President Brad Weiss welcomed members to the meeting and offered an impromptu Thought for the Day based upon a letter from his first grade son, Nolan.  Accompanied by drawings of Brad’s dental office and the RI building, Nolan hoped his dad was having a “great time,” helping patients at his office and helping others at the Rotary building.

 

 

Kristin Brown reminded the membership that Holiday Sale food orders must be picked up this Saturday at Evanston Subaru (3340 Oakton, just west of McCormick) between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.   Sign-up sheets for additional volunteers were on the table.   (Please note that the path to our pick-up area has changed as a result of completed construction at the dealership.  Rotarians are asked to park in the lots on the far west side.  More details will be forthcoming via email and volunteers will be on site to direct Rotarians to acceptable parking.)

 

There are still products available to sell!  We’re running slightly behind last year’s sales, so please make that extra effort to help us meet our goal!   If you have questions or large orders, contact the appropriate product liaisons: Kate – Citrus & pecans, Steve – Trail Mix,  Ken – Hams.  And keep in mind: There is a never-ending supply of greenery that can be ordered with 24-hours notice.

 

Kristin noted that 34 hams have been purchased for local charities, providing more than 300 meals to those in need.

 

Some extra help is needed to unload the fruit truck on Friday evening at around 6 p.m. Please contact Kate (kate.collinson@comcast.net, 847-910-1704) if you’re able to assist or provide a dollie/hand truck.  If you’re available to assist the Searles with their many deliveries, please contact John or Ann directly. 

 

Brad announced the next meeting of the Evanston Social & Service Club on Dec. 14, 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m, at Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St.  This is a joint venture of the ELRC and the Evanston Noon Club.  All are welcome!

 

A great way for new or old members to learn about Rotary, “The ABC’s of Rotary” program will be conveniently held at Rotary International headquarters on Monday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m.  Attendance is (somewhat) limited, so please register at your earliest convenience.  Our club will pay the $25 sign-up fee for any member who attends.

 

Past President Steve Goranson, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, announced the Slate of Officers they are recommending for the 2017-2018 Club Year.  At our Dec. 20 meeting, the membership will vote on the slate.  Thanks to the following Rotarians for stepping up for Board service:

 

President                                            Marv Edelstein

 

Past President                                   Brad Weiss

 

President-Elect                                 Kristin Brown

 

Secretary                                             Lincoln Janus

 

Treasurer                                            Susan Prout

 

Foundation Treasurer                    Marisa Naujokas

 

Rotary Foundation Chair               John Osterlund

 

Membership Chair                          Jean Saunders

 

Club Service Chair                            Helen Oloroso

 

Youth Service Chair                         Mike Merdinger

 

International Service Chair           Linda Gerber

 

Community Service Chair             Elaine Clemens

 

Vocational Service Chair                 Kea Gorden

 

Program Chair                                   Fran Caan

 

Fundraising Chair                             Steve Steiber

 

Public Image                                      Raissa Bailey-Eirich

 

Sergeant-at-Arms                            Albert Menard

 

Nominating Chair                             Brad Weiss

 

Steve also thanked the Nominating Committee (Bruce Baumberger, Kate Collinson, Marv Edelstein, and Brad Weiss) for their help in the process.

 

Both Marv Edelstein and Brad commented on the "great slate."   Marv also announced that the next Young Leaders Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:15 a.m., in the RI Cafeteria.  Marv and his committee made a presentation last evening to a group of Boy Scouts at Haven Middle School and are hopeful that an Interact Club may be formed there. Please take RYLA brochures for any interested young people you may know. 

 

Brad noted that the District 6440 Shelter Box Team is looking for new members. If you are passionate about the importance of Shelter Box, please consider joining the local team. 

 

Brad also announced the dates for the District Conference -- April 28-30.  More details will be forthcoming.   

 

Harold Bauer updated the membership on Senyo, a child who suffered crippling injuries while working in servitude in Ghana.  Our club, with several others, donated funds for his life-saving back surgery via the non-profit Right to Be Free.   Standing upright, Senyo is now attending school for the first time and is thriving in his new environment.

 

Don Gwinn, father of playwright Peter Gwinn, is planning a theatre evening to Twist Your Dickens -- Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Goodman Theatre.  Please sign up, if interested, ASAP and specify your seating preference (Balcony or Mezzanine).  Because it is a ‘school night’, no meal will be planned. 

