Rotopep Vol. 102 No. 15
Rotary Club of Evanston
October 7, 2021
Program: Happy Hour!!
We will meet in person at The Alcove, 1625 Maple St at 5:30. We will be located in the back of the restaurant, and it will be a cash bar.
(Special Note: We will publish the Zoom link in every Rotopep, even where there will not be a meeting. That should make it easier to find when members are looking for our Zoom link. Please try to remember that a Zoom Link will not automatically mean that there is a meeting that week)
Meeting Location or Virtual Login details:
This will be the same meeting login for all club meetings every week including happy hour and fireside chat.
Weekly Rotary Club of Evanston Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/896382967?pwd=RE9wRkpxTUxjUTdVTFB4RWt2bXduUT09
You can also join the meeting manually from your Zoom App or from zoom.us, using the meeting number and password below.
Meeting ID: 896 382 967
Password: Rotary2372
JOINING THE MEETING USING A PHONE
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Enter Meeting ID: 896 382 967#
Participant Number: (no participant number, so just push the # key)
Enter Password: 941281#
One-tap for smart-phone users:
+13126266799,, 896382967#,,,,0#,,941281# (US Chicago)
Visitors: Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbBefTII7W
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE GETTING SET UP IN ZOOM:
Please contact Evelyn Lee at ZoomForRotaryHomeClub@gmail.comMeeting of September 20, 2021: Called to order @ 12:16 PM by President Stephanie Murray Inspiration: Aaron Masliansky shared he is feeling inspired by his expanding global collaboration through his new podcast, featuring guests from places such as Estonia and Japan. Visiting Rotarians: Hillary Hufford Tucker – Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse Guests: Annie Tsai Jim Orrico Mohammed Ali President Stephanie wished Helen Dickson a “very Happy Early Birthday” and recognized Paul Fischl for his recent 35th Rotary Anniversary! Program: City of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss Gene Servillo introduced Mayor Biss with a fresh video (from the prior evening’s MashUp event) in which Mayor Biss displayed his impressive juggling skills. Mayor Biss opened by acknowledging that in the best of times, collaborative city government can be challenging – and he’s found that despite the ongoing pandemic, deep political polarization, and influx of new faces in city government (his role, 4 of 9 new alderpeople, new city clerk, and interim city manager) – it is a time of remarkable opportunity for the city. He then opened the floor for questions, to provide ample opportunity for dialogue rather than a presentation. Paul Fischl asked “why do you think Evanston has done so well throughout COVID?” The Mayor replied that it’s hard to be “excited” when there have been 100+ deaths in the City, but nonetheless he characterized the overall success of the City’s pandemic performance due to:
Gene Servillo asked: “What’s going on with City Council and why are they so contentious?” Mayor Biss provided some context, highlighting how the City has always had an informed and passionate citizenry and council members, but that the political polarization on the national and state levels during the past 5 years led to a highly partisan campaign for city office this past spring, which carried into the initial months of the new Council. Further, the Mayor philosophized that with many people turning to social media during the pandemic, their ‘bubbles’ of curated interaction have had significant influence on their real-world, in-person interactions. And yet, he is confident that every single council member, elected official and city staff share the goal of improving Evanston – and that is starting to show in a positive way. President Stephanie then asked, “What is one thing you’d like to accomplish as Mayor?” To which he replied that it’s very hard to pick just one thing, but reimagining public safety is a top priority. Mayor Biss summarized by saying “Using this moment to rethink public safety and make significant changes, making public safety more equitable and just for all.” The Mayor then addressed a follow-up question from Stephanie regarding the City’s groundbreaking reparations plan, which has seen 70 applications for the first 16 grants. The Reparations Committee (comprised of 4 residents and 3 council members) will next be considering whether the program continues to issue grants on the same basis, or if some other broadened/expanded approach is favorable. Mayor Biss proceeded to address John Juroe’s question about downtown post-pandemic economic development activity by describing Evanston’s unique 3-part economy: Citizens, NU students, and downtown office workers. Though citizens and NU students are returning to pre-pandemic buying patterns, the office workers largely aren’t returning until after 1 January 2022. Again, he sees a lot of opportunity in changing office leasing activity (as downtown Chicago offices adopt a hub-and-spoke suburban approach) and continuing to improve the walkability, amenities and beautification of downtown Evanston. The Mayor closed out an engaging session discussing other topics such as the District 65 race theory lawsuit, improved bike access throughout Evanston and the process for hiring a new City Manager. Announcements: Orchids & Onions:
Mark Lowry shared Brian King’s updated Evanston Rotary Jeopardy game. President Stephanie reminded everyone of the upcoming tree planting opportunity with Evanston Club Nouveau, and to make a donation to the Charitable fund, and adjourned the meeting at 1:18 pm. Service opportunities: Join the Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club for park clean up days, on Sat 16 Oct, or Sat 20 November. More information can be found at Thursday, 7 October - Join us for our next Meals on Wheels service opportunity on October 7th at 12:00 pm at 1723 Simpson Street. Sign up here for this date and all other remaining dates for the calendar year. Birthdays: Michele Berg – Sep 8 Anniversaries: Paul Fischl - 35 Years on Sep 1 Shawn Iles - 5 years on Sep 15 Announcements: For those who haven't seen the wonderful Evanston Roundtable article about Dick and Shelley Peach, please click HERE. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Jane Riccardi on the death of her husband, Young Whang. There’s a GoFundMe for Jane Riccardi and her husband Young: Please click HERE for more information. Become a Paul Harris Fellow!!! It’s a way to be recognized for your contributions that are done in a meaningful way to TRF and support everything that the Foundation does. A very easy way to give to TRF is to enroll in the Rotary Direct Program, where you can have your checking/savings account debited or your credit card charged on a set frequency and amount you choose. Sign up at www.rotary.org/en/donate and select “Annual Fund-Share” and a frequency and amount you’d like. |
ROTOGEAR!!!
We have baseball hats! These are black caps of washed chino twill fabric with contrasting sandwich visor, cloth strap and antique brass sliding buckle closure, embroidered with Evanston Club Logo. One size fits most, and are available for the low, low price of $11.99.
Contact Treasurer Curt Hansen to BUY YOURS TODAY!!!
Don't forget to place all your orders for Amazon through Amazon Smile--You can direct Amazon to direct a portion (.5%) of your purchase to the Evanston Rotary Club Charitable Fund. It does not cost you anything extra, but you will be helping us help our local and international partners! visit: smile.amazon.com, and be certain you have selected "Rotary Club of Evanston" as your choice for charity. Then always shop through smile.amazon.com vs amazon.com!!
