President
President Elect
Vice President and President Nominee
Immediate Past President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Sergeant at Arms
Membership Chair
Public Image Chair
Vocational Service Chair
Literacy Chair
Vocational Scholarships Liason
Books Scholarships Liason
Community Service Chair
Chamber of Commerce Liason
Veteran Affairs Liason
Youth Service Chair
Youth/Interact Liason
RYLA Coordinator
Club & Administrative Service Chair
Web Site Coodinator
Social Media Coordinator
Program/Greeter Chair
Club Historian
Co-Santa Run Chair
Co-Santa Run Chair
International Service Chair
Rotary Foundation Chair
End Polio Coordinator
Scouting Chair
Golf Outing Coordinator
Finemaster Chair
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Memorial Day Parade - Water Stations
May 29, 2017
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM -
Food Pantry Shopping-Tues. May 30-6:00 p.m.
May 30, 2017
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Links
Greetings from the
Rotary Club of Arlington Heights!
Service Above Self
We meet Thursdays at 12:15 PM
Coopers Hawk
Coopers Hawk
798 West Algonquin Road
Corner Golf Road & Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
United States
Corner Golf Road & Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
United States
District Site
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Venue Map
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On May 18, 2017, the speaker at our lunch gathering was Mara Hauser from 25N Coworking. Mara is the daughter of fellow Rotarian Michael Silverman. Mara was also an Arlington Heights Noon Rotary exchange student in 1978, and spend time in Sweden with the program.
Mara has an extensive background in interior design and workplace innovation, and used that background to start 25N Coworking with a goal of designing a collaborative and productive work environment for those who work virtually. Mara attempts to provide those workspaces to the five generations currently in the workforce, each of which has different habits, perspectives and expectations about work. Although other models such as shared and executive office space exist, true coworking requires five elements - - flexible options for workspace, collaborative spaces and meeting rooms, a community manager, events and programming (aimed at education, networking and social), and a strong community or culture in the space.
Landlords and real estate investors are also increasingly look looking towards coworking as a viable option for their available space previously leased to corporations for traditional office use. Coworking caters to independent professionals, small and medium size businesses, all kinds of local organizations, and large corporations. Research shows that 1/3 of all jobs are virtual today, whereas 60% of all jobs will be virtual by 2020. 25N Coworking never requires a long-term agreement, and all space is available on a month-to-month basis, with flexible service options available, including a half-day pass. 25N Coworking currently has spaces in the One Arlington building at Euclid and Rohlwing Roads in Arlington Heights, and 25 N. River Lane, Geneva, Illinois, with more locations in development. Come visit and explore the Arlington Heights location on the third Friday of the month for "Free Friday", and get more information at www.25ncoworking.com.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
May 1 - Jon Ridler
May 10 - Matt Staley
May 18 - David Jaffe
May 23 - Betsy Kmiecik
May 24 - Rich Morton
May 26 - Kari Koebernick
May 26 - Trey Higgens
May 27 - Lynn Jensen
May 27 = David Tafur
May 29 - Bob Arnold
May 30 - Dave Schultz
Birthday Chair - Kerry Pearson
Can you guess who this couple is ? Though the photo may indicate another era, it's of married members Bill and Betsy Kmiecik... Rotarians whose lives have developed to include service above self in Rotary and elsewhere.
Today was an opportunity to find out more about Betsy, and about another new member, Matthew Staley. Betsy has worked in the HR (Human Resources) field throughout her career, including a stint with the IRS where she met her husband and fellow club member, Bill Kmiecik. She told us of her home, family, experiences with other organizations (e.g., HR for Daily Herald), and her other volunteer activities. As we’ll recall, our wishes and prayers go to the family and daughter Emily during her recovery.
Matt Staley has his office nearby on South Arlington Heights Road, working with AAA (American Automobile Association) in the area of Home and Auto Insurance. He told us of his life, career and and how he came to be at AAA, including work as an On Air Personality in radio and in television. He has also been an active support of the chamber for several years. If you share a table with him and need a conversation starter, ask about good wine and the Staley mascot.
