Posted by Wes Baumann
The annual Installation Dinner drew a crowd of 39 persons – 26 members, 12 spouses and Mary Bak, our Assistant Governor.  The evening started with conviviality, helped by wine, beer and a cheese platter.  After a wonderful dinner President Patti announced that there would be a club assembly at the August 3rd meeting.  She then thanked all those who helped at the very successful 1st Annual Winnetka Music Festival.  Patti called up Fred Schwimmer who was presented with his 4th Paul Harris Fellow pin by the Assistant Governor, Mary Bak.  Patti then called up Sam Badger and David Birkenstein to acknowledge their membership in the Paul Harris Society-for those who pledge to contribute $1000 to Rotary International every year.
 
As Patti Van Cleave’s year as our president came to a close she thanked the club for the opportunity to serve this past year.  She singled out Heidi Sibert for her leadership of our club’s “Kids Against Hunger” program, Brooke Peppey for chairing the club’s Foundation for the past several years and Rich Lalley, for his continued involvement in Operation Warm.  Patti stressed the need to make our club more visible in our community as the sad fact is, though she lived in Winnetka since she was 7 years old she did not know there was a Rotary Club until 10 years ago when she became to Executive Director of Winnetka Historical Society.  Patti received a resounding applause from the audience for her leadership this past year.
 
Patti turned over the keys to the “kingdom” (the Rotary closet at the Community House) to president-elect Tom Nash.  Tom was officially installed as our President by AG Mary Bak, who then also installed the club’s 2017-18 Board of Directors.  Tom then gave his opening address where he announced that with only 46 polio cases worldwide this past year, RI is very close to its goal of eradicating polio.  He also reported that Bill and Melinda Gates would continue to support this effort.  Tom also told of reading a book, assigned by the new RI president, Ian H. S. Riseley, that reported that as soon as smart phones are turned on they look for a network.  We humans are similarly ‘wired’ in that we seek to become part human networks and that Rotary provides such a network that allows us all to accomplish great things.  Let us help grow the Rotary network!  Here’s to a GREAT ROTARY YEAR!!! 

THANKS PATTI  -  WELCOME TOM