May 9, 2012
by: Bruce Brooks
Theme: Networking

Our Rotary emblem is a wheel in the shape of a gear with cogs on the outside.These cogs can only function purposefully when engaged with the cogs of another geared wheel.

In which way will the cogs turn?

Our Rotary Motto gives us the direction: “Service Above Self!”

When we devote ourselves only to the forward movement of our own geared lives, we do so at the detriment of others whose cogged-wheeled lives are consequently turned backward.

But when, through Rotary, we seek the benefit of others, encouraging their accomplishment, and sharing pride in their advancement, we often selflessly gear and direct our lives in such a way that their life may improve forward.

Unable to find two cogged wheels for this Moment of Reflection, I did find a similar illustration in this children’s toy. Its shape, and many colors, and intricate interconnections, remind me of our local Rotary Club.

• We do care for each other!
• We do encourage each other!
• We do serve side by side!

But our Rotary Call is so much larger than our local Rotary club!

Like this expanding interconnected sphere, through Rotary we are expanded………….. We are challenged!!! , and We-are-connected-to-a-world-of- those-for-whom-we-selflessly-live-out: “Service Above Self.”

Dear Lord,

Thank-you for the incredible folks in this room who have cared for, encouraged, and challenged us in dark times and bright. Continue to expand our world and our call, through Rotary, to others with whom we choose to be selflessly bound and connected in “Service Above Self”.

Hear us by whatever Name we call upon you. I pray in Jesus’ name.  ~Amen.

The Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is pleased to have supported a global grant, totaling over $40,000 USD, supported with cooperation from Rotarians and Rotary Districts on 3 continents.  This was a major accomplishment and something for which Rotarians can be proud.

Global Grant:

• Bozcakoy/Cappadocia, Turkey “Water Distribution System”

Supporters include:

• Rotary District 2430 (Turkey)
• 7 participating Rotary Clubs
• Rotary District 5960 (Minnesota/Wisconsin)
• 5 participating Rotary Clubs
• Rotary Club of Ingleheim, Germany

The application process was headed up by Rotary District 2430 and was submitted and approved allowing for a major renovation to the Cappodocia Turkey Water Distribution System – which was a failing system of asbestos reinforced concrete pipes, which was apparently the standard at that time it was made 30-40 years ago.

The pipes cracked over the years of use and both leaked water out and allowed infiltration of ground water that was frequently contaminated with e-coli and other germs. Replacement of the pipes will provide a significant health improvement to the community.

The Kapydokya, Turkey Club (shown in the pictures below) directly oversaw the completion of the project.  John Lennes of the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club was the District 5960 project leader as our District Water Resources Chair.

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club will be hosting their annual International Night on Monday, April 2, 2012 at the Chateau St. Croix in St. Croix Falls, WI.  This has traditionally been an opportunity for Rotarians from our area to meet and greet the GSE team visiting the district, as well as an opportunity for the community to experience the international side of Rotary.  Anyone is welcome to join us at the International Night and we encourage everyone to attend.

Rotarians and guests will enjoy:

• Appetizer Buffet
• GSE Team Presentation
  
• Dance performed by Lydia Gusman, Exchange Student
  
• Live Auction*

*Funds raised at auction will help support International Club Projects

When:

Monday April 2, 2012
6:30 PM Appetizer Buffet and Cash Bar
$15 per person

Where:

Chateau St. Croix Winery
1998A State Road 87
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

RSVP

RSVP by March 26, 2012 with names of attendees to: Susan@fallslaw.com or call (715) 483-1864 and leave message.

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club is pleased to announce the March 2012 Rotary Club Students of the Month from St. Croix Falls and Osceola, WI.

• Ben Clausen, St. Croix Falls High School
• Heather Larsen, Osceola School High School

Ben Clausen, Student of the Month with most influential teacher Brian Jacobson & President Elect Mike Armbrust.

Heather Larsen, Student of the Month with most influential teacher Vicki Donahue & Club President Elect Mike Armbrust.

