The 2023 Bands, Brews, and BBQ event is almost upon us!
Bands Brews & BBQ is McHenry Area Rotary's premier fundraising event of the year. One hundred percent of the event's proceeds are donated to a variety of local, regional, national, and international organizations who help those in their greatest time of need.
This event has contributed nearly $300,000 to student leadership, vocational and college advanced placement programs, meals for the hungry, services for the homeless, humanitarian projects, and more. Your attendance at Bands Brews & BBQ ensures resources will be available for those in need — from local food banks to relief efforts around the globe.
This years BB&B is scheduled for August 18-20, 2023 and you can find out more on our event page: www.mrbbb.com
Please reach out to us if you would like to be a sponsor, volunteer, or simply as an attendee.,
Slack is a messaging app for business that connects people to the information they need. By bringing people together to work as one unified team, Slack transforms the way organizations communicate.
The McHenry Area Rotary has created a Slack workspace so that we can communicate with each other quickly and easily. We have channels dedicated to Rotary Business, the Bands Brews & BBQ event, the Secret Santa service project, and of course a general chat for building camaraderie with one another!
You can access Slack on a desktop/laptop computer application, through a webbrowser, and/or on smartphone/tablet. It's a flexible platform that is pretty straightforward and will only get better as we get more members using it. If you haven't already, join us today! If you don't have an invite and need one, please send David Liss a message and he'll get you set up. Chat with you on Slack!
On Thursday March 2 the McHenry Area Rotary had two special guests from the McHenry Police Department: Jason Sterwerf and Oakley!
Jason is the Social Service Coordinator for the McHenry PD. According to Jason, "this position is charged with creating improved law enforcement responses to mental health and substance use disorders, along with other community needs. This is a newly created position, and I am tasked with building the program from the ground up and making sure our community has appropriate responses to support our officers and community members" Jason is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and is equipped to help our police department improve their ability to respond to the social needs of our community.
Jason also has the responsibility of being the handler for the McHenry Police Department's other new addition, Oakley the therapy dog. Oakley is an 8 month old golden retriever that has been (and continues to be) trained to help respond to the needs of our community. It's hard to match the smiles that a puppy can provide and after meeting Oakley, the McHenry Area Rotary can assure you that Oakley is a very good boy that brought big smiles to our meeting! The McHenry community is luck to have both Jason and Oakley!
Thank you Jason and Oakley for joining us, along with all our members and guests that decided to come out and enjoy lunch with our club.
If you would like to join us for a meeting or event, please let us know!
Upcoming events:
Thursday March 16 is our next club meeting, it will be a "club assembly" where we cover some club business and review the recent board meeting. Come join us at 12pm at Buddyz McHenry for lunch and to learn what we're working on.
Saturday March 18 at 12pm - McHenry Shamrocks the Fox Parade - we will have a float and be walking in the parade. Come join us in walking or wave to us as we go by!
Thursday March 30 at 5pm we are planning on a social outing trip to Scorched Earth Brewery in Algonquin. Meet us at the Tonyan and Sons parking lot at 4:30 to carpool or meet us at the Brewery at 5pm to join in sharing some stories, laughs, and good times. There will be a food truck on site and we plan to be there for a couple hours.
McHenry Area Rotary meets the newest members of the Police team
ImaBridge's 2019-2020 Rotary District 6440 Grant totalled $4,578 or 43.6% of ImaBridge’s Project Total Budget: $10,500.00. Huntly Rotary Club added $1,108 and the Rotary Club of McHenry added $3,470.
On Friday, December 14, 2018, the Rotary Clubs of McHenry (Noon Lunch and Sunrise) co-funded the Annual Christmas Banquet for clients and staff of the Pioneer Center for Human Services. Pictured below is a check for $3,300 from the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc, representing the Rotary Club of McHenry’s donations to Pioneer Center for the Annual Autumn Stade’s Farm outing (Thursday, October 25, 2018), co-funding of the Christmas Banquet (Friday, December 14, 2018) and Pioneer Center’s McHenry County PADS program.
On December 6, 2018 and having been positively influenced by the leadership talk given by Rick Metzger, Savannah Gunderson (a Johnsburg High School student and 2018 Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient) shared with members of the Rotary Club of McHenry that she is trying to raise $2,500 to bring Rick Metzger to Johnsburg High School so as to share with all of JHS’ students Metzger’s message – how to develop and hold positive attitudes.
If you or your business would like to assist Savannah in raising funds to achieve this for her fellow students, click here.
World Polio Day 2018 is Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Events are taking place throughout the World. Be part of this extraordinary achievement – End Polio Now. Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.
The Rotary Club of McHenry is pleased to announce the induction of Cynthia Wolf as an Honorary Member. Our Constitution and Bylaws provide: “Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and those persons considered friends of Rotary for their support of Rotary’s cause may be elected to Honorary Membership in this Club.” Cynthia has manifested this in many ways far exceeding those required. Welcome Cyndi.
The 2018 induction dinner of the Rotary Club of McHenry was held at the McHenry Country Club. Club President Denis Buch presided over the meeting and related festivities. William “Bill” McLemore (past District Governor of Rotary District 6880 (1998-1999) and current Member of the Rotary Club of McHenry) served as the officiant to swear in Club officers for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The evening was solemn, yet full of fellowship, humor and good food. During this event our Club recognized the outstanding service of various Members, recognized new Paul Harris Fellows, installed new officers and Chairs of various Avenues of Service, and provided a moment to express appreciation and thanks.
On Thursday, June 7, 2018 at our regular Noon Club meeting at the McHenry VFW, ImaBridge Africa updated members of the Rotary Club of McHenry regarding its recent service trips to Nigeria. Rotarian and Founder of ImaBridge Africa Rev. Fr. Godwin Asuquo is reaching out to Clubs of fellow Rotarians. ImaBridge is encouraging collaboration and partnership with ImaBridge Africa in connection with its ongoing international projects in Nigeria.
On Thursday, May 31, 2018 the Rotary Club of McHenry held its regular Club meeting at McHenry Villa. Club Member Bob Blake is a resident at McHenry Villa; we held our meeting there to facilitate Bob’s participation. We also presented Bob with an award expressing our appreciation for Bob’s more than 63 years of dedication and service to the Rotary Club of McHenry and the communities we serve.
On May 24, 2018, John Meyerfrom "Friends in Service Here" (FISH of McHenry – Food Pantry) our local food pantry presented FISH to Members of Rotary Club of McHenry.FISH makes food available to those who need it. Members learned that FISH has no paid employees; rather, everyone at FISH is a volunteer, even its three directors. Members also learned that for every $1 donated to FISH, FISH is able to procure $8 of food for distribution through its food pantry.
Each year the Rotary Club of McHenry and the Rotary Club of McHenry–Sunrise offer Rotary Youth Leadership Awards to high school students who exhibit leadership qualities. Generally, three students from each of McHenry Community High School – East, McHenry Community High School – West, and Johnsburg High School are selected to attend a weekend of leadership training.
On May 3, 2018, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. donated $2,500 to the Family Health Partnership Clinic. This donation to will supply 106 diabetic patients with the testing supplies they need to check their blood sugar levels. Knowing blood sugar levels allows patients to monitor their health and keep it in normal range. Without these testing supplies, patients would be taking a risk that could adversely affect their lives.
One of the focuses of the Rotary Club of McHenry and the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. is on the Youth of our community who are intelligent, motivated, and ambitious – yet lack adequate resources to pursue their full potential. Historically we funded scholarships. We have shifted away from scholarship after learning that the current cost of post-secondary education is so high and the funding application process such that our historical approach often did not help students as much as it had. Moreover, it often served to reduce funding from other sources as a result of the current student aid application process. While we still fund scholarships for students these are now often in connection with Vocational post-secondary programs.
On Thursday March 22, 2018, Jack Franks spoke to the Rotary Club of McHenry at our regular Noon meeting at the VFW in McHenry. The first elected McHenry County Board Chair shared the County Board’s general objectives as well as an impressive progress report regarding the bipartisan achievements of the County Board. Among the many objectives of the County Board was the overall goal of reducing real estate taxes. The County Board has achieved results exceeding their original goal of a 10 percent reduction, but the overall taxes on real estate include other taxes including those which support education.
The Rotary Club of McHenry participated in the McHenry Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Fox River was dyed green. Following the Parade, members of the Rotary Club of McHenry volunteered to assist the City (and others) with festivities at McHenry ShamRocks the Fox at 1202 N Riverside Dr., McHenry.
More than a dozen Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry served a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage lunch with all the Irish fixings to McHenry Township Seniors at their SHAMROCKIN celebration on Thursday March 15, 2018 at the McHenry VFW. Following lunch, Mike Knauf and the Nippersink Rouge Trio preformed a diverse blend of traditional Irish vocal and instrumental music.
Jenny Farley, the Youth and Vocational Services Supervisor for the Lake County Center for Independent Living (a not-for-profit, grassroots, advocacy, service and resource organization for people with disabilities) spoke to members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Their philosophy is that people with disabilities have both the right and the responsibility to direct their own lives and pursue their own personal goals. Their mission is "to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives as valued members of the community." Jenny Farley described the many and diverse programs offered by her organization.
As she began, Leslie noted "We consider ourselves a 'One Stop Shop'”. She went on to say that their office has information for the public regarding just about every aspect and resource that is available in the area and can make referrals as well.
Rotary District 6440 Governor (2017-2018) Don Brewer visited our Club. Prior to our regular Club meeting, Don led discussion during our Club Board meeting. (Pictured from left to right are: Mrs Don Brewer, Tony Huemann, Ron Newman, John Halbleib, Tom Webb, Cheryden Juergensen, Don Brewer, Dawn Cassidy-Turner, Denis Buch and Phil Bartmann.
Each Fiscal Year the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc has an annual meeting of its Members. Last year it was on December 22, 2016. The Rotary Club of McHenry holiday activities dominated December 2017; the Annual Meeting of members was scheduled for January 18, 2018.
Ron Bykowski, Chairman of the Board, began the meeting and, following a reading of the Minutes from the last Annual Meeting, provided a report. Chair Bykowski reported as follows:
2018 marks the 11th year of operation of the Foundation
Over the last five plus years, the Foundation has raised more than $200,000 primarily through Blues, Brews and Barbeques, of which more than $160,000 has gone to local community, vocational and youth service projects.
In addition to such fundraising, the Foundation has grown through wise investment (Foundation funds are managed by the investment banking firm of Morgan Stanley):
As of January 17, 2018, invested assets totaled: $ 241,997
As of June 30, 2017, invested assets totaled: $ 167,161
As of June 30, 2016, invested assets totaled: $ 131,598
Foundation funds in its Benefits Account are not reflected in these numbers. The Foundation’s investments have achieved excellent returns, averaging 17.56% over the last year.
On January 11, 2018, Johnsburg High School Business Teacher and DECA SponsorTerri Szramek introduced three seniors from this year’s JHS DECA team. They presented DECA’s "Ringwood Rocket 5K", which represents a community wide effort led by DECA students to raise funds for two Johnsburg teachers, Andy and Kim Reinhard (and their family). The Reinhards, parents of three young children, suffered extensive and unexpected medical bills. Proceeds from DECA’s efforts have helped to mitigate the Reinhards’ medical costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 37,461 lives were lost on U.S. roads in 2016, an increase of 5.6 percent from calendar year 2015. Although the overall rate increased, distraction-related deaths (3,450 fatalities) decreased by 2.2 percent. Ben Pohl survived a distraction related accident in March 1997.
“As a driver, I was not distracted by a cell phone but rather from joking and laughing with four occupants in my car. This took my focus off driving and I crashed my car.”
