By Tim Dempsey

President Rich Schoeneman called the meeting to order, Rick Mittelman gave the Pledge, and Larry Neal led us in prayer. My prayers were answered when we had no song!

 

BRAGS:
-Pat hart recently celebrated 49 years of wedded bliss.

 

-Larry Neal attended his first baby shower.

 

-Tucker Olson can’t see us on Zoom.

 

FOUNDATION MINUTE:
-President Rich gave us the Foundation Minute. Where do Rotary Foundation contributions go?

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Bill Taranowski’s birthday is Sunday.

 

-We received a thank you note from Waukegan to College.

 

-Salvation Army bell ringing is December 4. Diana still has some slots left.

 

-Holiday Party is December 7 th at Nirvana at 6 pm.

 

-Elliott Pinsel has over 400 ornaments and his bus will be at the meeting on December 1 To collect our gifts.

- 15 food boxes were assembled on Monday. $1425 has been collected so far. We will do 40 boxes for Christmas.

-25 Club members have contributed to the Polio Plus effort so far. Commitment is $100 for 5 years. If interested, contact Rich. Jeff Harger is generously matching the Club gifts.

 

-Carol August and Robin O’Connor still need server volunteers. See them for details.

 

-Rich Schoeneman is looking for a President Elect candidate.

 

FUN & FROLICS:
-Doug Fendon sent childhood pictures of members to be identified.

 

PROGRAM:
Today’s program was Illinois House Rep Chris Bos. After several years as a nonprofit executive, Chris ran for office in House District 51 and was elected in 2020. Chris is in favor of term limits for leaders in the Legislature. Madigan is gone and the House is in chaos.

Chris talked about the redrawing of District maps. The 51 st District will be moving south  under the current map. The new maps are being challenged in court. A decision should come in early December.

 

He favors balanced districts. Congressional maps are also being challenged. This past session saw a budget passed that was not really balanced. Illinois received $3 billion from the Federal government and used it for “Pork” projects instead of fixing some of the state’s fiscal needs. The Legislature added more courts and judge’s positions. They also eliminated the second tax on used car trade ins. Telehealth services will be increased. Trailer fees were reduced. The electric vehicle tax credit is extended to the entire state. They also passed a tax incentive for electric vehicle manufacturers.

The Primary is now in June. Redistricting rulings expected by the end of this year. The courts are aware of the timing with the Primary next year. There are a lot of open seats, so timing is important.

 

 RAFFLE:
-Daily: $40 won by Dave Ritland.
Progressive: $1276 (12 cards). ROLLOVER!

NEXT WEEK:
Greeter & Prayer: Tim Klein

 

Fun & Frolics & Bingo: Tom Gore

 

Program: West Point Cadet Sean Ratzer

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back” - Babe Ruth