Contact information for these members can be found soon in our Rotary Directory, and by clicking “More” to see it here.
The speaker at our April 27, 2017 lunch meeting with Suzanne Ploger, the development director of Journeys, The Road Home. Journeys provides shelter services and housing to the homeless or those who are at risk of becoming homeless in suburban Cook County. The Journey service area includes the entire northern portion of Cook County. Last year, Journeys served 1000 people, one-third of which were from the Palatine or Arlington Heights area.
Journeys is comprised of three primary programs, the first being the PADS shelters where every night during the non-summer season an average of 70 guests are provided a meal and a safe place to sleep on the premises of a church-partner of Journeys. The second program is the Hope Center, which is located at 1140 E. Northwest Highway, just east of Route 53, in Palatine. The Hope Center provides those thing that you would typical have in your own home or have access to, including a shower, laundry, food, haircut, nursing assistance, and bike repair, as well as case management support for addiction, job counseling and related matters. The third program is the Pathways Housing Program, which provides temporary transitional housing for those on the road from homelessness to stable permanent housing.
Journeys attempts to focus on the causes of homelessness, which can range from divorce, job loss and related finite issues to longer-term issues such as addiction and mental health problems. Journeys lost its federal funding in 2016 and never had received any state funding, so fundraising has become a more important aspect of the organization. And, as other federal agencies lose their funding and may be closed, Journeys receives more and more clients.
If you are able to support Journeys with your personal efforts or financial contributions, please contact Suzanne at s.ploger@journeystheroadhome.org or call her at (847) 963-9163.
Colleen Shinn, Community Outreach Manager, Chicagoland Chapter, Autism Speaks delivered a presentation from the 
organization. Distributed materials say, "Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life space for the needs of people with autism and their families...through advocacy and support, increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder, and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions."
organization. Distributed materials say, "Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life space for the needs of people with autism and their families...through advocacy and support, increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder, and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions."A question after the program asked as to the reason for the seeming great increase in autism. The response was that additional diagnoses have been included under the umbrella of autism and that there are autism-specific screening tools these days.
Ms. (Colleen) Shinn can be reached at 224-277-0233 and colleen.shinn@autismspeaks.org For a summary about the organization, and information about this Sunday's 4/30/17 North Shore Fund Raising Walk and the 5/13/17 Chicago Walk at Soldier, see "more".
Make a Difference in Arlington HeightsAre you part of an Arlington Heights organization looking to launch or expand programming to benefit more residents? The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights Charitable Foundation is currently taking submissions for the 2017 Community Grants Program. If you know someone else who would benefit, please remember to use the social links below the full story to share on social media.
Anti – Vaxxers and pro-vaccination parents are always at odds. However, a greater concern is those in need of vaccines who are unable to get them due to cost or lack of coverage. Recent outbreaks of pertussis, measles & mumps in Barrington and Chicago have highlighted the importance of vaccinations, not only for the individual’s safety, but the safety of the general public and their loved ones. Infants and children are the most vulnerable to these and other vaccine preventable diseases.For Membership - Chuck Frankiewicz - Classification: Not-For-Profit/Philanthropy
- Linda Chang - Classification: Social Services
Miriam Irwrey, MSW, talked about the opportunity to make the unavoidable changes in life a time of meaningful growth and refocus. She discussed eight steps we can take in such transitions, steps which she said are useful... at most any time of life. In talking about mid-life change, she emphasized it "is a time to explore who we are, what our purpose is, define our passion and transition...to an inspired life."For a list of the "steps" and comments about them, click on "more". Miriam is a "Certified Elite Life Coach" and has spent 27 years as a social worker as well as having gone through many of life's transitions/challenges herself. She can be reached at 773-690-0616 or through www.learnitlive.com.
