Steve Goranson called our weekly hotel server, Carmello, to the podium and presented him with a holiday gratuity in thanks for his much valued assistance with food service and other matters.

 

Steve Carlson updated the club on the results of the holiday sales to date, stating that 2015 sales exceeded those of 2014 and that we will make our target for net proceeds to support our service projects.

 

Ken Green announced the cash donation of $5,000 from one of his customers who values the work done by the club.  Ann Searles presented Ken with a gift of wine and a Rotary mug for having surpassed her as the club’s lead sales person this year.

 

 

Steve Carlson acknowledged that there have been problems with the oranges this year and that the supplier has been contacted.  Members are asked to first make a personal reimbursement to any dissatisfied customer and then submit written documentation (an email exchange with the customer) to the club for reimbursement.

 

Additional Trail Mix is available for continued sales, and floral products can be sold through Dec. 24.

 

John Osterlund noted the passing of former club member Jim Grumley, who had left Evanston Lighthouse to join the club in Rogers Park.

 

Linda Gerber received her first Paul Harris award and was congratulated for having been so generous so soon after joining the club.

Helen Oloroso boasted Linda Gerber for having achieved her first Paul Harris award so soon after receiving her blue badge as a new member.

 

Visiting Rotarian Charlie Kogan was recognized by several members for his many contributions to the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club as a past member.  Don Gwinn told the club about Charlie’s involvement in the International Service committee, setting up a health clinic in northern Togo (his wife’s home country).  Rotary International recognized Charlie by featuring him on the cover of the Rotarian magazine.  Ann Searles recounted Charlies’ tennis lessons given to local children who would not otherwise have had the resources to learn the sport.

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A broadcast journalist from Chicago. Jennifer Wiegel started in radio (WLUP, WLS-AM, WGN-AM) moving to television (WGN-TV, WBBM-TV, WMAQ-TV) covering everything from sports, news, and features. She executive produced and hosted a food and wine show for NBC called “Taste” for 2 years and won an Emmy Award for her on-camera reporting with CBS.

 

Her column,”Lessons for Life,” ran in the Chicago Tribune from 2010-2014. She was Executive Producer of video content for the Tribune, along with contributing to lifestyles, travel, food, and the Remarkable Woman column from 2010-2015.

 

She has written three books: Stay Tuned, I’m Spiritual, Dammit!, and This Isn’t the Life I Ordered. 

 

Her one-woman show, “I’m Spiritual, Dammit!” had three successful runs on the Chicago stage. She is now the host of “Conversations with Weigel: A Series Exploring Spiritual Enlightenment” at the Wilmette Theatre.

 

Jennifer’s key points are that we are all connected and, as a result, we are usually where we are meant to be.  There is always a way to make good results from the situation we’re in.  She urges everyone to keep track of “weird” things that happen and realize that probability cannot always explain coincidence.

 

She cited Dr. Mary Neal, whose book, To Heaven and Back, greatly influenced Jennifer’s belief in near death experiences.  Another author, Baptist de Pape, (The Power of the Heart:  Finding Your True Purpose in Life) led Jennifer to conclude that the heart projects positive memories, attracts

opportunities, and absorbs other peoples’ energy.

 

Jennifer’s infectious optimism and strong beliefs were a relevant message for the holiday season.