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Service Above Self

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River Club

12400 N Ville Du Parc Dr,
Mequon, WI 53092
United States of America

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Embracing Mental Health: A Call to Action for Rotary Members

Re-posted from the District 6270 website

At the heart of Rotary's mission lies the pursuit of service and the commitment to fostering understanding and compassion within our communities. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of human experiences, we are reminded of the fragility of mental health and the profound impact it has on our lives.

At the 2023 Rotary International Assembly, RI President Gordon McInally courageously shared his journey, urging Rotary members worldwide to destigmatize conversations around mental health. His poignant narrative, punctuated by the loss of his brother to suicide, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of open dialogue and support.

During my club visits, I shared my journey through mental health and wellness. There was a time when I, too, felt engulfed by despair, believing that suicide was the only escape from my struggles. Yet, through resilience and support, I emerged from the shadows, embracing a newfound sense of hope and purpose.

Recent statistics published by The New York Times shed light on the alarming rise in suicide rates across the United States. In the past 2 decades, suicide rates have risen about 35% with nearly 50,000 annually, while the rates in other wealthy countries have been dropping steeply and steadily. In the face of this sobering reality, Rotary members possess a unique opportunity to effect meaningful change. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, we can create safe spaces for individuals to share their struggles without fear of judgment.

As stewards of compassion and goodwill, we each play a vital role in Rotary's Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. Contrary to popular belief, one does not need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Through simple acts of kindness and active listening, we can dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help.

To support our collective efforts, Rotary International offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources aimed at raising awareness and promoting access to mental health care. I encourage you to explore the downloadable brochure provided, which outlines actionable steps for eliminating stigma and fostering resilience within our communities.

Additionally, I invite you to engage with the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiative, a valuable repository of toolkits, success stories, and other resources. Together, we can harness the power of collective action to drive positive change in the realm of mental health advocacy.

Looking ahead, TriCon 2024 presents a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of suicide prevention through a special workshop titled, Question. Persuade. Refer. 3 Steps Anyone Can Learn to Help Prevent Suicide. Led by esteemed clinical therapist Sarah Danahy, this workshop aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to intervene effectively in times of crisis.

Let us heed the call to action and stand in solidarity with those grappling with mental health challenges. As members of Rotary, we possess the power to ignite hope, foster resilience, and save lives. Together, let us embark on this journey of compassion and healing, knowing that our collective efforts can truly make a difference.

Rotary History - Part Five

Call for Volunteers - Field of Flags

Update on playground featured in News Graphic

Courtesy of Charley Hanney, Ozaukee County News Graphic

The Rotary Club of Thiensville-Mequon’s proposed all-inclusive playground for Rotary Park, if ultimately approved, would be the Zrst of many improvements at the park. Image courtesy of the Rotary Club of T-M

MEQUON — The Rotary Club of Thiensville-Mequon’s all-user playground adjacent to the south pavilion at Rotary Park, 4100 Highland Road, is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The city of Mequon’s Common Council last week unanimously approved a pre-development agreement for the playground, which would meet the needs of all people — not just children — with a wide range of abilities and ages.

"As a volunteer for multiple organizations that serve the IDD community, I am excited that a play area for all abilities, and all ages has been so well received," Club President Jenne Hohn told the News Graphic Sunday. "It is wonderful to see the enthusiastic support from local leadership. I am thrilled that we are going to have this resource in Mequon at one of our loveliest parks."

According to the current concept plan, the park would consist of a large center structure with ramps, slides and climbing opportunities, surrounded by swings, including a wheelchair swing, sliders, archways, mounds, exercise equipment and a variety of other playground equipment.

It would also feature internal paths, landscaping, benches and shaded rest areas, with its colors and design resembling the park’s existing landscape, the club wrote, and in addition, include a safe entranceway, perimeter barriers and improved paths leading to the playground.

Former Mayor John Wirth told the council that this playground, initially identified as a need in the 2019 master planning efforts, is just one of several improvements that the club hopes to make to the park moving forward.

