Events

The Lake Forest Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates residents on disaster preparedness for potential hazards that could affect our community.

Members receive training in essential skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic control through a combination of online courses, classroom instruction, and live exercises. With this knowledge, CERT members are prepared to assist neighbors or coworkers during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available.

Host: Carl Marcyan

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

Beacon Place helps children and families create a future in which they are prepared to achieve and pursue an elevated life by providing the support, guidance, and exposure to life experiences that will allow children and their families to envision a path to a brighter tomorrow.

Beacon Place achieves this by ensuring that children/families join our community and stay in programs that deliver a long continuum of comprehensive support, which compounds the investment of impact over many years through a focus on: growing healthy bodies, discovering strong minds and envisioning bright futures.

Maha, a dedicated advocate for children and families, brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, direct service, and program leadership to Beacon Place. Most recently, she served as Chief Program Officer at the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, overseeing prevention, intervention, and trauma initiatives.  Previously, Worden worked at CASA Kane County, supporting volunteers advocating for children in the foster system. She began her career at Mooseheart Child City and School, mentoring at-risk youth and leading quality improvement efforts.  Maha holds a B.S. from Judson University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. She resides in Batavia, IL, where she enjoys spending time with her family, running, cooking, and tackling DIY projects.

Host: Sunny Lu

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

From a LFC Press Release July 7, 2025:

The Lake Forest College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Michael “Mike” Sosulski as the College’s 15th president, effective August 11, 2025, following a national search. An Illinois native, Dr. Sosulski most recently served as president of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he led significant advancements in academics, enrollment, and campus life.

An accomplished scholar and experienced administrator, Dr. Sosulski brings to Lake Forest a strong record of leadership in academic affairs, fundraising, and institutional innovation. At Washington College, he oversaw a 120 percent increase in applications, launched a $5 million campus innovation hub, completed a $20 million first-year housing renovation, and led the institution through its 10-year reaccreditation in 2024. He also helped secure $125 million in fundraising in advance of the college’s next capital campaign, including a transformative $15 million gift to create the Warehime School of Global Business, Economics and Social Impact.

Before his presidency, Dr. Sosulski served as Provost and Professor of German at Wofford College, where he led major investments in academic infrastructure, diversity, and governance. He has also held faculty and leadership roles at Kalamazoo College.

Dr. Sosulski expressed deep enthusiasm for joining the Lake Forest College community.

“Growing up in suburban Chicago, I saw Lake Forest as the ideal liberal arts college—personal, rigorous, and full of opportunity. The chance to return home—personally and professionally—felt like a perfect fit,” Dr. Sosulski said. “From the start, I was drawn to this community’s spirit: smart, curious, creative, and deeply caring. That’s a mission I deeply believe in, and I’m honored and excited to be part of it.”

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Sosulski’s appointment.

Host: John (JJ) Johnson

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

In 1987, a group of retired Blackhawk players got together to discuss their future in the Chicago community. Their main objective was to "give something back" to Chicago and to the sport of hockey. In that meeting they developed a three-fold mission statement for the non-profit Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association.

1. To provide a scholarship fund for the "most deserving" high school hockey players in Illinois.
2. To become involved in community affairs and charitable causes.​
3. To protect and take care of their fellow alumni: "Players helping Players."

Host: Kevin Magnuson

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

Matt and Tom will explain muncipal bonds, what are they are and why they are of value to local communities

Bernardi Securities, Inc. is a leading municipal bond boutique, specializing in active municipal bond portfolio management and innovative public finance services. Their mission is to specialize in the municipal bond market to deliver superior performance for clients.  They do this by providing:

1. Active municipal bond portfolio management
2. Innovative public finance services
3. Municipal credit analysis

Host: Tighe Magnuson

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

The Lake Forest High School (District 115) Portrait of a Learner is a strategic framework aiming to define essential 21st-century competencies for student success in college, career, and life. Key pillars for students include developing adaptability, citizenship, communication, confidence, critical thinking, and empathy. 

Key Components of the Portrait of a Learner:

• Visionary Goals: The framework serves as a "North Star" for the district, focusing on developing students who are adaptable, communicative, and empathetic leaders.
• Skill Development: The initiative aims to move beyond traditional test scores to foster skills like critical thinking and civic engagement.
• Action Plan: Districts 67 and 115 are collaborating to align this vision with classroom practices, ensuring it is integrated into the educational experience.
• Community Partnership: The process involves input from stakeholders across Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood to create a shared vision for student growth. 
• This initiative is part of the broader "One LFHS" strategic plan, which emphasizes nurturing character alongside academic excellence.

Host: Erin Lenart

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

Host: Tom Marks

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

Hosts: Phil Ehrhardt & Carol Buss

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

Michael Frerichs was first elected Illinois State Treasurer in November 2014. He has been re-elected twice and began his third term in January 2023. Frerichs is the 74th person to serve in this role.

In Illinois, the Treasurer is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. The office invests money on behalf of the state and local units of government. Frerichs also believes in providing individuals with financial tools so they can invest in themselves.

The Treasurer does this by encouraging savings plans for college and trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, removing barriers to a secure retirement, and reuniting Illinois residents with their unclaimed property.

The Treasurer’s Office actively manages approximately $56 billion. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of principal, but the investment returns are significant. Under Frerichs’ tenure, the office has earned more than $2 billion for taxpayers through safe, smart investing.

Since taking office, Treasurer Frerichs has made significant strides in the fight for consumers by making sure Illinois residents get what is owed to them through the Unclaimed Property Program. A record- breaking $2 billion in forgotten cash and stock has been returned to individuals, employers, and nonprofit organizations under his watch.

Treasurer Frerichs also has worked to make college more affordable for families saving for their children’s future. He made changes to the Bright Start college savings program, taking it from worst to among the nation’s best. Independent analyst Morningstar awarded Bright Start their top Gold rating five years in a row. The treasurer lowered fees and provided more investment options for families.

Under Treasurer Frerichs’ leadership, Illinois now leads a bipartisan multi-state alliance that allows parents of children with blindness or a disability to save for their child without jeopardizing their federal disability benefits. Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (ABLE) is the national standard, offering high-quality and low-cost investment options. His office also led negotiations that resulted in lower fees for participants.

In November 2018, Treasurer Frerichs launched Illinois Secure Choice, a retirement savings program that will help an estimated 1.2 million private-sector workers who do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan retire with dignity.

Treasurer Frerichs was born and raised in the small, downstate farming community of Gifford, Illinois. He graduated from Yale University and spent two years in Taiwan, where he taught English to young students and learned to speak Chinese. He returned to Champaign County and launched his own technology business. He served as a volunteer firefighter. He was elected to the Champaign County Board and elected Champaign County Auditor, where he became a Certified Public Finance Officer.

In 2006, Frerichs was elected Illinois State Senator representing east-central Illinois. As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, he championed efforts to make college more affordable. He also served as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

Frerichs was unanimously elected president of the bipartisan National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers in 2022. He also was unanimously elected by his bipartisan peers to serve as president of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) in 2023. Among his numerous honors, the College Savings Plans Network presented Frerichs with its Distinguished Service Award in 2022. He was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award in 2020 for his commitment to Illinois veterans. He also serves as vice chair of the Illinois State Board of Investment which manages over $26 billion in pension assets for state employees.

Treasurer Frerichs is married to Erica. He has a daughter, Ella, and two sons, Max, and Theo.

Host: Kevin Looby

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week

• Breakfast and socializing
• Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
• Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
• Focus on a Member's career or life story
• Speaker on a topic of the week