Open Forum

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Hi @Taylor Evans Ghosal. Welcome aboard this wonderful group!
My favorite Evanston-area things, in no apparent order whatsoever:

The lakefront park
Northwestern campus, especially the landfill part
Cross Rhodes restaurant on Chicago Ave. near Main street (Try the Vegetarian salad and add some Gyro meat)
Dengeos (just west of McCormick)
The rose garden several blocks west of ORC
Blind Faith Cafe off Dempster

​I think this Connect forum is great for sharing life advice, commiserating about change, offering encouragement, and generally trying to replace -- in some small fashion --- that connection we used to all experience pre-pandemic from our work environments. A pale replacement, sure, but something.

------------------------------
Arnie Grahl
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Thanks, @Arnie Grahl and @Quinn Drew! I appreciate the recommendations.

And thank you for sharing your insights about Connect. I've definitely enjoyed reading the different conversations the past few days. So many great contributions and discussions going on!​​​

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 08:22
From: Quinn Drew
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Welcome @Taylor Evans Ghosal​!!

Regarding Connect: for me it's a place to get new ideas, and put my own ideas out there to see how others react.​ I love the positive vibe! It keeps giving me new ways to grow.

And regarding Evanston...My favorite restaurant is Lucky Platter, it's got a southern-style menu and awesome funky artwork everywhere.

I go to lots of the practically-professional Northwestern U concerts, plays, art exhibits, etc. They are really high quality and super cheap!

And, since @Quinn Drew mentioned Union Pizza, it's connected to my favorite live music venue in Evanston, and one of my faves in all of Chicagoland--SPACE. Definitely check out a show here!

------------------------------
Maria Liccardo
Evanston
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 08:22
From: Quinn Drew
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Thank you, @Maria Liccardo! I love the arts, so the information about Northwestern and SPACE is great!​

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 16:07
From: Maria Liccardo
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Welcome @Taylor Evans Ghosal​!!

Regarding Connect: for me it's a place to get new ideas, and put my own ideas out there to see how others react.​ I love the positive vibe! It keeps giving me new ways to grow.

And regarding Evanston...My favorite restaurant is Lucky Platter, it's got a southern-style menu and awesome funky artwork everywhere.

I go to lots of the practically-professional Northwestern U concerts, plays, art exhibits, etc. They are really high quality and super cheap!

And, since @Quinn Drew mentioned Union Pizza, it's connected to my favorite live music venue in Evanston, and one of my faves in all of Chicagoland--SPACE. Definitely check out a show here!

------------------------------
Maria Liccardo
Evanston

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 08:22
From: Quinn Drew
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Hi @Taylor Evans Ghosal

Welcome! My apologies for being super late to this party but we're glad to have you here. 

There are so many hidden gems in Evanston! The lakefill is also my favorite part of Northwestern and is back around the music building- it's a long park with a firepit and surrounded by thousands of bolders that students have painted over the years. 

I also love a bunch of the stores and restaraunts that are just outside of the main square including Peckish Pig (and Palmhouse event space) in south Evanston. It's the kind of place that has every vibe you're looking for: formal dining, back patio, couches and high tops, with delicious foods and their own brewery! 

There's also Evanston Games and Cafe where you can play board games with your friends while you sip on some coffee (and it's right by Smylie Brothers so you can get tipsy, grab a to-go pack and then go get your game on!

​

------------------------------
Mhari G.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-18-2022 09:01
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Thank you, @Maria Liccardo! I love the arts, so the information about Northwestern and SPACE is great!​

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 16:07
From: Maria Liccardo
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Welcome @Taylor Evans Ghosal​!!

Regarding Connect: for me it's a place to get new ideas, and put my own ideas out there to see how others react.​ I love the positive vibe! It keeps giving me new ways to grow.

And regarding Evanston...My favorite restaurant is Lucky Platter, it's got a southern-style menu and awesome funky artwork everywhere.

I go to lots of the practically-professional Northwestern U concerts, plays, art exhibits, etc. They are really high quality and super cheap!

