BULLETIN – May 6, 2026
By Tim Dempsey

Tom Gore range the bell, Jim Curtis gave the Pledge, Greeter Jeff Harger led us in prayer, and returning after an extended engagement in Florida, Song meister Dennis Kratohwil helped us through our version of “Let it Be”. Once again, the intro was longer than the song, cutting into the speaker’s time!

BRAGS:
There were no brags.

BIRTHDAYS AND ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
-Birthdays: Malvena Lube – May 7, Jim Laverdiere – May 4.
-Club Anniversaries: Robin O’Connor – 9 years. Carol August – 9 years, Glenn Garlick – 14 years, Doug Fendon – 15 years, Sheb Karasu – 22 years, Bob Zamor – 30 years, Dennis

Kratohwil – 37 years. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Robin O’Connor was named volunteer of the year by Mainstreet. She also recently published a list of volunteer possibilities.
-Thanks to Jon Robb for organizing the fun and frolics event last Wednesday.
-We are invited to Bernie’s Book Bank luncheon on May 29. Bring children’s books.
-President Gore passed around a thank you letter from Given Kind.
-The Charitable Giving Committee needs 3 at-large members. 10 people volunteered. Too bad we can’t get that many to volunteer to be a Bulletin Editor!
-Rick Mittelman told us about Paul Harris Fellows. A first-time contributor can become a Fellow for $250 with the Club matching the remainder of the $1000 contribution.Rick recognized new Paul Harris Fellows: Robin O’Connor, Tyler Stokesbary, and Jim Laverdiere +4, Jim Curtis.

FUN & FROLICS:
-Rick Mittelman asked each table to do a card trick. 

PROGRAM:                  
Today’s program was Mike Zafirovski, President and Founder of the Zaf Group, a family office engaged in operating, investment, and advisory activities. Mike grew up in Macedonia, a part of Yugoslavia. He has three heroes: Marshall Tito, Jack Welch, and Jesus Christ. He has a passion for leadership and looks for best practices. To him, family is everything.   
His father moved the family to the United States in 1969. After college, he chose the corporate world and entered the GE management program. He fell in love with business. Jack Welch told him, “Fulfill your destiny or someone else will”. Mike left GE and became President of Motorola and then moved on to Nortel. He then had an epiphany. Make a commitment to public service. He has 6 steps:1. What happens if you don’t solve the problem. 2. Produce data. 3. Secure financial results. 4.Give back to community. 5. Competitive winning. 6. Leadership.
In 2006 he came to Chicago to run Motorola. He became involved in a Bible study group. 2009 was the Great Recession. He brought faith to work. In 2016, a second epiphany. He read the book Halftime by Bob Buford. What are you going to do with the rest of your life? What is the perfect life matrix? He got involved with the Halftime Institute. How do you translate the Bible to the real world?
Mike is a generalist. He helps build performing businesses by putting a team together. He built a family office to buy successful family businesses. He is on a faith journey. Faith without work is death. He is part of the Halftime Institute. Most are seeking something. Are you what God meant you to be?

FOOD PANTRY:
We raised $300 for the Food Pantry today.

RAFFLE:
-Daily: $30. Won by Rick Mittelman.
-Progressive: $1,205. (18 cards). Jon Robb drew the 4 of diamonds. ROLLOVER!

NEXT WEEK:
-Greeter & Prayer: Rick Babjak.
-No Fun & Frolics.
-Program: Sponsors Recognition.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“In baseball there are 3 types of players: Those who make it happen, those that watch it happen and those who wonder what happens”. Tommy Lasorda

FOUR WAY TEST:
-John McDonald led us in the Four Way Test.