By Tim Dempsey

 

President Rich Schoeneman opened the meeting, Dave Potts gave the pledge, Howard Jaffe led us in prayer and Rich Schoeneman gave his best rendition of “Home on the range”.

 

-There were no brags today.

 

BIRTHDAYS:

-Today is Greg Hill’s birthday.

 

-Supporting Humanitarian Grants Program, the Cadre of Technical Advisors is a group of volunteer Rotarians who provide technical expertise and advice to Rotarians planning and carrying out Rotary Grant projects around the world. The cadre needs Rotarians qualified in the following fields: Health, Education/Literacy, Small Business/Revolving Loans (micro credit), and Financial Auditing (chartered accountants and certified public accountants), and more. Individuals fluent in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and other language skills are welcome as well.

 

-Rick Mittelman bragged that Danny Caldwell and his staff at Nirvana did a great job on our holiday party. Over 50 people attended. Jan Mittelman provided the desserts.

 

-We have collected enough money to provide 47 ½ of the 45 food baskets requested by the Food Pantry.

 

-Club members contributed $8900 to the Polio Plus campaign. With the Gates Foundation match the total is $26,700 raised!

 

-We are awaiting a report on money raised at the Salvation Army bell ringing. Some members took the aprons and bells home. They belong to the Salvation Army and should be left with the kettles next year.

 

-The December Board meeting is next Tuesday on Zoom. All are welcome.

 

-Brad Gutzler had Fun & Frolics and asked us to read his lips. Unfortunately, he was on Zoom and it was hard to see. I think his lips were moving!

 

Today’s Program was our own John McDonald. John grew up in a house with no central heat and plumbing. He attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse with 8 grades. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo Ohio where he earned a National Merit Scholarship and played football, basketball, tennis and track. He went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Detroit and did graduate work at Michigan. He moved to Downers Grove and earned an MBA from Loyola while working at Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. Later he accepted a Corporate Engineering position at Abbott and moved to Mundelein. He retired in 2003 and is active in Engineers Without Borders, Waukegan to College and the American Red Cross. He has been married to Maureen for over 53 years and has 3 sons and a daughter and 7 grandchildren. John has completed 10 marathons including Boston twice!

 

John began by telling us the 5 Rotary Avenues of Service. John is currently Chair of International Service. He would like to create more awareness of overseas projects. Projects are funded with cash, DDF (District Directed Funds) and TRF (The Rotary Foundation Funds). A member should select a focus and do research. Look for international projects and find an international host club. What does an area really need? Get community input. The Rotary Foundation does one $2 million project per year, Several global grants in the $30k to $400k range, as well as many smaller projects. We will have a TRF presentation next week.

 

-Daily: $37 won by Tom Stanczyk.

-Progressive: $1391 (9 cards). Jon Robb drew the Ace of clubs. So Close! Rollover!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Greg Hill

 

-Fun & Frolics: Jeff Harger

 

-Program: Bill Kmiecik – The Rotary Foundation

 

“Confidence is a plant of slow growth”  New Testament