President Kathy Tate-Bradish started the meeting by welcoming everyone and reading the land acknowledgement statement recognizing the Indigenous people to whom this land originally belonged.

 

Next, Susan Prout read “Why we are Rotarians” statement followed by her thought(s) for the day: Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Magic Johnson: “All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them that's magic.” Laurie Colwyn: “We know that without food we would die; without fellowship, life is not worth living.

 

Kathy then welcomed our visiting Rotarians and other guests before moving onto announcements.

 

 

Susan Prout: Bundling Blessings is scheduled at the United Methodist Church at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

 

Albert Menard – Golf Road Clean-Up is Saturday, Oct. 15, 8:30 a.m., TJ Maxx parking lot

 

Myra Janus gave a Community Service update.

 

Bryant Wallace - Chessmen Annual Benefit is Oct.14.

 

Chris Joyce: There will be a Youth Leadership Day get-together in November. Please reach out to him for details.

 

Jean Saunders made an announcement about bike riding to raise funds for the eradication of polio.

 

World Polio Day, is Monday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. at One Rotary Center. Registration is free.

 

Linda Gerber made an announcement about a documentary that is coming to Chicago called the “Big Payback.” It was premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, and it's being screened in Chicago on October 23 and 24. Many Evanstonians appear in the documentary and many different perspectives about reparations are presented. She also mentioned that she may have extra tickets and to reach out to her if anyone is interested.

 

 

 

 

Karen Kring introduced our speaker, Melody Rose, the Executive Director of The Harbour, which offers safe housing to homeless young people and young mothers with children. She mentioned that Melody is an avid practitioner and trainer in trauma, informed practices, and has a relentless commitment to healing strives to make them self-sufficient.

 

The Harbor’s mission is to provide emergency housing and services to youth experiencing homelessness in order to promote safety, stability, and personal growth. Their Vision is to empower youth to be self-sufficient through safe housing and support services to prevent homelessness.

 

The Harbor’s Approach builds on their core beliefs:

 

1) Housing is a social justice issue. All youth deserve safe housing.

 

2) Stakeholder Voice shapes the type of service, how to access and the way we engage as a provider.

 

3) Safe spaces provide support, understanding, and partnership.

 

4) There must be equitable access to services.

 

5) The Harbor promotes healing, restoration, and growth, not just survival.

 

The audio recording from the meeting provides additional details of her inspiring talk and the attached slides from her presentation also provide some of the highlights from her presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katherine Peterson, Oct. 15

 

Neil Gambow, Oct. 16

 

 

Jim McGuire, 35 years, Oct. 13, 1987

 

Zbig Skiba, 13 years, Oct. 13, 2009

 

Yves Lassere, 9 years, Oct. 16, 2013