BULLETIN – October 22, 2025

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Gore rang the big, beautiful bell and called on Jon Robb to give the Pledge. Greeter Robin O’Connor led us in prayer and Song Meister, Dennis Kratohwil helped us sing “My generation” by the Who in honor of International Stutters Recognition Day. Where does he come up with these references?

 

-Dave Westlake’s son got married and Dave and his wife became grandparents yesterday!

-Steve Risley’s son, who lives in Alabama, celebrated the first birthday of his granddaughter.

-Tom Gore’s son had their first grandchild.

-Elliot Pinsel’s son is getting married. Is that “Bacon boy”?

-Tucker Olson’s daughter and son-in-law bought a house across the street from them. Hard to believe they are old enough to live in a 55 and older community!

 

Membership guru Doug Fendon introduced our newest member, Doug Southgate. Doug has been a Rotarian since 1992, and is transferring from the Worthington, Ohio Club. Doug retired from Ohio State as an economics professor. His focus was international economics with an emphasis on Ecuador. Welcome Doug!

 

-THERE IS NO MORNING MEETING NEXT WEEK. There will be a Halloween Party at Kim Smiths house at 5:30 pm. RSVP to Kim at: 224 715 3818.

-We need more sponsors for the fundraiser.

-Polio awareness day is Friday October 24^th. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988. In 1988 there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries. Today there are fewer than 100 cases worldwide in 2 countries. An estimated 20 million people have been spared paralysis.

-We can still use volunteers for mock interviews at LHS. Interviewers should calm the kids before asking questions. There is a signup link on our website or see Steve Risley for details.

- The Holiday Party will be on 12/3 at Nirvana in Vernon Hills. Elliot Pinsel will have a bus there to collect ornaments for his gift drive. 

 

WHEEL: Elliot Pinsel was wheeled for his phone ringing during the meeting. He will organize the next Highway Cleanup.

 

Marco Amedei gave a trivia quiz about AI.

 

Today’s program featured Sabeela Syad. Sabeela is the Democratic representative from the 51^st District and is running for State Senate. She graduated from high school in 1987 and ran for the Assembly in 2022 and won. She is in her second term and has sponsored 21 bills related primarily to the health care system. She maintains that the system is difficult, and price gouging exists. She has worked to reduce the prices charged by private water utilities.

She says young people can’t afford to live in Illinois. The media profits from the division in this country. She has reached across the aisle to pass legislation. She maintains that if she is elected to the Senate, she can be more effective because she won’t be running for office every 2 years. She is against gerrymandering. She stated that increased money has gone to pension payments over the last 8 years but is proud of the financial upgrades for the State’s financial ratings.  

 

-Daily: $29. Won by Jim Laverdiere.

-Progressive: $438 (40 cards). Scott Hezner drew the 4 of Spades. ROLLOVER!

 

NEXT WEEK: in 2 weeks 11/5.

-Greeter & Prayer: TBD.

-Fun & Frolics: Carol August.

-Program – 11/5 – Dean Wegner, a friend of Dave Westlake. 

 

-What is Rotary’s polio fundraising challenge? Rotary is committed to raising $50 billion each year for polio eradication. Through our partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, every $1 raised is matched 2 to 1. With our members, we’ve contributed more than $2.6 billion to fight polio.

 

Rich Babjak led us in the four-way test.

 

“The will is the strong blind man who carries on his shoulders the lame man who can see.” 

-Schopenhauer