Spoke for January 19, 2022 (Jan 19, 2022)

January 19, 2022

January 12 Program - Restructuring Sears Tower

Tod Desmarais, architect, developer, designer (among other things) presented a fascinating story of the restructuring of Sears Tower which later became Willis Tower. Originally built in 1973, Sears Tower was designed as an office building for Sears employees. When it was bought in 2016, the developers wanted to redesign the building for "mixed-use" so employees, residents and tourists would feel welcome to come to the building. Major redesign and structuring took place for the public areas outside the building and the first two floors.

The Sears Tower was transformed from a dull, unfriendly, sterile office building to a welcoming, user-friendly, inviting place to visit, live and work. Willis Towers is now a major Chicago tourist destination and a beautiful addition to downtown Chicago.

EREY Link

Even if you missed the yearend deadline for a 2021 tax deduction, you can still make a contribution for the current Rotary year. Remember part of your contribution comes back to our Club to fund our service programs. Ray Zeiss has announced that starting April 1, any member who is currently $500 or less away from a $1000 contribution, can become a Paul Harris Fellow with credits from our past EREY contributions; also, contributions of less than $500 will also be matched.

Members : Click for a direct link to donate. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/wilmette-rotary-club-foundation/erey-for-rotary-members

RC Wilmette Harbor Book Drive

The Rotary Club of Wilmette Harbor has partnered with Open Books Chicago to collect books. Open Books sells books and distributes free books through its literacy and book grant programs. They give away 2.5 books for every 3 they sell. They welcome any sellable book in good condition, but NOT old travel books, encyclopedias or torn/worn-out books. Children's books are especially welcome.

Drop off day is Saturday, January 29th from 9am- 11am. Location is Hong Kong Auto Service, 3500 Lake Avenue, Wilmette (corner of Lake and Laramie). Enter the parking lot from Laramie, and Rotary volunteers will help to unload your books.

Disaster in Philippines - Shelter Box There

From DG Stevens: While we were “holidaying,” Super Typhoon Rai made landfall nine times across the archipelago. Early assessments indicate that 405,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, over 4.5 million people affected and over 570,000 displaced. Shelterbox is on the scene! Shelterbox needs help supplementing and restocking their warehouse in the Philippines. Consider joining the HERO list at https://www.shelterboxusa.org/hero.

RC Carol Stream Golf Raffle

Check out the Rotary Club of Carol Stream Ultimate Golf Raffle! Great odds for you golfers to explore courses all over Northern Illinois - Drawing on February 10th. Tickets are $100 each and first prize is Medina Golf Course #3; 40 prizes in all. Only 400 tickets will be sold...1 in 10 odds of winning. Proceeds will go to providing a substantial scholarship to a student in need.

Tornado Disaster Help through Dist. 6440

DG Kevin sent an email to all members explaining many ways to help survivors of the tornado that ripped through several states last month. Anyone who has seen the news coverage is aware of the mass destruction wreaked by this tornado to homes and businesses. For those who would like to donate through the District 6440 Charitable Fund they have activated an online donation portal. Once they have collected significant funds they will determine where to best contribute for relief efforts. Please select option one, Tornado Relief, at this link to donate through District 6440: https://form.jotform.com/62386028569971

2022 Rotary International Convention

There is no experience quite like attending a Rotary International Convention. It’s an opportunity for members to connect personally with people from around the world, celebrate our service, and work together to find solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.

The 2022 Rotary International Convention will be held in Houston, Texas, USA, June 4-8. Those who can’t make the trip in early June can still experience the convention virtually. See Share the promotional video to see more about this important event. To register: https://convention.rotary.org/en/houston