A little info about me: I’ve been a photo stylist and a field editor for national interior design magazines for about 30 years. My list of clients includes Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home, Veranda, House Beautiful and countless other national publications and books. I also styled the book KITCHEN, showcasing the work of renowned kitchen designer Mick DeGiulio. Several years ago, I wrote and produced an interiors book with photographer Jenifer Jordan. Our book, Been There Shot That, is a playful mix of design advice, inspiration and humor.
A little info about my presentation: I explain what it entails to be a “field editor”, and then focus on my approach to photo styling. Showing images, I talk about styling (accessorizing) bookcases, coffee tables, mantels, etc. I also discuss good ideas I’ve seen for making one’s home live better and be more personal. I believe a successful home is functional, comfortable, beautiful or interesting in some way, and reflects the people that live there. I love to interact with the audience, so I welcome questions, comments, suggestions, whatever.
Guests last week were: Eric Birkenstein’s 3 children—Julia, Scott and Leslie. Thought of the Day was given by Eric and daughter Leslie.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: We have two new members of the club: Bob Thomas, Executive Director of WCH, and Christina Gikas, Executive Director of the Winnetka Youth Organization. Carl Yudell had a birthday. Mark Kotz is celebrating 7 years as a Rotarian and Jean Wright is celebrating 25 years. Tom Nash reminded members of the Rotary’s “ABCs of Rotary” program to be held January 29 at the International Headquarters in Evanston from 2-7:00 PM.
HAPPY BUCKS: Heidi Sibert mentioned that her raffle ticket from the last meeting turned into gift of $290 to her and that she was turning such amount into a gift to Meals Against Hunger, which will turn it into a thousand meals for the needy. Tony contributed in thanks that his son had completed some field work for Xavier University in Jerusalem and was now home safely. Mark Kotz contributed in hopes that people keep donating to charity under the new tax laws. Eric Birkenstein contributed to recognize that two of his children had their first skiing experience and completed a youth ski program successfully. David Grant contributed in thanking David Birkenstein for the great job he’s done in getting speakers for our lunch meetings. Rich Lalley contributed in recognition of an unsolicited gift to Rotary from Robert Kessler.
SPEAKER BOB THOMAS: Bob explained his background, his career with several large companies, and his decision to work for a non-profit organization. He lives in Lake Forest. His staff is in the process of surveying the wants and expectations the local community has of the WCH. Things have changed from the days when the WCH was the only place for families and youngsters to engage in such activities as sports, movies, educational programs—now there are many competing organizations providing such activities. Plus, there’s an increase in two-income parents and a decrease in the number of kids per family. The WCH is trying to change and update its programs to meet the needs of the community. The basketball programs, dance groups, children’s theater and fitness center have very robust activity, but there are other community needs that can be provided by the WCH. Bob gave as an example young adults using the facility as a place to study or just to hangout with friends.
He said that parts of the WCH are 106 years old; that most of the building was rebuilt in 1930 after a serious fire; and that the new addition is now 13 years old. There is renovation needed and he will be addressing that in the near future. He described what happened with the recent fire in a fitness center dryer and the water damage that was done by the sprinkler system. The basement and WYO suffered most of the damage, which was quickly cleaned up. The actual cause of the fire is still unknown, but he is convinced it wasn’t due to any negligence on the part of the WCH or its maintenance staff.
Bob mentioned that the WCH gets no funds from the Village and that it operates primarily on fees and donations. It has just completed a program to change all lighting to LED lights, which will save enough electricity in the next 4 1/2 months to pay for the change. He is working on savings in the substantial heating and cooling expenses of the facility. Recently, the Board voted to close and level the Champion house on the South side of the main building to be used, for the time being, for additional parking. Currently the WCH has only 37 parking stalls. The Champion building was over 100 years old and had recently lost its only tenant.
Basically, Bob and his staff are in the process of finding out what the community wants from the WCH and the intent is to do what is necessary and reasonable in keeping the facility an active and important part of the community—but at the same time collaborate with other local organizations that sponsor similar programs.
Nearly one in five American children live in poverty. More than 400,000 in the Chicago metro area.
For these families, deciding between food, rent, heat and medicine takes priority. Many children have to go without a coat during the cold Chicago winter.
You can help to bring hope,happiness and warmth to children living in need in Chicagoland with the gift of a brand-new winter coat. Your gift will help to improve a child's self-esteem, school attendance and overall wellness.
Our Goal is to Give 500 Children Brand-New Winter Coats Give today at www.operationwarm.org/wnrotary Or send a check payable to WNRCF to Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka IL 60093
We partner with schools and non-profits serving disadvantaged children, including Inner City Impact in Cicero, Holy Family Ministries school in Chicago, Hope Community Church in Chicago, Open Arms Mission in Antioch, Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (holiday gift program), Jewish Council for Youth Services in Highwood and Family Promise Chicago North Shore.
This year, we are also partnering with the Chicago Public Library on an innovative program that gives a new coat at the libratry, bringing children into a library of the first time.
Your donation will go to Operation Warm, our partner since 2009. They provide us with brand-new, high-quality, warm winter coats for our children. Operation Warm is a GuideStar Platinum-rated nonprofit and has helped over 2 million children since 1998.
The video below was sent to us last winter as a gesture of THANKS from Holy Family Ministries.
How many children can you help keep warm this winter?
