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Meeting on Zoom. In person meetings resume at Community House June 10.

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Winnetka, IL 60093
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Meeting Notes July 15

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

Scribes Notes - July 15, 2021

The meeting was called to order by President Greg at 12:18. There were 19 club members in attendance, in the room and on Zoom.

Thought: Bob Baker shared a quote from Rembrandt.

Pledge: John Thomas led us in the pledge.

Visiting Guests and Rotarians: AG Tami joined us today, as well as prospective member Moha Bouacha. Barb also introduced our speakers.

Birthday: Honorary member Mary Lou Bilder-Gold.

Announcements:

AG Tami encouraged attendance in the District Leadership Academy. Sessions run for one year and occur once a month online. Graduates receive a deep knowledge of all things Rotary.

Marie has signed books from our speaker last week. They are gratis – please take one!

Peter raised the issue of continuing with our Monday evening @ 5:00 cocktail gathering – currently held on Zoom. Attendance has dwindled – what would fellow Rotarians like to do now? Meet in person? Continue/change the day and time? Comments and ideas welcome – please direct them to Peter.

Patti outbid David B for 4 tickets to Emerge Winnetka.

Happy Bucks:

Barb is happy because Adventures in Learning is over and she is going on vacation!

Rich is happy that his shoe distribution went well on the 9^th – and many distinguished Rotarians joined him for it. The event was covered on FOX, and in the Tribune and Sun Times!

Dig N Grin:

Barb named several inspiring women in history whose accomplishments are largely unheralded.

Speakers:

Jon Ebersole and Chip Borkowski spoke about Lydia Homes.

Learn more on the website at https://www.lydiahome.org/

Meeting Notes July 8

Posted by Carl Yudell

President Greg Nelson brought the meeting to order at 12:19.

Our Greeter and Sargent-at-Arms, Liz Taylor, lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests today were Charlotte McGee (Barb Tubekis), Cam Johnson (Community House Director of Development-Amy Skalinder) and John Rogers (Robert Mardirossian).

Birthdays: Amy Skalinder, for whom we serenaded with Happy Birthday.

Anniversaries: July Tye – 5 yrs; Greg Kurr – 5 yrs; and Trisha Kocanda – 5 yrs.

Announcements:

Donna is retiring as our caterer. We will be trying 3 possible replacements in August.

David Grant announced that his email was hacked so you may have received a message purportedly from David. The problem has been fixed.

Rich Lalley reported that Operation Warm will be giving away shoes in July and could use some help. Laura Cunningham volunteered,

Tony Kambich reported that this month’s Rotarian had a good story on page 44 about Rotary’s positive involvement in Uganda.

Happy Bucks:

Robert Mardirossian was happy the micro-lending project in Uganda is still paying dividends to the community.

Fred Schwimmer was pleased that even with all the Covid problems, there was still a Fourth of July parade.

Barbara Tubekis was both sad and happy. Allen Goldberg and Martha Atkinson both passed away this week. They were both tremendous community leaders and Barbara was happy they were part of her life.

Dig and Grin: Peter Skalski told us how Yodeling came to be.

Today’s Speaker: Hussein Al-Baiaty Queen Marie Kuipers introduced Hussein, who has written a book called “The Art of Resilience” about his experiences as a refugee from Iraq. Hussein and his family escaped the war in Iraq to become refugees in Saudi Arabia in Camp Lot 22. Fortunately, his father was an artist and a painter who had the skills to support the family in those dire times. Hussein gained confidence and sold his father’s paintings to the soldiers. Eventually, Hussein made his was to the US where he could not find a job. Eventually, he combined his artistic talents with his sense of entrepreneurship and started the “Printory” which created embroidered tee-shirts. Marie is the book editor and said there would be copies of Hussein’s book at our next Rotary meeting.

Meeting Notes July 1

Posted by Keith Reed

The meeting was called to order by Co-Chair Bill Leske-- his Co-Chair Greg Nelson assisted. There were 22 members present (Zoom and in person) and 1 guest (Moha Bonacha) who was attending his 3^rd luncheon.

