October brings us to World Polio Day on October 24 and Rotary’s commitment to End Polio Now. Because Rotarians and our partners refused to give up, we are closer than ever to a polio-free world. Now is the time to help finish the fight.
A statewide recognition of Rotary’s commitment to a polio-free world
Rotary’s commitment to ending polio received an important recognition in Illinois, where October 24 has officially been designated World Polio Day. A certificate recognizing October 24 as World Polio Day has been signed by the Governor of Illinois, helping bring greater awareness to the global effort to eradicate polio.
Interact is all about kids, and kids are all about food and fun, so putting the two together, Putnam County Rotary begins each year with an Interact Picnic! The free event is hosted by the Rotary Club, bringing Rotarians and Interact members from Putnam County High School and Putnam County Junior High together to share information about Rotary and the projects of their respective Clubs.
District 6420 Rotarians -- and Interact Clubs -- can offer students the experience of a lifetime -participation in Rotary Youth Exchange! In addition to our "flagship" Long Term (full year) Youth Exchange opportunities, our District also offers students a chance to participate in our summer-only Short Term Youth Exchange Program!
Recently the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club awarded a combined Rotary District grant and club community grant to Rooted for Good. Our Community Grant for Children, Youth and Families of DeKalb County (CYF Grant) is a competitive local grant for non-profits in the county who have programming aimed at helping children, youth and/or families. This annual effort aims to award up to $10,000 each year and this is our 10th award year. Since its inception, we've awarded over $74,000 into the local area.
Join Sycamore Rotaract on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at The Regale Event Center in Sycamore. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Tables are $200 for 8-10 people, with eight drink tickets included. Whole tables only; individual seats are not sold. Reserve your table by October 14. Door sales are available only if space remains.
The Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club proudly supported a local sock drive which benefited patrons of Hope Haven, Safe Passages and the Rochelle Rescue Mission - it's called "Socktember"(!). Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Clinics are local collection spots for this effort.
On August 29th, River Cities Rotary welcomed over 120 for our FREE Fishing Derby!! Each child participating receives a prize and snacks. There are prizes in 3 age ranges for the 1st fish caught, longest fish and heaviest fish.
The Rotary Club of Toluca was honored to have been chosen to be the Grand Marshals of the 2026 Toluca Labor Day Parade. The Rotary Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary this year and the Labor Day Committee wanted to recognize the club for all that they have done, and continue to do for the community and school district.
Members of the Rotary Club of Rock Island were proud to participate in the annual Labor Day Parade in Rock Island on September 7, 2026. Rotarians joined fellow community organizations, businesses and residents in celebrating Labor Day while representing the club and its commitment to service. Participating in community events like the parade gives Rotary members an opportunity to connect with neighbors, increase awareness of Rotary and celebrate the community we are proud to serve.
Wine lovers enjoyed our event on September 24th to support the Rock Island County Child Advocacy Center. The event was held at the Old Oaks Winery in Milan Illinois.
Our grant this year went to help Uganda farmers become self sufficient in growing and selling their crops through TUF. TUF is a non profit organization dedicated to equipping farmers in Uganda with the education, resources and community support they need to radically improve their agricultural production and livelihoods.
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary Club organized the 10th Taste of DeKalb event in downtown DeKalb/ Illinois. This is a public event in conjunction with the DeKalb Corn Classic 10 K Run, which this year had 870 runners in the race (plus 100 compared to 2025). 3 live bands performed and attracted a record crowd with lawn chairs. Hungry and thirsty visitors found food trucks on the plaza. One of the popular foods was provided by authentic Jamaican cuisine prepared by a DeKalb family.
Princeton Rotary Club has joined the ranks of many other clubs by getting involved in the youth exchange program! We were thrilled to welcome Luise S. from Germany. She recently joined us at a club meeting to introduce herself. She is shown pictured with Club President Pat Schou.
Our next Governor Installation will be prior to the Barcelona convention. Please save the date! Saturday June 19, 2027 will be the Governor Installation for Kris Tumilowicz.
Over a year ago the members of Ottawa’s Sunrise Rotary began working on a global grant by partnering with the Rotary Club of Kabarole, Uganda. The grant is now fully funded at $120,424.76 and creating life changing opportunities for the farmers in the area of Kahunge and Rukunyu, Uganda.
The Oregon Rotary Club performed a roadside cleanup on September 22nd. This helps the town get ready for the Annual Autumn on Parade Festival the first full weekend of October each year.
Of all the recognitions a Rotarian can receive, the Paul Harris Fellow stands apart. It is not given for years of membership, for chairing a committee, or for attending every meeting. It is given for a tangible act of generosity: a cumulative contribution of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. In a service organization built on the principle that one person's giving can change the world, the Paul Harris Fellow certificate is the tangible proof that a specific person put real resources behind that belief.
The Rotary Club of Rock Island, in partnership with the Rock Island Kiwanis Club, hosted the annual State of the Schools Address featuring Dr. Sharon Williams, Superintendent of the Rock Island-Milan School District, on Tuesday, September 8, at the Quad City Botanical Center. Rotary members, Kiwanis members, school board members, district staff, community members, and the media attended this informative update. During the presentation, Dr. Williams provided an overview of the current state of the Rock Island-Milan School District, highlighted recent accomplishments, and discussed ongoing initiatives.
Putnam County Rotary hosted its annual Road Apple Bingo event on Saturday September 26 during the local apple orchard's fall family event. District Governor Tina Curtis and husband Chip were on hand for the fundraiser in which a pony is paraded back and forth across a grid of 500 squares, until favoring one winning square with his first road apple of the day!
Princeton Rotary Club's annual auction has been planned for Friday, November 6th at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres and an open/cash bar will be provided. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through Ashley Oliver at (815) 303 6188.
Rotarians used our weekly meeting on September 28th to meet at Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi Valley. Rotarians shared important aspects of job interview preparation.
