Events

Dr. Jasmine Zapata is an award winning author, national speaker, double board certified physician, visionary public health leader, business pioneer, and mother of four. In addition to practicing in the hospital and holding statewide physician leadership roles, she is passionate about stepping outside of the clinic walls to explore upstream and innovative approaches to improving birth outcomes for all. Zapata’s many lived experiences help her uniquely connect with the communities she serves, and she is well known for her infectious energy, passionate advocacy, and heart for service.

In her presentation, Dr. Zapata will share the gripping details of her own daughter’s premature birth at 25 weeks gestation and the life threatening complications that came after. She will share how her birth story tremendously shaped her career trajectory and what she is doing on a personal and professional level to combat black infant mortality in Wisconsin. She will challenge listeners to reflect on what role they play in the current infant mortality crisis and what things that they can do in both traditional and non-traditional ways to improve it. This session will be a mix of storytelling, self reflection, and fireside chat style Q/A. Join us! 

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum turns 125 years old on April 5, 2026. As always, the museum team works to preserve, interpret, and affirm the role of Wisconsinites in service to the United States armed forces. This talk will give an overview of the museum's history, activities, and plans for the future. 

Are you attending Some Like It Hot at the Overture on Thursday, November 13th? Or would you like to? 

November 13th

Dinner reservation option: Red, 316 W Washington Ave

5:00pm (show is at 7:30pm)

Join your fellow Rotarians for dinner ahead of the performance at Red Japanese restaurant, a 6 minute walk / 0.3 miles to the Overture. 

• If you would like to join, please contact the Rotary Office to secure a spot on our 8-person reservation. 
  • After November 10th I will need to release any extra seats
  • Anyone canceling within 24 hours of the reservation will be responsible for a $10/person reservation fee which will be charged to my credit card by the restaurant. 

In honor of Rabbi Manfred Swarsensky, Rotarian Lester Pines will share history about the Rabbi and how Rabbi Swarsensky worked to repair the world, through kindness, respect, generosity and charity. 

Wisconsin State Journal political cartoonist Phil Hands will share his award-winning work and some of the stories behind the creation of his favorite editorial cartoons. He'll also explain how he gets his ideas, who his favorite targets are and what goes into making a compelling political cartoon.

Brunch at Cento @ 12:45

Nutcracker Ballet at Overture Center @ 2pm 

Hosted by Susan Schmitz.

Lynn Buckmaster, the Affiliate Director of Wisconsin Future Problem Solving since 2021 will present on Future Problem Solving (FPS) – its various components, an overview of the process we use, and testimonials from former FPS alumni who explain how the skills they learned continue to help them in their careers. The audience will go through the problem solving process we use with specific examples for each step. The benefits of FPS over time are discussed, and we end with an opportunity for questions from the audience

The book to be discussed is Normal People by Sally Rooney. Zoom link will be sent to the Fellowship Group prior to the meeting.

Dr. Morris, the chair of the UW Department of Radiation Medicine and co-Director of the UW Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy will describe recent advances in cancer treatment using radiation therapy. This will focus on the development of proton beam radiation, which is now coming to the state of Wisconsin for the first time. Additional discussion will include recent advances here in Wisconsin in the area of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals, which are being developed for the treatment of advanced cancers of nearly any type.

Senator Fred A. Risser was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A veteran of World War II, Risser went to college on the GI Bill and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Oregon. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1956 at age twenty-nine—the fourth generation in his family to serve in the state legislature. During his long tenure in office, Risser authored more than 240 bills that became law and was a legendary champion for his constituents. He lives in Madison with his wife, Nancy. 

Doug Moe has worked for more than four decades as a magazine editor, newspaper columnist, and freelance writer. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including, most recently, Moments of Happiness: A Wisconsin Band Story, with Mike Leckrone. Moe lives in Madison.

Keisha Harrison is the inaugural CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. A native of Chicago, she has extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and change management, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the historic Indianapolis City Market. Recognizing the importance of having a third place, Keisha is excited about the opportunity to help create a new tradition for Madisonians in its forthcoming public market, envisioning it as a cherished space where generations come together.

