Are you looking for an organization where you can meet friends, grow your professional network, and do some good for the community and the world?
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The Rotary Club of Waupaca
Over 90 members strong, we are committed to acting locally and globally to address the biggest challenges of our time. Together, we work to:
- Support education
- Protect the environment
- Grow local economies
- Promote Peace
- Support mothers & children
- Provide Clean water, sanitation & hygiene
- Fight disease
In addition to hands-on projects focused on the environment, housing, hunger and other needs, we raise funds through community events to support a range of programs and service projects that improve lives locally and around the world.
Ready to attend a meeting?
Thanks to Our Ambassadors
The Good Things We’re Doing!
Paul Harris Recognition - Tim Neuville
Tim Neuville was recognized for his generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
The award features doves of peace because promoting peace is the thread that weaves together all of Rotary's other Causes (https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes). Fighting disease, providing clean water & sanitation, supporting education, helping to grow local economies, promoting maternal and child health, and protecting the environment - all of these create the foundation for building sustainable peace.
Thank you, Tim Neuville, for all you do in our community and around the world to improve lives and promote peace.
New Member Spotlight: Sally LeComte
Sally LeComte has served Bethany Home, Inc. since February of 2020. She began her journey at Bethany as the Admissions & Marketing Coordinator. In February of 2021, Sally was promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant to Bethany’s CEO, Shelly Sontag, and to the Maintenance & IT Director, Dan Allen. Sally’s experience as the Admissions & Marketing Coordinator along with her background as a sign language interpreter, a paralegal and having years of experience working with homeless veterans and people with disabilities; coupled with her compassionate heart and organizational skills made her a great candidate for the Director of Admissions & Outreach position that became vacant in December of 2021. At which time she joined Bethany’s Director team when she was promoted to the position of Director of Admissions & Outreach.
Sally feels blessed to work for a Christian organization and looks forward to what God has planned for her in growing positive relationships with her co-workers, the residents and their family members, the community and service providers in both admissions and outreach.
Annual Banquet - June 24th
This year’s theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” reflects the difference our club continues to make throughout the community and world. The evening begins with social time and cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6:15 p.m.
We’ll recognize outstanding Rotarians and community members, welcome incoming leadership and board members, and celebrate the many projects and accomplishments from the past Rotary year. Most importantly, it’s a chance for members, family, and friends to reconnect, enjoy fellowship, and look ahead to another year of Service Above Self.
Please see the invitation below with ways to make your reservations and join us for this special evening.
Club Presents $16,000 in Scholarships
Our Rotary club presented 5 scholarships totaling $16,000 to Waupaca High School students as follows:
- Two $5000 Rotary Ambassador scholarships were presented to Taylor Kling (majoring in business) and Thomas Thiel (majoring in aerospace engineering). These scholarships are possible through the generosity of our Rotary Ambassadors, 11 members and businesses who contribute $2500, or $5000 to our fund-raisers and programs. $10,000 is directly allocated for these 2 scholarships
- The Rotary Tim and Joy Neuville Service Above Self $4000 scholarship was presented to Chloe Nelson (majoring in sonography) who had given nearly 700 hours of community service during her high school years.
- Two Rotary $1000 technical College scholarships were presented to Colton Drmolka (aviation) and Caden Plum (electrician)
Archery Equipment Education Grant
The Waupaca High School Physical Education Department received a Rotary education grant to revitalize their archery program by focusing on three pillars: modernization, unwavering safety and long-term stability. The archery unit is taught in the Aerobic Individual and Lifetime physical education class. Through the grant they were able to replace aged and worn arrows, bows and personal protective gear with modern, reliable equipment.
Bovine Milking Udder Simulator Education Grant
Approximately 150 Waupaca High School students take agriculture classes. The department received a Rotary education grant for a bovine milking udder simulator that allowed students hands-on opportunities to learn proper udder care, milk diseases, infection treatment and prevention, plus a variety of other milking activities.
In addition, the high school agriculture students provide 4th graders with a hands-on milking opportunity using the simulator at their Annual Day on the Farm held at Whitetail Dairy that provides the students a true Wisconsin Dairy Farm experience.
Paul Harris Recognition - Barb Conradt
Past President of our club Barb Conradt was presented with a Paul Harris award a couple of weeks ago. The Paul Harris award recognizes contributions to The Rotary Foundation, one of the world's most trusted, respected, efficient, and effective foundations in the world.
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Paul Harris Recognition - Andrea Jenson
Andrea Jenson was presented with a Paul Harris award this past month.
The Paul Harris award recognizes contributions to The Rotary Foundation, one of the world's most trusted, respected, efficient, and effective foundations in the world. Learn more about The Rotary Foundation here: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation
Unite for Good - Guatemala Literacy Project
A wonderful example of this year’s Rotary International theme, “Unite for Good”, is the Guatemala Literacy Project, an effort that has involved over 900 Rotary clubs, serving more than 300,000 students in Guatemala since 1997.
In 2025-2026, 126 Rotary clubs and 26 districts joined together to support the GLP's Global Grant, which will bring education to nearly 5,500 Guatemalan children and teachers. These teachers and students will benefit from a Global Grant that raised $484,000 to help implement the GLP’s signature textbook, computer center, primary reading, and youth development programs.
