Ilana Seligman mentioned that she needed more volunteers for soup kitchen service to take place on August 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Four volunteers have signed up, but she needs 10. A sign-up sheet was passed around during the breakfast meeting and volunteers can also sign up online.
Helen Oloroso reminded the attendees that there will be no breakfast meeting on August 9. Instead, the club will hold its annual picnic at Fran Caan’s home. She encouraged registration so she has an accurate count of attendees. She will also send a sing-up sheet for assignments at the picnic.
Charlotta Koppanyi reminded the members about the upcoming Peace Festival scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Rotary Friendship Garden – at the corner of McCormick Boulevard and Bridge Street. The event will kick-off with activities on Friday, followed by activities at a Northwestern football game. The main event on Sunday will include conversation circles, children’s activities, and will include all sectors of the community.
Ken Green announced that volunteers are needed for Campus Kitchen scheduled for Sunday, August 14.
Bill Glader presented several optional themes for next year’s Taste of Evanston (TOE). Bill wants feedback from members so the committee can decide on the potential partner for next year.
Susan Proust highlighted the merits of Bundled Blessings – Diaper Pantry – and ESCCA – clothing for homeless children. Steve Goranson seconded Susan’s remarks due to the focus on serving youth. Gary Peterson
noted that we should find partners who will help us in making the event more successful than in previous years. Gary also noted that he would like to see an option for Rotary alone with no partnership, an option that focuses on the Rotary brand. Charlotta noted that the partnership approach was designed to make the event more attractive to sponsoring businesses. Kristin Brown noted that partnership seems to be a trend in Rotary as she has observed several such efforts in other areas; she also noted that we should always make sure we understand what the partnering organization brings to the table. At the end of the conversation, Kate Collison proposed that the decision should be postponed until the club holds its strategic focus meeting that will determine the spending priorities for this Rotary year. Bob Teska also noted that the scheduling of next year’s event should factor in the renovating construction activities in the fountain area, where Davis Street intersects with Sherman Avenue and Orrington Avenue.
Roasts & Boasts
Chuck Bartling boasted the birth of his fourth grandson, Aidan.
Don Gwinn boasted his son Peter who was credited for his contribution to the NPR’s program ‘Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.”
Helen Oloroso noted that her daughter’s business – Black Dog Gelato – was mentioned in Crain’s Chicago Business. Ann Searles also mentioned that Helen’s daughter’s business was also highlighted in the Sunday papers.
Marissa Naujokas thanked the members for bringing approximately 100 vases for Random Acts of Flowers, making the drive a very successful one.
Neil Gambow roasted himself for not bringing his granddaughter to today’s meeting as he had previously announced. She will attend a breakfast meeting soon in the next few weeks.
Carol Bild boasted Ann Searles for the fellowship event she facilitated.
Bill Glader boasted everyone who brought canned goods for the homeless, especially Charlotta Koppanyi and Harold Bauer.
Sergeant at Arms Zbig Skiba quizzed the audience about several well-known tunnels around the world.
