Though Cedarburg’s Summer Sounds music series is recently behind us this year, we’d like to say thanks to their major sponsor Annex Wealth Management for recognizing our Club’s efforts as their Difference Maker of the Week on August 14. We are grateful for the recognition and appreciate the acknowledgement of our “service above self” mantra. Already looking forward to another fabulous Summer Sounds in 2027! Source
WELCOME!
Our Rotary Club serves the Cedarburg and Grafton communities
in central Ozaukee County.
Date Chartered: Oct 18, 1965
WE MEET THURSDAYS AT 12 NOON
September through May
The Elbow Room Twelve 21
1221 N Washington Ave, Cedarburg, WI 53012
June - August
Summer Schedule - Meeting locations rotate weekly.
Please check our Club Calendar to verify meeting locations and times.
Visiting Rotarians
Rotary members visiting the area are welcome to join in at our meetings.
Upcoming Events
December 17 - MSO Holiday Concert
Click here for more Club information
Invest in your community through the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton.
Your investment of time, talent, and treasures for our community through the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton allows us to provide deserving students with scholarships to technical and vocational schools and supports our community's quality of life through the grants we give and the projects we're involved in.
To donate, click the "Donate Today" image or make your check payable to Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Foundation and mail to PO Box 194 Cedarburg, WI 53012. As a Wisconsin 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton. Donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Ref EIN 39-1446118.
Grafton High School senior Rook Levihn was recognized as the December Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Dec. 11 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.“Rook is an outstanding representative of our high school who is always striving to make GHS a better place for all students,” said Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson. Levihn excels academically and has taken seven advanced placement classes during his senior year including AP government, AP economics, AP physics and AP Spanish. He is vice president of the senior class, is involved with the development of the yearbook and was a cast member in the recent winter play performance of “Stripes.”
As the voice of the Black Hawks, Levihn provides daily announcements and updates for students. He is also leader of the GHS Fan Club supporting student athletes. He ran cross country this past fall. The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities. The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice.
Levihn chose the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to receive his donation. The organization is dedicated to finding forever families for children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States and Canada.
Pictured: Rotary Student of the Month Rook Levihn, second from right, is pictured with (from left) Grafton High Principal Scott Mantei, Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson and Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton president Dave Stern. Photo Credit: Gail Ostermann
Mia Hurd, a senior at Cedarburg High School, was introduced by Casey as our Rotary Student of the Month for November. As he began reading the long list of her accomplishments, club members could be seen visibly shaking their heads in awe! Mia has maintained a remarkable 4.336 GPA while completing eight college-level courses, including the demanding trio of AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC and AP German Language and Culture. Calling her a “dedicated leader and volunteer,” Casey said she actively participates in the National Honor Society, Women in STEM, Best Buddies and German Club. She has accumulated over 170 hours of community service, including involvement in Walk4Water, a joint collaboration between our club and the high school’s Global Scholars program.
She is also an accomplished athlete and has been a key player on the Bulldogs Soccer team, helping them earn the 2024 North Shore Conference Championship and Regional Championships in 2023 and 2024. She will graduate a semester early and will attend Marquette University, where she will play soccer.
In accepting her award, she said her only regret was not having more time to join more clubs! “I will forever be grateful for my time at CHS, and I will always take pride in being able to call myself a Bulldog,” Mia said.
Mia chose Balance to receive the $50 donation that our club will make in her name. The organization helps people living with disabilities, including Mia’s brother who has Autism. She has been a volunteer with the organization the past three summers.
Pictured: Casey Bowe, left, Cedarburg High School principal and Dave Stern, right, president of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, recognize Mia Hurd as the Rotary Student of the Month. Photo Credit: Gail Ostermann
Grafton High School senior Ian Cornelius was recognized as the October Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Oct. 16 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei called Cornelius a “genuine great young man who is a top student in his class.”
