The Sycamore Rotary satellite clubs of Oak Crest and Rotaract plus the Kishwaukee Sunrise Club all gave updates at this week’s meeting. Guest speakers were club presidents Christine Kyler from Oak Crest, Michael Paul from the Sunrise Club, and Trenton DeVito from Rotaract.
Christine Kyler – The Oak Crest Club is just beginning to do in-person activities following Covid restrictions, although the Oak Crest facility is not open for meetings. Kyler said they started the year with a trip to the DeKalb County History Center. Coming up is a visit to the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport for an in-person presentation on World War II drones made by the Wurlitzer Company. They previously heard a “Zoom” version of the talk. Despite Covid, the club was able to raise $900 for the Foundation’s End Polio campaign. Kyler paid special tribute to the late Barry Schrader for his efforts at organizing the Oak Crest Club which now has 27 regular meeting participants.
Michael Paul – The Kishwaukee Sunrise Club is now meeting every other Tuesday morning at 7 AM at the Kishwaukee YMCA with a membership of 29. Paul said their fundraising was limited but they were still able to donate $5,000 this past year to three groups: Adventure Works, RAMP, and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Their normal grants total $10,000 and Paul says he expects to reach that level of giving this year with a “Taste of DeKalb” fundraiser as part of the Corn Classic 10K and 5K runs September 26. Other recent support and activities involved a collaboration with District 6420 for a $4,000 grant to the Voluntary Action Center, $2,500 from an on-line auction for the PolioPlus campaign, $1,340 to the Salvation Army at Christmas (plus volunteer bell ringing), support for the Shelter Box program, and help with the Meals on Wheels program.
Trenton DeVito – The Rotaract Club of young professionals was launched in the midst of the pandemic but already has 15 members. DeVito said their support in 2020 included funds for the Sycamore Food Pantry and Spartan Food Pantry, a grant to the County Health Department for a mobile medical trailer, and a scholarship fund. The Rotaract Club also established a free lending library stand and they are funding a Born Learning Trail at North Grove School with guidance from Kishwaukee United Way. Also, based on a special need brought to their attention from the schools, DeVito says Rotaract undertook a collection of hygiene items to go to homeless students. DeVito said the group hopes to get other local Rotary Clubs to help with a Pumpkinfest float this year. Last year the club sold 500 pumpkin-themed masks, but he said something even more innovative is planned for this year – stay tuned for details!