President Thomas Applegate welcomed everyone (including returning guest Dave Hutchings) and opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. In light of Lyle Staab’s visit and presentation today, Robert Mardirossian shared information about polio and Rotary’s efforts to eradicate it for our thought of the day.
After lunch, Thomas shared a quote from the Dalai Lama for Dig-n-Grin.
Announcements:
Rich Lalley reported at the recent District conference, our Club was recognized for having 100% participation in giving to the Rotary Foundation (Rotary International, not our Club Foundation), as well as having an average gift of over $100 per member. This is the first time our Club has achieved this goal!
Rich also shared that we were the #1 Club in the District in giving to the Rotary Foundation. Rich also recognized David Birkenstein as a major donor and presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Moha Bouacha reminded everyone that we are asking for 100% participation in contributing to the upcoming polio walk, noting that there is a list on the tables of who has given so far. He also noted we are only $450 short of Robert’s generous matching gift. Thomas reminded everyone that registration for the polio walk is available through ClubRunner.
Nancy Krueger shared that the Winnetka branch of North Shore Community Bank is hosting the Chamber of commerce after hours tonight from 5-7pm. All are welcome!
Sean Lawless reported that he’s planning another clean-up day for November 7 at Hubbard Woods station – mark your calendars, more details to come!
Thomas informed the Club that he’ll miss the next two meetings – he’s going on a Habitat for Humanity trip. He has people lined up to facilitate our weekly meetings in his absence and assured us we are in good hands.
Thomas introduced Lyle Staab, past District Governor and champion for Rotary’s efforts to end polio. Lyle gave a history of partnerships, funding, and results of this critical campaign – along with thoughts about the legacy of processes in vaccine development that will aid the world in efforts to eradicate future diseases. For details about this history along with Rotary International’s current efforts, click here.
Lyle also spoke about the upcoming World’s Largest Polio Walk, which aims to raise awareness of Rotary’s efforts to end polio along with general awareness about Rotary International. While walks are planned in 13 locations throughout our District, all will start at 10am. He estimates that over 900 people will participate. He shared an overview of all the different activities going on throughout the District in support of this event – including a post-walk gathering at Sketchbook Brewery in Skokie where this year’s batch of Purple Pinkie beer will be launched.
Our Club is participating in the walk that begins at One Rotary Center in Evanston. More information and registration is available here.
The meeting concluded with our usual recitation of the Four-Way Test.
TEDxWilmette 2026:- On Saturday, September 26, at the Wilmette Recreation Center Auditorium, six amazing speakers will take the TEDxWilmette 2026 stage to share their ideas related to this year's theme: Especially Now. One of the speakers this year is including Mary McLaughlin of Trees that Feed. This year's inspiring talks will delve into human connection, career advancement, food security, and more. You won't want to miss this amazing live event. Purchase your tickets today!
Moha has organized a Rotary Friendship Tour to Morocco to dedicate the Women’s Sewing Co-op in his hometown of Timoulilt.
The trip is planned to accommodate those wishing to attend the Rotary International Convention in Barcellona with runs June 26 – June 30. Convention related expenses are not included.
See full itinerary below. The trip requires 24 travelers and is limited to 32. Our club has an exclusive booking opportunity until September 1. If you are ready to book, a non-refundable but replaceable deposit of $300 should be made to Journey Softly or by Zelle to rick@journeysoftly.com. Full payment is due by April 15.
For more information or questions, contact Moha (m_bouacha@yahoo.com) or Rick Resenfeld (rick@journeysoftly.com) of Journey Travel and the Rotary Club of Glenview Sunrise.
ITINERARY
Thu 6/17
Depart Chicago overnight for Rabat (Air France) or Casablanca (multiple options); no nonstop options.
Fri 6/18
Arrive Casablanca/Rabat; possible stop at Sophia’s home en route. Overnight: Rabat.
Sat 6/19
Sightseeing in Rabat; hopeful joint activity with Rabat Rotarians. Overnight: Rabat.
Sun 6/20
Morning activity in Rabat; afternoon transfer to Beni Mellal. Overnight: Beni Mellal.
Mon 6/21
Rotary project visit — dedication of the Timoulilt Women’s Sewing Cooperative — and possible other visits; transfer to Marrakech. Overnight: Marrakech.
Tue 6/22
Possible Rotary visit; sightseeing in Marrakech. Overnight: Marrakech.
