Co-President Moha Bouacha opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  

 

Robert Mardirossian started with a thought of the day from Kahlil Gibran:  On Joy and Sorrow. 

 

After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, with no one assigned to do a Rotary Foundation Minute today, Moha shared reflections on the Olympics. 

 

After lunch, Chuck Norton introduced guests and visiting Rotarians, and Puran Stevens, Susan Stevens Clarke, and honorary member Brooke Peppey were all warmly welcomed. 

 

Moha shared a few Rotary announcements: 

 

Amy reminded everyone about tonight’s Rock the Garden event at which her band will be performing. The event will take place rain or shine – outside in the garden or indoors in the garden room. 

 

Patti, our club Treasurer, reminded everyone to pay their dues for this quarter. She also reminded everyone that if you are a pay as you go lunch person, you should please pay Bob for your lunch today as well. 

 

Moha noted that we should all keep an eye out for requests for contributions to our Foundation. 

 

Happy Bucks were offered by Moha, Fred, Tony, and Susan (one of our guests). 

 

Bill Leske offered fun facts about Rotary for Dig-n-Grin. 

 

Patti introduced our speaker for the day: Lynn Diettrich whom she has known for many years.  

 

Lynn shared information about Diettrich Farms, including their approach to working with horses, along with some of the programs and services they offer. They value the horse's perception and treat each horse as an ambassador for education and self-awareness. With those values in mind, they provide a comfortable environment where the horse and rider can feel safe and stress-free. It is in this environment that participants and guests are able to truly develop a deep bond with the horse that leads to increased comfort, self-confidence, and enjoyment. 

 

The farm provides an incredible riding environment to support year-round programming for children and adults. The 15-acre farm features a 160-by-60 indoor arena, large round pen, and direct access to 13 miles of groomed trails in the adjacent state park. They also have a very comfortable indoor retreat, event, and educational space with a kitchen and washroom. They offer a wide range of activities, including lessons, adult and youth programs, retreats, camps, and more. 

 

It was a wonderful presentation, and you can find out more about the farm here: https://www.diettrichfarm.com/ 

 

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

 

Co-President Moha chaired the meeting with 11 Rotarians attending.

Announcements:  Rich presented Chuck with his 8^th Paul Harris award and congratulated him for his generosity to the Club in all ways!

Dig N Grin:  Lee entertained us with topical humor about hearing loss.

Happy Bucks:  Moha donated $6 for the six goals the Moroccan soccer team scored n the game against Egypt.

Speakers:  Today’s topic is about preserving hearing and cognitive health.  Three speakers from Lake Forest Hearing spoke to us about preserving our hearing cells and how they help their patients with diagnosis, and prevention techniques like timing and rhythm training with musical instruments.  Dr Halvorson, Dr Brennan, and their Patient Care Supervisor, Rachel Foelker, are also available for appointments at a local office in Northbrook.