President Bill called the meeting to order at 12:18pm. There were 25 in attendance.
Bob Baker shared a thought of the day, reminding us to be aware of those that do not have what we have, and supportive of those people as Rotarians.
Joe Fell led us in the Pledge.
Wes announced our Visiting Guests and Rotarians:
Mary Bak, our Assistant Governor from the Glenview-Sunrise Club, was with us. Always delightful to have her visit our club!
Christina Gikas brought a guest, her aunt Kathy Kokoris, who wants to learn more about Rotary.
Birthdays: Anniversary:
Denny Lauer – April 13 Liz Taylor – April 11, 17 years
Rob Bahan – April 13
Louise Holland – April 16
Upcoming Events:
May 3-4, District Conference in Schaumburg. All Rotarians encouraged to attend
May 9 we will be meeting at Hadley due to Rummage. Hadley has just renovated their building and will provide tours. President and CEO Julie Tye will be our speaker.
June 1 is the first Farmer’s Market of the year.
June 1 is our Annual Benefit with BBQ and a Bluegrass band. It will be held at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall. All are encouraged to purchase tickets early; they are $100 each.
June 19 is our annual Installation Dinner. We will be sharing the event with the two Wilmette Clubs and possibly the Glencoe Club. It will be held in the Garden Room, with access to the Arches Garden if the weather cooperates. DG-Elect Suzanne Gibson will be in attendance to induct the incoming presidents.
Announcements:
-Fred asked whether we will be participating in the Winnetka Music Festival again this year as volunteers. The answer is YES, and information will be forthcoming. The Festival is June 21-22.
-Patti announced that the Winnetka Club’s Housewalk is on May 16. Tickets available; four terrific homes this year.
-David B asked whether anyone had a contact with One Winnetka to have them provide a speaker.
-Mary Bak said she is happy to be back at our club and she will be continuing as our AG next year! She encouraged all to attend District Conference.
-Patti announced that she will reorganize the badge boxes and return them as such next week…when she will be out of town and not in attendance to hear any negative remarks!
-Rich encouraged all Rotarians to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation before year-end on June 30. Appeals will continue and intensify as we get closer to year-end.
Happy Bucks:
-President Bill recognized all Rotarians in attendance at the Chamber Lunch on Wednesday. There were many. He provided a second HB for Fred’s return from Florida.
-David B was in Bourbonnais seeing his 13-year-old granddaughter compete in a gymnastics meet. She came in first in two exercises!
-Robert also recognized Rotarians at the Chamber lunch, and asked how many had Rotary pins on?
-Wes put in $5 “in terms of Robert and his Cubs”.
-Fred is happy to be back. He has a surrogate granddaughter who is a champion golfer – also 13 years old – her name is Alana Kutt.
Laura shared a Dig N Grin chuckle about aging neighbors.
Speaker: Our speaker was Ravi Rade, who came to Chicago to attend U of C Booth School. After working as a trader for years, he trained in a Mindfulness program and now provides this training to groups.
Mindfulness will reduce stress and increase productivity. Engaging in mindfulness exercises regularly is important – practicing regularly increases the effects.
Statistics show the following about people in the work force:
47% report that their mind is wandering while working
70% report that they are inattentive in meetings
2% have a commitment to personal productivity
We engaged in a three-minute exercise designed to show us how to be mindful – to follow our breath and re-engage when we realize that we are distracted.
This three minute exercise can be done anytime during the day. You can also engage in a “micropractice” by taking three breaths in 15 seconds and relaxing your body to reduce stress.
Handout attached to this summary.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30, reciting the Four Way Test as we do each week.