Meeting was chaired by our new President, Chuck Norton, and was attended by 17 members, including Bob Baker, Wes, Laura Cunningham, Tom Evans, David Grant, Tony, Marie, Rich, Rob, Chuck, Keith, Fred, Peter, Liz, John Thomas, Barb and Julie Tye.
Thought for the day was given by Tony which was “be brave and love peace”. He also honored Marie, our new Chair of the Club’s Social Justice Committee, and John Lewis, our recently deceased U.S. congressman who served 33 years in the House of Representatives. We had no guests.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Peter Skalski and Tom Evans both celebrated birthdays, both of which had a zero in the number! Appropriate donations were made by both. Rob thanked the Club for placing him on the Club Board and that he was going to chair the Club’s membership committee. He said that we have about 50 members and that he is going to resurrect the mentor program to help recruit and orient new members. He will be surveying Club members for their views on the Club, including what has been working and changes to be considered.
Marie reported that the Club Board approved establishing our Social Justice Committee, which she will chair. Rich Lalley will assist in preparing the Committee’s mission statement.
Rich reminded members that their dues for the 3rd quarter are due in two weeks and that it’s important they be paid on time.
SPEAKER BRIDGET L. DOTSON: Rich introduced Bridget whose bio was contained in the Club’s July 22nd email announcing this meeting. She is the District Coordinator of Social Work for the Waukegan Public School District with administrative responsibility for about 40 School Social Workers. She holds Master Degrees in Education and Social Work with several professional licenses and certifications.
Points made by Bridget were that Black Lives Matter was formed back in 2013 and has shifted its course since; it’s been reported on the Internet that most of the current BLM agenda is supported by 58% of our population; a primary concern of BLM is that law enforcement and the white community do not recognize the historic systematic discrimination against blacks and there is still profiling and targeting going on; white privilege also plays a role in the historical mistreatment of blacks and that whites need to “step out of the box” and treat all races the same; that the BLM movement is also concerned about the treatment of black women who have to suppress their emotions about how they are treated so as to avoid being labeled as “angry women”; and the Country is now in a “revolution” with flags and monuments being destroyed and everyone “wanting to be free”.
Due to some technical problems, the members were able to ask Bridget only a few questions to which she replied as follows: the gang problems in Chicago are due to young blacks resorting to gang membership for their own protection; there is a high degree of hopelessness experienced by these men; that much of the gang conflict is due to their fight to control the drug business in Chicago; that you have to “separate the BLM movement” from these gang problems; there has to be outreach programs for these young people so they won’t be preyed upon by the gangs; poverty, isolation and hopelessness need to be addressed and these young people need to get out of their old neighborhoods. Bridget said that blacks have many more employment opportunities now than they had years ago, but once they are employed she believes that they are not advanced along in position or pay as quickly as others; she said that legalization of marijuana helped decrease the number of young blacks who were imprisoned due to possession of drugs, but that there are reports that show that there are still injustices in our criminal court system based on race and economic conditions.
When asked what our Club could do to solve some of the problems in this area, Bridget said that whites need to admit and recognize that there has been and still is systematic discrimination against blacks in this Country; she suggested that Club members try to do mentoring and outreach on their own such as connecting with and recognizing the worth of black employees they come in contact with in their communities and to show them that we are aware of and concerned about the problem.
Bridget’s comments were recorded and can be accessed by linking on to “ July 23, Bridget L. Dotson, Black Lives Matter.”
After reciting the 4 Way Test, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30.
The New Trier Citizens League, the 105-year-old community caucus for New Trier Township, is seeking interested residents to serve as Township Supervisor and Trustee. Those elected in April 2021 will serve four years with monthly meetings.
The Supervisor and Trustees oversee Township government and participate on advisory committees that allocate grant funding to local social service agencies that provide a variety of services to residents.
The candidate exploration process begins now and culminates in this caucus-slating candidates for the April 2021 Consolidated Election. All Township offices will be on the ballot and elected officials must be registered voters who reside in New Trier Township.
Interested parties or those wishing to nominate an acquaintance should contact New Trier Citizens League President Peter Tyor at (847) 446-2217 or petertyor@gmail.com, with a deadline of August 17, 2020.
About New Trier Citizens League The New Trier Citizens League is a non-partisan community organization made up of volunteers who function as a caucus to slate candidates to serve as Township officials. Secondarily, the Citizens League functions as a watchdog group to provide oversight on behalf of residents to observe the work of New Trier Township. The relationship between the Citizens League and the Township is a partnership wherein members of the Citizens League educate themselves on the business of the Township to assure the Township stays focused on its core mission of providing leadership, advocacy and resources to benefit the physical, mental and social well-being of Township residents.
The Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield has met weekly at the Winnetka Community House since 1924. That streak ended in mid-March, when the club suspended its weekly lunch meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, this did not stop the club from continuing to meet and live up to its well-earned reputation as People of Action. Almost immediately, the club began to meet on Zoom every Thursday at its regular 12:15 time, and the club’s board and committees did so as well.
Over the club’s 96 years, it has undertaken many notable service projects. So, it is no surprise the club quickly responded to the needs of those affected by COVID-19. Supported by donations from members and friends of the club, and a grant from The Rotary Foundation, the club took the following actions:
Supported the local food pantry and provided financial assistance to families experiencing severe financial need through a $5,000 donation to the New Trier Township Angel Fund.
Helped provide infant formula to 50 Chicago area food pantries, shelters and social services through a $3,000 donation to Infant, Inc., a Winnetka based nonprofit.
Supported homeless families and children in foster care by providing weekly meals from Donna Goodman Events (the club’s regular caterer) to Good News Partners in Rogers Park and Lydia Home in Irving Park.
Provided 300 pairs of new children’s shoes from Operation Warm to homeless families served by La Casa Norte of Chicago.
“Rotarians are People of Action who live the long-time Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self’, and our club fits that to a tee,” said Club President Marie Kuipers.
Chuck Norton, President Elect of the club, adds “We have a long history of humanitarian service- locally, in our region, and internationally. We are long term supporters of Rotary International’s work to eradicate polio, we have supported many international humanitarian projects in Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. Every year, we provide hundreds of Chicago area children with the gift of a new winter coat through our Operation Warm project, and for over ten years we have sponsored the large, all-day Kids Against Hunger food packing event at the Winnetka Community House. Our longstanding Community Grants program annually provides financial grants to nonprofits that are nominated by our members and are doing work that aligns with our values.”
Local citizens interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield may join the club’s weekly lunch meetings on Thursday’s from 12:15 – 1:30. Each meeting features an interesting and topical speaker and opportunity to deepen friendships. Learn more at www.wnrotary.org.
Until meetings resume at the Winnetka Community House, email info@wnrotary.org to get the Zoom access link. Membership is open to anyone of good character who is interested in making new friends and taking action to create lasting change in the world.
Attendees: President Marie, President Elect Chuck Norton, Secretary/Treasurer Rich Lalley, David Birkenstein, Eric Birkenstein, Rik Boerjesson, Laura Cunningham, David Grant, Bill Leske, Brooke Peppey, Peter Skalski, John Thomas, Barb Tubekis, Patti Van Cleave
Prepared by: Rich Lalley
The meeting was called to order. As no minutes were prepared for the previous meeting, none were reviewed.
Financial reports for the club and WNRCF were reviewed.
As of June 3, the club has just under $4,000 in cash. Fiscal year to date, the club is running a $3,600 deficit, with about $5,200 in dues yet to be paid by members.
As of June 3, WNRCF has over $38,000 in bank accounts, with $5,600 in funds reserved as prior year restricted donations. Fiscal year to date, the foundation is running a $21,000 surplus. At year end (June 30), donations made for Kids Against Hunger, the Peru school supplies project, RYLA and our Community Grants Fund will be placed in to prior year restricted donation accounts.
Motions we made and passed to accept the Treasurer’s reports.
President Marie announced she has formed a “Social Justice” committee which will meet for the first time June 8. She invited any interested board members to participate.
President Elect Chuck made the following comments during his minute:
Several club members have committed to make donations to our Community Grants fund to help make up for the postponed spring benefit. However, to fully fund the program, we need all members to donate what they would have spent on benefit ticket(s), raffle tickets, etc.
The club needs a President Elect for the next Rotary year. Without someone assuming this position, the club’s future is in jeopardy.
A rousing THANK YOU was made to President “Queen” Marie for her outstanding leadership this past year. All members seconded the sentiment.
Committee Reports:
Membership: John Peterson will be the new Park District head. Patti knows John well and will reach out to confirm he should assume the Park District’s membership.
Programs: John Thomas will continue book a combination of outside speakers and bios to be presented via Zoom through July. John proposed having one or two bios each week we have a speaker in response to the positive reception the bios have gotten from the members. Also, we discussed possibly using video (e.g. Ted Talks on You Tube) to provide interesting speakers.
