Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin

Rotary New Member Coffee Event – To Discuss Packer Game?

Posted on September 27, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Wes Sparkman and Dick Pearson

Nathan Wautier and Jim Sauter

Perry Henderson

Jason Beren

Deb Archer

What do you think Rotarians talk about at a 7:30 a.m. coffee the morning after the Packer/Seahawks game? Not the eight sacks of Aaron Rogers or the deft hand of Russell Wilson, or even the officiating fiasco. No, they talk about the excitement of being a Rotarian in a club that offers more special ways to participate than hours in a day. Not only that, the newest was as enthusiastic as a most experienced member in the group. Jason Beren was in charge and called on Deb Archer who described the upcoming centennial year celebrations, and President Wes Sparkman who challenged everyone to bring in a new member by July 1^st. Even for those of us who are not “morning people,” it was a great way to start the day.
–submitted by Carol Toussaint

Celebrating 100 Years: A Look Back in Our History

Posted on September 20, 2012 by joannamartinez | 3 comments

THIS MONTH IN DOWNTOWN ROTARY HISTORY
As part of our celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rotary Club of Madison, Jerry Thain and Rich Leffler are today beginning a series in which we will publish original documents from the Club’s archives. We hope that these documents will recall for you the rich history of the Club and the times during this momentous century.

Here is our first posting for the series:

Paul F. Hunter, Sr.

On September 1, 1939, the German Army and Air Force attacked Poland. After diplomatic efforts failed to end the invasion, on September 3, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. For the second time in a generation, the lights were going out all over Europe. The essay, almost certainly written by Paul F. Hunter, Sr., the longtime Club secretary and the editor of The Rotary News, appeared in the News issue of September 12, 1939 (volume XXIV, no. 18, p. 3).
The essay is beautifully, lyrically written and also suggests the broad international connections our Club had at the time. It presciently fears “what may be the worst war in the history of the world.” Even that understated the horrors that were to come. It also speaks of a halcyon America, which was perhaps a rose-colored vision of the reality of 1939. But it may have been true of Madison, Wisconsin. Even then, in the last days of the Depression, Madison was a special place.

–submitted by Rich Leffler

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Posted in 2. Meetings, Centennial Celebration, History

Tagged Fellowship, History, Membership, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

Rotarian Bikers Enjoy an Autumn Ride on Madison’s East Side

Posted on September 18, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Five Downtown Madison Rotarians (Joan Collins, Dan Dieck, Dawn Crim, Steve Musser and Mark Moody) and spouses and friends enjoyed a 14-mile ride along the charming and scenic bicycle paths of Madison’s east side on Sunday, Spetember 16. The group met at Olin Park and rode at a leisurely pace all the way to Madison College along the bike paths of Madison.

The weather was perfect, a magnificent fall day. Fresh air, sunshine and a tinge of autumn in the air. The group rode along John Nolen Drive across the causeway, and along the Capitol City path to the Goodman Center and then along Starkweather creek and the bike path all the way to Madison College. The ride’s ultimate destination was the fun and funky festival on Madison’s inimitable Willy Street.

Along the way we enjoyed conversation, urban gardens, the sight of charming neighborhoods and various business establishments and local institutions such as Harmony Bar, Cafe Zoma, the Goodman Center and the Bridges golf links. We saw walkers, cyclists, children fishing, ducks and even a blue heron gliding along Starkweather creek.

Rotarian Joan Collins was our host and guide. Her affection and appreciation for Madison’s east side and its bike trails exposed the group to new sights and the scenery, safety and tranquility of Madison’s bikeways. For Rotarians who have never had the pleasure of participating in the Willy Street Festival with its zany and whimsical parade, we highly recommend it to you. It is a unique Madison tradition that beautifully illustrates the unique character of Madison’s near east side. If you have never joined one of the Rotary Bicycling Fellowship events we invite you to do so; you are always welcome!

Happy trails and please remember to share the road.

–submitted by Mark Moody

Recent Rotary Fellowship Group Events

Posted on August 21, 2012 by joannamartinez | Leave a comment

Rotary Wine Fellowship Group Event on August 16, 2012
–submittted by Ellie Schatz; photos by Dori Hosek

Keeping 15 wine tasters listening and in a semblance of order can be a daunting task. So on Thursday evening, August 16, host and fellowship group leader Mike Wilson displayed his greenstone, a form of jade found in the South Island of New Zealand. Used by the Maoris as a weapon and considered more valuable than gold, our group was duly impressed with his trinket, but not given to voting any wine the best of the evening unless it truly passed an individual test for color, aroma, body, bouquet, finish, etc.

