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Week after week, month after month we are dedicated to "Service Above Self".  So what do Rotarians do when they take a short break from changing the world?  Well, last month we took in a ballgame.

Thank you to fellow Rotarian Dr. Joe O'Donnell for organizing a wonderful evening at the Windy City Thunderbolts game.  It was a great evening and everyone had a fun time (despite the 9th inning loss).  We look forward to more events like this this year as it was great to have so many members and their families together just to enjoy the evening.

Congratulations to our 2015 Annual Scholarship awards winners Rebecca Howe, Amelia McDowell, and Abigail Simon.  Below are a few pictures of  our award winners receiving their scholarships from Past President Tom Halwax.

This year we actually received a few less applications than normal, but the talent was amongst the best we have seen.  Additionally, we received applications from a record setting number of schools including Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Providence, Marist, Carl Sandburg, and Marion Catholic.

For those of you that are not familiar with our scholarship program, this award is presented to intelligent, well rounded students based on their social and civic involvement in the community and exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service above Self."

Congratulations again to these incredible young ladies and good luck in all your future endeavors.

Recently our club had the privilege to have Jeff Ficaro from the Disabled Patriot Fund as our guest speaker.  I may not do their mission justice in this short message, but here goes.

During Jeff's short time with us, he relayed the organization's amazing undertakings and their utmost importance. The Disabled Patriot Fund provides financial assistance to disabled veterans and their families who have fought the Global War on Terror.  When men and women come back from service there can easily be a 12 to 18 month lag time (or even longer) from filing for disability assistance to actual receiving it.  I don't know about you, but I certainly can't wait the next 1 to 2 years before receiving my next paycheck.

Enter the Disabled Patriot Fund.  Individuals continue to turn to them for help during these difficult times and find assistance for a variety of needs.  Ramps, transportation, even money for food just to name just a few.  These men and women personally sacrifice so much to protect the Freedoms we enjoy every day and deserve our support.

The Rotary Club of Oak Forest is proud to say we made a $1,000 donation last month to this cause and hope that we can further help such an awesome organization by spreading their message.

To learn more about this organization or to support there cause please visit: http://www.disabledpatriotfund.com/

It has come to my attention that our club site and bulletin has not been posting as many stories lately... and believe me when I say this is NOT because we are involved in less projects.  There are a few stories below from recent club events and programs so be sure to read to the end of the bulletin - THIS IS ALL NEW!!!  But before you move on I just wanted to take a moment to re-cap a successful 2014-15 Rotary year.  Amazing what a club of "only" 15 can do...

~ Organized 4 annual blood drives ~ awarded 2 local seniors with $1,000 college scholarships ~ awarded 4-way test awards to one boy and 1 girl in each school in our district ~ held our 21st annual Pancake breakfast (fed over 800 local residents) ~ volunteered for RYLA and sent one local student to the program as well ~ assisted our Interact Club with their senior dinner dance ~ distributed dictionaries to local 3rd graders at two schools ~ held a wine pairing to benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation ~ contributed to ShelterBox, Disabled Patriot Fund, Relay for Life, Tornado relief in Rochelle ~ and participated in a joint International effort to send medical supplies to a needed area in Brazil.

Thanks for you efforts and dedication!

Several members from the Oak Forest Rotary Club presented 4-Way Test Awards to a number of local students over the past few weeks.  Thanks to Jason Riha, Sue Wolf, Dorothy Kennedy, Joe Pilch and Jim Pauly for your help.

The 4-Way Test is a primary foundation of Rotary.  It is used around the world in business, government, schools and homes as an effective ethics measuring stick.  The Test reads: Of the things we think, say and do: 1. Is it the Truth?  2. Is it fair to all concerned?  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Oak Forest Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test Award program began in 1987.  The Club presents the Award every year to a boy and a girl from local elementary and middle schools.  The winners are recognized for demonstrating good behavior and exhibiting a strong moral character.  The medallion awards are presented to the students at their school’s awards assembly or graduation ceremony.

This year’s winners are: Emma Koronkiewicz and Nicholas Jude from Arbor Park Middle School; Sarah Loeza and Robert Heidegger from Fierke Education Center; Amanda Hults and Evan Moss from Lee R. Foster School; Flynn Hartigan and Benjamin Nielsen from Hille Middle School; Tereza Progri and Ivan Corral from Kerkstra Elementary School; Valerie Krueger and Aidan Zeman from Scarlet Oak School; Peyton Nielsen and Brett Wiseman from St. Damian School.

Congratulations!

Remember asking your parents what something meant when you were a child?  Remember that ever so popular response?

LOOK IT UP.

For decades that was the response, now it's probably "Google it", but you get the idea.  Despite the ever advancing technology there are still some clubs around the world that take on "Dictionary Projects" where they hand out dictionaries to local 3rd graders.  Supporting Education is one of Rotary's 6 major areas of focus world wide.  the other 5 if you are wondering are: Promoting Peace/Conflict Resolution, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Maternal and Childhood Care, and Growing Local Economies.

Just a couple weeks ago our club had the opportunity to complete a dictionary project.  A special thanks to John Keane and Sue Wolf for volunteering to distribute over 200 dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Bernice Childs and John Gordon schools in the District 143.5 Posen/Robbins area. The students were happy and grateful to have these dictionaries to keep as their own.  the school administration was thankful for this assistance as well.

Many people asked me if I was enjoying my retirement?   Did I enjoy the 5 month Florida vacation break?   Did I miss the Chicago winter?   What did Sheri and I do with 'all that time away'?   Perhaps selfishly, Sheri and I decided to travel, meet new amazing people and have fun for as long as our health holds out or until we choose a different path.   I still value Rotary ideals, but my time with my family will be my primary activity.  Watch the video.     doc

Your Life = 28,835 Days.   What will you do with that time?

Watch the YouTube link below and figure out how many jelly beans you have left.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOksW_NabEk

Good Bye Ralph, we will all miss you. 

Rotarian of the year, Paul Harris Fellow, Hall of Fame (twice).

Rotary Family -

Most of you have already seen footage of the disaster the F-4 tornado caused recently in towns like Rochelle, IL.  Since the storm, there has been an overwhelming donation of food, water, blankets, and clothing.  What residents need now as much as anything is financial assistance.  Numerous clubs throughout Illinois will be collecting monetary donations and gift cards to retailers such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Home Depot. 

