Sycamore's entry into the Rotary year 2017-18 began with our official Club Assembly on July 12th; this year's theme is "Making a Difference", and one of the goals for Rotary around the world is to increase its volunteerism during the coming year.
New Club President Eric Jones says Rotary wants its clubs to keep track of how much they do to serve the community; we will be doing our best to track what each Rotarian does, be it official Rotary projects and functions or efforts they undertake privately. He want all Rotarians to keep him up to date on any community service they perform, and to do what they can to make Rotary a visible part of it.
Another main objective is membership; like many other service organizations, our membership is down and the need to bring in younger blood is clear. Our goals are to net at least two new members, two women members and/or two members under 40. Towards that end, we are again urging all Rotarians to seek out new members to invite into our fold; this will involve more public visibility on our part, and perhaps the launch of a satellite club aimed at a younger generation of members.
And we don't want to neglect our own membership at the same time; Eric hopes to have more social gatherings, preferably ones which include families in an effort to expand the Rotary experience to include them.
"Hello." This shy greeting every time Marcela addressed our Club practically became a catchphrase for her, during her year with us in Sycamore. But now, we find ourselves giving her a shy "goodbye."
Marcela will be returning to her home in Brazil the week of July 17th, ending her year as an exchange student here in Sycamore. During her time in the U.S. she got to see parts of the country during Rotary-sponsored tours and youth exchange meetings...and also got to experience American high school culture, everything from Homecoming to prom.
While she's looking forward to going home, Marcela says a part of her is now American -- and that she now thinks of herself as having two homes.
Our thanks and best wishes to Marcela on her trip home, and for all she's done for us during her year in Sycamore.
The July 19th Rotary Club meeting will be devoted to laying the foundation for our main committees this year; seven tables will be set up as stations for those interested in one or more of these areas, and Rotarians will be able to move between each one to offer their assistance, ideas or proposals for this year.
The seven main areas of interest are:
New Generations: Responsible for our youth-centered activities including Interact, Early Act, and Youth Exchange. The committee chair would be responsible for ensuring that each of these areas has a representative that is active and will help our club establish guidelines regarding the club’s role in supporting these activities (both from a financial standpoint as well as a volunteer and logistical standpoint).
Foundation and Grants: Responsible for our charitable giving activities including Polio Plus, the Annual Fund, and scholarship functions. The committee chair would be responsible for maintaining the data on the club’s giving and overseeing grants and scholarships.
Service Projects: Responsible for the charitable works performed by the club. The committee chair would be responsible for big picture planning, maintaining a list of the service opportunities during the club year and working with specific project representatives to make sure that projects are supported and maintained.
Fundraising: Previously part of Service Projects, the fundraising committee would be responsible for coordinating the various fundraisers held throughout the year including the Pancake Breakfast, Hoola-4-Loota, the weekly raffle, and fines. The committee chair would be responsible for setting fundraising targets, identifying new fundraising activities, and coordinating existing fundraisers.
Public Image: Responsible for the marketing and public awareness aspects of the club. The committee chair would be responsible for ensuring that the website and Facebook page are maintained and that club materials adhere to Rotary guidelines.
Club Fellowship: Responsible for the social aspects of the club. This would include the golf outing, holiday party, and other social events to be created by the committee.
Membership: Responsible for new member recruitment, training, and retention.
Rotarians are needed to sign up for delivery of Meals on Wheels during the month of August; our Rotary Club will again be delivering meals in Sycamore, on behalf of the Voluntary Action Center.
Sign up for a weekday route between August 1st and August 31st; one or two people are needed each day. Meals should be picked up at VAC's headquarters on Bethany Road at about 10:30 each morning; delivery should take about an hour.
A sign-up sheet will be available at Wednesday meetings during the month of July; please contact Dave Miller for details.
The following Sycamore Rotarians achieved 100% Attendance for the 2016-17 Rotary year:
Brian Adams, Jim Bowers, Sally Bruch, Jim Buck, Paul Callighan, Don Clayberg, Ray Dembinski, Sue Emberson, Jeff Frank, Bob Hammon, Jeff Jacobson, Doug Johnson, Eric Jones, Michele Jurkovic, Steve Kuhn, Dave McCann, Riley Oncken, Julie Sgarlata, Pat Shafer, Jim Stoddard, Paul Stromborg, Lavarre Uhlken, Bob Wildenradt
note -- Doug Johnson joined on April 1st
100% Attendance honorees will be recognized at an upcoming Rotary Club meeting, date to be determined.
If you believe you have been left off this list in error, you may appeal to Club Secretary Sally Bruch by July 31st.
Musician Andy Grammer will be the headline performer at the inaugural Answers4SUDC fundraising concert, to be held on Saturday, September 9th at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.
This is the continuation of "Answers for Emmett" launched by Rotarian Jeff Frank in honor of his son; for information on tickets to this concert, go to www.ANSWERS4SUDC.com or contact info@ANSWERS4SUDC.com
Attendance Report -- July 12, 2017
Attendance: 51.47%
Guests of Rotarians: Renae Wilkinson (Ahmed Kamel) -- new member
Other Guests: Marcela Silva, host family Carole Melton and Riley Melton
