President Cynthia Plouche led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of God Bless America and the Four Way Test.
Todd Roth, our new member from the First Bank of Highland Park, was officially inducted as a member.
Jim Berardi reminded all that the 15th Annual Golf Outing will be held Friday, August 14. There will be 20 or so foursomes. Jim is still seeking raffle gifts which can be delivered to his office. All members are invited for dinner which begins at 5:30 pm and will constitute the meeting for the week. The cost is $20 for members and reservations are required. There will be NO Lunch Meeting on August 10. Contact Joanne Gordon or Jim Berardi.
Thanks to Martha Gray for sharing an update about one of her TABU students. Please see our website for the brief story. www.highlandparkrotary.org
Sue Leboski (guest of Cynthia Plouche) (Sue represents the District 113 Education Foundation which has been organized to enhance and enrich the education programs at Deerfield and Highland Park High Schools by promoting and supporting innovative educational opportunities)
Karen Dennis, for time spent with grandson; Skip Jacobs, for upcoming trip down the Danube; Yesim Sonmez, for 18 years of marriage; Mike Babian, in honor of Todd Roth; Martha Gray,Jack Soderlund, Neil Dahlmann and Anna Silba in honor of Mort Gross' 94th birthday; Larry Block, in honor of Mort Gross and for the String Trio performance at the Botanic Garden; Len Tenner, in honor of the Blocks' 58th Wedding Anniversary; Dan Pierce, in honor of the Blocks' Anniversary; and Fred Orkin, in honor of Mort and Joey Gross.
Our speaker was Aaron Lawlor, Chairman of the Lake County Board. The Board consists of 21 elected members including Steven Mandel from Highland Park. Mr Lawlor reported that the Board is working hard to ensure that Lake County continues to be a great place to live, work and do business by investing in roads and infrastructure, preserving open space and promoting economic development. Efforts to expand, improve and maintain our transportation network are critical to maintaining a high quality of life for Lake County families and workers. To accomplish this, Lake County is investing a half billion dollars over the next six years to improve the regional transportation system.
Mr Lawlor appoints over 300 persons to serve on the various departments and committees including, Elections and Records, Finance and Administration, Health and Community Services, Judicial and Public Safety and Public Works.
He discussed the merits (and related problems) of government consolidation and finding ways for the various governmental agencies to work together (like purchasing salt supplies for the winter).
Pursuant to several questions, Mr. Lawlor talked about the Route 53/120 project. It has been discussed for a long time, but it is now closer to being built than ever before
City Manager Ghida Neukirch commended Mr. Lawlor on his excellent work.
Thank you Larry Block for his work on this week's bulletin!