Our club will be involved in this undertaking as well and will bring any collected money and gift cards to the District Conference next week.  Please let others know about our efforts.  Consider friends and family, coworkers, social media, etc to spread the word.  I will personally make some time next week before leaving for conference to pick up any contributions if you can't get them to me yourselves.

In Service Above Self

It's that time of year again.  The Rotary Club of Forest will be presenting up to three (3) $1,000 scholarships to outstanding, local High School Seniors again this year.  And despite applications being accepted as early as St Patrick's Day there is no luck involved in receiving one of these scholarships.  This award is presented to intelligent, well rounded students based on their social and civic involvement in the community and exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service above Self."

To qualify, applicants must either be graduating from a High school in 2015 and an Oak Forest resident, or be graduating from Oak Forest High School or Bremen High School (regardless of residency).  Applications are available on our club website www.oakforestrotary.org or can be requested from our program co-chair, Jason Riha at Jason.Riha@countryfinancial.com.  Applications are due by April 11 without exception.

So if you know anyone that fits this description and could use an extra $1,000 towards their higher education please let them know about our program.  Children of Oak Forest Rotarians are not eligible.

On Sunday February 8th we held our 21st Annual Pancake Breakfast and Blood Drive and it was, once again, a great success!

Over 600 Oak Forest residents were served a free Pancake breakfast and were treated to amazing entertainment.  The program included: "Mexico in my skin” under the direction of Maria Almazon, OFHS Jazz Ensemble directed by Mr. Nicholas Rojek and OFHS Choir Ensemble, directed by Mr. Victor Pazik.  Katie Painter the super, vocal music teacher at G. Kerkstra, and Lee R. Foster Schools, the choirs included more than 120+ students.   The Oak Forest Park District's "Momentum Dance Force" and Sparkler Cheer Teams" presented by Sara Byrnes, Katie Scheidt, Ramon Maybell.    The outstanding Jack Hille Middle School Jazz and Woodwind Ensembles were directed by Steve Nendza.

At the same time, 67 individuals registered to donate blood.  56 pints were collected in total and will be used to help save up to 168 lives!  Residents, Rotarians, City Officials and others all showed incredible support and made this a huge success.

The Oak Forest Interact Club assisted in several capacities and also ran a 50/50 raffle to help fund some of their projects for the year.  They collected $357 and were pleasantly surprised when the winner decided to donate back his half of the winnings!

The Club itself even collected $670 of cash donations at the door and had a Sponsor that help fray costs this year as well.  Thank you again Judge Automotive and Towing Inc.

As a "newer" Rotarian this was just the 2nd of the 21 Pancake Breakfasts I have had the pleasure to be a part of.  I personally find this program to involve the most Rotarians and be amongst one of the more fun and rewarding that we take part in each year.  Thank you to every for making it a great success!

Only a handful of pictures are shown below, but we will also be adding a photo album to our website with many more soon as well.  Lastly, if anyone would like a copy of the program or the thank you letter sent out please let me know and i would be happy to send it out.  I can be reached at bill@thorntonpowell.com

Bonds of Rotary Between Us

Let us take a moment to remember all the religions represented in the Rotary family through out the world. Let us also recall that when we were invited to join our Rotary clubs we were not asked, “Are you a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew, a Buddhist, or a Sikh?”

We were not asked because all religions are welcome in the Rotary family. Please join me in a moment of reflection and thanks:

With our friends beside us,

And no person beneath us,

With the bonds of Rotary between us,

And our worries behind us,

With our goals before us,

And no task beyond us,

With a thirst for knowledge,

And a dream of a Polio-free world,

We are thankful for our Rotary friends and the time we are about to share.

Thank You, Shalom, Amen.

Chris Offer,  Past Governor 5040

'Tis the season to watch our waistlines and still enjoy ourselves.  We have been told for years, 'monitor your calories in and calories out'.  In other words, watch what you eat and exercise properly.  Our latest studies published in one of the world's leading health news letters (www.mercola.com) tells a different story.  I recommend you spend time either listening to the video and/or reading the text and learn what current research is showing. 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/11/29/childhood-obesity-epidemic.aspx?e_cid=20141129Z1_DNL_art_1&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20141129Z1&et_cid=DM61066&et_rid=747054050

Please note, article is published in Dr. Mercola's health newsletter, Mercola.com. 

About Kiva,  how it works:    http://www.kiva.org/about/how

See how they do it.

On November 19, an independent team from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) representing the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) will review and examine the Oak Forest Police Department’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and support services against established criteria of professional excellence.

“The review is part of our long-standing goal to achieve the highest level of law enforcement accreditation,” said Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson. “If we meet or exceed the team’s standards we will join only 18 other law enforcement agencies that have received the coveted accreditation status from the program as of October 2014.”

As part of the onsite assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the assessment team regarding the department’s ability to comply with ILEAP’s professional standards. The ILEAP assessors assigned to conduct the evaluation and audit are Lieutenant Joseph Mitchell, who has been with the Orland Park Police Department since 1995, and Commander Jason Leavitt, a 23-year law enforcement veteran who currently works for the Park Ridge Police Department. The public can submit feedback to Lieutenant Mitchell and Commander Leavitt on November 19 between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. by calling 708-687-4050, ext. 1224 or sending an e-mail to jmitchell@orlandpark.org. Telephone comments will be limited to five minutes.

The ILEAP accreditation standards are available for review on the ICPA’s website at www.ilchiefs.org under the “Programs” tab. Further questions about the ILEAP accreditation process can be forwarded to Oak Forest Police Chief Greg Anderson at 708-687-1376 or ganderson@oak-forest.org.

I received a call from Jim Elliott, the founder of Diveheart last week.  He asked that we watch the local television coverage listed below.  Outstanding organization.

WGN TV REPORT ON SCUBA THERAPY & AUTISM

Diveheart, home page

We are 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. 

Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.

So just what has our "little" club been up to lately?  Well, two weekends ago our club was present at the I am an American Day Parade and the Old Times Picnic.  It turned out to be a wonderful day and a good way for Rotary to stay in the public's eye.  To kick off the day, Dorothy Kennedy drove her car in the parade (sorry we don't have a picture available yet) and the club was able to set up a prime spot at the picnic directly across from the "beer tent".  In the picture here you can see the the club's new Banner with the new Rotary branding.  Special thanks to Tom Chunis, Tom Halwax, and Dorothy Kenedy for their assistance that day.

That afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with many local residents, talk a little rotary, and were able to sell an additional 16 or so of our Football Sweepstakes cards.  That brings us to a total of about $2,000 raised so far through this fundraiser.  We have about a month left to go so hopefully we even surpass last year's total.

