Category Archives: 4. Fellowship Groups

Speed Rotary – Rockstar Networking

Posted on June 7, 2012 by joannamartinez | 2 comments

Submitted by Rotarian Linda Baldwin

Who knows networking? Rotarians. We displayed our prowess on May 30 with a fast round of Speed Rotary.

For the 2^nd time this year, Rotarians spent five minutes each with five different Rotarians learning a little bit more about their lives. Speed Rotary sped along, and those five-minute conversations seemed over in an instant.

Overheard and tweeted…
“Old dogs can learn new tricks…when they are taught them by younger dogs.”

“Having your legacy go on after you are gone involves bringing in new blood.”

“Take your wife to your favorite places in the world before it’s too late.” “LinkedIn has all these bells and whistles I could really use.”

“As a guest, I was totally impressed that Rotarians would take this time to get to know one another.”
“Different generations talked today – someone asked me how old I was!”

“People are job hunting….subtly.”
“Caught up with some old friends.”
“Made a return phone call in person.”
“Met a techie who doesn’t tweet.”

Try it – tweeting that is, go to twitter.com, find #speedrotary and comment about today. Then touch tweet.

Rotarians – what an interesting bunch.

Mary Gaffney-Ward & Dora Zuniga

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Posted in 2. Meetings, 4. Fellowship Groups, Social Media, Speed Rotary, Uncategorized

Tagged Fellowship, Networking, New Members, Rotary Club of Madison, Social Media, Speed Rotary

Inaugural Rotary Tri-Quest May 20

Posted on May 31, 2012 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

Volunteers began arriving at The Legend at Bergamont at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 20^th, to begin the registration and course set-up for our Rotary Club of Madison’s Inaugural Tri-Quest Event. We had over 50 Rotary volunteers to help throughout the day, and the location and staff at Bergamont were superb.

By 7:00 am, many participants were on site—some were on the golf course and others getting ready for the 8:00 am 5K Run. The 31K Bicycle Race started by 9:15 a.m. and we also had an afternoon golf event.

Weather cooperated in general, although many of our participants would tell you that it was a little warmer than they preferred and the wind presented more of a challenge for parts of the course.

Registrations totaled 129 for our event, and this was a good level for our first time around. We will provide news on the total amount raised for our Madison Rotary Foundation Synergy Fund in the coming weeks but expect it to be at the $25,000 level.

Congratulations to the following winners:
Corporate/Relay Division
Mens’s               Group Health Cooperative
Women’s          Sun Prairie Rotary
Coed                  CUNA Mutual
Individual Division
Men’s                 Dave Nelson
Women’s          Karen Mittelstadt
Two-Person Team
Men’s                 John Ratkovich & Tim Schertz
Coed                   Paul & Debbie Zampelli
Four-Person Team
Men’s                  McGladrey
Individual Medalists
Run- 1^st place Men’s              David Schneekloth (Smith& Gesteland)
Run- 1^st place Women’s       Jennifer Norr (CUNA Mutual)
Bike- 1^st place Men’s             Jon Furlow (CUNA Mutual)
Bike- 1^st place Women’s      Glenda Hodge (M3 Insurance)
Golf-1^st place Men’s               Rob Peters (CUNA Mutual)
Golf 1^st place Women’s         Carrie Wall (Rotary Team #2)

Dave Nelson

From left: Tri-Quest Committee Chair Scott Haumersen, Steve Goldberg (CUNA Mutual) and Larry Zanoni (Group Health Cooperative)

For additional photos in a slideshow format visit:
Rotary Tri-Quest

Thanks to everyone—sponsors, participants, volunteers and those staffing the event—for helping us to make our 1^st annual Rotary Tri-Quest event a huge success.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, Social Media, Tri-Quest, Uncategorized

Tagged Fellowship, Madison Rotary Foundation, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison, Rotary Tri-Quest

Rotary Bowling Season WrapUp

Posted on April 26, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Submitted by Tom Carroll, Bowling Fellowship Group Chair

From left: Katharyn May, Trey Sprinkman and Bruce Westervelt

April 18 concluded the 2011-12 season of the Civic Bowling League with a final awards banquet at the world famous Maple Tree Restaurant in McFarland, WI.

In attendance were Gerry Ring, Chuck Elliott, Tom Carroll, George Keehn, Jerry Thain, Doug Gerhart, Katharyn May, Mike Engelberger, Bruce Westervelt and Dick Goldberg.

Rotary I came in first in league standings for the year and also won the league Tournament which is the equivalent of the NCAA. In fact, some even call it “March Madness.” Rotary I regular team members were Doug Gerhart, George Keehn & Jerry Thain with help from non-member Fred Krantz.

Rotary II came in 8^th in the league (no need to ask how many teams are in the league) and 4^th in the tournament. Rotary II regular team members were Tom Carroll, Chuck Elliott, Rick Petershack & Gerry Ring.

