Dedication of Rotary Club of Madison Centennial Plaza on June 11

–submitted by Bob Dinndorf; photos by Valerie Johnson and Uriah Carpenter

Led by members of the Hiking Fellowship Group, Rotary Club of Madison members trekked from Inn on the Park to the Rotary Club of Madison Centennial Plaza (corners of Hamilton & Mifflin Streets) to witness a special moment capping the first Rotary century and inaugurating the second century. Club members participated in the official dedication of the Rotary Club of Madison’s Centennial Plaza.  John Bonsett-Veal and Uriah Carpenter arranged a creative aerial photo of Rotarians fresh from their post-lunch constitutional. This indisputable visual evidence of Rotary pride was summarized by Mayor Paul Soglin who read a proclamation commemorating June 11, 2014, as a day to celebrate Rotary and one of Madison’s newest landmarks.

(Photo 1: Steve Goldberg addresses the gathering; Photo 2: Deb Gilpin reads a poem; Photo 3: Rotarians peering into the sky for a group photo [below])

Earlier at Inn on the Park, Steve Goldberg regaled the club with his now signature Palooza Pleaser, a song about the club’s summer spectacular. The 2014 SummerPalooza takes place Saturday, June 14 around Capitol Square and the Madison Children’s Museum.

Mayor Paul Sogilin reads the proclamation with Club President Renee Moe

Laura Peck, chair of the Plaza Project Committee, reviewed how the art installation developed. Deb Gilpin, Executive Director of the Madison Children’s Museum provided an introduction to the art piece, “Roads Diverge” which provides whimsical food for thought to plaza visitors. Deb expressed appreciation for the daily inspiration that the art provides. Finally, appreciation is extended again to Dave Ewanowski who chaired the initial 2008 Centennial Project Planning Committee and all Rotarians as well as friends of Rotarians who participated in celebration of the club’s 100 years past. Our brave march into the future continues.

Note from a Visiting Rotarian on June 11, 2014:
“Thanx for the warm hospitality shown by your club’s Rotarians. Today’s visit to the Rotary Club of Madison will always remain a memorable day in my life.   I am fortunate enough to be able to witness the centennial plaza dedication event. Yours is indeed a vibrant and unique club in the world.  May your club achieve still greater heights in the  forthcoming years.”

Yours in Rotary, PP KISHOR OSWAL, Rotary Club of PUNE FAR EAST India