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Meeting Notes May 12

Posted by Keith Reed

Bill Leske chaired the meeting with Greg’s very important “technical” assistance. We had 12 members present on Zoom.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Tom Evans quoted Winston Churchill who said that “great things in life were very “simple”—for example things like “freedom, justice and honor”. Bill Leske added one of his own—"you make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Our guest Jim Pockruss from the Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club announced that his Club was having a Trivia night June 1 starting at 5:30. Teams of 4 will be competing and most of the prize money goes to benefit Rotary’s Foundation. The last two years the event has attracted close to 100 players and he invited our members to participate.

Members were reminded of the walk for the homeless coming up May 14 involving the Wilmette Rotary Clubs and the Evanston Lighthouse. Rich will be walking and sponsored by several of our members to the level of $2 per mile walked over a 10 day period.

Everyone was reminded of our Club’s benefit scheduled for May 19 instead of our regular Thursday meeting. Cocktails are from 6 to 7 PM, Buffet opens at 7 PM, 8 PM features the fun Bingo Games created and overseen by Bob Baker. Then the Raffle winners will be announced at 9 PM. All this fun will be at the Valley Lo Club, 2200 Tanglewood in Glenview. You can go online to register for the event, buy tickets for the raffle, and Bingo and even make a donation. Cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple. We already have at least 10 raffle items ranging from Cubs tickets to passes at the WCH fitness center. Our benefit committee, led by Patti and Barb, has done a marvelous job in arranging for a great evening of fun as we raise money for our Community Grant Programs.

Greg announced that our Club has been invited to participate in the Winnetka Music Festival on June 18 and to share in the proceeds from the sale of popcorn. We will need 12 volunteers. Barb offered to fill the volunteer ranks with Volunteer Center people to help us participate in this fund raising event.

Bill mentioned that we also need volunteers to cover our booths at the Northfield “Market and Music” which starts June 29 and is held every Wednesday evening thereafter in Clarkson Park, and also the booth at the Winnetka Farmer’s market on Saturday mornings starting July 23.

HAPPY BUCKS: Patti gave for the volunteers who helped her at the Congregational Church during the WCH rummage sale. She mentioned that Jeanne Beckman was especially helpful, also that David Grant and Bob Baker helped plan and collect food items to sell at a Rotary concessions stand at the rummage sale.

DIG N GRIN: Sylwia Pacyk had several riddles with clever answers such as —tomatoes blush because they see salad dressing; food might be good on the moon but the atmosphere is lousy; and there’s little gossip in a cornfield because of all the ears.

SPEAKER ALEX JOHNSON: Alex is a Rotary member at the Plano Texas Club where he built a reputation in growing membership and increasing Rotary services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area even though there are 6 other Rotary Clubs in that area. Many of his beliefs and suggestions were: you join Rotary for networking but you should end up loving the service part of it; you should concentrate more on building service projects rather than just increasing members; sell the product line of Rotary (which is providing services); try to be more inclusive of members and groups receiving your services; involve volunteers and other members of your community in providing services; in providing services extend your activities to such groups as food pantries, domestic violence centers, nursing homes, day care centers, forest preserves, etc.

Alex ended his presentation on the video by soliciting from his audience at that conference 10 new ideas that a Rotary Club should consider in expanding its services. His entire presentation is available on our Club’s website and we will try to pass Alex’s 10 new ideas on to our Club members for futher discussion.

Bill complimented Greg for his great job in presenting Alex’s video and then led the group in Rotary’s 4 Way Test and adjourned the meeting.

Meeting Notes May 5

Posted by David Grant

Discussion: There were 17 Rotarians in attendance at the WCH, plus 6 digital zoomers.

Announcements:

Saturday 5/14 will be the ‘Rotary Hope Walk for the Homeless.’ Deborah Morris, a Visitor from the Wilmete Club, described this event which is co-hosted by 5 Rotary Clubs. There is a sign-up sheet to support Rich Lalley who will be walking at the event.
Thursday, May 19 is our Benefit at the Valley Lo Club. Barb Tubekis reminds us to purchase tickets at the link in this Bulletin or on the website.
Fred announced the winners of his Presidential Trivia Challenge are Moha in first place closely followed by the dynamic duo of team Robert & Wes.

Happy Bucks:

Rich is happy that Sylvia and Sophia joined him last Saturday at the Ukrainian meal packing event.
Greg Donated $17 for the total run count of the winning team, the White Sox, in the Crosstown baseball Series.
Barb donated $128, $2 a year for each of her 64 years to commemorate her Birthday and for all those who attended her Volunteer Center Benefit.

