BULLETIN – May 20, 2026

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Tom Gore rang the bell, Lesser gave the Pledge, Doug Fendon led us in prayer, and newly returned Song meister, Dennis Kratohwil took us through “I’m proud to be an American” in honor of Memorial Day.

 

-Doug Fendon bragged that he just returned from an African safari where he and his wife went glamping (glamor camping).

-Bill Rickert is back from Florida where he helped  win their flight in the Dennis Kratohwil’s member guest. He also visited his son in Colorado.

-Ellen Young and her husband are now number 2 on the waiting list at Lake Forest Place. They are in the middle of the “Grand downsizing”!

 

-Rick Mittelman presented Paul Harris awards. Robin O’Connor is a first timer, Patricia Bleck received a multiple Paul Harris award, and Bill Rickert received a Major Donor award for gifts totaling $10,000. Rick reminded us that a first time Paul Harris Fellow need only contribute $250 and the Club will match up to $1,000 with dollars and points from the District.

-Tom Miller was awarded his long-lost Treasurer’s pin.

-Bill Taranowski told us that LHS is transitioning their Interact program. New advisor Stephanie Henrichs introduced students from the Interact Club. Callie and Cecily Hamburg will be attending the RYLA Conference.  She also introduced scholarship winners Tunisha Desai and Claire Weadick. Claire received the Robet Kastner Service award from the Club and Tunisha received the Hornberger Spirit award.

-Summer volunteer events include: 

     -Mainstreet Lunch in the Park – June 12^th and June 26^th.

     -Libertyville Days Parade on June 20^th. Rich Schoeneman will be reaching out to get    volunteers.

     -Highway Cleanup is on May 30th.

 

 

-Larry Neal taught us about ticks.

 

Today’s program was Membership Chair Doug Fendon talking about membership and branding. He related stories from his corporate life and said we can improve our Rotary Brand in the community. We can reinforce our image and brand by increasing our exposure in the community. Wear your Rotary pin every day. People will ask about it, and we can strike up a conversation about our Club

We should brag about our club. We are a club of dynamic people. We need new members, and word of mouth works well. We have fun. We have a great brand. Our brand sells us so go out and pitch it! Get involved in a lot of different ways. Attend the events we sponsor and talk about the Club.

 

-Daily: $32. Won by Dave Potts.

-Progressive: $1,233. (17 cards). Bill Rickert drew the 8 of hearts. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Marco Amedei.

-Fun & Frolics: Robin O’Connor.

-Program: Chris Hoff, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department.

 

-Andy Hermann and Courtney Hoffman got their “Welcome to Rotary” wheels for not signing in.

 

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball is.”  Bob Feller

 

-Larry Neal led us in the Four Way Test.