Our next event is coming up quickly as well.  The wine pairing to support the Children's Oncology Treasure Chest is on Friday September 26th.  You can find more information on our website or by going to  www.jl-design.com/wine-pairing-event     It is to support a great cause and will be a fun evening as well.  Hope to see you there and be sure to invite others!

Have you ever wondered why those nutritionally savoy healthcare professionals caution you about high levels of fructose, especially fructose from corn syrup??  High fructose corn syrup is everywhere in our diet; http://www.celestialhealing.net/Food_contain_HFCS.htm .  Now that you see these everyday products we have been consuming, I would like you to click on the next link by Joseph Buishas LDN, CCN  http://www.tuesdayminute.net/corn_syrup.html .  Joe is the nutritional clinician I used frequently within my holistic health practice.  Check out the video, it's about 5 minutes long and is well worth the time.   doc

What is Wellness?  Many people think the absence of symptomatic disease means they are 'well', but true wellness is actually quite different.  If you're sick and you take medication to mask the symptoms, it doesn't mean you get well; it just means...

It's that time of year again Rotarians!  Who do you know that loves Fantasy Football, frequenting local restaurants, or just can't say no to you???  Well, we have the best of all these worlds.  Our first fundraiser of the year is not only fun, but an incredible deal.

For $20 we are giving out a Fantasy Football Sweepstakes card that gives people a chance to win one of 6 cash prizes weekly.  Prize amounts range from $25 - $250.  Each card gives multiple chances to win throughout the entire 17 week NFL season.  With a 1:48 chance in winning each week it's a great deal.

But wait... there's more!!!!

Every Sweepstakes card comes with a booklet of Gift Checks to use at local establishments like Oliver's, Durbin's, Blarney Stone and others.  There is over $60 worth of gift checks in each booklet.

This is going to be one of our larger fundraisers for the year so please sell as many as possible.  Not only do people love to save money & gamble, but they love to contribute to worthy causes.  And the scholarships the Oak Forest Rotary hands out is definitely a worthy cause.  Last year we raised almost $2,500... Let's double or triple that this year! 

If you have not received booklets or sweepstakes cards to sell yet please see Tom Chunis at or weekly lunch or call him directly at 708-687-0191.

The real Bud!  The best was the dark beer.

JK

NEWS RELEASE

JUNE 16, 2014

ROTARY CLUB OF OAK FOREST, ILLINOIS

Representatives from the Oak Forest Rotary Club presented 4-Way Test Awards to a number of local students over the past few weeks. Rotary is an organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

The 4-Way Test is a primary foundation of Rotary.  It is used around the world in business, government, schools and homes as an effective ethics measuring stick.  The Test reads: Of the things we think, say and do: 1. Is it the Truth?  2. Is it fair to all concerned?  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Oak Forest Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test Award program began in 1987.  The Club presents the Award every year to a boy and a girl from local elementary and middle schools.  The winners are recognized for demonstrating good behavior and exhibiting a strong moral character.  The medallion awards are presented to the students at their school’s awards assembly or graduation ceremony.

This year’s winners are: Sandy Florczyk and Myles Jude from Arbor Park Middle School; Claire O’Connell and Jason Richmond from Fierke Education Center; Gabriella Nimon and Joseph Everitt from Lee R. Foster School; Breanna Horvath and Trevor Hausherr from Hille Middle School; Grace Kaley and Jacob Wikberg from Kerkstra Elementary School; Erin Malloy and Luis Rosales from Scarlet Oak School; Gabrielle Rivera and Timothy Krafcisin from St. Damian School.

The Oak Forest Rotary Club meets for lunch at 12:15PM every Tuesday at Midlothian Country Club.  For membership information visit the Club’s website at www.oakforestrotary.org

One of the great joys of being a Rotarian is meeting and serving with some of the best people a community has to offer.  During my 25+ years as an Oak Forest Rotarian I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people.  Today I share with you my heartfelt admiration for my very good friend and our newest Honorary Rotarian, big Jim Pauly.

I have found it incredibly difficult writing this tribute to Jim.  His life has been filled with so many accomplishments and sacrifices for others.  Jim epitomizes "service above self" in all that he does.  So many seek out Jim's counsel when they are troubled or confused and his accounting prowess has served countless small businesspeople well over the years.  And I would be remiss if I did not point out, a more passionate advocate for conservatism does not exist.

Jim is passionate about all he does in life.  If you haven't gotten into a heated discussion with Jim about one topic or another you don't know Jim very well.  And if you happen to lean to the left, and you haven't had that heated discussion with Jim....well then you don't know him at all!

James Daniel Pauly was Born August 27, 1932 to James and Helen Pauly.  Jim had two brothers, Louis who we all know so well and his brother John who passed on.  Jim's original home was at 5842 Sangaman in the great city of Chicago.  Later Jim came south to a home on Massasoit in Oak Forest and finally to his current hacienda at 16731 Ann Marie Lane in Tinley Park.

Jim attended grammar school at Our Lady of Solace and high school as St. Ignatius in the city.  That would have been it for the average Joe in those days and it would have been an impressive scholastic undertaking.  But Jim continued on to study and Loyola University graduating in 1955.  Smitten, Jim married Ruth E. Quinn on August 13, 1955.  He sired James, Suellen, Dennis, Linda and Barbara.  Jim and Ruth share 10 beautiful grandchildren.

Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1955 retiring as Lieutenant Col Pauly. His contributions to Oak Forest read like that of a founding father.  Jim served on Civil Defense, as City Clerk and an Alderman.  Jim also served on the district 146 School Board.

Jim was elected Clerk of the City of Oak Forest and Dorothy Kennedy served as deputy clerk from 1969 to 1973.  During that period Jim's conservative approach to finances resulted in rather significant savings for the city.  Jim and Dorothy did together in those days, what several staff members do today for the city.  Jim chose not to run again and was succeeded by Jim Jesk Jr. 

His career affiliations demonstrate a broad scope of business acumen.  Jim worked in Publicity and Public Relations for Toni Co.  He worked at Central Steel and Wire. And then his interest in accounting took hold...

Jim started by doing taxes in the first several years on a card table in the back room of Sax's Pharmacy on 59th and Morgan in Chicago.  In 1973, Jim and Dorothy Kennedy teamed up to open Accurate Accounting.  Accurate's original office was a store front in Midlothian and they subsequently moved to Jim's rec room in the early 80s.  Jim was Manager of the Cook County Mosquito Abatement District at the time and did not work full time at Accurate until 1981.  Accurate Accounting continued to grow from a tax filing service to a full accounting practice through the 80s, specializing in Small Business Accounting and hiring their first employee soon thereafter.

