Rotary Club of Sycamore, Illinois
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Wednesdays at 11:45 a.m.
St. Mary's Parish Activity Center
312 Waterman Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
United States of America
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President
Steve Wilder
President Elect
Jonelle Bailey
President Nominee
Becky Springer
Immediate Past President
Brandon Diviak
Treasurer
Michele Jurkovic
Secretary
Patrick Shafer
Club Foundation Chair
Matt Nelson
Director
Matt Nelson
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Sycamore Rotary News
Voluntary Action Center (VAC) Keeps People Connected
Posted by Paul Callighan on Nov 20, 2024
Marketing Director for the Voluntary Action Center (VAC), Cami Loving, spoke about their services to seniors, those with disabilities, and people with special transportation needs during this week’s Rotary meeting.  Loving grew up on a farm in rural LaSalle County near Leonora.  She said that early on she developed an interest in helping non-profits and also a passion for fitness through running.  Her original work history led her to various assignments at the Kishwaukee YMCA until joining VAC after the pandemic.  She is a volunteer member of the Sycamore Park District Foundation board.  She resides in Sycamore with her husband and young son.
 
VAC was formed fifty years ago and has expanded beyond DeKalb County.  It currently offers Meals on Wheels in DeKalb, LaSalle, Putnam, and Bureau Counties.  Sycamore Rotarians volunteer to deliver meals on a local route in Sycamore.  More than 300 meals are prepared daily in the main DeKalb County kitchen at Bethany and Peace roads, with another 100 prepared in Sandwich.  The meals are available for both short term and extended term durations to help seniors, those with disabilities, and others who may be recovering from an injury or illness.  Besides the home delivery of meals, VAC provides service to senior gathering sites in these counties and also the DeKalb County Jail.
 
The VAC transportation system is composed of both regular as “needed routes.”  Regular routes cover rural Dekalb and all of Kendall counties.  Prearranged dial-a-ride services are available for the elderly and disabled and can also be scheduled by members of the general public.
Loving said VAC is reviewing a need for expanded services from the many baby boomers reaching retirement age.  She noted that by 2029, all people from the baby boom generation will qualify for retirement.  She also noted inconsistencies with federal and state reimbursements for food assistance.  For example, 92% of meal costs in LaSalle County are considered reimbursable, but only 45% of costs are covered in DeKalb County.  Complete details of VAC services and ways to donate may be found at their website: www.vacdk.com
 
The Culture of India and One of Its Major Holidays
Posted by Paul Callighan on Nov 13, 2024
The culture of India and one of its most celebrated holidays, Diwali, were shared with Sycamore Rotarians this week by Dr. Sakshi Sata.  Dr. Sata, an optometrist with SPEX Expressions, has studied and practiced the rich customs of her native land even though she has grown up in the United States since coming here as a young child.  She pointed out that India is a melting pot of cultures with about 2,000 identifiable ethnic groups and 22 languages spoken.  Sata said India is also a land of many festivals and specifically highlighted Diwali, commonly called the Festival of Lights.
 
Diwali is celebrated worldwide by several different religions but all centered around festival type gatherings with food and family as the centerpiece of events.  Diwali is held based on lunar alignments, not a specific date, but always occurs in the October-November time period.  Sata said festivals last for five days and represent light over darkness and good over evil.  Many of these festivals include wearing traditional ceremonial clothing, fireworks, and also involve special sweet desserts.  Dr. Sata brought dessert samples of London Chocolate and Kaju Katri (a candy made with a cashews mixed with milk and sugar).  Traditionally, a Diwali celebration is recognized at the White House with the lighting of an oil lamp.
New Downtown Store Caters to Newborns and Youth
Posted by Paul Callighan on Nov 06, 2024
A desire to return to Midwest roots brought Kellie Erwin and her family back to Sycamore where she has opened a children’s boutique in the former Confectionary store downtown.  Adventure Sprouts carries apparel and accessories from newborn to youth.  Erwin explained that she buys through wholesalers and also directly from manufacturers.  This means she finds things like exceptionally soft bamboo cloth made sleepers for children, unique clothing items using magnets instead of buttons to make opening and closing faster and easier, as well as school spirit wear for the very youngest fans.  Her accessory collections include books, toys, and specialty gifts.
 
