It is hard to believe we are rapidly approaching the end of the Rotary year! It has been such a unique year as we have adjusted to Rotary under quarantine. I am so proud of all the clubs that have overcome the challenges of meeting virtually. As I look back over the year and especially the last few months, I am really struck by what we have accomplished during this time rather than what we have missed. Ok, so we didn’t have a District Conference or District Training Assembly, but we still managed to approve a budget and reach 100% of our Foundation goals! The Rotarians in District 6420 have overcome an ongoing struggle with technology as we have been pushed (in some cases kicking and screaming) into the 21st Century! I think we have learned a whole new way to do Rotary. It is possible to have a speaker join your meeting from any place in the world! During our isolation we have truly learned how to connect with the world!
The City of Henry employees were busy in May, putting up banners of Henry-Senachwine High School senior graduates. Henry Rotary Club in conjunction with the city, school district, businesses and some individuals raised money to sponsor the project. The Club says they are so thankful for all the donations and will post a list of everyone who contributed once complete. Congratulations to the graduates and best wishes for your future!
I can hardly believe it is June already. Where did this Rotary year go? Amazing things have happened throughout our district despite being home the last few months. And, speaking of June, if you haven’t yet met your contribution to The Rotary Foundation for this year, now is the time to do so. You can designate your funds to go to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or the Disaster Response Fund. Contributions to any of those funds allows you to earn credit toward your Paul Harris recognitions.
Some interesting developments have occurred since my last update because of the effects of the pandemic.
Because of safety Covid-19 concerns for volunteers, and because of closed borders and scarcity of international flights, all surveillance and house-to-house supplementary immunization activities (SIA) have been suspended until at least July 1, and most iikely longer.
This suspension will cause a set-back in the overall program. Much of the international effort has now switched emphasis from 100% polio eradication to about 80% Covid-19 and 20% polio. Human, logistical, and financial resources have shifted to pandemic response. At country levels, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) personnel are making available emergency operations centers, as well as IT and transport. The polio network is being trained in COVID-19 case detection, case and contact tracing, lab testing and data management. Part of the ‘Plus’ in PolioPlus.
President Dave Chavira of Rock Falls Rotary Club (right) presents to Brian Vickers, Lead Pastor of Rock River Christian Center (left) , a donation from Rock Falls Rotary members of $2100 for their food pantry. The RRCC food pantry is now serving 150 families with weekly food during the corona virus pandemic. Contact RRCC for donations of any amount as all will be welcomed.
Now IS the time to come to the aid of your fellow Rotarians! PC Rotary 50-50 Raffle tickets are $25 each, only 200 to be sold, drawing a $50 winner each week for fifty weeks -- and winners can win again (and again!) Good odds AND a chance to help us keep our local and grant projects going!
Peter Katiza, an Inbound student from Harare, Zimbabwe in 2004, now lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a partner in an import- export business. He returned and earned a B.A. degree in the US.
Domagoj Eljuga was an Inbound student from Zagreb, Croatia in '96-'97. He earned a medica degree and is now a surgeon in Zagreb. Dom has done residencies in both the US and Canada.
Peter attended Alleman Catholic High School, Rock Island. Dom attended Rock Island High School..
We had the pleasure of serving as a host family for both of them.
Thank You Robert Swanson of Rock Island Rotary for continuing to provide a challenge!
FIND THE GOVERNORS
Over the past 35 years, 35 dedicated men and women have served as Governor of Rotary District 6420. Tom Brooks will be our new Governor as of July 1st. Can you find his and the last name of the previous 35 Governors in this Word Search? Names may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonally going up or down. Good Luck! (click on Read More)