Jim and his partner Dorothy bought there current business condo in 1987. At one time Accurate had clients in more than 20 states including overseas.  Having accumulated more wealth than any one man should have, Jim acquiesced to selling the accounting and tax practices in 2006 and 2009 with the thought he would retire.  This may be the only thing James Pauly ever failed at....  Retirement wasn't in the cards for Jim....Jim and Dorothy are as busy as ever and continue into their 41st year of Accurate Accounting, LTD.

Jim has served several terms as President of the Rotary club and has served in every other board position over the years. Jim's contribution to this club over so many years is unparalleled. From sponsoring new members to selling Rotary raffle tickets to filling in when he was needed, Jim was always there for this club.

Please join me in recognition of our newest Honorary Rotarian.  A man who has sacrificed to work tirelessly for others always living the Rotary ideals. I for one and proud to call him my very good friend.   Jim Pauly is the very best Rotary has to offer and each and every one of us are better for his friendship!

Well, I gotta say a good time was had by all that attended.  The 'same old, same old' routine was broken by our new Rotarians Rich and Bill, along with the participation of our City corporate membership, mayor Hank, chief Greg, Scott, honorary members Karen and Tina and volunteers Sandi and Michele.  My thanks goes out to the Oak Forest Interactors and the high school custodial staff.  The happy guy with the loot is Dean Lilly, senior, our 50/50 raffle winner. 

Reviews.com,    Online Tax Software Reviews

http://www.reviews.com/online-tax-software/

In response to the earthquake and typhoon crises in the Philippines, the Rotary Club of Oak Forest has donated $1,000 to ShelterBox USA.  These funds and other donations from the community will be used for the purchase of ShelterBox tents and lifesaving equipment.

“ShelterBox has been working relentlessly in the Philippines since November 9 to provide emergency shelter and relief to communities affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, the largest recorded storm to reach landfall,” says Mark Dyer, a ShelterBox Response Team Member.

Dyer returned November 13 from a two-week deployment as the team leader to set up tent camps for earthquake survivors on the island of Bohol that was devastated by a massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake.  Then, Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines killing thousands of people and leaving millions struggling in its aftermath.  “For people affected by the earthquake, to be hit by this super storm was just catastrophic.  There were trees down, roads washed out, flooding and debris everywhere, “ Dyer added.

Thus far, ShelterBox USA has committed aid for 4,000 families in the Philippines, with more assistance planned.  Three ShelterBox Response Teams are in Cebu City coordinating the shipment of ShelterBoxes to other areas of the Philippines affected by the largest recorded storm to reach landfall.

“Rotary  Club of Oak Forest is a strong supporter of the ShelterBox, a Rotary international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and aid assistance throughout the world,” says Dr Thomas Halwax, club president.

“Hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children in the Philippines are now homeless and without clean water or food in the wake of the typhoon.  Their situation is desperate, so we are encouraging individuals and organizations to consider their financial support,” Dr Halwax stated.  “Your support will provide emergency shelter and the essential aid these families need to survive and start rebuilding their lives.”

More than 20 other clubs in Rotary International District 6450 are mounting similar fundraising campaigns to provide shelter, warmth and dignity to typhoon victims.

A ShelterBox contains a tent that can accommodate an extended family of 10.  Blankets, tools, water purification and cooking equipment and other items essential to survival are included.  Highly trained ShelterBox Response Teams distribute boxes and supervise the erection of tent cities, working closely with local organizations, international aid agencies and Rotary clubs worldwide.

The price of a complete ShelterBox is $1,000.  This includes the cost of all materials, packing, storage, transport worldwide and distribution to the needy.

For the latest updates on the Philippines or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.shelterboxUSA.org. Your donation will make a dramatic impact.

Part of our Rotary Community Service includes handing water bottles out to the hard working vendors who are displaying there goods at the Oak Forest Community Awareness Fair every year.  We make certain to get them a bag filled with 3 refreshing bottles of water and a brochure outling all the good works of the Oak Forest Rotary Club. 

See below Doc Halwax, who worked with Bill Z to distribute the water.  Special mention to Bill Z and Sue W who donated their little red wagons and to CNB who graciously donated the water, relieving that cost from our budget. 

Two weeks into the NFL season and we're stuck on 219 sold.

That means we still have 281 tickets unsold. If you have any cash to turn in, do it NOW! If you would like to sell some more, see Tom Chunis for additional card/certificate sets now. As each week goes by, opportunities diminish for earning $ for the club AND for card holders to win $.

We have already had one of our club's winning card (802) lose out on a payoff since it hadn't been sold.

With the first week of NFL play tallied, we have a $50 Winning Ticket (0764) sold by Richard Sanders. This card had the LOWEST point total (18) with the team combination of Carolina, Jacksonville and Pittsburgh.

In the pool of 5,000 cards, the highest point total cards (1211 & 4859) were scored by team combinations of Dallas, Denver and Detr

oit tied with Dallas, Denver and San Francisco each with 119 points. They each win $175.00. Our club's cards are numbered from 501 through 1000.

Although the NFL Season is underway, we can continue selling the Coupon/Certificate Books and Football Cards to maximize the revenue opportunity for our club. There are 6 CASH WINNING cards each week! With $550 in cash prizes available each week, that means a total of $9,350 could be awarded!

Remember, if one buyer redeems ONLY the Jiffy Lube certificate they have already recouped $18 of the cost.

If you have cash and sold stubs to turn in, don't delay - Bring them to the weekly luncheon meeting, or drop them at Tom C's home.

Members have sold 87 Gift-Certificate/Sweepstakes Ticket sets through August 10th!

 A reminder . . . We are selling a combination Gift-checkbook and Sweepstakes Ticket for $20. How many have you sold?

The Gift-Checkbook contains 7 cash certificates good at local restaurants and businesses worth $67. Our club has committed to selling 500 sets before the beginning of the NFL season.

Each Gift-Checkbook is accompanied by a sweepstakes ticket that provides the opportunity to win 6 cash prizes during each of the 17 weeks of the upcoming NFL season.The cash is paid from a pool of just under 5,000. So the odds of winning are quite good.

A SUGGESTION: Play up the football tie-in. 

There are plenty of fans ramping up interest in the new NFL season NOW!

