RYLA Update – RYLA Co-Chair Bill Zerinskas reports that the 2022 D6450 RYLA will be “virtual” and will occur on on March 18-20. RYLA applications will be available, shortly, on the D6450 website. RYLA volunteers are needed! Contact Bill at bill.zerinskas@thorntonpowell.com.

Paul & Jean Harris Home “Challenge Match” Opportunity – Rotarian Gary Baumgartner is offering a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20,000 to be used for the completion of the interior restoration of the Paul Harris home in the Ridge Historic District of Chicago. To participate in the Baumgartner “challenge match”, contact Cheryl McIntyre at cherylmcintrye@gmail.com. For more on the home and the Baumgartner offer go to https://tinyurl.com/2p88384v.

"End Polio Now" Update – 2/9 and 2/10 (See District Calendar for 2/9 and 2/10 registrations) https://tinyurl.com/3xjzaeun.

RI “Empowering Girls” Project, “Polished Pebbles” Supported by D6450 – “Polished Pebbles” is a Chicago-based girls mentoring program that aims to increase the communications skills and employability of young African American and Latinx girls on the South and West sides of Chicago. For info email info@polishedpebbles.com or call 773-34-1240. Contact Rotarian Michelle M. Balog at 815.744.7337 for further info. 

Socks for Homeless Chicago Vets, Requested – Socks for homeless vets are requested by the Rotary Club of Cicero Berwyn Stickney. The Club is also cooperating with Guardian USA, a hands-on Chicago organization that work with Vets. Guardian USA is seeking warehousing for clothing items it takes to the streets of Chicago. Contact Rotarian Tim Fullerton at tfullerton@fullertontax.com for more info. Guardian USA info is at http://www.usaguardian.org/.

“Three Girls from Bronzeville” Author to Speak at Illinois Tech – Rotarian, Alicia Bunton, of the Near South Rotary Club, announces that author Dawn Turner, author of “Three Girls from Bronzeville” will be on the campus of Illinois Tech on February 21st. Turner, a former columnist and journalist with the Chicago Tribune wrote about politics, race, and class in Chicago for 15 years. For more information on Dawn Turner’s Illinois Tech presentation on 2/21, please contact Alicia Bunton at abunton1@iit.edu. This presentation is being provided in coordination with the District DEI committee and Aleta Williams, who can be contacted at aletawilliamsrotary@gmail.com.

“Becoming Rooted: 100 Days of Reconnecting with the Earth” Recommended – D6450 Environmental Chair, Manon Lyketos, recommends the book “Becoming Rooted: 100 Days of Reconnecting with the Earth’. Manon’s recommendation came as part of the RI “Operation Pollination” Ambassadors meeting this past week. For more on this book and D6450’s work with RI’s “Operation Pollination” please contact nonlyketsos@gmail.com.

D6450 DART Acts in Haiti and TN – Rotarian Chris Olson, Chair of the D6450 Disaster Assistance and Response Team (DART), reports D6450 DART has made a $1,000 contribution to ShelterBox to assist in ongoing emergency efforts in Haiti, and is also supporting District 6760’s efforts in Tennessee following the devasting tornadoes experienced in that state. Contact Chris Olson at cjo1316@gmail.com.

District Training Sessions Continue – District Trainer, Amy Hopkins has an array of D6450 training ready for all Rotarians starting this month and on into the Spring. Check these out for January/Februrary:

“Engaging Your Rotary Foundation” (1/26 and 2/2) https://tinyurl.com/2p8nwduj (See District Calendar for 1/26 and 2/2 registration)

“President Elect Training Seminar Orientation” (PETS Orientation 1/27 and 2/12) https://tinyurl.com/4c67ktuy (See District Calendar for 1/27 and 2/12 registrations)

 

District Membership Meetings – District Membership Chair, Conor Gee is announcing a series of District 6450 Membership Meetings. Those scheduled for February:

Membership Chair Training 2/15

Membership Engagement Training 2/26

 

 Check with Conor at conorgee12@gmail.com on details.