Arlington Mayor Tom Hayes gave a status report on the village, naming aspects of village life he feels demonstrate we have a lot to be proud of...and should continue to support:- The fire department achieved a Class 1 ISO status, something only the top 1/3 of 1% of the fire departments achieve.
- Arlington has the 2nd lowest crime rate in the nation of the 455 towns of 75,000 residents or more.
- The police department has been cited as having the best traffic safety program in the nation.
- He said there won’t be a tax increase to pay for the needed new police station (achieved through refinancing debt).
- There will be major increases and investment in infrastructure replacement/improvement of roads, waterlines and dealing with storm water. Accompanying this will be a fee increase of about $70 a year shared by households throughout the village.
- The vacancy rate for stores is below the area average.
He told us, too, of changes, challenges and opportunities – 31% of the village’s work force is eligible for retirement. Arlington is located in a challenging triangle between Woordfield, Randhurst and Deer Park malls. The village’s work load is back to pre-recession levels, yet while operating with fewer employees, through hard work and creativity. He noted that at Monday’s village board meeting there will be a discussion and vote on the rental of a temporary facility to house the administrative aspects of the village (a 1.5 year lease of a facility off Dundee Road) with no decrease in response times.
A question for the near future – will the state view villages which are in a good financial position as not needing state support? Tom encouraged us to be part of the future by volunteering for boards and commissions. Doing so will help make and keep Arlington in good condition for its citizens, families and businesses. There are many openings on committees and boards on which one can serve. If you have an interest, let Tom or other board members know. "And be sure to vote !"
The mother of Stacy (Matt) Bennett’s passed away. Club President Jim Bertucci suggested we keep the family in our thoughts, and perhaps send a card. Mary Jablonski continues to improve after her experience in Guatemala. The cause is still a puzzle. She may need help with driving as her recovery continues. Her situation is a reminder of the potential usefulness of Travel Insurance. Past District Governor Bill Ferreira visited with us and encouraged our attendance at the International Convention in Atlanta. Thank you, Gov. Bill, for your years of commitment to Rotary!
Fine Master Bill Kmiecik finished his month's tour of duty in fine fashion with a Fine idea (and some good questions) – visit www.siliconvalleyrotary.com to see what e-Rotary meetings are like. From his description, e-meetings seem like a workable alternative in some situations…and perhaps for the future of work-at-home Rotarians. As for the questions, Bill and Thursday's program speaker, Mayor Hayes, demonstrated their appreciation for things baseball and “Cubs”!
At our March 23, 2017 lunch meeting new club members members Luis Ramirez Alonso (center left) and Jake Chang 
(center right) by President Jim Bertucci (far left) and Membership Chair Joe Musolino (far right). SLSF Executive Director (and Schaumburg/Hoffman Rotary club member) Nanette 
Sowa also presented an award to our club for its donation to the NWSRA Snoezelen Room, which is a sensory room that can be used, among other things, to help reduce the effect of seizures in individuals. Nanette also announced that the Duffer of the Year golf outing will be on September 14, 2017. Anyone interested in serving on the golf committee should contact Jim Bertucci or Nanette.
(center right) by President Jim Bertucci (far left) and Membership Chair Joe Musolino (far right). SLSF Executive Director (and Schaumburg/Hoffman Rotary club member) Nanette Sowa also presented an award to our club for its donation to the NWSRA Snoezelen Room, which is a sensory room that can be used, among other things, to help reduce the effect of seizures in individuals. Nanette also announced that the Duffer of the Year golf outing will be on September 14, 2017. Anyone interested in serving on the golf committee should contact Jim Bertucci or Nanette.Our speaker was Ron Crawford, who spoke on the topic of international microfinance loans. The purpose of a microfinance loan is to give a business opportunity to an impoverished person who would be otherwise unable to obtain a loan from a traditional lender because of collateral, regulatory, or other hurdles. The concept of microfinance loans was pioneered by Muhammad Yunus, who won the 2006 Nobel peace prize.
