Thirty-three of our members were in attendance at this week’s meeting.  We had no guests.  As Rotarians we need to remember that we must constantly be on the alert for possible new members.  You can bring a potential new member as a guest without having to pay for the lunch for three meetings.  Keep your Rotary antenna up!
 
President Bob handed out a sign-up sheet for four fundraising Rotary runs.  He also reminded the members of the 911 Remembrance at the Community House on Friday.  Bob mentioned that on September 27 we would have a booth at the Northfield Farmer’s Market to advertise our presence in the community where we will feature some of our projects.  There will be sign-up sheets on the 18th and 25th to volunteer to work at the Farmer’s Market, which is located on Happ Road across from New Trier’s Northfield Campus.
 
Kristen Leahy reported that over $350 had been collected for our fall community service project where the club will be buying treats and fresh vegetables for our local fire and police departments as a way of saying “thanks” for their service to Winnetka and Northfield.  This project was held in conjunction with the Volunteer Center.
 
John Thomas urged the members living in Winnetka to complete the Caucus Survey.
 
We celebrated Todd Stephens 16th and Tony Kambich’s 35th anniversary in Rotary as well as Heather Higgins birthday.
 
Tim McCabe, Executive Director of the Winnetka Community House and a club member, presented the day’s program.  He gave us a sneak preview to the WCH’s “Second Century Campaign.” 
 
In the southwest corner of the property, just west of the Arches Garden they will be installing a Children’s Garden.  The purpose is to follow the national movement to get children outside.  The Cornflakes program and other children’s programs will be able to access the garden, plant seeds, watch them grow and hopefully harvest the results. 
 
Tim had placed sketches prepared by the Chalet Nursery on the tables so members could follow along.  The garden will include a small greenhouse, raised planting beds, gathering areas for ‘garden talks’ and stories.  Among those who the Community House is consulting with are the Kohl’s Children Museum, Jeanne Pinsof Nolan, an organic gardener who spoke to our club last April and Connie Yonan, a Winnetkan who is noted for her butterfly garden.  Additionally, shrubs and perennials will be part of the plan.  It will also include an area that will be ideal to take wedding pictures. 
 
The garden project is expected to cost in the area of $250,000.  Tim promised to come back soon and give the rest of the details on the Second Century Campaign, though he did say that Room 101, our regular meeting place other than the summer, will be refurbished and be air-conditioned.