By Tim Dempsey

 

Lame duck President Rich Schoeneman rang the bell, Dave Ritland did double duty leading us in the Pledge and prayer, and Tom Miller led us in singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the urging of song Meister Dennis Kratohwil. Steve Risley wheeled himself for a Fun & Frolic offense.

 

BRAGS:

-John Blair bragged about his guest, brother Bate, who was a pilot in Viet Nam flying 256 combat missions. He is 81 and has run 85 marathons around the country. He recently went on an Honor Flight in Miami.

 

-Bill Taranowski bragged that daughter Lori works at Lamb’s this summer. His other daughter just spent 2 weeks in Belize and his son is #2 in doubles on the LHS tennis team.

 

-Scott Hezner is proud of the support we give the IBEW with tool bags. The teachers are extremely grateful for our vocational initiative.

 

-Tucker Olson’s grand son Nathan has a 3.9 out of 4.0 at Michigan State and his brother is on a regional soccer team.

 

-Carol August’s daughter received her BA in English and is student teaching in Lake Zurich.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Rotary Foundation minute. What can your $1000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation do? Provide materials for a well in India. Purchase a tree nursery in Jamaica. Buy polio vaccine for 2000 babies in Nigeria.

 

-Bill Rickert needs nominations for the Service above Self award. He has 2 nominations so far.

 

-There is no morning meeting next week. Social event at Rick Mittelman’s home at 5:30 pm. 30 signed up so far.

 

-We will be distributing checks to 38 organizations in June. There will be 3 groups on 6/1,

6/8 and 6/15.

 

-The installation dinner will be 6/22. There will be no morning meeting.

 

-Prez elect Pinsel is looking for a third Sergeant at Arms to split duties.

-We auctioned off some left-over fundraiser items generating $206 for our foundation.

 

Dave Ritland entertained us with a match game.

 

Today’s program was Liz Fales with Waukegan to College. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State in Professional writing and a master’s from Loyola Chicago in Women’s Studies. She has spent over ten years working with young people in Lake County At A Safe Place, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children before joining Waukegan to College in December.

 

WTC supports students to and through college. There are 21 seniors in the program that are all going to college. Access to college is limited in Waukegan. They work with many first-generation students and stress access, readiness and persistence. Every student receives one to one support. Dedicated mentors stress resilience every day.

 

WTC has big growth plans that will require more mentors. They start with students in the fifth grade before it is too late. They expand horizons through trips to areas outside of Waukegan such as Chicago. 90% of first generation (born in America) do not graduate on time. The 21 seniors have earned scholarships including 5 full rides. WTC hopes to have 1000 students by 2029. Teachers identify prospects in the fifth grade. There are 2 parents on the WTC board. Individuals can support WTC by volunteering, attending events and mentoring.

 

RAFFLE:

-Daily: $20 won by Rich Babjak.

 

-Progressive: $444 with 39 cards. Yours truly drew the 9 of spades. Rollover!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Steve Risley.

 

-Fun & Frolics and Bingo: Jon Robb.

 

-Program: Social Event.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them”. Aristotle