Where: We meet at the Mequon Public Market, 6300 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. (The entrance is at the rear.)

Next scheduled meeting 07/18/2025 - Club Assembly

Board Meeting follows immediately after:

Rotary Park All-User Playground Overview

Upcoming "It's your Rotary moment" assignees:

Please provide a brief bio and photo to jimdelillo2@gmail.com prior to your assigned date.

Where were you born and raised? I was born in New York City and raised in Mount Kisco, New York, a village of approximately 12,000 people located an hour north of the city. My father was an oral surgeon, and my mother was a pediatric nurse. Both were active volunteers in our community.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I grew up with a strong connection to the medical community. My first volunteer role was in our local community hospital. I made the decision to become an Occupational Therapist when I was in high school. I believe that serving in health care is both a calling and a privilege. I have been fortunate to have served the community of southeast Wisconsin for over 40 years.

What is your formal education? I received my undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. I interned in adolescent and adult mental health as well as pediatric rehabilitation. It was my mental health internship that brought me to Wisconsin. My graduate degree is in Administrative Leadership and Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. I was granted an honorary Nursing Degree by the Columbia College of Nursing.

Tell us about your family? Scot and I will celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary this September. His mother, sister, and brother-in-law all live here in Mequon. I am the oldest of three children. My sister’s family lives in New Hampshire, and my brother’s family lives in New York.

How do you spend your time now that you are retired? Scot and I both love to travel, visiting over 30 countries and have been fortunate in the many adventures that we have experienced. As many of you know, Scot is a beekeeper and has engaged me in his hobby! In conjunction with my love of gardening, we have a shared interest in pollinators and nature activities. We like visiting Wisconsin parks, hiking trails, and kayaking the waterways.

I have been an active community volunteer since I was 14. It has been both an evolving and continuous part of my life. In retirement, my volunteer activities have brought me closer to our community. I am honored to be a member of the Boards of Directors for the Mequon Thiensville Community Foundation and the Southern Ozaukee Fire and Emergency Services Department. Over the next two years, I anticipate a significant time commitment to developing the Rotary All-User Playground.

Today's speaker will address the topic of veterans.

Honoring Wisconsin Veterans: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Wisconsin has long stood as a proud contributor to our nation’s military history, with thousands of veterans answering the call to serve across generations. From Civil War heroes to modern-day defenders, their courage and commitment have shaped both our state and our country.

Among the most decorated is Major Richard Bong of Poplar, Wisconsin—America’s top fighter ace in WWII, credited with downing 40 enemy aircraft. His legacy lives on through the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and the airport named in his honor.

Captain Brian Kendzor, a 14-year U.S. Navy veteran and Mequon native, returned home after global service to champion community well-being. Now a healthy home consultant and volunteer firefighter, he’s also dedicated to international service through medical missions in Guatemala and education advocacy.

Closer to home, James E. Counsellor, a Vietnam combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, resides in Thiensville. A former Marine, Jim served in the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions and later led community efforts through the Thiensville-Mequon Rotary’s Veterans Affairs Committee. His continued advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention among veterans reflects the enduring spirit of service.

Wisconsin is also home to Medal of Honor recipients like Lance Sijan of Milwaukee, whose bravery during the Vietnam War remains legendary, and Kenneth Stumpf of Neenah, who rescued wounded comrades under fire.

These individuals represent just a fraction of the valor found in our communities. As the Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club gathers to reflect and honor veterans, we recognize not only their military achievements but also their lasting impact on civic life, leadership, and community resilience.

Let this stand as a tribute to all who’ve served—from Mequon and Thiensville and beyond. Their stories inspire us to uphold the values they fought to protect.