RYE Presentation and Flag Exchange
Earlier last mont, Ronin, our exchange student from Thailand, gave a presentation about his country and then exchanged club flags with President Wes Klages.
Volunteer Waupaca
We were proud to help organize and participate in the Volunteer Waupaca Day of Service in May. In addition to helping to host and manage registration for the event, Rotarians did the annual beautification and clean-up at Rotary Riverview Park, and worked on the Challenge Trail, clearing brush and laying crushed limestone to enable wheelchair access to river views and fishing. A huge THANK YOU to all who participated!
International Day at Waupaca High School was a great success!
4 Inbound guests from the District joined Iria and Ronin and our 3 Rebounds (Ruthy, Alexandra, and Kate) to share their presentations about their countries with 19 classes and 2 lunch groups!
Some feedback from teachers:
A note from our new Spanish teacher, Ms Erickson
And a note from Mrs Kroseberg, from the Family and Consumer Science Department
I'm excited to continue this partnership! Alex will be joining our class soon to share her perspective as well, and I know our students will benefit tremendously from hearing directly from another Waupaca student who has lived the exchange experience firsthand.
Thank you for everything Rotary does to foster global understanding and support our students' growth. We look forward to welcoming your speakers again next year!"
Special thanks to the RYE Committee for hosting, feeding, entertaining, transporting and moderating discussions at school all day!!!
Venue Change for our June 3rd Meeting
The Environment Committee will be hosting our Wednesday, June 3 meeting.
Location: Riverview Park Shelter (on the eastside near the Courthouse)
Breakfast will be provided
The Speaker for the meeting will be our very own Glen Bullick, as he talks about the flora and fauna in east central Wisconsin.
Following the meeting, Glen will lead a hike on the River Ridge Trail segment which is adjacent to Riverview Park. The trail traverses city land as well as the school forest.
Maximum number for hike is around 15 people.
A sign-up sheet will be sent around in the coming weeks for club members to sign up.
Community Impact Grant Thank You Letter
The School District of Waupaca recently sent over their appreciation for the Community Impact Grant they had received.
You can read that "Thank You" letter here.
Collaborative Math Thinking Education Grant
Jill Bielfuss, a math teacher at Waupaca High School who used one of our Teacher Grants to purchase new Wipebooks to hang up in my room, a whiteboard surface table to use during small group work, and a generous supply of markers for students to use in this collaborative learning environment
"The students are more actively wanting to write down the work and are having impressive conversations helping each other through the problems. I had a student tell me “I have been waiting for this moment“ when I finally let him work and write at the back table."
The Beat Goes On Brings the Community Together
On Saturday, April 25, Waupaca Rotary, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, and ThedaCare pulled together a unique community event called The Beat Goes On. The event was a community-wide health fair supported by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh School of Nursing.
There was great participation from the Sheriff s Department, Waupaca Fire Department, and ThedaStar Helicopter. Educational booths demonstrated hands-only CPR with practice mannequins, and another booth highlighted the locations of the newly installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Many families with young children attended. Kids got to experience fire trucks, police cars, and dive boats firsthand and even climb into the helicopter. More than half a dozen nursing students from UW Oshkosh commented on what a unique community we live in.
Thank you to all the sponsors and participants who helped make The Beat Goes On such a success.
Volunteer Opportunity – Iola Car Show Courtesy Driver
For the past four years, the Rotary Club of Waupaca has fulfilled a crucial (and very fun) volunteer function for The Iola Car Show - driving courtesy golf carts. And since the car show provides stipends for its volunteers, it's helped us raise about $2,500 each year to support the good things we're doing for our community and around the world.
The volunteer sign-up sheet is now ready. All you need to do to secure a volunteer spot is:
- Click this link: https://www.waupacarotary.org/volunteer-sign-up/?sheet_id=15
- Review the times available
- Sign up, and put the date and time on your calendar
Click the link, and sign up today!
Paul Harris Recognition - Dawn Biba
At our meeting on 4/22 Dawn Biba was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. This award goes to people who give $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, or on whose behalf is given $1,000. Dawn exemplifies Rotary in her kindness, commitment, and service. Congratulations, Dawn, your honor is well-deserved.
Volunteer Waupaca Day of Service on May 16th
Let’s work together to do some good.
Over 75 opportunities to serve. We've heard back from organizations around the area about the service opportunities they'll have available for our Volunteer Waupaca Day of Service on May 16th. There will be something for everyone, from outdoor clean-up and beautification, to a range of indoor tasks at the library, to visiting with residents at the veterans' home.
Sign up here to join the effort.
2025-2026 Global Grant Approval - Guatemala Literacy Project
The Rotary Clubs of Vista Hermosa and Fruita are thrilled to announce that the Guatemala Literacy Project (GLP) Global Grant for the 2025-2026 Rotary year has been approved by The Rotary Foundation! Global Grant #2578323 amounts to a total of $484,370 USD in support!
A total of 128 clubs and 26 districts contributed to this Global Grant, which aims to bring literacy, education, and training opportunities to over 5,400 children and teachers in rural Guatemala.
The Waupaca Rotary Club has assisted with funding this group for the last 4 years!!!
What’s Coming Up?