What a fun movie night at the Egyptian Theatre with 56 Rotarians, spouses, and friends! Lavarre and Connie Uhlken and Dave and Kim Coovert were invited as Paulette's guests (Dave and Kim had hosted Sebastian through the Rotary Exchange Student program). Bob and Mary Prichard came from the Sunrise Rotary Club. There were 9 members from our Oak Crest satellite club. The evening included a tour of the theatre. A great time was had by all!
Bob Wildenradt sits patiently as Bob Hammon tells him "I have been instructed on behalf of Rotary International, and on behalf of and with the blessings of the Gods of Rotary International, that we here today bestow upon you the position and title of Honorary President of the Rotary Club of Sycamore." Congratulations for 59 years of Rotary service!
Robert "Bob" Wildenradt, the Man, the Myth, the Legend, poses with his justly-earned
trappings after being named Honorary President of the Rotary Club of Sycamore!
Posted by Bob Hammon/Paulette Renault on Mar 23, 2022
Robert "Bob" Wildenradt was named Honorary Club President in a surprise ceremony led by Bob Hammon and Paulette Renault during this week's meeting. The presentation script is reprinted below:
"Good afternoon. If I might have your undivided special attention, please. As a past Rotary International Governor, I have the honor today to be a part of a special presentation. That is a special presentation to bestow an honor. Will Robert, aka Bob, Wildenradt please step forward and have a seat.
Bob, you have been a member of the Rotary Club of Sycamore for 59 years and, as of January 1, you will celebrate 60 years of which I believe those years were perfect attendance - most, if not all. [Bob W. nodded.]
Over the years you have supported the Rotary Club of Sycamore (RCS) in many ways. You are a multiple Paul Harris fellow and a Major Donor with Rotary International. You have over the years helped raise funds and participated in many projects, special events, etc. A lot was done behind the scenes without any fanfare or recognition. However, and there is always a "however", during all these years you have somehow managed to avoid, side step, deflect in an official capacity, obligations and duties to RCS.
I have been instructed on behalf of Rotary International, and on behalf of and with the blessings of the Gods of Rotary International, that we here today bestow upon you the position and title of Honorary President of RCS. Whereby you cannot be voted out having been bestowed, impeached, or resign from this position. As part of your new position there are some symbols that go along with this honor.
First, a new name tag showing that you a Honorary President of RCS. Also presented is a honorary gavel and a honorary bell. These symbols should be placed in an appropriate place at home that is reachable when called on to use them. Along with the gavel and the bell comes responsibilities and duties of the position of Honorary President of the RCS.
First, when the President or President Elect are unavailable or so choose not to conduct a meeting, you will be required to assume the position - saying then "madam/sir, may I have another meeting". Second, another duty is to ensure that the official bell is always shining and in prefect shape. Therefore, you need to be equipped with the official Rotary cleaning wipes to accomplish this task when needed - maybe even weekly along with the official Paul Harris Broom to help tidy up. Third, all of the duties as assigned by the current President of RCS.
The good news is after conversations with Rotary International regarding your new position, they Rotary Gods have decided you need not attend the Midwest PETS training. They have indicated you are untrainable and it would be a waste of their time and effort.
Lastly, to fulfill obligations of the new position you are required to conduct a meeting in a timely fashion as Honorary President of RCS at our next meeting, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. And with that obligations comes the official hat and shirt of the position of Honorary President of RCS.
Posted by Kathy Kwiat-Hess, District Foundation Chair on Mar 11, 2022
This is being sent to all Rotarians in the district. I know we are all watching the situation in Ukraine with heavy hearts and looking for ways to help. DG David Bills recently sent out an email outlining ways to donate. One of those ways is contributing to the Disaster Response Fund at The Rotary Foundation.
Every year the district receives money back from The Rotary Foundation in District Designated Funds. The amount we receive is based on what was given by our district to the Annual Fund three years prior. Those funds are then used for grants, both global and district. When The Rotary Foundation announced last week that districts could donate District Designated Funds to the Disaster Response Fund for use for what is needed in Ukraine, the district leadership made the decision to donate $50,000 of our DDF to that fund. That donation was made a couple of days ago.
All funds donated to TRF's Disaster Response Fund between now and April 30 will be earmarked for Ukraine. Keep in mind that donations to that fund still gives you credit toward your Paul Harris status.
I am so proud to be a part of an organization that promotes peace and can do so much good throughout the world.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for Rotary members around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:
Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.
We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.
A million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.
We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.
Donations are currently being requested for the Sycamore Food Pantry. Bring a bottle of laundry detergent...or $10 for Julie Sgarlata to purchase one. Money is easier to handle.
Personal hygiene items (bar soap, shampoo, etc.) are also being sought.
March 23, 1775 – Patrick Henry helps ignite the American Revolution with a speech in Richmond, Virginia. He delivers these now famous words to those assembled, “…I know not what course others will take; but for me, give me liberty or give me death.”
March 24, 1934 – The Philippine Islands are granted independence by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after nearly 50 years of U.S. control.
March 24, 1989 – One of the largest oil spills in U.S. history occurs when the oil tanker Exxon Valdez runs aground in Prince William Sound off the coast of Alaska. More than 11 million gallons of oil leak into the water stretching along 45 miles of shoreline.
March 25, 1911 – A raging fire erupted inside the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City leading to the deaths of 123 women and 23 men. The tragedy spurred national attention to labor working conditions and resulted in legislation improving factory fire safety rules.
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