The Madison Public Market will be a year-round, inclusive public marketplace near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Housed in the renovated former Fleet Services building, it’s designed to showcase locally grown and prepared foods, handcrafted goods, art, and beverages, while serving as a vibrant gathering place for the community. The Market emphasizes equity through entrepreneurship, providing affordable merchant spaces, a commercial kitchen, and business incubation support to help new and diverse small businesses grow and thrive. Learn about its history and current project status and get a sneak preview of what's coming

Join Lisa Smith, as she presents the Wisconsin Girl Report—a clear, data-driven look at what girls across our state are experiencing right now, and what that means for our collective future. The report surfaces critical trends, persistent gaps, and emerging pressures shaping girls’ confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging. It makes one thing unmistakable: when girls are supported early and consistently, the impact lasts far beyond childhood. To share key findings from the Wisconsin Girl Report and how they are being used to inform real action across the state.

Hosted by Ellis Waller and Ann Lindsey

Casey FitzRandolph will take us on his journey, from performing as a Munchkin in a “Wizard of Oz on Ice” production at Madison Ice Arena at age 2, to becoming the fastest man in the world on skates at age 27, giving us a window into what it takes to convert a childhood dream of gold into reality.  He’ll take us behind-the-scenes to give us a better understanding of what the men and women we’re watching in Milan Cortina have been through to get there…and what they’re feeling and experiencing as they try to make their often decades long dream come true at their moments of truth!

The book to be discussed is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Please contact the Rotary Office, rotaryoffice@rotarymadison.org, for the zoom link.

Christy Clark-Pujara is the Chair and a Professor of History in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on the experiences of Black people in British and French North America in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. She is particularly interested in retrieving the hidden and unexplored histories of African Americans in small towns and cities in the North and Midwest. This talk examines how the practice of race-based slavery, Black settlement and advocacy for full civil rights, and debates over abolition and the political rights of Black people shaped the state’s white-black race relations.

Everyone wants a life that is both long and sweet. Dr. Zorba Paster will introduce the five spheres that shape longevity: Physical health; Brain, Mind, and Mood; Social connection; Spiritual well-being; and Material security. Together, these form a practical, personal longevity plan. The basics—eat well, stay active, avoid tobacco. Those matter. But what about the other softer, less measurable parts of life? How do meaning and purpose, social relationships, and financial stability influence how long you will live?  Dr. Paster will share ideas and insights designed to stir your thinking, so you can craft a longevity plan that fits your values, your priorities, and your lifestyle.

Ticketed Event at Madison Club at Brava Magazine's 2026 Women to Watch

China began its economic reforms in the 1980s as a minor importer of foreign capital and technology and an exporter of simple manufactured goods.  From that base China has evolved into not only an industrial powerhouse, but also a major exporter of capital and a major importer of commodities from around the globe. This presentation by Dr. John Ohnesorge will cover the basic framework of China’s Belt & Road Initiative, launched in 2013, as well as recent developments in countries such as Venezuela.

WayForward Resources is excited to welcome you to the WayForward Distribution Center to pack groceries for our delivery clients and to potentially do other needed tasks (sorting and re-packing products, light cleaning, sorting clothing, etc). WayForward made nearly 2,000 food deliveries in the last year to guests who were not able to shop the pantry in person due to a lack of transportation or other barriers.  

• You will be volunteering on Friday March 6 from 1:30 until approximately 3:00. 
• Enter the door marked "Food Pantry and Clothing Center" in our Distribution Center (the second building in our parking lot.)
• Parking is available on-site at 3504 Parmenter Street in Middleton behind our main office.
• Dress in comfortable, durable clothing and closed-toe shoes. 
• Please let me know if members of your group are unable to volunteer as scheduled.
• Consider bringing items to donate from our Top 10 List.
  • Cereal
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Canned proteins (tuna and chicken)
  • Canned hearty soups and stews
  • Rice
  • Lentils
  • Variety of pasta and sauce
  • Vegetable oil
  • Baking items (flour, sugar, oil, baking soda/powder)
  • Snack items (fruit snacks, granola bars, etc.)