Dig ‘N Grin: Inspired by Mother’s Day, Robert acknowledged the women and mothers who influenced him, and the love he shares with them.

Speaker: Rich introduced Past District 1462 Governor Vygintas Grinis. Our Winnetka-Northfield Rotary Club participated in a Rotary matching grant for mental health initiatives in the Ukraine.

Meeting Notes April 28

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

President Bill called the meeting to order at 12:21.

Laura shared a witty quote.

Brooke led the Pledge to an imaginary flag.

Visiting guests & Rotarians

Cam Johnson, Director of Advancement at the Community House, joined us.

No Birthdays or Anniversaries!!

Announcements

Upcoming Speakers:

May 5 – Past District 1462 Governor Vygintas Grinis will talk to us about mental health assistance for Ukrainians living in Lithuania.

May 12 – Our meeting will be ZOOM ONLY due to the Rummage sale. We will view a video of Alex Johnson, member of the Plano TX club, who grew his membership exponentially during the pandemic. Alex spoke at PETS training this spring.

May 19 – NO LUNCH due to the Benefit that evening. 6:00 at Valley Lo Club.

May 27 – Rockey Flinterman

June 9 – Bruno Abate

The Wilmette Club is hosting a Walk for the Homeless on May 14.

Liz asked about the Installation Dinner. Patti has asked the New Trier Township Clubs if they would like to have a joint installation dinner, and is waiting for a response. Rich has reached out to Jennifer Jones to see if she might be in town in June to officiate.

Rich is still looking for volunteers for the food packing project this Saturday, the 30^th.

Bob Baker noted that we have received thank you letters from the Rotary Club of River Cities for the approximately $4500 that we donated to their Club for relief in Ukraine.

Happy Bucks:

Liz for the Chamber luncheon yesterday – wonderful community spirit!

Moha, who is taking a driving trip getaway to the Padre Islands.

Rick thanking the Community House for displaying the environmental projects of Washburne students, one of whom is his!

Patti for the Chamber honoring our Honorary Member Markie Gekas at the luncheon.

David B, who bought a Rotary hat and is delighted that it is blue and yellow – colors of Ukraine!

President Bill for his daughter, who is turning 39.

SPEAKER:

Fred challenged us with a quiz on Presidential History facts. It was extensive, and difficult for some of us, your scribe included! Fun facts, and a good brain workout!

President Bill adjourned the meeting at 1:30, when we recited the 4 Way Test.

Meeting Notes April 21

Posted by Keith Reed

Greg chaired the meeting with Bill’s assistance. There were 18 members present and 7 members were on Zoom. Guest was Michael Goldenberg, a financial planner from Northfield, invited by Robert Mardirossian. Thought of the day was given by Rich Lalley. David Birkenstein led the Pledge of Allegiance and Eric Birkenstein handled the Dig N. Grin. Michael Wurzburg (honorary member) celebrated a birthday and Monica Dombrowski celebrated 1 year membership in the Club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bill Leske announced that our Club would have booths at both the Winnetka Farmer’s Market (Saturdays) and Northfield’s FM (Wednesday evening). He will provide details later but we do need volunteers to work our 10x10 tent at each event. It was mentioned that the renovated Northfield FM was a huge success last year with live music, games for the kids and plenty of social time for the adults—its hours are about 5 to 9 PM each Wednesday evening and its FM replaces the one that Northfield used to have on Saturdays across from New Trier West.

Patti reminded everyone of our Club benefit on May 19 at the Valley Lo Club in Glenview with Cocktails starting at 6 PM, Buffet at 7 PM, Bingo at 8 PM and Raffle Winners announced at 9 PM. It will be a fun and different benefit so, as Patti says, bring your AAA game to our Bedazzling Bingo Benefit on May 19. She passed out an amazing list of about 15 raffle items already promised, but would like to have 6-7 more, if possible. There will be 5 or 6 different raffle groupings, but no silent auction this year. Bob Baker is in charge of the “new and improved” bingo game and promises that it won’t be like the one your grandfather played!!
Patti and Barb reminded everyone of the WCH upcoming rummage sale which draws about 2000 potential buyers to the area. Our Club will have a refreshment tent over at the Church across the street and will need 2 volunteers for each of two shifts between 7 AM and 3 PM to handle the customers.
Barb reminded everyone of the Earth Day project on April 23^rd at the Harbert-Payne Woods on the North Shore Channel in Evanston. The first shift of volunteers runs from 9 to 11 AM and there may be a second shift from 11 AM to 1 PM depending on the number of volunteers. Any questions should be directed to info@voluntercenterhelps.org.
Barb thanked everyone who donated peanut butter or pasta sauce to the New Trier Township food pantry and gave special thanks for the donation of $50 by Wes who shopped at Costco for peanut butter and after seeing the size of the jars, decided to give money instead!!
Barb also invited everyone to attend The Volunteer Center’s Annual Recognition Event to be held at the Wilmette Movie Theatre on April 28 from 6 to 8 PM,
Rich announced that the Wilmette Rotary is having a walking benefit for the homeless. He has several sponsors supporting his effort to walk at least 30 miles during a 10 day period.
Rich also reported that the Rolling Meadows Rotary is packing food packages on April 30 to send to Ukraine and our Slywia Pacyk will be present there. He also announced that our Todd Stephens recently qualified to become a Paul Harris Fellow.
Fred reminded everyone that he will be the guest entertainer at next week’s meeting with his version of History Trivia—BUT you have to be present to be a winner—in other words, I Phone assistance is not permitted!!