CLUB ANNIVERSERIES—Wes Bauman – 36 years; and Kristen Jasinski-8 years honorary member.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bill acknowledge again the great job that Chuck Norton did as Club President; Rich Lalley for his continued IT work at the meetings; Barb, Sylwia Pacyk, Marie and Robert for their work on the Club benefit.

It was announced that Donna Goodman, our lunch caterer for 20 years, is retiring from the business this coming July 29^th. Her letter to the Club was read by Bill and her comments on the Club were that it was great to get to know the members, that the members were “steadfast braving all kinds of weather to attend their meetings”, “ kind and generous—a model for others” and that more people should be Rotarians. She signed the letter “Yummy Regards—Donna”.

Fred gave a poignant tribute to Winnetka native, Donald Rumsfeld, who just died. Fred lived around the corner from Don when they were growing up and said that he was a “great guy”. One claim to fame of Mr. Rumsfeld was that he was the youngest and oldest person who ever served the U.S. as Secretary of Defense. Barb announced that the recycling company used by the Volunteer Center is continuing in business and is not one of those recently accused in the news of shoddy business practices.

HAPPY BUCKS: Bob Baker contributed for his continued recovery from knee surgery; Robert gave $5 for being able to be with us virtually while attending his family reunion; Wes also contributed for being able to view our meeting while attending a family gathering; Fred contributed due to his successful cataract surgery and being able to attend a family reunion in Minneapolis to be with his daughter and brother; Tony showed us a new purpose for Happy Bucks when he asked for the name of a local tailor who could cuff his pants—several names were mentioned but the name Golden Needle seemed to be the most dominant.

DIG 'N GRIN: Amy Skalinder gave us some July 4^th riddles like the American colonists’ favorite beverage—liberTEA; the difference between a duck and George Washington—George’s face appears on a bill and (you fill in the rest ).

DISCUSSION ON FOOD SERVICE REPLACEMENT: Amy mentioned that the WCT also has to take action to replace Donna’s excellent catering service and that they were soon going to consider 2 or 3 other possibilities and would share their findings with the Club. Rich made the interesting point that other clubs are being very cost conscious about their meals, especially those having membership problems. He said that many of the new Rotary members seem to be more interested in the community services provided by Rotary as opposed to being served nice meals to impress their friends and business associates. After considerable discussion, Bill suggested that the Club first consider other caterers, especially those interviewed by the WCT, then consider the possibilities of ordering packaged meals from a local restaurant/grocer or even the possibility of members being able to order off a menu or “bring their own” lunch.

There was a short discussion on members getting their suggestions on luncheon speakers to John Thomas, who has done a great job with speakers, but needs more member suggestions on topics and speakers. John would like those suggestions soon to help schedule future speakers. Unfortunately, today’s speaker, Robyn Gabel, did not attend even though she had recently confirmed the date with John—but this often happens, which makes John’s job even more difficult. So please get your speaker suggestions to John—this duty should not be a one person job!!

Meeting Notes June 24

Posted by David Grant

Thought of the Day: Fred Schwimmer untapped the hidden wisdom of Grandmothers.

Visiting Rotarians: Mary Bak, 2024 District Governor Nominee

Guests: John Rogers (second visit), and Moha Bouacha (second visit)

Member Anniversary Milestones:

Bill Johnson: 24 years in the Club

Wes Baumann: 36 years

Keith Reed: 8 years

Announcements:

Barb Tubekis organized the recycling of the plastic containers we are using for lunch service.
Rich Lalley reminded us that June 30 is the end of the Rotary year for donations to The Rotary International Foundation.
Robert Mardirossian celebrated his 21^st year of perfect Rotary attendance!
Liz Taylor and Barb Tubekis are independently hosting ‘paper shredding’ events.

Dig and Grin: Thank you Fred Schwimmer for jumping in at the last minute with another impromptu witticism!

Speakers: Mary Bak hosted the intitiation of our two new co-Presidents. She congratulated our Club for a successful and large footprint in our local community. She also noted that more than 200 Winnetka-Northfield Rotarians have become Paul Harris members. The Presidential oaths of office were administered & accepted by Greg Nelson and Bill Leske for the 2021 -2022 Rotary Year.