Foundation: Brooke is preparing files to turn over WNRCF leadership to David Grant on July 1.
District Grant: A committee has been appointed. Based on club survey input, the foundation will use the District Grant to make donations to the New Trier Township Angel Fund and Infant, Inc. A final recommendation on donation amounts after reviewing a detailed financial report of COVID-19 donations and club meal revenue. Rich Lalley will make those donations and submit the District Grant application before the June 15 deadline. A press release will also be issued.
Community Service/COVID Relief: We continue to distribute weekly meals from Donna Goodman to Good News Partners and Lydia Foster Home. We will continue this practice until in person meetings resume. We provided weekly meals from Stormy’s to North Shore Hospital ERs for six weeks, ending May 23. We will not be continuing that program in June. Also, David Birkenstein expressed an interest in exploring a plan to secure naming rights for a Winnetka Park. David will connect with the Park District and Rich will work to get a listing of District 6440 club who have named parks in their communities.
Communications/Bulletin: We will reinstate weekly assignments (Thought of the Day, Dig n Grin, scribe) and include these in the weekly bulletin. TO make scribing easier and promote briefer stories, a meeting notes template will be created. Also, meeting on Zoom will be reordered so those not attending can view them. Links will be included in the weekly bulletin.
International: Peru continues to be shut down, so the school supply program is on hold. The Ecuador grant application has been resubmitted to The Rotary Foundation.
One of the nice features of meeting virtually is that our meetings can be recorded. This of course depends on your meeting host (me) remembering to start the recording (sometimes I'm a bit late in starting it).
As the 2019-20 Rotary Year concludes, please join the millions of beneficiaries of projects funded by The Rotary Foundation in thanking our members who have honored their commitment of Every Rotarian, Every Year, contribute to The Rotary Foundation's Annual SHARE Fund.
These gifts support the local and international work of Rotary Clubs and Districts through District and Global Grants. A significant portion of these gifts support projects of our club like Kids Against Hunger, our COVID-19 response, and our Ecuador "Farm to Table" Global Grant.
To date, our club members have donated a total of $9,951 in the 2019-20 Rotary Year, 99% of our goal of $10,000.
Please thank these 27 Rotarians and friends for already making their annual contribution, especially those in bold who are Paul Harris Fellows:
Sam Badger*+, Bob Baker, Wes Baumann, David Birkenstein*+, Laura Cunningham, Donna Goodman, David Grant*, Heather Higgins, Tony Kambich, Marie Kuipers+, Rich Lalley+, Bill Leske, Robert Mardirossian, Greg Nelson, Chuck Norton+, Felicia O'Malley, Lee Padgitt, Brooke Peppey, Keith Reed,Bob Sanfilippo, Fred Schwimmer+, Peter Skalski, Liz Taylor, John Thomas, Barb Tubekis, Julie Tye, Patty Van Cleave, and Carl Yudell. * signifies a Major Donor+ signifies Paul Harris Society ($1,000 per year)
There are many reasons to give to the The Rotary Foundation:
Contributions support humanitarian and educational projects initiated and run by Rotary Clubs and Districts in six areas of focus- Disease prevention and treatment, maternal & child health, education & literacy, water and sanitation, economic & community development and peace & conflict resolution. Learn more by reviewing the Foundation’s annual report.
Contributions come back to support projects of our club's projects, like our COVID-19 Response efforts, coats for kids, Kids Against Hunger and International grants projects like our Farm to Table eco-agribusiness project in Ecuador, the water and sanitation projects we helped fund for schools in Guatemala and Kenya, and the digital x-ray/community health clinic project organized by District 6440. This year, we received $3,400, and next year we will can receive $3,660. But we must give to receive.
Giving to The Rotary Foundation is an easy way for you to participate in Rotary’s service work beyond our club, providing you a personal connection to this great organization and the good it does throughout the world.
It’s easy to give. You can send a check to “WNRCF” (mark TRF in the memo line) to our club, c/o Bob Baker at Killian Plumbing at 933 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka 60093; you can donate via PayPal by clicking here, or you can donate directly to The Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org or by calling 866-976-8279. One very convenient way to give is by making a recurring monthly gift on your credit card or from your checking account, which you can set up on Rotary’s website.
If you have not already supported The Rotary Foundation this year, please do so now.
If you have any questions about The Rotary Foundation or how to give, contact Rich Lalley.
Helped provide infant formula to 50 Chicago area food pantries, shelters and social services through a $3,000 donation to 
Provided 300 pairs of new children’s shoes from Operation Warm to homeless families served by 
