The next meeting is a Morning meeting on November 19 at 7:30am (Visioning Prep for Members); Noon meeting, Wednesday, November 26. Noon and morning meetings will BOTH be held at the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club.
Neil Gambow (who is a member of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club) spoke to us about the Trade Collective which is a link between businesses that need skilled employees and high schools that can provide the necessary skills training. This is a wonderful career alternative for students who do not attend or finish college. Neil explained that about 40% of skilled trades professionals nationwide are expected to leave in the next 10 years.
For every person entering skilled trades professional careers, five are leaving. This is creating a serious demand for people to fill these positions. The Trade Collective introduces high school students to the many skilled trade professions that pay well and do not require a college degree. Working primarily with ETHS and Oakton, the Trade Collective conducts trade fairs and other events to inform students and parents of the demand for skilled trades professionals and how to obtain the necessary certifications.
Hank Hufnagel was presented with his third Paul Harris Fellow award for his continuing contributions through “Every Rotarian Every Year” (EREY) to The Rotary Foundation.
On Saturday, July 12, incoming residents to a new housing development in Deerfield were welcomed by representatives from the Village of Deerfield, Rotary Clubs of Deerfield and Wilmette, Wintrust, League of Women Voters and other organizations. The new building is a beautiful example of how attractive affordable housing can be. Built by HODC, the building was designed for lower-income families and individuals with disabilities. Pictured is Wilmette Rotarian Sarah Homan, who organized the event, and Deerfield Rotarian John Filippi.
Join us each month for an engaging, lunchtime learning session focused on mental health awareness, resources, and advocacy. Free and open to all. Next Session: Monday, September 8 -- a continuation of the August 4th Program -- Featured Speaker: Jeff Rabin Register Here We will learn about the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Cook County North Suburban's programs to educate, support and advocate to end the stigma of mental illness. This monthly series highlights expert voices and practical insights to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Learn more: www.namiccns.org
Rotary International's theme for September is Basic Education and Literacy Month, an area of focus that aims to strengthen community capacity to support education, reduce gender disparity, and increase adult literacy worldwide. During this month, Rotary clubs and members are encouraged to raise awareness, identify local needs, launch projects, and form partnerships to improve literacy and access to education for children and adults.
La Casa Norte is hosting a free community event on the North Shore on Thursday, July 24, and is inviting members from the Wilmette Rotary Club to join them. With so much uncertainty around the federal budget, many people are asking how they can support organizations that may be facing funding cuts. This event is an opportunity to hear directly from one of Illinois’ leading nonprofit voices on housing and homelessness.Jose Muñoz, CEO of La Casa Norte, will share his personal journey from experiencing homelessness to leading one of the state’s largest homeless youth–serving organizations. He’ll also speak about how local, community-driven solutions are helping reshape the housing landscape across Illinois.
The Power of Housing: A Fireside Chat on Ending Homelessness in Illinois
Thursday, July 24 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. Vivid Art Gallery | 895 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka This is a free event. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. RSVP is required. Email keelie@lacasanorte.org to rsvp.
Sunday, November 23 Rotary Club of Wilmette - Morning of Gratitude - Village Clean up Event -- Join us Sunday November 23 from 10 am to 11:30 am for the opportunity to express our gratitude for our community by working together collecting trash and debris around our Village Center. Family and friends are invited. Look for the Rotary blue tent in front of the Village Hall 1200 Wilmette Ave. If your schedule is tight, feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee. If you have questions, contact Ben Ivory benjamindivory@gmail.com
Monthly Lunch-packing on December 2, 6pm - Our monthly service project of preparing lunch bags for Connections for the Homeless is at St. Joseph's Church, Lake and Ridge, Wilmette at 6pm. Enter through the east lower entrance. A Rotary Club meeting follows immediately after the sandwiches are made. This is now a collaborative project with members joining us from the Winnetka-Northfield and Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Clubs.
New Trier Food Pantry - The New Trier Food Pantry is in crisis mode. They need volunteers to help organize the new donations that are coming in. The Food Pantry is located at 739 Elm Street, Winnetka. Please sign-up to volunteer to help: Food.
Small Business Saturday, November 29 -- This November 29, celebrate Shop Small Saturday by supporting the incredible local shops that make Wilmette special!
Kick off the holidays at this fun annual event! Enjoy shopping, in-store promotions, refreshments, and festive cheer at participating downtown merchants—then make it a full evening out at your favorite Wilmette restaurant. Check out the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce website for more details.
Club Information
Welcome!
Our Motto: Service Above Self
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Sheridan Shore Yacht Club
20 Harbor Drive
Wilmette, IL 60091 United States of America
We meet monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 6pm at St Joseph Church, the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Noon and the 3rd Wednesday at 7:30am both at the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club in Gillson Park. Mailing address: PO Box 111, Wilmette, IL 60091
Mike Ericksen, Foundation Sector Chair from our District will be meeting with interested members to discuss how we should prepare for the Visioning Facilitation session on December 1.