Outgoing President Chuck Norton thanked the Club for its energy and determination during Covid. He cited some achievements that should make our Club proud:

We maintained our attendance numbers on Zoom despite the Covid lockdown.
Our Club continued booking excellent speakers.
Bylaws were rewritten.

Chuck also made special thank-yous to his Rotary Board team:

To Robert & Marie for chairing the Benefit
To incoming Prezes Bill & Greg
To Rich Lalley ‘the man who knows all things Rotary.’
To David Grant for double-duty as chair of the Foundation & the Bulletin
To John Thomas for all the great speakers.
To his ‘Go To Person’ Barb Tubekis.
To his ‘Rotary Sage’ David Birkenstein.
To the ‘Great Convincer’ Eric Birkenstein for talking him into doing the job
To his ‘Bylaw Leader’ Carl Yudell.
To his fabulous Meeting Notes Scribers:Keith Reed, Patti Van Cleeve, Carl Yudell, & John Thomas.
The Board Members not at the meeting will be acknowledged at future meetings.

The meeting concluded with Bill Leske thanking Chuck for his excellent year as President. The Club agreed with a standing ovation for Chuck!

Lost & Found: Sunglasses were left behind at one of the tables. They will be in the badge box at the next meeting.

Meeting Notes June 17

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

President Chuck called the meeting to order at 12:20.

Thought of the Day: Brooke shared a meaningful quote.

Birthdays: none.

Anniversaries: Keith Reed – 8 years

Announcements: DG Lyle Staab spoke about the importance of supporting Rotary through The Rotary Foundation, reminding us that we joined Rotary because we want to do good in the world, which is the focus of The Rotary Foundation.

Happy Bucks: Rich had a Happy Buck for District Governor Lyle for his outstanding work as DG and excellent communication.

Dig N Grin: Bob Sanfilippo spoke to the Euro 2020 soccer championship currently taking place, sharing his pride in his Italian heritage with some Italian jokes!

Visiting guests and Rotarians: District Governor Lyle Staab, David Bartlett, a former Rotarian from another club and guest of Terry Dason and Bill Leske, introduced by Greg Nelson, and Moha Bouacha, a Rotarian who has moved here from the Rockford area.

John Thomas introduced Village President Chris Rintz.

Chris’ program focused on accomplishments of the village in the past (unprecedented) year. These include:

Continuing with services despite COVID, moving to virtual meetings, virtual inspections.
Chris expressed kudos to Rob Bahan for his excellent financial management, creating expense reductions to offset revenue losses during COVID.
The Village leadership held a weekly teleconference with fellow governing bodies: New Trier, District 36, Park District and the private schools, creating deeper communication.
For businesses, the Village provided:
- Local sales tax refunds, based on previous year
- Unrestricted grants to restaurants
- Revised outdoor seating and liquor restrictions to allow for better sales.
- A “Take-out Challenge” program
- Texting program for businesses and residents to communicate opportunities occurring within the Village
- Worked with Chamber (kudos to Terry for her hard work) to communicate health and safety guidelines. Chamber worked very hard to assist with state and other grant funds available.

Chris noted that over 10 NEW businesses were added in 2020.
The Village collaborated with CCDPH to provide vaccination days, using space donated by New Trier at New Trier Northfield. In total they provided 20,980 vaccines to 10, 292 people.
Chris noted the Virtual Tree Lighting and Reverse Fourth of July parade as ways in which the Village tried to keep “normal” events occurring during COVID.
A new website was launched.
The second phase of Streetscape was completed on West Elm.
The third phase of Streetscape began on East Elm; it will be completed shortly.
Stormwater work continued – agreements are now completed, final engineering is taking place now.
The Village refinanced stormwater bonds, saving $7.1M.
Historic Preservation code was adjusted to lengthen demolition requirements and potentially save more significant homes.
Created an RFP for the site on the southeast corner of Green Bay and Winnetka Ave. Four restaurants and a garden center presented proposals.

