Our next regular meeting will be Friday (1/13) at Newcastle Place - 12600 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI  53092.

Our meeting will feature Gary Ross from Lifestriders an Equine-Assisted Therapy program. To read more about Gary and the Lifestriders program, click here.

The greeter will provide either the thought, a Rotary minute, share a family moment or a cultural tradition ... anything they would like to start off the day positive.

Upcoming "It's your Rotary moment" assignees:

• Cindy Shaffer (1/13)
• Fr. Mike Shay (1/20)

Note: If you are unable to to act as "It's your Rotary moment" assignee when scheduled please arrange for your replacement.

Visit our website at mtsunriserotary.org.

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

From Rotary District 6270 Website

Several years ago at the International Conference in Australia, two members from the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery and Trafficking gave a presentation about slavery in India and around the world. They specifically talked about a village in Pradesh, India.  

The total population of the hamlet was 400 – 132 of them were enslaved and others were at risk of debt bondage because of dire poverty. Only 203 individuals in the community knew how to write their name and most were illiterate and innumerate. Five children were enrolled in school but did not attend as they work with their parents instead.  Their economic condition was dire. People were landless, and enslaved in debt bondage at the slaveholder’s farm doing construction projects or working in brick kilns. Some family members including children have been trafficked to other states.

After the conference representatives from The Rotary Club of Binghamton met with Carol Metzger one of the presenters at the conference and with the help of an organization call School4Freedom was able to apply for a district international grant to help the village two years ago. 

The following progress report was recently sent.

The School4Freedom in India process is now underway – a school is built, kids are attending (some from families who are illiterate and innumerate), a solar streetlamp has been installed, hot lunches are being served and six kids were rescued from slavery in a brick kiln and are now attending the school. The rest of the village is slowly being educated so they are ready to demand their own freedom and be self-sufficient at the end of the 3-year process.

Your Rotary donation made this possible. 

Thank you.

Mequon Cyclebar sets opening date for Feb. 13
By Erik S. Hanley

Mequon — The new CycleBar coming to Mequon is opening the day before Valentine's Day.

On Feb. 13, the first CycleBar in Wisconsin opens to customers at 11164 N. Port Washington Road.

In celebration, the fitness studio will hold its CycleBlast event offering 50 free classes over 10 days from Feb. 23 through March 4. Registration is required at http://mequon.cyclebar.com. Additionally, the CycleBar is offering employers and organizations a free class between Feb. 13 and 22.  Space is limited to 48 employees per private ride.

“Mequon is such an active, vibrant area. CycleBar fits into our community’s health and fitness lifestyle while making the experience fun for both new and experienced riders," said Lauren Schroeder, owner of the CycleBar in Mequon.

As previously reported, the CycleBar has a pay-per-class model with no membership needed.  Amenities such as free towels, showers, lockers, shoes and a concierge service are offered.

Classes take place in a 48-bicycle CycleTheatre complete with lights, a DJ booth, two televisions, and are led by CycleStar instructors. Various class types are offered for 50-minute sessions. Riders can track their performance via CycleStats. Following the class riders can have fresh fruit, enhanced water and enjoy aromatherapy throughout the facility.