Rotary Club of Lombard Newsletter

The Lilac Rotarian
February 25, 2008
Volume Fifty One, Number 2

Rotary Corner - When the conversation turns to polio, Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Robert S. Scott is passionate about putting an end to the disease, and he believes Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge will play a key role.

Scott, who also chairs the International PolioPlus Committee, spoke about the challenge during a recent Rotary media interview. The challenge is Rotary's three-year fundraising effort to match the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's US$100 million grant to The Rotary Foundation for polio eradication.

"Each Rotary club is being asked to contribute at least $1,000 annually to the challenge for the next three years," Scott said. "If you consider there are nearly 33,000 clubs in the world, their combined fundraising efforts would result in almost the full matching amount of $100 million."
All Rotarians are invited to participate in the challenge, especially those who have joined Rotary since June 2005, when the last commitments to the previous polio eradication funding campaign were fulfilled. Rotary clubs chartered since that time are also a special focus.
"PolioPlus is Rotary's only corporate program, and I believe that all Rotarians will want to share in the legacy of wiping out a disease that has caused so much disability and death worldwide," Scott said. He added that Rotary Fellowships, Rotarian Action Groups, Rotary Foundation alumni, Rotaractors, and Interactors are also being invited to participate.
Although Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge began 1 January, contributions started coming in earlier and have been credited since 1 December 2007. Rotary has until 31 December 2010 to match the Gates Foundation challenge grant. Contributions will be eligible for Paul Harris Fellow and other standard recognition, but no new recognition will be available.

Several resources are being produced to help Rotarians meet the challenge, including a DVD, PowerPoint presentation, brochure, and sample press releases. The tools will be available on the RI Web site and from RI headquarters and international offices. A task force is also providing oversight and direction to clubs and districts.

"Many Rotarians are also asking if Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge is designed to supersede Every Rotarian, Every Year and the Rotary Centers Major Gifts Initiative," Scott said. "The answer is no. Each effort is equally important, and Rotary is fully committed to funding all three."
Will the Gates Foundation grant and Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge cover the cost of eradicating polio?

"The $200 million that will be generated will be a vital catalyst in support of polio eradication," Scott said. "However, more will be needed to finish the job. Rotary along with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative ? the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and now the Gates Foundation ? must continue to be advocates for donor nation support to help fund the push to finish polio once and for all."


February Board Meeting Highlights - On February 21st Minutes of the Lombard Rotary Board Meeting - February 21, 2008

I. Call to Order: President Flint convened the meeting of the Board of Directors at 7:15 a.m. at the Hi-View Restaurant.

Those in attendance were:

Deb Allen
Jim Blanche
Ray Byrne
Steve Flint
Rich Gallicchio
Bob Harris
Bill Lichter
Dennis McNicholas
Rick Soderstrom
Marge Topel
Dan Tufano
Bob Whitacre
Greg Young

II. Approval of the Minutes - January 17, 2008 (Harris): Greg Young 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 $22,644. in the bank. We also have $2,750 in receivables from the Praga dinner. This totals about $25,400, which is a typical amount. Deb Allen moved, and it was seconded, to accept the Treasurer's Report. All ayes, motion carried.

IV. Committee Reports

Club Service: (Whitacre) There will be no program on Rotary the first Thursday in March, but there will be on April 3. Things are going well, and Bob is keeping up with the birthday cards.

Fun and Funds: (Byrne and Pede) We will host a Business After Hours on March 6 at Casey's, and there is no lunch that day.

International: (McNicholas and Lichter) We are waiting until May to submit our application for a matching grant to Rotary International with Minnesota District 5950. Dennis would like a list of ideas for next year's projects. It was suggested we tie our club's goals into those of Rotary International. This will be discussed further at the February 28 lunch meeting.

District Liaison: (Nolan) No report.

Membership: (Topel and Volpe) Two new people have submitted applications: Tom Parkinson, sponsored by Rick Soderstrom, and Pat Crowley, sponsored by Marge Topel. Letters will go out soon. Dennis McNicholas moved, and it was seconded, to proceed with the membership process for both men. It was noted that Rotary International allows up to five members from the same classification in a club. All ayes, motion carried.

Programs: (Soderstrom) Rick listed some of the upcoming speakers.