Each member received a minimum of 10 book/ticket sets to sell. We will need to sell the sets by the end of August. Some members have already taken 40 sets!

This is an easy sell as the cash certificates are exchangeable for goods/services in the local area with NO minimum purchase requirement.

If you will be attending the Luncheon this Tuesday I will be there to collect ticket stubs and money AND distribute additional tickets. If you won't be attending and need additional sets, CALL ME!

Tom Chunis, Chairman

Cell: 708-217-2491

eMail: Chunsi@SBCGlobal.net

NEWS RELEASE

JUNE 10, 2013

ROTARY CLUB OF OAK FOREST, ILLINOIS

Representatives from the Oak Forest Rotary Club presented 4-Way Test Awards to a number of local students over the past few weeks. 

Rotary is an organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

The 4-Way Test is a primary foundation of Rotary.  It is used around the world in business, government, schools and homes as an effective ethics measuring stick.  The Test reads: Of the things we think, say and do: 1. Is it the Truth?  2. Is it fair to all concerned?  3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Oak Forest Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test Award program began in 1987.  The Club presents the Award annually to a boy and a girl from local elementary and middle schools.  The winners are recognized for demonstrating good behavior and exhibiting a strong moral character.  The medallion awards are presented to the students at their school’s awards assembly or graduation ceremony.

This year’s winners are: Carolina Carrillo and Jonathan Sullivan-Wood from Arbor Park Middle School; Brianna Beissmann and Nicholas Leahy from Fierke Education Center; Samantha Buysee and Stewart Lilly from Lee R. Foster School; Rachel Sayegh and Ian Ryan from Hille Middle School; Rachel Dumblauskas and Austin Nielsen from Kerkstra Elementary School; Alexa Simonsis and Vineet Pillai from Scarlet Oak School; Bailey Maurer and Matt Lampasona from St. Damian School.

The Oak Forest Rotary Club meets for lunch at 12:15PM every Tuesday at Midlothian Country Club.  For membership information visit the Club’s website at www.oakforestrotary.org.  For more information about the 4-Way Test Awards, contact Craig Payan at 708-745-9142.

 Published on Apr 3, 2013

One of America's greatest intelligence coups -- finding Osama bin Laden -- has had a dangerous downside. Join us for a special investigation from the slums of Karachi.   See more by clicking on the youtube link below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHJQc9oldhE  pls. click link

About 180,000 Medicare patients die each year from hospital accidents, errors and infections, according to the U.S. department of Health and Human Services.  Another 1.4 million are seriously hurt by their hospital care. 

So, how safe is your hospital?  Two new rating systems help you check before you check-in:

•   Hospital Safety Score assigns grades A,B,C,D or F based on 26 safety measures and standards. 
  

• Leap frog group also grades our hospitals.  Speciality hospitals, VA and other government hospitals and long-term care facilities are not included. 

Bill Hogan, AARP

and what should your hospital be doing to prevent medical errors?

if you do nothing else watch the 2 videos in this bulletin:

http://www.aarp.org/videos.id=587235596001

Hey, how about us Americans?

Pedestrian Safety

Automakers Get Pedestrian-Friendly

Cathy Nikkel / autoMedia.com

Softening the punch of motor vehicles when they hit a pedestrian or cyclist is the next step in automotive safety, but U.S. pedestrians will benefit as an afterthought. This fall regulators in Europe will require that all new vehicles sold in Europe pass crash testing designed to mitigate head and leg injuries in accidents with pedestrians or bicyclists. In 2010, much stricter regulations will go into effect. U.S. pedestrians can expect the initial pedestrian-friendly designs to carry over to this market; but, in the absence of comparable U.S. regulations, the more sophisticated pedestrian-friendly technology geared to meet Europe's 2010 regulations may not be packed under U.S. hoods.

Statistics

Pedestrian deaths in other parts of the world are a bigger problem than in the States. In India, more than 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve pedestrians. Each year 8,000 European pedestrians are killed and 300,000 injured. In the U.S., 5,000 are killed and 70,000 injured

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, their legs are knocked out from under them and the upper body is thrown down—very hard—onto the hood of the car. Today's cars are aerodynamically designed to glean extra miles per gallon. A consequence of this fuel-efficient design is minimal space between the outer body panels and the hard structural components. Serious or fatal head injuries often result because just below the hood, in most cars, is a heavy, rigid engine. In almost all collisions, the pedestrian falls onto the road after the accident has occurred. The exact influence of this on the seriousness of the injury has not been fully investigated, but modifications to the vehicle cannot overcome this aspect of pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian safety is a major challenge since additional safety systems also increase vehicle weight and raise fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Protective measures can also influence design and European niche makers like Morgan and Lotus argue that the design adjustments needed to meet the regulations will destroy their distinctive looks and the additional costs will run them out of the market. That remains to be seen.

copy right AutoMedia.com 2010-2012

SUPER BUG!

really, I'm serious.  Please click on the enclosed link and view the video.

 NBC TV video, Super Bug, click here

also read the text below

Wow, what a great event with OF Rotarians performing 'Service above Self' on a fun filled Sunday.  Here are the stats:

Breakfasts served:  701

Money Donations received:  $797

Blood Donations:  79

Entertainment groups:  8

Total expense to OF Rotary:  $706

People enjoying and learning about OF Rotary:  hundreds

Oak Forest Rotary Club

19th Annual Free Pancake Breakfast/Blood Drive

                  8 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.       Sunday February 17, 2013

Thanking Oak Forest Citizens for supporting the clubs past, present and future local, national & international humanitarian projects and blood draws since 1975

Today’s 50/50 Raffle will be split with the Oak Forest Rotary Club’s Sponsored Interact Club at OFHS

Great Free Breakfast and Free Entertainment:

Oak Forest High School Cafeteria 8:00 A.M.-1:15 P.M.

15201 S Central Avenue Oak Forest

The Four Stages of Life

1)  You believe in Santa Claus

2)  You don't believe in Santa Claus

3)  You are Santa Claus

4)  You look like Santa Claus

Success

At age 4 success is....not piddling in your pants.

At age 12 success is....having friends.

At age 17 success is....having a drivers license.

At age 35 success is....having money.

At age 50 success is....having more money.

At age 70 success is....having a drivers license.

At age 75 success is....having friends.

At age 80 success is...NOT piddling in you pants.