In March 1997, Ben was in a terrible crash in his 1973 VW while driving on Iowa’s I-80. In his VW Bug/Beetle were four of his best friends. Ben spent a month in a coma and then spent six months in painful rehabilitation; today he still has many physical challenges which were caused by his accident. He emphasized that other people in the car are at the top of the list of distractions, followed by cell phones, texting, reading books, seeking radio stations, and many other distractions from the major focus at hand for the driver – the safe operation of the vehicle. One of his video clips noted that: "The use of a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into a crash by 400%” Ben closed by saying that he is passionate about the issue and would like members to refer him to other groups to speak on the dangers of distracted driving. You can contact Ben at: ben@benpohlspeaks.com
On December 21, 2017 Dr. Ashley Newman Winnen became a Rotary InternationalPaul Harris Fellow “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.” Dr. Winnen is the daughter of Ron Newman, a member of the Rotary Club of McHenry and Chair of the Club’s Community Avenue of Service.
On Thursday, December 21, 2017, the Rotary Club of McHenry co-funded and more than 20 members (together with family members and other volunteers) served Christmas lunch to our friends at the Pioneer Center. This event included a visit with Santa, caroling, socializing with our friends and lunch. Click here for additional pictures.
Rotary International President 2017-18 Ian Riseley has asked every Rotarian to plant a tree in order to make a significant statement about the importance of building a sustainable environment and addressing climate change. The Rotary Club of McHenry has funded and planted more than 100 new trees in Johnsburg, McHenry, and Wonder Lake, IL.
On Saturday, December 2, 2017, members of the Club and local community volunteers planted the Club’s trees in Johnsburg and Wonder Lake. Trees for the City of McHenry funded by the Club will be planted by employees of the City.
Fifty trees were used to start a nursery for Johnsburg on the southwest corner of the Johnsburg Public Works property at 3200 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg, IL. With the cooperation of Johnsburg Public Works, participants included Phil and Jan Bartmann, Mike Hein, Ed Hettermann (Johnsburg Village President), Fire Chief Tony Huemann, and Bill McLemore.
Fifty trees were planted on Yacht Club Island in Wonder Lake. Ron Newmann, Tom Webb, and approximately eight others from the Wonder Lake Sportsmans Club (including Dennis Gallo, Jerry Graff (and two of his grandchildren – Abby Graff and her brother), Tony Musel, John Naatz, Mark Nichols, and Ken Shaleen). The Wonder Lake Sportsman’s Club had conducted an invasive brush-clearing project of Yacht Club Island on January 14th 2017.
On November 30, 2017, the Rotary Club of McHenry is expressing thanks for the tremendous support given to our Club – and in turn our community – over the past six years by the sponsors of Blues, Brews and BBQ. In addition to food, beverages, and other festivities, we are streaming a video thanking each sponsor. The video includes a clip from Blues, Brews and BBQ’s as well as one answering the question “What is Rotary”. To manifest the community benefits our sponsors have facilitated, the streamed video also displays various grant recipient logos, photos of checks delivered to recipients, as well as the numerous NW Herald stories in which these moments have been publicized. Here is the video -
"Friends in Service Here" (FISH of McHenry – Food Pantry) makes food available to those who need it. FISH has no paid employees; rather, everyone at FISH is a volunteer, even its directors. For every $1 donated to FISH, FISH is able to procure approximately $8 of food for distribution through its food pantry.Click here for the most recent FISH newsletter. In August & September 2017, FISH served 1,124 families or 3,605 individuals; the FISH team distributed more than 8,900 bags of food!
Their mission statement is “to provide Hope, Opportunity and Support that empowers women and children as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency.” The number of individuals served grows each year in keeping with increased needs. In 2011, HOS programs served 105 individuals; in 2012, that was 123; in 2013, HOS served 159 persons; in 2014, that number was 224 women and children, and during the 2015 fiscal year, 553 individuals found help through HOS programs. During the 2016 fiscal year, HOS again exceeded their goal by serving 831 individuals.
On November 9, 2017, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. (organizer of Blues, Brews & Barbeque) presented the McHenry Knights of Columbus, Council #1288, McHenry, IL with a check for Holiday Meals. This reinvestment in our shared community assists in funding Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for McHenry residents who during the Holiday Season might find themselves without sufficient means to partake in these important American traditions – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Through the net proceeds of Blues, Brews & Barbeque (and other similar events), those who participate in such community events (which are organized by the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. ) help to fund various investments back into our shared community and its citizens.
On November 4, 2017, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc presented a $2,000 donation to ImaBridge Africa at its Annual Benefit Dinner which was held at The Church Of Holy Apostles Fr. Sherry's Center. Rev. Father Godwin Nsikan-Ubom Asuquo (a Member of the Rotary Club of McHenry) is also Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in McHenry and a Founder of ImaBridge Africa. Those who participated in the Annual Benefit Dinner (and many others who could not be there in person) became pillars in the Bridge of Love to Africa organized by ImaBridge Africa. Proceeds from ImaBridge Africa’s annual benefit dinner support their efforts in providing for the poor and underprivileged in Nigeria. ImaBridge Africa works cooperatively with leadership at the grassroots level in Africa on priority development projects in health, economics, education, empowerment of women and social justice.
Members of JJHS’ 6th Grade won the Penny Wars, which raised more than $500. The Fall Dance (and other sources) raised nearly $1,600. Members of the JJHS Student Counsel used a check to share these excellent results with other students and staff. From left to right are student council members: Tommy Oeffling, Mei Macey, and Kiera Welch.
On October 26, 2017 we had our annual Fall Farm Fest at Stade's Farm & Market with our friends at Pioneer Center. We and our friends enjoyed Stade's Farm & Market, donuts and cider, lunch, the petting zoo, hayrides and pumpkin picking, as well as other Stade's Farm attractions.
Click here for pictures from our Club's October 26, 2017 outing with our guests from Pioneer Center.
At our regular Rotary Club of McHenry meeting, Lyle Staab, District 6440 Governor Nominee Designate and member of the Rotary Club of Long Grove, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, talked about Rotary Youth Programs. Each year, Rotary connects thousands of young people to a global network of friendship, service, and action. As members of Rotaract or Interact clubs, they learn about "Service Above Self" and make a difference in communities at home and abroad. At RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) weekends, they learn skills that will help them succeed as community leaders and in life. And students on a Rotary Youth Exchange, whether a Long-Term year-long program or a Short-Term experience lasting four to eight weeks, learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Each year, 500,000 young people participate in Rotary Youth Service programs worldwide.
In Rotary District 6440, there are 2,146 Rotarians (of the more than 1.2 Million Rotarians worldwide from more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas) and more than 2,800 youth who participated in our Rotaract, Interact, RYLA, and Rotary Youth Exchange (plus at least a thousand more in other activities). Lyle’s presentation can be accessed by clicking here.
Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry (serving the greater McHenry area) are among millions reaching out on World Polio Day, October 24th, 2017 to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio. A vaccine prevents this crippling and paralyzing disease that still threatens children in parts of our world today.
Each of the City of McHenry and the Villages of Johnsburg, McCullom Lake, and Wonder Lake recently issued a proclamation supporting this campaign (click on the name of the City or Village to view its Proclamation); each has proclaimed Tuesday, October 24, 2017 “World Polio Day” in support of the global effort to eradicate polio. Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry request that residents in these communities likewise honor this day and become part of this historic event.
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016. Since 1985, Rotary members worldwide have contributed more than $1.7 billion in our effort to eradicate polio; this includes major sums from the Rotary Club of McHenry and separately from individual Members and other community residents. The global Initiative includes the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments around the world.
To sustain this progress and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
So far only one disease, smallpox, has been eradicated by vaccines, saving approximately 5 million lives annually. Polio could be next. If you would like to participate in making a difference in the World that has only been achieved one other time (that is, the eradication of smallpox), consider making a tax deductible donation to the “Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc.” by sending your check to P.O. Box 28, McHenry, IL 60051, marked “EndPolioNOW”. Every dollar you donate becomes three dollars (with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matching). Become part of this historic event – the eradication of polio.
On November 4, 2017 ImaBridge Africa's Annual Benefit Dinner is being held at The Church Of Holy Apostles Fr. Sherry's Center (5211 Bull Valley Rd, McHenry, Illinois 60050) beginning at 5:30 PM . For event tickets, click here or for Facebook details click here. Cocktail Hour and appetizers begin at 5:30 PM, which is followed by dinner. For additional event details, please click here.
Tickets are $50 each ($45 for senior citizens 65+). For a Table of 8 – $350.
Become a pillar in our Bridge of Love to Africa!
ImaBridge Africa hosts their annual benefit dinner to support their efforts in providing for the poor and underprivileged in Nigeria.
Jim Proebstle’s first two novels have received outstanding reviews from readers and industry professionals. They have been recognized with awards from the Eric Hoffer Award, the Indie Book Award, and the International Book Award. He and his wife, Carole, live in Deer Park, IL and call northern Minnesota home for the summer months.
Proebstle received his BA and MBA from Michigan State University and was honored as an outstanding alumni from the Eli Broad College of Business in 2001. He was fortunate enough to play on a National Championship football team in 1965 and earn academic honors. Jim and Carole are loyal Spartans.
Today's presentation concerned Fatal Incident. Inspired by a true story of an Air Transport Command (ATC) aircraft disaster in Alaska in 1944, Fatal Incidentreveals the dark secrets of a WW II conspiracy of how twenty U.S. military deaths have gone unsolved for over 66 years. Jim described the book and answered various questions - all without providing a single spoiler. Jim did provide various details of interest and . . . .
From Left to Right are: Jim Proebstle and John Halbleib (Club President-Elect)
The presentation was informative. Eric answered various questions, including questions regarding costs, coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, group versus individual coverage and etc. asked by individuals, business entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of municipal employers.
The McHenry Township Emergency Warning Sirens were not designed to be a warning device for people inside their homes. It was designed to warn people who are outside of their homes, away from radios or televisions, which may be broadcasting warnings. When you hear a siren – seek shelter! The siren indicates approaching severe storms capable of producing hazardous conditions.
At our regular Thursday Noon meeting on September 21, 2017 at the McHenry VFW Fox River Post 4600 at 3002 IL-120, McHenry, IL 60051, Senator Pamela Althoff spoke to members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Senator Althoff reviewed recent Illinois State actions mentioning both unpublicized achievements that were excellent, as well as compromises that were less than optimal but necessary to allow the State to move forward. Senator Althoff also answered a few questions.
Eric Dohrmann briefly explained the Rotary Club of McHenry and introduced Denis Buch and John Halbleib. Denis and John explained Rotary, ShelterBox, and how to donate, presented visual displays relative to ShelterBox USA, showed a brief video, and answered student questions. Andy Reinhard and Christine Laudadio, Student Council sponsors, explained (1) the upcoming student Fall Dance, (2) the “Penny Wars” that will start soon in the JJHS café, and (3) that profits from the dance and all other donations will go to ShelterBox USA to assist in funding disaster relief for those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.
From left to right are: John Halbleib (Club President-Elect, Foundation Secretary), Eric Dohrmann (Club Vocational Service Chair, Assistant Principal – JJHS), Denis Buch (Club President)
McHenry Middle School Principal Michael Glover writes: “This school year we are welcoming Rachel’s Challenge to bring a focus on kindness at our school and of course “Being Nice” to each other.”
On September 14, 2017, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. presented a check at the McHenry Middle School (Grades 6-8) in support of the McHenry School District 15’s Rachel’s Challenge – Promoting Acts of Kindness program. This program has been designed to address and reduce instances of “bullying”. The program seeks to empower students and staff to initiate a chain reaction of kindness and compassion, as well as encourage students to deliberately reach out to others with kindness”. The McHenry Middle School’s program seeks to address both in-person as well as “cyber” bullying. For more details regarding this program and the school’s bullying policy, click here .
