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Rotary Club of Lombard
Newsletter The Lilac Rotarian Rotary Corner - (London - UK: 21 November, 2007) Thirty-year-old polio-survivor Gautam Lewis of London will travel to his birthplace in India to help in the effort to immunize some 75 million children under the age of five against polio - a crippling and potentially fatal disease that is still endemic in Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. After learning about the commitment of Rotary International - a nonprofit humanitarian service organization that has made polio eradication its top priority - Lewis was inspired to help Rotary's campaign to eradicate the disease in India and worldwide. "Paired with a powerful vaccine and medical science, Rotary's steadfast commitment is the key to eradicating polio," said Lewis. "Through my personal experience, I have a deep understanding of how important voluntary organizations are in the world today. As a result of Rotary's efforts, many will go on to live happy and productive lives having been spared the cruel, life-long consequences of polio." Still dependent on crutches from his battle with polio, Lewis is in a strong position to sympathize and fight the disease. Lewis hopes to inspire those who have been battling polio for years by highlighting with dignity achievements that are possible in the face of adversity. "It is vital that everyone remain committed to ending this disease. I hope to show, through my example, that anything is possible - the sky is the limit." Born in Kolkata in 1977, Lewis was abandoned by his mother at the age of eighteen months old after he contracted polio. Lewis was taken to Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity where he stayed for three years before having another two years of operations at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCFC). There he met Dr. Patricia Lewis, a dual national (UK/Ireland) nuclear physicist, who was working at RCFC for a year. Lewis became Patricia's ward and was taken to Auckland, New Zealand in 1985 where he was adopted. At the age of nine, mother and son arrived in London. Lewis has worked in the music industry and has managed many high profile bands including The Libertines, The Hives, D4 and The Kills. Fulfilling his childhood dream, Lewis also qualified as a pilot in September 2007. A long standing fascination for aircraft has always been prevalent, but Lewis never thought that someone with his condition would be able to take part in the world of aviation. While in India, Lewis will join Rotary members during the 25 November mass immunization campaign to administer the drops of oral polio vaccine and go house-to-house to ensure that no child was missed. New methods and more effective oral polio vaccines have led to steady progress in India this year. Yet to date, India holds the highest number of polio cases of any single country this year, having reporting 367 cases so far in 2007. Whether knocking on doors during house-to-house campaigns or staffing immunization posts, India's nearly 90,000 Rotary members will be out in force during the multiple campaigns planned for this year. Rotary has contributed US$74.3 million to fight polio in India, and more than US$633 million toward eradicating polio worldwide. Besides raising and contributing funds, over one million men and women of Rotary have volunteered their time and personal resources to help immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries during national immunization campaigns. A highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and sometimes death, polio still strikes children in parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. To date, the number of polio cases has been reduced from 350,000 children annually in the mid 1980s to approximately 2,000 cases all last year. Rotary International is the world's first and one of the largest non-profit humanitarian service organizations. It is comprised of 1.2 million business and professional leaders in nearly 170 countries. Rotary members initiate community projects that address many of today's most critical issues such as violence, AIDS, hunger, the environment and health care. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is spearheaded by WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). For further information, visit www.polioeradication.org. Welcome To Our Speakers: On January 3rd, Pam Curtin
from the Northern Illinois Food Bank was our speaker. We were updated
as to how the bank is operated and that they serve 520 pantries
in 13 counties. On January 17th, our speaker was John Brandon
who spoke on prearrangement planning for a funeral and a history