Welcome to the Nokomis Beach Drum Circle

video, click here

The drum circle takes place on Casey Key Public Beach, Nokomis, Florida. Starts about an hour before sundown, every Wednesday and Saturday. Depending on the weather, the drum circle has an attendance between several hundred to several thousand people. Everyone is welcome.

The Circle is starting to build

The Drum circle features Drumming, Dancing, Playing, Spectaing, Communicating and ... Belly Dancing. What can be better than sitting on the beautiful beach, listening to drums and watching the gorgeous belly dancers? Well ... bring a djembe, a drum, a cowbell, a shaker, a flute, a guitar, or anything that makes noise, and enjoy. Its free, fun and everyone is invited.

p.s.  We are having a great time!      John, are you anxious yet??   doc         

WOW AND WOW - I had no idea as to what the Space Station looked like... Now I do and it is very impressive................

Click here: Departing Space Station Commander Sunny Williams

Provides Tour of Orbital Laboratory - YouTube

When eating out…...…5 smart substitutes.

1.     Skip the Fries.  French fries and potato chips contain little or no nutritional value and large quantities of fat (oil).  Skip the grease and go without if at a fast-food restaurant and replace with rice, a small baked potato or some veggies. 

2.     Watch What You Drink.  Soft drinks are exactly what your body (and teeth) don’t need.  Water offers three distinct benefits by comparison: it doesn’t cost you anything, it’s calorie-free and it doesn’t contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.  Ask yourself, do you really need a 32oz drink of anything with your meal?

3.     No Oversized Loads.  “Super-sized”  combo meals and 17 inch plates heaped with Thanksgiving-like portions are a recipe for weight gain.  Stick to a reasonable portion size (or eat half and get the other half to go) and you won’t have to unbutton your pants half way through the meal. 

4.     Find a Veggie.  Whether it’s a burger with lettuce and tomato or a plate of pasta with broccoli, choose meals that have some natural color, courtesy of Mother Nature’s best vegetables.  A burger with cheese, a bun and nothing else or a plate of pasta with cheese and cream sauce are missing the nutrition your body needs.  How about a pizza with veggies? 

5.     Know What You’re Ordering.  In the past few years, the majority of restaurants have begun to reveal how nutritionally unsound some of their meal options are.  This can range from providing complete nutritional facts to listing calorie counts on the menu.  You can also check the web sites of your favorite restaurant for nutritional information.  You’ll be surprised at how much fat, sodium and calories are in some of your favorites. 

Excerpt from’To Your Health’ magazine, September/October 2011

Discover Magazine, January/February 2013 by Todd Pitock

     Polio, wiped out in all but three countries, seemed headed for eradication.  But last year, politics and economics got in the way.

     Ultimately Rotary's aim is global polio eradication and this goal is tantalizingly close:  Infection rates dropped from some 350,000 new cases in 1988 to just 650 in 2011.  But 2012 saw two dangerous developments that threatened to reverse progress:  Decreased funding for anti-polio efforts and political resistance to vaccinations in regions where the disease persists.  "We're at a tipping point", says Carol Pandak, the program manager of Rotary's PolioPlus vaccination program.  With this years progress, eradication is within reach, but we need to overcome the obstacles and increase coverage in the remaining areas to reach our goal, she warns. 

     Polio is a highly contagious virus that usually spreads through feces and enters through the mouth.  It attacks the spinal cord and brain stem and can paralyze arms, legs and the muscles that control breathing, swallowing and speech. 

     The scale of this initiative funded largely by Rotary International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organiization (WHO), Unicef, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many national governments, is unprecedented.  Health-care workers have immunized 2.5 billion children at a cost of more than $8 billion since 1988.  WHO estimates that, as a result, over 10 million children have been spared from paralysis. 

     The obstacles standing in the way of eradication are layered, from political conflict to lost funding.  False rumors have circulated in some countries from a 'Western plot to sterilize children to that the vaccination was a CIA plot using the health vaccination clinic to gather information for drone strikes'.  Diminished funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has deepened the problem.  The lack of funds is already jeopardizing anti-polio efforts.  In August 2012, a discussion in the Lancet stated that 68 poiio campaigns in 33 countries have been canceled.  "We need to finish the job", Pandak says.  "If reduced funding continues, children will be susceptible and the virus will return and spread.  We'll be right back where we started".       by Todd Pitock

Health Counts

• 52% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality for people who spend more than 4 hours daily in front of a TV or computer screen. 

• 1 Billion – Number of people in 19 countries who are now covered by laws requiring large, graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging; nearly double the number two years ago, when only about 547 million people were covered in 16 countries according to WHO. 

• 8% reduction in the risk of hypertension in people who eat blueberries and strawberries vs. those who don’t eat similar dietary flavonoid foods; this is particularly true for people less than 60 years old. 

• 600 IU’s – Men who consume at least this much Vitamin D each day are 16% less likely to suffer a heart attack than those who get little of the vitamin in their diet. 

• 1 in 6 – Proportion of children and teenagers in the U.S. who are obese.  This number has increased 3 fold from a generation ago.

• A new study on diet soda concluded that those who drank two or more diet soft drinks a day had the largest waistline increases,  5X more than that of non-diet drinkers. 

Excerpt from ‘To Your Health’ magazine, September/October 2011

 The number one question I get from non Rotarians when I tell them I am a Rotarian is "Why Rotary?"  Your answer is here.

Having trouble viewing this email? Please click here

The Gold Standard

Not only do these 15 local nonprofits pass the screens, but they’re recommended by experts in the charity world for making excellent use of donations.

METHODOLOGY: Chicago started with a list of 53 four-star local groups from charity navigator, then narrowed it down to 15 after applying the screens at left and interviewing staff. salaries come from the most recent 990 forms but, in some cases, were updated by the charities themselves; budget percents come from charity navigator. *Coyne is compensated through McDonald’s Corporate.

This article appears in the December 2012 issue of Chicago Magazine.

Is your PIN (personal identification number) really protective?  Not if you picked it using common practices aimed at making it easy to remember. 

• Never use your birthdate as a PIN.
• The 10 PINs that cellphone thieves love:  1234, 0000, 2580 (a top-to-bottom key pad sequence), 1111, 5555, 5683 (which spells 'love'), 0522 (bottom-to-top keypad), 2222, 1212, 1998.
• Never use your birth year.
• Never use the last 4 digits of your SS#.
• Not your phone number, birthdate of a child, or grandchild.
• Never the street number of your home.

So,  what should you use??

