Volunteering to Connect More

TDS employees are volunteering in the communities they live and work to Connect More® with our customers.  Our employees strive to be good citizens and volunteering is one of many ways we contribute to our communities to become stronger community partners.

Suzanne Covoloskie

Suzanne Covoloskie

Congratulations to Suzanne Covoloskie of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2012 Q4 volunteer of the quarter.

Annually, Suzanne bikes more than 300 miles in four days across Southern Wisconsin to raise funds and awareness for the AIDS Network of Southern Wisconsin. During her trip, she takes the opportunity to learn about the disease from other participants and speakers. Then, she brings this information back and shares it with friends, family, and colleagues. Suzanne also participates in the Polar Plunge in Madison, Wis., supports the TDS giving tree, teaches Junior Achievement and delivers meals on wheels. She is always doing something to help others.

Congratulations Suzanne! Thank you for all you do to make a difference in our communities!

Kay Johnson

Kay Johnson

Congratulations to Kay Johnson of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2012 Q3 volunteer of the quarter.

Kay is always busy sewing for others! In just eight months, Kay made 459 pillowcases for the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. She also made 20 dresses for the Little Dresses for Africa Project. Some fabric is donated, but mostly, she uses her own money on these sewing projects that help so many.

Congratulations Kay! Thank you for all you do to make a difference in our communities!

Jessica Fleischmann

Jessica Fleischmann

Congratulations to Jessica Fleischmann of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2012 Q2 volunteer of the quarter.

Jessica is the poster child of volunteerism. She always seems to be doing something to help someone. And it's not an occasional thing. Jessica spends four hours a week tutoring ninth and tenth graders through the Schools of Hope program. Every other week, she teaches kids ages 6 and under at Sunday school. She also tutors at Mt Zion's academic learning center six hours a week where she helps a group of 30 kids with homework and literacy. Jessica participates in the Homeless Meal Ministry every other month to help feed homeless men. She volunteers with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and helps run the food pantry at the Catholic Multicultural Center.

Congratulations Jessica! Thank you for all you do to make a difference in our communities!

Bob Moore

Bob Moore

Congratulations to Bob Moore of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for his selection as 2012 Q1 volunteer of the quarter.

Bob is a volunteering machine. He typically contributes 10-15 hours per week toward helping many organizations. He sings with the Perfect Harmony Men's chorus and serves on its Board as Treasurer. Bob is also the Liaison for the International GALA Chorus event coming up this summer. He is a producer for StageQ Theater Company, making sure the cast and crew have the resources they need to put on shows. Additionally, he works on fundraisers and coordinates with LGBT and Allied groups sharing resources and providing access to the productions. Bob also volunteers with WORT, since 1999, where he first started learning engineering and writing. Bob routinely performs for community fundraisers, including The Red Ribbon Event for the AIDS Network, The Bartell Theatre's Annual Awards show and fundraiser, Madison Pride, and Outreach Inc.

Congratulations Bob!

Mari Jacobson

Mari Jacobson

Congratulations to Mari Jacobson of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2011 Q4 volunteer of the quarter.

Mari volunteers her time for the Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue providing a safe and healthy home environment for pure bred cats while they are waiting to be adopted. Mari has spent countless hours rescuing cats from various situations, nursing them back to health and ensuring they are adopted into households that are well suited to both the cat and the person(s). Mari has many stories to tell with sad beginnings but very happy endings – happy endings made possible through Mari's love and devotion to the cats in her care. Mari also volunteers at the Dane County Humane Society on weekends providing care and support for the many animals that pass through the facility which are awaiting adoption.

Congratulations Mari!

Steve Carroll

Steve Carroll

Congratulations to Steve Carroll of Telephone & Data Systems for his selection as 2011 Q3 volunteer of the quarter.

In honor of his wife, Steve put together a team of individuals to raise money for the Live strong organization and to participate in the Live strong Challenge in Austin, Texas. To participate, team members had to raise funds. As a team, Steve set the team goal at $1,000–and they raised $9,125!

Congratulations Steve!

Angela Tumidajewicz

Angela Tumidajewicz

Congratulations to Angela Tumidajewicz of Telephone & Data Systems for her selection as 2011 Q2 volunteer of the quarter.

Angela has an uncanny commitment to philanthropic events. At the end of the year, Angela researched several volunteer opportunities for her department and selected Toys for Tots. She was so enthusiastic that a large group volunteered. Angela is now seeking out additional opportunities for the team to get involved with. Angela also volunteers at a local "no kill" animal shelter where, weekly, she works to re-socialize the animals and provides them with much needed companionship.

Congratulations Angela!

Angela Genin

Angela Genin

Congratulations to Angela Genin of Telephone & Data Systems for her selection as 2011 Q1 volunteer of the quarter.

