BULLETIN – June 5, 2024

By Tim Dempsey

 

Lame duck Rich Babjak called the meeting to order, Sheb Karasu gave the Pledge and led us in prayer. Dennis Kratohwil reminded us that it was the 80^th anniversary of D Day and gave homage to Ralph Ladtke who served in World War 2 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack. Ralph passed away. He also remembered a former song meister, Larry Jelinek who is also no longer with us. Dennis’s intro was so long I fell asleep and didn’t record the song title.

 

-Tom Gore took his visiting niece to a concert of the band Passion Pit and he was the oldest person in the audience.

-Steve Risley reminded us that on this day 80 years ago 12,000 soldiers died to protect our freedom.

-John Blair introduced his brother Bate who flew 256 missions in Vietnam. Bate has run 87 marathons in 49 states and is working on a book of quotes from Rangers in our National Parks.

-Rich Babjak’s daughter and son in law both won power lifting contests.

 

-Patricia Bleck is celebrating 6 years as a Rotarian on June 6.  Patricia put together the service project at the Grayslake Garden. June’s project is working Libertyville Days at the request of the Libertyville Junior Women’s Club. July’s project is working with Habitat for Humanity.

-Installation Golf is June 21.

-Installation Dinner is June 26.

 

Rich Babjak did an impromptu investment quiz subbing for Michael Schachner.

 

Today’s program was Aaron Arnold from Waukegan to College. Now is the busiest time for WTC with graduation happening. June 8^th, they have their year end celebration. They will note their 100^th college graduate. In 14 years, they have gone from 30 to 300 students in the program. This year they have 24 seniors in the program and will find $12 million in financial aid. 60% of the seniors have a 0 gap in funding with no loans. The average cost for college is $45k per year. They want to get financing through college, not just the first year. 95% of their students graduate. Aaron highlighted Anahi Zuniga who is going to Whitman College as a Posse scholar. Education is a means to an end. They are investing in a brighter future.

In 2001 there were 1600 students in the Schuler Scholars program. Through bad investments, the program had to close recently. WTC stepped in to fill the gap. They had a huge influx of students who were absorbed by WTC. Their 2024 goal was 75 new students, but because of the Schuler closing they are now over 100 students. The 2025 goal is 90 students. They have started funding for their Community Project with the goal of expanding to all 5 Waukegan middle schools in 2 to 3 years. Their budget has now grown to $1.4 million. “1000 dreams, 1000 students by 2029”.

 Waukegan is the largest school district in Lake County. They are looking for volunteers. They can serve in person or on Zoom. People can engage students in reading, tutoring and career exploration. Students qualify for the program by displaying the 3 Hs. Hunger, Hustle, and Hope.

 

-Daily: $26 won by Steve Risley.

-Progressive: $390 (36 cards). Dennis Kratohwil drew the Jack of Diamonds. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Glenn Garlick.

-Fun & Frolics: Dennis Kratohwil.

-Program: Kate Ceithaml from Lake County Haven.

 

We raised $268 for the Food Pantry.

 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion” The Dalai Lama