President Bob Baker opened the meeting with his usual breathing exercise, helping us all to be present.

 

Moha Bouacha shared a thought for the day from Rumi:

 

Sgt at Arms Bob Sanfilippo led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

John Bair is a visiting Rotarian, current President of the North Chicago Rotary Club. Their club has been sponsoring scholarships for clinicians doing various studies on trauma, moral injuries, and mental health. Some of their studies were featured in Rotary Magazine last summer. He is putting together another grant request to Rotary for a mental health grant and invites our Club to join in by contributing $500, which would be matched by the District. Robert Mardirossian stated he would offer a matching gift of $250; David Grant said he would contribute the remaining $250 so our Club can commit to this now.

 

 

Moha Bouacha had a birthday recently – happy birthday!

And Marie Kuipers recently had her 10-year Rotary anniversary – congratulations!

 

Fred Schwimmer offered some entertaining humor on technology and aging.

 

Bob Baker started with a reminder that the celebration will be June 20 at the Community House and will include a sit-down dinner, with the caterer and menu still to be determined. Bob asked for input on whether people preferred a plated dinner or buffet. The committee is still considering how to set up the bar as well – cash bar or open bar? We think the price may be about $120 per person. Bob asked for feedback on this price point. We will not be able to finalize any of these things until we select a caterer.

 

Moha Bouacha stated that we need to get something out soon so that people can save the date. David Grant noted that we send out the bulletin to 330 email subscribers currently, though he noted that only about half of the audience opens the email. Wes Baumann suggested that the group review the list so all Club members know who is on it and can suggest anyone to add to our invitation list.

 

Debra Campbell  created a fantastic logo for the Centennial, working from resources on the Rotary brand website. She noted that it might be a good idea to print some invitations as well as send email invitations. This will raise awareness about the Club as a whole in addition to informing people about the event.

 

Discussion ensued about who we will invite – speakers, recipients of community grants, other Rotary Clubs in the area, Village officials. Various suggestions were offered for ways to increase our email list – it was also suggested that we create and maintain a segmented list so we can pick and choose who we send information to at various times, but it is unclear who would manage the administrative work required to do this.

 

It was also suggested that it would be helpful to do some kind of public relations campaign before and after the event.

 

The question was raised about whether we will have a speaker and various suggestions were offered including various Rotarian dignitaries and leaders. It was noted that the event will also include an installation ceremony for next year’s officers for both Wilmette and Winnetka Clubs. It was also suggested that some kind of historical display be created to commemorate our Club’s 100 years of service.

 

The meeting concluded with the usual recitation of the Four-Way Test.

 

The Wilmette Rotary Club is participating in community efforts to assist migrants who are being bussed to Wilmette several times a week.  Community groups have become aligned with Nuevos Vecinos (New Neighbors) and SaLT (Service and Learning together).  The Wilmette Club is supporting this effort by volunteering time and publicizing educational and fundraising events.

 

There will be a fundraising event on April 6 in Skokie at 5pm at Sketchbook Brewing Co.  Funds raised will go to support migrant families in easing their transition to our area.  The Gala features a traditional Venezuelan dinner from Evanston restaurant La Cocinita, live music from a teen rock band of newcomer students (as seen on WBEZ!), plus unique raffle prizes and silent auction

 

Funds raised will support "Monarca 2": the continuation of a highly successful creative community housing solution for newcomer families in Rogers Park as administered by the Nuevos Vecinos Community & Free Store, and other continuing efforts to coordinate our response to this crisis on the North Shore.

 

We could purchase a Rotary table for 8-10 for $100 per person (regular ticket  $150).  If you are interested in attending this dinner on April 6, please contact David Grant at teamgrant@hotmail.com or 847-778-6627.