Looking ahead:

Chris would like to re-engage IDOT in a conversation to transfer Green Bay Road from state jurisdiction to Winnetka, allowing for improvements to the infrastructure of the road and surrounding areas.
Complete the Comprehensive Plan – the last one was created in 1990.
Explore federal assistance for stormwater projects.

An engaged Q&A followed his presentation.

President Chuck adjourned the meeting at 1:30.

Every Rotarian, Every Year- Contribute to The Rotary Foundation

As the 2020-21 Rotary Year concludes, please join the millions of beneficiaries of projects funded by The Rotary Foundation in thanking our members who have honored their commitment of Every Rotarian, Every Year, contribute to The Rotary Foundation's Annual SHARE Fund.

These gifts support the local and international work of Rotary Clubs and Districts through District and Global Grants. A significant portion of these gifts support projects of our club like our local COVID-19 relief efforts, Kids Against Hunger, and our Ecuador "Farm to Table" Global Grant.

Please thank these 21 Rotarians for already making their annual contribution, especially those in bold who are Paul Harris Fellows:

Sam Badger*⁺, Bob Baker, Wes Baumann, David Birkenstein*⁺, Laura Cunningham, Joe Fell, David Grant*, Heather Higgins, Tony Kambich, Rich Lalley*⁺, Bill Leske, Robert Mardirossian, Chuck Norton, Lee Padgitt, Brooke Peppey, Fred Schwimmer*⁺, Peter Skalski, John Thomas, Barb Tubekis, Patti Van Cleave, and Carl Yudell.
* signifies a Major Donor ⁺signifies Paul Harris Society ($1,000 per year)

There are many reasons to give to the The Rotary Foundation:

Contributions support humanitarian and educational projects initiated and run by Rotary Clubs and Districts in six areas of focus- Disease prevention and treatment, maternal & child health, education & literacy, water and sanitation, economic & community development and peace & conflict resolution. Learn more by reviewing the Foundation’s annual report.
Contributions come back to support projects of our club's projects, like our COVID-19 Response efforts, coats for kids, Kids Against Hunger and International grants projects like our Farm to Table eco-agribusiness project in Ecuador, the water and sanitation projects we helped fund for schools in Guatemala and Kenya, and the digital x-ray/community health clinic project organized by District 6440. This year, we received $3,600, and next year we will can receive $3,672. But we must give to receive.
Charity Navigator gives The Rotary Foundation its highest “Four Star” rating, giving it a score 100 out of 100.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals named The Rotary Foundation the World's Outstanding Foundation of 2016!
Giving to The Rotary Foundation is an easy way for you to participate in Rotary’s service work beyond our club, providing you a personal connection to this great organization and the good it does throughout the world.

It’s easy to give. You can send a check to “WNRCF” (mark TRF in the memo line) to our club, c/o Bob Baker at Killian Plumbing at 933 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka 60093; you can donate via PayPal by clicking here, or you can donate directly to The Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org or by calling 866-976-8279. One very convenient way to give is by making a recurring monthly gift on your credit card or from your checking account, which you can set up on Rotary’s website.

If you have not already supported The Rotary Foundation this year, please do so now.

If you have any questions about The Rotary Foundation or how to give, contact Rich Lalley.

Meeting Notes June 10

Posted by Carl Yudell

BACK HOME AGAIN!

Rotary met in person at the Community House today. Donna provided a great box lunch starting at 12:15.

Lee Padgitt provided the Thought of the Day.

President Chuck Norton chaired the meeting commencing at 12:18

Connie Berman had a birthday on June 7th

Visiting Guests: Asst. District Governor: Tamiye Meehan; our new Head W-N Librarian, Monica Dombrowski, and Cam Johnson, the Community House’s new director for Advancement.

Announcements:

Robert Mardirossian thanked everyone for their help and contributions to the Friday June 4 Fund Raiser for the Foundation. We raised $12,000 which was matched by an equal and generous contribution by Fred Schwimmer for a total of $24,000. Robert was touched by everyone’s generosity. Special thanks to Marie Kuipers as co-chair and Sylvia as the winner of the Live Auction trip to the Orlando Marriott given by John Thomas.

