Rotarian of the Week 06-15-11
Our Rotarian of the Week grew up in Greenwood, Wisconsin, and graduated with 76 in his class from Greenwood High School, home of the Indians. His first job was picking rock out of local farmer’s fields for 15 cents an hour at the age of 12. He did such a good job he eventually received a bump in pay to $3 a day. After high school, he attended community college at the University of Wisconsin Center in Medford before obtaining dual degrees in communications and political science from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Our special Rotarian went onto the University of Montana earning his Master’s in organizational communications before moving to Riverton where he taught speech classes at Central Wyoming College for four years. He eventually went on to earn his juris doctor from the University of Wyoming. Today, John Metzke is a partner at the law firm of Hirst Applegate, where he has practiced for 27 years. John and Dana will celebrate their 30th anniversary in August. John enjoys working in the yard and believes “perfection is the absence of weeds.” John also loves the game of baseball. Most people don’t know that John tried out with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a catcher. He didn’t receive an invitation, but offered to stick around and catch the pitching prospects. John’s favorite meal is fresh fruit, including Bing cherries and the Rotary peaches in August. His proudest accomplishment was paying for nine years of college without any student loans or government assistance and is the first member of his family to earn a four year degree. He considers himself to be one of the luckiest people alive having succeeded in life and surviving cancer and a near fatal infection two years ago. He is very appreciative of all the support and encouragement club members gave him. He enjoys Rotary for the service opportunities it provides its members as there is always something for everyone whether it be locally or internationally. He is tremendously proud of the strength and leadership our Club has shown over the years. He has several memorable Rotary experiences including serving as Club President during Rotary’s centennial celebration and the two Veteran’s presentations our Club held in 1996 and 2006. John has been a member of our Club since 1998 when he was sponsored by Jim Applegate. Since that time, John has helped out with numerous programs and projects, including the Cranium Cup, LCCC and CBOE interviews, drafting the amendment to our local Foundation bylaws, and even playing infamous gangster Rocco Scarfazzi in the Rotary murder mystery dinner,Pasta, Passion and Pistols. He also served as our Club President in 2004-05. In recognition of his service to our Club, the Sergeant at Arms presented John with a gift certificate and a bag of cherries.
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