 

Jean Saunders reminded members that our Holiday Party will take place this Sunday from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the home of Brad & Tiffany Weiss at 2725 Lincoln St.  If you haven’t already signed up, please consider helping out and/or bringing an item to share (for 8-12 people).  Kathy Tate-Bradish invited members to her (pre-party) Open House from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on the same day, Dec. 11.  Every year, Kathy, her family, and friends create an amazing Gingerbread Village that is definitely worth a look!

 

Zbig Skiba announced that the next Rotary Means Business fellowship event will be held on Tuesday, Dec 13,at RI from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.   Not limited to current club members, anyone associated with Rotary – even peripherally – can attend. 

 

Ann Searles noted that Nancy Franzon is back after surgery and a stint in Kansas City with family.  Welcome back, Nancy!

 

 

After boasting Wisconsin’s football victory over NU several weeks ago, Bob Teska roasted himself for the abysmal second half performance of the Badgers in the recent Big 10 Championship.

 

Ann Searles concluded an informal auction for two tickets to "It’s a Wonderful Life" at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Unable to attend because of his mother’s funeral, Steve Steiber generously donated the tickets to our Club’s Foundation.  John Osterlund’s bid was the lucky winner. 

 

Brad Weiss’s mentor’s phone rang several weeks ago during RI President John Germ’s speech.  President Germ jokingly called him out, asking for a $100 donation.  Dr. Green did one better… donating $250 to our Club’s Foundation.

 

Bruce Baumberger boasted Marv Edelstein after bumping into Sean Nelson (District RYLA Coordinator) at a suburban Rotary meeting.  Sean was effusive about Marv’s passion and commitment to the RYLA program.    

 

 

President Brad Weiss inducted new member Chris Joyce into our club.   A former Kiwanian and resident of the western suburbs, Chris and his family have a history of service and many connections with Northwestern University and their new home, Evanston.  Bruce Baumberger and Kristen Brown were Chris’s sponsors.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanking Yves Lassere for the speaker recommendation, Fran Caan introduced Brian Paff, Director of Marketing and Communications for Erie Neighborhood House.   A native of San Diego and a graduate of Calvin College, Brian has been involved at Erin House since 2004.    After serving as a preschool teacher, Brian moved to the development side and currently serves as informal ‘Chief Storyteller’ for the organization.  Brian noted the common values of service and community involvement shared with Rotary.

 

Located in the Holland Presbyterian Church in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, Erie House opened its doors in 1870.  For more than 146 years, the organization has been doing transformative work with a changing population.   From its start, immigrant neighbors have been a focus.  As new nationalities moved into the area, Erie responded with appropriate programming.   Originally working with Dutch and then Scandinavian immigrants, Erie continued to serve Germans, Italians, Poles, Eastern Europeans, and now, those from Mexico, Central and South America.

 

Erie Neighborhood House currently offers ten core programs, serving 5,500 people annually.  Providing Cradle to Career services for children and adults, the organization has a $7.5 million budget and 145 employees.  The organization’s mission is to educate and empower, providing skills training and resources to families and individuals.

 

Escaping violence in her home country, Veronica came to Chicago from Mexico.  After graduating from high school she enrolled in am Erie House workforce development course in health care.  Upon completing the course, she entered Truman College where she is pursuing a two-year degree. She is currently employed at the Esperanza Community Health Center in Lawndale where her many skills and Spanish fluency are being put to good use.

 

Brian wrapped up his presentation by offering to share additional printed materials, host visitors for a tour, and collaborate on volunteer opportunities.

In response to a question, Brian noted that Erie Neighborhood House still receives some support from the Presbyterian Church.  Its 1936 historic location is owned by the Chicago Presbytery.  Erie House depends upon a blend of state and federal funding, as well as generous giving from corporate and private foundations and individual donors.

 

 

 

 

Bernhard Groth, RC of Chicago Far North

 

 

Brian Paff, speaker, Erie Neighborhood House

Greg Klaiber, former member and retired Evanston fire chief

Marcia Kazurinsky, prospective member, guest of Charlotta Koppanyi

Taylor Anderson, Rotary International, guest of Kea Gorden

 

 

Chip Uchtman – December 12

 

 

Set-Up -  Albert Menard & Michael Merdinger

Greeters -  Chip Uchtman & Randy Usen

Thought for the Day - Elaine Clemens

Scribe - Linc Janus

Breakdown -  Gerry Baumann & Bruce Baumberger