How about a big thank you to all the Rotarians, families, and friends who donated over 120 pairs of eyeglasses for our Sycamore Lions Club?! This photo from Bob Brown helps to tell the story…”Service Above Self is more than our Rotary motto”!
District Governor-elect Melissa McCormick was a special guest at this week’s Rotary meeting. She explained how she became a “born again Rotarian” when she took the big step to become president of her home club (Rockton-Roscoe Rotary). Since then, she’s been active in District-wide leadership serving on various committees. She encouraged others to become more actively involved with District-level roles. Now she is preparing for her term as District Governor starting in 2025. McCormick was meeting with our own Steve Kuhn, who serves as District Treasurer, and other local Rotarians to work on a budget plan. McCormick is an executive coach by occupation and previously worked in management roles with Rockton-Roscoe area manufacturers.
Sycamore High School Football Coach Joe Ryan gives his preview of the upcoming season. Ryan’s annual appearance before Rotarysignals the traditional game against DeKalb is just around the corner (it’s set for August 30th at Huskie Stadium). Ryan says he has a strong mix of Juniors and Seniors for what promises to be an exciting year.
Three members of the Sycamore High School football team joined Coach Ryan at Wednesday’s Rotary meeting. Pictured are Senior Captains (left to right): Ethan Keicher, Defensive and Offensive Lineman (planning to pursue a business major in college); Burke Gautcher, Quarterback and Safety (going to the University of Iowa after graduation); and Carter York, Safety and Wide Receiver (College plans not finalized).
The local high school football season is ready to start next week and Sycamore coach Joe Ryan says his team has been refining their techniques in preparation for the annual match-up with DeKalb at Huskie Stadium on August 30th. Ryan gave an assessment during this week’s Rotary meeting and hinted at strong synchronized playing thanks to teammates returning from last year’s squad. Last year’s team reached the second round of post season play.
Ryan admitted that scheduling games is challenging under the current state system. For example, they have a two-year agreement to play downstate Cahokia. This year’s game will be at home for Sycamore, but next year, the Spartans will have to travel to Cahokia. He also said his squad is not afraid to “play up” against larger schools during the regular season, saying it builds their confidence for what they could face in playoff action.
Ryan has been coaching for 37 years. During his remarks, he gave special credit to his wife for support and encouragement during the hectic and emotional football season.
August 19, 1946 – 42nd U. S. President Bill Clinton is born in Hope, Arkansas.
August 20, 1833 – 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, is born in North Bend, Ohio. He was the grandson of the ninth President, William Henry Harrison.
August 21, 1936 – College and Pro-Basketball Hall of Fame center Wilt Chamberlain is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a 4-time NBA MVP, and 13-time All Star while playing for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and LA Lakers. He won NBA championships with the 76ers and the Lakers.
August 23, 1912 – Actor/Dancer Gene Kelly (whose many credits and innovations include dancing with an umbrella in the 1952 musical film “Singin’ in the Rain”) is born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
August 19, 1920 – The 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution is ratified giving women the right to vote.
August 21, 1959 – President Dwight Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii as the 50th State of the Union.
August 24, 79 AD – Vesuvius, an active volcano in southern Italy, erupts and destroys the city of Pompeii and also the cities of Stabiae, Oplontis, and Herculaneum.
August 24 and 25, 1814 – During the War of 1812, Washington, D.C. is invaded by British forces who burn the Capitol, the White House, and other public buildings.
Birthdays & Club Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Michele Jurkovic
March 3
Phillip Meyers
March 12
Heather Tomlinson
March 13
James Buck
March 30
Jeffrey Jacobson
March 31
Join Date
Riley Oncken
March 2, 2009
16 years
Rob Mondi
March 2, 2022
3 years
Ray Dembinski
March 11, 2004
21 years
Becky Springer
March 12, 2021
4 years
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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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