Tom Carroll

Rotary III finished 7^th in league competition and 4^th in the “9 Pin Tap Tournament.” Rotary III regular team members were Mike Engelberger, Katharyn May & Trey Sprinkman.

All in all, it was a truly great season, fair to all concerned, built goodwill and better friendships, and was beneficial to all concerned.

The current bowling fellowship group members include: Nelson Cummings, Cathy Durham, Chuck Elliott, Mike Engelberger, Doug Gerhart, Dick Goldberg, Donna Hurd, George Keehn, Katharyn May, Tim Muldowney, Rick Petershack, Gerry Ring, Trey Sprinkman, Jerry Thain and Bruce Westervelt.

Thanks to all who participated! We appreciate the support, involvement, and fellowship of those listed above who served as subs and filled in whenever needed during the season.

Gerry Ring

We look forward to another fun time next season, and we would welcome new members to the group. Most of the people hadn’t bowled in 30 or 40 years before joining the group. This is a fun way to get out and meet fellow Rotarians and members of the other service clubs in town.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, Bowling fellowship, Uncategorized

Tagged Fellowship, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

Rotary Fellowship Groups – Great Opportunities to Make Connections

Posted on March 22, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Our Rotary Club has over 20 fellowship groups to help members make connections with others that have like interests. At the March 21 Rotary luncheon, members present received fellowship and committee sign-up forms for the 2012-13 Rotary year. Members not present will be receiving one via email soon. Be sure to fill out your forms and return them to the Rotary office as your current assignments end June 30.

Below are photos of some recent fellowship group activities. Other fellowship groups are encouraged to submit photos to the Rotary office for future blog postings.

Fish Stories Told Here…Some True!

The fly fishing fellowship enjoyed its best turn out ever with eleven members attending our “ice breaker” meeting on March 8. Todd Opsal and Nick Volk of On the Creek Fly Shop in Cross Plains led an informative discussion on fly fishing. The meeting covered everything from equipment to basic stream side insect life. Wine, cheese and crackers complemented the presentation on fly fishing and most importantly the good fellowship enjoyed by all. Our next meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm on April 12 at On the Creek Fly Shop in Cross Plains. There is a good chance that we will do a road trip to sample some of the trout fishing in southwestern Wisconsin on April 6. We hope to firm up dates for future outings at our next meeting. Proposed ideas include the ever popular Black Earth Creek, Gordon Creek and a late May trip to Lake Waubesa for Blue Gills followed by a Canadian style shore dinner.

—Submitted by Dana Corbett, Chair of Fly Fishing Fellowship Group

Scotch Whisky Fellowship Group Event

On Monday, March 12, Gayle Langer and Melanie Ramey co-hosted the March Lew Harned Society’s Fellowship event at Gayle’s Cherokee home. Pictured above are Gayle and Curt Brink. Gayle and Melanie put together a fine selection of scotch and complimented it with some quality cheese and some wonderful shrimp. Fellowship Chair Ellis Waller gathered feedback from the attendees on what type of community project the group would like to participate in as part of our club’s Centennial Celebration.

–Submitted by Mike Wenzel, member of Scotch Whisky Fellowship Group

Members and guests of the Wine Fellowship Group enjoyed the hospitality of Steve and Meryl Mixtacki on February 12. Pictured here from left: Mike Wenzel, Dick Pearson, Noel Pearson, Todd Perkins, Tracy Perkins and Pat Wilson.

Our Notable Books Fellowship Group meets at Takara Restaurant in Whitney Square. Pictured from left: Ruth Ann Schoer, Darrell Behnke, Rich Leffler, Joan Leffler, Frank Stein and Roberta Stadky.

The Bridge Fellowship Group meets at various homes of its members on a monthly basis. Pictured above from left: Mary Helen Becker, Lori Kay and Jim Ebben.

Congratulations to Rotary Bowling Team I which is currently in first place in this year’s Madison Civic League. Main bowlers for Rotary I this year are Gerry Thain (pictured at right), Doug Gerhart & George Keehn (pictured at left) with help this season from Dick Goldberg and Mike Engelberger.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, Bridge, Fly Fishing, Notable Books, Scotch Whisky, Lew Harned Society, Wine Fellowship

Tagged Fellowship, Rotarians

Rotary Culinary Arts Fellowship Group Discovers a Taste for Steenbock’s on Orchard

Posted on February 16, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Submitted by Wenk Wink, member of Culinary Arts Fellowship Group

Jamie & Dan Weissburg

What is to “discover” when science, beauty, sustainability, innovation, fellowship, and a measure of magic mingle on a snowy evening? Why, the Rotary Culinary Arts Fellowship Group at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery’s Steenbock’s on Orchard, of course!

Thanks to the insight and hard work of Phil Levy, the foresight of Greg Frank and Steve Mixtacki (and Carl Gulbrandsen), and the magic of Steenbock’s Chef Michael Pruett, his back-house chef crew and the terrific front-of-the-house staff, our evening was more than a “discovery,” it was a magical gastronomical wonder.