Erwin explained that she grew up in Sycamore but after graduating with a merchandising degree from NIU she found work in Iowa and then North Carolina.  A desire to get back to her Midwest roots led her to relocate with her family back to Sycamore and the decision to open a children’s boutique clothing store.  Hoping to emulate the “adventures of youth,” the store “Adventure Sprouts” was created.  She says she found the perfect downtown location when shown the empty storefront that used to house the Sycamore Confectionery.
 
Erwin says her current store hours are Wednesday-Friday 10 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sunday Noon – 4 PM (closed Monday and Tuesday).  You can follow the store’s happenings through social media “@shopadventuresprouts”.
Kishwaukee United Way CEO Inspires Rotarians to Serve
Posted by Paul Callighan on Oct 30, 2024
The CEO of Kishwaukee United Way, Dr. Michele Vaughn, used a puzzle piece, story-telling, and a list of initiatives to explain how the non-profit seeks to make an impact on the lives of local residents.  Vaughn assumed leadership of the local United Way on February 5, 2023.  She came to DeKalb County with more than 20 years of experience working with non-profits and educational institutions.  She said her goal is to build strong partnerships leading to collaborative solutions to community problems.  She says she considers herself a champion for the underserved as their "Chief Encouragement Officer".
 
Dr. Vaughn said the mission of Kishwaukee United Way is to improve lives by sharing community resources.  Everyone in the audience received a puzzle piece in their handouts which Dr. Vaughn said was a symbolic way to show that everyone can fill a missing piece of life’s puzzle with their contributions.  She went on to say these contributions can be both monetary and through volunteerism.  She gave an example of a person who called the United Way needing help after just arriving in DeKalb County.  Dr. Vaughn explained how the United Way’s 211 information and referral line gave the person easy access to up-to-date data on the many health and human service resources available to them.  Besides the 211 helpline, Dr. Vaughn explained how United Way can offer detailed information on sustainable wage levels through its ALICE report.  ALICE stands for “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed” and refers to the sector of population with working family households who are just barely getting by and risk  financial calamity should they have an unexpected emergency.  Dr. Vaughn also noted how United Way has a Digital Crossover program to support digital skills training and workforce development.  And she made a pitch for volunteers to come forward for their June 12, 2025, Day of Caring to help with service projects at the 17 United Way partner agencies in DeKalb County.
 
More information about Kishwaukee United Way, its impact, and its partner agencies is available from its website, www.kishwaukeeunitedway.com. The free 211 information and referral line may be accessed 24-hours a day, seven days a week, by dialing “211” from your phone, texting your zip code to 898211, or going to the 211 website at www.findhelp211.org.
District Governor Asks Us, "What is the Rotary magic for you?"
Posted by Tim Neubert on Oct 23, 2024
Our club was honored to host District Governor John Hurley this week. John began his time at the podium by recognizing Sue Emberson for her many years of service as Assistant District Governor. He then introduced Margaret Larson from the Rotary Club of Pecatonica, the new Assistant District Governor for our area. John noted the high level of input, energy, and contributions of women as members of Rotary over the past 40 years (since membership for females was introduced in the 1980s). "Rotary is better with women in it," he said. "If it were not for introduction of women into our membership, Rotary would now be a shadow of itself."
 
Under 2024-2025 Rotary International President, the RI theme this year is "The Magic of Rotary". Therefore, during his club presentation tour, District Governor Hurley has been asking club members to consider: "What is the magic for you?"
 
For John, the magic of Rotary is that he feels like he is now a citizen of the world. He is more aware of the world, the people in it, and what goes on. While he hasn't always been able to travel to far off places, he knows personally many other Rotarians who have...and with whom he can speak and learn from.
 
