The August 19 Rotary meeting featured Will Beiersdorf, Outreach and Development Program Manager for the BRAVE Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Will is also a member of the Arlington Heights Rotary Club.  His service in the Navy after 9/11 gave him unique insights into veterans who are living with the impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries.  This led him to his work with BRAVE which also supports First Responders who are dealing with TBI.  BRAVE is the Midwest's first program of its kind and works in collaboration with the Wisconsin Institute of Neuroscience, and the Avalon Action Alliance (provides similar services in other parts of the country).  BRAVE provides a three week intensive program that includes a thorough evaluation, travel and lodging, food, clinical care and related therapies. Interestingly, 40% of those they serve are first responders (firefighter/paramedics).

The September 9 Noon Meeting hosted Sara Jane Abbott, Executive Director of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce.  Throughout the year the Chamber hosts a wide vareity of networking events including Business for Breakfast, Business After Hours, Educational Workshops and Lunch and Learn events.  In addition the Chamber publishes the Community Guide which is a wealth of information about the Wilmette and Kenilworth communities and is distributed to over 12,000 households.  Ms. Abbott welcomed our suggestions and participation in Chamber activities.

From Wilmette Park District Executive Director Chris Lindgren: “Thank you so much for awarding us these funds!  The new rain garden will do so much for the community and environment for many years to come.  The benefits of these all so important green infrastructure projects are endless and I am thrilled to be able to add it to our system.”  

Rotary is responding to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela through two trusted relief efforts. Rotary Districts in Venezuela have launched the Rotary for Venezuela campaign to provide emergency assistance and support long-term recovery. In addition, ShelterBox, Rotary's disaster relief partner, is providing emergency shelter and essential supplies to families affected by the disaster.  Both opportunities to give are highlighted by Rotary Zones 25B & 29. If you would like to help, please consider supporting one of these relief efforts.

Rotary for Venezuela: https://rotaryforvenezuela.org/   ShelterBox Venezuela Relief: https://shelterboxusa.org/venezuela-earthquake/

The Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse is having its annual Taste of Evanston on Sunday, August 30th, again on the lakeside lawn of the Charles Gates Dawes House, home of the Evanston History Center. 3pm-6pm.  As live music plays, more than forty restaurants, wine shops and breweries will serve “great food for a great cause.” A silent auction and a raffle for exciting prizes will build suspense. Tickets  are available now at www.tasteofevanston.org

The Youth Philanthropy Board of Evanston and North Shore (website) is looking for mentors! Mentors can have experience on a volunteer board, in philanthropy, marketing, finance.  The program brings together students from NSCD, Regina Dominican, Loyola Academy, Evanston Township and New Trier to explore the art, science and business of philanthropy through hands-on experiences in fundraising, grantmaking and community service.  Mentors will have the opportunity to work with a talented and committed group of students from across the North Shore. Interested in getting involved? Contact Helene Genetos, Program Coordinator or Julie Koenigsberger at jkoenigsberger@rdpanthers.org to learn more or schedule a Zoom informational call.

Rotary World Golf Fellowship – August 15 to 31  - Want to compete against golfers from around the world, while also contributing to polio eradication?  Sign up for the Rotary Virtual World Golf Tournament!  Once you’ve made an online donation for $50 or more to PolioPlus at rotary.org, you can register for the worldwide event.  Then between August 15 and 31, play 18 holes and upload your score.  There’s no entry fee, beyond the minimum $50 donation, for you or your non-Rotary friends. The registration link is here. Submit those same scores to the D6440 golf committee – consisting of PDGs Lyle Staab and Thor Davidson – and you’ll be entered into the District Cup for individual golfers.  Or identify four golfers for the D6440 team competition. Questions?  Contact Lyle  or Thor.

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/