• The one assigned by your bank is typically pretty secure.
• Sequences from a childhood phone number or an unused company ID are good.
• Try a frequently used partial phone number, like a pizza shop you use. 
• The date of one of your momentous events in your childhood history, favorite holiday (1031) halloween.
• You could base it on a 'word' from a common phrase you use, 9224 "you are an idiot".
• 4 digit pins are standard, but use more if you can. 

Once you choose a good PIN, never carry a reminder in your wallet.  At the ATM, cover your hand when typing to shield your PIN from prying eyes or scammer-installed hidden cameras. 

Sid Kirchheimer,  Scam Proof your Life, published by AARP books. 

Here are the final ticket sales stats:

Total ticket sales, 222
Top ticket seller, Dorothy Kennedy at 50 tickets sold

 runner up, Andy Tinberg at 27 tickets sold

Contrive strong passwords based on what you already know
Some security experts instruct us to write down our passwords. Others say never write down passwords or share them with anyone except your friendly local IT staffer.

Both of those posts mentioned password-management programs, which offer to store your passwords securely, generate strong passwords that you don't have to remember, and prevent reuse of the same password by providing a unique one for each service you log into.

I prefer to create my own strong passwords based on phrases that are easy to remember. For example, everyone has memorized some nursery rhyme, poem, or song lyric. Simply use the third letter of each word in a line or two (either skipping words shorter than three letters or using the last or only letter in such words).

Applying that pattern to the opening lines of Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" creates this password: eroarsei. Make it even stronger by adding the second line and inverting the two lines: kasenrersedaeroarsei.

The calculator at How Secure Is My Password? indicated that the first of the two passwords would take a PC only 52 seconds to crack, but the second would require 157 billion years to decipher, give or take an eon.

WANTED

NEWS and BULLETIN ARTICLES.

Send your articles to drhalwax@gmail.com or enter them yourself

Please join me in welcoming our guest speaker today, Linda Yates.  Linda is district 6450's RYLA chairperson.  Also joining us today are Oak Forest's Interact Club's co-presidents Kelly Gorney and Mallory Lampasona. 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range, such as 14-18 or 19-30.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to

• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
• Encourage leadership of youth by youth
• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities

Check out what one of the top motivational speakers has to say about  RYLA.  Hisa credentials speak for them selves at www.dougcrowe.com.

Our GSE guests have arrived from Gujarat India!  We will celebrate at the O'Donnell's welcome party 5/9.  Get the details in the Events section to the right...follow the arrow.

The GSE Team Leader is Rotarian Hetal Mehta,      Owner, Electrical Motor Manufacturing Company in Gujarati India     Host Dino & Sandy Kapadia  (friend/neighbor of J Keane’s) Dino was born in Gujarati.

Team Members are:

Mrs. Arundhati Chafekar    Human Resource Counselor                       Host Sue Wolf

Mrs. Karuna Advani            Secretary and Compliance Officer              Host Dorothy Kennedy

Ms. Pooja Khatiwala           Corporate Loan Officer                                Host Dr. Joe and Cathy O’Donnell 

Dr. Ajitknmar Ugale             Opthamologist (MD)                                    Host John and Janet Virva

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.

Today's Excellent Rotary Program was presented by Oak Forest Chief Of Police Greg Anderson.  Chief Anderson talked in detail about the various departments and the work the OFPD does to protect it's citizens,  He discussed the necessary tough cuts made in the budget and the various new and existing programs, he also referred to some of the citizen volunteer programs designed to help, protect  the citizens of Oak Forest.   He answered all questions, and there were a number of them, some tough ones too.

Overall my impression is Oak Forest gets the best bang for the buck comparing Oak Forest to all the other Police Departments in Cook County.  I think the Chief's leadership ability has a lot to do with it.

Chief Anderson has been in Law Enforcment for 32 years and was a former Rotarian in the Aurora Sunrise Rotary Club.

John Keane President Oak Forest Rotary Club

The GSE team is from Gujarat State, India,  Rotary District 3060
Team Leader is Rotarian Hetal Mehta

Team Members are:
Mrs. Arundhati Chafekar
Mrs. Karuna Advani
Ms. Pooja Khatiwala
Dr. Ajitknmar Ugale

US Army veteran Joseph W.  Pletzke was the featured speaker at the noon Oak Forest Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, March 6th at the Midlothian Country Club.  Joe has been a volunteer member of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad fore the past 10 years.  Joe explained the qualifications necessary to be buried in the National Cemetery located in Elwood Il.  (Anyone who has served in the military and was honarably discharged is eligible for burial at no charge to the veteran or his family family.)  Joe exlplained the steps involved and how the service is conducted for the family and friends of those who have honorably served their country.

 Rotarian Dr Joe O'Donnell announced it was the most interesting program we have had in awhile, everyone agreed.  Joe Pletzke is also a member of the Oak Forest Veterans Commission, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and Oak Forest Emergency Managment.  He is truly someone who makes a difference.

John Keane President Oak Forest rotary Club

"Unbroken" A WW ll story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption = Apt title, fantastic book a true story about Louis Zamperini an Olympic runner (1936 Olympics) he was expected to be the first man to run the 4 minute mile.  Then Pearl Harbor and the Army Air Force and WW ll.

The Rotary Club of Oak Forest's December blood drive entitled the Battle of the Badges was just completed.  For the fourth year in a row, the Oak Forest Firemen can claim victory over the Oak Forest Police Department and all to gather much needed blood for the community.

 The club's single largest fund raiser was a tremendous success!

Immediate Past President Dr. Tom Halwax could be heard saying "We can be proud of the good work our Interact Clubs are doing".  That sentiment was echoed by Treasurer Dorothy Kennedy who exclaimed, "Interact may be doing more than our club!".

It is time to step up our efforts against polio.

The  Interact Club's  Annual Dinner Dance for  senior citizens's at OFHS was a success. Rotarian Jim Watson reported all the seniors were treated like royalty by the Oak Forest High School Interact Students on Sunday March 6th.

Thank you to everyone for your efforts toward our Annual Cash Raffle so far.  We have sold 223 tickets to date (last year we sold 208) and have only 27 left to sell out!  The funds that will be raised will allow us to do so much this year.  Below are our 4 Early Bird Drawing Winners and individual ticket sale update.  The drawing is now 2 weeks away... will we sell out....