After hearing a 2003 presentation by Muhammad Yunus at the Stanford University business school, two students formed Kiva, which is a micro finance lending organization. Through Kiva, individuals make personal loans to borrowers through its network of field partners in impoverished countries. Through the Kiva website, the individuals can choose the country in which their loan will be made, the type of project for which the loan funds will be used, and the particular borrower. Individual lenders make loans in increments of $25, and the term of a loan is typically 6-12 months. The interest rate charged to borrowers is slightly more than a traditional commercial loan, and the interest is retained by the Kiva field partner that administers the loan. Loans made through Kiva are repaid at a remarkable rate of 97%! Several club members are also Kiva members, including Wendy Davis, Lynn Jensen, Chris Niemann, Kerry Pearson, and David Schultz.
Ron encouraged all of us to join Kiva by becoming signing up as a member on the Kiva website, and then team up with other club members by joining the Arlington Heights Noon Rotary lending team on the website. www.kiva.com.
At our Rotary Board meeting yesterday, we approved revisions to the by-laws of the Rotary Club Foundation of Arlington Heights. Per the by-laws, these must be posted for member review for 2 Rotary meetings before they are adopted. Please click on the link below to review these and provide any comments or questions to Jim Thomson.
Never before had the Arlington Heights Police Department given its annual L.W. Calderwood Officer of the Year Award to more than one officer!
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This made Thursday's luncheon meeting at European Crystal an extra special event. The Officer of the Year Award is given by the family of deceased former Chief and Rotarian, L.W. Calderwood, as a way to recognize excellence in the police dept. as well as preserve the legacy of Chief Calderwood. The Arlington Heights Rotary Club has had the honor of hosting this annual luncheon and ceremony as a way to support our town's police department and recognize the contributions of a former Rotarian.To read the Daily Herald story and see a video of the event, click here.
RCAH – Scouting Program… NEWEST EAGLE SCOUT
Some of you may remember Peter McElmeel, he and Sam Svienty, gave the club the annual state of The Northwest Council Boy Scout Troop 34 address in January 2014. Well this weekend Peter was awarded the Eagle rank in a ceremony at the Pioneer Park field house. It was a well attended award ceremony that was organized by Peter and his fellow Scout. In his statement following the award he gave a great analogy between Scouting and Golf that would serve many of us Rotarians well.
A young man named AJ Klaproth, A.K.A. "KlapAttack", gave us information, inspiration and hope about what a vocational scholarship can do in someone's life. He explained how one of our club scholarships enabled him to pursue the career he loves and is building upon. His award in 2012 enabled him to earn a certificate in becoming a DJ. His commitment and efforts have led him to being a music producer. We enjoyed his animated description in the words of a "20-something" as he told how his career has developed.
It was heartening to hear how the scholarship got him started. Seeing a young person who is enthused, realistic and capably following his dreams gave us hope! A bonus in today's program was a senior Rotarian learning there's a good reason to stay up late ! -- to sample today's youthful music scene, one needs to stay up "past bedtime" and explore venues in Chicago. Hope and the love of music "spring eternal"!
AJ's contact info is as follows: KlapAttack / DJ - Music Producer & Recording engineer, htttp://www.klapattach.com, 847-260-8281, KlapAtttack@gmail.com, Chicago, Illinois
This is a good news story profiling Ak'Tenemit, the school that many club members have visited and worked at in Guatemala.
Welcome to new members Trey Higgins, Patrick Mogge, and Matt Staley shown below with their sponsors Barb Higgins, Joe Musolino, and Jon Ridler.
- Last Call for Calderwood Reservations: Reservations are due by 3/1/2017. Neil reminded everyone that it is as important to decline- if you won’t be attending. If you are attending, be sure to make a meal selection.
- Betsy Kmiecik has agreed to co-chair this year’s Rotary Santa Run with Jennifer Burnidge. She is looking for members who want to get involved- with our club’s largest fundraiser. If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact her, or one of the subcommittee chairmen: Linda Borton (Administration), Ron Crawford (logistics), Jim Bertucci (sponsorship), Joe Skibbe (Marketing and Digital Media), and Jon Ridler (Post-Race Activities).