HAPPY BUCKS: Fred gave in celebration of qualifying for an Illinois Driver’s License for 70 straight years; David B. gave in honor of those who wore the Ukraine colors to the meeting; Rich gave due to his sister being able to be a sub teacher this year at Skokie school and offered a part time teacher position next year. Heidi gave in honor of the contribution David Birkenstein made to the WCH on behalf of his family as memorialized by the wooden chair next to the sidewalk on the south side of the building; and Keith Reed gave as a tribute to all the help David Grant gives to the current Club scribes and the times he fills in as a scribe.

SPEAKER HEIDI SIBERT: Heidi is a long time member of our Club and a landscape designer/manager with James Martin Associates in Mount Prospect. She explained the personal conflict she has had with helping clients make their properties look pretty versus the damage that landscaping and well manicured properties do to the environment. Her presentation was very informative and is available on our Club’s list of presentations. Among the many points/facts she mentioned were that Earth Day was started by a Senator from Wisconsin in 1970; that Rotary International has followed up with its own program to promote environmental efforts; 8 to 10% of our environmental problems are caused by the disposal of old clothes in landfills; only 1/3 of the food produced in the world actually gets eaten, the rest is disposed of as garbage; only about 10% of the plastic we use gets recycled, the rest goes into landfills or our water systems; most of our recycling programs are inefficient especially when the bad waste gets mixed in with the recycled material and contaminates all the material; as mentioned by one of recent speakers from Grand Foods, the Mississippi River Basin (including its coral reefs) is dying; that dealing with North Shore suburbs regarding water management is difficult because they have different rules; in Winnetka the front yards have to be 35% impermeable but the rest of the lot 50%; underground retention systems are becoming very common but very expensive and the release of water from those tanks is very gradual which creates other problems; our Club member Carl Yudell has been very active in the Wetlands Initiative which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the wetland resources of the Midwest to improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and reduce flood damage; and birds and bees are important to pollinator spaces and many people are foregoing large lawns to provide such spaces.

Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting at 1:30 with the reciting of Rotary’s 4 Way Test.

Meeting Notes April 14

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

12:18. President Bill called the meeting to order.

Wes shared an uplifting and positive thought about how one is perceived in the world.

Bob Baker led the Pledge.

Visiting guests & Rotarians

Ron Bernardi visited again, and brought the manager of the farmers market, who also works at the Grand – Jim Thompson.

Terry Dason brought Rockey Flinterman and noted that she is hiring someone at the Chamber, and also that the farmer’s market opens on June 4.

Birthdays

Joe Nash – 10th

Tom Nash - 10th

Denny Lauer - 13th

Rob Bahan - 13th

Anniversary

Liz Taylor – April 11 – 20 years

Announcements

Suzanne Gibson was here two weeks ago – she recognized:

Tony and Carolyn Kambich as Major Donor Level 1 in support of The Rotary Foundation

Fred Schwimmer as Major Donor Level 1

David Birkenstein Major Donor Level 3

Upcoming Speakers, next 4 weeks:

Heidi next week

Fred following week

Mental health in Lithuania – PDG will speak on this program

Rockey is also going to speak

Ukranian relief efforts- WN Foundation will fund a table at a food packing event in Rolling Meadows on 4/30. Details to follow.
May 12 is Rummage – we may have a booth selling snacks and and water. 6 people volunteered to help.
Barb pointed out 3 events:

PBPS week next week. Bring peanut butter and pasta sauce for the NTT food pantry.
Barb and Heidi will be hosting an Earth Day event on April 23 from 9-11 at Hubbard Park off McCormick.
May 15 Fun Run sponsored by Wilmette Club.

