Category Archives: 4. Fellowship Groups

Downtown Rotary Goes “Uptown” for Wine Tasting in California

Posted on September 3, 2013 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

–submitted by Lori Kay on August 22, 2013

DAY 1
Bringing fellowship to a new level, Rotarians from the Wine Fellowship Group traveled to San Francisco and Napa Valley for a three day wine tasting visit on August 21-24. Will Lew Harned and the Whisky Group be far behind?

Building on the special trip, wedding anniversaries number 51 and 49 respectively are being celebrated by Dick and Noel Pearson and Lori and Arlan Kay as part of the trip.

Arlan & Lori Kay

Mike & Patty Wilson

Reports from those on the trip say that planner Steve Mixtacki has organized educational tours ranging from castle-building to climate change; ask anyone attending! These include: Steve and Meryl Mixtacki, Mike and Patty Wilson, Ann and Liz Cardinale, Lori and Arlan Kay, Mike and Mandy McKay, and Dick and Noel Pearson.

Other bits of info and advice came from our tour vehicle driver who was formerly the mayor of St. Helena for three terms (new opportunity for Mayor Soglin, perhaps?) as well as technical wine tasting data of unknown importance.

–submitted by Lori Kay on August 24, 2013
DAY 2
“I’d Never Guess That to be a Zinfandel!”
“That’s Because It’s Not!”

In case you didn’t realize it, wine lovers are also usually foodies and once again, Steve Mixtacki led the way to great meals in addition to the multiple wine tastings. Lunches consisted of made-to-order sandwiches at roadside delis while our two dinner events included eating at the Culinary Institute of America and then at a popular place named the Farmstead. All in all, some memorable tasting, eating, visiting and learning more about our fellow Rotarians and their families were included on this journey.

I must add another comment or two, however, re: the “main tasting events.” No two were alike, whether large or small, specializing in red or white wine or a corporate versus small family enterprise. The award for the most eccentric winery (yes, we must be in California!) goes to Quixote, where the wine was exceeded only by the pop art and architecture–Alice and the white rabbit also come to mind!

Well, it’s about time to pack up wine purchases and head for the airport. This fellowship “meeting” will be remembered by those who were there for a truly long time. And, oh yes, be sure to ask Steve when you see him about his lost luggage story! And add to our thanks for the super-duper fellowship experience he and Mike Wilson planned so well!

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, Wine Fellowship

Tagged Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison, Wine Fellowship Group

Rotary Hikers at Natural Bridge State Park on July 20

Posted on July 29, 2013 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

They began at the base of Wisconsin’s largest natural bridge, the anthropological site of the oldest residents of the Midwest, some 12,000 years ago. Our Rotary hikers meandered up and down the steep hills of deep forests, passing a high overlook, across a meadow–then finished in a field with sweet corn towering above their heads! A wonderful display of nature’s beauty and great fellowship. Following the hike, they shared a picnic lunch in Sauk City at August Derleth Park. Pictured in the photo from left are: Dean Nelson, Jackson Fonder, Ted DeDee, Gail DeDee, Jeff Bartell, Leigh Richardson, Suzanne Qualia and Angela Bartell. Our thanks to Suzanne Qualia for this photo and to Leigh Richardson for organizing this event.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, Hiking Fellowship, Hiking Group

Tagged Fellowship, Hiking, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

Centennial Event at Overture Center February 26 2013

Posted on February 28, 2013 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

The following summary article about our February 26^th Centennial Event is a fictitious account of a conversation between our Rotary News reporter, Mark Stover (above right), and Paul Harris (above left), the founder of Rotary.

“Good evening, Mr. Harris.”

“Good evening.”

“Welcome to the 100^th anniversary celebration of the Rotary Club of Madison here in the historic Capitol Theater.”

“It’s a lovely venue. I believe I recall being here shortly after it opened. About 1927 or ’28, if memory serves. And let me tell you, at the tender age of nearly 145 years, memory gets a bit tricky at times.”