Angela never sits still. She's always lending a hand somewhere, someplace, to someone. Whether it's offering to help herself or offering to reach out to someone who can help; she volunteers, fundraises and is an all-around supporter. Angela chairs her department's holiday party for disadvantaged children, organized a fundraiser for an Act 9 AIDS Ride team, supports many fun runs and races for non-profit organizations, and mentors college students.

Angela has a rock star attitude, does everything with a smile on her face and fits the additional work in, no matter how busy her schedule. Congratulations Angela!

Alan Leopold

Congratulations to Alan Leopold of TDS Telecommunications Corp. Alan was recently named the 2010 Q4 volunteer of the quarter. He has been a Cub Scout leader and EMT. Currently, he volunteers as a Boy Scout committee member, firefighter, and leads the annual fire prevention classes at the local elementary school. Additionally, he serves as a floor Marshall at TDS. "Alan is a great asset to his community. He has a positive, can-do attitude and is always willing to help those in need at work and at home. We are lucky to have such a skilled individual as part of the TDS team," says Christian Romney in his nomination of Alan. Congratulations Alan and thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Cindy Reeson

Congratulations to Cindy Reeson of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2010 Q3 volunteer of the quarter. Cindy takes the initiative to help whenever she sees a need, energizing others with her enthusiasm. Most recently, Cindy devoted time to helping a young man diagnosed with stage four cancer. She organized fundraisers (with support of many TDS employees), helped him get to and from medical appointments, and wrote letters seeking resolution on financial concerns. Cindy is very active in her church, teaching confirmation classes, giving sermons, and serving as an usher and greeter. In her spare time, Cindy also helps at the local food pantry, Community Clothes Closet, teaches adults how to knit, and volunteers with the local 4-H club.

Congratulations Cindy! Thank you for making a difference!

Beth Johnson

Congratulations to Beth Johnson of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2010 Q2 volunteer of the quarter. Beth volunteers year-round supporting Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) in Duluth, Minn. She is especially active around the holidays. She heads up the toy and winter clothing drive for disadvantaged children through CHUM. She coordinates the donations and the volunteers, helping to wrap, bag and deliver the presents. Beth also spends her own money to add gifts where they are lacking and provides snacks for all the volunteers.

Congratulations Beth! Thank you for making a difference!

Michele "Mickey" Beaney

Congratulations to Michele "Mickey" Beaney of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2010 Q1 volunteer of the quarter. Michele is always making quilts and sweaters, which she donates to First Step Pregnancy Center in Bangor, Maine. Along with the quilts and sweaters, Mickey also decorates baskets and fills them with baby items for the Center. Before school starts, Michele buys backpacks, fills them with school supplies, and donates them to Manna Ministries for distribution. At Christmas time, Michele and her mother fill shoe boxes with items for children and donates them to Samaritans Purse for distribution. She also contributes to most any fundraiser and participates in MS walks and cancer walks.

"Mickey is always giving and never looking to receive anything back," says Kristina in her nomination of Mickey. "She has a big heart and shares it with everyone." Congratulations Michele! Thank you for making a difference!

Deepa Sanwal

Congratulations to Deepa Sanwal of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q4 volunteer of the quarter. Deepa dedicates her time to helping others. She participated in a local dance-a-thon to support victims of the Mumbai terrorist attack. She also volunteered at various American Indian Association's events. In addition, she volunteers with the Pewaukee Hindu Temple and Vibha (a charity organization for under-privileged children in India). Deepa also supports many area non-profit organizations, by participating in their annual runs, including the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Crazylegs, Henry Vilas Zoo Run, and the Union Grove Elementary School Run.

"Deepa is a very generous, very caring person," says Jenny Schmidt in her nomination of Deepa. "She is always thinking of others!" Congratulations Deepa! Thank you for making a difference!

Sue Courteau

Congratulations to Sue Courteau of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q3 volunteer of the quarter. Sue dedicates her time to helping many organizations in the Twin Cities. She participates in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day (a 60-mile walk raising funds to cure breast cancer). Sue also participated in the Breast Cancer Ride for Open Arms Minnesota to provide meals for breast cancer patients and their families. As a volunteer with Guild Incorporated, Sue helps people with mental illness lead quality lives; she will be recognized for her volunteer work in Guild's 2010 Angel Calendar. "Sue gives of her time freely and without reservation," says Jim Sauter in his nomination of Sue. Congratulations Sue! Thank you for making a difference!

Robin Koppenhaver

Congratulations to Robin Koppenhaver of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q2 volunteer of the quarter. Robin dedicates her time to helping find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. She spends countless volunteer hours helping the Western Wisconsin Chapter of JDRF. She's a co-chair of the group's Parent Networking and Support Group, manager of the organization's Web site, and volunteers for their spring gala and fall walk. In addition, Robin is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and volunteers at the McFarland PTO pizza fundraiser. "Robin devotes her time to numerous volunteer and fundraising activities with passion and a positive attitude. I admire Robin's drive, dedication, and unwavering attitude to be a part of the cure for diabetes for her daughter and all children with Type 1 diabetes," says Kristi Ramsey in her nomination of Robin. Congratulations Robin! Thank you for making a difference!

