Category Archives: 5. Members

Highlights from 6th Annual Rotary Mentor-Scholar Picnic

Posted on July 19, 2012 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

–submitted by Stu Levitan

About 25 Rotary scholars and their respective club mentors enjoyed themselves at the now-traditional summer picnic at Nate Brand and Regina Millner’s beautiful Fuller’s Woods home on July 15. The kitchen crew of Kevin Hoffman, Mike Hoesly and Jim Ruhly, led by co-chair Gary Peterson braved the sweltering heat to staff the grill, as members supplemented the menu with salads, sides and desserts. Admiral Dick Pearson, who with Noel, hosted the first two Mentor-Scholar picnics, took several groups on tours of mighty Lake Mendota in his deck boat. A fine time was had by all.

Following are quotes from those attending the picnic:

“Ismat and I had a great time seeing scholars from last year and welcoming new scholars. The food, fellowship, boat ride and hospitality (thanks Nate and Regina) were wonderful! It was good to connect with a couple scholars who were having challenges during their freshman year away from the Midwest. This event allows for both celebration and problem solving.” —Deb Raupp

“The beauty of the lake and the gracious hospitality of Regina and Nate provided the perfect setting to celebrate and share with some absolutely amazing young adults! As I left I told my husband, this is another reason why I am grateful to be a Rotarian!” —Lin Grace Rohr

“We had a super GREAT time at the picnic and we felt it was the best ever. Leslie loved the opportunity to get to know the other students and she loved the food, the BOAT RIDE and the beautiful home of Regina and Nate!!!! Sharyl loved the opportunity to connect with the other students and other Rotarians as we don’t often have a chance to relax and chat at Wed lunch meetings. Sharyl REALLY loved the food, it all seemed extra yummy this year and special thanks to the “grill guys” who grilled to perfection on such a hot day!! Best, Sharyl Kato

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Posted in 2. Meetings, 3. Committees, 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, 6. Youth, Kitchen, Scholars & Mentors

Tagged Fellowship, Madison Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of Madison, Rotary Mentors, Rotary Scholars, Youth

Commitment to Service

Posted on July 11, 2012 by joannamartinez | 3 comments

You know, there is nothing like the joy of helping others. This year marks 100 years of dedication to the ideals of “Service Above Self” for the Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin.

Many years ago, during my undergraduate years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, my fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., embarked on a journey to establish a food drive for needy citizens in the Madison area. We stood outside of the Copps and Sentry grocery stores at Hilldale and Park Street and collected canned goods to be donated to local food pantries. During the winter month of November, we stood in the cold, laughed, joked, collected cans, and froze, but it was great fun. I still look back on those days with many fond memories. I remember thinking of how much more effective we could be if we just had a few more members. We could cover more ground in less time. We would have a greater presence at the grocery stores and the exiting shoppers would be more willing to donate more food. More members would increase our overall enjoyment and camaraderie.

I guess, in some ways, I’ve always been searching for an experience like the Rotary Club of Madison. Chartered on June 2, 1913, our Downtown Club is pretty special. Not only are we considered a large Club with a size that measures within the 10^th largest Rotary Clubs in the world, but we truly have a lot of helping hands and warm hearts. I had the right idea, during my fraternity’s food drive; it’s great to be part of a group with so many community advocates and business leaders. It has been a busy season, getting ready for a new Rotary year. I’m especially proud of our Club because we really care about this community and making the City of Madison a great place to live. We have over 40 Club committees totally consisting of volunteers. What a group! As President, it will be my pleasure to spend an hour a week with so many of you that truly appreciate the joys of helping others.

Yours In Service,
Wes Sparkman
Club President

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Posted in 1. President's Messages, 4. Fellowship Groups, 5. Members, History

Tagged Fellowship, Membership, Rotary Club of Madison

Rotary Club of Madison Board’s Year-End Party

Posted on June 20, 2012 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

On Monday, June 4, it was picture-perfect weather for the Rotary Club of Madison Board of Directors year-end party held at the home of Karl and Mary Janet Wellensiek.

For this last board meeting of the Rotary year, spouses/significant others were also invited, and there were 45 people in attendance. The board meeting was shortened for this month to give members and guests an opportunity to enjoy some fellowship time together.

President Paul Riehemann gave special thanks to outgoing board members Juli Aulik, Ted Ballweg, Bryan Chan, Jim Christensen, Neil Fauerbach, Patty Franson, and Larry Zanoni as well as outgoing Sgt.-at-Arms Tim Stadelman. Thanks to these members for their service to Rotary!

Our Kitchen Committee served a picnic style meal with all the fixin’s in the beautiful backyard of the Wellensiek’s. A good time was had by all!

We extend our thanks to Karl and Mary Janet for hosting the group, to Kevin Hoffman and A to Z Rentall for supplying the tables and chairs, and to the Kitchen Committee for preparing another terrific meal.

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Posted in 3. Committees, 5. Members, Board of Directors, History, Kitchen

Tagged Fellowship, Membership, Rotary Club of Madison

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.

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.