Rotary International and ShelterBox USA are partners providing disaster relief. The United States is the middle of an unfortunate spate of natural disasters. In Texas and Florida the aftermath of Category 4 Atlantic Hurricanes Irma and Harvey mark the first time two such hurricanes have devastated the United States in the same year.
If you would like to assist in the relief of these natural disasters, you can send tax deductible donations to the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 28, McHenry, IL 60051. Please note on your check “USA Natural Disaster Relief”. Our Foundation will forward your donations to assist those affected by such natural disasters.
Thanks to the excellent levels of attendance at the Rotary Club of McHenry’s 2017 Blues, Brews & Barbecue, this fundraiser was a great success. Proceeds more than doubled those from 2016; these proceeds will be invested in our shared community (like the more than $150,000 the Rotary Club of McHenry has reinvested in our shared community over the last five years). See This is Us for details. We appreciate the excellent participation of our community.
The Kansas City Barbecue Society competition was a great success. We had 36 teams competing and more than 40 judges and other individuals who officiated the competition. The results can be viewed by clicking here.
The KCBS Representative estimated a public attendance of 10,000. Although this was our first, we received excellent reviews from the KCBS Representative; that is, in all of the eight categories to be evaluated, our first KCBS event received the highest “excellent” rating.
McHenry School District 15’s Josh Reitz (Assistant Superintendent for Learning Service) and Brian Kilinski (Director of Human Resources) presented the District’s programs better known as “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and “STEAM” (which includes Arts). McHenry School District 15 is comprised of 8 schools (5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 year-round elementary school) educating children in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.
Josh and Brian reviewed various attributes of the STEM/STEAM programs, including courses, facilities, technologies, and personnel. There is a great deal of excitement about the STEM program, which excitement is growing. STEAM includes emphasis on the Arts, which prompted a discussion regarding music and related programs.
Pictured from left to right are Josh Reitz (Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services, McHenry School District 15), Denis Buch (Rotary Club of McHenry President), and Brian Kilinski (Director of Human Resources, McHenry School District 15).
The proceeds from Blues, Brews and Barbecue go back into our shared community. You have fun and your fun benefits our shared community. The event sponsor is the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation. Your Rotary Club of McHenry has generated over $150,000 during the last five years — mostly through Blues, Brews and Barbecue. These numbers do not begin to value the countless hours Rotarians volunteer through numerous service projects. We have distributed more than $120,000 of such $150,000 to local community, vocational and youth service projects in the Greater McHenry, Illinois area, including but not limited to these Illinois, USA locations: Bull Valley, Johnsburg, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Ringwood, Spring Grove, Volo, and Wonder Lake. Some examples can be found by clicking on This is Us.
The Club is pleased and honored to have Kelly Ann and Pastor Tom as Members of our Club.
Pictured below from left to right are Pastor Thomas E. Rogers, Jr. (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church), Kelly Ann Johnson (McHenry Savings Bank) and Club President Denis Buch (welcoming each of them as new Members)
To honor Don and Rose Mary, the “Donald and Rose Mary Weingart Charitable Endowment of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation” has been established. Memorial donations may be made to the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 28, McHenry, IL 60051.
Rotarian Walter Carey invited his business partner Don to join the Rotary Club of McHenry and Don join in November of 1963. Rotary became and remained his passion. Don served as Club President (1971-1972), a director on its Board, and in various other officer and committee positions. Don was a member for over 53 years and he remained a Rotarian until his death. He maintained a perfect attendance and led the Club in song and good spirit. Here we are at The Springs holding a regular weekly meeting with Don Weingart at the center of the meeting and having led us in song once again.
He thoroughly enjoyed working on community projects. Don particularly enjoyed the Annual Rotary Ham Dinner which he was instrumental in organizing over the years. Don also served on the McHenry School Board for 12 years, was Parade Marshall for Fiesta Days and was awarded the "Keys" to the City of McHenry for his service to the community.
Don Weingart and other Rotarians built numerous Club service projects throughout the greater McHenry and Johnsburg area. To list just a few, here are some examples: Rotary Park (located at the North East corner of 3rd Avenue and Waukegan Street in McHenry); several concession stands at McCracken Athletic Field; Petersen Park playground equipment (e.g., slides, & etc.); Fort McHenry Playground; Walsh Park (1202 N Green Street) and Harry Dean Memorial Park; more than three decades of scholarships for local residents of McHenry or Johnsburg who are pursuing post-secondary education; funding for various service projects such as McHenry Area Youth Commission; life alert systems for residents who might not otherwise be able to afford them (distributed through Centegra); and playground equipment for Pioneer Center residents; and etc. Internationally, the Rotary Club of McHenry funded (or co-funded) the eradication of Polio (now in its final stages), a fire engine truck for use in a remote area in South America, student computers for use in a school in a remote region of Central America.
For more about Don as a Rotarian, visit This is Us.
Donald and Rose Mary Weingart Charitable Endowment
The Rotary Club of McHenry pursues five Avenues of Service as part of our Service Above Self. These Avenues of Service are Club, Community, International, Vocational and Youth.
Club Service involves such Member actions as drive the successful of our Club. Club Service is funded by Member contributions and achieved through Member involvement.
International Service comprises those Member activities as serve to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace, as well as projects designed to help people in other lands. International Service is funded primarily through Member contributions and achieved through Member involvement. Some funding is achieved through funding received during the annual Bleus, Brews, and Barbecue festivities through a special booth setup for such purpose – such as Rotary Foundation, PolioPlus and ShelterBox.
Members often fund the Rotary Foundation through individual contributions of $1,000 (or more) and thereby become “Paul Harris Fellows”. Here are some examples of funding of International Service through the Paul Harris program (listing is of recipient of award):
The proceeds from Blues, Brews and Barbecue go back into our shared community. You have fun and your fun benefits our shared community. The event sponsor is the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation. Substantially all of such proceeds help fund our Community Service, Vocational Service and Youth Service in the Greater McHenry, Illinois area, including but not limited to these Illinois, USA locations: Bull Valley, Johnsburg, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Ringwood, Spring Grove, Volo, and Wonder Lake. Here are some examples:
Community Service comprises varied efforts that Members make (sometimes in conjunction with others) to improve the quality of life of those who live within our Club’s community. As you review these examples, keep in mind that Vocational Service and Youth Service are simultaneously “Community Service”, described below.
Vocational Service promotes high ethical standards in businesses and professions, recognizing the worthiness of all dignified occupations, and fostering the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations. The role of Members includes conducting themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary’s principles and lending their vocational skills to Club-developed projects in order to address the issues and needs of society.
Youth orNew Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, involvement in community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.
The regular Noon meeting on Thursday, July 13, 2017 included a special vocational presentation by Fire Chief Tony Huemann. At McHenry Township Fire Protection District Station 5, Fire Chief Huemann explained the organization and operation of the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. He also presented some of the details associated with the history, design, and construction of Station 5. Click here to see the Fire Chief’s presentation. The construction of Station 5 was completed on September 30, 2016, and it went into service on December 1, 2016. Average call response time has decreased nearly 14.2% to 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
“Our goal is to continue to operate with part-time personnel, find ways to become more efficient and fiscally responsible, and provide emergency services to the communities we protect.”
For more, see the Annual Reports for the MTFPD, which can be found by clicking here.
Pictured below is Fire Chief Tony Huemann (Rotary Club of McHenry President (2015-2016))
McHenry Township Fire Protection District Station 5
The Food Trust funded and/or sponsored by Rotary Club of McHenry, Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake, and Northern Illinois Food Bank was a great success. Notwithstanding the 90 degree heat, organizing and distributing the food were more than 27 volunteers from the Rotary Club of McHenry, Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake, Northern Illinois Food Bank and other local residents (and not so local – thank you Felix Curtis). The Food Truck also served many participants. Nativity Lutheran Church made their facilities available. Many thanks to all!
Charitable contributions like this are funded from the proceeds of fundraisers like Blues, Brews and Barbecue (August 18-20, 2017 in Petersen Park) through the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc., which funded the food truck through Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. has funded a food truck through the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry (and other volunteers) will be distributing food on Thursday, July 6, 2017 between 4PM and 6PM at Nativity Lutheran Church, which is located at 3506 East Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake IL. The Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake regularly operates a food pantry in association with the Nativity Lutheran Church. Those who would like to volunteer should click here . Charitable contributions like this are funded from the proceeds of fundraisers like Blues, Brews and Barbecue (August 18-20, 2017 in Petersen Park).
Below is a picture on another Rotary Club of McHenry sponsored Northern Illinois Food Bank food distribution – providing nutritious meals to those in need.
The night was highlighted by commemorating an event which occurred 62 years ago, and those that ensued thereafter. One of the founding members of the Rotary Club of McHenry in 1955 was Jerome Buch. Together with his wife Ethel and other members of the Club, the Club grew and many special traditions and achievements followed. Jerome Buch served as Club President during the 1964-1965 Year, and here we are a half-century later and his son is now President of the Club – a “first” for our Club where a father and a son have both served as Club President. Manifesting Jerome Buch’s nature as a true Rotarian, here are just some of Jerome’s achievements:
Charter Member – 1955;
President – 1964-1965 (during which NASA launched the United States' first two person crew (Gus Grissom, John Young) into Earth orbit on Gemini 3 and Astronaut Edward Higgins White made the first U.S. space walk from Gemini 4);
He and others set up the then well-known and popular “motorized tow rope of McHenry Country Club 10th fairway – pulling children and adults up to the top, where they would sled or toboggan back down to be greeted by Ethel Buch who was serving hot chocolate and cookies;
He and other Members of the Club started the famous “Rotary Ham Dinner” which continued for decades and supplied cookers and materials used at the Ham Dinners and other Rotary events;
Within the Club, he received the first Paul Harris honorary award;
During his 40 year membership he achieved perfect attendance; and
The list goes on and on.
Jerome Buch and other Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry designed, funded (or co-funded) and built numerous Club service projects throughout the greater McHenry and Johnsburg area. To list just a few, here are some examples: Rotary Park (located at the North East corner of 3rd Avenue and Waukegan Street in McHenry); several concession stands at McCracken Athletic Field; Petersen Park playground equipment (e.g., slides, & etc.); Fort McHenry Playground; Walsh Park (1202 N Green Street) and Harry Dean Memorial Park; more than three decades of scholarships for local residents of McHenry or Johnsburg who are pursuing post-secondary education; funding for various service projects such as McHenry Area Youth Commission; life alert systems for residents who might not otherwise be able to afford them (distributed through Centegra); and playground equipment for Pioneer Center residents; and etc. Internationally, the Rotary Club of McHenry funded (or co-funded) the eradication of Polio (now in its final stages), a fire engine truck for use in a remote area in South America, student computers for use in a school in a remote region of Central America.
To honor both his father and his mother, President Denis Buch established the “Jerome & Ethel Buch Charitable Endowment of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation” effective (and funded on) the date Denis shared his father’s legacy of becoming President of the Club – June 29, 2017.
Today, charitable contributions and service projects like those mentioned above are funded from the proceeds of fundraisers like Blues, Brews and Barbecue (August 18-20, 2017 in Petersen Park) through the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization).
