President Helen Oloroso welcomed members and guests to the meeting before leading the group in the “Why We Are Rotarians” pledge.

 

Acknowledging the Jewish holidays (and complimenting Rotary for its “footprint devoid of political considerations”, Harold Bauer shared a Rosh Hashanah (translated ‘Head of the Year’) Thought for the Day from a retired rabbi friend: “Let us open our eyes wide to appreciate the fresh array of goodness bestowed upon us.” 

 

Marv Edelstein explained that Gui Isfer Garcia, our recent Youth Exchange student, was live-streaming our meeting in Brazil. 

 

 

Zbig Skiba announced that our club will be planting 18 trees in Lovelace Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.   This brings to 239 the number of trees planted in response to 2017-2018 RI President Ian Riseley’s challenge.  All are encouraged to attend!

 

Ann Searles explained that our club will be gathering informally at Smylie Brothers (1615 Oak Ave., Evanston) on Oct. 9 at 4:30 p.m. to honor club members Elaine Clemens and Greg Klaiber, who are moving out of the area. A rough count is helpful, so please let Ann know if you are planning to attend.   Ann also reminded the group that she is still taking orders for Evanston Lighthouse polo-style shirts. 

 

Assistant Governor Mary Bak encouraged all members to attend the District 6440 Fall Training session at Harper College on Oct. 19 from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Topics covered will include membership, fundraising, public image, International Service and ClubRunner.   All sessions are free and registration is being handled online.

 

Jean Saunders announced that she will be one of six RI employees raising funds for Miles to End Polio as part of El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 23, 2019.   As members of Rotary’s cycling team, Jean and Kristin Brown will be challenging our club to donate in the weeks prior to the event.  There are also plans in the works for a local riding option. 

 

Ann Weatherhead explained that she will be overseeing a Community Service Soup Kitchen on Thursday, Oct. 31, at First United Methodist Church.  She is hoping for Rotary support and more details will be forthcoming.   Conscious of our club’s interest in housing insecurity in Evanston, Ann also noted that First United Methodist Church very recently received zoning approval for a Transitional Shelter for Women in the Church basement.

 

 

 

Jean Saunders warmly welcomed current Rotary International President Mark Maloney.  A principal of a Decatur, Ala., law firm, focusing on taxation, estate planning and agricultural law, Mark has been a Rotarian since 1980.  He has held a staggering number of positions in the organization, including RI Director, Foundation Trustee, Parliamentarian, and Aide to RI President Jonathan Majiyagbe (2003-2004). 

 

Mark has also taken an active role on a wide variety of committees -- Council on Legislation, Osaka and Sydney Convention Committees, Future Vision Committee, Operational Review Committee and others -- and received the Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award from The Rotary Foundation.  Mark’s wife Gay is an attorney in the same law firm and a Past President of the Decatur Rotary Club. Both Mark and Gay are Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, Major Donors and members of the Bequest Society.  The Maloneys have two daughters, one goddaughter and two grandsons.

 

Mark noted that he has attended our meetings numerous times, particularly during the Hilton Garden Inn years when he was in Evanston for RI business.  More recently, he and his wife marched with our club in the 2019 Fourth of July Parade.

 

Being President of Rotary International has its benefits and challenges. Among the benefits are the many unique cultural experiences.  Mark explained a recent incident in Christchurch, New Zealand, when he thought an event was being delayed as the participants waited for a horse (a mare, rather than a Mayor).  The challenges include unexpected flight changes, as he experienced yesterday when trying to leave Gdansk, Poland.   Tongue-in-cheek, Mark noted that the most challenging aspect of being RI President is remembering where the bathroom is each night, followed closely by navigating the wide variety of showers.  Where’s that cold water going to hit first? 

 

As President of Rotary International, Mark appreciates his opportunity to represent Rotary globally.  He truly believes his chosen theme - Rotary connects the world!  For more than 100 years, person-to-person connections have made the difference in Rotary, spanning the globe and bridging all barriers.   Rotary allows us to connect with people we otherwise would not have known in a deep, meaningful way.  And, as “People of Action” with energy and commitment, we have the ability to turn inspiration into lasting change. That’s where an Action Plan becomes important.  The goals of Mark’s Action Plan are as follows:

 

1.) Increasing our impact (Find solutions that match the people they serve!)  

 

2.) Expanding our reach by growing Rotary (Create membership alternatives for next generation Rotarians.   Make Rotary more diverse.) 

 

3.) Enhancing participant engagement (Increase volunteer options.  Make sure that Rotary is family-friendly.)

 

4.) Increasing our ability to adapt.  (Seek fresh opportunities.  Respect professional commitments. Simplify how we operate.) 

 

In closing, Mark noted:  Alone we can do very little.  Together we can serve the world. 

 

Helen and Mark concluded the presentation with a banner exchange.

 

 

 

 

Mark Maloney, Rotary International President, RC of Decatur (Alabama)

Larry Lunsford, Aide to President Mark Maloney, RC of Kansas City – Plaza

Mary Bak, Assistant Governor, RC of Glenview Sunrise

Laura McGrath, daughter of Al Menard, RC of Skokie Valley

Willy Steiner, friend of Joan Borg, prospective member

Jonakan O’Steen, husband of Miguel Hernandez, prospective member

 

 

Napat Supapsuntorn, aka “Potter,” Youth Exchange student from Thailand

 

 

MaLu Simon - 7 years

 

 

 

 

 

Zbig Skiba and Dieneba Soma