Hartford Rotary Club

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

🌿 Thank you to Hartford Rotarian Kristin Thiel, Executive Director of the Mequon Nature Preserve, for her inspiring and informative presentation at our Rotary meeting!

For nearly 20 years, Kristin has led the remarkable transformation of the Mequon Nature Preserve, restoring 510 acres of former farmland into thriving prairies, forests, and wetlands. Through her leadership, the Preserve has become a regional model for conservation, education, and community engagement.

Kristin shared the incredible story of how a simple vision from Richard Paddock in 2000—"It would be good to save a little land"—grew into the beautiful 510-acre nature preserve we know today. What began as corn fields has evolved into a destination featuring more than six miles of trails, an observation tower, natural playspaces, and the PieperPower Education Center.

The Preserve now welcomes over 3,000 students each year for FREE hands-on science education programs, helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Thank you, Kristin, for taking us down memory lane, sharing the Preserve's vision, and giving us a glimpse into the exciting next chapter of this extraordinary community asset. We are proud to call you a fellow Rotarian!

06/01/2026

🚴‍♂️ The countdown is on!

Hartford Rotary's Annual River Ride is just around the corner. Co-Chair and Rotarian Mark Lindborg recently took a test ride of the scenic 40-mile route. The views are incredible, the roads are beautiful, and the experience is one you won't want to miss!

Join us on June 27 and see for yourself why the River Ride has become a favorite summer tradition. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a great day outdoors, there's a route for everyone.

Register today at www.hartfordrotary-wi.org/page/river-ride and come experience these amazing views with us!

05/30/2026

Remembering Our Civil War Veterans

Join us as we honor the brave men who served our nation during the Civil War at a special Monument Dedication Ceremony.

Hartford Rotary is proud to support Rotarian Ane Ohm, her family, and ABATE of Wisconsin Region 1H for sponsoring this meaningful monument recognizing local Civil War veterans.

📅 Date: June 6
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Old St. Kilian Cemetery, 921 Union Street

This dedication serves as a tribute to those who sacrificed in service to our country and ensures their legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

We invite the community to attend and help honor these veterans and the families who have worked to preserve their memory. 🇺🇸

05/29/2026

Hartford Rotary and HUHS Complete First Career Readiness Program

It’s a wrap! The Hartford Rotary Club was proud to partner with Hartford Union High School to complete the first-ever Career Readiness Program. The program was developed and delivered through a collaborative effort between Rotarians Ane Ohm and Tom Hostad and HUHS Associate Principal Desiree Rahmlow to help ensure every student is prepared for life beyond high school.

No matter the career path—college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce directly—students benefit greatly from learning essential life skills and strong workplace habits. The Career Readiness Program was designed to meet the State of Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards while also creating meaningful connections between students and the local community.

Throughout the program, students participated in sessions focused on:

Workplace professionalism
Communication and collaboration
Adaptability and managing change
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Resume writing
Job search strategies
Interview preparation

A total of 64 community members volunteered their time and shared their professional experiences with more than 200 seniors. The program concluded with career speakers representing 28 different professions, giving students valuable insight into a wide variety of career paths and opportunities.

According to several HUHS seniors, the program provided an engaging opportunity to learn directly from professionals about real-world workplace experiences and how those lessons can help them prepare for their futures. Students also appreciated discussing realistic workplace scenarios and learning how to successfully navigate challenges they may encounter during their careers.

The Career Readiness Program will return next year and expand to include all grade levels at HUHS. Hartford Rotary and HUHS are excited to continue growing this program and helping prepare local youth for successful futures.

Thank you to Ane Ohm, Tom Hostad, and Desiree Rahmlow for their leadership and dedication in implementing this outstanding program.

05/29/2026

👏 Hartford Rotary welcomes our newest member, Jen Novotny!

Jen recently joined United Way of Washington County as the Operations & Marketing Manager. She first became involved with United Way in 2016 as a volunteer on the marketing committee and has continued supporting the organization through her marketing contract role since 2020. We’re excited to see her now serving officially on staff and bringing that same passion for community service to Hartford Rotary.

Jen and her husband grew up in the Hartford and Slinger area and are raising their three daughters here in the community they love. She appreciates all that Washington County has to offer — from Pike Lake State Park and the Ice Age Trail to the Museum of Wisconsin Art and the Schauer Arts Center — along with the excellent schools, public resources, and beautiful surroundings that make this area so special.

Welcome to Rotary, Jen! We appreciate your passion and dedication to serving others and look forward to making a positive impact together through Service Above Self.

05/28/2026

Hartford Rotary Student of the Month – May 2026

The Hartford Rotary Club and Hartford Union High School are pleased to announce that Lilly Giroux and Cambrie Hoeppner were honored recently as Rotary Students of the Month. The students were given special recognition for their accomplishments at the Hartford Rotary Club’s Thursday noon meetings during the month of May.