Fred spoke to the program he is planning. Individuals or teams for his President’s trivia program. Donations will be made from Fred’s family foundation to a charity of the winner’s choice.

Amy - May 12, we can be in the Garden Room. President Bill will let us know what the plan is.

Spring Benefit is May 19. We are collecting raffle items, and prize items. Please donate.

Happy Bucks

Bill for Moha, who is managing our technology today.

Fred is happy to be back!

Barb is privileged to have been moderator at NTT Awards event. John Thomas was posthumously named George Noyes Volunteer of the Year.

David B is happy about his and Mary's recent trip to Charleston and Kiawah Island.

Dig n Grin –

Robert spoke for Connie. He shared some funny quotes.

SPEAKER:

Rives Collins was introduced by Moha, who has known him since BC (Before Children). Rives is a Professor in the School of Communication at Northwestern University.

https://communication.northwestern.edu/faculty/rives-collins/

“The Art of Storytelling” He shared some stories, spoke about the history of storytelling and how stories transform us. His stories were engaging and entertaining.

President Bill adjourned the meeting at 1:30, when we recited the 4 Way Test.

Meeting Notes April 7

Posted by David Grant

Discussion: President Greg led the meeting.

Thought: Julie Tye could not join us today, so she arranged for Barb Tubekis to read the Outword Bound motto, which is an excerpt from Ulysses, by Tennyson:

Come, my friends,

'T is not too late to seek a newer world.

Push off, and sitting well in order smite

The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds

To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths

Of all the western stars, until I die.

It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:

It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,

And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.

Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Announcements:

Rich updated us on Ukraine fundraising.The Northbrook Club is organizing a food-packing event scheduled for Saturday, 4/30.
Moha advised us not to miss next week’s meeting – he has arranged a fabulous speaker from Northwestern U.

Happy Bucks:

Robert donated because he is on the way to the Cubs opener.
Bob donated because he is not on his way to the Cubs opener (raining and 30 degrees).
Tony wants us to pray for peace in the world.
Rich is happy that next week Moha will run the IT at the meeting in his absence.

Speaker: In honor of International Women’s Day, Barb Tubekis shared a video celebration of how Rotary is working towards a vision of gender equality. Rotary is in a unique place to make a difference as women confront barriers in education, marriage, etc. around the world and particularly in third world countries. Covid has been particularly difficult for many young girls.

Ukraine Relief Update

Our club has contributed to several significant Ukrainian relief efforts:

We provided nearly one quarter of the $40,000 sent to the Rotary Club of Kyiv International to support their extensive relief activity. The Rotary Club of River Cities has a sister club relationship with Kyiv International, and has been raising funds and transferring them to Ukraine. This support has allowed for the purchasing and distribution of tons of food, medicines and medical supplies and setting up of temporary refugee shelters. Here's a 45 minute video update from Ukraine of their remarkable efforts.

https://youtu.be/e2hDdJ8tf3E

We have contributed $3,000 and our Rotary Foundation District Designated Funds of over $2,200 to a Global Grant project in Lithuania that will provide mental health training to teachers and school psychologists in Lithuania to improve the ability to work with Ukrainian refugee children. We will have a detailed update on this project at our May 5 meeting.
The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is providing grants to clubs and districts that are deploying humanitarian relief in and around Ukraine, and some of our members have contributed to that fund as well.
We participated on Saturday April 30 in a 50,000 meal food packing with Outreach Feed6 in Rolling Meadows.

Meeting Notes March 31

Posted by Keith Reed

Bill Leske chaired the meeting with Greg’s assistance. There were 12 members present and 10 who hooked in on Zoom. Guests were our speaker, Suzanne Gibson, and Lee Padget’s wife, Beth.

Thought of the day was given by Peter Skalski who opined that “time” that doesn’t involve some laughter is “time wasted”.

Bill announced that those celebrating birthdays or Club membership anniversaries were Greg, Beth Padgitt, Mary Bak and our speaker Suzanne Gibson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Our future speakers include Barb Tubekis on empowering women; Northwestern Professor Mr. Rears Collins; Heidi Sibert on significance of Earth Day; Fred Schwimmer organizing a U.S. History Trivia Day on April 28^th (but you have to be present without access to a cell phone to win.) Barb also mentioned that the Homeless Walk activity sponsored by the Evanston Lighthouse and a Wilmette organization will be held from May 5^th to May 14^th. Barb also mentioned that May 19^th will be our Club’s annual Spring Benefit at Valley Lo Country Club in Glenview. She emphasized that several new activities will be added to increase chances that there could be prizes for all! For example, they are planning on 5 major raffles featuring restaurant gift certificates, tickets to major art and athletic events and fine wines. Bob Baker announced that he was resurrecting Bingo games with many different rules and fun prizes—“not like your grandfather’s game”.

