April, 2006 My Fellow Rotarians - Rotary's Global History Fellowship

District 6440 Histories 2005
Cardinal George, and visited an interfaith event at Temple Am Sholom. They also observed a peermediation
program at a school. This was so successful that the Club decided that every other year we
would host visits from students from Northern Ireland, and in alternating years send students from
Highland Park High School to Northern Ireland. This program has received wide recognition, including
the State of Illinois. All the students have agreed that the exchange has been a major experience in their
lives.
In 1999 our Literacy Committee was able to get 1000 Golden Books for 6 to 9 year old children. In
addition the Club was able to collect hundreds of used books by leaving boxes at various stores, banks,
and libraries. The books were donated to Tri-Con Nursery School, Community Nursery School,
Bethany Church School, North Shore Estates, and Highland Park Youth Services. Books on an adult
level were donated to the College of Lake County Literacy Program. Our fundraiser in 1999 was
dedicated to the Fell family. The Fell family lived and worked in Winnetka and Highland Park since
1913. Fred and “Red” Fell have been members of Highland Park Rotary Club—Fred until his death
several years ago, “Red” Fell still a member as of 2005.
One of our outstanding members in Carl Statham, owner of the Highland Park Ford agency. Carl, and
African-American, worked his way up the ladder in the automotive industry. Now he tries to help
youngsters in Chicago schools interested in the automobile industry, and takes them to his establishment
to learn about the many facets of this industry. Carl is also prominent in finding candidates for
Vocational Scholarships. In 2000 we heard From Larry Sassarossi about plans to improve the central
business District in Highwood. All the plans he spoke about have taken place by 2005. The central
business district has been improved beyond recognition.
In 2002 Highland Park Rotary Club celebrated its 75 th Anniversary. A History Committee wrote and
published a book: Highland Park Rotary Club: Seventy-Five Years of Community Service.
Youth Exchange Activities:
1991-92 - Sponsored Alison Alter as Rotary Scholar to Florence, Italy. Sponsored Alison Weise as
Exchange Student to Blenheim, New Zealand. Sponsored Makoto Sawabe as Exchange Student from
Arida, Japan.
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Rotary Club of Highland Park Good Morning Chartered Nov. 18, 1989
1989 - Sponsored by Robert S. Altman and the Highland Park Noon Club.
1990 - Co-sponsored RYLA youth award with Deerfield/Lincolnshire Club. Sponsored fundraiser
“Movie Night” benefiting environmental projects for “latch-key” kids. Provided donation to Plainfield
tornado relief fund. Donated food to Glenkirk Home for handicapped. Sponsored a spaghetti luncheon at
Karger Center for approximately 150 senior citizens, now an annual event celebrating the anniversary of
the Club charter. Established the Robert S. Altman Memorial Vocational Scholarship. Co-sponsored tree
planting with Highland Park Noon Club. Held first auction as fundraiser.
1991 - Current project is a silent and live auction. Working with Tegusagulpa, Honduras Rotary Club
contributing to homeless children project. Supporting local Highland Park project (School Age Child
Care for Latch key kids in our community) and hope to start an Interact Club at Highland Park HS in the
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