The first meeting after Thanksgiving saw the Sycamore Rotary Club launch its “Season of Giving” – a number of projects aimed at helping people in need in our community, during the holiday season.
Neilly Berger from Sycamore District 427 serves as the homeless liaison. She says there are a number of students whose families have no home, and receive benefits through the District. But she also notes that many older students are essentially on their own, having been forced from their homes and families; they often wind up “sofa surfing” – moving from friend’s house to friend’s house, only staying as long as they are welcome. She told us about three students who received coats through Operation Warm – and how excited they were to receive their coats.
Upon the conclusion of her presentation Rotarians contributed not only money but gift cards for these emancipated young adults.
Joel Maurer from Sycamore Food Pantry told us about how the pantry works and their community partners. He discussed the history of the pantry and the number of families that are served; and he highlighted the Empty Bowls project from the Art Club, in which our club took part.
Club President Eric Jones reported on the upcoming events for Toys for Tots; the annual Country Music Concert will be on December 3rd at the Taylor Street High-Rise in DeKalb, and a benefit basketball game will tip off at 7:00 on Monday, December 4th at Huntley Middle School. Toys will be distributed at the Salvation Army the week before Christmas.
Operation Warm came to its conclusion, as the remaining coats were given over to the Goodfellows. Tana Knetsch was thanked for the sponsorship through B95.
Riley Oncken gave us a history of Goodfellows and upcoming wrapping opportunities, as well as the upcoming party to be held at PJs Courthouse Tavern on Thursday, December 7th.
Eric introduced many guests, which included Rudolph Sterkel and his wife who are visiting from Germany. Rudolph was a Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary member and was in line for District Governor when he moved to Germany.
Eric wrapped up with an acknowledgement that all of these projects involved passionate Rotarians; and if you have a passion that could be a Rotary project, please share it with the Board for consideration.
A therapy group of girls staying at Hope Haven has bonded together, after enduring the worst imaginable trauma while growing up…and spending the last two and a half years sharing their experiences with each other. Now as they prepare to move through their last year together, the members of this group – who have dubbed themselves “The Squad” – hope to share one last great adventure…and are seeking Rotary’s help.
Hope Haven Executive Director Lesly Wicks says these six girls have participated in trauma therapy sessions at Hope Haven, and have struggled just to find shelter at times. But through these sessions and their work with each other, these girls now have a chance at fulfilled adult lives. Part of their therapy has involved exploring the outdoors; they have been camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and other outdoor events in five states.
They now want to undertake their most ambitious adventure yet, with a trip to Canada; the cost of such an excursion would be high, so with the help of Dave Juday from Ideal Industries they have developed a business plan and model…and have begun manufacturing a number of items, to sell around the community and put towards their Canada trip.
Rotary President Eric Jones encourages Rotarians to not only support their sales effort, but find out what more Rotary can do to help The Squad realize this dream, and goals beyond that. He, Lesly and Dave want to expand the vision for this group beyond a single fundraising opportunity, and would like to know if any Rotarians would be interested in devoting their time and effort to help these girls further build their confidence and character.
Please contact Eric if you are interested in helping out.
The Sycamore Rotary's meeting site at Blumen Gardens is also the hub of activity for the Goodfellows during the Christmas season -- and Rotarians are encouraged to help out during the next few weeks.
Each year, Goodfellows bands together for a single purpose: to provide children with clothing for the holiday season. This year, over 1,000 children are expected to be served; to help out, the Goodfellows held its annual Office Party benefit on Thursday, December 7th at P.J.'s Courthouse Tavern, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
You can also help with gift-wrapping, as the organization takes over Blumen Gardens to prepare these gifts for delivery; wrapping will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in December. Rotary will be doing its part, by donating the remaining coats from Operation Warm to the Goodfellows for them to distribute as needed.
And the campaign culminates on Christmas Eve, as community members are asked to take the gifts to homes in the DeKalb and Sycamore area; volunteers will gather at Blumen Gardens at 8 a.m. that morning, to pick out some of the distinctive red and green plastic bags filled with Christmas cheer for delivery to their recipient families.
Please contact Riley Oncken if you have any questions, or would like to make a donation.
The Rotary Board of Directors has two vacancies -- one which needs to be filled immediately, and another for next year.
A new Director is needed forthwith; whomever takes on this role will serve as Club President in 2020-21.
We will also be needing someone to join the Board in July of 2018, as Past President Sue Emberson completes her term of service. That Rotarian would serve as Club President for 2021-22.
If you are interested in either seat on the Board, please contact Eric Jones for more information.
Attendance Report -- December 6, 2017
Attendance: 68.66%
Guests of Members:Tatum Glas (Jeff Jacobson -- turned in application), Sarah Rex (Dan Gibble), Laurie & Libby Swedberg (Ben Swedberg)
Other Guests: Luca-Sophie Giese (exchange student)