"Hopefully this is the first phase in a number of improvements we’d like to make to the park ...," Wirth said. "People go to Gathering on the Green, there’s no great path to get between the two pavilions at the park and there’s a variety of other improvements we’d like to see. But this, our first phase, is to do a playground. It’s something Mequon sorely needs."

The council agreed, noting that the new playground would be a significant improvement given that the current one’s equipment is more than 25 years old.

"This is a really exciting project...," Alderman Brian Parrish added. "They’re (playgrounds) very expensive and it’s going to take a lot of private groups to fund these over time, so to just get this one underway is very important..." The club, which reiterated that it was not seeking final approval just yet from the council, plans to gain additional input from the community and various organizations representing intellectually and developmentally disabled people.

If it receives final approval, the playground is anticipated to open in early 2026.

May 23 Speaker - Dr. Matt Joynt

Superintendent

Matthew Joynt began teaching in public education in 1999. Prior to being appointed to the position of superintendent of schools in the Mequon-Thiensville School District in July 2017, he served as the assistant superintendent of educational services in the Mequon-Thiensville School District for four years. Dr. Joynt holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He is a Wisconsin State Certified Teacher and has taught at the elementary level and served as an assistant principal and principal at high performing high schools in the Milwaukee area.

Matthew has extensive experience working to engage students, capitalizing on opportunities to embrace diversity, and facilitating change and continuous improvement efforts within organizations located in metropolitan areas. It is his goal to improve school performance, and Matthew has led school reform at elementary and secondary schools improving teaching and school culture to promote academic growth and help students embrace lifelong learning.

Professional Statement

My professional goal is to be a district administrator and instructional leader in a strong and effective public school district focused on student success. To achieve this goal I believe that my leadership must:

be driven through high expectations (goals and benchmarks) that are shared by all and monitored and assessed consistently.
include communication among students, staff, parents and community members that provides for a positive school environment and decision-making focused on student learning.
provide the means to make success a choice for all students and staff alike; then use accountability measures to ensure such success.
utilize evaluation of data sources and assessment of current practice to promote continuous improvement for students, staff, and the organization.

Amy Luft, April 16 Speaker

Amy Luft has a passion for working with veterans. Amy's work with veteran's stems from her desire to honor her late father, a WWIl Army veteran. Amy is a life-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is a Past President of her local unit ni Grafton, and currently serves as the State Vice President. Amy is also a member of the Ozaukee County VFW Auxiliary.

In addition, Amy is very active with Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Her involvement began as a volunteer guardian in April 2009. In October 2010 she joined the Board of Directors and was then appointed Vice President in 2013. In her role over the years, she served as Director for guardian training, assisted with Call Center, helped with flight logistics and worked closely with the medical team in organizing flights. Amy now serves as an ambassador for the program and to date, has completed 50 Honor Flights.

Amy works at Family Sharing of Ozaukee County as an Assistant Manager. In addition, she serves as a Trustee for the Village of Grafton where her and her husband, Todd, reside. They have two grown daughters and two grandsons, all who belong to the American Legion Family.

Rob Kos - Paul Harris PLUS TWO

Congratulations to Past-president Rob Kos, recipient of the Paul Harris PLUS TWO Award. The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. The recognition is named after Rotary’s founder, the late Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer, who started Rotary with three business associates in 1905. A world of goodwill and better understanding comes closer to reality today because Rob has made a substantial gift to The Rotary Foundation and a Paul Harris Fellow recognition may be presented. In being named a Paul Harris Fellow, he joins a remarkable company of people throughout the world, all recognized for their commitment to Service Above Self to benefit local and international communities. We congratulate you Rob, and thank you for your commitment to Rotary’s common goals of world understanding and peace.

Rotary History, Part Four

Weekly Photo Digest

Jenne, Nancy, and Russ visited the Milwaukee Domes last week. The Georgia O'Keefe exhibit is lovely.