Jennifer Schmidt

Congratulations to Jennifer Schmidt of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2009 Q1 volunteer of the quarter. Jennifer volunteers her time at her children's school, Senior Bus at church, and organizes food drives in her neighborhood. She also provides food and helps clean the church in preparation for hosting homeless families. "Jennifer is dedicated to her career, but much of her personal life revolves around volunteering. She balances work and family. At the same time, she's willing to help make the world a better place," says Deepa Sanwal in her nomination of Jennifer. Congratulations Jennifer! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Christine McKenna

Congratulations to Christine McKenna of TDS Telecommunications Corp. for her selection as 2008 Q4 volunteer of the quarter. Christine volunteers her time at the Dane County Humane Society on weekends and several times during the week, logging more than 275 hours of service in the last year and a half alone. "Chris has gone above and beyond to maintain her commitment to the health and well-being of the community's homeless dogs. She has done amazing work at the shelter and is one of their most dedicated volunteers," says Renee Miller in her nomination of Christine. Congratulations Christine! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Robyn Fortlage

Congratulations to Robyn Fortlage of TDS Telecommunications Corp. Robyn was recently named the 2008 Q3 volunteer of the quarter. "Robyn has been delivering meals to the homebound and elderly for more than five years. She delivers meals on a scheduled weekday and often fills in for last minute deliveries when other volunteers are unable to do their route. Robyn even stays and shares dinner with one elderly woman who is a regular on her route," says Stacy Love in her nomination of Robyn. Congratulations Robyn and thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Marilyn Duerst

Congratulations to Marilyn Duerst of TDS Inc., who was named a 2008 volunteer of the quarter. "Marilyn is continually working to help our community," says Carrie Diamond in her nomination of Marilyn. "She has helped with multiple community projects, such as Day of Caring, Paint-A-Thon, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and highway clean up. She has served on the Connecting with our Communities Committee/Give and Grow Committee since 2001. She has also been treasurer/financial secretary for her church in Belleville the past six years, among other volunteer activities there." Thank you, Marilyn, for your time and dedication to helping others. Congratulations on your selection as volunteer of the quarter!

Robert McGuigan

Robert McGuigan of TDS Telecommunications Corp. has been named a 2008 volunteer of the quarter. Robert travels the state, speaking with children, adults, and experts about the dangers of gambling. His son had a gambling problem that ultimately resulted in his death. Robert could have let this situation destroy him; instead, he has turned it into his mission to teach others about the hazards of gambling. Robert is one of the unknown heroes of the world today, says Amy Walder in her nomination of Robert. Thank you Robert for your efforts and congratulations on your selection as volunteer of the quarter!

Jana Klinge

Jana Klinge of TDS Telecom has been named the 2007 fourth quarter "volunteer of the quarter." When the 2007 holiday season rolled around, Jana organized a gift-giving activity to benefit Porchlight (a Madison-based not-for-profit organization that provides services for Dane County's homeless). "Jana did a wonderful job of finding a way to truly make an impact – coordinating the activity from start to finish," says Kathy Barnekow in her nomination of Jana. "Her enthusiasm was contagious and the end result was amazing." Congratulations Jana!

Lindsay Klitzman

Lindsay Klitzman of TDS Inc. was selected as the 2007 third quarter "volunteer of the quarter." When a 21 month old child was shot, Lindsay quickly stepped into action. She invited TDS employees to donate food, clothes and toys for the child. She also contacted area retail stores for donations and personally delivered the donations. "Lindsay's heart felt determination to assist the 21 month old child was admirable and truly appreciated by the recipients," says Jim Niebler in his nomination of Lindsay. Congratulations Lindsay!

Marty Ross

Congratulations to TDS Inc. employee Marty Ross on being selected as the company's "volunteer of the quarter" for 2007 quarter two. As part of the Tax Assistance Program, Marty spent considerable time every Saturday from the end of January through April assisting low-income individuals prepare and file their 2006 tax returns, says Michelle Brukwicki in her nomination of Marty.

Tatyana Swanson

Congratulations to TDS employee Tatyana Swanson who was selected to receive the telecom's first quarter 2007 "volunteer of the quarter" award. "Tatyana spends quite a bit of time volunteering for different organizations over the course of the year," commented Bill Swanson in his nomination of her. Tatyana volunteers for the Wisconsin Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children and is a volunteer teacher at the Russian School in Madison. She also participates in the annual American Cancer Society Run/Walk, annual American Heart Association walk and Dane County Paint-a-Thon.

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