Attendance: Members in attendance included Aubree Hanks, Brent Yauchler, Dr. Steve Salerno, Elizabeth Grabe, Gary Tree, Heidi Kopras, Keith White, Melissa Lease, Paul Christiansen, Peggy Zalucha, Russ Christian, Sarah Straka, Susan Smith, and Tammy Wedig.

Laura shared that she was happy to be at the meeting. Gary shared a happy thought about travel. 

 

Gary shared photos from a recent trip to Glacier National Park. At Glacier, he photographed a bald eagle nest near a ranger station, including the parents and two eaglets that were practicing flying. 

 

Russ shared that the Apostle Islands may eventually receive national park designation. Russ also shared that Dr. Salerno had recently sent him a newspaper article from around the time he moved to the area 31 years ago to start his family and his dental practice. While he noted the changes in the community, including the addition of two corporate dental offices, he said his own practice is doing better than ever. The office has a business manager and provides a wide variety of dental services, including crowns. Business cards were available, including information about a $250 new-patient offer. Brent added a happy reflection about Russ, saying that Russ is the best dentist he has ever had. 

 

Dr. Steve Salerno shared that he is excited to have all of the students back for the new school year. He said that spending time around the elementary school and seeing children holding hands as they walk through the school reminded him of his own children. He shared that his 29-year-old daughter is at the University of Minnesota and has completed the first third of her doctoral training in physical therapy.

Melissa shared her excitement about the new emergency department at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville. The grand opening will be held Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 4:00 followed by tours. She encouraged members to attend and see the new facility, noting the significant amount of work that went into the project.

Members were reminded about the upcoming Ed Futa event on Thursday, August 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Thirsty Goat in Fitchburg. Futa will present “What If Rotary Is the World’s Most Effective Peace Organization?” The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about Rotary’s role in global peace and hear from an engaging speaker about Rotary’s impact at the international level.
A carpool system will be available, and members with questions about transportation should reach out to Peggy. Members were also encouraged to wear Rotary clothing to the event, with bonus points for showing Rotary spirit.
 

 

The group discussed an upcoming visit to the Center for Black Excellence and Culture. 

The group discussed the Center’s work with the community and its connection to broader efforts around leadership and education. The Center for Urban Leadership was mentioned as another organization that has worked closely with the local school district and contributed to community efforts since 2020. Members were encouraged to consider supporting these organizations.
 

Members were reminded that Rotary clothing can be embroidered through a local business. Members can bring in their own clothing or arrange for clothing to be dropped off. Anyone interested should ask for Jim, who has the Rotary embroidery information set up.

Angela, the foundation director at Upland Hills Health, shared information about the organization’s foundation. Upland Hills Health is a nonprofit, and funds raised through the foundation are directed back into the clinic to support healthcare improvements and services.
One upcoming improvement is the addition of 3D mammography services, which will allow patients to receive mammograms locally rather than traveling to Dodgeville or Madison. The foundation also supports other projects and improvements that benefit patients in the community.

The foundation’s golf outing will be held September 11 at Mineral Point at Dodge Point. There are sponsorship and prize opportunities, and there may still be a few spots available for golfers.
 

Planning continued for the Polio Plus Awareness March on October 24.