Events

Dan Wick is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Onalaska. With decades of experience in public service, Dan oversees the development, maintenance, and programming for Onalaska's extensive park system, recreation programs, and major community facilities - including the Omni Center and the exciting new DASH Center project.  

The Center is designed to be a hub for inclusive recreation, wellness, and community connection. Under Dan's leadership, the DASH Center is set to become a cornerstone of the city's mission to serve residents of all ages and abilities. 

Please join us at 12pm on Wednesday, October 8th, as Dan shares how the Onalaska Parks & Rec is creating more inclusive, engaging, and healthy spaces for everyone - and how community partnerships like ours can help bring that vision to life!

We are honored to be joined to Josh Hein, from Outdoor Recreation Alliance, based right here in La Crosse - a community known for its innovative spirit and commitment to sustainable development. 

ORA has been at the forefront of fostering community engagement through outdoor recreation. Their mission blends stewardship of the land with inclusive access to nature, creating unique places where people can connect with the earth, each other, and the pursuits of healthy living. 

ORA is unveiling a truly special initiative - the new Trail Farm.  This project embodies the very best of ORA's vision; a dynamic, multi-use space where trails weave through productive farm plots, wildlife habitats, and educational gardens. It will promote active outdoor recreation, and serve as a place for environmental education and community programming. 

You won't want to miss this!

We’re thrilled to host Holmen Rotary’s Dean McHugh — a true example of Service Above Self! Dean has led by example, helping organize Holmen’s own water project, serving as District Governor, and showing up for countless local projects and events. Don’t miss this chance to hear his incredible Rotary journey and the difference one person can make.

Founded in 1919, and headquartered right here in La Crosse, Wisconsin, J.F. Brennan has been a fixture in our community for over a century, with a reputation built on intergrity, innovation, and environmental responsibility. From the banks of the Mississippi River to waterways across the country, J.F. Brennan plays a crtical role in improving water quality, restoring habitats, and ensuring the long-term health of our most precious resource: clean water.

Please join us as we welcome Matt Binsfeld, President and CEO of J.F. Brennan Company, who will be sharing with us how innovative approaches to water treatment are shaping a more sustainable future for our rivers, lakes, and communities. 

We’re excited to welcome Deputy Secretary Jennifer Garrett from the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services. She’ll share Leading Through Service: The Civic Power of Wisconsin’s Regulatory Boards—a look at how these boards protect the public, uphold professional standards, and offer meaningful opportunities for community members to serve. Jennifer will also highlight recent board activity and walk us through what it looks like to get involved.

Join us for a conversation with Heart2Heart Pet Lifeline, a local nonprofit focused on keeping pets and their people together when it matters most.

Grounded in the healing power of companion animals, Heart2Heart Pet Lifeline provides financial support for veterinary care and essential needs so families don’t have to choose between medical treatment and surrendering a beloved pet. Working alongside Coulee Region Humane Society, local rescues, and veterinarians, they help keep pets healthy and in loving homes.

For more information: https://www.heart2heartpet.org/

Join us for a meaningful conversation with The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse.

As the only free, local food bank within 90 miles, the Hunger Task Force plays a critical role in supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. In 2024 alone, they distributed approximately 2.7 million pounds of food, impacting nearly 405,000 individuals across our service area. Our speaker will share more about their mission and the programs that make this work possible—from food recovery and community gardening to supporting local seniors.

A powerful look at how compassion and collaboration strengthen our community.

For more informaton: https://www.facebook.com/HungerTaskForceofLaCrosse

Meeting Location - Dash Center 

Join us as Friends of the Marsh shares more about their mission and current projects supporting the La Crosse River Marsh.

This thousand-acre wetland in the heart of La Crosse plays a vital role in flood protection, clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and community connection. Learn how local partners and community members are working together to care for this important natural resource.

More information can be found at: 

https://www.friendsofthelacrosserivermarsh.com/

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofthelacrossemarsh/

Meeting Location - Dash Center

The annual Rotary Lights display began in 1995 and continues to shine brighter each year thanks to the incredible support of the greater La Crosse community. Nearly 130,000 visitors now enjoy this cherished holiday tradition in Riverside Park.

Many people know that donations made during Rotary Lights support local organizations, but it’s always inspiring to pause and recognize just how powerful this event truly is. Rotary Lights is a celebration of generosity, community spirit, and volunteers coming together to do good. At this meeting, we’ll celebrate that impact by proudly presenting checks to several deserving local organizations. 

Special thanks to Brad Johnson and Mike Diveley for serving on the Rotary Lights Board of Directors. 

For more information: https://www.rotarylights.org/

Meeting Location - Onalaska Legion