Sheila and her Wilmette Family. Son Mark, his wife Renee, and granddaughters Hailey and Riley.
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Sheila and her California Family. Daughter Julie, her husband Steve, granddaughter Katie and grandson Drew.
• What is (was) your day job?
My day job for 31 years was middle school teacher for grades 6-9. I started teaching in Hingham, MA in grades 7 and 9, and then my family moved to Illinois. I worked for a school textbook publishing company, McDougal/Littell, when they were located on Greenbay Road in Winnetka. I coordinated textbook adoptions for CA and MA. I returned to teaching in Highland Park after completing a masters degree. I taught gifted education in grades 6-8 and mainstream classes in English literature and writing.
• What is your favorite book? or book genre?
Although I seem to favor biographies, I would find it impossible to select a favorite book. I spent many years reading wonderful books for the adolescent reader, and I seem to receive excellent books as gifts from students and friends. Right now I am reading The Social Animal by David Brooks, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and She Walks in Beauty by Caroline Kennedy.
• If you were in charge, what would you mandate be the national pastime?
The national pastime I would mandate is :
" Buy land, they're not making it anymore."
-Mark Twain
" Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."
-Mark Twain
• What are your hobbies?
My grandfather owned two apartment buildings so I learned basic home renovation at an early age. I am now on my third home. I work out at the rec center regularly, and I chase my 4 grandchildren around. More travel is an aspiration.
• What do most people not know about you?
Probably my last answer.
• Who was your sponsor?
Sue Kozak was my sponsor.
• How do you pitch Rotary?
I usually engage in conversations about the many accomplishments and services. Actually, I spoke for 4 hours at the Chicago Botanical Garden Show to attendees interested in the breadfruit foundation presented recently at Rotary.
• What aspect of Rotary makes you passionate to be involved?
The international aspect of the Rotary organization makes it possible to impact so many lives.
• What is your most memorable experience in Rotary?
Each week we are provided with so many interesting people and causes that I anticipate learning more each time I attend.
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• Were you exposed to Rotary as a child? If so, what memories do you have?
No exposure to Rotary as a child, and, actually, it was just for men at that time.