Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. A day to celebrate and recognize how the power of one person's voice can shape, educate, and move a nation for positive change.
To honor MLK's legacy, we would like to highlight the efforts of Kathie and Katie to craft a spectacular upcoming 2026 Meeting Speaker Series. Each month, invited club speakers will focus on:
Business & Industry Best Practices
Non-Profits/Arts
Government/Education
Rotary & Club Business
We will hear from a local HR team on how to retain the new Millennial workforce, learn about new advancements in lab-created diamonds, get an insider's view of a Walworth County Fair judging, taste-test the next generation of chefs at Elkhorn Area High School, explore the the world of car restoration, and meet our own Ms. Wisconsin.
That's just the beginning.Please review the club's Weekly Speaker's Series for the full schedule, and a big thanks to volunteers Kathie and Katie for organizing the 30-minute enrichment each week!
WEEKLY MEETING RECAP: US National Parks
Elkhorn Rotarian and adventurer Tom Oehler finally made it up to the presenter's table on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 to share more about his 25-year journey through all 63 United States National Parks. He shared the origins of the National Park Service, discussed his "Top Five" parks for views, accessibility, and unique experiences, and gave tips to maximize visitor experiences.
CLICK HERE to view Tom's slides for more information. Thanks for sharing the insider's perspective and presentation, Tom!
OTHER UPDATES:
Thanks to Heather and Mariann who will be helping with the Secretary duties until a new volunteer can be found for the position. Speaking of fill-ins, thanks to Bill for taking the role of Sergeant at Arms with some Rotary trivia.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John H. who had a fall last week and is now in recovery. Get well soon, John!
The Elkhorn Area High School National Honor Society is collecting essentials (toiletries, personal care items, etc.) for community members in need by February 12, 2026. Please see Katie for more information.
3rd Quarter Invoices were sent last week for January thru March 2026. Please speak to Treasurer Chris C. or check your ClubRunner account to make payments, check invoices, or answer questions regarding your balance. Payments are due by February 12, 2026.
United Nations and Rotary Celebrate 80th Anniversary of UN Charter
Rotary International and the United Nations reaffirmed their historic partnership during the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter signing.
Leaders from both organizations recalled how, in the aftermath of World War II, Rotary helped shape the UN by serving as observers at the 1945 Charter Conference, contributing to agendas, resolutions, and mediation efforts.
Speakers emphasized that global cooperation is more vital than ever as the world faces conflicts, inequality, climate change, and technological risks.
Despite challenges to multilateralism, progress offers hope: education access has expanded, poverty has declined, and health outcomes have improved worldwide. UN leaders stressed that such achievements result from sustained collective action.
Rotary’s grassroots initiatives align closely with UN agencies in education, health, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and the fight against polio.
The enduring Rotary–UN relationship reflects a shared belief that peace is built through cooperation, service, and the everyday commitment of individuals choosing unity over division.