DIG N GRIN: Robert Mardirossian offered that those people who really want to do something will “find a way” and those who don’t really want to do something will “find an excuse”.

ROTARY CHARITABLE GIVING: Several facts were reported on charitable giving starting with local Rotary Clubs and ending with a detailed presentation by our guest speaker, Suzanne Gibson, which was recorded and is available through Rich’s collection of our Club’s presentations. Rich started by reporting that our Club members gave $10,000 towards the Ukraine fund which is now in the hands of our sister Rotary Club in Kviv. The Clubs in our District 6440 have given close to $40,000 for this cause. He also reported that Rotary Clubs are raising funds to support over 100 teachers and social workers to attend to war torn children in Lithuania; and that the Northbrook Rotary is sponsoring a Kids against Hunger Project April 30^th in Rolling Meadows where they intend to pack over 50,000 meals to ship to Ukraine.

CLUB CHARITABLE GIVERS RECOGNIZED: Our Co-Chairs and Suzanne recognized and honored our local Club members who have given over $10,000 to Rotary causes. Recipients were Robert Mardirossian, David Grant, Rich Lalley, Rodger Morris, Fred Schwimmer, Tony and Carolyn Kambich. David Birkenstein was recognized as a Major Level 3 Donor. There were 72 of our Club members who donated to the Rotary Foundation this last year.

HAPPY BUCKS were given by Robert Mardirossian for being able to attend the Cubs opener, though it may be a bit chilly, and by Wes Baumann in honor of all the Club’s major donors.

SPEAKER SUZANNE GIBSON: Suzanne has been a Past 6440 District Governor and is currently our District 6440 Foundation Chair. She is a member of the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club. She presented a very informative power point explaining in detail the type of charitable givers Rotarians have been on a worldwide basis. She reported that the International Rotary Foundation is over a 100 years old; that it has donated over 4 billion dollars for such sustainable projects as health, poverty, environment, education, clean water; disease prevention, economic development, etc.; that the Foundation spent over 2 billion dollars on worldwide polio prevention, saving over 1.5 million lives and vaccinating 3 million children; that the average Rotarian worldwide gives at least $165 a year to the Foundation; that our Club has 26 Paul Harris members and seven “major” donors; and that our Club donates anywhere between $12,000 and $38,000 per year to Rotary Foundations.

Suzanne’s power point was very interesting and is recommended for all Rotarians to appreciate the generosity of these members worldwide over the years.

Chair Leske adjourned the meeting at 1:30 with the reciting of Rotary’s 4 Way Test.

Meeting Notes 3/24

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

President Greg called the meeting to order at 12:20. There were 20 people present in person and on Zoom.

Thought of the Day: Fred shared a quote from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.

Greg led us in the Pledge.

Visiting Guests and Rotarians: Our AG Tamiye Meehan was our only visiting Rotarian.

Birthdays: THREE! Bill Leske (3/25), Todd Stephens (3/26), Rich Lalley (3/30).

Announcements:

Greg announced that the slate for 2022-23 was approved last week.
Patti announced that this year’s board will meet on Wednesday, 3/30 at 10:00 on ZOOM to plan the Annual Benefit scheduled for 5/19/22 at Valley Lo.

Happy Bucks:

Wes is happy!
Patti is happy that we have The OWL for our hybrid ZOOM meetings!
AG Tamiye reminded the club that there is a membership summit on Monday evening at 7:00 – on ZOOM only. She also reminded us that we can become members of the Polio Plus Society by pledging $100 annually until polio is eradicated.

Dig N Grin: Heidi shared some funny one-liners.

Program: Heidi King from College Inside Track shared valuable insights and tips into the college application process today, including navigating financial support. Her presentation was recorded.

President Greg adjourned the meeting at 1:30, when we all recited the Four Way Test.

Meeting Notes March 17

Discussion: Rich Lalley introduced the Club to “The Owl,” a new sound system that automatically pivots the microphone in the room to focus on whoever is speaking. The system solves some of the technological issues we have been having with our hybrid meetings!!

Birthday Song: Hurray to Moha Bouacha, Rodger Morris, and Monica Dombrowski.

Announcement:

Rich updated us on the fundraising campaign for the Rotary Club of Kiev, which is organized through the Rotary Club of River Cities here in our District.Donations ahave already been sent, and will be continued to be collected.

