As we approach the conclusion of this Rotary year themed "CREATE HOPE in the WORLD," I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering dedication to promoting peace and focusing on mental health has been truly inspiring and impactful. Your commitment has embodied the very essence of Rotary, demonstrating that together, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for our communities and beyond.
Rotary’s 2024 international convention was held in Singapore from May 25 thru 29. Approximately 14,000 Rotarians from across the globe came together to celebrate the work of Rotarians in communities and on an international scale; including, but not limited to, the eradication of Polio. Governor Dave Emerick and his wife Lori, Governor-Elect John Hurley and his wife Marta were among those from district 6420 in attendance.
The Public Image Awards at this year's District Conference recognized clubs that have excelled in promoting Rotary’s values and activities to the public. The awards honor those clubs who have enhanced the public image of Rotary through creative and impactful initiatives.
Our District is very proud to share with you the service projects and accomplishments of NINE Clubs who submitted entries for this year’s SHOWCASE! ALL NINE entries are honored by our Rotary District, of which THREE have been selected to receive $100 each toward their next service projects for outstanding achievement – CONGRATS TO JORDAN ELEMENTARY EARLYACT, PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT AND SYCAMORE HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT – AND CONGRATS TO ALL FOR AMAZING SERVICE ABOVE SELF !
We are excited to announce that Cindi Gramenz (Rotary Club of Rock Island) has accepted the role of District 6420 Public Image Chair effective July 1st. Cindi brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to enhancing Rotary’s public image, making her the ideal candidate for this pivotal position.
Cindi has been an active Rotarian for many years, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity in her public image initiatives. Her strategic approach and innovative ideas have significantly contributed to increasing Rotary’s visibility and engagement within the community.
The District Conference was a resounding success, highlighted by the innovative Rotary Service Swap event. This unique activity brought together clubs from across the district to network, share, and learn from each other's community service initiatives and events.
Get ready for a finger-licking good time at the upcoming Rib Fest on July 20th at Viking Lanes in South Beloit, IL! This year's event promises to be a mouthwatering competition as local firehouses face off in a battle to claim the coveted Rack of Ribs Award.
The Rock Island Rotary Club held their 50th Annual Awards Luncheon today at the Quad City Botanical Center. Keynote speaker for the event was Andy McCray, Chief Meteorologist for WHBT-TV. Mr. McCray spoke of the critical role respect, kindness, friendliness, and always looking forward should play in our daily routines. He praised student achievements and congratulated community leaders who were honored as part of today’s program.
May 1st was a great night getting together with fellow Rotarians from Princeton, Illinois Valley Sunrise, Peru, LaSalle, and Putnam County! Thanks to our Assistant Governor, Tracy Grimmer, for spearheading the effort and making arrangements with the clubs for our second-ever joint meeting!
A total of 15 local not-for-profit organizations have each received $1,000 from Rotary Club of Princeton through their “Love Our Community “grant program. This year’s recipients include Barker Farm Outreach, Buddy Bags, Bureau County Fair, Bureau County Food Pantry, FurReal Heroes, Loads of Love (Open Prairie United Church of Christ), Magi Baby Chest (St. Louis Parish), Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce, Princeton Community Band, Princeton DAR, Princeton Ministerial Association, Princeton Theater Group (Festival 56), Royal Family Kids Camp, The Store, and Zearing Child Enrichment Center.
On June 7, 1989 the Ottawa Sunrise Club was formed when some members of Ottawa Noon saw a need for a breakfast club for those businessmen who could not easily walk away from their stores/offices at noon. Over 35 years their Toy & Book Float has collected over 17,000 books, 8,000 toys and over $11,000 to help the Salvation Army see that each child has a new toy at Christmas.
This year as part of our grant project, the Dixon Rotary Club partnered with the Dixon Police Department, Lee County Sherrif's office, and Dixon Public Schools to obtain the names and contact information of families that would be greatly blessed for a holiday meal basket. On Good Friday, the Dixon Rotary Club assembled and delivered 50 Easter Meal baskets (Spiral Ham, potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, apple juice, and a baked pie), along with 106 Easter baskets for children in those families that include candy, chalk, bubbles, and a kite.
For the third year in a row the Rotary Club of Pecatonica was able to award four $1,000 scholarships to deserving Pecatonica High School Seniors. The Club sold Eickman Breakfast Meat Boxes (Tom Eickman is a Rotarian) to community members, as well as accepted donations to fund the scholarships
One of our regular community service activities is cleaning up Rotary Park located at the north end of Princeton near the Amtrak station. At our first clean-up of the year, the usual "sprucing up" was done, but we took it as an opportunity to place memorial stones.
Rotary Club of Princeton, IL held its 3rd annual ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo on June 1st at Rotary Park in Princeton. Despite a rainy start, the day ended up being a success.
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee revitalized its city’s riverfront with a contribution from a local landowner — a strategy that could work in other communities.
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