President Bryant Wallace brought the meeting to order.
Statement of Purpose and Thought for the Day –
Don Gwinn shared words of wisdom from James Cash Penny: “Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership,” and also "As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for." Don also shared an amusing anecdote from his Wyoming boyhood, which you can see on the Zoom recording.
The Land acknowledgement - Bryant Wallace
Announcements
Jesse Johnson read a letter of thanks to the club for all the help he’s received, with a special acknowledgement to Linda and Bryant. He hopes to become a Rotarian someday.
Brien Johnson encouraged members to participate in another Bundled Blessings diaper-packing event. It’s Tuesday the 25th at United Methodist Church, starting at 5 p.m.
Neil Gambow touted the upcoming Fourth of July parade and hoped everyone will come and march. After the parade, participants are invited to a backyard party at Kathy Tate-Bradish’s home. Also, Neil needs a few volunteers on July 3 around 1 p.m. to move flags, etc. from the storage locker (near Home Depot) to his garage. Check ClubRunner for details.
Helen Olosoro urged everyone to attend the installation ceremony this Sunday, June 23, at Lovelace Park, beginning at 5 p.m. This is the best (and most fun) way to thank the outgoing officers and committee chairs. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, June 19. https://evlrc.org/event/elrc-installation-of-2024-25-board-of-directors/.
Helen referred us to a recent e-mail (sent June 17) regarding a 50/50 Paul Harris points match available via the Jack Blane Challenge. Offer good only through June 30!
Helen thanked the Taste of Evanston silent auction team, especially Aimee, and encouraged the donation of auction items such as physical objects, including things for kids and pets; crafts; baskets of specialty items such as wine, cheese, nuts, spices, etc. (they sell well); experiences; lessons; time at a vacation home, but not time-share slots. (Also, no jewelry, please.)
Note the deadline for submitting auction items is August 15.
Through Wraparound EvanstonLinda Gerber provided shopping and a meal to a post-surgical patient and her son. The woman would love to have more visitors!
Marv Edelstein also spoke in support of all club members attending the installation on June 23.
Stuart Cleland showed the new logo for Taste of Evanston.
It will be used on posters, banners, and other marketing/advertising materials. Thanks to designer Mercedes Santos, and Linda, Hillary, Aimee, Maribeth, Jim McGuire and Kathy Tate-Bradish.
Roasts and Boasts
Ann Searles boasted about enjoying a Jamming Jean concert at the Levy Center, and also that she and John just celebrated their 35th anniversary. And…she passed her driver’s test!
John Searles lamented that their internet has been down since Friday
Joe Nordstrom will embrace full retirement beginning next week
Jean Saunders boasted her son, who recently graduated from the University of British Columbia
Brien Johnson and his wife are proud first-time grandparents of Emily, born to their son and daughter-in-law.
Keith Banks boasted Bryant for his leadership during the past Rotary year.
In turn, President Bryant boasted all the club members.
Program
The program featured Celina Varela and her husband, Peter, members of Shalom Mission Communities, an association of five Christian communities that includes Reba Place Fellowship here in Evanston. Celina told the story of another SMC member, Valle Nuevo, a rural village of former refugees in El Salvador. Since 1992. SMC communities have exchanged visits with the village, and helped the villagers by working to buy land and secure land titles, providing clean water, and working with Habitat for Humanity to build houses for the neediest families. https://www.shalommissioncommunities.org/
Adjournment
Bryant thanked the club officers and chairs, and congratulated the club on our projects and how our presence is increasingly felt in the city. He said that his year as president has been “an incredible journey.” The members thanked him with a standing ovation.
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