Cornelius will have played both football and basketball all four years of high school and has earned a two-time all-conference honorable mention on the football team, of which he has served as an honorary captain. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, is a volunteer with the Leo Club and is a leader in the Spanish club. He holds a 4.311 cumulative GPA and will graduate with a total of 16 Advanced Placement classes.
“I’ve enjoyed being both a strong student, and capable athlete, which has made my high school experience incredibly fun and successful. I am greatly thankful that I have been recognized by the Rotary Foundation for my efforts,” Cornelius said. He will attend UW-Madison next fall with plans of becoming an actuary.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities.
The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice.Cornelius chose Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge to receive his donation. He has been an avid volunteer for the charity, which provides support to the homeless in Milwaukee, and credits Mr. Bob with being an incredible role model to him.
Pictured: Rotary Student of the Month Ian Cornelius, center, is pictured with Dave Stern, left, president of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton and Grafton High School principal Scott Mantei, right. Photo Credit: Gail Ostermann
2025 Rotary Holiday Concert featuring the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Another SOLD OUT show!
The Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is proud to present the 2025 Rotary Holiday Concert with the world-renowned Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center.This cherished holiday tradition is one of the season’s most anticipated events—and once again, we expect a sold-out performance!
Showcase Your Business: Interested? Contact us to place your Ad in the program booklet for the Rotary Holiday Concert featuring the MSO. Put your business in the spotlight this holiday season by securing an ad in the official concert program booklet.
Why Sponsor?
By placing your ad, you’re not only reaching an engaged audience—you’re also supporting the work of Rotary in making a positive impact locally and globally.
- Direct visibility with hundreds of concertgoers.
- Brand recognition in the program, on our website, and in other printed materials.
- A chance to demonstrate your commitment to the arts and community through Rotary.
SUBMISSION DUE DATES annually are in mid-November
Don’t miss this opportunity to align your brand with one of Cedarburg’s most beloved holiday events!
Pictured: Festive MSO Bassists with their contrabass instruments before the concert. Photo Credit: Cindy Petted
Cedarburg High School senior Allison Becker was recognized as the September Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Sept. 11 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.“Allison exemplifies what it means to be a Bulldog, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and a deep dedication to our school community,” said high school principal Casey Bowe.
With a 4.3 GPA, Becker ranks at the top of her class. Her leadership, according to Bowe, extends from her role on the Class of 2026 student council leadership team to her contributions on the Principal’s Leadership Team, where she helped draft the new mission, vision and values statements that will shape the school's future.
Becker is the voice of CHS, delivering announcements over the intercom daily with “positive energy,” Bowe said. She is also a member of the ski team, National Honor Society, mock trial team, math team and German Club. By graduation, Becker will have completed 11 college-level courses at CHS and has volunteered over 115 hours of community service, tutoring middle school students, supporting elementary arts programs, and even raking leaves for families needing support. She plans to attend UW-Madison next fall.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities.
The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice.
Becker selected Safe Families for Children, MKE to receive her donation.
Pictured: Casey Bowe, left, Cedarburg High School principal, and Cindy Petted, right, president-nominee of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, recognize Allison Becker as the Rotary Student of the Month. Photo Credit: Gail Ostermann
The power of Rotary friendships was on full display at this week’s meeting when Linda introduced us to her new best friends from Peru.This past summer, Linda and fellow District 6270 Rotarians experienced the trip of a lifetime traveling to Peru as part of the Rotary District 6270 Rotary Friendship Exchange program. This week, the exchange came full circle as her Peruvian hosts traveled to the United States for the cultural exchange portion of the program. Their first stop in Cedarburg? Naturally, the public library. Their second stop—lunch with our club.
Following Linda’s engaging slide presentation, our Peruvian guests shared highlights of their Rotary clubs and service projects, with library aide Megan providing helpful translation. The visit included a meaningful exchange of flags and gifts, symbolizing the strong bonds formed through Rotary.
