The meeting was chaired by Bob Baker. There were 15 members present and 3 members
joining us on Zoom. Robert’s Guest was Bruce Seitzer and David’s guest was Paul Getzendanner; Al
Horner (Bill Leske’s guest); and Debra Campbell (a local therapist who was a recent Rotary
speaker).
The following invocation was a special Thanksgiving “thought for the day” composed and
presented by Robert Mardirossian: “Gracious God, during this season of Thanksgiving, we ask
that you keep us mindful of our responsibilities to family, friends, Rotary, our community, our
Country and all countries and all people. We give thanks for the blessings you have so
graciously and generously bestowed upon us. Let us strive to use these blessings to enhance the
lives of others throughout the world and to promote peace in whatever ways we can. Amen. “
Dig N Grin was handled by Fred Schwimmer who presented several questions raised many
years ago by his 1940 Crow Island classmate, Dan Leonard, demonstrating why our English
language is so difficult to understand!! For example—How can a slim chance and a fat chance be
the same? How does a house burn down when it burns up?
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Barb reminded everyone that our November 16th meeting is when we
continue our long standing Thanksgiving tradition of purchasing groceries in bulk and bagging
them to be given to families in transitional housing who are served by Good News Partners in
Chicago’s North of Howard neighborhood. We hope to provide over 150 bags of groceries and
have a fundraising goal of $4,000, so all checks and pledges are still welcome.
The New Trier Swing Choir, Nate Landes (conducting), is scheduled to perform for our
December 7th meeting at the WCH location. This is a great opportunity to invite family, friends
and potential Club members to hear outstanding seasonal music.
Rich welcomed help/participation from Club members to pass out coats and books to needy
Chicago youth at the Budlong Woods Library on Nov. 11th from 12:30-3:00 pm and at the
Uptown Library Branch on Nov. 26th from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Contact Rich for
more details.
HAPPY BUCKS: Moha Bouacha was happy to announce that his Moroccon preschool project
raised $600. Bob Baker was happy due to his daughter’s recent career change which will benefit
her in the long run. Robert was happy to have his good friend, Bruce Seitzer, attend today’s
Rotary meeting.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES: Tony had a birthday on Nov. 1; Jeanne Beckman
became a Club member 35 years ago, Lee Padgitt 30 years ago, Rich Lalley 19 years ago, and
Dave Birkenstein 14 years ago.
SPEAKER Susan Resko, CEO and President of the Josselyn Center (hereafter JC) was
introduced by David Grant who said that in recent years the JC has provided
about 50% of all not-for-profit mental health services in New Trier Township. Susan reported that JC has been providing such services on the North Shore for over 70 years. It’s main facility is in Northfield
(just north of Starbuck’s and the Northfield restaurant). It has similar facilities in Waukegan,
Highland Park, Northbrook, and has just recently taken over the Stepan Company office building
in Highwood. It’s clinical services are fully accredited and include therapy, Psychiatry, Supported
Employment and a walk-in clinic. It’s services are covered partially by Medicaid and Medicare
and it offers a sliding fee scale based on income eligibility. It also has a camp for specialized
adolescents and kids 7 to 16 years old.
40% of its patients are under 30 years of age. It has an “Intensive Outpatient Program” for
young people who require more than just weekly therapy. Depression, self-esteem and suicide
prevention are important treatment programs. The Northfield facility (also referred to as the
“living room”) is open daily from 7 am to midnight to serve young people. The Highwood
facility is also referred to as “The Illinois Trust Services of Highwood” and it appeals to many
migrant children who are trying to adjust to a new community and have language problems. JC
has approximately 40 bilingual staff members to help the communication process.
More information about JC can be found on the website “Josselyn Center.org” and click on
“About Us”.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm with the recitation of
the Rotary 4 Way Test.