February 8, 2012 – St. Croix Falls, WI

Five Russian Delegates, an Open World Facilitator, American sponsor/host, and an interpreter spent part of the day in St. Croix Falls as part of the Open World Leadership Center – business person exchange.  The delegates, through and interpreter were live on Rotary Club Radio – a podcast about Rotary and then spoke at the St. Croix Falls Rotary – giving a presentation of their local Rotary back in Russia.  The delegates were given a club banner/flag to bring back to their local Rotary Club as a traditional Rotary Club gift to visiting Rotarian’s from around the world.

For more information on the Open World Leadership Center, visit: OpenWorld.gov or visit Rotary Club Radio for a descriptions of the delegate’s activities in their stay in America.

Russian Delegates from the Open World Leadership Center accepting a SCF Rotary Club Banner to take home with them to their local Rotary Club in Russia. Also shown Mike Armbrust, St. Croix Rotary Club President Elect, Kirk Anderson, Rotary Club Radio Host, and Greg Bartz, White Bear Lake Rotary Club.

On Rotary Club Radio

About the Open World Leadership Center

The Open World Leadership Center administers the Open World program, one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs for countries of the post-Soviet era. Begun as a pilot program in 1999 and established as a permanent agency in late 2000, the Center conducts the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch and, as such, has enabled more than 17,000 current and future leaders from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to meaningfully engage and interact with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans, many of whom are the delegates’ direct professional counterparts.

On Saturday, February 4th, 2012 – members of the St. Croix Falls Rotary and and exchange student from Indonesia, took the plunge to raise money for Rotary projects!

SCF Plungers:

• Lydia – Exchange Student from Indonesia
• Steve McCormack – St. Croix Falls, WI
• Jagath ‘Jug’ Karun – Osceola, WI

Video starts at SCF’s plunge.  Feel free to watch the whole video by rewinding!

The event was sponsored by the North Branch Rotary Club of MN was a great success!

If you would still like to sponsor a jumper with a donation, please use the button below!

Donations will be used in community projects that Rotary sponsors! Thank you for supporting the Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls!

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club is pleased to announce the February 2012 Rotary Club Students of the Month from St. Croix Falls and Osceola, WI.

• Alicia Graveson, St. Croix Falls High School
• Emilie Anderson, Osceola School High School

Alicia Graveson, Student of the Month with most influential teacher Sarah Schmidt & Club President LeeAnn Vitalis.

Emilie Anderson, Student of the Month with most influential teacher Theresa Ellefson & Club President Elect Mike Armbrust.

The Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls made a $1,200 donation to the St. Croix Falls Back Pack Program.  The funds will be used to buy milk vouchers that are redeemable at local grocery stores.  Every week, participants get a milk voucher in their backpack.

Rotary President LeeAnn Vitalis presents a $1,200 check to the Back Pack Program

The Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls is raising money to provide milk, a much needed item, to the program.  You can donate by clicking the image above (all proceeds will go towards milk coupons) or to receive a Tax Deduction for your Donation, please send a check payable to the Salvation Army & write “SCF Backpack Project” on the memo line.

Financial donations can be sent to:

St. Croix Falls Middle School
c/o Denise Sinclear Todd
740 Maple Drive
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

Would your company do a matching gift?  This would be a great way to increase your donation!

If you have any questions, call Denise Sinclear Todd at 715-483-2507 (ext. 1204) or Maria Gjovig at ext. 1172.

On Saturday, February 4th, 2012 – some brave members of the St. Croix Falls Rotary Club will participate in the 3rd Annual Polar Plunge in Harris, MN.  The event, sponsored by the North Branch Rotary Club, is held at the Fish Lake County Park.

Registration starts at 11:00 AM and Plunging starts at 12:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to come and watch or even sign up to jump in!!!  The more the merrier!

Click for Directions

If you would like to sponsor a jumper with a donation, please use the button below!

Donations will be used in community projects that Rotary sponsors!  Thank you for supporting the Rotary Club of St. Croix Falls!

The St. Croix Falls Rotary Club is pleased to announce the January 2012 Rotary Club Students of the Month from St. Croix Falls and Osceola, WI.

• Christopher Eisen, St. Croix Falls High School
• Cody Brunclik, Osceola School High School