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My goal for our club for this coming year is to engage the Buffalo Grove community in as many ways as we can! That could mean bringing in new members or volunteers, recipients of our fundraising and good works, and even sponsors to help us achieve our goals for giving back. If you are interested in making a difference and making connections with individuals who are impacting our world locally and globally – Rotary is something you should investigate! I invite you to join our club as a guest on Thursdays – we meet from 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom and in person, currently, due to the pandemic.

While COVID-19 has changed some of the ways that we function as a club, it has not stopped our commitment to our causes. We remain steadfast in continuing to raise funds for, and supporting our Community Grants for organizations that are impacting the Buffalo Grove community, scholarships for young people and individuals who are looking to attend a four-year university, as well as go into public service (emergency services) and the trades. Our outreach touches individuals who are in-need, through reading to young children, delivering Thanksgiving food baskets to in-need families, structured activities for the developmentally disabled and more – and that is just a snapshot of our local impacts as there are many more.

Globally, Rotary is involved in the fight to end polio, ensure there is clean drinking water for third world countries, and we go on mission trips to Guatemala to help build infrastructure, schools, and more.

If you want to feel a part of something bigger than yourself and get involved in activities that are helping others – Rotary just may be for you! Email info@bgrotary.org for more information, and or message us through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloGroveRotary/.

Brett Robinson

2021-2022 President

Buffalo Grove Rotary Club

Dedication of the Ernie Karge Rotary Green Was On July 1st

We had a great turnout for the dedication of the Ernie Karge Rotary Green on July 1st. Ernie was a member of our club for nearly 40 years, served as president from 1982-83, and retained perfect attendance for the full term of his membership. For his commitment, he was honored as Rotarian of the Decade for the 1990s. Ernie also served 24 years on the village’s board of fire and police commission and was the grand marshal of the Buffalo Grove Days Parade in 2005. Ernie was a great example of living a life of Service Above Self. We are fortunate to have his wife Joan, who always volunteered with him at so many Rotary events, as an honorary club member. The renaming of the park is a great tribute to Ernie who gave so much to our community.

Rotary Supports Our Community with Mobile Food Pantry

Buffalo Grove Rotary proudly hosted a second Mobile Food Pantry this year, in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, on Saturday, June 5 at Mike Rylko Park. The first Mobile Food Pantry took place January 30 and was funded by the club and served 200 families. The most recent event was made possible by a generous, and anonymous, Buffalo Grove resident. The Rotary club provided 21 volunteers and were humbled to serve nearly 100 individuals in need of food. Cars filed in off of McHenry Road and drove through the parking lot in front of the Spray ‘N Play as Rotarians loaded food and other household items.

Are you interested in making a difference in your community? If so, consider learning more about the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club and how we impact the world locally, and internationally. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self’. Be our guest for lunch! Email info@bgrotary.org.

Golf Outing with Special Leisure Services Foundation Set for August 11, 2021

Join the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove and Special Leisure Services Foundation on August 11, 2021 to support recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities. Golfers will enjoy lunch, dinner, and drinks along with 18 holes at the beautiful Arboretum Golf Club. All proceeds will support Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF), the fundraising arm of Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove. NWSRA provides recreational programs so that children and adults with disabilities have the opportunity to have fun, make friends, be included, go new places, learn new things and celebrate their lives.

If you would like to avoid paying the online fees, please contact Megan O'Brien at 847-392-2848, ext. 267 or e-mail megano@slsf.me to register, sponsor or donate today!

Several Members of Our Club Receive Multiple Paul Harris Recognitions

At our April 29th meeting, several of our club members were awarded multiple Paul Harris recognitions that acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Congratulations to Dane, Ryan and Dan S. who became Paul Harris Fellows for the second time, to Steve K. who became a fellow for the fourth time and to Rob who became a fellow for the eighth and ninth time. Thank you so much for supporting Rotary's humanitarian and educational programs.

Planting at Green Lake Park Event Was Successful

Thanks to the 13 members of our club, to District Governor Lyle and his wife Ann Marie and to two members of the Wheeling Club who volunteered on May 8 at Green Lake Park. Over 2,000 native plants, shrubs, bulbs and bare roots are now going to enhance this park and attract pollinators, build healthy soils and improve water quality in the lake. We had 50 volunteers including our Rotarians, members of the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team, the Buffalo Grove Garden Club, scouts and neighbors who joined together in community spirit to complete the project.

Dedication of Rotary Pier and the Bench for Dennis Gilbert

Thank you to all of the members who attended the June 13 dedication of the fishing pier and the trees that our club provided donations toward, and the bench in honor of Dennis Gilbert in Green Lake Park. We had great club representation and many of Dennis' family members attended who appreciated the tribute to him. Dennis was a very active member of our club, a loyal friend to many, and he is missed.

You Can Help End Polio

Did you know that your local Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove provides annual support to the End Polio Now initiative? Through local fundraising efforts, we have increased our contribution to $2,000 annually to eradicate polio on the planet. To find out more about this global initiative and how you can help, visit the End Polio Now web page!