And, since @Quinn Drew mentioned Union Pizza, it's connected to my favorite live music venue in Evanston, and one of my faves in all of Chicagoland--SPACE. Definitely check out a show here!

------------------------------
Maria Liccardo
Evanston

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 08:22
From: Quinn Drew
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Thanks for the great tips, @Mhari Goldstein! Evanston Games and Cafe sounds like a lot of fun!​​

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2022 08:38
From: Mhari Goldstein
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hi @Taylor Evans Ghosal

Welcome! My apologies for being super late to this party but we're glad to have you here. 

There are so many hidden gems in Evanston! The lakefill is also my favorite part of Northwestern and is back around the music building- it's a long park with a firepit and surrounded by thousands of bolders that students have painted over the years. 

I also love a bunch of the stores and restaraunts that are just outside of the main square including Peckish Pig (and Palmhouse event space) in south Evanston. It's the kind of place that has every vibe you're looking for: formal dining, back patio, couches and high tops, with delicious foods and their own brewery! 

There's also Evanston Games and Cafe where you can play board games with your friends while you sip on some coffee (and it's right by Smylie Brothers so you can get tipsy, grab a to-go pack and then go get your game on!

​

------------------------------
Mhari G.

Original Message:
Sent: 11-18-2022 09:01
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Thank you, @Maria Liccardo! I love the arts, so the information about Northwestern and SPACE is great!​

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 16:07
From: Maria Liccardo
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Welcome @Taylor Evans Ghosal​!!

Regarding Connect: for me it's a place to get new ideas, and put my own ideas out there to see how others react.​ I love the positive vibe! It keeps giving me new ways to grow.

And regarding Evanston...My favorite restaurant is Lucky Platter, it's got a southern-style menu and awesome funky artwork everywhere.

I go to lots of the practically-professional Northwestern U concerts, plays, art exhibits, etc. They are really high quality and super cheap!

And, since @Quinn Drew mentioned Union Pizza, it's connected to my favorite live music venue in Evanston, and one of my faves in all of Chicagoland--SPACE. Definitely check out a show here!

------------------------------
Maria Liccardo
Evanston

Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 08:22
From: Quinn Drew
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Greetings, @Taylor Evans Ghosal! Welcome to Connect, and to the team!

I love the discussions within Connect - I always find such good ideas and fun thoughts to consider. Take, for instance, the fact that I've been working "in" Evanston for 8 years (though I've been remote the last couple of years), and I have no idea what @Arnie Grahl means about "the landfill part" of Northwestern campus! What a fun thing for me to learn more about!

Like Arnie, I love the lakefront path, and generally walking around downtown Evanston. If you like pizza, Union is delicious - and if you like Detroit style pizza, check out their offshoot: Union Squared. I also love Smylie Brothers brewery and Bat 17 for good eats and drinks!

@Maria Liccardo, @Mhari Goldstein - what ideas do you have for Taylor?​​​​

------------------------------
Stay awesome,
Quinn

Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2022 13:55
From: Taylor Evans Ghosal
Subject: Hello from Rotary's new community engagement specialist!

Hello! My name is Taylor Evans Ghosal and I'm the new community engagement specialist at Rotary. I just started on Nov. 14! I'm thrilled to be part of the Connect by Rotary team (and work with @Quinn Drew), and I'm ready to discuss all the wonderful ways we can get involved in our communities. 

I'm coming to Rotary with a background in communications and journalism. For the past six years, I have worked in communications at private schools, with my most recent role being in Wilmette. I've only been in Chicagoland area for about a year, so please feel free to drop your restaurant/things to do recs in the replies!

I'm passionate about many causes, including arts and culture, the environment, immigrants and refugees. I look forward to sharing and connecting with this amazing online community.

While I've had a chance to explore Connect by Rotary, I'm curious to hear from everyone --- What are your favorite things about this platform and how do you use it?

Can't wait to read your responses!

Taylor

------------------------------
Taylor Evans Ghosal
Evanston IL
------------------------------