“I imagine it does indeed. Still, you look in fine form tonight, sir.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

(Pictured above from left: Don Helfrecht & Ross Levine; Keith & Juli Baumgartner; Dick & Liz Fayram with Susan Hunt & Karl Gutknecht)

“We have reserved a special place for you here in the anteroom to the Theater itself. People are very excited to have their picture taken with you. This is Dave Ewanowski (pictured at left with his wife, Mayo) and

John Bonsett-Veal (pictured at left with his wife, Jan). They’ll be assisting you this evening.”

“Well, it’s very nice to meet you gentlemen. However, I didn’t come all this way just to sit in one place. Rotary is all about getting around to meet your fellow business men and now, of course, business women. I’ve brought along this cut-out that can stand in for me. Really, in the two-dimensional photograph it will be hard to tell if it’s me or not. I’ve gotten quite thin these last 66 years or so. Completely lost my appetite. I suppose you understand why – I mean the obvious reason, of course. So, gentlemen if you can make do with my cardboard counterpart here, I’d like to meet some of these fine Madison Rotarians.”

(Pictured above from left: Kirk Kittleson & Jessica Schock with Jocelyn & Ryan McFadden; Marcia Whittington, Beth Prochaska & Traci Mann; Greg Anderson, Herman Baumann & Kay Schwichtenberg & Mike McKay)

“Of course, sir. I guess we can pass on the hors d’oeuvres then. I’ve sampled some and they’re delicious. Oh, sorry. Of course.”

“So many interesting people. And the dress has changed. I notice, for instance, women wearing boas. How very modern.”

“Ah, that’s Dawn Crim (left). She’s chosen to reflect the promotional work that Tracy Perkins and Juli Aulik did to get so many people here tonight. Over 230 members and guests in attendance, as I understand. And Juli is one of seven women to serve as Club President.”

“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see that change in the Constitution of the clubs – women as members, I mean. Really rounds out the emphasis on full community service, don’t you know.”

“I do indeed, sir. Ah, here’s Wes Sparkman (right), the current Club President. He’s about to make a few remarks and lead us all in a toast to the future of Rotary in Madison.”

[All Club members and guests assembled to sing “Happy Birthday” to the accompaniment of the old theater pipe organ ably played by Elaine Mischler.]

“I see the tradition of music and singing at Club meetings is alive and well in Madison.”

“Oh, yes sir. At every meeting. Madison’s own Mama Digdown New Orleans-Style Brass Band is also playing here tonight. One of the band members is related to our own Jeff Bartell – he generally plays piano to accompany the Club’s regular weekly musical stylings.”

“Ah, this is all so pleasant. But, I’m afraid at my advanced age, I’m not able to keep up for long with you young people.”
“You do appear to be fading, sir. I mean, quite literally. I can actually see through you to Renee Moe (at left with Dave Johnson), our next Club President coming up behind you. Oh, Mr. Harris. Are, are you there?”

“I’ll always be with you, if not in form, certainly in spirit. My best wishes to all Madison Rotarians – and congratulations. Keep up the tradition of service above self. That work actually does last forever. Good night – good night all.”

(Pictured above from left: Tracy Perkins & Juli Aulik; Virginia & Perry Henderson; Vince O’Hern & Linda Baldwin)

(Pictured above from left: Melanie Ramey; Brian Fick & Dora Zuniga; Lester Pines & Roberta Gassman)

Our thanks to the Event Planning Committee of Juli Aulik (co-chair), Terry Anderson, Jeff Bartell (co-chair), Virginia Bartelt, Everett Mitchell and Tracy Perkins and to Centennial Planning Committee Co-chairs Deb Archer and Linda Baldwin and the entire Centennial Committee.

