Category Archives: 1. President’s Messages

July 12: A Message from Club President Charles McLimans

Posted on July 13, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Many of you may have seen the powerful essay that appeared in the New York Times this past April 30th by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General entitled, “We have become a lonely nation, it’s time to fix that.” In this essay he writes,

“Loneliness and isolation hurt whole communities. Social disconnection is associated with reduced productivity in the workplace, worse performance in school, and diminished civic engagement. When we are less invested in one another, we are more susceptible to polarization and less able to pull together to face the challenges that we cannot solve alone — from climate change and gun violence to economic inequality and future pandemics.”

In the essay Dr. Murthy describes his own struggle with loneliness and depression and uses the essay to introduce a national platform to address “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023, the US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.” The advisory lays out the problem and then goes on to recommend 6 pillars to advance social connection that we as a nation can implement:

1: Strengthen Social Infrastructure in Local Communities

2: Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies

3: Mobilize the Health Sector

4: Reform Digital Environments

5: Deepen our knowledge

6: Cultivate a Culture of Connection

For example, under pillar 6, cultivate a Culture of Connection, the recommendations are to: 

• Cultivate values of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another

• Model connection values in positions of leadership and influence

• Expand conversations on social connection in schools, workplaces, and communities

So, are any of you aware of an organization that cultivates a Culture of Connection through kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another and to our community?!

BINGO! Rotary shares and promotes these values and is a part of the solution to the epidemic of loneliness, separateness, isolation, and hopelessness. Our Rotary Club of Madison brochure states:

The Rotary Club of Madison empowers you to Connect, Grow and Serve. We exist to help our members form new, positive, and diverse relationships, grow personally and professionally while working to make our community and world better places to live for all.

I believe Dr. Murthy would wholeheartedly agree that Rotary is an antidote not only to the epidemic of social isolation but to a plethora of other social issues that plague our society.

Thus, it is very fitting that our Rotary International President for 2023-24, Gordon McInally, has chosen for our annual theme, “Create Hope in the World.”  I had the opportunity to meet President Gordon this past spring at the President Elects Training Symposium, and he shared his vision for the year ahead, on how Rotarians create hope in the world. He has also asked clubs worldwide to focus on mental health challenges in our community and shared his personal story of losing his younger brother to suicide. He has dedicated his life and this Rotary year to creating hope in the world for others. I think it’s a wonderful theme for our club to embrace as well.

When you think about the many ways that our club and individuals in our club create hope in the world, who and what comes to mind? Look at your neighbor, how do they create hope? How do YOU create hope for others?

If you look around this room, you see the community leaders in business, nonprofit, education, public service, etc. who make Madison the outstanding community that it is. We do that, Rotarians! Each one of you individually and through your organizations help to create hope in the world.

Collectively, we as a club create hope in the world through providing nearly $1 million dollars per year in student scholarships, community grants, our ethics symposium, and dedicated scholar mentors. Through our philanthropy, and through our community service, club service, vocational service, youth service, and international service we provide HOPE in the world and in our community. And we’ve been doing so for over 110 years!

As your club President for 2023-24, my major focus areas and goals for us as a club are:

  1. That we will continue to create hope in our community and in our world through our philanthropy and service. As you may be aware, we spent the past two years studying and revising our community grants process and this Fall will introduce new funding and service opportunities to expand 1. Excellence in Education for all students, 2. An expanded Ethics Symposium to introduce more students to the Rotary Four Way Test Framework for ethical decision making, and 3. Grants to fund innovation in our community.
  • My second challenge to us as a club is that we will continue to share the joy of Rotary, to connect, grow and serve with more members of our community, by inviting them to be a part of an organization that creates hope in the world. Rotary International has just come out with some new graphics for members to share on social media platforms that you can see on the slide.

I invite you to share your story as a Rotarian with others, why you’re proud to be a Rotarian and what Rotary means to you. Share your WHY as a Rotarian, then invite someone who shares our values for connection, kindness, and service to join us for lunch. That’s the Power of One, that each one of us as members can help to ensure our club’s continued growth and success by inviting just one person to join us.

  • We will also be focusing on Gratitude throughout the year and hearing stories from individual Rotarians about Why they are grateful to be a Rotarian. Gratitude creates hope in the world too.

And so, my fellow Rotarians, let’s continue to go out into the world to create hope! I think if we were to invite Dr. Murthy to come here to experience the Rotary Club of Madison, he would wholeheartedly endorse our efforts to advance a healthy, connected community. Perhaps Janet Piraino and the program team could get him here to join us?

