Six months into this Rotary year, I continue to be inspired by the passion, commitment, and heart you bring to your clubs and communities. Every visit, conversation, and service project is a reminder of why Rotary matters—and why you matter. 

Dear Club Members,

 

I’m pleased to share that the District Nominating Committee has completed its work and has accepted the nomination of Mr. Rudolf Sterkel of the Rotary Club of Kishwaukee Sunrise as the District Governor Nominee-Designate, District Governor for Rotary 2028-2029.

 

The Nominating Committee carefully reviewed Rudolf's qualifications, leadership experience, and commitment to Rotary and determined that he meets the expectations and requirements for this important role. 

We’re kicking things off Friday night with a celebration of Rotary Youth Exchange — the stories, the impact, and the global connections that remind us why Rotary matters.

 

Saturday brings us together for a high-energy day focused on leadership, connection, and the future of our clubs — practical conversations, meaningful fellowship, and ideas you can take home and put into action. 

Do you lead meetings, facilitate workshops, or guide conversations—inside and outside of Rotary? Are you looking to sharpen your ability to engage people, manage group dynamics, and lead learning experiences with confidence? Rotary International has launched a new Facilitation Leadership Program created for Rotarians who want to strengthen their facilitation and leadership skills within Rotary and in their professional roles. 

2026 is here and that means it's time to plan ahead for your club's 2026-26 District Grant request. It's not too early to begin thinking about an impactful project to benefit your community - and to plan to meet the requirements necessary to put your club in a position to apply. 

The Streator Rotary Club had 20 volunteers assist with sorting coats on Oct. 22 and 12 more volunteers assisted with distributing coats and blankets on Oct. 23 and 24, at the Streator Salvation Army. The campaign distributed 437 winter coats and 151 blankets in two days to those less fortunate in the Streator area.

The Fabric and Friends Room, located on the second floor of the library (next to the Soderstrom Room), features sewing machines, a fabric cutting machine, fabric, mannequins, needles and other supplies. It is open during library hours.

Just before the busy holiday season, Mount Carroll Rotary was proud to present Mount Carroll Mini-Food Center and Savanna Food Pantry with a donation of $400 each. Both of these pantries are essential to help our community. We thank all the volunteers that give their time to make these food pantries successful!  

[Dec. 22, 2025] - The Rotary Club of Rock Island is pleased to announce the induction of these new and outstanding members to the service club in October, November, and December 2025: 

 

1. Jane Courtright - Jane is a retired United Church of Christ minister. She and husband David Ward live in Moline and have two grown children. 

Rotary Club of Ottawa Sunrise had their annual Toy and Book Float again this year. Despite the winter weather they collected 632 toys and 132 books.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Princeton honors a local not-for-profit during its annual auction. The “Fund a Need” recipient for 2025 is Magi Baby Chest. During the auction held on November 15th, auction-goers had the opportunity to “bid” donations specifically for this purpose. A total of $6,800 was raised. 

The Rotary Club of Oregon received a grant from Rotary District 6420. The funds, totaling $2,057, were used to support the Club’s ‘Keeping Kids Warm’ project. 

Each month the Rotary Club of Toluca goes to Fieldcrest Primary and Intermediate Schools to read to the students and to donate books to the school. In addition to the schools, Rotarians read and also donate a book at the Toluca Public Library and the Minonk Filger Library. So far this year the Rotary Club of Toluca has donated over 200 books!

The cold and windy winter weather didn’t stop Santa from making his way to Toluca on November 30th.  Around 40 children, 100 adults, and 15 Rotarians had the opportunity to see Santa at the American Legion.

Each year, Rotary Clubs are invited to apply for a District grant involving a project that reflects the mission of The Rotary Foundation. For the 2025-2026 year, Princeton Rotary Club selected the Bureau County History Center. 

Good news for clubs with shared leadership. ClubRunner has added a Co-President role in the portal. Previously, clubs were required to list one president of record. As a result, all communications went to that individual, and co-presidents had to rely on forwarding—often causing delays and extra steps. 

On Saturday, January 31, the Rotary Club of Princeton, IL hosted a black light bingo fundraiser at the local Moose Lodge. All proceeds will benefit youth activities sponsored by the club.

The Rotary Club of Toluca recently purchased shelf stable food for seniors of Varna, Toluca, and Wenona who receive food through the Meals on Wheels Program. This program is administered by MSW Projects of Henry.

The Walnut Rotary cordially invites you to our first annual “Call Us Crazy Cookout,” a fun-filled event celebrating community spirit, good food, and great company during what can be a dreary winter month. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Rotary Club of Walnut will be hosting its’ first ever “Call Us Crazy Cookout” at Walnut’s Veterans’ Memorial on Main Street. Proceeds from the event will go to offset expenses associated with the Bureau Valley School District’s “One School, One Book” program due to kick off on January 26, 2026. 

Our second "Wildside Challenge" was held February 7 at Echo Bluff Park. Over 20 kids in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades participated. Additionally, 2 Interact Club students assisted with 4 Rotarians.

The Rotary Club of Toluca is proud to share our January Middle School Student of the Month, Jasmyne Arndt. Jasmyne's teachers wrote this about her, "Jasmyne is a fantastic student who consistently demonstrates kindness, compassion, honesty, and responsibility in all that she does. She treats others will respect and empathy, creating a positive environment for her classmates. Her integrity and strong sense of responsibility make her someone teachers and peers can rely on. Jasmyne's character and work ethic truly set her apart as an outstanding member of the school community."