Phil Levy (left) with Chef Michael Pruett

From the warm welcome on a cold night, through the cooking demonstration of a dessert (yes, first eat dessert) of a smoky pot of frozen chocolate mousse strewn over a table with chocolate syrup, home-made marshmallow, berries, and glace sugar. Rotarians looked like wolves tasting this treat. On to the dining room to savor: amuse bouche of creamy broccoli you could lick with your tongue; roasted baby beets from the chef’s garden; fluke sashimi (remarkably tender from lemon garlic oil); seared scallop with an ASTOUNDING parsnip puree, roasted brussels sprouts, pancetta, with a citrus beuree blanc; pistachio-crusted lamb rib eye, potato gratin so thinly sliced it was ethereal in its port wine reduction sauce; then (and there was a then) chocolate truffle cake, cherries, and vanilla iced cream. All could be paired with wines selected for their sustainability.

: Chef Pruett’s Cooking Demonstration

Laughter, conversation and enjoyment of exceptional companionship accompanied Chef Pruett’s and his staff’s answers to our questions: how did you slice that potato gratin (by hand, of course, using a mandolin); what’s in the ASTOUNDING parsnip puree (salt, cream, parsnips – geez, who knew); and, “will you come home with me” (silence, then, “the guest is always right” [Cathy Durham’s husband seemed unconcerned with her question and the Chef’s response])? Once again, the Culinary Arts Fellowship group “discovered” one another on a truly magical evening.

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Posted in 4. Fellowship Groups, Culinary Arts

Rotary Madison Fellowships | Scotch Whiskey, Wellness, Bridge

Posted on October 20, 2011 by gThankYou! | Leave a comment

Scotch Whiskey/Lew Harned Society – October 17

Submitted by Ellis Waller, Chair.
The October meeting of the Lew Harned Society took place at Ellis and Katie

Katie & Ellis Waller

Waller’s home in Maple Bluff. About twenty members assembled to taste a variety of single malt Scotch Whiskies. Included in the assortment was a bottle of “Whisky” made in India. Members thought that while it tasted like Scotch Whisky it was certainly not in keeping with the Society’s charter to sample single malt Scotch Whisky.

John Bonsett-Veal

Next month’s meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14th at the home of Moses Altsech. Those who signed up for this fellowship group receive an email reminder before each meeting, however all Rotary members are invited to attend any of the Society’s events. Please remember to contact the host so that he or she can arrange for proper amounts of food and beverages.

Gary Peterson, Susan Schmitz, & Melanie Ramey

Wellness/Healing Fellowship – October 12, Waisman Center

Submitted by Rob Stroud, Member.
During the evening of October 12, the Wellness Fellowship was treated to a fascinating tour of the Waisman Center and the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds. Eight of us, joined by four Edgewood College Rotaractors, met with the lab manager and his team of experts, all of whom were young, energetic, enthusiastic researchers.

Waisman Center

For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, the Waisman Center is largely a center for brain research. We learned about EEG’s, MRI’s and PET scans and how each of them measures different brain functions in different ways. We saw how Ansel makes radioactive isotopes for PET scans and how Steve uses magnetic imaging to record the brain’s response to pain. We saw how EEG technology has been made easier to use and easier to interpret results. We heard about the Center’s studies on the brains of Tibetan monks during meditation. Then, to cap off the evening, the executive director of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds told us about their work in investigating and teaching mind awareness. Her presentation showed us some of the ways that the research results are being applied to real life problems.

Our thanks go to our fellowship chair, Frank Stein, and to the wonderful people at the Waisman Center for an informative evening.

Bridge Fellowship – October 11, nancy young, host

Submitted by Mary Helen Becker.
The bridge fellowship has met for more than a decade and welcomes new

Mary Helen Becker & Paul Madsen, seated; L-R, Front: Lori Kay, Sally Phelps, Lynn Phelps, Jon Udell, Susan Udell, Mary Hamre, Jim Hamre, Jim Ebben & Nancy Young. Back: Brooks Becker, Dick Rieselbach, Arlan Kay, Jed Engeler & Mike Lovejoy.

members. We meet in members’ homes most of the time, but occasionally gather at a local club for dinner and bridge. Members get to know each other better and strengthen friendships.

L-R, Foreground: Brooks Becker, Jim Hamre, Sally Phelps & Linda Lovejoy; Background: Arlan Kay, Lori Kay, Dick Rieselbach & Nina Rieselbach

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month, but have recently tried to hold an occasional game on a Thursday to accommodate players who are not available on the second Tuesday. For more information, contact the Rotary office or Mary Helen Becker.

The Rotary Club of Madison has 500 members from business, academia, healthcare and public and community service. It is one of the ten largest Rotary International clubs in the world and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013. Rotary International is a service club with local and global reach. It’s 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries have 1.2 million members who meet weekly to develop friendships, learn, and work together to address important humanitarian needs.