BULLETIN – November 13, 2024

By Tim Dempsey

 

Jon Robb opened the meeting, yours truly gave the Pledge, Tucker Olson led us in prayer, and we sang Happy Birthday in honor of Rich Babjak’s birthday.

 

-Elliot Pinsel bragged that his oldest son passed his bar exam and was sworn in as an attorney. Elliot also has amassed 570 ornaments for his annual gift drive.

-Patricia Bleck recognized Tom Miller, Rob Likus, Howard Jaffe, and Jeff Harger for their work on the new website. Rob Likus will manage the new site. Patricia is looking for feedback.

-Robin O’Connor attended the Power of the Purse fundraiser. It was attended by members of the Interact Club.

 

-Jeff Harger is collecting for the Christmas food baskets. The cost is $64 each.

-There is no morning meeting on December 4^th. The holiday Party will be that evening at 6 pm at Timothy O’Toole’s.

-Kim Smith directed us to the Club’s Instagram page.

-Bob Zamor said that there is a trip to Ak Tenamits in Guatemala next year from 5/3 to 5/13. If you are interested, see Bob.

-Jeff Harger is now a Shelter box ambassador. He will be emailing us every month.

-Elliot will have his bus at the Holiday Party to collect the wrapped gifts. Please be sure to include the ornament.

 

Elliot entertained us with a Christmas trivia quiz.

 

Today’s program was Chris Schmidt, Executive Director Midwest for the USO. Chris is a former Rotarian who served for 10 years in the military. He told us that .6% of the population served in the military. The USO was chartered to serve active-duty military. The Department of Defense funds operations in combat zones. The USO also has a not for profit to raise funds for their work in the US.

The Reserves and National Guard are part of their mission.

There are 3 operating areas in the US that include 250 locations. There are 2 centers at O’Hare, 2 at Midway and 4 at Great Lakes. The benefits they provide include calling cards for troops to call home, a program for kids of service members overseas, a reception for Great Lakes grads and their families, and sports tickets for soldiers and sailors.

They provide Transition Specialists who help service men and women get jobs. They fund USO shows and provide care packages for troops. They are embedded with active-duty troops and provide support for military families. Next year there will be a fundraising event at Mickey Finn’s on September 18^th. The event is Finn’s after dark. The event has raised $80k over the last 3 years.

 

-Daily: $20 won by Howard Jaffe who donated it to the USO.

-Progressive: $181. Jon Robb drew the 2 of hearts. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Robin O’Connor.

-Fun & Frolics: Carol August.

-Program: Mike Gattone, USA Olympic weightlifting coach.

 

-Howard Jaffe and Ellen Young – 35 years.

-Bill Taranowski – 12 years.

 

A Paul Harris Fellow is awarded to anyone who donates $1000 to the Annual Fund or Polio Plus.

 

“Deferred joys purchased by sacrifice are always the sweetest”. Bishop Fulton Sheen