#162 sold to Craig Payan by Craig Payan (the fix is in)

#137 sold to Richard Simon by Andy Tinberg

#140 sold to Omar Ahmed by Andy Tinberg

#43 sold to Mark Wilcom by Tom Duffy

Tom Chunis                     2

Tom Duffy                       27

Tom Halwax                    19

John Keane                     7

Dorothy Kennedy         43

Janelle Mitzner              2

Savka Mladenovich      3

Joe O’Donnell                2

Jim Pauly                          8

Craig Payan                     9

Joe Pilch                           1

Rich Rinchich                   4

Dick Sanders                   5

Andy Tinberg                  72

Jim Watson                     1

Sue Wolf                          1

Bill Zerinskas                   17

Last week we had the pleasure of Jim Elliott, the founder of Diveheart, speak at our weekly meeting.  For those of you that are unfamiliar, Diveheart is an organization that helps children, adults, and veterans with Disabilities through the healing effects of Scuba Diving!  Jim & Diveheart have found that Scuba Diving has positive results in calming effects for Autistic individuals, chronic pain management, and the freedom to freely move about for those missing limbs. 

I don't have nearly enough time to tell you you the entire story that took this amazing man, inspired by the efforts of a group that taught his blind daughter how to ski, to being on the brink of developing the world's largest indoor pool that will become the center of this type of treatment and future research.  I strongly encourage everyone to visit their website and media kit listed below, and feel free to share it with everyone you know.  It is truly an incredible organization.

Media Kit:   http://diveheart.org/images/stories/2014/Flyers/Mediakit.pdf

Website:     http://www.diveheart.org/

Please mark your calendars for Saturday July 26th as we will be having one of our FOUR annual blood drives in Oak Forest.  It will be held at the Park District building on Central Ave from 9:00 - 1:00.  Subway has generously agreed to give out $5 gift cards to anyone who come and donates on this date.  Bring some friends with you as we are hoping to attract a large crowd this year.  You may also be able to witness history as our fellow Rotarian, and blood drive organizer, Jim Watson is scheduled to be donating his 1,000th pint of blood.  He has dedicated so much of his time over the years to making sure this program is a success.  Let's all go to show him the support this worthy cause deserves!

SAY  NO

TO GENETICALLY ENGINEERED (GE) GAINS

CORN AND SOY 

Each year, an estimated one in six Americans become ill from consuming contaminated food. Sometimes this results in a 24-hour bout of diarrhea and vomiting that clears up on its own, but in other cases foodborne pathogens can lead to organ failure, paralysis, neurological impairment, blindness, stillbirths and even death.

While the majority of food contaminations are linked to imported foods, the mere fact that a food is manufactured on U.S. soil does not guarantee its safety. Most of the meat sold in U.S. grocery stores and restaurants comes from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which can house tens of thousands of animals (and in the case of chickens, 100,000) under one roof, in nightmarish, unsanitary, disease-ridden conditions. It's under these conditions that foodborne pathogens flourish, and indeed studies have shown that the larger the farm, the greater the chances of contamination.

How CAFO Chicken Farms May Contaminate Other Foods

In one study, more than 23 percent of CAFOs with caged hens tested positive for Salmonella, while just over 4 percent of organic flocks tested positive. The highest prevalence of Salmonella occurred in the largest flocks (30,000 birds or more), which contained over four times the average level of salmonella found in smaller flocks. Organic flocks are typically much smaller than the massive commercial flocks where bacteria flourish, which is part of the reason why eggs (and other products, like meat) from truly organic, free-range sources are FAR less likely to contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella.

What many don't realize is that not only are you at greater risk of getting sickened from CAFO chicken meat, contaminated chicken litter from these farms can also spread disease throughout the food chain...

Study Shows Roundup Creates Botulism Breeding Ground in Poultry

CAFO chickens can also be heavily exposed to glyphosate when fed genetically engineered feed, and according to recent research,⁷ glyphosate residues will preferentially kill beneficial species of microorganisms in the GI tract, leaving pathogenic species that can cause harm.

What does this mean for you and me?

The essential implication is that poultry fed GE corn or soy would fall victim to dysbiosis, meaning unhealthy changes in their gut flora that threaten the health of the birds, as well as anyone consuming them. The beneficial bacteria in the poultry gut, such as Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, are killed off, allowing the pathogenic or disease causing bacteria to flourish. Varieties such as Salmonella and Clostridium are very dangerous pathogens for humans. Clostridia bacteria are some of the deadliest, with strains including C. tetani (tetanus) and C. botulinum (botulism).

Chickens bred in CAFOs are already routinely fed antibiotics, arsenic, and even antidepressants, all of which have serious adverse health consequences. But this German study⁸ suggests CAFO chickens exposed to glyphosate may become breeding grounds for Botulism, Salmonella and other major pathogenic organisms.

Dr. Mercola, D.O.,    www.mercola.com

 

 

Use a disposable e-mail address
A person can't spend much time on the Web without encountering a site that can't be used unless you register by providing an e-mail address. Supplying your everyday e-mail address to each Web service that solicits one is just asking for spam.

If there's little chance you'll need to receive a correspondence from the service (once you've confirmed your registration, of course) enter an e-mail address you created with no intention of checking it for incoming messages. Alternatively, you could forward messages received at the throwaway address to a folder of your regular inbox and monitor the folder for received messages as needed.

by Dennis O’reilly,CNET.com

October 9, 2012 10:07 AM PDT

Dr. Gregg Greiner DVM was the program speaker at the Oak Forest Rotary Meeting on January 31^st. Dr Greiner talked about his new book, “The Laugh A Minute Clinic”.  The book began as a series of anecdotes about fun thing he encountered in his career as a veterinarian; it quickly evolved into a humorous but serious book with the underlying theme of how to succeed. As I read the book I was most impressed with Gregg’s enthusiastic positive attitude toward life and his career as a veterinarian.  Gregg one of eight children, was born and raised in Oak Forest and was in the second graduating class of Oak Forest High School.  He attended Lewis University and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois in Champaign Illinois. 

Upon graduating, he began working as an associate veterinarian at the Burr Ridge Veterinary Clinic, and in 1989, he became an owner. Dr. Greiner's main professional interest is surgery, both soft tissue and orthopedic.  He has served on the executive boards of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, Americans for Intelligent Healthcare Reform and Immaculata Academy. When he isn't working at the clinic, Dr. Greiner enjoys fishing, renovating his house, gardening and anything that requires a power tool.  One quote from the book, "love to learn and learn to love,  Everything else will fall into place."

John Keane President

Oak Forest Rotary Club

Representatives from the Oak Forest Rotary Club presented their 4-Way Test Award to a number of local students last June 2010.