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We meet In Person

Thursdays at 12:15 PM

Meeting with Zoom during the health crisis. Email info@wnrotary for log-in info.

620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
United States of America

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October 15 Meeting Summary

President Chuck Norton chaired the meeting commencing at 12:16.

Guests: We did not have any special guests other than our speaker, Steve Rauschenberger.

David Birkenstein offered the Thought for the Day: “Thank goodness that we live in this wonderful nation.”

Announcements:
President Norton: David Grant was not able to attend today, but wanted to remind everyone that agencies can fill out applications on-line now for a community grant from our Winnetka-Northfield Rotary Foundation.

Robert Mardirossian: Robert will be making membership phone calls over the next 3 weeks

Rich Lally: Thank you all for your Operation Warm Donations. We will be ordering

coats on October 31. Please send in your donations by check to the Club Address. Make the checks out to WNRCF and place in the memo line “Operation Warm.” Alternatively, you can donate on-line using the link on our website. Each $18 donation buys a warm coat for a child that really needs it for this winter.

We did not have either happy bucks or Dig and Grin today.

Today’s speaker: John Thomas introduced Steve Rauschenberger. Steve was a former State Senator from 1992-2007. As a Senator, he was chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committees.

Steve’s topic was the Opposing View on the “Fair Tax Amendment.”

Our 1970 State Constitution authorized an income tax but gave all the citizens of Illinois the protection of a one rate system. A number of other states that had progressive systems are moving towards a one flat rate system. Taking this protection out of the Illinois Constitution is handing a blank check to the politicians to tax our most productive citizens. As shown in Connecticut and New York, those citizens can easily leave Illinois and move to Wisconsin and Indiana and other states where the taxes will be lower. As the system currently exists, 35% of the tax revenue is paid by the top 2% of wage earners.

Illinois citizens are already among the most highly taxed citizens of our country (when all taxes are considered), yet Illinois still has enormous budget problems. Our pension plans are so underfunded that even if all the revenue raised by Illinois over the next 5 years was poured into the pension plans, those plans funding rate would only be moved from 47% to 72%. The Fair Tax Amendment is not a solution, it is only a Band-Aid. It will not fix Illinois’ problems.

Illinois needs a comprehensive solution to its financial problems which must include pension reform and other budget cuts as well as revenue raising. If people perceive a tax system as fair, they will participate. If they perceive the tax system as unfair, they will not participate—they will work harder to avoid the taxes or simply leave the State of Illinois.

As the Illinois politicians have proven time and time again since the Democrats obtained control of both the House and the Senate, “Trust Me” will not generate a solution to Illinois’ financial problems. The Illinois politicians and the Fair Tax Amendment are like a teenager with a 12 pack of beer asking for the keys to the car.

October 8 Meeting Summary:

Posted by Patti Van Cleave

Chuck – opened meeting, 22 in attendance.

Thought of the Day: Eric – Focus on another part of the world: Africa

Birthday: Felicia O’Malley

Rich – Operation Warm fundraising underway – donate by check to our foundation or online on our website

Barb – community needs committee is meeting with local clubs and connecting with local organizations.

Tony – Uganda – so many have benefitted from Rotary’s efforts in Uganda.

Dig N Grin: Tony shared several anecdotes on contemporary life

Program: DG Lyle Staab –

Spoke to RI President and this year’s theme: Rotary Opens Opportunity. Theme is debuted in January at International Conference.

Once COVID hit in March, leadership had to evaluate how to proceed. Presidents training in our district ended March 8. On the 12^th, at a monthly meeting of district leadership, they cancelled RYLA. They told clubs to cancel in-person events. Many events cancelled, including District Conference and Lyle’s Installation. Also the Annual Convention in Honolulu.

Enacted a travel ban through December; Rotary employees are all working remotely.

District paid for Zoom for each club; clubs were up and running shortly.

RI gave $25K to be given for COVID relief – they gave to two food banks.

Now, we are still adapting – and finding opportunities. Here are some things to embrace:

Jennifer Jones being nominated as first woman RI President
District Chair is Mark Gibson – looking for activities in this area
Vocational Service and more – pilot project called The Rotary Network (therotarynetwork.org)
Alliance between Rotary and Toastmasters

District is being creative in ways to grow membership and fundraising. They are helping clubs to network and share ideas. Also helping clubs to find new ways to serve the community and engage families. And grow clubs through new clubs or satellite clubs.

Holger’s requests:

Consider new models for clubs (satellite)
Have a strategic vision meeting once a year
Select new members carefully. Be sure to engage them and make sure that they are a good fit.
Donate to End Polio Now. Host a World Polio Day event on October 24.

Lyle’s Challenge to Clubs: AIM

Adapt
Invite
Matter

Questions followed. The meeting was adjourned at 1:22PM.