Wed 6/23
Full-day tour of Marrakech. Overnight: Marrakech.
Thu 6/24
Full-day tour of Marrakech and environs, likely including Toubkal/Imlil. Overnight: Marrakech.
Fri 6/25
Morning free; fly back to Chicago or on to Barcelona for the Rotary International Convention.
TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES
• 2 nights hotel in Rabat, 1 night in Beni Mellal, 4 nights in Marrakech, breakfast daily
• 45-seat private coach and private guide throughout
• Sightseeing in each city, including excursion to Imlil/Toubkal from Marrakech
• Water on the coach
• Tips for driver and guide
NOT INCLUDED
• International airfare from/to Chicago
• International airfare Marrakech – Barcelona for convention-goers
• Airport transfers to Rotarian Sophia’s house for early arriver reception, and to Marrakech airport
• Lunches/dinners, unless specified
• Additional sightseeing or services not specified
The 2025–26 Rotary year has come to a close! Thank you to everyone who supported The Rotary Foundation!
Your gifts come full circle—helping fund projects around the world: our club's: Women's Cooperative in Morocco, as well as right here at home, including Operation Warm, our food insecurity programs, and ShelterBox.
We give to receive. Through Rotary every contribution will continue changing lives.
312 626 6799; Meeting ID: 198 435 237; Password: 798428 (note, if asked for User ID, press #).
Reminder- you can give happy bucks, dig n grin, birthday donations and other donations to our foundation at https://wnrotary.org/page/donate/ or by texting DIGNGRIN to 44-321.
The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield is teaming up with The Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Rabat in the capital city of Morocco to establish a women's clothing cooperative in the village of Tomoulilt. This will be a project funded in part with a Rotary Foundation Global Grant (GG#2571461).
The program's objectives are to:
Create a revenue-generating cooperative run by stakeholders of village women/girls;
Empower women to run and manage a long-term sustainable and profitable business operation.
The project funds new equipment and training for the cooperative's participants. Training will encompass technical use of the equipment, entrepreneurial skills, business planning and management, sales and marketing planning, and financial management. The program's vision is to create a self-sustaining long term business enterprise for the participating women in Timoulilt.
Overall program budget is $100,000. The club is seeking cash and District Designated Funds (DDF) support from Rotary Clubs and Districts.
Philip Flores Jr. is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cremation by Water Group, which consists of two divisions: one serving people and one serving pets. Through its hydrolysis care center in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the organization serves families directly as well as in partnership with funeral homes and veterinary professionals. The philosophy extends across all of life: helping families understand their choices, plan thoughtfully, and create a goodbye that reflects the life and relationships that mattered.
Philip’s path to death care began with service. A retired U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, he later became a Trustee of the Wheeling Township Arlington Heights Cemetery and today also serves the Village of Arlington Heights as an Environmental Commissioner. And if you enjoy a good story, ask Philip about his role during 9/11.
Philip is actively involved in advancing education and professional standards throughout death care. He speaks at national conferences for the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA). His association work also includes educating and certifying operators through accredited courses and participating in the accreditation of facilities around the world as one of a small group entrusted with that responsibility.
His commitment to service extends beyond the death-care profession. Philip serves in leadership roles with the Illinois Continuity of Care (COC) and the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), connecting his work with professionals supporting older adults, healthcare, senior living, aging in place, and families navigating important life transitions.
Philip also speaks with community organizations, senior living communities, healthcare professionals, and families about end-of-life planning, costs, disposition choices, memorialization, and the growing number of options available today. His goal is straightforward: give people practical information before they need it, so decisions can be made thoughtfully rather than during a crisis.
His philosophy is simple: How we live matters. How we say goodbye matters. How we leave matters.
And the phrase that best captures his approach: “Doing Death Differently.”
Oct 24, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Central Daylight Time (UTC-05:00)
Walk with us to End Polio Now!
And donate to Rotary International's worldwide work to eradicate polio from the planet. We are close, and your donation will make an impact. Thank you!
Register for the World's Largest Polio Walk starting from One Rotary Center - October 24th at 10:00am
Join us at One Rotary Center in Evanston at 1560 Sherman Avenue to raise
awareness and funds for polio eradication!
The club's board has set a goal of achieving 100% participation in supporting TRF this Rotary Year. To reach this goal, every active member needs to donate a minimum of $25 to The Rotary Foundation. You can do this online by clicking here.
1560 Sherman Avenue
