–submitted by Founder Moses Altsech; photos by Brian Basken
Pictured above from left: Phyllis Lovrien, Jed Engeler, Annette Hellmer, Haley Saalsaa, Beth Prochaska & Lew Harned
The Lew Harned Society marked its 10th anniversary on September 18 with a special event hosted by Founder and Dear Leader Moses Altsech. Founded in 2007, the Scotch Whisky Fellowship was renamed in 2009 in honor of our great friend General Lew Harned, who has been there from the very first meeting. We enjoyed great homemade food (presumably prepared at the caterer’s home), and music by a barbershop quarter courtesy of Ken Yuska–which coincidentally included someone who had served with Lew in Operation Desert Storm.
All guests received a gift box of Quintessential single malt Scotch-filled chocolates. The selection of eight rare single malts included the Mackinlay, a Scotch salvaged from Sir Ernest Shackleton after the wreck of the Endurance, rediscovered in 2007, and faithfully recreated.
But as much as we like Scotch whisky, the Lew Harned Society is about much more than that. It’s about Lew: How great a guy do you have to be for your friends to name a group after you? It’s about friends: Our long-time regulars who are a standard staple, without whom we couldn’t imagine our gatherings, and new friends who want to join a group that’s fun and welcoming to all. At Rotary we often talk about member engagement–and this is what member engagement is made of. Goodwill, better friendships and Scotch. Our group has the best-looking Rotarians, its very own General who’s always in a festive mood, and enough Scotch to keep us alive two weeks past the end of Western civilization.
If you want to join our second decade, contact the Rotary office at once: Space is probably not limited, but why risk it?
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 