- The Buffalo Grove Rotary Club is looking for a family to host their inbound Youth Exchange student from mid-March to mid-July. The student is currently attending Buffalo Grove High School, so optimally it would be a family living in the District. If you are interest or want to find out more, contact Martha Weiss (Weiss.martha@gmail.com).
While there may be no evidence to support this, there were a lot of Happy Fines filling this week’s coffers: Jim T- happy to induct 3 new members, Matt S- happy to be a new member and new grandfather, Patrick- happy to be expecting his second daughter in May, Terry- happy to be back and happy to be a new grandfather, Mark- happy to have made it safely home from Mexico, Lynn- happy for the great job done by the village staff in presenting plans for the new police station, Nick- happy that the plan for the new police station had been approved by the planning committee, Maggie- happy for the success of the first Family Literacy Reading program, and for volunteers, Joe Skibbe, Lynn Jensen, and Linda Borton, and Bill Kennedy (via Joe M) for his 10th grandchild.
This week’s session opened with Doing Good in the World, a Rotary video highlighting the work that Rotary does around the world through The Rotary Foundation. Noting that Rotary is a service and philanthropic organization, Jon explained that it was the goal of the foundation committee to help club members better understand how donations to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) worked. He reviewed a flowchart showing how funds flow into both TRF and our club foundation, as well as how they are subsequently deployed. He explained that through District matching grants, we have received funds to support our club projects, such as the Book Scholarships.
Each year, Rotary members have the opportunity to take their time and talent abroad with International Service Trips. These trips provide opportunities to volunteer in and experience local communities who need the resources, expertise, and energy we—and Rotary—can provide. They’re also a way to see the world—and make a positive impact while doing so. Join us and help us create lasting change in communities around the world.
Our Rotary District, District 6440, offers several opportunities to travel this winter and spring.
Ben Pohl, now an adult affected by a distracted-driving accident when a young man, described the toll such driving takes on others and, potentially, on you as a distracted driver. We've heard and read statistics of increased accidents due to texting and phone use while driving, but the caution to us all is to be mindful of our driving habits -- eating, talking with passengers, listening to the radio.
Ben has made a commitment to do the best he can with his life after the accident, spreading the word through poignant speaking engagements using facts, figures, personal testimony and humor. To find out more about his "Speaking Against Distracted Driving" campaign, see his website www.benpohlspeaks.com ; or contact him -- 630-930-7298, ben@behpohlspeaks.com.President Bertucci welcomed our co-workers, Significant Others and guests to this year’s Rotary Valentine’s Day luncheon.
Some members had none : (
Whereas others had one : )
And still others had several : ) ) !!!
Good "barbershop" musical fun, fellowship with our guests, plus a little wine and chocolate strawberries were a great way to say “You’re Appreciated!" Our thanks go to our guests, to the club members who put on today’s events, and to Cooper’s Hawk for a good-tasting luncheon. For information about our entertainment The Chordmasters, plus some additional photos, see "More".
Club Announcements -- Please extend your prayers, thoughts and positive energy to Emily Kmiecik, daughter of Bill and Betsy, on the recurrence of her illness. We're rooting for you Emily, and you're in our hearts !
Remember to sign up soon for the Calderwood police recognition luncheon. For more info, read "More".