Below are Denis Buch (President of the Rotary Club of McHenry 2017-2018) and his father Jerome Buch (President of the Rotary Club of McHenry 1964-1965, Founding Member, Perfect attendance for more than 40 years)
Below from left to right are Rotary District 6440 Governor Donald Brewer, Denis Buch (Club President), Dawn Cassiday-Turner (Club Secretary, a Relationship Banker with American Community Bank & Trust, McHenry) and John Halbleib (Club President-Elect)
This Club meeting was presided over by Bill McLemore, then Club President (2016-2017) and now Club Past President. Bill thanked members of the Club for achieving an excellent year and for building momentum as we go into the next year. Bill issued more than a dozen certificates of “Presidential Commendation” expressing appreciation for their service in many capacities.
Following Denis’ induction as President, Denis made a brief presentation (1) summarizing his recent trip to the June 10-14, 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta; (2) described the extraordinary global momentum garnered in Atlanta to fund the $1.5 Billion dollars needed to finally eradicate Polio; (3) outlined certain overall goals and objectives for the Club and the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc.; and (4) made a $10,000 bequest to the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. honoring his father (a Founding Member of the Club) and mother, entitled the “Jerome & Ethel Buch Charitable Endowment of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation”.
As a team, Denis and his wife Michele attended the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta. There were numerous “breakout” sessions. So as to experience as much as possible, each attended and participated in as many as “breakout” sessions they could – each taking notes to share with the other.
Below from left to right are Denis Buch and Michele Buch while attending the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta
Over 22,500 Rotarians were in attendance. There were presentations by many famous individuals who shared their personal Rotary Stories. The highlight was the initial main session at which Rotary International leaders outlined what it was going to take to completely eradicate Polio. They estimated that it was going to require $1.5 Billion over the next three years to complete the eradication of Polio, a global campaign begun by Rotary International in 1985. Within less than an hour and with the cooperation of numerous Rotary Groups in many Countries there were pledges of $1.25 Billion (including pledges from Rotary International, Canada, the U.S., the European World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (which pledged up to $300,000,000).
Below from left to right are attendees of the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, Michele Buch, Mr & Mrs. John F. Germ (a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA and 2016-2017 President of Rotary International), and Denis Buch (President of the Rotary Club of McHenry 2017-1028)
As an effective team, President Buch identified a number of shared goals designed to serve our shared community in an ever expanding and more effective manner. This requires individuals dedicated to service above self, acceptance of responsibilities in various offices, and as much funding as possible.
The first goal is to achieve 20% growth in membership. It is well to note that one third of this goal has already been achieved.
The second (and an essential) goal is to distribute responsibilities to those who accept them; more than 20 Club and Foundation positions have been accepted by various members.
The third goal is to ensure growth and stability in funding the Club’s and the Foundation’s charitable service projects. These include charitable service projects in four Avenues of Service – Community, International, Vocational, and Youth. To that end, the endowment of the Foundation was recently tripled, and a $10,000 additional endowment was added. In addition, the Club/Foundation seek to add 1 to 2 additional “one night” fundraisers to the already fun and highly successful Blues, Brews and Barbecue in Peterson Park from August 18-20, 2017. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact RotaryClubOfMcHenry@gMail.com
The fourth goal is to enhance the social aspect of our Club through Members and their significant others, as well as encourage those interested in becoming a Member to join us and get to know us better. Five such fun events are being planned.
This will be achieved through teamwork and cooperation focused on the best interests of our shared community.
On Thursday, June 22, 2017, Wayne S. Jett (Mayor of McHenry), Derik Morefield (McHenry’s City Administrator), and Doug Martin (McHenry’s Director of Economic Development) were guests of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Mayor Jett reviewed numerous City of McHenry initiatives designed to encourage economic development, increase employment and in other ways serve our community well. Mayor Jett, City Administrator Morefield, and Director Martin also answered questions from Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry.
Pictured below is City of McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett
Ron – thank you for helping us better plan an excellent experience for all competitors.
Below, from left to right are Ron Schrader and Don Tonyan (Co-Chair of the Blues, Brews & Barbecue Committee). Don welcomes Ron, as Ron completed his application to compete in this year’s KCBS BBQ Cook-Off.
On Thursday, June 1, 2017, Wayne S. Jett (Mayor of McHenry) and Derik Morefield (McHenry’s City Administrator) were guests of the Rotary Club of McHenry. During this regular Club meeting, Lynn O'Shea (President/CEO of the Association for Individual Development (AID)) and Bob Zima (Director of AID-McHenry Behavioral Health Services) presented the Association for Individual Development. For 54 years AID has provided services to individuals who have developmental, physical and/or mental disabilities, those who have suffered a trauma or those at risk. AID’s service areas in McHenry County included Algonquin, Cary, Harvard (beginning on May 25, 2017), Huntley, McHenry and Woodstock (with plans for expansion). Bob Zima’s operates out of the McHenry Behavioral Health Services located at 5342 W. Elm Street, McHenry, IL 60050, Phone: 847.322.4591 (cell) or 847.931.2350. For AID’s 2016 Annual Report, click here.
Pictured below (from left to right) are Derik Morefield (McHenry’s City Administrator) and Wayne S. Jett (Mayor of McHenry)
Don Tonyan is pictured below as he presents an update regarding the Club's 2017 Blues, Brews & Barbecue festival August 18 through August 20, 2017 at Petersen Park, McHenry, IL
Each year the Rotary Club of McHenry and the Rotary Club of McHenry–Sunrise offer Rotary Youth Leadership Awards to high school students who exhibit leadership qualities. Generally, three students from each of McHenry Community High School – East, McHenry Community High School – West, and Johnsburg High School are selected to attend a weekend of leadership training.
At the Rotary Club of McHenry Noon meeting on May 18, 2017, Jeff Batt (RYLA coordinator and member of the Rotary Club of McHenry–Sunrise) and Amber Bowgren, Assistant Principal of McHenry Community High School – West, brought three Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipients who attended the RYLA weekend of leadership training. These included Breanna Banker, Denise Beyer, and Rowan Coon.
Jeff Batt explained various aspects of the RYLA program. Each of the three students shared memorable aspects of their experience at the RYLA weekend of leadership training, as well as how each felt it helped them become more refined and effective leaders. As they continue their postsecondary education, each believed that the RYLA weekend of leadership training has provided meaningful preparation for future leadership. Assistant Principal Amber Bowgren shared how RYLA has positively impact students at her school.
Pictured from left to right are Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipients Breanna Banker, Rowan Coon, Denise Beyer; Amber Bowgren (Assistant Principal of McHenry High School West Campus); and Jeff Batt (Member of the Rotary Club of McHenry - Sunrise)
To Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry,John Meyerfrom "Friends in Service Here" (FISH of McHenry – Food Pantry) presented a PowerPoint on our local FISH food pantry.FISH makes food available to those who need it. Members learned that FISH has no paid employees; rather, everyone at FISH is a volunteer, even its three directors. Members also learned that for every $1 donated to FISH, FISH is able to procure $8 of food for distribution through its food pantry.
Following John’s presentation, Keith Desmet (co-owner of Twisted Limits Escape Rooms) presented a $500 check to FISH; these funds will enable FISH to purchase $4,000 of food for distribution to those who need it. Twisted Limits is at 3735 W Elm Street in McHenry, IL.
Pictured from left to right: John Meyer(FISH of McHenry – Food Pantry), Keith Desmet (co-owner of Twisted Limits Escape Rooms), and Bill McLemore (President of Rotary Club of McHenry)
Newly elected Mayor Wayne Jett (Mayor of McHenry effective May 1, 2017) shared a meal with Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Sue Low invited Mayor Jett as her guest and introduced him to Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Sue was Mayor of McHenry from 2003 to April 30, 2017. She remains an active Member of the Rotary Club of McHenry.
Many Members already knew Wayne and others enjoyed meeting him.
Pictured below from left to right are McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett and retired McHenry Mayor Sue Low
Suzanne Hoban, MPH, Executive Director of Family Health Partnership Clinic presented to the Rotary Club of McHenry various aspects of their program including their move from Woodstock to Crystal Lake (401 E. Congress, Crystal Lake, IL 60014), the recent addition of a dental clinic, health care for the homeless (in connection with which they have hired a nurse who has experience in this area).
Their Vision is: “Over the next ten years, the Family Health Partnership Clinic will assure that the residents of the McHenry County area will enjoy the benefit of full access to high quality health care, regardless of the ability to pay. The Clinic operates on a sliding fee scale, although no patient is turned away due to inability to pay. At registration, patients will be asked to provide some proof of income. NOTE: Because all of the doctors and some of the nurses volunteer their time, hours when patients can be seen is limited. Appointments are necessary. Call the Clinic main phone number at 770.220.9300 to schedule an appointment.”
Rotary District 6440 held an award ceremony on April 28, 2017. Generally, awards are determined based on the “Tier” to which a Rotary Clubs belongs. Here are the “Tiers”: “Tier awards are based on Club membership as of July 1, 2016
Tier I: Under 23 members.
Tier II: 23-39 members.
Tier III: 40 or more members.”
The Rotary Club of McHenry is in Tier II: 23-39 members.
Awards are determined for each Rotary Avenue of Service, which include: Club, Community, International, Vocational and Youth. Generally, one Avenue of Service Award was given in each Tier for the best overall achievement in such Avenue of Service. Thus, for all Five Avenues of Service for the three Tiers there are a total of 15 Avenues of Service Awards for Rotary District 6440. Rotary District 6440 has approximately 71 Rotary Clubs.
First, our Club and its Members earned the 2017 Club Service Award for Tier II: 23-39 Members. The Rotary District 6440 Club Service Award is awarded for the best overall achievement in Club Service/Club Administration, which includes such matters as:
officer and Board succession plans (including timely and consistent nomination and election);
documents and strategic planning (e.g., Constitution, Bylaws and etc.) review and revision;
knowledge of Rotary History;
calendar of speakers;
“Family of Rotary” matters (e.g., condolence cards, get well cards, birthday cards, and etc.);
new Member induction and orientation;
online reporting (e.g., attendance, new members, officers, minutes, and etc.);
club socials/holiday celebrations/charter night celebrations, and so on;
timely payment of dues;
Club goals, achievements and other matters
Second, our Club also received the “End Polio Now – Challenge Award” for our contribution of at least $60 per Member.
Congratulations to all Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry for these excellent achievements.
Pictured below is Denis Buch (President-Elect) accepting the Club Service Award.
Don Weingart is one of the Founding Members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Our Club was founded on April 12, 1955. Throughout our history, Don has been and continues to be an active Member.
We usually begin each of our meetings with a song led by Don. Recently, Don has been at The Springs at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Center. There is agreement that Don’s leadership in song is a tradition we all enjoy. Here we are at The Springs having our weekly meeting, once again led in song by Don.
From left to right – Standing: John Halbleib, Mike Low, Phil Bartmann, Lori Lowe, Ron Newman, Tony Huemann, Denny Welter, Don Tonyan Sr., Tom Webb, Denis Buch, Bill McLemore, Ron Bykowski, Don Arvidson, Jim Vyduna, Diana Mark, and Dave Rolow; Seated: Bob Blake (a Founding Member), Don Weingart (a Founding Member) and Dorothy Arvidson; Front Row: Sue Conway Low, Donna Schaefer and Craig Adams
Joshua Shefner presented “Blue Mango” to the Rotary Club of McHenry. He is a student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and recipient of the Thomas W. Davis Student Leadership Award. Josh is a civil engineering major and team leader of an eight student team from MSOE’s University Scholars honors program; this team participated in a yearlong project to design and build a solar food dehydrator for a rural village in Jamaica. They were asked by the Blue Mountain Project, a non-profit located in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, to design technology to dehydrate an often unused crop in the region – mangoes. This team now refers to itself as the “Blue Mango”. In addition to designing and building the dehydrator, Blue Mango also created a business model and training program to teach local residents how to use the equipment. This project serves to improve the health, education and economy in the region.
