Will McFarland, Director of Philanthropy for Meals on Wheels, Northeastern Illinois, and Erin Carter, Volunteer Coordinator  spoke to us about the services their MOW provides. Meals, are prepared in Evanston, delivered 6 days per week, cost around $10 (sliding scale), service clients from Wisconsin border south to Chicago border and from Lake Michigan to far west suburbs. In addition to meals, MOW provides wellness checks on clients and recommends social services when needed. The samples of food they brought were enjoyed by all.

Dick Farkas, Political Science Professor at DePaul University, gave a fascinating talk about the importance of sand in the world.  Sand is used in construction materials, electronics, glass and other industrial uses. But not all sand is usable for these purposes; only “angular” sand from beaches can be used; sand from deserts is too “round” even though it is abundant. Dick explained that the sand that is used for industrial purposes is being used up on a worldwide scale.  Criminal elements especially in underdeveloped countries have taken over the extracting and exporting of sand. Stricter enforcement and finding alternative materials must be initiated worldwide to avoid an economic and environmental catastrophy.

Rotary is assisting with the Connections for the Homeless Winter Clothing Distribution event on Saturday morning, November 7 from 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Lake Street Church located at 607 Lake Street.  We will help set up as well as work with shoppers seeking warm winter clothing.  We have also committed to collecting 50 adult gloves and mittens for the event.  You can bring your donations to a Rotary meeting before November 6. Please sign up here to work at the November 7 distribution event – if you have done it in the past, you know what a rewarding experience it is!

Rotarians Ben Ivory and Frank Candioto present Our Place with a grant for $2250.  Our Place provides a supportive environment and programming for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This is one of many non-profit organizations we support with our fundraising events.

Calling all High School Students who are looking for way to do good in the community and the world! 

District Youth Assembly - Saturday, November 14, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM;  Bloomingdale Park District. High school students from Rotary’s Interact Clubs will connect with other students throughout our district for a day of leadership, engagement and fun. Attendees will learn about service opportunities and collaboration. Register  https://rotary6440.org/event/youth-assembly/

“Your Brain Needs a Toothbrush” is the next program in District 6440 Mental Health Series on Monday, Novemeber 2 by Zoom, Noon to 12:30pm.  Presented by Dr. Karla Garjaka, an educational and nutritional psychologist.  Dr. Garjaka will offer some surprising insights into neuroscience to challenge us to rethink how we care for our minds. Discover how emotional fitness begins in childhood and why daily habits matter. Click this link to join the session. 

New Trier Township is seeking volunteers for the following three Advisory Committees: 

Mental Health Funding and Oversight Committee  

Disability Support Funding and Oversight Committee

Life Stages Funding and Oversight Committee

For more information and application, click NTT

Our largest fundraiser of the year will start soon! Our Holiday Gift Fundraiser will continue through December 5 for product orders, and December 16 for Raffle Tickets. Monies  raised will fund local and international projects and become part of the 2027-2028 budget process. This event is based entirely on purchases of gifts, raffle tickets and donations; there is no physical event to attend.  Our goal is for 100% of our members to participate in some way, and we hope some Spoke readers will also choose to participate. Wines will be selected by wine-loving members on October 24.  Once we have the wines selected, an order form will be available. 

Big Book Drive started October 1 and will run until November 13 at all Wilmette public and private elementary schools and Loyola Academy, Regina Dominican  HS, and New Trier HS.  Start saving books for our Big Book Drive.  We will partner again with Bernie's Book Bank to collect books for under-resourced schools in Chicago, kindergarten through high school.  Contact Maurice Sullivan for more information mauricewsullivan@aol.com 

TEDxWilmette Salon - Burning Questions: What Are Yours? Join a panel of three TEDxWilmette speakers to discuss the most burning questions on their minds right now. What are your burning questions?    Sunday, November 8.  1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Baker Demonstration School, 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette.  Purchase tickets ($20 each)

Convito Cafe & market - Thirsty Thursdays, now through November 19, after 5pm in the cafe, $2-5$ off wine and cocktails. https://www.convitocafeandmarket.com/