Written by Patrick Hart

 

This week Tom Zengeler presided over our weekly meeting for the last time, and as his presidential reign comes to a close, I am sure we are all grateful for the splendid leadership he has provided to the club. I assume that is the reason Dennis Kratohwil chose as his song this week “Now I’ve Had the Time of My Life.”

 

Tom Gore bragged about the momentous family reunion he experienced with 31 of his relatives in South Carolina.

 

Kevin Stevens reminded us that he is having his installation as district governor on Saturday and that we are all invited.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

John Blair is home after his surgery and hospitalization, and he is speaking and moving well.

 

During the Rotary minute Tom Zengeler suggested that we reflect on our impact and achievements during this about to end Rotary year.

 

Please consider giving to the Rotary Foundation this month, so our club can receive credit during this Rotary year.

 

Doug Fendon announced that our installation golf outing was being held on Wednesday afternoon, which means that by the time of this publication that event is already in the past. Since I have heard no updated reports though, I assume that no one hit any holes in one.

 

Our installation dinner will be next Wednesday evening June 30, at Tom Zengeler’s house. There will be no morning meeting next week.

 

Save the dates on October 2 and October 9, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 for our North Shore Wine Festival at Main Street Social.

 

 

 

Tucker Olson decided to skip the fun part of his duties as chair of Fun & Frolics this week and just fine everyone three dollars.

 

Richard Babjak was ordered to spin the wheel for failure to check himself in on the attendance report, a truly grievous offense, which our sergeant at arms decided deserved the harshest of punishments.

 

Our program this week was a presentation of the Service Above Self Award with Bill Rickert serving as master of ceremony.   The Service Above Self Award is given by our club to recognize non-Rotarians, who have exemplified the Rotary motto of “Service above self,” and whose efforts have significantly improved the lives of others.

 

We presented the award on Wednesday to Sue and Hasu Gandhi.  The Gandhis both lost their jobs during the economic turmoil in 2008.  However, rather than merely worrying about how they were going to overcome this personal setback, they wanted to take advantage of the extra time they suddenly had available to help others, and they started preparing meals for the homeless.  Before long this project grew into Sue’s Pantry, which they operate out of their garage in Vernon Hills.  Sue Gandhi says “We’ve been blessed to be on this earth as a human being, and it is our moral responsibility to help those around us.” 

 

 

The Gandhis put in thirty-five to forty hours a week running the food pantry, and a number of volunteers help them keep the operation going. One of their volunteers referred to Sue as Santa Claus, and herself as one of the Elves.  They distribute food to two hundred families a week about half of whom come to the pantry to pick up and the other half receive deliveries of food made by the volunteers.  The deliveries can be a godsend, since many people who have difficulty affording adequate nourishment do not own cars.  Others are handicapped and unable to drive. 

 

The pantry also helps their neighbors in need in other ways, such as providing them with clothes and rent assistance, and their charitable activities have been featured on a segment of NBC news.

 

The award included a check from the club toward the operation of the pantry, Paul Harris Fellowships established in the Gandhis’ names by the club, and a clock symbolizing the value of the time they dedicate to this project.  Their names will also be added to the plaque which sits in the Libertyville Civic Center and lists the names of all of the recipients of the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award.    

 

Rich Babjak won the weekly prize of $36.00, which after paying for his breakfast and his fine should have enabled him to leave the meeting financially in the black.  However, he generously donated his winnings to the food pantry and covered his expenses out of his personal fortune.

 

Tom Miller also had to cover the cost of his own meal, after he failed to pull the Ace of Spades out of 31 cards to win $618.00.  Everyone else though was happy to see the progressive pot roll over one more time.

 

 

Installation dinner, no morning meeting.  Our next gathering at Lambs Farm will be on the morning of July 7.

 

 

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food….. Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”  The Gospel according to Matthew.