Rotary Club helps special needs kids

I'm writing this letter on Oct. 31, 2008.

This Halloween season our nation is spending billions of dollars on parties, candy and costumes. All the kids are going trick or treating today. Wait, not all the kids, it is not safe for the terminally ill and severely handicapped children to walk the streets and go trick or treating from house to house. Fortunately, the Dundee Township Rotary Club recognized this problem and each year they provide an environment in which these special children, their families and caregivers in our area can be comfortable and treated like the rest of the population.

The general manager of the Holiday Inn and Suites in Elgin, Richard Tiedt, and his caring staff provide the grand ballroom and plenty of food for these fine folks. They also reserve an entire floor for the Rotary Club, their families and many wonderful local organizations to decorate each hotel room in themes that match their costumes. The children collect candy, coloring books, Builder Bob hard hats and many other items.

With a recession lurking and many people losing their jobs now is the time to be thankful for what blessings we still have and help those less fortunate than us.

Rotary's motto is, "Service above Self." If anyone still believes in this concept, our Rotary Club is always looking for a few good men or women. Any person interested in taking a peek at our club would be welcomed. We meet at noon every Tuesday at the Holiday Inn and Suites on Route 31 just north of Route 90. I can be reached at my home (847) 658-6587 or at my office (847) 841-1400.

Allan Treml

President

Dundee Township Rotary

Lake in the Hills