Happy Bucks:

Moha donated some Birthday bucks, and noted that this is the actual day.
Ron Bernardi sang an Italian Happy Birthday Ballad in honor of Moha
David Birkenstein says his wife Mary thinks that Ron is the best looking guy in town, so he donated a buck and a half.
Rich’s Warm Soles program is getting a delivery of shoes and needs volunteers to help sort the shipment on 4/2

Speaker: Richard Greenswag spoke about trusts, estate law, death & taxes. Learn more at: greenswaglaw.com

Meeting Notes March 10

Posted by Keith Reed

Greg Nelson chaired the meeting and there were 20 members in attendance and another 5 members on the Zoom call. Guests were our speaker Dan Humphrey and his manager Ron Bernardi from Sunset Foods. Robert Mardirossian was the Greeter and also gave us the “thought of the day” which was that the suffering of the Ukraine people should make us appreciate our living conditions and cause us to extend our thoughts and prayers for these unfortunate people.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

David Grant reminded everyone that our Club Foundation has selected the 8 charities to benefit from our annual contributions and that our members’ contributions to any of these organizations will be matched by our Foundation up to a maximum of $250 per member on a first come, first served basis with a total maximum of $2000.
Barb announced that at next week’s meeting Club members will have the opportunity to vote on our officers and board members for the next year. The names of those members proposed were presented at the meeting.
Rich showed a short video of the woman who is president of the Kyiv Rotary Club in Ukraine who described the chaos taking place there including bombing of the local airport. She had her family go to Japan while she stayed in Ukraine to organize volunteers to help victims with food, clothes, getting kids to school and raising money to support refugees.
Barb reported that she and Patti really appreciated the opportunity to attend a recent Rotary training conference in a Western suburb with about 2000 other Rotarians from 6 other Rotary clubs in District 2440.

DIG N GRIN: Chuck Norton presented several riddles involving cows, penguins and why pirates never bathe before their boat trips (because they usually get washed up on shore)!

SPEAKER: DAN HUMPHREY. Dan was introduced by Ron Bernardi, a fellow Rotarian and a good friend of many of our Club members. Dan is one of the top managers at Sunset Foods (hereinafter referred to as SF). Dan made a very complete and interesting presentation on how SF buys, prepares and markets its beef and fish products; how it visits its suppliers and oversees the products it buys from them; how it gets its gulf fish from Florida, its snapper, grouper, salmon and king crab from Alaska, and its gulf shrimp from Port Isabel, Texas; and that it gets most of its pork products from a producer in Iowa and its poultry from various Amish farms in the Midwest.

Sunset Foods has great customer relations programs. It has its cutting boards located so the customer can see the meat/fish cut, weighed and packaged; it has themed events to celebrate holidays and special occasions where employees dress in costumes and are encouraged to interact with the customers; it has several employees stationed throughout the store to answer customer questions and requests; and, in its Northbrook store, it sells to customers and local residents about 150 fish sandwiches every Friday over the lunch hour for $6 a piece.

Dan explained how aquaponic systems are now being developed to raise fish in controlled environments rather than in our lakes and rivers.

Most people on the North Shore are looking forward to SF taking over the two Grand stores in Winnetka and Glencoe. The other 5 SF stores in the area are in Northbrook, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville and Long Grove. It is safe to say that SF has many satisfied customers among our Rotarians. The meeting was adjourned around 1:00 by Greg leading us in the Rotary Four-way Test.

Meeting Notes March 3

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

President Greg called the meeting to order at 12:19.

Thought of the Day: Moha reminded us that “those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it”. He shared this in terms of the current situation in Ukraine. He shared that his father was one of the first wave of Allied soldiers in WWII. His father died at age 104. Greg then read a statement from Rotary International about the war.

Guests and visiting Rotarians: We had two visiting Rotarians: Ron Bernardi from Northbrook and our AG Tamiye Meehan.

Announcements:

Bill announced that the Winnetka Farmer’s Market allows non-profits to attend and have a booth in the summer. We will do this again this summer.
David B noted that a recent Village publication had new information about the One Winnetka project. He also shared a photo of Moha with 5 lovely ladies, one of whom is David’s wife Mary!
Bill reported that the Rotary Club of River Cities is a sister city with Kviv, Ukraine. They are collecting money to send to them for supplies. Their goal is to raise $5,000 in one week. They are also sending supplies in containers. Story is on our webpage

Happy Bucks:

Robert is celebrating his 4.5 year anniversary with M, on February 29. He donated $20 (do the math, with some rounding up).
Joe Nash gave $2 because he got married on New Year’s Eve, so has been married for 2 months!

Program: Rich shared an animated video that educated us about the history of Ukraine, Russia and the area. It was very informative, creating lots of discussion afterwards. Link to the video is here.

