: Bait On Broadway | Facebook
Xenia Rudolph
Boys and Girls Club
April 2nd, 2021
Fellow Rotarian, Xenia Rudolph presented on the Boys and Girls Club. Their goal is to provide programs designed to empower youth to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives. Here's their website for more info:
Menomonie » Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley (cvclubs.org)
Mary Lotten
Menomonie Community Garden
March 4th, 2021
The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club is excited to have Mary Lotten (pictured far left) speak at our meeting this week. Mary is the President of the Menomonie Community Garden and will present on the history, mission challenges and future plans of our community's garden. Mary will also share where her passion for gardening started as well as how she inspires others.
Chancellor Katherine Frank
UW Stout
January 21st, 2021
Chancellor Katherine Frank joined the Sunrise Rotary Club meeting this morning and gave an update on UW Stout.
Tonya and Sam Husby
Donut Sam's
October 8th, 2020
Tonya and Sam Husby joined us this morning. Their family owns Donut Sams. Check out their site: https://www.donutsams.com