Youth Services: (Blanche and McBride) Applications for scholarships have gone out to the schools. They are due back mid-March. The annual scholarship lunch should be May 29, and we will try to get Villa Nova. There was some discussion about putting these application forms on the website, but the Committee preferred not to do so. There was a discussion about how to define ineligible immediate family members.

Community Service: (Gallicchio) Rich thought the recent lunch meeting, with speakers from the literacy grant recipients, went well. Also, the check to PADS has been mailed.

Sergeant at Arms: (Allen) Deb will be absent at lunch today, but Rick will take her place.

Bulletin Writer: (Tufano) The next bulletin should be out Monday, assuming Dan receives today's minutes.

V. Unfinished Business

A. LACCI Business After Hours - 3/06 @ Casey's. No further report.

B. Valentine's Day Dinner. No further report.

C. Literacy Donation / Program. Our Club received thank you letters from all three recipients.

D. Rotary Scholarship. Already discussed.

VI. New Business

A. Rotary Foundation Memorial Donation Policy. A copy of our Club's policy was distributed. Dennis McNicholas moved, and it was seconded, to raise the amounts for memorials to $100 for a club member, and $75 for a club member's immediate family (spouse, child). All ayes, motion carried.

B. Pete O'Connor Resignation. President Flint read Mr. O'Connor's resignation letter. He is leaving due to a transfer to another location. Marge Topel moved, and it was seconded, to accept his resignation. All ayes, motion carried.

C. Bill Lichter's Retirement Party. Village President Bill Mueller asked for a donation from the Rotary Club for Bill Lichter's retirement party at the Westin on May 27. The Board declined to make a donation.

D. 2008-2009 Board. No report.

E. Lombard Lilac Parade. This will be May 18. The Board declined to contribute.

F. Lombard Baseball League. Deb Allen moved, and it was seconded, to donate to the League, matching last year's donation of $300. All ayes, motion carried.

G. 2008-2009 RI Theme "Make Dreams Real". President Steve shared this for the Board's information.

H. York Township Thank You. President Steve received a thank-you note from York Township for a donation.

I. Mr. Z's Gift Certificate Thank You. President Steve received a thank you note from a grateful recipient of a gift certificate.

J. LACCI Arts & Crafts Fair. President Steve received a request to contribute to this. The Board declined to do so.

K. Lombard-Villa Park Food Pantry Thank You. President Steve received a thank-you note from the Lombard-Villa Park Food Pantry for a donation.

VII. Other Business

Marge Topel moved, and it was seconded, to contribute $1,800 to the Tri-Town YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. All ayes, with one abstention (Deb Allen).

We have $640 accumulated in the fund to donate to First Things First. It was suggested that we donate this money at the March 6 Business After Hours, with a photo opportunity. It was suggested this would be a good time to induct two new members also.

There was discussion about whether Pete O'Connor still owed his invoice for quarterly lunches. The Board agreed that he did, and part of that would be applied to Pat Crowley's membership.

Dennis McNicholas shared the year-end report from the DuPage Community Foundation, showing about $8,000 in interest. If we withdraw this money, about $5,000 would help fund scholarships. Rick Soderstrom moved, and it was seconded, to withdraw the maximum amount from both funds for our club's use. All ayes, motion carried.

VIII. Adjournment

There being no further business, Jim Blanche moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. President Steve adjourned the meeting at 8:15 a.m.

The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 7:15 a.m. at the Hi-View Restaurant.

Bob Harris
Secretary

Welcome To Our Speakers: On January 24th, Our speaker was Bill Mueller, who spoke a little about the past year in Lombard, with the passing of two past Village Presidents and the high praise and accomplishments of the retiring Bill Lichter. On January 31st, Our speakers were Laura Koenig from Glenbard East, Annette Wesselhoff, from Dist. 44 and Linda Schehl, from the Plum Library, All three were the recipients of donations toward the Rotary Literacy Project. Each gave a short talk on how the money is being used. On February 7th, Bob W. gave a brief talk on the future of the 4 way test speaker tour. On February 14th, Bruce Thompson from the Deicke Home gave us an update on the home and its' residents.