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Posted in 1. President's Messages, 2. Meetings, 4. Fellowship Groups, Centennial Celebration, History, Video

Tagged Centennial Celebration, Fellowship, Membership, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

New Member Event at Top of the Park – Message: Follow Your Passion

Posted on February 8, 2013 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

(Pictured above from left; Photo 1: Yigit Uctum, Cary Heyer & Michelle McGrath; Photo 2: Mike McKay & Herman Baumann; Photo 3: Wendy Wink & Yigit Uctum)

From left: Rob Stoud, Terry Heinrichs & Jessica Schock

What started off as handshakes and introductions budded into the start of many new friendships at the recent new member event on February 4, at the Top of the Park. President Wes Sparkman along with veteran Rotarians passed along the secret to having a successful Rotary experience; follow your passion. Making impact in the club and community will come from your ability to get involved with those causes that you feel most passionate about. A veteran Rotarian shared a story with a newcomer about the passion he and his family have had for hosting exchange students and the impact it has made in his life for both himself and his family. It’s these shared stories that can help to ignite another’s passion and make Rotary what Rotary is all about. Based on the size of the club, it may be impossible to meet everyone and share in their passion. But it’s exciting to think that after years of being a Rotarian, the passion can still be found simply in sharing a story.
—submitted by Jessica Schock

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, New Member Events

Tagged Fellowship, Membership, New Members, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

Madison Downtown Rotary Club – One Club Fits All

Posted on December 6, 2012 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

–submitted by Ellis Waller, Chair of Lew Harned Society Fellowship Group

At the most recent Lew Harned Society Event, I was talking with Joy Rice about the many good things the Downtown Madison Rotary Club offers. We both agreed that the luncheon programs were superb, week after week. Upon giving further thought about why Rotary appeals to me it occurred to me that the Downtown Madison Rotary is an all-encompassing organization that provides a wide variety of opportunities for service, education, fellowship and leadership, all within one organization.

First, there are the luncheon programs that combine a balanced dose of food, information, programs and fellowship. Second, there are opportunities for leadership or just participation in any of the many committees and fellowship groups. Third, but not least, there are many opportunities for service. These range from simply writing a check, volunteering on a committee, or for an event like the Ethics Symposium, Triquest, or an international project.

Rotary members can pick and choose those activities that appeal to them. If one’s career limits free time, then one can opt to attend the Wednesday luncheons until time is available for additional areas of service. Very little is required of our members and one’s involvement can be adjusted accordingly. There is no need to be a member of multiple organizations, as it can all take place within Rotary.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, Scotch Whisky, Lew Harned Society

Tagged Fellowship, Lew Harned Society, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison, Scotch Whisky Fellowship Group

Wine Fellowship Group Raises Over $1,800 for Rotaract Project

Posted on November 29, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

From left: Carol Koby, Rich Leffler & Joan Leffler

The Rotary Wine Fellowship Group enjoyed a great tasting at Mike Wilson’s home on Sunday, the 18^th of November. This event marked the group’s 8^th Annual Fundraiser for the UW Rotaract’s Mashambanzou orphanage project.

The 18 participants tasted 18 different wines, and most were available for sale for the cause.

Two Rotaract representatives (Charlotte Smith and Derek Shupe) as well as Dan Larson (Chair of our club’s Rotaract Advisory Committee) were present for the event.

: From Left: Charlotte Smith, Derek Shupe & Dan Larson

Purple Feet provided the wines as they have for past tastings. Mark Bausch (the principal) and I selected the wines from the Purple Feet “book.” We cannot thank Mark enough for his generosity and help in this fundraiser event.

Some of the wines were three sparklers including Duval “Leroy Nieman Paris Label,” a cremant, and a great New Mexico version. Next we had two NZ Sauvignon Blancs and two NZ Pinot Noirs for an Antipodean experience. Two good Chardonnays, and four Italianesque reds followed. We had cheeses with each of the whites and some meat cuts with the reds. The final phase included Ports, Sauternes and an Icewine (Eiswein) – with chocolates.

The really good news is that we helped the UW Rotaract Group raise $1,838 for the Zimbabwean orphans project, and we made the Rotaract students and Dan Larson very happy. The tasters were also happy with the selections, as everyone purchased some for home use at a later date.