Join fellow club members and their families for food, drinks, and a white elephant gift exchange.
The fun starts at 5:30 PM!
Maryn Fischer, our December Student of the Month, fielded a few questions from curious club members following her inspiring remarks to the group.
Bart Gilmore (center) is officially welcomed by Sergeant at Arms Paulette Renault and President Steve Wilder as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Sycamore. Welcome to the club, Bart!
Posted by Tim Neubert and Maryn Fischer on Dec. 04, 2024
Maryn Fischer, our December Student of the Month, is an active and accomplished high school senior with a passion for working with children with special needs, serving as a Camp Counselor and Inclusion Advisor at Kish Special Recreation Association and President of Peer Pals. She plans to donate the $100 from the club to Opportunity House. Maryn is a participant in the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program and plans to study Biology/Pre-Med at NYU, USC, or the University of Pennsylvania. Following are the wonderful remarks she shared with the Rotary Club this week:
"First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to all of you. Thank you for honoring me with this incredible recognition. Standing here today and speaking to you is truly a privilege. Rather than focusing solely on this honor, I'd like to share something more personal - my passions, the ever-constant beliefs that define me, and the principles that guide my work, education, and my life.
One of my greatest passions is working with kids with special needs. This work has profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience, empathy, and the value of individualized support. Each child brings unique strengths and challenges to the table, and it's a privilege to help them grow, overcome obstacles, and celebrate their successes - no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others. Through this work, I've learned of the beauty of diversity, the importance of patience, and the necessity of fostering environments where everyone can thrive. These lessons don't just stay within that work - they influence how I approach every relationship and task in my life.
Beyond this however, I believe that art holds the key to life. It teaches us to find beauty in the ordinary and even in the discomfort we endure, to embrace perspectives different from our own, and to accept people as they are. I believe in the importance of women in STEM, not just as contributors but as trailblazers shaping the future of innovation. Curiosity is another constant for me. It drives discovery, creativity, and the belief that one day, we will find the cure to all diseases that riddle society, whether they be physical or emotional.
I also believe in the importance of forgiveness - and the effort it takes to let go of resentment we hold for others because of the pain inflicted onto us by them, and the liberating feeling that carries to do so. Forgiveness isn't about forgetting, but rather about freeing ourselves from the burdens of resentment. And of course, I value authenticity - living as your true self without conforming to ease the discomfort of others. Being unapologetically me.
But above all, I am passionate about change. Change is the foundation of progress. It reminds us that while it may sometimes feel like we are alone, we are all part of something larger. We are part of a system that we have a responsibility to sustain and improve - a system that can only thrive if we are willing to embrace change and work together. Change can definitely be daunting, but it also serves as an opportunity - a call to action that invites each of us to take part in shaping a better world.
Ultimately, passion and perseverance are the keys to meaningful work. Whether it's working with children, championing inclusion, or striving for growth. I believe we all have the capacity to keep moving forward, to remain curious, to extend kindness, and to be the change.
After being formally welcomed into the Rotary Club of Sycamore this Wednesday, Bart Gilmore shared more about his background and history with those in attendance.
Bart is 56 years old and has been married to his wife Bridgett for approximately 30 years. He grew up in Aurora and attended West Aurora High School. He went to UW-Whitewater where he majored in History and skipping class. He also played Lacrosse. On the verge of failing out of school, he realized that if he actually studied a little bit, he could get better grades. He also realized that he wanted to become involved with firefighting services, a passion "sparked" by his infatuation with a favorite toy during his youth: a Tonka Water Pump Fire Truck (see stock photo below).
Bart's shift to firefighter training led him to an Oklahoma State University program in Northern Ireland, during a time of social unrest. When he asked a veteran Irish firefighter how they managed to serve in such a community, the Irishman shared the following story of humor:
Young Irish boy approaches and asks, "Are you a Catholic or a Protestant?" Irish firefighter responds, "I'm a Buddhist." (possibly telling a mistruth) Confused, the boy walks away...but return moments later and asks, "Are you a Catholic Buddhist or a Protestant Buddhist?
Bart's career in fire service began in 1991 and has involved roles in hazmat, fire investigation, and fire inspection. After beginning work with the Sycamore Fire Department in 2022, he had the opportunity (and made the big decision) to become interim fire chief. In June 2023, Bart was officially sworn in as the City's new fire chief.
