Presiding: President Susan Fisher

Thought & Pledge: John Glasgow

Greeters:  Rob Davis, Jack Close

Scribe: Beth DeWall

Set-up: Gil Gilbert

Attendance:  Jackie McGuire

Shenanigans:  Ellen Greenberger

Visiting Rotarians: Don Nord, Jane from Australia

Guests: Michael Bretag, Lauren Peddinghaus, Amy Rogers

Anniversaries: John Ray's 55th anniversary is this Friday; GIl Gilbert's 45th anniversary is on Saturday

Announcements:  

Reminder about the Evening with Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at The Cotillion Banquets 360 S. Creekside Drive – Palatine, IL. Off of Route 14, ½ block west of Route 53.

This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to hear RI President Gary share his message of Light Up Rotary.  Please plan on attending this event. Find more information and online registration at www.bgrotary.org/lightuprotary

Susan Fisher reminded the Club to consider contributions to The Wilmette Harbor Rotary Foundation. Walter Reed presented multiple member Heidi Voorhees another Paul Harris pin for her generous contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

George Pearce spoke about the successful 2014 Winter Fundraiser. Bob Meeder graciously offered his meticulously clean garage as the distribution point. A huge thank you went to John Bowman for organizing and tracking all online sales and mail in orders. The fundraiser did well this year in part due to cash donations (over $10,000). Walter Reed gave George Pearce a check for $1,000 which had just arrived in the mail, and Gil submitted another check that was received for $100.00.  Our approximate net is now $18,100. Gil had the most orders (27) followed by Barry Miller, Joyce Knauff, Frank Hussey, and George Pearce. 

Carol Wells announced the Board slate for next year 2015-2016. Nominations are: Sue Watson – President-Elect, George Pearce – Secretary, Chris Simcox – Treasurer. Three Directors-at-Large serving a two-year term, 2015-2017 are Ellen Falkof, Michael Bailey, Herb McDowell with Gil Gilbert as Honorary Sergeant of Arms

Today is Rob Davis' last day with our club as he moves to new adventures in Ephraim Wisconsin. Rob received a standing ovation for his 8 years of service and generosity to our Club.

Ben Chung donated colorful Hong Kong Auto key chains from his auto business.

Shennanigans: Ellen Greenberger

Speaker: Mark Schimmelpfenning, Topic:  Santa Claus - Talking to Kids

Mark Schimmelpfennig spent 18 years in the military, serving our country all over the world.  Later he attended McCormick seminary, where he started serving in a new way.  He will be starting the chaplaincy program at Northwestern Hospital in January.  Mark considers his role as "Santa" part of his ministry, as he primarily visits with sick or lower income children. 

Mark described what it’s like to play Santa and all the benefits. He started playing Santa Claus for his niece and nephew and described that first expericnce as "magical." This encouraged him to play Santa to other children. He noted that children ask funny questions for example, "Are you pregnant? You are so big!" Mark receives many “intangible” rewards when he hears the amusing comments, or the endearing desciptions of toys requested, and when he listens to very sick little children wanting nothing but to get better. He relishes the opportunity to offer hope and joy to all the children he meets. Mark ended his talk with this suggestion: “Never ever be afraid to get out of our comfort zone to help as what you get back will light your soul. Guaranteed."

January 7, 2015, Program:  Marcie Goldstein, New Member Bio

Club duties Jan. 7:

Greeters:  Heidi Voorhees & Herb McDowell

Thought & Pledge:  Frank Hussey

​Attendance:  Susan Segal

Scribe:  Apryl Eshelman

​Shenanigans:  Joanne Aggens