Josh is also a member of the successful MSOE student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers which in early April 2017 hosted the annual Great Lakes Region Student Conference. “Students from 19 universities participated, including Marquette, MSOE, Northwestern, Notre Dame, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and others.” MSOE students organized the entire conference. The MSOE team achieved these awards: 5 – 1st place (including “1st place: Conference Overall”); 2 – 2nd place; and 1 – 3rd place.
Pictured below from left to right are Josh Shefner and Terry Fitzgibbons (Club member, Associate Principal – McHenry Community High School District 156, McHenry High School, West Campus and Assistant Principal – McHenry High School, East Campus)
On Thursday, April 6, 2017 the Rotary Club of McHenry and Twisted Limits Escape Rooms joined together for an excellent night of real-life escape adventures designed to challenge and excite our team as we raced the clock to decipher clues, and complete a series of puzzles. We are pleased to report that our sleuthing paid off. Twisted Limits is at 3735 W Elm Street in McHenry, IL
This event also generated a contribution to FISH of McHenry Food Pantry by Joe Panek and Keith Desmet (owners of Twisted Limits) from the proceeds of this Rotary Club event. Joe and Keith, thank you for a fun and challenging evening, as well as your generous gift to FISH.
Below (from left to right), Keith Desmet and Joe Panek present to Bill McLemore (Club President) a $500 check made out to “FISH”.
FISH of McHenry Food Pantry & Twisted Limits Escape Rooms
Rotary Club of McHenry has been very social as a club while also combining “service above self” as we support our shared community. Here are some examples:
In connection with our 2016 yearend Holiday Banquet, we encouraged Members to bring diapers for the Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois. Recently, Rev. Phyllis Mueller, Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois, wrote "Thank you McHenry Rotary Noon Club for helping us with Size 1s! You are spectacular!"
On March 12, 2017 Members of the Club marched in the McHenry Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, joined by family and friends who marched in the Parade with us.
On March 31, 2017 we enjoyed the company of Members, family and friends at Liquid Blues Ltd, 126 N Benton St # 2, Woodstock, IL 60098.
Pictured below (left to right) are Bill Brogan, Instructor – Criminal Justice, McHenry Community College, Scholarship recipients MCC Students Roberto J Lopez and Luke Leon, and Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Rotarian Tom Webb.
Sarah Michehl presented The Land Conservancy of McHenry County to the Rotary Club of McHenry. As a local nonprofit, it mission is “To preserve natural, scenic and agricultural land resources in McHenry County by working with individuals, communities and a diversity of other partners.” As of 2016, TLC was 25 years old and had preserved over 2,100 acres in McHenry County. TLC is a member–supported nonprofit organization whose members and volunteers continue to preserve open space for future generations.
Pictured below is Sarah Michehl, Community Engagement Specialist, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County:
Johnsburg High School is a public High School in Johnsburg, Illinois (Johnsburg School District 12). The Skyhawks are known for many great accomplishments such as playing in the recent Illinois State football championship game. Adding to their many accomplishments, the Skyhawks made the Advanced Placement® “honor roll” consisting of the 433 school districts in the United States of America and Canada. To do so the Skyhawks had to simultaneously achieve increases in access to Advanced Placement® courses for a broader number of students and also maintain or improve the rate at which their AP® students earned scores of 3 or higher on an AP Exam. A score of 3 or higher facilitates earning college credit and/or advanced placement in colleges and universities throughout the United States (and other countries).
Below, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. presents a $1,000 to Johnsburg School District 12 for its Advanced Placement program. Pictured are (from left to right): Eric Dohrmann (Club Member and Assistant Principal of Johnsburg Junior High School), Thomas Haurum (Guidance Counselor at Johnsburg High School), Kevin Shelton (Principal of Johnsburg High School), Ron Bykowski (Chair of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation), Jim Vyduna (Scholarship Committee Co-Chair (Academic)) and Tom Webb (Scholarship Committee Co-Chair (Vocational)).
Don Tonyan also introduced Scott Dehn. Scott will be managing the new theater; he added ideas regarding its operation. Scott Dehn is Owner and President of both: Golden Age Cinemas, LLC and Golden Age Holdings, LLC. He owns and is successfully operating nearby movie theaters.
Pictured here from left to right are Scott Dehn and Don Tonyan:
Rotary was founded 112 years ago on February 23, 1905 in Chicago. The Rotary Club of McHenry celebrated with (1) extraordinary member attendance at its recent regular Noon meeting (which is held every Thursday at the McHenry VFW Post #4600, 3002 West Route 120, McHenry, Illinois), (2) a birthday cake, and (3) "Fun and Frolics" questions on Rotary International (by member Diana Mark). We learned that the smallest Rotary Club (with only 11 members) is the Pohnpei Rotary Club in the Federated States of Micronesia; Pohnpei Island is an island among the Senyavin Islands, has a population of around 34,000 (2010), and is located in the Pacific Ocean South East of China and North East of Australia.
This hard-working committee and other Rotary Club of McHenry members work hard throughout the year to make Blues, Brews & BBQ a blast each August. Some key decisions were made at this recent meeting. Keep an eye out for exciting band, food, beverage, and BBQ contest news! Meanwhile, shout out to (from left) Donna Schaefer, Phil Sweeney, Lori Lowe, Diana Mark, Phil Bartmann and Don Tonyan. Thanks for your dedication to our fun!
Dawn Cassiday-Turner presented her vocation as a "Relationship Banker" for the American Community Bank, McHenry, IL to the Rotary Club of McHenry. As a relationship banker, Dawn manages the American Community Bank’s overall financial services relationship with its customers.
Dawn studied at the University of Denver and then Columbia College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Dawn and her husband live in Spring Grove with their six children, along with a small menagerie of dogs, a cat and a couple of chickens. Dawn also coaches the first-ever McHenry Warriors Girls High School lacrosse team. She has also served on the National Ski Patrol for 5 years at Wilmot, as a member of the District 114 Board of Education for 6 years and on United Way’s allocation panel.
Dawn: “I strongly believe in volunteering and I’m thrilled to be a member of the Rotary to further serve our community!”
The Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. presented a check to the McHenry School District 156 for $3,000 in support of its Advanced Placement (AP) Program testing. AP courses and exams can help students earn college credit while still in high school and strengthen their college applications. In other words, high school students have the option of taking advanced placement college courses and if they test above a certain level, such students can earn college credit hours.
However, there are costs associated with the AP testing program. The Rotary Club of McHenry has provided grants to support such testing program at the McHenry School District 156. We believe this is an excellent investment in our community’s high school students.
Here is why: An AP test costs around $93, but could earn the student 3 college credit hours. Assuming an average student takes 15 college credit hours during a typical college semester and the average college tuition per year is $20,000, then our $3,000 donation could help to fund the equivalent of approximately 3 years of full time college. Here is the potential of such grant to the AP program. $3,000/$93 = 32.25 tests = 32.25 x 3 credit hours = 96.8 credit hours = 96.8 credit hours/30 credit hours per year = 3.2 years of college (spread across numerous students) = 3.2 years x $20,000 per year = $64,500 in saved tuition for such students. Note: if the students go to more expensive schools, the cost savings is higher. These are just approximate numbers, but they illustrate that the AP program can greatly benefit qualified students.
The largest fundraiser of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. is Blues, Brews and Barbecue which is scheduled at Petersen Park on August 18, 19 and 20, 2017. The Rotary Club of McHenry and such Club’s Members formed the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. (an Illinois not for profit corporation which is also a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) to fund ongoing charitable/service operations on a tax exempt basis and to ensure continued sustainability of the Club’s charitable/service operations. The Club and its Charitable Foundation develop, improve and maintain the cultural, recreational, economic, educational and social welfare of people in the greater McHenry area (and throughout the world).
Pictured (from left to right) are Ryan McTague (Dist 156 Superintendent), Maddie Weaver (AP student), Terry Fitzgibbons (standing in the second row, Associate Principal, West Campus), Jessica Long (AP student), Cole Petty (AP student), Tague Sode (AP student), Martha Potthoff (Principal), Bill McLemore (Club President), and Ron Bykowski (Foundation Chair)
Foundation Donation of $3,000 to the McHenry School District 156
On February 3, 2017, the McHenry Knights of Columbus Councils 1288 and 16446 sent a “thank you” letter to the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. (organizer of Blues, Brews & Barbecue - which is scheduled at Petersen Park on August 18, 19 and 20, 2017) for its donation of $550. Holiday Meals Committee Chairman Charles J Caner wrote: “Your contribution helped make it possible to provide a valuable gift of food to families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We provided over 825 meals during the 2016 event which has only been made possible because of thoughtful contributions from people like you. For Thanksgiving each meal contained a turkey and for Christmas each meal contained a ham. Many of these families expressed their gratitude and thankfulness for our help which we pass on to you.”
Pictured here at the November 3, 2016 check presentation are from left to right: Denis Buch (President-Elect of the Rotary Club of McHenry), Carl W. Smith (SK Grand Knight St Patrick Council 16446), and Ron Bykowski (Chairman of the Rotary Club of McHenry Foundation, Inc.).
ImaBridge Africa (IBA) recently visited Nigeria. IBA is a faith-based charity dedicated to building transformational relationships between people from dissimilar communities, the privileged and the underprivileged. IBA is called to aid the African rural poor in developing skills, knowledge, attitudes and experience for self-reliance and the capacity to work together to solve their challenges. IBA’s mission is guided by the worldwide 2015 UN Millennium Goals. IBA’s mission is to provide financial and human resources for projects that empower the poor to eradicate extreme poverty, promote gender equality, reduce child and maternal mortality, and ensure environmental sustainability.
Cecilia Adams (Team Member – ImaBridge Africa), Christine Carrington (Vice President – ImaBridge Africa), Denis Buch – President Elect Rotary Club of McHenry), Rev. Fr. Godwin Asuquo (Founding Director – ImaBridge Africa), and Carl Smith (Board Member – ImaBridge Africa)
Pictured are members of the Rotary Club of McHenry presenting to VFW Post 4600 Commander Bob Lungren a Da-Lite Professional Fully Motorized Movie Screen donated by Ron and Linda Bykowski on behalf of the Rotary Club of McHenry. The large screen was expertly installed by club members Tom Webb, Don Tonyan and Denis Buch.
The Club's weekly lunch meeting is held at the VFW every Thursday at 12:00 Noon. Those interested in learning more about membership in the Rotary Club of McHenry are welcome to attend.
Pictured below from left to right are:
Back Row: Denis Buch (President-Elect), Donald Arvidson, Dawn Cassidy-Turner, Thomas Webb, Phil Sweeney, Michael Hein, Ron Newman
Front Row (Standing): John Halbleib, Phil Bartmann, William McLemore (President), Commander Bob Lungren (VFW), Ron Bykowski
Today, President-Elect Denis Buch (pictured below) announced the officers of the Rotary Club of McHenry for the July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 year. They were elected by the Members of the Club as follows: President – Denis Buch; President-Elect – John Halbleib; First Vice President – Rev. Michael Hein; Secretary – Dawn Cassidy-Turner; Treasurer – Cheryden Juergensen and Co-Sargent at Arms – Craig Adams and Tony Huemann
Pictured below, left to right, are Bill McLemore (President of the Rotary Club of McHenry) and Barb Swanson (Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County)
Rev. Fr. Godwin Nsikan-Ubom Asuquo, Pastor of Saint Patrick Church in McHenry, is the recipient of the Rotary Award for Humanitarian services in connection with his efforts in forming and developing the ImaBridge Africa, USA, team. See his Founder’s Statement. More on I’m a Bridge. The ImaBridge Africa, USA, team has worked in supporting the people of Akwa Ibom State in areas of Healthcare, Provision of Clean Water, Education and Microfinance since its founding in 2008. Current efforts serve to provide relief and care for victims of a recent Church collapse.