Queen Marie (with an appropriate crown) did not have a chance to thank all the Board Members in person for their help last year. She provided medals and knighted Barb Tubekis, David Birkenstein, Peter Skalski, Brooke Peppey, Eric Birkenstein, Rich Lalley, Bill Lesky, John Thomas, Rober Mardirossian, Laura Cunningham and Heidi Silbert.

Queen Marie also granted Paul Harris awards to both Chuck Norton and Fred Schwimmer.

John Thomas next introduced the new Executive Director of the Winnetka-Northfield Library, Monica Dombrowski. Monica brought us up-to-date on all the activities at the Library.

Take Aways:

As of Friday, both branches are now open regular hours.
The library is ramping up its programs starting with Story Time for Children
Monica took over in the middle of the Pandemic coming from Sycamore, Illinois
The Northfield Branch has been reorganized and refreshed
During August-October 2021, the 1950’s windows in the Winnetka Library will be replaced.
This summer there are Summer Reading Challenges (with prizes) for both children and adults.In order to be eligible for the prizes, you need to read (or listen to a book on tape/CD) for 20 minutes /day for 40 of the 60 days of summer.
The parking lot at the Winnetka Library will be improved this summer
The programing including virtual and in-person programs are sensational.Go to the following address for a full schedule:https://winnetkalibrary.libcal.com/calendar/events/?cid=3782&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=3782&inc=0

Among the presentations, you will find (a) The World of Chocolate Tasting (including free chocolate) June 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm; (b) Growing and Using Corn June 17, 2021 at 7:00 pm; (c) Meet Benjamin Franklin June 28, 2021 at 7:00 pm

The Library is part of the Caucus Survey.Please complete the Survey.The Winnetka-Northfield Library is your library and we want to make it more relevant to you.We can only do that if we know what you want

Meeting Notes June 3

Posted by Keith Reed

The meeting was called to order by Chair Norton at 12:15 PM. There were 17 members present. Greg Nelson gave the thought of the day which was a quote from Harry Truman that “you can accomplish lots in life if you don’t care who gets credit for it.”

Connie Berman was celebrating her birthday and 19 years as a Rotarian and Pat O’Day, one of our honorary Club members, joined our Club 42 years ago.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Barb reported that the Winnetka Music Fest is going to be changed somewhat this year. It is being called “Emerge Winnetka” and will be held one day only, September 11, at Skokie Play Field. It will be honoring not-for-profit organizations by contributing to them $5 for every ticket purchased. The WCH and the Volunteer Center are among the participating organizations. Scott Myers and Val Haler are heading up the program and more information is available on the “Emerge Winnetka” website.

SPEAKER—DONNA LEE GULLEY from Shelter Box Program: Donna has been one of the leaders of the Shelter Box program (herein referred to as SB) which is celebrating its 20^th birthday. It has partnered with Rotary since 2012 and is now an independent operation which has served over 2 million victims worldwide. It provides disaster victims with “shelter boxes” containing essentials such as food, clothing, tents, tools, etc. so that these victims can create their own “homes.” The program has been very active during the current pandemic. These disasters can be caused by both physical and political conditions.

Other points made by Donna were: Burma and Syria are two areas where these boxes have been used extensively; vocalist-musician Susan Werner sings a very appropriate song about “providing a roof over my head and helping others get a roof over their’s with dignity and hope”; in providing assistance the SB staff talks with families about their needs, helps families rebuild after the disaster and learns new techniques from each disaster; victims are helped to build homes for their families and to return to their work, with their homes often doubling as a place to live and work; during the last year SB has been active in 100 countries involving 300 disasters and close to 2 million victims; there are currently about 88 million people worldwide displaced from their homes due to disasters with the two biggest problems being getting them adequate fresh water and cleaning supplies (especially soap).