You will find on your tables the 2023-24 Rotary theme pin, “Create Hope in the World,” please take one and wear it proudly throughout the year. The pins are courtesy of our District Governor and fellow club member, Michelle McGrath. Thank you, Michelle! And thank you for listening to me and for your commitment to Rotary.

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Club President Teresa Holmes: In Her Own Words

Posted on July 14, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Today is our official kickoff to the Rotary year so I wanted to share a bit on my personal background, Rotary journey, and what you can expect from me during the evolving aspects of our year together. 

I am the oldest of three children born to a mother who worked in various areas of law enforcement and a father who served in the Navy.  Over the years, I’ve tried to make it a habit of asking for what I need so if I sounds like I’m telling you instead, please don’t take it personally; giving others instructions is a part of my history.  I’m a native of Milwaukee and for years lived one block away from the core of the original site where Juneteenth Day is celebrated. Most of my family members still live in Milwaukee so my other home is not far away.

I often refer to myself as a twice transplant to Madison, as I initially moved here in 1989 to work for what was is now Alliant Energy but moved back to Milwaukee after only 5 years. At that time, I would’ve been known as a Gen Z, and my mom, who by then had transitioned into the Human Services field, encouraged me to follow my heart knowing that I had aspirations for changing the dynamics of how users experienced working with computing professionals.  By the time I was 23, I had several experiences with initiating change within teams, systems and corporations in the US and in other countries through the use of my natural gift to simplify tedious processes whether manual or technological.  I had no idea that I’d return to Madison 20 years later after creating my own firm, now Exponential Endeavors. I lead a team of Solution Architects, who have backgrounds in either engineering, technology or creative arts and are identifying efficient and innovative ways to transform manual processes thru technology or reduce the time it takes to implement technology engagements.  I can speak tech English, folks! Right before the pandemic, I was asked to utilize my business model to assist a company in Madison with rapid redesign of its entire technology infrastructure and because of the need to pivot quickly when the stay-at-home order began in March of last year, my team and I were able to do the same for companies locally and throughout the Midwest while leading them into resiliency during the COVID year.  So, change and doing things sooner than initially planned is ‘in my lane’.  Did you know that I was supposed to be your president – next year?  

My Rotary journey began only 5 years ago in May of 2016 after being invited to attend the Scholarship luncheon by then Rotarian Derrick Van Mell.  I had been asked to join the organization before but declined because of what I believed was not present in the room.  Attending one luncheon can make all the difference and after seeing the scholarships awarded to 25 local students – I said Yes without hesitancy.  Service is a part of my DNA as I come from a long line of WI and Texan public servants and prior to that experience lacked the awareness I now have of the Rotary Club of Madison.  

My first year of my Rotary service, I attended the international convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, and couldn’t believe what Rotarians were doing locally and internationally and have dug in my heels since then to Connect, Grow and Serve where led and often asked to do so. I’m a person with a deep sense of Faith and belief in the ability to dream and live well throughout the process of evolving circumstances.  A few of you have cautioned me not to use the podium as my ‘pulpit’, fret not. I don’t need a pulpit when an expansive mission field is right before me.

The accelerated transition to VP caused me to get to know many of you in ways that I’ve enjoyed while also growing in the understanding of the traditions this club and Rotary International hold near and dear. I’m looking forward to spending time with many of you, while walking, dining, at local activities that combine those two or a fellowship or community event.

As we serve, the evolving aspect of changes we’ll all be affected by and journey through are not intended to harm or hinder our organization from continued success and service – rather meant to create more continuity within the organization while better positioning our service teams – our committees to execute their creative ideas throughout our community.  The ideas presented and approved by leaders w/in this club are meant to be seen and experienced far beyond a single term of the presidency so our club’s VP-Paul Hoffman and others who follow him will carry the torch of ideas forward and brightly! Throughout the year, I’ll lead the way in communicating and navigating the various aspects of how we’ll enhance what we’re doing.

Being President of our club wasn’t what I thought I’d be doing at the end of my board term.  As I reflect while dreaming, I realize it has become an extended part of my journey of Service above Self!  I’m honored and humbled to serve as our club president. Thank you for such an opportunity!

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Wisconsin’s Tech Industry Beyond Dane County Borders

Posted on February 24, 2021 by | Leave a comment

Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, led Rotarians on a virtual tour of the state’s tech scene beyond the borders of Dane County. “Madison stories are great and they’re growing all the time, but I want you to feel good about what’s going on in the rest of the state,” he said.