Fr. Godwin Nsikan-Ubom Asuquo, Pastor of Saint Patrick Church, is also Pastor/Founding Director, ImaBridge Africa
Pictured below from left to right are Chris Carrington, Vice President and Board member of I’m a Bridge Africa, as well as Father Godwin
Ron Bykowski, Chairman of the Rotary Club Foundation, headed the annual meeting of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. His report (and that of other officers of the Foundation) reported excellent asset growth and return on investments, as well as very high levels of local grants and scholarships designed to benefit the greater McHenry area.
The Rotary Club of McHenry and such Club’s Members formed the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation, Inc. (an Illinois not for profit corporation which is also a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) to fund ongoing charitable/service operations on a tax exempt basis and to ensure continued sustainability of the Club’s charitable/service operations. The Club and its Charitable Foundation develop, improve and maintain the cultural, recreational, economic, educational and social welfare of people in the greater McHenry area (and throughout the world).
The Foundation manages funding from the Club as well as various donor-directed endowments. The Foundation also receives contributions from the public and encourages larger gifts that are ordinarily made by way of estate planning strategies. These include, but are not limited to, cash donations; securities which have appreciated in value such that donation to the Club Foundation will give rise to tax advantages for the donor; life insurance policies which name the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary; naming the Club Foundation as beneficiary of the donor's retirement account(s); and so on. Any and all such gifts may be named to give honor or recognition to a special person, donor, organization, or business entity in perpetuity. The Foundation’s largest fundraiser each year is the Blues, Brews and Barbecue, which is scheduled for Petersen Park on August 18, 19, and 20, 2017.
Kirsten Velasco presented Medical Cannabis in Illinois in which she covered the various medical conditions for which it has proved beneficial, patient experience, the science and biology relevant to its medical use, as well as the relevant laws and politics. Here is a link to the presentation. Here is their Facebook page.
Kim McGann (Dean), Chelsea Baird (Assistant Principal), and Michael Glover (Principal) of McHenry Middle School (Grades 6-8) presented the school’s Rachel’s Challenge – Promoting Acts of Kindness program. This program has been designed to address and reduce instances of “bullying”. The program seeks to empower students and staff to initiate a chain reaction of kindness and compassion, as well as encourage students to deliberately reach out to others with kindness”. The McHenry Middle School’s program seeks to address both in-person as well as “cyber” bullying.
“Bullying” can be described as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.”
“Cyberbullying” can be described as “bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.”
“BULLYING POLICY: McHenry Elementary School District 15 has an official policy prohibiting bullying and any other form of intimidation or harassment. Anyone having knowledge of such behavior is directed to contact the building principal immediately. Bullying might include any harassing or intimidating behavior (verbal, physical or visual) that unreasonably interferes with one’s education. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice toward another person. Prohibited conduct includes any use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, harassment, bullying, including, but not limited to all forms of cyber-bullying via any media source, hazing, or other comparable conduct. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in District 15 schools and will be dealt with by school administrators according to building disciplinary policy”.
Pictured below from left to right are Kim McGann, Chelsea Baird, and Mike Glover
On November 10, 2016, Carol Toft (a student’s mother), Marcia Chester (Director and a student’s mother), and Steve Chester (a student’s father) presented the McHenry County Adult Program (“McCAP”) to the Rotary Club of McHenry. McCAP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves young adults with special needs in the greater McHenry County area. With a 2:1 student to staff ratio, each participant is encouraged and supported to reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. McCAP’s mission is “To provide a meaningful learning experience that will enrich and expand the lives of young adults with serve and profound disabilities.”
From left to right are: Steve Chester, Marcia Chester (Director), David Chester, William McLemore (Rotary Club of McHenry President), Carol Toft, and Nikki Toft.
On November 3, 2016, the Rotary Club of McHenry Foundation, Inc. (organizer of Blues, Brews & Barbeque) presented the McHenry Knights of Columbus, Council #16446, McHenry, IL with a check for $550. This reinvestment in our shared community assists in funding Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for McHenry residents who during the Holiday Season might find themselves without sufficient means to partake in these important American traditions – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Through the net proceeds of Blues, Brews & Barbeque (and other similar events), those who participate in such community events (which are organized by the Rotary Club of McHenry Foundation, Inc.) help to fund various investments back into our shared community and its citizens.
This wonderful Holiday season is extended more broadly to a larger number of our residents through the efforts of the McHenry Knights of Columbus, Council #16446, McHenry, IL and similar efforts of others.
The McHenry Knights of Columbus will host a Holiday meal packing function at Holy Apostles Church (which is located at 5211 Bull Valley Rd, McHenry IL) on the following dates:
Pictured here from left to right are Denis Buch (President-Elect of the Rotary Club of McHenry), Carl W. Smith (SK Grand Knight St Patrick Council 16446), and Ron Bykowski (Chairman of the Rotary Club of McHenry Foundation, Inc.).
Sarah Oliver (member of the Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club) is the Chair of Rotary District 6440 Rotary Foundation Committee. On November 3, 2016, she presented various aspects of the Rotary Foundation to the Rotary Club of McHenry, IL. Sarah’s presentation was interesting and informative. Rotary Clubs around the world continue to improve our world through service above self.
On October 27, 2016, members of the Rotary Club of McHenry (and guests) went on a Magical Mystery Tour.
The details of the Magical Mystery Tour had been kept a well-guarded secret. As the evening unfolded, we enjoyed a wonderful reception at Boone Creek Cabinetry & Design’s showroom, followed by a social, yet suspenseful, bus ride to an undisclosed location. Upon arriving, we enjoyed appetizers and a delicious meal at the Pirch Kitchen, Bathroom, and Outdoor Store at 624 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook, Illinois.
Denis (President-Elect of the Rotary Club of McHenry) and Michele Buch organized this extraordinary event. This was fun, entertaining and most of all it served to build goodwill and better friendships, and it was beneficial to all. Here are a few pictures from the event.
Robert Beezat presented Character Based Management , his most recent book. The book can be purchased online by clicking here. The presentation can be downloaded from the home page of the Rotary Club of McHenry.
You can also download the free “Be A Better You” app, which is a personal workbook companion to the book Character Based Management by clicking here. The app’s goal is to help you keep track of the characteristics you want to focus on to become a more well-rounded manager. You'll fill out a short assessment, set a few action items upon which to focus, and the app will send you a weekly reminder email. Sign up for free, opt out any time.
For more on Robert Beezat’s experience, click here.
Our annual Fall Farm Fest at Stade's Farm & Market with our friends at Pioneer Center. We love having our friends at the farm for donuts and cider, petting zoo and hayrides and picking pumpkins. Thank you to Vern Stade and his staff.
Harvey Mysel is the Founder & President of Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN) (Blood Pressure Screening Program). Harvey established the LKDN after recognizing the need for better resources while pursuing a successful living kidney transplant in 2006. LKDN's purpose is to share knowledge and build the confidence to enable the life changing benefits of living donation.
Here is Harvey Mysel (left) administering a blood pressure test for Bill McLemore (right), President of the Rotary Club of McHenry.
In 2015, PolioPlus celebrated its 30th Anniversary. PolioPlus, the most ambitious program in Rotary’s history, is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. For more than 30 years, Rotary has led the private sector in the global effort to rid the world of this crippling disease. Today, PolioPlus and its role in the initiative is recognized worldwide as a model of public-private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal. In addition to providing financial and volunteer support, Rotary works to urge support from other public and private sector partners. This includes the campaign to End Polio Now”. Learn more - click here.
Carol Wells is the current End Polio Now Chair (2016-2017) for Rotary District 6440. She is the Immediate Past-President, Rotary Club of Wilmette Harbor (2015-2016) and has served as her club's End Polio Now Chair since joining Rotary in 2011. In 2013, she traveled to Nigeria for a National Immunization Day with a group of International Rotarians led by the current Rotary District 6440 Governor, Rick Rivkin. In June 2016, Carol observed the Stop Transmission of Polio training for a week at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA.
Pictured are Carol Wells and William “Bill” McLemore (President of Rotary Club of McHenry) indicating that “We are ‘this close’ to ending polio”
Executive Director Lupe Ortiz of the Garden Quarter Neighborhood Resource Center, 3733 W. Elm Street, McHenry, IL 60050, is pictured here accepting a $5,000 check from the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation. “The Garden Quarter Neighborhood Resource Center exists to enhance the quality of life of the McHenry community by encouraging education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and developing multicultural relationships.”
Among other events, the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation sponsors the annual Blues, Brews and Barbeque. Funding from such events is then invested in our community. The Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation is the 501(c)(3) tax exempt foundation associated with the Rotary Club of McHenry.
Pictured here from left to right are Ron Bykowski (Chairman of the Rotary Club of McHenry Charitable Foundation) and Lupe Ortiz (Executive Director of the Garden Quarter Neighborhood Resource Center)
Teachers from McHenry High School presented “Food for Thought”, a program which the McHenry High School offers to some of their students. Click here for a full description of the "Food for Thought" program. Here are a few details.
“In an effort to help our students reach their full learning potential, McHenry High School District 156 realized that we had to come face to face with the struggles our students encounter each day before they even step inside our schools. One of the most prevalent issues some experience is the lack of enough quality food in their diets to help sustain their ability to learn. In 2014, according to Feeding America.org, “Although related, food insecurity and poverty are not the same, poverty in the United States is only one of many factors associated with food insecurity. In fact, higher unemployment, lower household assets, and certain demographic characteristics also lead to a lack of access to adequate, nutritious food.” Some important statistics that will help clarify the problems: [. . . .]
In McHenry High School District 156, 1 in 3.6 students qualify for a free lunch which requires the family to be at or below the poverty line (a family of four: approximately $24,000 yearly income). McHenry High School School District 156 is instituting a program (Food for Thought) to help with those students that are in need. We believe that by offering a food pantry at the school, we will help our students make the most of their education. The Food for Thought program provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for children, commonly for low-income families, to replace the school meals that children miss during their weekend or extended breaks from school. Each weekend, we hope to provide a food bag that contains enough food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks. All food is nonperishable.
Children will be able to opt-in and opt-out of the program. We invite you to help as this will be run completely by wonderful volunteers; we will need folks to help pack food bags weekly and find and organize fundraising and donation drives that keep the program running, as it will be funded through the generous gifts of potential community donors.”
Pictured here from left to right are Ashley L. Diedrich (an English teacher at McHenry High School, West Campus), Aubrey Francis (a history teacher at McHenry High School, West Campus), and Terry Fitzgibbons (Associate Principal, McHenry Community High School District 156)
Rotary District Governor Richard “Rick” Rivkin welcomes Dawn Cassiday Turner as the newest Rotary Club member. Dawn studied at the University of Denver and then Columbia College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree. She is a Relationship Banker with American Community Bank in McHenry, Illinois. Dawn and her husband live in Spring Grove with their six children, along with a small menagerie of dogs, a cat and a couple of chickens. Dawn also coaches the first-ever McHenry Warriors Girls High School lacrosse team, now in its third season. She has also served on the National Ski Patrol for 5 years at Wilmot, as a member of the District 114 Board of Education for 6 years and on United Way’s allocation panel.
Dawn: “I strongly believe in volunteering and I’m thrilled to become a member of the Rotary to further serve our community!”