In addition to his career, Bart's interests involve working out, deer hunting and fishing, history (big and small), travel, the Green Bay Packers, and trivial knowledge.
Bart's reasons for joining Rotary include the opportunity to meet community leaders, become more involved with his community, participate as a volunteer, and the chance to get at least one good lunch each week.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Sycamore and Rotary International, Bart! We look forward to learning more about you in the years ahead!
P.S. Possession of The Spoon was transferred to Bart (from Heather) on Wednesday. Be sure to ask him to see it!
We have a few openings to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at Jewel (220 W Peace Road, Sycamore) on Saturday, December 14. We don't have anyone down for the 2:00 - 3:00 slot, and we have space for an additional person from 11:00 to 3:00. If you're interested, let me know and I'll get you on the sign-up.
December 1, 1761 – Marie Tussaud, founder of Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, is born in Strasbourg, France.
December 4, 1858 – Prolific inventor Chester Greenwood (more than 100 patents) is born in Farmington, Maine. He is best remembered as the creator of the earmuff at the age of 19 with his factory shipping around 50,000 annually at its peak of production (to honor their local celebrity Farmington annually holds a parade and other festivities for his birthday).
December 5, 1901 – Animator, voice actor, producer, entertainer, and the creator of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney, is born in Chicago. During his storied career he wins a record 22 Motion Picture Oscars dominating the Best Animated Film category.
December 6, 1896 – Famed lyricist Ira Gershwin is born in New York City. He collaborated with his brother George to become a musical powerhouse team that includes the Pulitzer Prize winning musical play “Of Thee I Sing.”
December 2, 1942 – Physicists led by Enrico Fermi carried out the first successful nuclear reaction at the University of Chicago.
December 5, 1933 – Prohibition ends when the 21st Amendment to the Constitution is ratified. It repeals the 18th Amendment which made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquor illegal.
December 6, 1877 – At his laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, Thomas Edison spoke the children’s verse “Mary had a Little Lamb…” while demonstrating his newly-invented phonograph.
December 7, 1941 – The Japanese attack the U. S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii leaving 2,403 Americans dead and leading to the U. S. entry into World War II.
Thanks to club member Cliff Bottigliero, December 20 is Rotary Day at NIU Women's Basketball!
The Huskies will host the Idaho State Bengals at the NIU Convocation Center at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 20.
For more details, please contact Cliff at cliffordb@niu.edu (or talk to him at a club meeting).
An example of the toy that inspired it all for Sycamore Fire Chief (and new club member) Bart Gilmore!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2024-2025
President – Steve Wilder
President Elect – Jonelle Bailey
Director (President Nominee) – Becky Springer
Director (President Designee) - Matt Nelson
Past President – Brandon Diviak
Treasurer – Dr. Michele Jurkovic
Secretary – Pat Shafer
Sergeant at Arms – Paulette Renault
Monthly Committees
July: Board of Directors
August: Brandon Diviak, Jeff Keicher, Pat Shafer
September: Dave Hamilton, Jeff Jacobson, Jim Stoddard
October: Paul Callighan, Matt Nelson, Paul Stromborg
November: Sue Emberson, Jeff Frank, Phil Meyer
December: Larry Berke, Ray Dembinski, Riley Oncken
Fellowship: Paulette Renault, Larry Berke, Sue Emberson, Dave Hamilton, Pat Shafer
Foundations:Paul Stromborg, Jim Buck, Sue Emberson, Matt Nelson, Jim Stoddard
Membership: Jonelle Bailey, Ray Dembinski, Brandon Diviak, Bob Hammon, Jeff Jacobson, Steve Kuhn, Phil Meyer, Matt Nelson, Riley Oncken, Jeff Petersen, Bob Wildendradt
New Generations: Chip Houdek, Julie Sgarlata, Becky Springer, Steve Wilder
Public Image: Bob Brown, Paul Callighan, Jeff Keicher, Joyce Klein, Tasha Sims
Scholarships:Tim Neubert, Don Clayberg, Ray Dembinski, Michele Jurkovic, Steve Kuhn, Julie Sgarlata
Service: Brandon Diviak, Alicia Cosky, Jeff Frank, Michele Jurkovic, Rob Mondi, Tim Neubert, Brendan Wilson
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