BULLETIN – December 17, 2025

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Tom Gore rang the bell, Patricia Bleck recited the Pledge, Greeter Jeff Harger, filling in for Kyle McCartney, led us in prayer, and substitute Song Meister Doug Fendon helped us through the first five words of “Joy to the World”.

 

-Steve Risley survived last Sunday’s Bear’s game with temps at 2 Degrees! No doubt fortified with libations!

-Ellen Young avoided a ticket in Lake Forest and donated the fine she would have paid to the Club. 

 

-Rich Schoeneman: 35 years, Marco Amidei: 26 years, Ron Lapins: 16 years, Jon Robb: 15 years, and Rob Likus: 6 years.

 

-Special Recognition presented to Elaine and her staff from Lamb’s Farm. They were presented with a holiday check for all their efforts during the year.

-Howard Jaffe told us about our upcoming fundraiser. The website is up and running and we have sold 18 tickets. We need sponsors and silent auction items. Buy your tickets and raffle tickets on the website. This year is the 67^th anniversary of Second City. Four of the cast on the main stage will be in our show! Our cast is doing the promos. 

-Patricia Bleck and Doug Fendon were presented with their multiple Paul Harris Fellows.

 

Jim Curtis gave us a quiz on the Space Program.

 

Today’s program was LHS Principal Ray Albin. Ray was originally hired as a science teacher. He later coached wrestling, football and track. He was promoted to Associate Principal and has been Principal for 2 years. His philosophy is: “we are not too good that we can’t get better”. The mission is: “Daring students to learn”. LHS has 1700 students, 130 certified staff with an additional 100 staff. 96% of students attend post-secondary education or trade schools. 97% of students are involved in extracurricular activities. The ACT composite score is 23.9 for all students. Niche.com rates LHS as the 12^thbest high school in Illinois.

Ray told us that colleges now evaluate applicants holistically. What does the student do besides the classroom? LHS has 71 student organizations and students can participate in 34 sports at different levels. Students explore multiple pathways and can participate in internships and job shadowing. Students must be ready to learn. LHS provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They have a 96-97% graduation rate with very few dropouts. Their Illinois report card rates the school at 94.47 with an exemplary title. “Uncommon success begins at LHS”.

 

-Daily: $38 won by Tucker Olson.

-Progressive: $627 (35 cards). Tom Miller drew the queen of spades. ROLLOVER!

 

NEXT WEEK: January 7, 2026

-Greeter & Prayer: Rob Likus

-Fun & Frolics: Happie Datt

-Program: TBD

 

President Tom Gore gave us a summary of 2025:

Fundraiser:

-Raised $150k and provided grants or scholarships to 47 charities thanks in part to Howard Jaffe.

-Provided LHS scholarships.

-Provided a VHHS scholarship.

-Gave backpacks to IBEW apprentices.

-Renovated the gazebo in Rotary Park.

Community Service:

-Robin O’Connor & Glenn Garlick helped provide a RILEE polio demo to Libertyville middle schools.

-Participated in the City of Hope walk.

-Worked at the Art Festival with Main Street.

-Manned the Mickey Finn’s USO event.

-Worked on the Halloween event with Main Street.

Membership:

-Doug Fendon added 7 new members.

Social media to gain more exposure for the Club:

-Kim Smith created the Rotarian of the month and posted pictures of events.

-Sponsors attended several events and were included in the programs.

Social Events:

-Tom Zengler hosted an installation dinner for new officers and board members.

-Jon Robb put together our Holiday Party in December.

-Ron Lapins and committee conducted the summer long Golf League.

 

-Hank Clemmensen led us in the Four Way Test.

 

“Take your work seriously but yourself lightly.” C. W. Metcalf