From left to right: Don Tonyan, Dawn Cassidy Turner, Rotary District Governor Richard “Rick” Rivkin and Club President William “Bill” McLemore.
District Governor Rick Rivkin welcomes Dawn Cassiday Turner
Rotary District 6440 Governor Richard “Rick” Rivkin met with the members of the Rotary Club of McHenry. We exchanged many examples and ideas regarding our shared avenues of “Service Above Self” – Community, Youth, Vocational, International and Club. Joining Rick was Kathy (Kat) Beringer, Assistant Governor – Northwest Sector – Rotary International, who also visited with us on July 28 (see story posted below on July 30, 2016 for more on Kat). Thank you Rick and Kat for your invaluable insight into the many avenues through which the Rotary Club of McHenry can continue to grow and further serve our community, including “The Power of One”.
Rick Rivkin joined the Rotary Club of Northbrook in 1999 and served as President during the 2009-2010 Rotary year. During his tenure in the club, he served as International Service Chair and as Webmaster. Rick participated in the first district mission to Guatemala in 2007 and returned to Guatemala a few years later. In 2012 Rick organized and led a PolioPlus NID trip to India followed by a PolioPlus NID trip to Nigeria in 2013.
Professionally Rick is President and CEO of Saf-T-Gard International, Inc., a 4th generation family business based In Northbrook, IL. Saf-T-Gard is a global supplier of industrial safety products and personal protective equipment.
Rick and his wife Helen have lived in Deerfield since 1973. They have 3 children and 4 grand-children.
District Governor Rick Rivkin visits the Rotary Club of McHenry
Dawn Cassiday Turner, Relationship Banker at American Community Bank & Trust in McHenry, has become a member of the Rotary Club of McHenry. Pictured here is President Bill McLemore welcoming Dawn on behalf of all members.
Dawn Cassiday Turner (Left) William “Bill” McLemore (Right)
Father Godwin Asuquo, Pastor of McHenry’s St. Patrick Church, recently explained traditional attire for men and women in Nigeria. On July 7, 2016 Father Godwin was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary International honor. Here he is pictured along with The Rev. Lori M. Lowe, SSAP, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Both are members of the Rotary Club of McHenry.
Father Godwin Asuquo (in traditional Nigerian attire) and Rev. Lori M. Lowe
Father Ephraim Ukpeh (first on the left), a Rotarian from Nigeria, visited the Rotary Club of McHenry. No matter where Rotarians travel, each Rotarian knows there will be a welcoming nearby Rotary club. Here Nigerian Rotarian Father Ephraim is welcomed by all members of the Rotary Club of McHenry, including those pictured – Mayor Sue Low (second from the left), McHenry Rotary Club President Bill McLemore (second from the right) and Father Godwin Asuquo (Pastor of McHenry’s St. Patrick Church, on the far right).
Pictured from left to right: Father Ephraim Ukpeh, Mayor Susan E. Low, President William P. McLemore, and Father Godwin Asuquo
Kathy (Kat) Beringer, Assistant Governor – Northwest Sector – Rotary International, presented members of the McHenry Rotary Club with the 2016-2017 Directory for Rotary International, District 6440 (“The Home District”). Kat also mentioned a few upcoming anniversaries of various clubs (e.g., Waukegan Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary on December 1, having been formed on such date in 1916).
Picture: Kat and Bill McLemore, McHenry Rotary Club President
At the regular meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club, Thursday, July 21st, at the McHenry VFW Post, Past President, Tony Huemann received the anonymous gift of being made a Paul Harris Fellow. The award was presented by (Left to right in photo below) yours truly; with Rotary Foundation Chair, Phil Bartmann; and Tony and his wife, Brenda, Huemann present for the awarding. A goodly number of Tony's family attended the meal and ceremony.
PAST PRESIDENT, TONY HUEMANN, HONORED AS A PAUL HARRIS FELLOW
At the Thursday, July 7th, noon meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club (President McLemore's first), he presented, on behalf of Ron and Linda Bykowski, the Paul Harris Fellow citation to Fr. Godwin Asuquo, newly inducted Rotarian, and Pastor of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, McHenry. Ron noted Fr. Godwin's mission work with his native country, Nigeria, and that he has been a resident of the United States for 17 years and is an American citizen. (Shown below, left to right: Ron Bykowski, Fr. Godwin, Linda Bykowski, and President Bill McLemore.
The presentation followed the President's address in which he formed the club into four action committees under the direction of the Directors of Avenues of Service: Club Service (Donna Schaeffer); Community Service (Ron Newman); Vocational Service (Brian Thoma); and International Service (Karen Lavin). He also introduced the Club Officers: Tony Huemann, Past President; Denis Buch, President Elect; Terry Fitzgibbons, Secretary; and Cheryden Juergensen, Treasurer.
(Left to right) Trista Iodice and Jeff Batt, McHenry Sunrise Club; students: Kyle Lim, Jim Myers, Megan Jurek, and Bri Huff; and Amber Bowgren, Assistant Principal, McHenry High School West Campus. They visited the McHenry Rotary Club at noon, Thursday, May 12th, at the McHenry VFW Club to talk about their recent RYLA weekend. The students were among 100 young women and men who met for three days at YMCA Camp Edwards in East Troy, Wisconsin, April 7-10th. The youth were selected for their leadership abilities and skills from several local high schools. The weekend included educational presentations on leadership, times for fellowship, and small group sharing.
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD (RYLA) VISITS MCHENRY ROTARY
John F. Halbleib, proposed by member Lori Lowe, was officially inducted by unanimous approval, as a member of the Rotary Club of McHenry. John gave the Club a brief overview of his background and vocation. He lists his position as Member/Owner of John F Halbleib, LLC as well as President & Chairman of the Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness Research, Inc. His wife is Jeanne Duffy. John's birthday is May 5th, her birthday is June 26, and their anniversary is October 3rd.
James A. Valley, long-time friend and business associate of Ron Bykowski, was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition at the regular noon meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club, Thursday, January 21st, at the McHenry VFW Lodge.
The Paul Harris recognition is presented by persons contributing $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. This is an international fund which supports service projects all over the world, polio vaccines, education, water supplies, and many related needs. Ron and Jim have worked together for 34 years and Ron added, "We have had fewer spats than either one of us with our wives."
Left to right in the photograph: Ron and Linda Bykowski, Rita and Jim Valley, Bill McLemore.
++ After enjoying a delicious steak and baked potato meal with a lemon sherbert for dessert, the 2015-2016 officers were installed including incoming President, Tony Huemann (shown in the photo being sworn in by Assistant Governor, Don Brewer).
++ Other than President Huemann; the 2015-16 Club Officers are: Brian Thoma, Immediate Past President; Denis Buch, Vice-President; Cheryden Juergensen, Treasurer; Terry Fitzgibbons, Secretary; Karen Lavin, Director for International Service; Ron Bykowski, Charitable Foundation Chair; Phil Sweeney, Membership Chair; and Phil Bartmann, Rotary Foundation Chair.
++ In his closing remarks, President Huemann outlined three basic goals for his administration: (1) Increase club membership by at least 3 new members; (2) Increase our activity in Polio Plus; and (3) Increase club awareness of the international nature of Rotary.
++ Last but not least, Bob Blake won the weekly raffle which comes to about $100.
Earl Ferris, a member of McHenry Rotary in the 1990's died Saturday, July 13th, at his home in Huntley.
He was born May 24, 1929 the son of S. Wayne and Allice (Herring) Ferris. He was raised and educated in Hampton, Iowa, graduating from Hampton High School in 1947.
Earl attended Iowa State University and later enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean War.
March 30, 1951, he married Wanda M. Wiese in Eldora, Iowa, and they lived in Hampton where he owned and operated the Earl Ferris Nursery.
He was a life-long Rotarian serving in the Hampton Rotary Club, the Round Lake Rotary Club, and the McHenry Rotary Club, rising to the office of President in several and becoming a Paul Harris fellow multiple times.
He is survived by his companion, Marjorie Hanson of Huntley, his children, Skip (Terri) Ferris of Gilbert, Minnesota, Bill (Linn) Ferris of Lakeville, Minnesota, Maryann Sudmeier of Arvada, Colorado, Bob (Patty) Ferris of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and John (Heather) Ferris of the Village of Greenwood, Illinois, 8 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren, his sister, Patricia Boehmler of Mesa, Arizona and his brother, Wayne "Mickey" Ferris. Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Wanda.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19th at the DeFlore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, Illinois.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, June 20th with visitation an hour prior at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E Main Street, Huntley, Illinois.
Burial with full military honors will be at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton, Iowa, Monday, June 22nd, 11 a.m.
Instead of flowers, the family lists several avenues for contributions including the Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 or at Rotary.org.
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed Kathrine P. Violett, Community Development Associate at McHenry Savings Bank to their Thursday, June 11th, noon meeting, at the McHenry Country Club. Kathrine, an accomplished fund raiser, gave some basics to the membership regarding securing sponsors for the club’s “Blues, Brews, & BBQ, scheduled for the weekend of July 31-August 2nd, at Petersen Park in McHenry. This annual even raises funds for club projects such as scholarships, food banks, and other local charities. She said the secret is to know the “right person, the right ask, the right time, and the right way.”
LOCAL FUND RAISER GIVES HELPFUL HINTS TO MCHENRY ROTARIANS
Don Arvidson, a member of the McHenry Rotary Club since April 12, 1964, architect and general contractor, brought his son, LTC Mark Arvidson, recently retired from the U. S. Army to our regular meeting, Thursday, June 11th, at the McHenry Country Club.
DON ARVIDSON BRINGS HIS SON AS A GUEST TO THE JUNE 11TH MEETING
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker, Marsha Potthoff, Principal of McHenry High School, West Campus, who explained the ‘Advanced Placement Program’ at the school. Twenty separated courses are offered at the High School including, art, biology, chemistry, geography, history, physics, and psychology. The stumbling block for many students is the cost of testing which she hopes can be assisted with scholarship help. The program was held Thursday, February 26th, 12 noon, at the regular meeting in St. Paul’s Church, McHenry. Photo: Rotarian, Terry Fitzgibbons, a school official from East Campus, with Marsha Pottoff, Principal at the West Campus, McHenry High School.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL TALKS ON ‘ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM’
The annual McHenry Rotary Club Christmas Banquet was held at the North 31 Banquet and Conference Center, 6 P.M., Thursday evening, December 4th. About 40 guests enjoyed a fellowship time with cash bar refreshments, a delicious meal featuring roast beef and barbeque chicken, and a violin program featuring eight young women violinists and their instructor. Music varied from the classical to the popular and included Tennessee fiddling!
The first McHenry Community Fellowship Breakfast was held at 7:30 A.M. at McHenry High School West Campus, Wednesday morning, November 26th. Hundreds of leaders and citizens of the community attended the breakfast sponsored by the High School National Honor Society, Kiwanis, Lions, and the two Rotary Clubs of McHenry. Kiwanian, Nancy Tunberg, who brought the idea to fruition welcomed everyone, along with Jared Kaminiski and Alec Lancaster of the Honor Society. The McHenry High School Choir provided music for the occasion and led the group in the singing of the National Anthem. The keynote speaker was Kit Carstens who talked of the history of community development in McHenry, the present situation, and the future possibilities. The meeting ended with a 17 minute video presentation featuring alumni of McHenry High School West Campus. Among those attending from the McHenry Noon Rotary Club were Tony Huemann, Sue Low, Bill McLemore, Donna Schaefer, Phil Sweeney, Don Tonyan, and Tom Webb.