Also, "Random Acts of Kindness" Day is 2/17/16 (Week is 2/12-18), For background and more info, click here. For a "You are the recipient" card template to print and cut out, click here.The speaker at our February 2, 2017 lunch was Rick Hanetho, Executive Director of Arlington Heights Park District. Rick grew up in Palatine, attended Palatine High School and Southern Illinois University, and had his first job at the Palatine Park District. Rick has spent the last 30 years of his life in the area of parks and recreation, first with Schaumburg Park District, then Carol Stream Park District, then as Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District, and now as the Executive Director of the Arlington Heights Park District. The executive director job in Arlington Heights is the only job for which he would have left the Northbrook Park District. The Arlington Heights Park District is one of the best respected park districts in the US, and is one of only four AAA-rated park districts in the State of Illinois. Rick always strives for excellence at his park districts, not merely being "good enough for government." Ricks 15 minutes of fame is related the idea that he and others at the Schaumburg park district had in 2000 to establish the National Amateur Dodgeball Association, which was the basis for much of the 2004 movie "Dodgeball" starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. The Arlington Heights Park District is nearing the successful completion of its last comprehensive plan, and Rick and his team will be developing a new strategic comprehensive plan in the near future. Rick will be looking for opportunities for the Rotary club and park district to work together on projects in the near future.
In other Club news -
We had a moment of silence for Marsha Silverman who passed away recently. Masha is the wife of long time Club member Mike Silverman.
The Arlington Heights Historical Society and CrimeStoppers are sponsoring their annual trivia contest on Sunday, February 12 at the Arlington Lakes Golf Course. Contact either group for information and sign up.
Please RSVP to the Calderwood lunch invitation as soon as possible, and long before the March 2, 2017 registration deadline.
The Joseph C. Morton College Scholarship Fund is again awarding three $1000 scholarships to high school seniors. Information and application is located on our Club website.
The International Service Committee is conducting its food packing event on March 18 from 10:30am-11:30am in conjunction with the Rolling Meadows Interract Club in Roselle, and needs approximately 20 volunteers. Contact Sue Duchek for more information.
Photo Albums
Five years since its debut, Rotary Club Central is getting a big upgrade
When we introduced Rotary Club Central in 2012, it revolutionized goal tracking and planning for clubs and districts — no more filling out paper club-planning forms or passing along boxes of historical club information every time a new leader took office.
Rotary Club Central offered clubs and districts a quantifiable way to begin measuring local and global impact, specifically membership initiatives, service activities, and Rotary Foundation giving.
But as with any technological advancement, in a few short years, Rotary Club Central began to show its age, and Rotarians took notice. They...
Rotary International Board adopts new zone structure
At its January 2017 meeting, the Rotary International Board of Directors adopted a new zone structure for Rotary clubs.
Rotary bylaws require the Board to complete a comprehensive review of the 34 Rotary zones no less often than every eight years to ensure that each zone has an approximately equal number of Rotarians. The Board’s previous review of the zones occurred in 2008.
The Board earlier approved the creation of three regional workgroups to develop rezoning proposals for Asia, Europe/Africa, and the Americas. These workgroups comprised one representative (either a current director,...
Centennial celebration honors 20 noteworthy global grant projects
Through The Rotary Foundation, Rotary members have supported thousands of projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. We’ve also led the fight to eradicate polio worldwide. As part of our celebration of the Foundation’s centennial, we’re honoring 20 global grant projects with special recognition. Learn more about the projects using our interactive map.
Convention: Southern hospitality
The Atlanta Host Organization Committee is offering some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality at the Rotary International Convention from 10 to 14 June. It has planned a wide range of activities featuring everything from good food and music to inspiring tours of local landmarks. If it’s your first convention, these events are chances to meet fellow Rotarians from around the world, and if you’re an experienced convention goer, you can catch up with old friends.
Hall of Fame baseball player Hank Aaron will host Rotarians for a “Strike Out Polio” night at the new SunTrust Park, where you’ll...
Member spotlight: The power of the press
When Teguest Yilma helped found the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa Entoto in 2002, she thought polio had already been eradicated from most of the world. But while Ethiopia had been free of the disease, Yilma was shocked to learn that new cases had started cropping up in surrounding countries such as Somalia.
“I was thinking, it’s not possible, we can’t be free if the countries around us are not free,” she says. Yilma, the managing editor of Capital, Ethiopia’s largest English weekly newspaper, has brought a journalist’s skills to the fight against polio. She became vice chair of the Ethiopia...