A few tears of appreciation were shed when our club presented the Rotary Club of San Borja Por Siempre with a $2,000 donation to support much-needed improvements to a school and medical clinic serving an impoverished community.
The tears quickly turned to smiles when Dave was presented with a bottle of Peru’s favorite adult beverage, Pisco Portón, known for making an excellent pisco sour. Our guests also received Chamber of Commerce goodie bags, complete with downtown Cedarburg shopping gift cards, before wrapping up their day with a dinner graciously hosted by John and Ronnie Hammes.
The Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is proud to host and welcome Saanvi Jaiswal to the United States through the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program.
Saanvi is from Nagpur, India (Rotary District 3030). After a 19-hour flight, she landed in Chicago on August 31st safely and will be attending Cedarburg High School during the 2025–26 school year. Saanvi’s first host family will be Rotarian Cindy Petted and her husband, Brian. After the conclusion of her first semester, she will transition to a second host family, further enriching her experience and cultural exchange while in the United States. During her exchange year, Saanvi also plans to attend the World Affairs Seminar (WAS) in June, an opportunity that aligns with Rotary’s commitment to global understanding and peace.
Please join us in extending a warm Rotary welcome to Saanvi as she begins her year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student and a true Person of Action. 
Pictured: Saanvi at the CHS welcome sign on her first day at school. Also, at O'Hare Airport just outside customs with Brian and Cindy Petted. Photo Credit: Cindy Petted
A
s we enter into our 60th year of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is proud to announce their 2025-26 Board of Directors.
s we enter into our 60th year of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is proud to announce their 2025-26 Board of Directors.Pictured are, standing l-r, Ken Theiler - Fundraising, Maggie Dobson - Vice President, Dan Bodart - Treasurer, Linda Eastwood - Marketing & Public Image, Minal Hahm - Immediate Past President. Seated are l-r, Casey Bowes - Secretary, Dave Stern - President, Paul Radke - Youth Officer, Pat Thome - Grants and Cindy Petted - President Nominee.
Photo Credit: Courtney Lutz, VIP
Grafton High School senior Anna Holzer was recognized as the May Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on May 21 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.Holzer has completed five Advanced Placement courses as a senior and is taking the PLTW Capstone course for Biomedical Science, which challenges students to apply the knowledge they’ve accumulated to solve real-world problems. Outside the classroom, Holzer has competed in both volleyball and softball. As a pitcher, she threw a no-hitter this past spring. She is also a Black Hawk Crew mentor and the president of the G.H.S. National Honor Society.
Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson described Holzer as a positive presence in the building and a role model for others. She plans to attend Carroll University to study nursing.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities.
The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice.
Holzer chose Mel’s Charities to receive her donation.
Rotary Student of the Month Anna Holzer is pictured with (l-r) Dave Stern, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson and Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei.
Your scholarships from 2021 and follow-up in 2022 put to good use!Thank you so much!
Jackson King dual Associates Degrees in Architecture/Construction Technology and Interior Design and Braedyn King in Interior Design and interior Design- Kitchen and Bath Specialist from WCTC!
- George & Kim King 5/18/2025 via facebook
Event raises $12,300 to build wells
Bringing awareness to the global water crisis, nearly 100 walkers braved a drizzly May morning to participate in Walk4Water, a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton and students In the Global Scholars Program at Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools.
Walk4Water is a fundraising program hosted by Healing Hands International to support its water ministry. The 4-mile walk is the distance that people in developing countries walk on average daily to gather water for their families and communities. Members of the Rotary club coached students in the areas of publicity, fundraising and logistics to ensure a successful event. Mark Ziebell, who is the service project coordinator for the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, said the event was one of the most rewarding experiences he has had as a Rotarian. “From when we were shivering outside waiting for the fieldhouse to be unlocked to quickly setting up to distribute t-shirts and register walkers, put up the yard signs that thanked sponsors and shared water facts, to manning a trivia table and giving finishers snacks and thanks, the students were absolutely amazing,” Ziebell said. “They truly owned the event.”
