Weekly Update
   January 26, 2026
 
The Cookie Bakeoff is Here!    
At this week's meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, longtime Walworth County Fair judges Susan Earle and Eileen Walsh Grzenia will be on hand to test the Rotary Club of Elkhorn's baking skills. To participate, simply bring:
  • Five cookies (of any kind) on a paper plate
  • Complete recipe with ingredients listed
  • Baker's name should be hidden

One lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card to Hanson's IGA!!! Get baking and best of luck to everyone!

WEEKLY MEETING RECAP:  2026 Market Forecast

First Trust Financial Advisors Vice President Dan Blong stopped by the Rotary Club of Elkhorn on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 to give his take on the latest market trends, investment strategies, and the outlook for 2026.

Dan stressed the importance of a diversified portfolio in this market and cautioned folks away from focusing only on the top ten S&P 500 companies as a long-term investment because of their tendency to fluctuate in relevance over time. He also asked the group to consider investing in emerging and foreign companies as a way to stay ahead.

OTHER UPDATES:

  • John Henderson is back in Elkhorn! He is now staying at Holton Manor in the rehabilitation wing for physical therapy to recover from his fall a few weeks ago. He and Jean appreciated our thoughts and prayers, and he is now welcome to having calls, texts, emails, and visitors. :) A big thank-you to Chris C. and Brian H. for driving John's son to and from the airport this week to help the family.
  • The Board reviewed the club's donation recommendations and narrowed the focus down for 2026. They are gathering more information on potential donations to the Rotary Soccer Park, Polio Plus, and committed to funding an exchange student for the 2026-27 school year if host families can be found. The club voted to give a $500 donation to Cycling Without Age in honor of Jon N.'s mother, Lois, as well.
  • Congrats to Dawn and Kathie on achieving their next Paul Harris donation level!
  • Upcoming Meals on Wheels date needed: February 10. Please CLICK HERE or speak to Jon A. to sign up.
  • Brian H. invited the club to the United Way of Walworth County Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • 3rd Quarter Invoices are due by February 12, 2026.
  • Cub Scout Pack 225 Flower Sale info coming soon!
Early Bird Sign-Up Until Feb. 13

Registration is now open for the annual Rotary TriCon learning and fellowship conference April 17-18, 2026 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

This year's event promises to be EXTREMELY family friendly, with opportunities for Rotarians to bring their spouses, friends, children, and grandchildren along for a fun weekend.

Rotarian attendance is $295 (Early Bird rate now thru 2/13) for the conference and includes all meals, learning breakout sessions, guest speakers, and more. Hear from inspiring change makers, get ideas for the club, pick up some cool swag, and learn more about how your time in Rotary can change the world. Families can hop in and out for kid-friendly meal times and the fun Rotary evening at Tom Foolery's game arcade on Saturday night! $169 discounted room rates are available and include four passes to the water park too. It's a great deal!

Upcoming Meetings:
Jan 28, 2026
Susan and Eileen will share stories as Walworth County Fair judges and oversee our cookie contest!
Feb 04, 2026
The Reader team will share how they successfully engage and retain Millennials in the workplace.
Feb 11, 2026
Club Assembly
Feb 18, 2026
Pet Nutrition - Does it matter what we feed our pets?
Feb 25, 2026
Larry will give us an update on what is new for 2026 at the fairgrounds.
Mar 04, 2026
The growing market trend toward lab-created diamonds and the history of Steffan's.
Mar 07, 2026
Saturday morning Rotary to help at District Solo Ensemble
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Brian Holt
January 1
 
Kailey Wagener
January 9
 
Ward Phillips
January 20
 
Join Date
Brian Holt
January 2, 2019
7 years
 
Rob Handel
January 24, 2022
4 years
 
Chris Clapper
January 27, 2010
16 years
 
This Week's Rotary Minute...
Minneapolis Will Host 2028 International Convention

SAVE THE DATE! Rotary International will host its annual convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2028.

This major global event attracts tens of thousands of Rotary members, along with their friends and families, from around the world each year and is expected to bring an estimated $30.4M economic impact to the region.

The Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are excited to showcase their beautiful metropolitan area and highlight the incredible community service projects they have underway.

Originally, the Rotary International Board selected Minneapolis to host the convention in 2029.

However, the shift to 2028, with the convention scheduled for May 27-31, provides members with the opportunity to explore an additional location in 2029 before Rotary’s 125th anniversary convention in Chicago, Illinois, in 2030.

As of now, a replacement host city for the 2029 convention has not yet been determined.

This adjustment in scheduling allows Rotary members to enjoy an enriching experience in Minneapolis while looking forward to the significant anniversary celebration in Chicago.

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