The meeting was called to order by Co-Chair Greg Nelson at the usual time. There were 20 members present in person and 6 attending on Zoom. We did not have any guests but Safiyyah Hassan was introduced as the new Director of the WCH Youth Organization—she was formerly head of the Youth Organization at the Chicago YWCA.
The “thought for the day” was given by Joe Fell, although he said that it was suggested by a woman “friend” of his—“Men marry women with the hope that they will never change and women marry men with the hope that they will change, but invariably they are both disappointed.”
Greg announced his own 5th anniversary as a member of our Rotary Club.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rich and Joe Nash reported that the Operation Warm concert last Oct. 15th at Valley Lo Club raised $22,000. Joe said that the band was outstanding, everyone there had a great time and he thanked those who volunteered to help at the event. Rich again announced that the Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club is trying to raise $30,000 to buy coats for about 8000 Afghan refugees housed in southern Indiana, and that other Rotary coat programs include kids in Peoria, at 3 libraries in Chicago, Holy Family School in Wilmette, and School District 112 in Highwood.
Barb reminded members of the “Make a Difference Day” on Oct. 23 where her volunteer group will be receiving recycled goods from 9:00 till noon and volunteers are more than welcomed to help.
David Grant reminded members of the $25,000 from the Club Charitable foundation which is available this year for organizations to apply for. Members should notify any organizations that they think should apply to visit our website for more details on how to apply on-line.
Robert Mardirossian announced that the Allan Ramsey's funeral service will be held this coming Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Winnetka Congregational Church.
HAPPY BUCKS: Moha happily gave for Northwestern’s football win this last weekend and he hopes for many more. Wes Bauman contributed his promised $20 for each week that we have at least 20 members physically present at our meetings and we met that goal both last and this week.
DIG N GRIN: Robert Mardirossian did not say anything laughable about the 2021 Cubs, but instead offered to pay money to the Club’s Foundation for the members’ correct answers to some of his World Series Trivia questions, among which were: the two teams who have won the most World Series (Yanks and Cards); teams that have never won a World Series (Brewers, Padres, Rangers and Mariners); years that Cubs have won and lost the Series; etc… Robert’s efforts were certainly appreciated and the members encouraged him to repeat this type of “dig n grin” activity anytime in the future (although he’ll probably make sure Fred is in Florida the next time!)
GUEST SPEAKERS: Dr. Paul Salley and Denise Dubravec (NTHS Superintendent, and Winnetka Campus Principal): The speakers explained how and why the 2021 New Trier graduation exercise was in Soldier Field and how it worked in 2020 with the “drive by” graduation ceremonies. School over the last year has been fully scheduled, but with mandated masking and social distancing. There is a high vaccination rate among the high schoolers, which has kept the numbers of staff and students affected by Covid down around 2 or 3 at a time, but never over 6. Tradition and quality of education at NTHS remain very high with the motto of the school being that student minds are “dedicated to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.” There are currently about 4000 students covering 7 local communities. At school there are over 150 student activity groups which the students themselves give considerable input into their organization and activities. There are about 1600 kids in school sports and about a third of the students take advantage of the School’s many counseling services.
The school construction that took place a few years ago on the SW side and front of the Winnetka campus has worked out in a great way. The current construction plan will improve the East side of the building with new gyms, track and 12 classrooms. The swimming pool improvements will be deferred for now.
ADJOURNMENT: At 1:30, Chair Nelson led the group in the Rotary 4-way test and the meeting was adjourned.
The Winnetka-Northfield Rotary Charitable Foundation annually provides monetary grants to organizations that further Rotary’s mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Applications are accepted each year from October through December. Grant awards are announced in March by our board. Grants range in size from $500 to $5,000, averaging between $1,000 and $2,000. Recipients are eligible for only two awards within a three year period.
Areas of Focus: Our Board is open to reviewing grant applications from any 501(c)(3) organization that has a club member sponsor. Preference will be given to organizations that meet one or more of the following criteria:
· Support people living in need in Chicagoland
· Have operating budgets under $1 million
· Request funding for programs, not general operating expenses
While these areas of focus will guide the board’s decision making, the board may award grants to organizations that meet none of this criteria but have a strong club sponsor and compelling case for support.
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).
