The meeting was called to order by President Marie. After the Pledge, Robert Mardirossian gave the “thought of the day” and it was so well-prepared, profound and serious (for Robert) that it is being included in these minutes:
Good afternoon my fellow Rotarians, spouses, significant others, family members, guests and friends. Thank you for joining us today. Let us be ever mindful of the opportunities to render service to our fellow citizens locally, regionally, nationally and globally; keeping in mind the enduring values of life, exerting our efforts in those areas that Rotary advances: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing disadvantaged economies. May our efforts provide a foundation upon which future generations can build. Let us to strive to make our world a better place.
Today we are privileged to be serenaded by the New Trier Township High School Swing Choir. May the gift of music that these young women and men share with us touch our hearts and bring us peace and optimism for the future.
I personally extend my warmest wishes to you and all your loved ones for a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with love, peace, laughter and vitality. So be it.
There were 34 members present and 11 guests. Among the guests were Gloria Gaschler (Patti’s guest), spouses of Club members David Birkenstein, Felicia O’Malley, Robert Mardirossian, Mike Shelton, Tony Kambich, and Lee Padgitt’s daughter. The meal including beef, salmon and chocolate cake was prepared and served by Donna, her staff and a few Rotary volunteers—it was delicious and very special for a very special occasion.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be no Rotary meetings for the next two Thursdays—next meeting will be January 9, 2020. Birthdays celebrated were President Marie, Lee Padgitt and Carl Yudell. Mike Shelton celebrated his 7th anniversary as a Rotarian. Rich Lalley presented thank you cards received from the recipients of the Club’s recent Operation Warm activities.
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT: We were fortunate to again enjoy the songs and talents of the New Trier Swing Choir. We had 8 females and 6 male singers from the Choir which numbers about 20 students and is led by Nathan Landes, who has had the Choir put on many special programs around the holidays for at least the last 10 years. An excellent article and picture appeared in the Dec. 19th issue of the Winnetka Talk listing all the performances these high school students have been doing during this holiday season. The Choir performed about a dozen numbers celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. They even included a couple of show tunes, a holiday song from Sweden and a song arranged by one of the Choir members, Jasper Vickers. The Club is certainly privileged to again enjoy this real holiday treat.
These students sang for the Winnetka-Northfield Rotary:
Ben Ancell
Sara Bunge
Isabelle Calkins
Mila Cutler
Pranav Doradla
Isabel Dube
Quinton Eudy
Charlotte Jaffe
Lillian Jones
James McColl
Ian Michelson
Liam Ryan
Caroline Swanson
Renee Zhou