Speakers

OUR MISSION: Furever Home Dog Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates dogs to prepare them to be adopted into their forever home.

OUR VISION: Bettering lives and offering second chances to those most in need through dedication, hope, and compassion.

BACK STORY: In 2022, David and Erin Kerpel started a nonprofit called Furever Home Dog Sanctuary.  Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs to improve their quality of life by preparing them to be fostered and adopted into their furever home.  After searching for land for over a year, we now have 6 acres in Richmond, Illinois.  We will be working with dogs who have been in shelters for extremely long periods of time or have found themselves on a euthanasia list.  While in our care, whether it’s months or the rest of their lives dogs will have more space, increased time for socialization with people and other dogs, time dedicated to work with trainers/behaviorists and 6 acres of land to enjoy exploring. 

QUALITY OF LIFE: Our organization is set up to work with local not-for-profits in the animal welfare industry to care for dogs whose stays at standard animal shelters have been lengthy through no fault of their own. FHDS will provide all canine residents with personalized, elevated care to include spacious accommodations, excellent nutrition, exercise, grooming, medical attention when needed, professional behavior training, and positive human interaction. FHDS’s goal is to ensure that dogs in our care thrive and are ultimately fostered or adopted into loving homes.

Host: Zhuming Smith

Press Release from the City of Lake Forest / April 25, 2024

After a competitive nation-wide search, the City of Lake Forest is pleased to announce that Michael Wick has been selected as the new Director of Parks and Recreation.

Wick brings over eighteen years of experience in parks and recreation, serving in a variety of roles including Director of Recreation for the Gurnee Park District, Executive Director of the Wauwatosa Recreation Department, Athletics Coordinator at the Elk Grove Park District, and Recreation Specialist at the Waukegan Park District.

“A record number of new families have moved into Lake Forest in recent years, making it an exciting time for Lake Forest Parks and Recreation,” said City Manager Jason Wicha. “Mike’s background makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Department in shaping the future of recreational experiences for our exceptional community.”

At the Elk Grove Park District, he oversaw operations of 23-acre outdoor multi-use athletic field facility, experience that’s directly applicable to ensuring maximum utilization of the City’s new 9.5-acre athletic complex at Deerpath Community Park. In his most recent role as the Director of Recreation at the Gurnee Park District, Wick oversaw a $9.6 million dollar budget and provided oversight for sixteen full time staff and a part time staff that grew to over 350 during the summer months. He managed four community facilities including two fitness centers, a seasonal outdoor aquatic center, and community center. He also provided oversight for comprehensive community recreation programs.

As the Director of Parks and Recreation, Wick will oversee all City parks, trails, facilities, recreation programs, and partnerships. He will work closely with staff to program the new Deerpath Community Park and develop new and innovative programs and activities for Lake Forest residents. He will also serve as a staff liaison to the Parks and Recreation Board.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the next Director of Parks and Recreation Director at the City of Lake Forest,” said Wick. “I’m incredibly excited to begin working with the community and staff to build upon the department’s strong foundation.”

Wick has his bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Wick succeeds former Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Swarthout, who retired in January after a 30-year career with the City.

Host: Susan Simms

 

Host: Bill Summers 

Carol Summerfield is the executive director of the History Center of Lake Forest Lake Bluff. Her background is in museum design and audience engagement. The History Center is a small midwestern institution with a staff of five. The museum produces two large special exhibitions each year that provide our audience with original narratives that help connect visitors with aspects of American history that are illuminated through local stories.

Host:  Thea Colwell

Summary:  I am a Polio Survivor having contracted the disease during the early 50’s epidemic. I was blessed to have survived having had a tracheotomy, spending time in an Iron Lung and having to learn how to walk again. This is my experience and although I joined Rotary in the mid 1970’s, I was never been more proud than when Rotary launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1985. My focus will be not only my journey but that of Rotary in this battle against this insidious disease.
 
Bio: 25 Years in Broadcast Management, 20 Years in Senior Care Administration, Alzheimer’s Care Specialist, Master Trainer of Alzheimer’s Care, 40 years of service in Rotary. Member of three clubs in two States. Past President of The Mystc Connecticut Club, Three time President of the Westerly Rhode Island Club, Three time Paul Harris Fellow. Member of my District Polio Plus Committee, Polio Survivor….U.S. Navy / Viet Nam Veteran serving on the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from October 1967 to March 1971. 

Host:  Peter Elmer

Students sponsored by the LF-LB Rotary Club that attended RYLA will talk about their experiences.

Host: Carol Buss