BULLETIN – September 24, 2025

By Tim Dempsey

 

Subbing for Tom Gore, former President Howard Jaffe rang the bell and called on Jeff Harger to take us through the Pledge.  Greeter Rich Schoeneman led us in prayer, and Rick Mittelman helped us through a version of the Beatles hit “The best things in life are free.” I never thought that I would want Dennis Kratohwil back as Song Meister!

 

-Hapi Datt’s youngest daughter is forgoing a pricy wedding, and they are buying a house instead!

-Jim Laverdiere had some recent family health issues. His wife had Covid, and his daughter is recovering from a detached retina. Both are doing better.

-Bob Zamor told us about his wife’s membership in the Village Quilters. They are having a show on the last weekend of October. They are selling raffle tickets for $1. I think the prize is a quilt of all things!

 

-Elliot Pinsel will be doing his holiday gift drive again this year. He will have a truck on the first Wednesday of December to pick up gifts.

-Bob Zengler told us his “Coats for Vets” drive is starting. Coats and other clothing can be dropped off at any Zengler location.

-Our volunteers worked at the beer tent at the recent USO fundraiser at Mickey Finns. 300 people attended and they raised $80k. That was double last year’s event. 

 

Since stand-in President Jaffe forgot to do Fun & Frolics, he was asked to spin the wheel. His fine was to sing “Take me out to the Ball Game” which he was able to do. 

Bill Tananowski entertained us with a quiz about AI.

 

Today’s program was a second presentation of checks to some of the charities we support. We are supporting a wide variety of charities this year. They number 47. Howard reminded us that our next fundraiser will be a Second City presentation on March 7, 2026. This will be the 4^th Second City event. Bill Taranowski, President-elect, presented the checks.

First was the LHS Interact Club. They are the junior version of Rotary. They do projects throughout the year including providing meals for the Haven.

Next was LHS Top Cats. They provide mentoring to Lake County Boys and Girls Clubs. 

The LHS Best Buddies provide mentoring and support to developmentally disabled kids. They have a carnival every year and find friends and activities for the disabled.

Next was Brave Hearts. They provide therapeutic horseback riding to veterans and developmentally disabled people. Veterans lose a sense of community. Brave Hearts help to get it back.

Erie Family Health has helped over 11,000 patients to a healthy start. This year they will serve 3,000 families with screenings for 0- to 3-year-olds and prenatal care.

Sue’s Pantry opened a space in Arlington Heights. They provide food assistance to single moms and families in need. They also help with rent and car repairs.

Next was Youth and Family Counseling. They were founded in 1962 and provide affordable and accessible counseling and behavioral therapy. Their explorer series is available to high school students who are interested in a career in behavioral sciences.

The Latino Coalition of Lake County has provided help and financial aid to Latino students for over 30 years. They are providing 7 scholarships this year.

The Community Partners for Affordable Housing have 200 houses in Lake County that they rent out at affordable rates. Their newest project will build 84 new units in the Spring.

The Tool Library has over 2,500 tools that they lend out for 1 week. Members pay $50 each year and have access to tools for no charge. They also conduct classes in repair, plumbing and other skills on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. 

 

-Daily: $31 won by Carol August.

-Progressive: $329 (44 cards). Rich Schoeneman drew the Joker. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Dave Potts.

-Fun & Frolics: Ellen Young.

-Program: Patricia Sutton, Chief Administrative Officer for Lake County.

 

There was no time for the Rotary Minute this week.

 

Kim Smith led us in the Four Way Test.

 

“Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure”. Edward Eggleston