True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart.
I know we all have been watching events in Turkey and Syria unfold over the past couple of weeks. As Rotarians we automatically ask what we can do to help in their recovery efforts. We wanted to make you aware of how District 6420 has gotten involved and also how your club members can get involved.
We received a communication from district leadership in District 2430 in Turkey regarding ways to help financially. They have tremendous needs from clothing, food, water, and fuel to excavators and construction vehicles. They are working with Shelterbox as well. The recovery and rebuilding process will be tremendous. Our district leadership in District 6420 made the decision to donate $20,000 of our District Designated Funds to these efforts. These funds come to us because of our members generosity in giving to The Rotary Foundation and allow us to make decisions about making the most significant impacts.
There are a couple more ways to donate if you are looking to do so. One of these is a donation to the Disaster Response Fund at The Rotary Foundation. All donations to that fund made between now and March 31 will go toward recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria. In addition, an organization familiar to Rotary, Operation Warm Coats in Chicago, is sending coats to Turkey for victims. Each coat requires a donation of $19. You may donate using this link: http://operationwarm.org/wnrotary. You can also reach this page by texting Coats4Turkey to 44321.
Last week’s speaker was Anika Martin, Community Relations Director at the Two Rivers YMCA Association. As the Community Relations Director, Anika oversees the Y's Fundraising efforts as well as all Media & Public Relations. Anika has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Illinois State University and has been with the Two Rivers YMCA since 2013. Anika loves being a part of an organization that does so much for the community. When she isn't going on adventures with her husband and two children, she is spending her free time on her other passion: Community Service & Engagement. Anika is currently serving on local Boards including Lead(h)er of the Quad Cities and the John Deere Classic. She is also a committee co-chair for the tournament and has been a volunteer there for over 30 years.
Anika shared that the Two Rivers YMCA has a rich history, including that Mike Steffenson was president of the board during fundraising and construction of the original Moline Y on 53rd Street. Since then, the Moline Y has expanded and improved and the Association has grown to six facilities:
53rd Street Branch, Moline
Bass Street YMCA & Sylvan Boathouse
Rock Island YMCA
YMCA of Kewanee
Two Rivers YMCA Golf powered by Toptracer Range
Riverside Family Aquatic Center access
The newest branch in the Association is the Rock Island branch that opened in the previous Tri City Jewish Center. The new facility is a merger of the YMCA and the Rock Island Library. The goals of this new facility are:
Affordable Health and Wellness: Through the Y's Income-Based Membership program no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay.
Accessible and Welcoming Place for All: We will welcome people of all ages and backgrounds, and embrace opportunities to support historically marginalized populations. This location is centrally located, in a walkable neighborhood, along existing bus routes and walking distance to 6 schools!
Addressing Youth Health and Hunger: Through the Y’s Nourish food program, we will serve hundreds of free, nutritious meals every day to kids across Rock Island County at YMCA and partner sites, directly addressing hunger relief in our community.
Advancing Racial Equity: This project is focused on creating equitable and sustainable solutions that address both the immediate needs of the community and the systemic root causes that lead to inequities. Furthermore our programs and services will target underserved groups and feature equitable access to programs and resources.
Life-long learning and growth: From birth to seniors, this project will ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Through programs and services we will address youth reading and learning loss prevention, provide teens safe and enriching places to study, advance personal and community development through seminars and community events, and help job seekers access vital technology and resources.
Thank you, Anika, for a very enriching presentation. The future of the YMCA in our Illinois Quad Cities is alive and well thanks to hard working individuals like you.
Jenni Swanson announced that we will have a literacy committee meeting on 2/27 at 11:15 before the club meeting.
A Request from our own Dr. Rachel Savage
Dr. Savage is seeking Rotarians and other citizens to participate in the "Portrait of a Moline - Coal Valley District Graduate" a project to collect input from citizens regarding what they expect from the district regarding preparing students. A series of public meetings will be held in March, April and May. Click here to download a letter from Dr. Savage with information on how to participate.
Rotary Scholarships
J.C. Millman announced that Moline Rotary club will again offer college scholarships for graduating MHS students. Applications are available from Counselors at MHS for amounts of $5000, $3000, & $2000
RYLA 2023
Gary Francque announced that next week Rotary will begin seeking MHS student participants for RYLA 2023 to be held May 5-7, 2023. Rotarian volunteers will also be needed to staff RYLA.
Rotary International Youth Exchange
Moline Rotary is seeking host families for our 2023-24 foreign Exchange Student. School District #40 families will be invited to apply, and to attend a Rotary host family presentation on Thursday March 2, 2023 at 6:30pm at Moline High School Cafeteria.
Student Rotarians Bring Girl Power to Our Meeting
(l-r:) Sydney Schiltz, Isabella Lamphier, Katie Rhea, Haley Petersen, Eryn Robertson, and Winter Roland
Our first ever all-girl Student Rotarians group introduced themselves to the club. Get to know these accomplished and ambitious young women!
A new Moline Rotary 50/50 Raffle has started. Bring your lucky rabbit's foot (and some cash!) And keep a lookout for the FOUR of SPADES!
The Four-Way Test: Of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
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