President Greg adjourned the meeting at 1:20, when we all recited the Four Way Test.

Meeting Notes February 24

Posted by David Grant

Discussion: Bill Leske opened the meeting with a discussion about the incoming Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones. Moha has met her, and she was helpful on the Moroccan project Moha led for the Rockford Rockford Rotary Club. Jennifer will be at PETS training (President Elect Training), so our incoming co-prezes Patti & Barb will meet her soon.

Announcements:

David Grant announced that our Club Foundation Committee has awarded Community Grants to 8 non-profits. There is an opportunity in the next two weeks to make additional charitable contributions to our Foundation on behalf of any of the 8 recipients, which will then be matched. See the enclosed story for more info.
Bob Sanfilippo thanked the Foundation for the Community Grant this year. He also announced the Winnetka Thrift Shop annual spring sale is on March 3 – next Thursday.

Happy Bucks:

Bill Leske is happy about the fantastic job Rich Lalley is doing with our hybrid meeting format.
Patti VanCleave is happy she will be visiting Grandchild #3, Bennett, in Cincinatti.
Rich Lalley is happy that he learned he will have a Granddaughter soon.
Chuck Norton is happy to be down in Florida where people are not wearing masks.
Barb Tubekis contributed $203 to honor three members of her family who have passed away recently; a dollar for each year beginning with her 95-year-old Mother-in-law, Mary Jane Tubekis.
Marie sent a big zoom hug to Barb acknowledging her losses.
Marie also announced that she has just been promoted to a Quality Assurance Editor at her publishing company.

Speaker: Rich Lalley updated us on our Club’s current Global Grant Project in Ecuador. Just this week he attended a virtual meeting with our co-sponsors of this project and the Host club sponsors, Jose & Lilly, from Quito, Ecuador. We support the CINCA farm just outside Quito. The farm teaches indigenous people about sustainable farming. The farm will be economically sustainable, will improve living conditions in the area, employ soil conversation, organic fertilizers, and is pesticide-free.

Meeting Notes February 17

Posted by Keith Reed

Both Greg and Bill were present at the meeting but Bill chaired the meeting which was called to order at 12:30. There were 8 members present and at least 13 members on the Zoom call. Among those participating in the meeting were guests Ron Bernardi, Assistant District Governor Tamiye Meehan, and Sam Badger. Jeanne Beckman celebrated a birthday and Club membership anniversaries were celebrated by Eric Birkenstein (12 yrs.) and Rick Boerjesson (4 yrs.).

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Deerfield Rotary Club is celebrating its 90^th anniversary this coming weekend; Barb and Patti have volunteered to plan a benefit at the Valley Lo Country Club in Glenview on May 13^th to benefit our Club’s Foundation.

HAPPY BUCKS: Those contributing were Brooke Peppey, David Grant, Moha Bouacha for his recovery from a recent medical procedure, and Rich contributed in recognition of the New Trier School District giving favorable consideration to the employment of his sister who has moved back to the North Shore area.

DIG N GRIN: David Brikenstein illustrated how things are not always as they first appear—he told about the father on his deathbed who was parceling out his money and worldly possessions to his wife, his industrial property to his son and his restaurants to his daughter. When the attending nurse asked how he made all that money, the son revealed that he was in the newspaper business—that is that he started and continued to run several paper routes (ala W. Clement Stone).

GUEST SPEAKERS GARY & ANITA COURTNEY: This married couple had several vocations during their working lives including investment banking, ranching, transportation etc. But they found a different common interest after they married later in life—that being studying and preserving coral reefs primarily in the Florida coastal areas. They mentioned that most people don’t realize how much the coral reefs around the U.S. have died and how important they are to everyone’s ability to breathe. 70% of the air we breathe is produced by the oceans. But much of those coral reefs have been affected by pollution and the encroachment of “man.” For example, the Great Barrier Reef is 1600 miles long and 30 miles wide—but is 50% dead. 95% of the coral reefs around Florida are dead or close to becoming dead. 40% of our wildlife and millions of people rely on coral reefs to produce their food supply.

Anita said that the situation is depressing but that there is a movement called “transition to hope.” Coral can be repaired, saved, and even cultivated and nurtured like other agricultural products. It can be done on coral reefs that have died or even in huge reproductive tanks. There are land nurseries and plantings 20 feet under water to bring the coral back to life. Even though the fish caught off the Florida shores have shrunk in size and most boats have to go offshore 10 miles to catch normal sized fish, this situation can be improved.

The Speakers are affiliated with two organizations that have become very active in saving the coral reefs, especially those closed to our mainland: Sanacora Inc. and Mission: Ocean Reef. This was a very interesting and enlightening presentation of a very serious situation. Feel free to contact Rich to receive a copy of this presentation.

