We had a good time at the Village Block Party on August 29. Our Kid’s Booth with a roulette wheel and prizes was a hit. And many parents expressed an interest in Rotary, especially the possible formation of a satellite club for young parents, We received several names and emails for those interested in learning more about Rotary. Many thanks to members who helped during the event; Sarah Homan, Brian Bradley, Kurt Zoller, Mariana Alfar, George Pearce, Gene Rinaldi, Lee Brodne, John Kilner, Heidi Voorhees, Ben Ivory and Bob Pankauskas.

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.

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 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.

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/