There were 34 members in attendance as well as two visiting Rotarians and two guests. The visiting Rotarians were Penny Fields from Highland Park and Arnie Klein from the Wilmette Noon club. The guests were former member Roberta Rubin, who owned the Book Stall at Chestnut Court for many years; she was the guest of David Birkenstein. Our other guest was Brian Schmisek a Winnetka resident and an administrator and professor at Loyola University; he was brought by Wes Baumann.
President’s Comments: Ellen Young, our District Governor, will be joining us on October 2 for her official visit to our club. Preceding our regular meeting she will meet with the officers and board of directors at 10:30 a.m. Our president participated in the Glenview Sunrise’s 5K run. We were proud to learn that he finished in second place for his age group, until he confessed that there were only two in his age group. Bob also reminded the Club that it is important that we all keep alert for potential new members. Our program, in cooperation with the Volunteer Center to honor our local fire and police departments was a big success. Bob mentioned that we received a nice thank you note from Northfield Police Chief, Bill Lustig. The Club’s thanks go out to our community service leaders Barb Tubekis and Kristen Leahy.
Rich Lalley said that our club has raised $4000 for Operation Warm, enough to buy over 200 coats, and we still have over two more months to collect contributions for this project to provide new warm coats for children whose families are struggling financially. Last year our club supplied over 700 coats so we do have a way to go. Marie Kuipers is still looking for members to volunteer to serve on one of the Club’s numerous committees. Jeanne Beckman returned after an extended absence and said she plans to return to chair the Literacy Committee. Patti Van Cleave extended an invitation from Lori Dillon, our September 4th speaker, to attend a reception on October 5th in Lake Forest for Eric Peasah from Ghana, the head of Right to be Free, a NGO that is fighting human trafficking in Ghana.
Tim McCabe and Fred Schwimmer celebrated their 5th and 2nd club anniversaries. Happy Buck$ this week came from Mark Kotz, Fred Schwimmer and Tom Nash.
Our speaker for the day was Richard Davidson, an author and publisher. He spoke on how life is full of the unexpected and how your life is a result of the decisions you made both expected and unexpected. Dick gave a brief autobiography to use himself as an example of what he was talking about. He was an engineering graduate from MIT with not much self-confidence due to not graduating in the top half of his class. It was not until he was working as an engineer for Bell & Howell with their filmstrip projectors that he realized how well prepared he really was. He eventually went into business for himself. After retirement he became interested in writing. Dick is a Past President of the Off-Campus Writers' Workshop, the oldest ongoing writers' group in the U.S. He loved Agatha Christie mysteries and so he decided to write a mystery. He has written a five volume mystery series based on the petitions in the Lord’s Prayer. Dick said his goal was to write 20 books before his last breath. He has written at least one novel each year since 2009. His ‘loving’ son told him to slow down.
Please find a substitute if you are unable to fulfill your assignment; Just call or e-mail a fellow member and ask him/her to sub. Tom Evans - tom.evans527@gmail.com- who chairs the service committee, will confirm assignments. Sgt. at arms helps set up and store our stuff, please come 15 minutes early and be prepared to stay a few minutes after the meeting; Greeter greets and announces names of visiting Rotarians and guests; Thought of the Day can be spontaneous or read from a script; Dig 'n Grin can make us laugh or think seriously.
Your contribution will help us provide new winter coats to needy children in Chicago and on the North Shore.
Again this year, we ill be bringing the happiness and warmth of new Operation Warm winter coats to children living in need in the Chicago metro area. In 2013, our club provided new coats to 780 children. This year, our plans are to provide coats to children served by several local organizations:
Inner City Impact who serve youth from low income families in Cicero and Chicago.
When children have a new coat, their self-esteem gets a boost and they are empowered to attend school and partake in outdoor play on cold winter days. This simple and inexpensive gift does so much for a child.
Only through the generosity of our members and their network can we accomplish our goal for providing new coats to 700 or more area children. Please donate generously; each $20 gift allows another child to receive the gift of warmth.
You may donate online via PayPal or by check made payable to Winnetka Northfield Rotary Charitable Foundation (WNRCF) sent to 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka IL 60093.
Our Club's Charitable Foundation is now accepting Community Grants applications for funding for the 2014-15 funding year. Applications are due by November 30, with grants to be awarded in March, 2015. Our Foundation typically funds about 15 organizations, both local and international. Applicants are required to have a club member as a sponsor of their organization. This person can be a board member, volunteer or donor to the organization. Grants are typically $500-2,000. A list of last year's recipients is below.
Don't forget to bring toiletries with you to lunch to donate to the Food Pantry. They are especially in need of full-size shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and dental floss. Paper goods like paper towels, toilet paper and Kleenex are always welcome.
Next time you're at the store, pick up something extra for the New Trier Township Food Pantry.
Again this year, we ill be bringing the happiness and warmth of new