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please reply to our office and we can get you signed up!

Hosted by Ben Blagogee

Hosted by Carole Trone

Asian American history in the Midwest? Doesn’t Asian America only exist in California and the West Coast?  Many people (including Asian Americans) do not know that Asian America has a long history in the heartland (at least 155 years.) Dr. Victor Jew, a historian who teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will share aspects of that history and show its deep connection to the histories of the Midwest and the United States as a whole.

Hosted by Ellen Carlson

Join Author, Sociologist and Professor, Jessica Calarco, as she discusses the inequalities in family life and education.

Other countries have social safety nets. The U.S. has women. Holding It Together chronicles the causes and dire consequences of this arrangement, drawing on surveys, interviews, and historical and media analyses to trace present-day policies back to their roots and reveal a systematic agreement to persuade Americans to accept the precarity of a do-it-yourself society while women bear the brunt. Weaving eye-opening original research with revelatory sociological narrative, Holding It Together is a bold call to demand the institutional change that each of us deserves, and a warning about the perils of living without it.

Cost is $20 by cash, check or Venmo paid at the event. If people have an interest, we can have a pro join us for tuneup lessons. There will be a cash bar and restaurant food available.

Hosted by Alex Vitanye and Amanda Jabs

Join Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council as he delves into the evolving presence of AI and Data Centers in our world, and in Wisconsin. Tom Still has worked for the Wisconsin State Journal, with a weekly Inside Wisconsin column, focusing on public policy, business, politics, and trends in technology. He was also a Senior Lecturer for 16 years in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at UW-Madison, where he continues to serve on advisory roles.

Hosted by Amanda Jabs.

Can Do Canines’ mission is to transform lives by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs.  For more than 37 years, Can Do Canines has provided assistance dogs, free of charge, to people with disabilities and to community centers and hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 2026, Can Do Canines will provide its 1000th assistance dog team! Sheila Ross, Development Director of Can Do Canines, will share the inspiring stories of how each Can Do Canines partnership is formed and the impact they are having on every step of their journey. 

Hosted by Amanda Jabs.

Dr. Qiang Chang, Director of the Waisman Center, will present an overview of autism spectrum disorder, including what autism is and what we know about its prevalence locally and nationally. The talk will explore why autism diagnoses have increased over time, address common misconceptions, and highlight the importance of evidence-based research, services, and community supports and suggest how we can work together to better support autistic individuals and their families.

Book to be discussed is Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War by Doug Most.

Hosted by Lisa Birkenthal.

Hosted by Sharyl Kato.

How did a free newspaper founded at the Dangle Lounge manage to become a vital voice in a city of discerning skeptics, winning prestigious awards and earning the loyalty of thousands? Since it first hit the streets in April of 1976, Isthmus has informed and engaged Madison readers with in-depth local news reporting and informed coverage of arts and culture, reported and edited with great care and financed by novel business strategies. Hear about the realities of newspaper publishing in particular and the media industry at large.  Like all journalists working today, Isthmus staff work to serve our audience and connect with sources in new and changing ways. Since its “reboot” as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021, Isthmus has been led by editor and president Judith Davidoff and publisher Jason Joyce, both veteran Madison journalists.

The book to be discussed is Paper Girl by Beth Macy.

Warm-Up event for the 2026 Golf Season. Food and beverage options for personal purchase, and the cost will be $20 per person by cash, check, or Venmo. If you are a beginner and would like lessons, we can set that up - please let the Rotary Office know of your interest.

Hosted by Susan Schmitz.

April 22 marks Earth Day, a global reminder that caring for our planet also means caring for
each other. In this engaging, story-driven talk, Dexter Patterson, author of Birds of the Great
Lakes, shares how the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin is reimagining conservation through
joy, accessibility, and intentional design.

Drawing from real-world experiences and the sense of wonder that birding inspires, he
emphasizes practical ways to create inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces where more people can
connect with nature and find their own spark.

Participants will leave with practical strategies, a new perspective, and a deeper understanding
that when more people experience joy and belonging in nature, both humans and wildlife benefit.

Hosted by Keri Allard.