Lilly Giroux, daughter of Timothy and Eileen Giroux, has built an impressive record of involvement and achievement during her time at HUHS. Giroux has participated in numerous sports and activities including golf (Grade 9), soccer (Grades 9,12), basketball (Grades 9,10), track and field (Grades 10,11), H-Club (Grades 10,11,12), Math Club (Grades 10,11), Best Buddies (Grade 10), and National Honor Society (Grades 11,12).

Her community involvement includes volunteering at downtown decorating events, Operation Christmas Child, and helping at various sporting event concessions. One of her favorite experiences was assisting with the “HALL- O - Ween” fundraiser organized by Mrs. Helms to support Mrs. Angeline Hall in her battle against ALS.

Giroux’s academic accomplishments include being named an AP Scholar with Honors and earning High Honors recognition throughout all four years of high school.

After graduation, Giroux plans to attend University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to study nursing with a minor in Spanish. She hopes to work at Froedtert Hospital during and after college. Giroux is currently employed as a CNA at Clearview in Juneau and values the experience she has gained caring for others. She was also given the opportunity to serve as a caretaker for Mrs. Angeline Hall during her battle with ALS, an experience that strengthened her desire to support those affected by the disease and pursue a career in healthcare.

Cambrie Hoeppner, daughter of Chad and Courtney Hoeppner, has been actively involved in both athletics and student organizations throughout her high school career. She played softball all four years at HUHS, earning a varsity starting position beginning her sophomore year, and also participated in volleyball during her freshman and sophomore years. Hoeppner is a member of H-Club, a student-athlete organization focused on community service, and has been a member of the National Honor Society for the past two years. Through these activities, she has developed strong leadership, teamwork, and service skills.

Hoeppner has also dedicated many hours to community service through H-Club and NHS. Her volunteer work has included ushering at HUHS musicals, helping with College and Career Fair setup, creating cards and blankets for assisted living residents, assisting with Fun Fair and Woodlawn Park cleanups, Gingerbread House shopping, ACT poster hanging, girls volleyball concessions, Salvation Army bell ringing, Operation Christmas Child, Hartford Youth Wrestling Club concessions, volunteering at the United Way Full Shelf Food Pantry, helping with the “HALL - O -Ween” fundraiser, softball field maintenance, and participating in the Pink Pumpkin Run.

Academically, Hoeppner has earned High Honor Roll recognition throughout all four years of high school. She received an Academic Letter during her sophomore year and earned a varsity softball letter beginning in 10th grade.

Following graduation, Hoeppner plans to attend Marquette University to pursue a degree in nursing. She hopes to earn her Registered Nurse (RN) license and continue her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Outside of school, Hoeppner works as a caregiver and is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), gaining valuable hands-on experience in healthcare. She also participates in club softball and enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

The Hartford Rotary Club congratulates Lilly and Cambrie for their impressive accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to their school and community. Their hard work and commitment make them truly deserving of this recognition as Students of the Month for May.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. 🇺🇸

The Hartford Rotary Club was proud to participate in today’s Memorial Day Parade alongside our foreign exchange student, Nicklas Gall, and Rotarians Tom Hostad and Gene Kamholtz.

Thank you to all who have served our country and to our community for coming together to remember and honor our heroes today. ❤️🤍💙

05/24/2026

The Hartford Rotary Club was honored to hear from Dawn Fiedler at our last meeting as she shared her passion and mission to protect our communities and educate others about human trafficking awareness and prevention.

Dawn’s dedication is rooted in three passions: her faith, her family, and her commitment to Join the Movement Events, Inc. (JTM). After learning more about the growing concerns surrounding human trafficking at a Rotary District Conference several years ago, she committed herself to becoming educated and taking action. Since then, Dawn has trained with organizations including the FBI, DOJ, ICAC, WCASA, Children’s Hospital, Amber Alert, Truckers Against Trafficking, and many more.

Through JTM, Dawn provides education focused on protecting youth in the digital world and offers specialized training for medical professionals, EMS, law enforcement, hospitality staff, social workers, schools, and community organizations throughout the Midwest. She also serves as a guest lecturer, podcast guest, and advocate for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

In 2022, Dawn helped launch the JTM C.A.R.E. Team (Community Advocate Resource Evaluation), providing advocacy services and support for victims across Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha Counties. Their work includes assisting hospitals, the Child Advocacy Center, incarcerated victims, and providing essential items and resources for survivors rebuilding their lives. To learn more about JTM visit their website at www.jtme.org

Dawn’s service to Rotary is equally inspiring. She is a past President of the Elkhorn Rotary Club, has served as Assistant Governor, and will serve as Rotary District 6270 Governor in 2026-27. She continues to educate Rotary clubs and business leaders across the region on the importance of protecting our youth and communities.

Thank you, Dawn, for your tireless dedication, compassion, and leadership in making a difference in the lives of so many.