BULLETIN – November 12, 2025

By Tim Dempsey

 

President Tom Gore rang the bell and called on Jeff Harger to give the Pledge. Greeter Rick Mittelman led us in prayer and Song Meister Dennis Kratohwil helped us with his rendition of the National Anthem. 

 

-Jeff Harger told us about the 25^th anniversary of Shelter Box. He attended a celebration that featured Kevin Costner and his band including his sons. Also, it is time for the holiday baskets. Please make out your check for $68 made out to the Sunrise Foundation.

-John Blair just returned from Seattle where he visited his son who just had a baby. He also met up with his brother in New Mexico and visited the Carlsbad Caverns.

-Patricia Bleck spent 3 weeks in Houston visiting her daughter who just gave birth to their 3^rd grandchild.

 

-Rich Babjak has a birthday on November 13^th.

-Rotary Anniversaries: Bill Taranowski – 13 years, Howard Jaffe – 34 years, Ellen Young – 34 years.

 

-Tom Gore attended the Mother’s Trust Gala which we sponsored. They were grateful for our contribution.

-Rick Mittelman reminded us about Paul Harris Fellows. The Club matches dollar for dollar the first Paul Harris Fellow which is a $1000 donation to the Rotary Foundation. He presented Hapi Datt with a Paul Harris Level 4.

- Elliott Pinsel told us to bring our ornament gifts to the holiday party. He will have a truck available to pick them up.

-Jon Robb told us about the Holiday Party on 12/3 at Nirvana starting at 6 pm. Confirm your attendance with Jon. Guests are welcome.

-We will have no morning meetings on 11/26 and 12/3.Normal meeting next week.

-Jim LaVerdiere started a Go Fund Me page.

-New ADG Jim Brill introduced himself.

-The slating process is starting for the next Rotary year beginning July 1^st. Bob Zamor will send out a list of positions and committees. Please advise Bob if you are interested in volunteering.

 

Reminder: Fun & Frolics includes bingo on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month.

Hapi Datt conducted a home-made contest which involved throwing a dryer ball through a target.

 

Today’s program was Carol Goldthwaite from the Midwest Veteran’s Closet. The Closet started 11 years ago to provide coats for veterans. They have picked up 600 coats this year so far with a goal of 2000. They recently moved to a new, larger location and are developing new programs including a food pantry. They provide a mobile market and have served 176 vets and active military. They will give away turkeys on November 21st. On December 19^th they will distribute Christmas hams to the needy. They are vets helping vets. They have hired 6 unemployed veterans for their staff.

The Closet is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 to 3. They give homeless vets hope for a better life. They give recruits at Great Lakes training in life skills to keep them out of trouble. Vets and active-duty personnel are struggling. They advocate for veterans. Their support is diverse including grants and support from Great Lakes. Their strategic plan includes increased community awareness, a new website, and forming community partnerships. They are located at 1720 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Volunteers take part in “sort a thons” where they sort donations.

 

-Daily: $31 won by Dave Westlake.

-Progressive: $512 (30 cards). Jon Robb drew the queen of diamonds. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Tom Miller.

-Fun & Frolics: Patricia Bleck.

-Program: Karen Wilkes, Executive Director, Liberty Prairie.

 

Scott Hezner, wielded his enormous power as Sergeant at Arms, wheeled Hapi Datt, Glenn Garlick and me for not signing in. I get to write next week’s Bulletin. Perhaps if he had been at his post when I checked in, I could have signed in and purchased a raffle ticket! 

 

Robin O’Connor helped us with the Four Way Test.

 

“Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.” Babe Ruth