Although there was no fee to participate in the walk, donations were encouraged. The event brought in $4,800 to which the Rotary club added another $7,500 grant for a total of $12,300. The funds raised will go toward building wells in a country that desperately needs them.
Mark Ziebell, right, of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton volunteered at Walk4Water alongside Cedarburg High School student Nicholas Chaditis, left, and Grafton High School student Nigel Walls, center.
Adults, children and even pets participated in Walk4Water on May 17 in Cedarburg as signs along the route brought awareness to the global clean water crisis.
Walkers gathered for a group photo in the Cedarburg High School fieldhouse before the event.
Photos by Cindy Petted, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton
Cedarburg High School senior Miriam “Mimi” Hart was recognized as the April Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on April 17 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.With a GPA of 4.44, Hart ranks at the very top of her class, according to Cedarburg High School Principal Casey Bowe. “Mimi exemplifies what it means to be a Bulldog through her academic excellence, leadership and dedication to the school community,” Bowe said.
Hart is the vice president of the class of 2025 and has been an essential member of the Principal’s Leadership Team, which is drafting new mission, vision and values statements that will shape the school’s future. Hart has completed 10 college-level courses at C.H.S and has volunteered over 240 hours in the community. As a student athlete, she has scored more than 1,000 points in her high school basketball career. “I made it a goal of mine to get as involved in my school and community as possible,” Hart said in accepting her award. “These opportunities have helped develop me over these years and helped make me the person I am today.”
Hart plans to attend the University of Madison to study either environmental or industrial engineering.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities. The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice. Hart chose the Wisconsin Lions Camp to receive her donation. The camp offers free week-long sessions for individuals with a range of disabilities from vision impairments to intellectual disabilities.
Photo Caption: Rotary Student of the Month Miriam “Mimi” Hart, right, is pictured with (l-r) Minal Hahm, president of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, and Cedarburg High School Principal Casey Bowe.
Grafton High School senior Colin Garvey was recognized as the March Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on March 20 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.
According to Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson, Garvey has a “passion for volunteering” and is an excellent all-around representative of GHS and the community of Grafton. He has been an integral member of the LEO club at both the middle and high school levels, serving as this year’s president. LEO clubs are a youth organization of Lions Clubs International which encourages youths to develop leadership qualities by participating in social service activities.
“I’ve seen him mentoring our students and he serves as a great role model,” Nelson said.
Garvey also plays trombone in the Wind Ensemble and other extracurricular bands and is a runner who competes in the challenging 5,000 meter track event. He will be recognized at graduation as one of the top 10 academic students in his senior class and is currently enrolled in five Advanced Placement classes. Garvey will be attending UW Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a career in economics.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities.
The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice. Garvey chose Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge to receive his donation. Mr. Bob’s provides basic necessities such as clothing and hygiene products for the homeless in the Milwaukee area.
Photo Caption: Rotary Student of the Month Colin Garvey, (red shirt) is pictured with (l-r): Grafton School Superintendent Jeff Nelson, Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton President Minal Hahm, and Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei.
Walk4Water on Saturday May 17 at 9:00 AM at Cedarburg High School
This is a collaborative service project between our club and high school students at Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools to spread awareness of the global clean water crisis. Members of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton are mentoring students in the areas of publicity, fundraising and logistics.
This 4-mile walk has a goal of raising $7,500 to build a well in a country where people have to walk, on average, 4 miles to find clean water for their families.
Click here to register, donate, or learn more about Walk4Water.
Cedarburg High School senior Ryan Severson was recognized as the February Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Feb. 13 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.