lesson on the infamous Medford sisters. Honored Guests: On January 3rd, Jim Schneider made a visit to our club and is thinking of joining. On January 17th, the guest list was long , so here we go. Jan Mills, Aaron Rochholz Paul O'Malley, Jean Johnson and though she was late, Deanna Wilkins. Welcome. Fines and Happy Fines: On January 3rd, Our illustrious Sgt.@ Arms was nowhere to be found so Ming the Merciless ( Brian's tender nickname for Rick) was at the helm, and Brian paid up instantly. Late fines were accessed to Ed Seagraves (good name for a fire truck) and Connie. Gary B. paid a phone fine which Rick didn't catch but was caught by yours truly. It cost me a buck but what the heck, it goes to a good cause. Bill and Mike were fined for two directors at the same table. Happy Fines were paid by Jean, whose son Nolan had a good Christmas and got everything he wanted. Bob Mertz was happy that he was able to recite the Pledge with a mouthful of bread in his mouth. Dennis got to spend New Years Eve with his son and daughter in law who moved back to the area and live downtown. Gary B. cacelled his cruise and got his deposit back. Two birthday boys (Gary B and Rick) passed the basket as we sang happy b'day. Rick did nail Dennis for leaving while the speaker was talking, he sat by the table until his return. On January 10th, Gary Smit was hit for not having his pin. Three bankers were caught sitting together (Marge, Pete & Pat Crowley), 2 Funeral Directors, (Jack & John). Picture fines for Bob H., Bill L and Deb were paid in full. Pete O had a happy fine for having Hannah Montana tickets. ( hope he had a good time) We finally got to sing happy b'day to Bill L. On January 17th, Rich was late, phone calls were made during the 1-10-08 speakers time by Dennis and Gary B. Steve was fined for losing control at the Board meeting, and speaking of the meeting, MIA were the following members: Bob W.( who wasn't informed on the venue change) Ray, Bill L., Kathy, Jim B. and Jean was late. Bob McB. was charged for having a phone call during the meeting. Mike F. & Ed didn't have their pins and got caught, Brian made a smart a** remark about being married 147 years., we had two red sweater vests at one table ( Jim I. and Bill). No tickets were sold as Charlie wasn't present, so Steve paid for not having a replacement. On the Happy fine scene, John was pleased to announce his dad's 80th b'day, Ed's son Tom, is an Illinois State Scholar and received an acceptance letter from OSU. Bob M. informed everyone that he became a member 36 years ago, (about the time I was a freshman at GEHS). John also announced that his daughter Maggie was also an Illinois State Scholar. And Bulletin writer Dan was happy that he walked his daughter Cara down the aisle in Vegas the previous week. Happy birthday was sung as Brian passed the basket. Object of Rotary - or Be Reminded: the first regular (Thursday) meeting of every month is "Food or $5" as members will have the choice of bringing a food item to help supply for the Food Pantry or pay a $5 fine of to support First Things First. When a speaker is not scheduled on the first Thursday of each month, the time will be spent in quality fellowship and member to member interaction. Weekly Raffle, On January 3rd, Dan's table had the winning ticket, but alas, I picked the 6 of diamonds. On January 10th, I can't tell you who won the chance to pull the winning card, as I wasn't there and no one wrote down what happened. On January 17th, Charlie wasn't here so we had no winner. Birthday Celebrations: Recent and upcoming birthday celebrations of note include: December 7 John Nolan Mark Your Calendars: VALENTINES DINNER February 11th Praga Check the Website: Take the time to visit the newly revised www.lombardrotary.com to see the latest edition of this newsletter as well as other information relating to our Club. If you have any additional features that you would like to see posted, please send it my way….thanks! Board Meeting: The next Board Meeting is February 21st @ 7:15a.m. @ Hi-View Restaurant
January Board Meeting Highlights On January 17 Those in attendance were: Deb Allen II. Approval of the Minutes - December 20, 2007 (Harris): Marge Topel moved, and it was seconded, to approve the minutes as presented. All ayes, motion carried. III. Approval of Treasurer's Report (Young): Greg Young reported that we have $27,090.91 in the bank. Rick Soderstrom moved, and it was seconded, to accept the Treasurer's Report. All ayes, motion carried. He also noted that we are paying more per person for lunch than we collect, resulting in a $1,500 annual loss. It was noted that we make up for that by collecting for lunch from members who don't come to lunch. Greg Young moved, and it was seconded, to increase dues to $14.00 per person, including guests. All ayes, motion carried. IV. Committee Reports Club Service: (Whitacre) No report. Fun and Funds: (Byrne and Pede) We have over 30 signed up for the Valentine's Day (February 11) dinner at Praga. We may open it to non-Rotarian guests after January 24, space permitting. International: (McNicholas and Lichter) Dennis has contacted
people from the District and Rotary International. He learned we
can get a 150% matching grant up to the amount that we have contributed
