BULLETIN – July 29, 2026
By Tim Dempsey
Newly minted President Bill Taranowski rang the bell, Bill Rickert gave the Pledge, Greeter Kim Smith led us in prayer, and song Meister want to be, Doug Southfield took us through the Mickey Mouse club theme song in honor of Disney’s first animated film “Steamboat Willy” from 1928.
BRAGS:
-Hapi Datt told us a microburst took down a large tree that hit her house. She shouldn’t have to pay for that!
-Kim Smith’s daughter passed 4 PTDs whatever those are.
-Ellen Young lost power for 12 hours recently after returning from 9 days hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.
-Robin O’Connor’s youngest son Doug recently got married.
-Malvena Taub took her son and daughter-in-law on an Alaska cruise. She taught her son to have an emergency fund and that came in handy when he lost his job recently.
-Bill Taranowski bragged that there were 3 founding members of the Club at the Installation dinner. Larry Neal, Bill Rickert, and Tom Zengler. He said the Libertyville Days parade was awesome, and the Club made a big splash! The flags at Rotary Park looked great. The Club is making an impact on Libertyville. Our charitable giving totaled $175.5k, a new record. On a personal note he is back from traveling. He hiked in Japan and did 193 miles in Spain.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: ,
-The new Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month, at Scott Hezner’s office. All are welcome.
-Perfect attendance awards were handed out. Kim Smith – 3 years, Rich Schoeneman – 4 years, Tim Dempsey – 14 years, Scott Hezner – 34 years, and Jeff Harger – 35 years.
-Howard Jaffe announced Charitable Giving breakfasts will be in August and September. He has 35 tickets for Misericordia’s Family Fest. Also, the Rotary Peace Pole was approved by the Village Committee and should be planted in Cook Park. September 21 is World Peace Day. The Club will match contributions to the Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus and Shelter Box up to $250.
-Foundation Chair Rick Mittelman presented Paul Harris Fellows. First timers Andy Herrrmann, Courtney Hoffman, Hank Clemmensen, and Dave Westlake received Paul Harris Fellows. Jon Rob received a Paul Harris plus 3. Rick reminded us that first timers can receive a $1000 award with a $250 contribution and a $750 match.
FUN & FROLICS:
Rich Schoeneman entertained us with a game of Taboo.
PROGRAM:
Today’s program was Ryan LeGare from Lake County Passage. Passage is an intelligent transportation system and is part of the Lake County Traffic Department. The traffic management center is located at 600 N. Winchester in Libertyville and has been there for 18 years. The center was conceived with 3 goals. 1. Improve signal coordination. 2. Provide real time monitoring of traffic. 3. Create more efficient incident management. There are 325 miles of fiber cable connecting 700 traffic signals, and 475 cameras. The system is connected to IDOT and the Illinois Tollway as well as Lake County and local municipalities.
Traffic signals are controlled with electronics contained in cabinets. Each has a battery backup in case of power failure. Video from cameras can sense traffic problems and can adjust zones. The system also has adaptive control for side streets. Emergency vehicles can trigger lights to prevent traffic from entering their path. The flashing signal is a white light next to the traffic lights. The newest turn signals flash to allow turns when the road is clear and can be turned red to prevent further turns.
The system can interact with self-driving cars. The central signal software can override predetermined stop times. It can also change patterns on holidays. Lakecountypassage.com is the website. It can provide real time traveler information and can even track snowplows.
RAFFLE:
-Daily: $47 won by Jon Robb.
-Progressive: $1,619 (8 cards). Andy Herrmann drew the ace of Spades. WINNER!!
NEXT WEEK:
-Greeter & Prayer: Kyle McCartney
-Fun & Frolics: Diana Servos
-Program: Doug Southgate.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Polio Plus: 3 billion immunized. 2 million saved from paralysis. !.6 million lives saved.” Bill Taranowski
