BULLETIN – October 1, 2025

By Tim Dempsey

President Tom Gore called on Jim Laverdiere to give the Pledge, and he subbed for missing Greeter Dave Potts to lead us in prayer. Returning Song Meister Dennis Kratohwil helped us through “It’s a beautiful morning” in honor of our unusually great weather. His backup music technical glitz took longer than the song!

 

-Ellen Young just returned from Oregon after completing a 25-mile hike over tough terrain.

-Robin O’Connor bragged about a RILEE presentation she, Glenn Garlick and Larry Neal made at District 70 schools. RILEE is an iron lung exhibit.

 

-The Lincolnshire Rotary collected laptops and cell phones that they refurbished and sent to students in high school in Gaza.

-We donated $267 to the Township Food Pantry today.

This month’s birthdays and Rotary anniversaries:

 -Birthdays: Steve Risley – 10/1, John McDonald – 10/2, Tom Miller – 10/3, Jeff Harger – 10/6,

Rich Schoeneman – 10/7.

-Anniversaries: Rick Mittelman – 21 years.

-We have a 5^th Wednesday this month. There will be no morning meeting, and we will have a Halloween party at Kim Smith’s on 10/29. There will be a chili bar and prizes for the best costumes.

-LHS is having a Career Exploration Day on 10/9. Volunteers are needed to discuss their careers.

-New member Steve Nelson is leaving the Club. He is leaving his position as Executive Director of Community Partners for Affordable Housing and moving away. He said our Club is great and does a lot for the community.

 

Howard Jaffe was wheeled and had to recite a line from Caddy Shack.

 

Ellen Young read an article entitled: “Which Shark Tank are you in”. 

 

Today’s program was Patrice Sutton, County Administrator of Lake County. Patrice served in the Peace Corps in Poland and has held numerous posts in municipalities before serving as Lake County CFO. AS County Administrator she reports to the 19 Commissioners. Lake County has 7 elected officials, 30+ Departments and over 2700 employees. She is responsible for the daily operations of the County, hiring and firing of employees, preparing the budget and recommending policy.

Lake County is the 3^rd largest county in the state. There is both poverty and wealth in the county. Patrice’s job is all about relationships. She must navigate priorities. The county budget is $650 million+. 30% of revenue comes from property taxes and 7% of tax bills go to the county. Tax dollars are shared with the state. The county will hold public transparent meetings on the budget in October with the fiscal year starting 12/1.

County accomplishments include the Lake County Strategic Plan whose mission is to: “Provide exceptional services and support for Lake County’s people, communities, and environments”. Also, the completion of the regional operations and communication center which will reduce 911 call transfers. The county has opened a children’s medical clinic in conjunction with Rosland Franklin University. Other efforts include gun violence prevention, more affordable housing, improvement of mental health, and strengthening the regional superintendent of schools’ office. Concerns include transportation, public safety, affordable housing, property taxes, and red tape. 

 

-Daily: $25 won by Bill Rickert.

-Progressive: $355 (43 cards). Steve Risley drew 10 spades. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Elliot Pinsel.

-Fun & Frolics: Bob Zamor.

Program: Michael Schachner – The hidden cost of senior care.

 

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support peace efforts and end polio forever. Areas include maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and environment.

 

Robin O’Connor led us in the Four Way Test.

 

“The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself”. Washington Allston