Part of the CAC's 2024 Annual Funding was a donation to Mel's Charities for their annual Magical Moments Dance. Over 120 attendees attended the dance at Cedarburg High School. Jenne (Coach Jenne) is pictured here with members of her Special Olympics basketball team.

Carol Hertz Obituary

We send our deep condolences to Karl Hertz for the loss of his beloved wife, and our dear friend, Carol Hertz.

Carol Sue Hertz, 88, passed away April 5, 2024, in Thiensville, Wisconsin. She had an accomplished career as an educator and was a devoted wife and mother. Carol took great joy in her family, community service, reading, gardening, and spending time in Door County.

Carol was married 66 years to her husband Karl Hertz. She described him as “her partner in life.” She dearly loved their three children : Karen Hertz-Sumnicht (Steven), Michael Hertz (Dorothy Thomas) and Sarah Chance. Her deep affection also extended to her five grandchildren: Mary Casper, Anna Casper, Jake Casper (Richard Tijerina), Charles Hertz and Eleanor Hertz. Carol was the daughter of Clarence and Maude Gruber and was born in French Lick, Indiana in 1935.

Carol received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University, her master’s degree from Butler University and a certificate of advanced studies from the University of Chicago. She started her long career teaching high school English in Indianapolis and ended her career as the K-12 curriculum director in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

There will be a visitation at Lumen Christi Church in Mequon on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12:30pm until a short prayer service at 2pm. Carol will be remembered at a private family Mass in the chapel at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

(Photo taken at the October 2022 District 6270 Foundation Dinner)

History of Rotary, Part Three

Playground Featured in the News Graphic

MEQUON — The Mequon Park and Open Space Board tonight will consider a new all-user playground adjacent to the south pavilion at Rotary Park, 4100 Highland Road.

The Rotary Club of Thiensville-Mequon is presenting the plan.

If approved, the Rotary Club would plan, construct and donate the playground to the city of Mequon. The Rotary committee that is planning the playground is chaired by Club President Jenne Hohn and former Mequon Mayor John Wirth.

"An all-user playground, sometimes called an inclusive playground, is a play area with equipment and resources that meet the needs of all people — not just children — with a wide range of abilities and ages," Hohn explained. "It is an all accessible play area where users of all ages and all abilities will be able to play and thrive."

Such a park was initially identified as a need in the 2019 master planning efforts.

Designed by Zimmerman Architectural Studios, the current concept plan consists of a large center structure with ramps, slides and climbing opportunities, surrounded by swings, including a wheelchair swing, sliders, archways, mounds, exercise equipment and a variety of other playground equipment. The playground would also feature internal paths, landscaping, benches and shaded rest areas, with its colors and design resembling the park’s existing landscape, the club wrote.

In addition, there would be a safe entranceway, perimeter barriers and improved paths leading to the playground.

“The lake and parking areas at Rotary Park can be tempting to kids and those with autism,” Hohn said. “We want this to be a safe experience for all guests of the park and enjoyable for guests’ parents, grandparents and caregivers.”

The club, which hopes to improve other facilities at the park, either with the playground or in future phases, said the project would not impact the nearby soccer fields. It plans to seek additional input from the community and various organizations that represent intellectual and developmentally disabled people.

Due to the scope of the project, the club anticipates the playground to open in early 2026.

“This will be another great project in our club’s 87 years of giving back to Mequon and Thiensville,” Hohn added.

According to the Mequon Park and Open Space Board’s agenda packet for today, the current playground at Rotary south was constructed in 1996, as several of the playground components were either donated or moved from other locations and are older than 1996.

It wasn’t until last summer when the club approved an initiative to move forward with planning documents for a proposed playground.

