BULLETIN – September 9, 2026
By Tim Dempsey

Bill Taranowski rang the bell, Jim Laverdiere gave the Pledge, Bob Zamor led us in prayer, and Song Meister, Dennis Kratohwil helped us sing “God Bless America”.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-The Board decided to cancel the morning meetings on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
-9/20 is the 5k for Willow House at Independence Grove.
-9/25 RILEE exhibit.   
-9/30 is the fifth Wednesday of the month. No morning meeting. Fellowship event will be held at Bottaio’s at 5 pm.
-10/3 is the City of Hope walk on their campus in Zion.
-10/24 is the World Walk for Polio.
-10/30 is the date for Pumpkinfest in Cook Park.
- Bob Zamor posted responsibilities on the website. If you did not get his post, please let him know.
-Rick Navarro from American Legion Post 329 in Libertyville was presented with a check from the Club. Rick told us the money would be used for repairs on the building. 

WHEEL:
-President Taranowski was wheeled for forgetting to announce guests and ask for brags.

FUN & FROLICS:
-Dave Westlake, a WestPoint graduate, recounted his first summer there with a quiz about the things they were required to memorize.

PROGRAM:
Today’s program was Sarah Crawford, the Chief Engagement Officer from Rotary International, who discussed programs at Rotary. She is responsible for so many programs; I wondered if there was anyone else working there! She helped plan the Internation Convention in Tai Pei where the focus was on learning and development. The Convention was attended by 39,000 people from 124 countries. She is also responsible for the worldwide District Governor’s meeting in Orlando.
Sarah oversees Rotary Structured programs such as Interact and RYLA that are of fellowship interest. There are Rotary action groups that have an international focus on common causes. She oversees the Rotary Friendship Exchange. Rotary areas of focus includes grants, both District and Global. 
Sarah started as an Ambassadorial Scholar and went to Rio. She was encouraged by her aunt and uncle who were both Rotarians. Her husband is now a Rotarian whom she met at a District Conference. She is keeping it in the family!
She talked about growing your Club. Do people like being around you? Make people feel welcome. Believe in your service projects. Tell stories that matter most. Club policies and practices should be open to new ideas. Encourage the community to participate in friendship exchanges, youth exchanges and short-term summer exchanges.

RAFFLE:
-Daily: $26 won by Hank Clemmensen.
-Progressive: $184 (49 cards). Steve Risley drew the ace of diamonds. ROLLOVER! 

NEXT WEEK:
-Greeter & Prayer: Bill Rickert.
-Fun & Frolics: Ellen Young.
-Program: Renee Baldwin & Helen Chan from Upscale Rummage

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate”. – Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

FOUR-WAY TEST:
Tom Miller led us in the Four Way Test.