After several questions and comments from the floor, Bill led us in the Rotary 4-way test and adjourned the meeting.

Meeting Notes February 10

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

President Bill called the zoom-only meeting to order at 12:19.

Thought of the Day: Bob Baker shared a thoughtful verse from Tracy Chapman. We had one visiting Rotarian: our AG Tamiye Meehan.

Birthdays: Pat O’Day on the 12^th.

Anniversaries: Tom Nash on the 13^th.

Announcements:

Our meeting will return to hybrid next Thursday. Look for an email from Bill with details. According to current mandates, we will be required to show proof of vaccination if attending in person.
Our Foundation Committee met last week to determine Community Grants. They will finish up this process next Thursday at 11:30, just before our lunch meeting. Also, the Foundation approved supporting a multi-club grant presented by Barb and Patti to provide support to 3 local mental health agencies.
Tamiye reminded us about the Upstander Training on the 18^th. It will be posted in our Bulletin.

Happy Bucks:

Marie is grateful for all club members and friends who have supported the Refugee project. She took a family to Target this morning for their first visit.
Robert is in Berkeley CA, joining us in the car, and is grateful for M’s support to allow him to continue his perfect attendance.
Fred was happy that Valentine’s Day will mark the 25^th anniversary of his double bypass surgery. It was obviously successful!

Dig N Grin: David B pitched in for Wes with a funny story. At the end of the meeting, Wes shared some one-liners.

Speakers: Rick B. updated us on the Peru project that our Foundation is supporting. He and his family recently went to Peru. They brought school supplies and balls to an elementary school that has 100 students. Following the presentation, Rick answered a number of questions about the culture, the area and the school.

President Bill adjourned the meeting at 1:10, when we all recited the Four Way Test.

Meeting Notes February 3

Posted by David Grant

Guests: Ron Bernardi from the Northbrook Club

Association Members: Kyle Berg from the Winnetka Park District

Announcements:

Queen Marie is sponsoring a refugee family from Afghanistan.They are staying at a local Hampton Inn, and will be looking for more housing.
Co-Presidents Bill & Greg are weighing the factors that determine when the Club should return to hybrid meetings.

Happy Bucks:

Robert Mardirossian thanked Bob Baker for a special plumbing call that successfully retrieved a diamond from his home drain.
Moha is getting a new stent as soon as he can schedule the procedure, which is delayed due to Covid protocals.

Dig ‘N Grin: Barb Tubekis regaled us with Olympic facts & history.

Speaker: Laura Cunningham shared a TED talk with us about 'Tales of Creativity & Play.' If you missed it, you can see it via YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjwUn-aA0VY

Help for Chicago's Homeless

Our club has an opportunity again this holiday season to help Chicago's homeless. The Rotary Club of Wilmette is again working with the Sisters from Fraternite Notre Dame to provide needed items to 80 homeless people. Last year we provided sleeping bags. This year a long list of clothing and cold weather gear has been requested. Our club, along with the Rotary Club of Wilmette Harbor are joining together again for this meaningful year end project.

Most of the requested items have already been secured! At this writing, only a few dozen flashlights, portable propane heaters, and cooler bags are needed. You can help buy purchasing an item for less than $20.

There are 3 simple ways to contribute:

1- follow the link below to purchase one or several of the remaining items needed on this Amazon list

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/U2QT3Z5GDD3E?ref_=wl_share

Items will ship directly to the sisters. Very easy indeed!

2- Make a donation to the Rotary Club of Wilmette's fundraising page, and they will handle purchasing what's needed.

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/wilmette-rotary-club-foundation/2nd-annual-holiday-drive-for-homeless-in-chicago

3- Send you pledge to Rich Lalley and then bring a check made payable to WNRCF to an upcoming club meeting. Rich will pass your donation on to the Wilmette club.

Thank you for continuing to show your Rotary compassion and willingness to help those in need.

Give New Coats to Afghan Refugees

The Rotary Clubs of New Trier Township and other Chicago area Rotary clubs are raising funds to provide new winter coats from Operation Warm to Afghan refugees currently residing at the Indiana National Guard's Camp Atterbury.

We hope to provide new coats to 2,000 children.

So, for every $100 you donate, 6 children will receive the gift of warmth, confidence and hope that comes with a brand new coat.

We are working to get coats to these children in early November, so will be ordering coats on October 25th. So we need your donation now!

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/winnetka-northfield-rotary-charitable-foundation/donate-to-give-new-coats-to-afghan-refugees

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.

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.