Congratulations John Rosing - Thiensville Village President

Courtesy of the News-Graphic

TM Rotary History, Part Two

THE THIENSVILLE-MEQUON ROTARY CLUB FOUNDATION

The origin of this fund takes us back to the late fifties (1958-60) during the presidencies of Rudy Peters and Ralph Huiras. Ralph had been initiated into the mysteries of corn roasting by Doc Elbe, and very quickly Ralph conceived a plan for a family picnic to be known as the Annual Corn Roast and Bratwurst Fry. Others joined in on the development of the fundraiser which would also serve as a community service project. The net profits from the picnic were to be used to finance Boy Scout programs and school scholarships, and in some cases the fund could be used for other community projects. These profits were kept in segregated funds and invested separately from the club’s operating fund. Over the years, successive Corn Roasts continued to generate profits and the segregated fund grew to the point that earnings were enough to finance the Scouts and the scholarships. The goal had been set to build the fund to $25,000.

By 1967 when Jack Wiese because president of T-M Rotary, the fund had grown to $13,000. The time seemed right to set up the fund in a more formal and legal format. Wiese appointed a committee to study the entire Scout-Scholarship Fund situation and come up with a recommendation to the club. The committee consisted of Merton Campbell, Chairman, Dr. T. D. Elbe, Clem Freitag, Ray Hintz, Ralph Huiras, Francis Meer, Russ Risley, and Harry Schmit. After several meetings the committee finished its job, with Ralph Huiras providing the legal expertise. In September 1967, the report was submitted to President Wiese, who then presented it to the Board of Directors for its perusal. The Board accepted the recommendations with a few minor changes, and shortly thereafter the THIENSVILLE-MEQUON ROTARY CLUB FOUNDATION became a legal entity. The purpose was to provide scholarships to aid graduates of Homestead High School, to provide support to the Boy Scouts of America in the Thiensville-Mequon area, and to provide for emergency services connected exclusively with services to the communities of Thiensville and Mequon or to non-profit or charitable organizations within these communities. A Board of Trustees of five members of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club was to administer the fund, and the method of selecting the Board was specified. The first Board of Trustees consisted of Ralph Huiras, Harry Schmit, James Schmitz, Harold Viste and Jack Wiese (past president). In 1986 the FOUNDATION was reviewed again and some amendments were made, namely; (1) A modification was made in the selection of Trustees, with the treasurer to serve a five-year term; (2) An annual donation of $1000 was to be made to the Frank J. Weyenberg Library Foundation; and an annual donation of $1000 was to be made to the International Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Fellowship; this became known as an Honorary Paul Harris Fellowship to be determined by the Club Board of Directors.

Shortly after T-M Rotary launched the Rotary Park project it was necessary to review the foundation again and amend it to cover the initial expenditure of $80,000 plus additional future expenditures toward this $2,500,000 project. Currently the fund is entitled the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Park Foundation, Inc. The foundation continues to be a vibrant force, as was it’s predecessors for the past 33 years, in meeting the service obligations and commitments of Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club as it serves our local communities.

Student of the Month - Hailey Caes

Congratulations to our most recent Student of the Month, Hailey Case. We honored her during our March 5^th meeting at the River Club. Both of Hailey’s parents, Michelle and Mark Case of Mequon, attended with her. Hailey was selected for her commitment to serving her community and school through the Rotary Interact Club at Homestead High School and various volunteer opportunities at Rotary Park, the Mequon Nature Preserve and the Ozaukee Food Pantry.

She has also pursued her passion for art by leading the National Art Honors Society as the activities director and now co-president. She also enjoys the slopes with Homestead’s Ski & Snowboarding Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society, GEMS (Girls Exploring Math & Science) and has earned the Merit Award and High Honor Roll all 4 years, to name just a few of her accomplishments.

Hailey plans to study engineering this fall and, impressively, has been accepted to all of the schools she applied to and is deciding between University of Wisconsin-Madison, Purdue, and Minnesota. Hailey, congratulations and thank you for your “Service Above Self”!

VA Campus Tour

A very special THANK YOU to Jim Counsellor for arranging a private tour of the VA Campus. We spent time with Dona Drew and Dr. Bret Berger along with other VA dignitaries. The Veterans Affairs committee from the Sunrise Club joined us. It was an extremely informative event.

