I am a lifelong Wisconsin resident, born in Milwaukee and lived most of my life in Dane County. My work life includes experience in the private, non-profit, and public sectors, most recently forming my own LLC providing municipal planning and community development consulting services.

I have bachelor’s degrees in Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1985) and in Natural Resource Management and Land Use Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2001).

My wife and I recently moved to Waupaca to begin the next phase of our lives. We enjoy participating in community, traveling and almost anything having to do with outdoor recreation.

I look forward to becoming more involved in the Waupaca community through participation with Rotary.

September is our annual Food Drive. Our goal is 1000 - either pounds of food or dollars combined.

Please bring non-perishable food items or monetary donations to our Wednesday meetings in September. I will have a red Terrain in front with the back wide open for you to deposit your food, or you can give me any cash donations. If you get to the meeting before me, you can just leave your bags at the curb in front and I will load them.  

If you are writing a check, please make it out to The Waupaca Area Food Pantry.

Thank you all!! 
Diane Baker

At yesterday's meeting, Dennis Everson (3rd from left) presented Brett Grams, Liz Kneer, and Jeff Kolazinski with Paul Harris pins, recognizing their contributions to The Rotary Foundation. 
 

Jeannie Bode attended a recent meeting to share some Rotary flags, a good story, and a donation on behalf of her husband, Bill, a member of our club who passed away a few months ago.

During our recent meeting, we were delighted to welcome guests from Mitoyo, Japan - Waupaca's Sister City. The visit is part of an annual exchange coordinated by the Waupaca International Cultural Exchange Committee (WICEC).  

The Rotary Foundation recently shared an update on the extraordinary impact made possible through the generosity and commitment of Rotary leaders, members, donors, and supporters around the world. Together, this support continues to strengthen The  Foundation’s work and advance Rotary’s mission in communities locally and globally.
 

You are warmly invited as a Special Guest to the Rotary 100 Online International Mega Meeting – The People’s Assembly 2026, a global gathering being held in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Peace and during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
 
This special international gathering will bring together leaders, peacebuilders, humanitarians, changemakers and advocates from around the world for meaningful dialogue, connection and collective action towards a more peaceful, inclusive and resilient world.

EVENT DETAILS - REGISTER NOW
 

This past month, past President Greg Harvey presented the President's Citation and a Paul Harris award to Brett Grams.

Club President Kay Ellingson receives her Polio Plus Society pin from Immediate Past District Governor Chuck Reynolds. The pin signifies Kay's commitment to give $100 toward annually to Polio Plus until the disease is eradicated globally.

The Rotarian of the Year award is the highest honor a local Rotary club or district can give to an individual member. It recognizes outstanding service, living out the motto "Service Above Self", and a strong commitment to the Four-Way Test.

This past year, Mike Phelan was honored with this distinction for his continuous efforts within the group.  Way to go Mike!!

My name is Samantha Lamers, I am originally from Combined Locks, Wisconsin, but moved to Waupaca in 2010 after purchasing my first home here.  I have three daughters, Lillyraine recently graduated, Lorelai will be a Junior, and Leirabelle is entering her Freshman year at Waupaca High School.
 
After my youngest started school, I started working for the Waupaca School District for about 8 years, and in January, 2025 I accepted a position at ThedaCare Waupaca where I have enjoyed helping support our local hospital.
 

Waupaca Rotarians spent a day at the Waupaca Foundry Picnic serving its employees, past and present, in appreciation for what they mean to the Foundry. 

We thank the Waupaca Foundry and its employees for all they do for our community!