Community Grant Application Now Available

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 15th until December 25th. 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.

Our grant application can be found here.

Time to Support Our Operation Warm Project

Over the last two years, our community's generosity made it possible for over 2,300 children living in need to receive a new winter coat from our club. Member contributions and our Operation Warm Benefit Concert gave Chicago area children brand new coats. Here is a list of the organizations that received these coats, because of you.

Several Chicago Library Branches
Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook Holiday Gift Program
Open Arms Mission food pantry in Antioch
Holy Family Ministries school in Homan Square
Asian Youth Services in Albany Park
Hope Community Church Head Start in Austin
Stand Down Day Chicago supporting homeless veterans and their families
Grandparents and Kins Raising Children- Lake County
Learner Charter School in North Chicago

The public health crisis prevents us from holding a live benefit concert this year. It also has resulted in the COVID recession and more families in need. Our program matters now more than ever.

We're asking members and friends of the club to make tax-deductible donations to support our club’s Operation Warm program. We’ve already committed to sponsoring one Chicago library program this year, and hope to support two. And the nonprofits listed above rely on our support for the children they serve.

Make your contribution now at www.operationwarm.org/wnrotary. Checks should be made payable to WNRCF and mailed to Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, IL 60093.

Thank you for your past support and for caring about children and families living in need. Your contribution means more kids receive the warmth, confidence and hope that comes with a new winter coat!

October 1 Meeting Summary:

Posted by Rich Lalley

Past President Marie Kuipers chaired the meeting.

Laura Cunningham offered a Thought of the Day:
From Ed Rendell, former governor of Pennsylvania:

"For my part, I make this pledge to you: The politics of division, of pitting east against west, urban versus rural, region against region, and people against people will have no place in my administration.”

Guests: Kathy Tate-Bradish from the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club and League of Women Voters, Betty Hayford from the League of Women Voters, and Barb Tubekis’s brother, Gary Martin.

We also welcomed member Felicia O’Malley back to our meeting after a long absence.

There were no birthdays or anniversaries to report.

Fred welcomed Kathy and Betty of the League of Women Voters and pointed out that his mother, his wife Ellie, and Joe Fells’ wife Karen have been long time active members of the League.

Barb reported that she has had an initial meeting with the Rotary Club of Wilmette to begin planning for a community needs assessment. Other members are invited to join this multi-club committee.

Barb also reported that the “twinning” project between the Volunteer Center and a volunteer center in England is about to begin. This project will pair “elder” citizens from both communities together to share experiences and develop friendships. Rich, Wes and Marie have volunteered to participate. Anyone else interested should contact Barb.

Happy Bucks-

Our speaker Kathy is happy that she will be babysitting twin grandsons after our meeting.
John Peterson is happy for the role John Thomas played in planning the Winnetka Lake Front Master Plan, which is making great progress. Video updates can be seen on the Park District’s web page.
Marie is happy that he “trigger thumb” has been surgically repaired.

Dig ‘n Grin- David Birkenstein shared some humorous observations about the Chicago Bears.

Program: The League of Women Voters provided arguments in favor of the proposed graduated state income tax that is on this fall’s ballot. A contrary argument will be made at our October 15 meeting. Arguments include:

The state needs more revenue. Spending cuts cannot solve the pension liabilities and spending on core state services are down substantially over several decades.
The current flat tax system is unfair, poses too big a burden on those with low incomes, and does not raise enough money. Low income people currently pay a far greater percentage of their incomes in taxes (all taxes) than higher income tax payers.
The ballot proposal does not increase taxes on anyone making $250,000 or less. It is unlikely that the legislator would subsequently raise taxes on middle class taxpayers due to political concerns.
History in other states and in Illinois suggests that few millionaires will leaves the state as result.
To see the entire presentation, click here.

September 24 Meeting Notes

President Chuck Norton chaired the meeting.

Guests: We did not have any special guests but we had a special person: John Peterson joined us from the Park District

Birthdays: Liz Taylor’s birthday will be September 27.

Anniversaries: Robert Mardirossian has been a Rotarian for 27 years

Announcements:

Terry Dason: The Farmers’ Market is being extended to Nov. 7 and needs your help. You can help out in 2 hour segments 8am-10am or 10am to Noon. You can also help set up at 6:30am. There are lots of jobs!
Rich Lally: Rich is trying to set up a virtual auction and virtual concert to benefit Operation Warm. Call him for details.
Barb Tubekis: We are looking for help on our “Twinning Event.” Our US group will be teamed up with a group in England. It will be holding conversations with the elderly in a reach across the pond.
Barb is also working on “Make a Difference Day” at Wilmette Junior High collecting items for Charity. Save the date and time:October 24 from 9am to 12 noon.

Dig and Grin: Rich Lally entertained us with Corona-19 Virus jokes and puns

Speaker: Terry Dason from the Chamber of Commerce was our speaker on “What is the Chamber doing Today?”

