OCTOBER 6, 2015 PROGRAM:
District Governor's Official Visit

Marlene comes to Rotary with a wide range of experiences. Her education consists of a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She held a license as a Real Estate Broker and Residential Real Estate Appraiser, and is a Certified Personal and Professional Coach. Her work experience includes teaching high school, social work in a small rural county in Wisconsin, Real Estate Sales and Brokerage, Real Estate Appraising, and Personal Coach.

Marlene is married to Jim Gargulak, a Rotarian since 1986. They have two children, daughter: Cynthia Thurston, who is married to Paul Thurston (Joe and Isabel) and Jon Gargulak who is married to Bridget (Thomas, Bennett, Ava and Ellyn). The family is unique in that all four are members of the Rice Lake Rotary Club. As a Rotary family they are supportive and active within the Rice Lake Community.

As a member of the Rice Lake Rotary Club, Marlene served as President in 2010-2011, and Chair of the International and Membership Committees. She was co-chair for three successful Mobile Packing Events for Feed My Starving Children, and has written District Grants for the Rice Lake Skateboard Park. District activities include Chair of the Public Image Committee from 2008 to 2012. During this time, she has given presentations at the District Conference and Midterms. She was chosen as the Group Study Exchange leader to Assam, India in 2006 and has attended National Polio Immunization Days in Togo, Africa (2003) and Delhi, India (2011). In 2012 Marlene was part of the Fast for Hope delegation to Managua, Nicaragua. Marlene and Jim have attended four International Rotary Conventions since 1994.

In the Rice Lake Community, Marlene has been involved in creating a non-profit organization called Pink Ribbon Advocacy which supports breast cancer patients within Barron County. She has participated in delivering Meals on Wheels, Hospice, and is a six time walker in the 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer with the Komen Foundation. Other volunteer activities include Director of the Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Barron County Board Supervisor, and University of Wisconsin-Barron County Foundation Board.

Marlene’s favorite activities include spending time with her family, curling, art quilts and playing bridge.