Rotary Meeting Scribe Notes – Thursday, April 30, 2026
President Ken Drummet opened the meeting at 12:17pm and welcomed everyone. Chuck Norton shared humorous thoughts for the day. Ken introduced a special guest Mariana Alfar, District Governor Nominee, and member of the Rotary Club of Wilmette.She recounted the story of her vision in starting the walk and encouraged all to join in. Bob Baker shared inspirational quotes from Ho Chi Minh on the eve of May Day.
Announcements included:
Thomas Applegate offered a reminder that the gala for Counseling Center of the North Shore is Saturday, May 16th at Michigan Shores Club and ticket sales end Tuesday May 5th. Also, CCNS is ordering the AED funded by the club along with an acknowledgement sign thanking the club.
Rives Collins sang a song to remind us to sign up for the 5K Hope Walk on May 9th at 10:00am in Gillson Park to fund support for the unhoused by our club, Wilmette, Evanston Lighthouse and Skokie Valley. $40 individual, $100 family of 4, $20 18 and under. Hope Walk signup link: [https://pci.jotform.com/form/260597117044053]
President-Elect Debra Campbell shared that she went to Rotary HQ to welcome cyclist and Rotarian Felipe Meza as he completed his cross-country bike ride in support of Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio.
Sean Nelson gave an impassioned update on RYLA / Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in our District 6440. For 23 years, Sean has organized the weekend conference for 300-400 youth leaders, and RYLA in our area focuses on high school students. Our club sends students to RYLA and in some years funds other RYLA participants. Sean’s central strategy for amazing outcomes is to “listen to the students” and bring back the best speakers and volunteers based on those surveys. The best means of getting into a high school that is not participating like New Trier is to find a teacher to champion the first participants, and then the returning students will carry it forward. Sean encouraged us to volunteer at RYLA and invite RYLA participants to speak at our club. RYLA’s fundraiser, Tee It Up For Teens Golf Tournament, is coming up Friday, May 29th RSVP: https://rotary6440.org/events/tee-it-up-for-teens-golf-tournament-may-29-2026/
Ken closed the meeting with the 4-Way Test.