President Ghida Neukirch welcomed guests and attendees. The Club recited Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test.

 

Ghida reminded everyone about the April 27th Gala. She gave a special thanks to Eric Ephraim (First Bank of HP) and Jon Levey (HP Bank and Trust) for their sponsorships. She also thanked Jeff Colman, Joe Lolli,  Paul Munk and Len Tenner for their table purchases.

We will be honoring our own Larry Block for his service as a Rotarian and his contributions to the community through the Highland Park Strings over the past 40 years. Contact Mike Babian at michael.babian@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities, dinner and raffle tickets. First prize in the raffle is $5000, second place is $2000, and third place is $1000. Members are strongly encouraged to sell a minimum of four raffle tickets. The Gala raises funds for the Club's scholarship programs, and to sponsor the Rotary Interact Club at HPHS.

 

Early voting started on March 18th. To find out more about the candidates , you can visit the League of Women's Voters.

 

Len Tenner reported the Interact Bernie's Book Bank event was a success.

Nat Yogachandra, Speaker

Debbie Yogachandra, Speaker

Arturo Medina, guest of Carrie Callas

Happy dollars were given by: Jeff Colman, still celebrating his birthday on Saturday; Phil Lazarus to welcome our guests; Jim Berardi on the news a car that runs on salt water is being developed; Len Tenner welcomed our speakers; and Eric Ephraim just because.

Nat Yogachandra from the Baha'i Speakers Bureau gave a presentation on "A Global Perspective on Racism, Discrimination and Prejudices". Working for Eastman Kodak for more than thirty years, including as Worldwide Director of Retail Business, he has traveled through Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Nat shared about his global travels and his observations and research on global racism. Nat provided his thoughts on how we should adjust our view so that we all share what we have in common - being a part of humankind.

 

He currently serves as Vice President of "Hope is Life Foundation", a non-profit organization which began in 2005. This was formed as a result of a community service activity initiated by his youngest daughter, Natascha, a recent graduate of New York University. 

 

Hope is Life works to create vibrant communities around the world where children can enjoy a peaceful, healthy life and receive proper education without any form of prejudice. The Foundation believes that the world of humanity is a composite body - when part of the body suffers, the rest will feel the consequences. The advancement of education and economic progress depends largely on natural stirrings at the grassroots level. The organization's programs are aimed at the betterment and empowerment of youth, resulting in the transformation of society

 

Everyday is a great day to get something special for yourself or someone you love and also give our club a boost by reminding you to shop at smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate to Rotary Club of Highland Park- Highwood when you shop!