Donna then thanked our Rotary Club and District for “helping so many disaster victims whom we have never met”. Our District 6440 is among the top 20 Rotary Club supporting the SB programs. In answer to questions, Donna mentioned that the shelter boxes are protected with maximum security in these foreign countries by SB and the countries themselves—she mentioned that the Scouts (both Boy and Girl Scouts) play a big role in providing security for the boxes; that donations to SB should be done through our local Club or District and that her name should be mentioned to make sure our District is credited with the donation; that her background is in high school counseling work where she learned how to diagnose and solve problems and needs of others; that SB’s iconic green plastic boxes are also used by victims as bathtubs, libraries and storage lockers; that SB has affiliations with 19 countries and ships lots of supplies out of Panama to these foreign countries. Donna was thanked by Chuck and others for her very informative presentation.

RETURN TO REGULAR MEETING: Robert handled the “dig n grin” by summarizing all the events involved in the Club’s upcoming virtual benefit June 4th which includes several raffles and auctions. He said that before the benefit starts at 6:30 on Friday, members should make sure they have registered to attend and declare which raffle they want to participate in (Sports, Wine, Restaurants or Outdoor Activity Equipment). He ended his presentation by playing a video of Louis Armstrong playing “Hellsapoppin”.

Chuck then announced that the amended Club Bylaws have been presented to all members for their review, with special thanks to the efforts of John Thomas helping with the review. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the amended bylaws were unanimously approved by all members in attendance. Chuck then congratulated our new Club co-presidents, Bill Leske and Greg Nelson, who will be taking over his job June 30^th and wished them well for the coming year. He then lead in reciting Rotary’s 4 Way Test and adjourned the meeting at 1:15.

Meeting Recordings

One of the nice features of meeting virtually is that our meetings can be recorded. This of course depends on your meeting host (me) remembering to start the recording (sometimes I'm a bit late in starting it).

Here are links to view our recent meetings:

Suburban Rotary clubs team up to collect new shoes for children in need

Rotarians from Cook and Lake counties partnered with Operation Warm this month to provide 1,530 pairs of new shoes to area children.

The shoes were delivered to local nonprofit organizations and schools for distribution to families. The 11 participating Rotary clubs gathered Saturday morning at a Northbrook warehouse to pick and pack shoes for Operation Warm’s new Warm Soles program.

“It’s all about the kids, it’s all about taking care of the kids in the area,” said Bill Kolb of Zion, who delivered shoes to northeastern Lake County recipients.

Rotarian Gary Moriello of Northbrook helped deliver shoes to Waukegan.

“We have so much ourselves,” Moriello added, “and then to have a chance to give to somebody else who doesn’t have (new shoes) is a great idea.”

The program was funded from contributions from each participating club and a matching grant by Rotary District 6440 and The Rotary Foundation.

Read the rest of the article by clicking here.

Grants Committee Makes Annual Community Grants Awards

The board of the Winnetka Northfield Rotary Charitable Foundation has awarded grants to the following organizations:

Blues Kids Foundation

Career Resource Center

Counseling Center of the North Shore

Good News Partners

Jhoole

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic

The Volunteer Center

SamaraCare Counseling

Special Gifts Theater

Winnetka Youth Organization

The committee has set aside $700 to match additional donations by our members. If you would like to make a donation and have it matched, email Rich Lalley with the amount of your donation and which organization you are supporting. The foundation match will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and is capped at $200 per member and $700 total. Contact Rich if you have any questions.

People of Action- The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield and The Rotary Foundation Provide Relief to Those Impacted by COVID-19

The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield has met weekly at the Winnetka Community House since 1924. That streak ended in mid-March, when the club suspended its weekly lunch meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this did not stop the club from continuing to meet and live up to its well-earned reputation as People of Action. Almost immediately, the club began to meet on Zoom every Thursday at its regular 12:15 time, and the club’s board and committees did so as well.

Over the club’s 96 years, it has undertaken many notable service projects. So, it is no surprise the club quickly responded to the needs of those affected by COVID-19. Supported by donations from members and friends of the club, and a grant from The Rotary Foundation, the club took the following actions:

Supported the local food pantry and provided financial assistance to families experiencing severe financial need through a $5,000 donation to the New Trier Township Angel Fund.