As we seek to find, activate, and enhance our own version of the magic of Rotary, John encouraged us to get to know the true Rotarian within ourselves. He provided each member with a self-inventory sheet and asked us to mark down which of the following activities we have accomplished...and consider how many more we might accomplish during the next Rotary year:
  1. I have a "My Rotary" account on the RI website.
  2. I have a ClubRunner account.
  3. I plan to attend the 2024 District Conference, November 8-9 in Rockford.
  4. I have attended a Rotary International Conference.
  5. I plan to attend the Rotary International Conference in Calgary in June 2025.
  6. I have been to at least two previous District Conferences.
  7. I am/have been a club officer/board member.
  8. I am/have served on a District committee.
  9. I am a Paul Harris Fellow.
  10. I am a member of the PolioPlus Society.
  11. I am a member of the Paul Harris Society.
  12. I have hosted a Rotary Youth Exchange student in my home.
  13. I have participated in a Rotary Friendship Exchange.
  14. I have a spouse/partner who is also a Rotarian.
  15. I have a child who is a Rotarian.
  16. I have visited a club meeting other than my home club.
  17. I have been a speaker at my home or other club.
  18. I open and read the District newsletter, The Actuator.
  19. I read articles in the Rotarian monthly magazine.
  20. I wear my Rotary pin in public.
  21. I have sponsored a new club member during the past year.
  22. I have participated in a club fundraiser project during the past year.
  23. I have participated in a home club community service project.
  24. I have at least one Rotary branded item of clothing.
  25. I have a Rotary "elevator speech" (short summary) I can share if asked about Rotary.
 
John also shared an update regarding the effort to end polio. The world has unfortunately experienced setbacks in places such as Gaza, Afghanistan, Pakistan, but polio eradication is still predicted to happen within 4-5 years (switching from injectables to drops will likely contribute to closing the gap). John predicts the Year 2030, when the Rotary International Conference takes places in Chicago. "How cool would that be?", he said. He also predicts that Rotary International MAY receive a Nobel Prize at that time for the decades of work toward eradication. Again, how cool would that be?
 
Speaking of the health of the world, John shared that a District Committee has been formed to focus on RI's Environment goal. For its inaugural initiative, John has asked the District Committee to oversee the creation or expansion of pollinator plots by each club in District 6420 to support. The minimum plot size would be 25 square feet. Keep in mind that, without pollinators (such as birds and bees), many of the foods, beverages, fibers, spices and medicines we use daily wouldn't be possible.
 
John also shared that District 6420 now contains 42 clubs instead of 43. Despite a strong effort by club members and the District, the Rotary Club of Byron ultimately gave up its charter on June 30, 2024. This unfortunate event has spurred John and the District to create a Club Vitality Task Force to help any clubs that are struggling.
 
John encouraged all club members to consider attending the upcoming District Conference at the Embassy Suites in Rockford, starting at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 8 and ending the evening of Saturday, November 9. The Saturday program will focus on Rotary Youth Exchange and attendees will meet and hear from six inbound students representing a number of different countries. For more information, please click here for the 2024 District 6420 Conference page.
 
Speaking of conferences, John reminded us that the 2024 Rotary International Conference was held in Singapore. He was able to attend (following a VERY long flight) and was among 14,000 Rotarians in attendance. This number represents a full one percent of Rotarians worldwide! The next RI Conference (in June 2025) will be held much closer to us, in Calgary. John encouraged club members to consider attending.
 
In closing, John reminded us that Rotary is non-political and non-religious. We should beware the risks of a "slippery slope" should we allow our club to become political or religious in any way, particularly during this very contentious election year.
Non-Profit Booster Finds Niche With Ramp
Posted by Paul Callighan on Oct 16, 2024
Non-profit advocate Abby Finley says she is excited about helping lead fundraising for RAMP as the organization strives to help those with disabilities adjust for independent lifestyles.  Finley said RAMP services can offer help for all ages ranging from grade school to senior citizens.  She noted that Mental Health issues are more frequently diagnosed now than in the past, so special advocates are being brought on board to give this need a priority.  For high school students, RAMP has a program to include real life work experiences so those with disabilities can see what career choices work best for them.  Finley said they also have a Community Reintegration program to help someone who has been living in a nursing home return to independent living.  RAMP serves DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone, and Stephenson Counties according to Finley.  They reached about 2,000 people with assistance last year.
 
Finley explained that the majority of RAMP’s board of directors and staff have disabilities which give them unique insights into ways to assist those coming to the agency for help.  She said their main values are centered around inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy.  These funding sources are a diverse mix of corporate and individual contributions, special events, and state and federal grants.  Finley noted they have a major awareness luncheon on October 30 to launch their private fundraising drive.  Details are on their website at www.rampcil.org.
 
Finley gave a big “Thank You” to their supporters and to the other local agencies that partner with RAMP to coordinate efficient service delivery.  On a personal level, Finley and her husband used their commitment to non-profit involvement to become foster parents.  This led to them adopting their foster son this past March. Finley said her main mission now is to ensure the disability community has equitable access to the world around them.