BULLETIN – August 5, 2026
By Tim Dempsey
President Taranowski rang the bell, Dennis Kratohwil gave the Pledge, Greeter Kyle McCartney led us in prayer, and second chair song Meister Doug Westgate didn’t have a song because it would take away from the speaker’s time who happens to be Doug Westgate!
WHEEL:
In a confluence of bad publicity and luck, Doug Westgate was wheeled for taking the wrong badge!
BRAGS:
-Doug Fendon bragged that they entertained their daughter and son in law and 2 grand kids who were visiting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Kyle Westlake took over as Greeter for Gina Shad.
-President Bill presented a check for $1,619 to Andy Herrmann for winning the progressive raffle last week.
-Jim Laverdiere asked if anyone would be interested in touring the Passage Center.
-The Village Board will vote on the Peace Pole at next Tuesday’s Board meeting.
-There is a USO event on 9/24 at Mickey Finn’s. Volunteer beer pourers are needed for 2 shifts. See Howard Jaffe.
-We need volunteers to work at Main Street’s Oktoberfest, September 25 – 26.
-Howard will be sending out an email about other events we sponsor.
-Reminder that Fun & Frolics includes bingo on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
-Rick Mittelman recognized new Paul Harris fellows: Hank Clemmensen – 1st award, Rich Schoeneman – Paul Harris plus 3, Happie Datt – Paul Harris plus 6.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
-Birthdays: Dennis Kratohwil – 8/16, Bob Zamor – 8/18, Tim Dempsey – 8/22, Glenn Garlick – 8/25.
-Club Anniversaries: Howard Jaffe – 5 years, Tom Gore – 6 years, John McDonald- 10 years.
FUN & FROLICS:
-In lieu of Fun & Frolics a video from the new District Governor, Rick Reigner, was played. He emphasized membership and “Change you so you can change the world”.
PROGRAM:
Today’s program was our own Doug Southgate who taught us about Latin and South America and the recent turn to the right in most of those countries. All but Brazil’s Lula from the working class in Brazil provided a left leaning victory. A rarity. The second exception was in Mexico. Claudia Sheinbaum from the National Regeneration Movement, a leftist who promised to get the cartels out. She was the mayor of Mexico City. The third exception is Cuba. Cuba is flat broke. There are virtually no tourists. Their electrical grid has collapsed, and they have secret police trained by the East German Stassi. Last is Nicaragua run by Daniel Ortega. He is a dictator who killed 2000 lawyers. He is not involved in the drug trade.
In Argentina, Javier Millei was elected in 2023. He is a conservative economist and has made great strides in turning around his nation’s economy. He hopes to return to the high standard of living the country enjoyed 125 years ago. Ecuador elected Daniel Noboa to curb violence and gangs. Ecuador is the largest producer of bananas. Chile, Peru, Columbia, and Venezuela are all turning more conservative. Doug is writing a book on Latin and South America.
RAFFLE:
-Daily - $28. Won by Dennis Kratohwil.
-Progressive: $28 (52 cards). Kyle McCartney drew the 6 of club s. ROLLOVER!
NEXT WEEK:
-Greeter & Prayer - Diana Servos.
-Fun & Frolics - Gina Shad.
-Program – Donna Bergl.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. If you want to make lasting change, go together.” African proverb
