A highlight of the first Rotary meeting of the new fiscal year was announcement of the 2025 Rotarian of the Year. Emcee Bob Hammon gave a tongue in cheek accounting of the strict ballot undertaking accomplished to guarantee an honest polling of members. This included reports of official election oversite by DeKalb County Clerk (and Club Member) Tasha Simms and ballot safeguards courtesy of DeKalb County State’s Attorney (and Club Member) Riley Oncken. And the winner was…
53-year Rotarian member Bob Wildenradt took home honors as Rotarian of the Year. Wildenradt is seen here ready to receive his recognition plaque from President Jonelle Bailey. Emcee Bob Hammon noted Bob’s quiet yet consistent adherence to the Rotary four-way test in his many civic and charitable activities. He added that Wildenradt truly lives the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”, prompting a standing ovation from his fellow Rotarians.
Sycamore Rotary President Jonelle Bailey is looking to build on member survey results as she structures her term in office. In her inaugural meeting comments, she said this includes social gatherings, offsite visits, and making an impact through service locally and support throughout the Rotary worldwide connection. One of her first tasks is to organize a social event at Whiskey Acres south of DeKalb. Bailey invited input on potential event dates of Friday or Saturday, August 1, 2, 8, or 9. Contact her with recommended dates so she can arrange something where most Rotarians are able to attend (email: jonelleb@sycparks.org). Other events include plans for a trip to Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston, a September 24th steak fry, and the November “Feed My Starving Children” meal packing event at the Suter Company.
Bailey made a point to highlight an appeal for financial help by Texas Rotary clubs in the flood-ravaged area where at least 118 are dead and more than 160 are missing, many of them young children attending camps in the area. Their local Rotary District 5840 has offered these details on how to contribute through their foundation:
✉️ Check Make checks payable to: Rotary District 5840 Foundation Memo: Disaster Relief Mail to: Rotary District 5840 Foundation, P.O. Box 13, Boerne, TX 78006
💻 Zelle Payment Send using Zelle to: D5840floodrelief2025@gmail.com Memo: Disaster Relief (Please add your email address and/or contact information in the comment section if you want a tax receipt)
July 7, 1880 – American engineer and inventor of the bread-slicing machine, Otto Frederick Rohwedder, is born in Davenport, Iowa. His 1928 invention that gave standardized slices also boosted sales of the recently invented automatic pop-up toaster.
July 8, 1831 – The pharmacist who created Coca-Cola, John Pemberton, is born in Knoxville, Georgia. He developed the drink after being wounded during the Civil War and intended it to be a substitute for morphine.
July 11, 1767 – Sixth U. S. President John Quincy Adams (the son of Second President John Adams) is born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
July 12, 1817 – American philosopher Henry David Thoreau is born in Concord, Massachusetts.
July 6, 1885 – Louis Pasteur successfully gives an anti-rabies vaccine to 9-year-old Joseph Meister, saving his life.
July 7, 1947 – The Roswell, New Mexico discovery of metallic and rubber debris leads to a series of conflicting reports and myths involving their possible extraterrestrial origin. It prompts numerous Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sitings. Officially the debris is now believed to be from a secret U. S. military balloon that was launched to spy on Soviet atomic tests.
July 9, 1956 – Broadcasting personality Dick Clark makes his first appearance as host of the show American Bandstand. Clark hosted the show through 1988. He is also known for hosting ABC’s New Year’s Eve TV broadcast from 1974-75 through 2005-06.
July 11, 1804 – Vice President Aaron Burr fatally shoots his long-time political antagonist Alexander Hamilton during a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS, 2025-2026
President – Jonelle Bailey
President Elect – Becky Springer
Director (President Nominee) – Matt Nelson
Director (President Designee) -
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
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
