BULLETIN – March 20, 2024

by Tim Dempsey

 

President elect Jon Robb opened the meeting and gave the Pledge. Greeter John McDonald led us in prayer. No song!

 

-Jim Curtis, wearing Iowa State garb, bragged about the Cyclones appearance in the NCAA basketball tournament.

-Elliott Pinsel volunteered at Brave Hearts, a charity we support, and received a thank you letter. 

 

-Next week’s meeting will be at Mickey Finn’s at 6 pm. That would be a great occasion to invite prospective new members.

-The District Conference is coming up on April 20.

-There will be a lunch with The Rotary President on April 12^th.

-Our next Service project is April 20^th at Old School Forest Preserve working on restoration projects.

 

-Jim Curtis entertained us with a quiz on the “Big Dance”. We matched teams with their identity.

 

Today’s program was Dawn Steffen from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Dawn spent 35 years in the corporate world with Crayola. BB/BS has been in the Chicago area for 50 years. They had a Lake County office until 15 years ago when it was closed. Lake county reopened after Covid. They have done 50 matches and hope to increase that number 10-fold. 120 years ago, a judge realized that some kids could benefit from mentoring. BB/BS serves both the kids and the family, helping the kids to reach their potential.

In 2024, kids are still affected by Covid. Childhood trauma is a real thing. Bigs pick up Littles and do things together. The program is community based. Kids are 13 and up and are 50/50 male and female. The program is data driven. Case workers check in monthly. Bigs are vetted. They are promoting social and emotional growth. Kids develop plans, create resumes, and do mock interviews. Child safety is no. 1.

There is also a psych-based program for troubled kids. They meet with Bigs for an hour in the same place every week. 80 % have a plan. 90% graduate. 86% have better results. The program is kid centered. “10 minutes over pizza can last a lifetime.” BB/BS needs grownups to be mentors.

 

-Daily: $18 won by Bob Zamor.

-Progressive: $216. (46 cards). Tom Zengler drew the King of Clubs. ROLLOVER!

 

NEXT WEEK: 6 pm at Mickey Finn’s.

-Greeter & Prayer: Rob Likus

-Fun & Frolics: Tim Dempsey

 

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new”. - Albert Einstein