Helen Oloroso, club president, called the meeting to order and noted that Rotary International has designated March as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month and suggested that members support World Water Day on March 22. Some 785 million people don’t have clean water close to home, she noted. “When people have access to clean water and sanitation,” she said, “waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.”

 

 

Reminder: There is no club meeting this Tuesday, March 10. The next meeting will be on March 17. In the meantime, plan to participate in one of the Fireside Chats that will be part of the club’s strategic planning process. Bruce Baumberger has the details.

 

Rotary International is closely monitoring coronavirus for its potential impact on the annual convention in Hawaii in June.

 

Joan Borg, along with Don Gwinn and his wife, are going to Guatemala on Friday this week.

 

Horton Kellogg, saxophonist with the Old Man’s Jazz Band, announced that the band is playing Sunday, March 29, at the White Eagle Banquets, 6839 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Niles. All are invited to come to listen and dance  Admission is $35 per person. There will be a cash bar. RSVP to Horton at Hotsaxk@aol.com or (847) 309-4152.

 

Jean Saunders noted that See My Story is raising awareness for homelessness through portraits and personal stories. There is a month-long exhibit in April at Perspectives Photography Gallery at 1310 Chicago Ave. Visit seemystory.org for dates and upcoming events.

 

Don Gwinn announced that Rebuilding Together will take place on each of the first three Saturdays in April. Signup sheets will be available soon.

 

The Club Service Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, March 4, at the RI cafeteria. Main topic on the agenda will be the 35th anniversary of Rotary.

 

RYLA leadership training is scheduled for March 12-15 and April 2-5. Some 31 applicants have been accepted. Six applicants were sponsored by the noon club. Applications are still being accepted until mid-March. Applicants need to submit a letter of intent. Up to 500 words or less.

 

Linda Gerber invited all members to attend a workshop facilitated by the YWCA Equity Institute on March 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Topic: Strengthening Rotary Through Equity. Look for an email. There will be a summit coming up at Northwestern University about equity and inclusion later this year.

 

Susan Prout noted that club dues can be paid via credit card using an iPhone swiper that she brings to meetings.

 

The Youth Leadership Committee with conduct  a Leadership Day in November.

 

 

Albert Menard boasted his grandson, Russell McGrath, for receiving his Eagle Scout award.

 

 

 

Dilnesa Eshete was installed as a new member of the club. He was sponsored by Bruce Baumberger. Dil is business development and marketing manager of Quartet Digital Printing, located at 825 Clark St. in Evanston.

 

 

 

Neil Gambow provided an update of the Mayor’s Employer Advisory Council that was founded by Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty in February of 2018. More than 400 students have been impacted by this program, says Gambow, who chairs the council. 

 

Students at Evanston Township High School who are not planning to pursue a college degree are being informed and prepared for careers after high school. This is accomplished through the Youth Job Center career advisor inside ETHS, paid internships, boot camp, and apprenticeships.

 

Involved are schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, with more than 52 employers participating. Due to a tight labor market, many careers are available that do not require a college degree, Gambow said, and many of them pay very well.

 

The council, which is part of the mayor’s Elevate Evanston initiative, focuses on enhancing collaboration between Evanston employers and educators, better connecting students with career opportunities while providing local employers with a well-prepared source of talent.

 

Among employer groups participating in the initiative are those representing health care, hospitality, manufacturing, automotive, government, and nonprofit organizations, as well as entrepreneurs.

 

The city’s website lists the following entities that are among those participating in the program: City of Evanston, Evanston Township High School District 202, Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Evanston, Evanston Public Library, Northwestern University, Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Oakton Community College, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Presence Health, Aramark, S&C Electric, Inclusion Solutions, Wintrust Bank, Starbucks, Ward Manufacturing, Byline Bank, Hecky's Barbecue, Dempster Auto Rebuilders, Cinemark Theatres, NorthStar Heating and Air Conditioning, Koi Restaurant, Fisher Auto Group, Hilton Orrington/Evanston, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Evanston Cradle to Career, Evanston Work Ethic Program, Youth Job Center, Evanston Community Foundation, National Able Network, and Inspire Your Future.

 

 

 

 

Outbound Exchange Student Bella Hubbard, who reported on her one year stay in Equador.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri Sakthivel, 5 years