Honored Guests: On January 24th, Earl Johnson from the Villa Park club gave us a visit. On January 31st, we had guests from all over the place. Hank Thieley from Ludington Michigan, Aaron Rochholz from5/3 Bank, Patric Crowley from Harris Bank, Joanne Richardson, the President of the Westerville Ohio Rotary Club, Bill Tompas and his son Steve and Tracey Bushka. I guess they all heard about our outstanding lunches. Although they were inducted today as Rotarians, we also had Deanna Wilkins (who was late) and Paul O'Malley as guests. BUT NOT ANY MORE! As they are no longer exempt from the finemaster. On February 7th, Dennis Sluga from the Elmhurst Club joined us with Ray Jagert from the Elmhurst Symphony. Jean Johnson , Tom Parkinson and Pat Crowley were also guests of the club. On February 14th, future hopefuls, Tom Parkinson and Pat Crowley were our guests once again.

Fines and Happy Fines: On January 24th, the Sgt. Collected late fines from Bob McB., Jim B. and Connie.Charlie was fined for not being here the week before and was not able to sell raffle tickets. Bill L. who brought our speaker for today was fined for not sitting with him. Picture fines were in abundance, with Deb paying for (4), Bill Mueller (3), Kim (2) and Jean (1). Bill was charged an additional dollar for arguing. Bill Lichter had a phone call during lunch. Jim Blanche wanted to thank everyone who supported him and his family after the passing of his wife. I was happy that Kyle, who is a past employee of mine and the son of close friends of myself and Cathy, is home from Iraq for good. Bob H. let everyone know about the workshop at the library for Business Resource. Bob M. was happy that he had a picture of Marge from the newspaper at the Cubs Convention. On January 31st, late to lunch were Doc Arndt, Jean, Bob C. Deanna and Dick S. Since we had the installation of 2 new members and a boatload of guests, the finemaster took the day off and had everyone pay a new fine for new members. The money goes to the food baskets. Rich G. was happy to give up his seat for the two visitors from Ohio, but Ray dropped the ball when it came to introducing them. John N. usually is happy when Rich G. gets a hair cut, but since he didn't get it cut, he was happy that John B. did. Maury is happy to be leaving for sunny Hawaii, Marge is happy to have two new members of club and John B. had a fat comment about Greg , but I didn't catch the happiness in it. On February 7th, Connie was late, Sgt Deb nailed the two chiefs (fire & police) for sitting at the same table, Brian for not sitting with his wife and fined the back table for too much verbal activity. Happy fine time went to Greg who was happy that his daughter and son-in-law were coming back to the states and will be stationed at Great Lakes, as this will make it easier to visit the new baby, as Megan is pregnant. Congrats to future Granpa Greg. Deb is happy the elections are over. On February 14th, the Sgt was at her best, as she caught Connie and Bob McB. slipping in late, catching Ron M. for having no pin, Ray for taking a phone call and everyone who didn't wear red today. Also two bankers (Greg-Pat), 2 sign makers ( Kim - Tom), and the back table AGAIN for talking during the intro's. Deb levied picture fines to herself and Jim I. for having their photo's on the cover of the Lombardian. Happy Fines from Brian whose two grand daughters were in the Dist 87 Honors Band. Dennis thought that it would be a nice gesture if Connie could get a permanent waiver for tardiness, as she travels farther than anyone else, Rich G. thought it was a good idea too.

Announcements: We have Business after hours on March 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 @ Casey's. Also, our Valentines dinner is being finalized as we speak. On February 7th, our two guests from Elmhurst announced that the Elmhurst Symphony are hoping to have 3 concerts @ GEHS fot the 08/09 season. On February 14th, President to be Jean read thank you's from Dist. 87 and Dist. 44 , for the Literacy donations. We also had a thank you from the family we took care of during the holidays.

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 24th, Marge's table had the winning ticket and Kim picked the 10 of clubs. On January 31st, Paul O's table had the winning ticket and Paul picked the 2 of Diamonds. On February 7th, Gary B. picked the 4 of spades. On February 14th, Tom Parkinson picked the 4 of hearts.

Birthday Celebrations: Recent and upcoming birthday celebrations of note include:

February 15 Bob Harris
March 29 Dick Schroeder
March 30 Ray Byrne
April 4 Dan Tufano
April 18 Kim Pede
April 21 Marge Topel

Mark Your Calendars:

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MARCH 6TH @ CASEY'S 5:30-7:30

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


 
 




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2004 Rotary Club of Lombard