President-Ken Drummet opened the meeting at 12:17pm and welcomed everyone. Rives Collins shared an inspiring thought of the day about saving starfish washed ashore as an analogy to Rotarians making a difference in other people’s lives from one to many. President-Elect Debra Campbell provided a very punny Dig & Grin.
Announcements included:
- 5K Hope Walk May 9th at 10:00am in Gilson Park to fund support for the unhoused by our club, Wilmette, Evanston Lighthouse and Skokie Valley. $40 individual, $100 family of 4, $20 18 and under. Hope Walk signup link [https://pci.jotform.com/form/260597117044053]
- Moha reported that the trip to Morocco to visit the women’s clothing cooperative in the village of Tomoulilt will be in Spring 2027, not this October. The project is well on its way with the building under renovation and 20 plus women signed up for training.
- Rich Lalley reminded club members of the celebration of life on Friday, April 10th for an exemplary Rotarian, Joe Fell. In Joe’s honor, the club has made his wife Karen Templeton a Paul Harris Fellow and will present her with a certificate and pin.
Robert Mardirossian made an impassioned appeal for club members to match his $500 donation to fund the installation of an AED at the Counseling Center of the North Shore and the Winnetka Thrift Shop. With a projected cost of $1,100, 6 club members quickly pledged the $600 needed.
Northfield Village Board President Tracey Mendrek and Northfield Village Trustee Charles Orth shared the Northfield Centennial celebration on August 22nd. They explored the 100-year history of farming, village formation in 1926, and residential and commercial development. They answered a range of questions about the history of Northfield. Melissa Jewett, Director of Administrative Services, also joined them. The Village has a website dedicated to the Centennial. https://northfield-centennial.org/
Ken closed the meeting with the 4-Way Test.