From left: Steve Landry, Robyn Kitson, Becky Steinhoff, Mike Wilson & Steve Mixtacki

Peggy Lescrenier & Robyn Kitson

After tasting 9 of the 12 wines featured, Mike called for a vote. With a few abstentions, a zinfindel from central California won by a 7:4 vote. This gave reason for Peggy Lescrenier and Robyn Kitson to raise their glasses in celebration of their fine wine-tasting judgment.

(Pictured above from left: Patty Wilson, Peggy Lescrenier, Steve & Meryl Mixtacki, and Keith & Juli Baumgartner)

Steve Mixtacki surprised us all with an unusual finisher: a red-wine gelato. Chocolaterie Stam, a shop on Deming Way in Middleton, makes gelato out of just about anything your heart desires. Here’s to Steve’s blend of Bordeaux with ice cream. I know where I’m getting the dessert for my next dinner party!

Rotary Bicycling Fellowship Outing on August 18, 2012
–submitted by Jeff Tews

We had a delightful Saturday morning for a Bike Fellowship ride around West Madison. In attendance (above), from left, Cindy Waldbillig, John Faust, Ted Waldbillig, Sue Faust, Susan Prest, Karen Ostrov, Michael Ostrov, Jeff Tews, Allen Sherwood. Picture taken by Susan Rather.

Rotary Scotch Whisky Fellowship Event on August 20, 2012
–photos submitted by Noel Pearson
The event was hosted by Lew Harned at his home on Lake Mendota.

From left: Dan Dieck, Melanie Ramey, Lew Harned and Mike Wenzel

Rotary Business LinkUp Meeting on August 9

Posted on August 13, 2012 by joannamartinez | 1 comment

-submitted by Dave Ewanowski

From left: Steve Musser, Deb Raupp, Bill Montei, Dave Ewanowski and Paul Olsen

Fifteen Rotarians and guests met at the Madison Club on Thursday, August 9^th for an informative “Business LinkUp” session. Members learned more about each other’s businesses and organizations as they discussed stimulating topics posed by moderators Derrick Van Mell and Roger Phelps. Questions included “What is the value of a great idea?” and “What was your greatest risk?” In addition, Rob Ringeisen spoke about his business (Tom James clothiers) and Dave Ewanowski, founding partner at KEE Architecture, highlighted recent work of the firm. More LinkUp sessions are planned for the future. Stay tuned…

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Posted in 2. Meetings, 5. Members, Social Media, Speed Rotary, Uncategorized

Tagged Fellowship, Membership, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison

At the Heart of Rotary

Posted on August 7, 2012 by joannamartinez | 6 comments

Last week I took the time to visit the Madison Horizons Rotary Club at the Radisson Inn West on Grand Canyon Drive. I guess, I’m already missing some of the usual weekly interaction that comes from small lunch table conversation. I always wanted to visit Madison Horizons but never took the time until last week. They have a big Rotary Wheel outside of the hotel so I figured that they must be doing something right. Well, I entered as a visitor, and I came out feeling like a member of the Club. They gladly welcomed me and made sure that all of the visitors were formerly introduced to the entire club as we sat to enjoy a hardy lunch.

They had a very lively and upbeat speaker who provided valuable community information about the threats of poisonous gas in households. I felt well informed and a little closer to the issues that fellow Madison homeowners face. It was clear to me that Rotary plays a vital role in community service, education and public discourse. It’s important to discuss vital issues face-to-face, when you can, to exchange ideas and creatively work to find solutions to problems. As I took a minute to look around the room to see if everyone was engaged in the presentation, I also noticed one other thing. Almost every Rotarian was wearing a Rotary pin. The meeting was important to them, and they were proud to wear their pins. It didn’t take me long to realize that this, community-oriented, Rotary Club sits at the heart of Rotary. I’m going to take the time, during this Rotary year, to visit and fellowship with other clubs in Madison and I hope you do to.

Yours In Service,
Wes Sparkman
Club President

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Posted in 1. President's Messages, 2. Meetings, 4. Fellowship Groups

Tagged Fellowship, Membership, Rotary, Rotary Club of Madison