Patrick Nettesheim - April 9 Speaker, Guitars for Vets

PATRICK NETTESHEIM, CO-FOUNDER GUITARS FOR VETS
Patrick is a music teacher, composer and performer. In college, Patrick excelled in psychology and philosophy. He considered a career in medicine but chose the path of the artist instead. Music credits include many films and numerous bands in which he played guitar, bass and piano with styles covering rock, jazz, country, ambient and techno. In 2007, Patrick co-founded Guitars for Vets (G4V) with his student and friend, Vietnam Era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk. Since then, G4V has grown to more than 150 chapters throughout the USA. He is credited with developing the G4V “four-way path” known as PAGE—Patience, Acceptance, Gratitude, Empathy. The G4V community applies these principles in all aspects of operation as they strive to open “windows of serenity” with our military brothers and sisters that live with the challenges of PTSD. Patrick continues to compose and perform music in his band, Kharma Shotgun. His vision for the future is to offer the G4V program to all wounded Veterans throughout the USA and beyond.

Annette Meyer - April 2 Speaker

Annette Meyer is the founder of Annette Meyer Studios and Meyer Music Therapy Services. Having established these businesses in 2001, both have expanded to service numerous counties in two states, bringing music and all its benefits to both adults and children alike. Our clients all share the joy of music, and we use this as a means of achieving personalized goals designed around each individuals talents and skills.

Working with a diverse range of clients, we work to cultivate and empower each one, as the key to motivation and success, by introducing possibilities utilizing their own strengths. Having established small and large group programs, as well as working one-on-one, Annette is able to customize and deliver a positive, goal based experience, which benefits all participants.

This commitment to music as a means of personal expression is the foundation of Annette’s approach and methods. Music is a positive construct on so many levels, and whether listening, active playing, song writing or collaborating, everyone can experience the benefits on an intimate level.

2024 POTC Recipient, Connie Pukaite

Join us to honor the first female member of Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club, and former Mequon Mayor Connie Pukaite on Tuesday, June 4 at North Shore Country Club.

The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) will hold its annual Pillars of the Community Award Luncheon on Tuesday, June 4th at 11:30 a.m. at North Shore Country Club. This year, the Foundation will honor Mequon resident and former mayor, Connie Pukaite. “Connie’s passion for people and the environment shines through everything she does – in her past professions, her service to the city of Mequon, and her countless projects that have positively impacted our community and beyond. Connie truly exemplifies what it means to be a Pillar of the Community,” says MTCF President Lori Lorenz.

Connie moved to Mequon in 1966, having been raised on a farm in Massachusetts that was settled by her ancestors in 1725. Those early roots proved to be foundational to her love of woodlands, trees and all-things nature, driving a passion to preserve and maintain natural spaces for future generations to come.

Connie’s life of service is remarkable, with a mission to make the lives of those around her better than how she found them and to strive for service over self. However, her service to ourcommunity didn’t begin for several years after settling in Mequon. Instead, she immersed herself in work to advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves: elevating the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities; helping draft legislation to establish special education in public schools; and fighting for affordable housing and neighborhood renewal in the Milwaukee Lindsey Heights inner city neighborhood.

Indeed, according to close friend and prior Pillars award recipient, Sandy Custer, “To say that Connie is a pillar of Mequon-Thiensville doesn’t begin to take into account the profound influence she has had beyond our community. To me, Connie is a Pillar of Ozaukee County, the city of Milwaukee, and the state of Wisconsin, all in one.”

Connie’s impact in our own community is indeed immense. She served as Alderman for eight years over three different terms; as Mayor and Chair of the Planning Commission for six years; as President of the Mequon Police and Fire Commission for three years; and held numerous leadership positions for the Sunrise Rotary Club over the past 15 years. In fact, Connie was the first woman elected to a top governmental position in Ozaukee County, and was the first female member of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club when they asked her to join in the mid-1980’s!