 He noted that Wisconsin’s areas of expertise have not changed much in the past 150 years, and they include agriculture, natural resources, tourism and manufacturing. However, technology has bolstered all of these sectors. For example, he pointed out that “if you’re not involved in technology in manufacturing, you won’t be in manufacturing for very long.” 

Wisconsin is in a good position to attract top workers in the technology sector, because of its geological stability (no hurricanes or tsunamis), a fully funded state pension fund, a tax burden that has been decreasing, excellent healthcare institutions and a strong education system.

Still showed several slides featuring leading tech companies in Milwaukee, Beloit, La Crosse, Janesville, Green Bay and Eau Claire, and he gave a little background on each. He noted that UW-Eau Claire will host the 2023 National Council on Undergraduate Research convention, which will draw some 5,000 people to that part of the state.

Still closed out his presentation by discussing key Wisconsin Technology Council goals to support the state’s economy. They are advocating for the expansion of broadband around the state. This is the “Rural Electrification Act of the 21st  Century”, he said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that broadband is vital for the delivery of healthcare, education and even the merchandise of many Main Street businesses in the new economy. Governor Evers has proposed $200 million in state, private and federal funds for this in his proposed biennial budget for the state.

The Technology Council has long advocated for a greater state investment to support technology start-ups. The Governor has proposed $100 million for the Wisconsin Fund, to be matched by $200 million from private sources, if it is signed into law. Finally, the Council advocates for more funding for higher education, including the UW System’s four- and two-year campuses and the technical colleges.

Our thanks to Tom Still for his presentation this week and to Andrea Kaminski for preparing this review article.  If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch it here:  https://youtu.be/hKRRScFHE4k.

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“Our Rotary Club Is A Special Place, and It’s a Special Bond We Share”

Posted on February 9, 2021 by | 1 comment

Hidalgo_JorgeThere are many ways to describe our Rotary Club. We are a Center of Influence, where people who care about our community come together to shape its future. We are a Conduit for Change, since we contribute our time and resources by volunteering; give generous grants that help those in need; and provide scholarships to send our best and brightest to college. We are a Professional Hub, where we can network and make important connections. Just as importantly, our Club is a Meeting Place where we make new friends and catch up with old ones; we have fun together; and we brighten each other’s day.

We come from so many different backgrounds; we represent so many professions; we have different religious and political beliefs; but we respect each other, and we’re good at discovering our common ground. Our Rotary Club is special. We’ve stayed together during the most unusual circumstances of our lifetime—a worldwide pandemic—and now, thanks to two vaccines and another in the works, we can finally (finally!) see the end.

Multiple Rotarians

The last stretch of a long wait is always the hardest; we’re anxious for it to be over: And our virtual meetings will come to an end sometime in 2021, most likely gradually, and always following CDC guidelines. We’ll get to see each other in person, shake hands, give old friends a hug. We’ll complain about things; we’ll argue; we’ll laugh; and we’ll love being in each other’s presence again.

Our Rotary Club is a special place; it’s a special bond we share. This period has made us realize just how special it really is, and let’s keep this feeling of eagerness and anticipation alive so we can hit the ground running when we get together again.

–2020-21 Club President Jorge Hidalgo

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Rotary Membership Dues Modifications

Posted on August 14, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Due to Covid-19 we’ve been unable to meet in person since March, and we’re unlikely to resume in-person luncheons before at least January. Even then, many members may prefer to wait longer to return.

Most members have been paying dues that include the cost of weekly meals, but many of us may not know that 46% of pre-paid meals are not actually consumed by members which helped fund our club’s operating expenses each year. The board recognized that continuing to charge members for meals they can’t consume is not sustainable, but we know that without the surplus generated by meals, the club would have an insurmountable operating deficit. That’s why an ad-hoc committee was formed to study this and make actionable recommendations. The committee included the following members:  Jason Beren, Jorge Hidalgo, Teresa Holmes, Jason Ilstrup, Andrea Kaminski, Charles McLimans, Mark Moody (chair), Valerie Renk, Haley Saalsaa Miller, Susan Schmitz, Rob Stroud and Rob Van den Berg.

The new approved dues structure reflects the true costs of the club and spreads them more equitably among the different types of members. Lower dues for Exempt and Life members will continue, in recognition for their many years of service and financial support to the club.  Standard members will pay $390 for dues per six months, and this is retroactive to July 1, 2020; Exempt members will see an increase in dues effective for the next billing cycle of January – June of 2021 from $185.50 to $235; and Life members will change to $225 starting July 1, 2021.