to the Foundation. Therefore, $1,250 in collections would generate
a total of $3,125, so we support "two and a half" wells,
instead of just one. District Liaison: (Nolan) No report. Membership: (Topel and Volpe) There were some questions about Paul O'Malley's membership, which were discussed. Marge also submitted the name of Deanna Wilkins, York Township Assessor. Dan Tufano moved, and it was seconded, to support her membership. All ayes, motion carried. The letter asking for member comments on Paul O'Malley and Deanna Wilkins will be mailed very soon, and we hope for a January 31 initiation. Marge noted that prospective member Jim Schneider will probably join another club. Tom Parkinson, a sign manufacturer, is very interested, and this was cleared with Kim Pede. Jake Brandenburg cannot join, due to budgetary constraints. Pat Crowley of Harris Bank will probably join, to replace Pete O'Connor, who is moving to another club. Tracy Bushka, Dan Coffey and Tony Trainor are three more prospects. Programs: (Soderstrom) Rick listed some of the upcoming
speakers. Community Service: (Gallicchio) Rich suggested having speakers from the three literacy grantees at the January 31 meeting, to speak for a few minutes each on how they used the money from last year, and to be photographed receiving this year's grants. He is still waiting to pay PADS the approved donation. Sergeant at Arms: (Allen) Deb is making note already of fines to be assessed today. Bulletin Writer: (Tufano) The next bulletin should be out
as soon as Dan receives today's minutes. A. Paul O'Malley Membership. Already discussed, see above. B. Valentine's Day Dinner. Already discussed, see above. D. Haiti Well Matching Grant. Already discussed, see above. E. Rotary's Vocational Scholarship. The Board debated whether we should sponsor a student. This was referred to the Scholarship Committee. VI. New Business A. Board Meeting Location Change. Steve checked with everyone to see if they were OK with the new location; everyone was. B. LACCI Business After Hours. The Board wants to host this. It was referred to Fun and Funds. It may be March 6, in place of a luncheon. Kim will discuss with Bob Whitacre. C. Dorothy Bell Honorary Member. Bob Harris noted that some records included her, and some did not. The Board recalled that she should be listed as an honorary member. D. Nancy Blanche Memorial. Marge Topel moved, and it was seconded, to donate $75. to Rotary International as a memorial in Nancy Blanche's name. All ayes, motion carried. Deb Allen recalled that a policy exists on this; it will be researched. E. Illinois Food Bank Request & Thank You. Steve got a thank-you note for the recent presentation, and a request for funding. The Board chose not to fund them at this time. F. Casey's Staff Thank You. Steve received a thank-you note from Casey's serving staff for the holiday gift. G. Deicke Home Thank You. Steve received a thank-you note from Deicke Home for our donation. H. LHS Thank You. Steve received a thank-you note from the Lombard Historical Society for our donation. VII. Other Business It was suggested we look at alternatives to a golf outing--perhaps a summer picnic, if we can find a location. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, Kim Pede moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. Steve Flint adjourned the meeting at 8:18 a.m. The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, January 17, 2008,
at 7:15 a.m. at the Grove Restaurant. Bob Harris
Rich noted that a donation had been given to the PADS program. V. Unfinished Business A. Rotary Youth Exchange. We still need a host family for one semester. Bob is cautious about opening this up to a wider audience, due to security reasons. B. Christmas Party. Reported above in Fun and Funds. C. Literacy Grant Program. Reported above in Community Service. VI. New Business A. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Bob elaborated on his previous request for the qualities we seek in a RYLA participant. He prefers kids who have not had the breaks and advantages others in the area have had. He wants to choose Lombard residents, and he explained other priorities. B. Paul O'Malley Membership. Discussed under Membership above. C. Deike Home Donation Request. Deb Allen moved, and it was seconded, to donate $500 to the Deike Home. All ayes, motion carried. D. Valentine's Day Dinner. Discussed under Fun and Funds above. E. Casey's Staff Christmas Present. Steve proposed amounts. Dan Tufano moved, and it was seconded, to give monetary presents to the cook and the waitpeople at Casey's. All ayes, motion carried. VII. Other Business None VIII. Adjournment Marge Topel moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. Steve Flint adjourned the meeting at 7:56 a.m. The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, January 17, 2008,
at 7:15 a.m. at the Grove Restaurant. Bob Harris
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