The Light for May 12, 2015 (May 14, 2015)

Meeting Notes from May 12, 2015

President-Elect Steve Goranson called the meeting to order.

Announcements

Steve Goranson and Marv Edelstein reported that Harold Bauer is doing well after knee surgery.

Steve Goranson reported that the next Board meeting will be held on Monday June 1, at Harold’s house.

Steve Goranson noted that last week’s call for contributions for Nepal was successful at a total of $570. He also called for donations at today’s meeting. If today’s donations amount to at least $400, the club will be able to donate two shelter boxes. Steve explained the contents of the shelter boxes – in summary, household items that can support 10 people. He also noted that the concept of the shelter box was developed by a Rotarian.

Steve Goranson reported that the club was at 64% in Rotary Foundation contributions. He stressed the importance of giving to the foundation, given that the club receives back 2.5 times the amount donated. These are funds that help the club conduct many of its community and international projects.

Steve Goranson mentioned that the Rotary Club of North Chicago is requesting nominations for the Rotary Humanitarian Patriot Award to be presented at a ceremony on Friday evening, June 12, at Rosalind Franklin University – Rhoades Auditorium in North Chicago. The candidate should be an individual or entity from your community who has set an example of extraordinary commitment in the area of humanitarian support for United States Armed Forces Veterans and/or their families. Must be submitted no later than May 27 to kevin@realcapitalpartners.com.

Bill Glader gave an update on the June 14 Fundraiser, mentioning several sponsorships by club members. He also mentioned several options to pay for the event – including by check and PayPal.

Ann Searles announced that she has two tickets for a musical concert on June 1 at the Harris Theater in Chicago's Millennium Park. Tickets are $26 each. She will auction them at next week’s meeting, giving members time to check their calendars.

Ann Searles thanked those who volunteered from our club at the 17th annual Evanston Aging Well conference held Friday May 8. They were Dale Bradley and son Alec, Joan Borg, Lesley Peters, Nancy Phillips, John Searles, Linc Janus and wife Myra, Elaine Clemens, Charlotta Koppanyi and husband Mui. She also mentioned Debi Genthe who will probably join our club since she has been a Rotarian before moving here (executive director of Evanston Meals at Home).

Randy Usen announced that Zbig Skiba and he will be making a presentation entitled “Increasing the Value of Your Business” on May 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Bank & Trust branch at Dempster Street and Crawford Avenue in Skokie.

Steve Goranson announced that the rankings for the community grant proposals were due to Neil Gambow by Monday, May 11. The meeting to discuss and decide on the grant awards is going to be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Julianne Dieterich's, 2734 Noyes St.

Sergeant at Arms: Boasts & Roasts

Steve Seiber boasted his son on the occasion of his graduation from Loyola University.

Susan Prout boasted her son for graduating from college on time with a business degree.

Nancy Phillips boasted her son for being hired as a researcher at the Harvard Medical School.

Bruce Baumberger boasted the club for the communication via The Light while on vacation for three weeks.

Lesley Peters boasted her son for opening up a new restaurant in the Evanston area.

Don Gwinn reported on the progress of the activities for Rebuilding Together. He may have to return one more time to finish the work due to the rain last week.

Elaine Clemens boasted Ann Searles for her participation at the Aging Well Conference.

Ken Green quizzed the attendees on geography trivia.

Program

Presentation by Keith Sarpolis on Solidarity Bridge: Bolivia

Keith Sarpolis indicated that Solidarity Bridge: Bolivia is a faith-based organization providing medical care services to the indigenous population in Bolivia, principally in the Cochabamba area. The organization started in 1999. Keith noted that the effectiveness of the organization lies in the fact that it has “boots on the ground.” Indeed, the organization has its staff in Cochabamba identifying needs and facilitating the delivery of the services.

Keith also remarked on the political and the economic situation in Bolivia. He mentioned that Evo Morales, the president, is on his third term and has allocated significant resources from Bolivia’s extensive natural gas reserves toward social needs resulting in a significant reduction in the poverty rate.

Keith described the Bolivian health care system and its lack of focus on treating chronic conditions. There are no primary care physicians. The health insurance system is mostly non-existent except for young children and the elderly. He also noted that mis-diagnoses occur for conditions that are routinely diagnosed in the US. He also remarked that a lot of the medical school students in Bolivia are from neighboring Brazil.

Keith shared several photos from his recent trips highlighting the various activities in which the group participated. He noted that both the surgeon and the pediatrician were very busy, with the surgeon having additional duties teaching.

Keith mentioned that many Bolivians require pacemakers due to the prevalence of Chagas Disease, caused by an insect, that starts with a fever and can result in heart disease for as long as 15 years later. This condition makes the field of cardiology a much needed one.

Next trip is scheduled for October to a different part of Bolivia.

Keith and Steve

Visitors and Milestones

Visiting Rotarians:

None.

Other Guests:

John Morrison

Guest of John Osterlund

Michael Merdinger

Guest of Keith Sarpolis

Kathy Tate-Bradish

Guest of Ann Searles

Birthday:

Steve Steiber, May 15

Club Anniversary:

Carol Pandak, 17 years

Thought for the Day:

Joan Borg quoted Maya Angelou as follows: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Greeters:

Steve Carlson and Fran Caan

Next week’s greeters will be John Carlisle and Paul Brown

Next week's speakers:

Mary Collins & Diana Balitaan of ETHS Community Service Superstars