The Board acted under emergency authority to approve these changes.  Once the pandemic emergency has subsided to the point where a membership vote is possible, the revised dues structure will be put to a vote of the members.  We believe these changes to our dues structure are necessary and appropriate to assure the financial viability of the club.  We agree that the elimination of the meals subsidy was overdue and necessary, and the dues now reflect the true cost of operation of the club.

Our ad-hoc committee will hold a Zoom Q&A on August 20th at noon for interested members who have questions or want to hear more background.  A letter about this new dues structure was mailed to members on August 11, and a link to the August 20 Zoom meeting is included in the Friday, August 14 email from the Rotary office.

Jorge Hidalgo, Club President

 

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Meet Our New President: Jorge Hidalgo

Posted on June 29, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Hidalgo_JorgeAs we begin a new Rotary year on July 1, we wanted to share some background on our new president. 

Jorge Hidalgo joined our Rotary Club in 2014 and is president of Wilde East Towne Honda. Previously, he was a Harley-Davidson Executive.  He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and received his Master’s degree in Operations Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  He served in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years as an Infantry Officer where he was an Army Ranger and Airborne Jumpmaster.  Jorge has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce; served as Vice President of Fisher House of Wisconsin; and has been board president for the Wisconsin Heartland Honda Dealers Advertising Association.  He is a recipient of the 2016 Latino Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Latino Chamber of Commerce and the 2019 Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Community Business Leader Award.

In Rotary, Jorge has served on our Strategic Planning, Welcoming and Veteran’s Assistance Committees and was elected to our board of directors for a 2018-2020 term.  He also participates in the Hiking/Skiing, Scotch Whisky and Sporting Clays Fellowship Groups and is chair of the Veterans Fellowship Group.

Jorge was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in New York City and now lives in Sun Prairie with his wife, Andrea.  They have 3 adult children and eight grandchildren.  Here are some details reprinted from the Wilde East Towne Honda website that provide insights into Jorge:

“My favorite band:  The Eagles.
Three Words that describe me:  Duty, Honor, Country.
My childhood dream job was:  To be a professional baseball player.
If you could spend the day with one person, deceased or alive, I would choose:  My son, Daren, who was killed in Afghanistan (while serving his country in 2011).
Favorite TV shows:  “Walking Dead” and “Blue Bloods.”
We welcome Jorge Hidalgo as President during our 108th Rotary year!

Jorge Outlines His Plans for Upcoming Rotary Year:  “Respect the Individual”

I know that the current pandemic has affected all of us, and every aspect of our lives—so it’s natural that our Club has been affected too.  We haven’t been able to meet in person for a while, and the road to returning to full-Club in-person meetings will be slow, and it will be gradual. But we’re resilient and we have adapted, with committees, fellowship groups and even our Wednesday meetings taking place virtually.  It may not be ideal, but it’s a way to stay engaged with Rotary at a time when our Club needs our support. 

As your President, I plan to remind us all of why Rotary matters, and mention one great thing Rotary has done each and every week. I also plan to highlight Members in the News each week from the podium, to celebrate the active role we play in the community.  I want our meetings to be fun and upbeat; I want us to laugh more often.  I’m sure whatever problems we’re dealing with every morning will still be waiting for us when we get back to the office after lunch; let Rotary be a little break from that stress.  If our average age wasn’t 107 I’d call it recess—but even though “recess” doesn’t fit, you still get the idea.  We’ll try new things, and not all of them may work—but we’ll keep trying till we make it work!  We’ll even address members’ questions and concerns brought up on the member survey.  We’ll have speakers that address a broad range of topics, including not only social issues but also leadership, history, business, inspirational life experiences, scientific discovery, and artistic pursuits. 

There’s no shortage of things that draw divisions among people; different political and religious beliefs, different views on social and economic issues—and we absolutely MUST respect our differences, and respect each other, first and foremost, as individuals.  So to be crystal clear, my theme for this year is “Respect the Individual.”  We need to spend more time on discovering what brings us together:  I want us to get to know each other better, discover things we have in common, and celebrate our accomplishments: One of the many ways to do this is by asking a new member to introduce a long-time Rotarian once a month.  Among our members we have a Freedom Rider from the Civil Rights movement and someone who discovered a life-saving medical procedure, engineers and artists, veterans of foreign wars and Peace Corps volunteers; there’s a lot we can learn about and from each other.  And let’s not get all greedy; we need to give others a chance to be part of this great Rotary Club: Each of us should set a goal of recruiting one member to Rotary this year; just one, though if you bring in more I promise I won’t get mad at you. 

I want to thank you for trusting me with our Club’s leadership and let’s all work together to have a great Rotary year! 

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