During her many years of service, she made an indelible mark throughout the community. Connie was instrumental in creating the first comprehensive land-use plan for Mequon; developing the Mequon Industrial Park and saving Garvey Woods; constructing the Mequon Police and Fire Station; developing the gateway feature that graces the entryway to the Town Center; and securing the site for the Spur 16 development, just to name a few!

While mayor, she set the vision for Rotary Park, noting the need for a park large enough to bring the community together to celebrate and recreate – the first park of its kind in Mequon. And on her last day as mayor, the city honored Connie with an 18-acre parcel of land abutting the northern edge of Rotary Park and bearing her name: Pukaite Woods. For the past 16 years, she has been the chief steward of that land, clearing buckthorn, establishing a prairie meadow and oak savannah areas, and maintaining it for all to enjoy.

Joining the Sunrise Rotary Club in 2009 brought together two of Connie’s passions: love for the environment and a desire to serve. As chair of the Environmental Committee she organized the planting of hundreds of native redbud trees throughout the Town Center, tamarack trees along the Riverwalk, and oak trees in Pukaite Woods, providing a bounty of natural beauty throughout the community.

Ask anyone who knows Connie and the praise is effusive. According to Cindy Shaffer, long-time friend and owner of Shaffer Development, “Nearly two decades ago our paths crossed at Mequon Thiensville Sunrise Rotary, and since then, her unwavering dedication to service has left an indelible mark on all who know her. Connie’s commitment to bettering our environment and promoting the common good has been a guiding light for me, both personally and professionally. She embodies the essence of the Rotary motto—service above self—pouring her heart and soul into initiatives that uplift and enrich the lives of those around her. What sets Connie apart is not just her visible contributions, but the countless acts of kindness and generosity that often go unseen. In a world that often seems chaotic and divided, Connie stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the transformative power of compassion and selflessness.”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise then, that for the past dozen years Connie has been tirelessly advocating for the homeless in Ozaukee County and helped to co-found the first homeless shelter, Family Promise of Ozaukee County. Initially her efforts centered around partnering with local churches to provide shelter but soon realized the need was so much more. Fast forward 11 years later, and Family Promise opened its doors in early 2023 – the first free-standing shelter in Ozaukee County – with an emphasis on human dignity and seeking to determine the root cause of homelessness and preventing it in the first place.

Connie lives in Mequon and continues to work on several boards and committees, serving the people and the city that she loves. For Sponsorship Information or to register for this event, please visit our Pillars of the Community event page!

History of TM-Rotary, Part One

The first meeting of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club was held July 29, 1937, with the charter being officially presented on September 21, 1937. There were 20 original members.

From the very beginning the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club was alert to community needs and began immediately to support and initiate worthwhile community projects and programs. One of the earliest projects was sponsorship of the Boy Scout Program; and this support still continues in 1993, fifty-six years later. Other early projects were the County Apple Show and Smokey the Fire clown (a school program). During the World War II years, the club was involved with the sale of war bonds, clothing drives, and similar wartime activities. Many more projects have been initiated since those early years; and these are listed elsewhere in this program book. The most recent major project is the City of Mequon Rotary Park, a project officially launched on September 19, 1987, at the fiftieth anniversary ceremonies of the club. Thiensville-Mequon Rotary is working closely with the city of Mequon and initially presented a check for $50,0000.00 toward start up construction, with $30,000.00 in reserve for fundraising activities. Progress has continued in construction and fundraising. Ultimately, over $2,000,000.00 will need to be raised. The Thiensville-Mequon community has always been very supportive of Rotary's fundraising activities which finance numerous worthwhile community projects and programs; and we appreciate that and thank all of our local supporters. It is you who have helped finance the many activities of the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club.

Membership in T-M Rotary represents a cross section of the business and Professional individuals in the community. Not only are they good friends, but they are united in a common commitment to serve others for the benefit of the community. This commitment to service has been a dynamic force which has made a solid impact upon our activities and community involvement. The T-M Rotary Club is very proud to be an integral part of the community.