The Chamber has been busy working with local businesses to learn the Covid-19 regulations.

The Farmer’s Market has shown a huge growth in participation and use.

October 2 will feature a Music Outside Fun Event.

Three new Mexican restaurants are joining the town.

The Chamber has been sponsoring “Business for Breakfast” on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month that has been very successful.

Unfortunately, Café Aroma and Little Ricky’s are gone. The taxes are forcing up rents which are forcing out businesses. Some of the problem lies with the new assessor who has forced a large increase in taxes paid by the commercial properties.

REMEMBER: Think local and buy local!

September 17 Meeting Notes

Posted by Keith Reed

President Chuck Norton called the meeting to order around 12:15 PM. There were 24 members present on Zoom, plus guest speaker Chris Rintz. Due to Chris’ schedule, he spoke first on the topic of future “challenges and opportunities facing Winnetka.”

Chris reported that the financial picture in the Village has been fairly stable considering the impact of the virus and other restrictions. He said that the various departments in the Village have found ways of cutting costs, and with the $150,000 received under the CARES Act, the Village’s budget is close to being balanced.

Regarding closing and opening of local businesses, Chris reported the following: the Village and the Union Pacific are considering development ideas for part of the Indian Hill parking lot and the train station; someone is pursuing the idea of a restaurant to replace the closed gas station on the SE corner of Green Bay Road and Winnetka Avenue; Buon Giorno in the Laundry building is closing but is opening a “grab and go” food service in a nearby location; a Mexican food restaurant, LaTequiza, will move into the old Buno Giorno space; a housewares store will probably replace the Starbucks store; the Savocchi space has been purchased by owners of Mino’s for another restaurant; the owner of Sophia’s in Wilmette is looking at another location on Spruce; Little Ricky’s and Café Aroma both closed due to rental costs, but Home Town Coffee is planning on taking the Café Aroma space and Little Ricky’s will probably be filled by a Taco/Tequila type restaurant run by someone with involvement in similar Naples restaurants, as well as PFChang; there is a pain management service moving in on Lincoln Avenue; Chris reported that the West Elm “street scaping” project has worked out very well with the residents using both the businesses and the new benches—he said that a similar “street scape” project has been approved for the East side of Elm Street in the near future.

In Hubbard Woods the former Antique Mall is being replaced with a vegan restaurant and the Boris building will also be getting a new restaurant from someone who has similar operations in Chicago’s West loop area; there may be a Japanese restaurant going into the former O’Neils restaurant location and a furniture design operation may be taking over the old Crème de la Creme space.

In response to questions, Chris reported that the Village restaurants Tocco, Local 501 and Fred’s have done very well so far this year; that the Village Music Fest is still being considered for later this Fall or maybe postponed until next summer; that Kaehler Luggage does have a rental dispute with its landlord and they are in negotiations trying to keep Kaehler from moving out of the Village; that there is a “tax rebate” program now in effect for local businesses in the amounts of $2500 to $10,000 and that local businesses should check to see if they would be eligible for same.

Chris was asked about the One Winnetka project and basically he reported that it is a very complicated problem with tough legal, loan, foreclosure and creditor issues that will eventually be decided in the courts. In answer to a question about clearing the entire area until these issues are resolved, he quickly said that is not an option because of what it would cost the Village and its residents.

The members were very appreciative of Chris’ informative presentation and then returned to the regular agenda.

BIRTHDAYS: Terry Dayson was not present but became one year older notwithstanding! Robert Mardirossian not only celebrated a birthday but his wedding anniversary is 2 days after his birthday and he therefore contributed $100 to the Club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Connie announced that her employer, CIBC, is reopening its Winnetka branch next week. Barb announced an interactive program with a partner volunteer center in England where 3 categories of residents (groups for 60, 70 and 80 year olds) will correspond/communicate with similarly situated people in this Country (similar to the old “pen pal” programs, but with computers). She needs the names of those members interested by the week of Sept. 21, if possible.

HAPPY BUCKS: Patti donated due to her recovery from illness and how much she appreciates her Rotary friends. Rich donated in honor of Bill Gates Sr. who recently passed away and who made major contributions to Rotary’s project of eradicating polio worldwide. Rich also noted that a Wheeling Rotarian (Jack Blane) was instrumental in getting Gates’ support for the polio project.

DIG N GRIN: Wes made us older members all feel better by listing several advantages of getting old: e.g. we don’t have to buy new clothes because our old ones will never wear out; we are finally getting our money’s worth for all the health insurance premiums we’ve paid in the past; and if captured by terrorists we’d be the first hostages to be released!!

The meeting ended at 1:10 PM with Chuck reciting the “4 Way Test”.

Meeting Recordings

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).

Here are links to view our recent meetings: