–submitted by Bob Dinndorf; photo by John Bonsett-Veal
Club member Oscar Mireles provided an engaging and personal presentation after a book he has compiled titled “I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos in Wisconsin.” Oscar talked about his family and reflected on the deep cultural shifts away from and then back to his native Spanish language. His presentation illustrated the Rotary Four Way Test through reading of his original poetry. The room was perfectly quiet as he read. At one point Oscar broke the spell by complimenting the Club’s high quality listening skills.
The Four Way Test and poem titles included: “Lost and Found Language, History Lesson, Why Did you Name Me Javier Dad? and My Mother is a Social Worker.”
The four Mireles children are acknowledged as Oscar’s primary life influencers. They were portrayed onscreen in two colorful summertime slides joyously waving while on a boat ride. Life according to Oscar, is good indeed.
Oscar’s presentation was preceded by a shout out from his longtime table mate, Charles Tubbs. After acknowledging the importance of Charles’s friendship developed over the course of 200+ Rotary meetings, Oscar announced he is ready to expand his Rotary acquaintanceship through sitting at every Rotary table by year end.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 