Mantas Tautkus gave us the word for the week – EXCITEMENT! He sees that in the Rotary faces as we brainstorm, strategize and implement the meaningful work we accomplish.
Ron Hamelberg reminded everyone that Highway 14 Spring (are we sure?) clean up is planned for Saturday, April 21, 8AM, just outside of Makray Golf Course. Members need to sign up on the roster that is being passed around.
Louis Yee wanted everyone to confirm their participation in the Fathership Initiative, Friday, April 6, 11-1PM, at St. Anne’s Church.
Dan Naranjo encouraged those joining in the Friday, April 6 Rotary Reads at 8:30AM to take pictures and capture their experiences engaging the young ones in a reading of Niko Draws a Feeling.
Dave Waring delivered the good news that the fund raising push on behalf of the Elgin Symphony (ESO) will allow the last 2017-18 season performance to go on as scheduled. He thanked everyone that was able to support the effort. Dave will be sending out an Email with a 20% option on tickets for this last performance. More to follow on the ESO’s ability to present a 2018-19 schedule.
Steve Hollis voiced a reminder that the May 5 Kid Fest was coming up soon and that the April 14 Empowering Leadership Conference at Oakton Community College still has tickets.
Joe Dorociak provided a plug for the talented husband and wife team that will be performing jazz at the Presbyterian Church on Brinker Road in Barrington on April 13. This evening will start with interested BBRC members gathering for dinner and then proceeding to the performance. A $10 dollar donation for the performance would be appreciated.
Speakers - Boys & Girls Club of E.Dundee
Amalia Woolfe,VP Development (center of picture) provided an overview of the efforts of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and invited any BBRC member to visit the East Dundee organization(s). The institution has been in existence for over 100 years. There are 28 clubs in Illinois with the East Dundee group ranked #2 in services provided, budget management and board involvement. The Boys and Girls Club in the Dundee has served the area for 21 years, beginning with a joint acknowledgement on the part of the Police Department, business owners and the Park District that the area desperately needed after school programs for youth to stave off gang activity and violence. A partnership was formed with Carpentersville and Dundee Township eventually to include all of the schools and incorporate the Sunny Hill Elementary school from District 220.
The programs are created as a function of identified needs. Collaboration also comes from the local Rotaries. Where originally 65-75 youth were served, there are now over 850 kids in the programs offered in 7 schools and 1 standalone facility. The staff includes full time and part time employees and volunteers.
Amanda Ginger, Director, Leadership & Youth Development (right of the picture) went on to share the types of programs that are available: character/ leardership, sports, arts, employment skills, money matters, “smart girl” programs, passport to manhood programs, college advancement prep and stewardship.
We were then introduced to Kajira Blunt, an 18 year old Youth of the Year candidate who spoke eloquently of overcoming her life’s challenges and realizing what she, personally, could aspire to and offer the world. In her words, “…it’s not where you came from, but where you are today…” that counts. Kajira will compete at the State, Regional and National level for the opportunity to earn significant scholarship support and recognition.
And, Kajira finished off by dazzling the BBRC audience with her singing voice!
Rotarians read to 1st graders
coordinated by Dan Naranjo
Jeff Degner at Hough school
Eric Lin at Hough school
Illinois Fatherhood Initiative
essay reading
David Hirsch, founder of IFI & Louis Yee
Brag Bucks / Happy Dollars
Kajira, our guest speaker, was asked to pull the winning raffle ticket – Erin Lin won!
Trudy then had a chance to pull the winning white marble, but no! The $72 prize was not won.
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