The meeting in the Winnetka Community House was opened at 12:17 by President Tom Nash. The “Thought for the Day” came from Robert Mardirossian filling in for John Stone. He noted next Monday was Memorial Day and we should all think of a prayer for those who gave their lives that America has stayed safe. It was followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Liz Taylor.
Lunch was served at 12:24 and the meeting started at 12:36. 30 of our 51 members were in attendance. Two guests were introduced. First was Bob Sanfillipo a guest of David Grant and a candidate for membership. Second was Randy Gay from Cleveland and a friend of Robert Mardirossian. A semi-tuneful Happy Birthday was then harmonized for Rik Boerjesson.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Nash noted the results of our annual May 11 W/N Rotary Club benefit will be provided next week. He also reminded us that the Winnetka Music Festival will be here June 15-16 and volunteers are needed. Please see Patti Van Cleave if interested.
Rich Lalley noted he was at the Carol Stream club and presented a Paul Harris award to Darrell Mtzplfk. He also said that club had contributed $600 to the Haiti project, plus he has pledges from six other clubs to do the same. Lastly Rich noted the end of May is the end of the Rotary year. He urged members to send modest contributions to the RI Foundation so we have a 100% participation as has been the case for some years now.
Bob Baker made mention of the mini-book artifact and thanked all who participated in its successful launch. Barb Tubekis made mention of a well-attended recent Volunteer Luncheon and Robert Mardirossian said attending a recent Cubs game with friends, including his guest from Cleveland was almost memorable.
John Thomas thanked both the Rotarians who sent him the signed get-well card as well as the WYO folks who sent flowers. However, he did note rumors of his demise were indeed unfounded.
INDUCTION: President Tom announced the induction of Laura Cunningham into Rotary membership. Her sponsor is Marie Kuipers. He did the formal reading of the induction ceremony followed by heartfelt welcoming applause.
SPEAKER : Co-speakers were Rebecca Wolf, the Director of the Winnetka/Northfield Library and her Assistant Director, Emily Compton-Dzak. Ms. Wolf detailed the state of the massive renovation at the Winnetka library location which is due for a “Grand Opening” on Saturday, June 23. She said the changes are aimed at:
- improving customer service with do-it-yourself check out
- automated check-in of books
-new study rooms designed for a variety of uses
-greatly improved lighting throughout.
Ms. West noted the Library is open for use now as the final stages of the renovations are being done.
Ms. Compton-Dzak gave a rundown of eight books the staff suggests make excellent summer reading. They are The Power, Circe, The Broken Girls, The Future Thief, Semionics, White Hours, The Girl Who Smiled Beads and Manhattan Beach.
The meeting closed at 1:31 p.m. with a recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Pledge.