High School Principal Casey Bowe called Severson a “role model” and an “outstanding representative of C.H.S. and the Rotary Club’s values of service and community building.” Despite enrolling in some of the most challenging courses, Severson maintains an impressive 4.5 GPA. He founded the Fashion Club and is currently developing a website to connect students with tutors, which Bowe said showcases his commitment to innovation and peer support. He is a member of the Principal’s Leadership Team, where he is actively involved in drafting new mission, vision and values statements that will shape the future of C.H.S. He is also president of the National Honor Society and the Global Scholars Program. Outside of the classroom, Severson coaches youth basketball for the recreation department and trains as an accomplished long-distance runner. Severson plans to pursue a career in the field of business and economics.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities.
The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice. Severson chose SecureFutures to receive his donation. The program empowers teens by giving them the education, tools and mentorship to become financially literate.
Pictured is Student of the Month Ryan Severson, right, with Cedarburg High School Principal Casey Bowe.
Photo provided by Cindy Petted and article written by Gail Ostermann, both Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton members.
Grafton High School senior Josstyn Durst was recognized as the January Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Jan. 30 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.
Durst holds leadership roles in a number of school activities. She is the captain of the girl's cross-country team and has competed in the sport all four years of high school. She has also been a member of the high school marching and concert bands for four years and serves as section leader. “From her freshman to senior years, we could see in Josstyn the evolution of a leader,” said Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei, calling her “a champion for others.”
As a junior, Durst took over as president of the Amnesty International program, which this year hosted a food drive for Ozaukee families in need. She is also a member of the school's Black Hawk Crew, which guides and supports incoming freshmen as they transition into high school. “This opportunity has definitely taught me a lot about leadership and confidence,” Durst said. Durst, who has taken four advanced placement classes, plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a career in law and criminology.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities. The students receive a $50 chamber gift check and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice. Durst chose the Humane Society to receive her donation.
Pictured are Student of the Month Josstyn Durst, center, receives her award from the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton president-elect Dave Stern, left, and Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei. Story & Photo credit: Gail Ostermann, Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton.
One of our signature fundraising events is the Rotary Holiday Concert featuring the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO). Annually, it is held at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center in December. The MSO is one of the premier orchestras in the country and we are proud to present them during the holidays to perform in front of a sold-out audience every year.
Tonight's conductor, Ryan Tani shown here, engaged often with the audience giving background on a piece or leading us in the Christmas Singalong.
Before and after every Rotary Holiday Concert members of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton help to unload instruments, chairs, music stands, and the conductor's platform. Immediately after the concert, it is all packed up and put back on the MSO truck.
Because of our efforts to put on quality events and the backing of the MSO program booklet advertisers, the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton is able to raise funds that support the communities we serve with scholarships to deserving high school seniors and grants to local non-profits.
Learn more here.
Photo Credit: Carol Alexander Coutts
Cedarburg High School senior Tess Latzl was recognized as the December Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton at its weekly lunch meeting on Dec. 12 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post.Latzl, who is the president of the Best Buddies program at Cedarburg High School, is described by High School Principal Casey Bowe as an “impactful senior leader” who is known for her “well-rounded academic excellence and mature, humble demeanor.”
She has accumulated over 120 hours of documented community service. Under her leadership, the Best Buddies program at CHS this year was presented with the outstanding chapter award given to one high school in every state and was recently highlighted on CBS 58’s “Natalie’s Everyday Heroes” segment. Best Buddies is an international organization dedicated to ending social, physical and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“As a local and state leader for Best Buddies, Tess advocates for inclusivity and challenges herself and others to embrace acceptance, understanding and striving for excellence,” Bowe said. Additionally, Latzl has volunteered at the annual dinner dance for Mel’s Charities and works with elementary schools on such things as their Kindness Retreat.
Latzl plans to attend UW-Oshkosh in the fall, majoring in both elementary and special education.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment or other activities. The students receive a $50 chamber gift check for their own use, and the Club makes a $50 donation to a charity of the student’s choice. Latzl chose Best Buddies to receive her donation.
Photo Caption: Student of the Month Tess Latzl, center, receives her award from Cedarburg-Grafton Rotary Club president Minal Hahm, left, and Cedarburg High School Principal Casey Bowe.