“Rotarians launched from the burg of Bad Vilbel renowned for its mineral springs, on 3 May. The 527 cyclists – ‘Rotaryians, families, little kids with backpacks,’ according to Angela Schmitt-Glaser, of the Rotary Club of Frankfurt/Main International—got rolling on a 22 miles trek to Franfurt that raise 877,000 Euros in pledge to help end polio and promote children’s health.” (Read the full article on p. 14)
Frank Buren on Building Generosity
“Wealth isolates. Big houses. Big cars. No need to ask favors of people. Perhaps this is what underlies much of the shift in behavior among wealthy individuals. When we don’t need to interact with others, our ability to imagine their lives diminishes.” (Read the full article on p. 25)
Damon and White Talk About Water Projects (Cover Story)
“When we were in India last year, Gary and I had a conversation with a woman who was paying 20 rupees every day to obtain water for her family from the water vendor. She was also paying 20 rupees a day to use the public toilet in their slum. She was spending 40 rupees a day for her family for water and a toilet. If you add that up over the course of a year, it is a tremendous cost. She took out a WaterCredit loan to build a toilet in her home and to obtain a water connection into her house.” The article continues to say she’s now paying about the same as she was on her loan, but in two years will pay it off. (Read the full story on p. 28)
“Facts of the Matter” on Ants
“Ants can be excellent problem solvers—and ruthless. To survive, some steal ant larvae from other colonies and use those ants as workers.” (p. 54)
Past District Governor and Club Member, Bill McLemore, presents a two jeweled gold pin to Terry Hargrove whose generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation have earned him the honor of a second Paul Harris Fellow award. The presentation was made at the regular club meeting, Thursday, November 20, 2014, at the noon gathering of the club in the river side meeting room of the McHenry Country Club. (Photo courtesy of Donna Schaefer)
Terry Fitzgibbons presented a plaque to our Rotary Club at the regular meeting, Thursday, November 13th from the Warrior Academy's Speaker Series, for our club's contribution to help pay the expenses for a recent guest speaker, Keith Hawkins. Hawkins addressed five local schools on the subject of how to deal with bullying among students. The plaque details Mr. Hawkin's background and information about his presentations, times and places. According to Terry, this program was very well received by the students.
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker, Charles Benedetti, a graphologist from Lincolnshire, Illinois, to its regular noon meeting, Thursday, November 6th, at the McHenry Country Club. He detailed what he looks for in handwriting analysis as well as stressed the importance of children learning cursive writing at an early age. He is anxious to bring his message to schools where the act of cursive writing seems no longer important. He feels that learning cursive writing is very important for mental acuity and brain to muscle control. Shown above, Brian Thomas (left) and Don Tonyan (right) look on as Charles Benedetti demonstrates the benefits of learning and using cursive writing.
GRAPHOLOGIST DESCRIBES MENTAL BENEFITS OF CURSIVE WRITING!
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker, Johnsburg Police Chief, Keith Von Allmen, who gave an informative presentation on his department’s community outreach programs which include an Explorer Youth Program, Shop with a Cop, Community Police Academy, Bowl with a Cop, and a Prescription Drug Takeback program. Club President, Brian Thoma, also presented a check representing McHenry Rotary’s support of the Explorer Youth Program at the regular Thursday noon meeting, October 23rd, at the McHenry Country Club.
Thursday, October 16th, Stade's Farm... McHenry Rotarians gathered for lunch here today and assisted with the visit of exceptional children and adults from a local agency. They enjoyed petting animals, a hay ride, and other activities at this popular local farm and park. Photo courtesy of Donna Schaefer.
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker, Robin R. Doeden, Executive Director for the McHenry County Community Foundation at their noon meeting, Thursday, October 9th, at the McHenry Country Club. Ms. Doeden outlined several programs of her organization that helps veterans, especially in the area of medical treatment and education services. The McHenry County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Chicago Community Trust.
MCHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SERVES VETERANS
The McHenry Rotary Club welcomed guest speaker, Joe Rosner, a local self-defense instructor from Hebron, Illinois. Rosner put forth some no-nonsense ways in which persons could increase their safety when accosted by a threatening person. His talk was given at the regular Thursday meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club at noon, October 2nd, in the McHenry Country Club. His presentation included a role play with a Rotarian to show how to thwart physical aggressive movements. Photo: Rosner demonstrates how to break a choke hold with McHenry Rotarian, Terry Hargrove.
ROTARIANS LEARN ART OF SELF DEFENSE FROM JOE ROSNER
Donald Brewer, Assistant Governor for Rotary District 6440, has been elected to serve as District Governor for the Rotary year 2017-2018. Don is a member of the Algonquin Rotary Club and has served as Assistant Governor for a number of years. He visited the McHenry Rotary Club at its regular meeting, Thursday, October 2nd, at the McHenry Country Club. Brewer is shown in this photograph being congratulated by McHenry Past President, Tom Webb.
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting, September 25th, at the McHenry Country Club, McHenry, welcomed Chief John Jones of the McHenry Police Department who gave a talk on steps taken in McHenry to respond to possible armed attacks at local schools. The Chief outlined the training and community based cooperation of police, fire, public works, and educational leaders to prepare for the eventuality of someone bringing a weapon to school as an act of terror. Photo: Club President, Brian Thoma, is shown with guest speaker, Chief John Jones.
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting, September 25th, at the McHenry Country Club, McHenry, had member, PDG Bill McLemore, present two Paul Harris Fellows with their certificates and pins. Ron Bykowski, through a substantial contribution to the Rotary Foundation, increased his giving level to 8 and designated a portion of his gift to honor new member, Susie Franks, as a Paul Harris Fellow. Photo: (Left to right, benefactor Ron Bykowski, Paul Harris Fellow Susie Frank, and PDG Bill McLemore. Photo courtesy of Donna Schaefer.
McHENRY ROTARY PDG PRESENTS TWO PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIPS
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting, September 25th, at the McHenry Country Club, McHenry, inducted Susie Frank, founder and director of Mission Community Center for Sacramental Growth, MCCSG. Her organization is a McHenry Resource Center for home schooling and education program for our county area. Photo: Club President, Brian Thoma, (on the right) inducts Susie Frank as a member of the McHenry Rotary Club.
Sister Mary Martha from Marengo visited our club once again and sat next to long-time member Phil Bartmann, who needs the blessings of a holy woman! Phil said he just had physical therapy before the Rotary meeting and welcomed such a blessings as she provided their table!
VISITING ROTARIAN SISTER MARY MARTHA AND MEMBER PHIL BARTMANN
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting, September 11th, at the McHenry Country Club, McHenry, welcomed Dan Volkers of the McHenry County Farm Bureau. Mr. Volkers presented a power point talk of the current activities and programs of our local farm bureau. Photo: Club President, Brian Thoma, is shown with guest speaker, Dan Volkers.
Faculty members (left to right), Terry Fitzgibbons and Jen Beattie, and Senior High student, Bradley Smith, make an appeal to the members of the McHenry Rotary Club, Thursday, September 11th, 12 noon, to support a program of driving safety, “Celebrate My Drive,” of State Farm Insurance Company. The school that receives the most “votes” at www,celebratemydrive.com” will receive $100,000 in education grants. The meeting was at the McHenry Country Club on John’s Street in McHenry.
PLEASE CALL “CELEBRATE MY DRIVE” HIGH SCHOOL VISITORS IMPLORE!
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, McHenry, welcomed Sharon and Bob Naskrent of the Illinois/Wisconsin Search and Rescue Team with two of their search dogs. They spoke of the many ways these dogs have saved lives with their unique ability to track and smell.
To celebrate his 45th year as a Rotary, Bill McLemore, treated the club to a spaghetti dinner at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. With the help of his wife, Lori Lowe, also a Rotarian and Rector of St. Paul's, and Phil and Janice Bartmann, around 30 people enjoyed a meal. During the meeting, President Brian Thoma, presented Bill with a handsome curved glass plaque honoring his 45 years of Rotary service. He joined Rotary in September 1969 and the McHenry Club is his 7th Rotary Club to belong to over the years.
The Rotary Club of McHenry, at its Thursday noon meeting at the McHenry County Club, welcomed local historian, Pat Wirtz, who presented a program on the history of the Petersen Farm and the community activities planned by the Petersen Farm Foundation. The farm dates back to 1842 when Page Colby purchased 240 acres along what would become McCullon Lake Road. Every year the Foundations holds a “Petersen Farm Day” with tours of the farm house, activities for the children, and other forms of entertainment. Over 1,500 attended their last event.
MCHENRY ROTARY LEARNS ABOUT THE HISTORIC PETERSEN FARM
Mayor Sue Low dared Phil Sweeney, both members of the McHenry Rotary Club, to take the ALS ice water challenge. Phil accepted the challenge and the club elected Jim Vyduna and Don Tonyan to lift and pour the bucket of ice and water over his head. Through a process of auction and club action, the group raised nearly $200 to help fight ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ‘Lou Gehrig’s Disease'
Phil, in his pre-dousing speech, named his siblings, brothers Brendan and Frank, sister, Maureen, to join the thousands who have taken the ice bath for ALS. The whole procedure ended the weekly noon meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club on the grounds of the McHenry Country Club, facing the members looking through the windows.
Photo: Jim Vyduna and Don Tonyan pour the ice water over fellow Rotarian Phil Sweeney.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed the Governor of Rotary District 6440, Ellen Young, at its regular meeting, Thursday, August 14th, at the McHenry Country Club. The governor presented a brief power point program highlighting the world-wide service projects of Rotary International and spoke of the importance of involvement in community service. District 6440 has over 2,000 members in about 66 clubs in the northeast corner of Illinois. Photo: Governor Meets with Board of Directors. (Clockwise from left), Donna Schaefer, Tony Huemann, Assistant Governor Don Brewer, Governor Ellen Young, CherydenJuergensen, (backs to camera), Past President Tom Webb, President Brian Thoma
DISTRICT GOVERNOR, ELLEN YOUNG, VISITS MCHENRY ROTARY
Mayor Sue Low presents a McHenry proclamation to member Don Weingart, a long-time McHenry Rotarian, for his support of the United States Military during World War II. These awards were presented at the veterans appreciation ceremonies at the Pearl Street Park the preceding Sunday which Don was unable to attend. The photo shows Don and Mayor Sue with the proclamation at the Thursday, August 14th, noon meeting of the club. Ron Bykowski also noted the World War II service of member Bob Blake.
MAYOR HONORS LOCAL CITIZEN FOR WORLD WAR II DOMESTIC SUPPORT
Bill McLemore, Priest Associate Retired, of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, McHenry, receives a check for $948.10 from Rotarian Don Tonyan as part of the Community Service monies raised at their recent Blues, Brews, and Barbecues. From all reports, this was one of the most successful of these annual events sponsored by McHenry Rotary. Early estimates indicate the club will be able to offer nearly $20,000 outreach to the community.
McHENRY ROTARY PRESENTS $948.10 CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL DIAPER BANK
I have been scanning the photos and papers left by Jack Kelsey(about 200 so far) and found a real treasure for our history. Among the photos, newsletters, and memorabilia, is his 1965-1966 membership notebook. Not only with photos and brief bios of all the members in that day, but in the back is a brief history of each year from 1954-1966. The attached photo is of Jack's page in the directory. It will take a while to finish scanning the material, but I just wanted to share this. I've scanned every page. Bill McLemore, Club Historian
President Thoma called the meeting to order, with 15 Rotarians in attendance and our guest speaker, Lucy Tonyan (see Bill McLemore's story about our speaker). Phil Sweeney lead us in the Pledge, Denny Welter the 4 Way Test, Don Weingart a song and Bill McLemore a prayer of thanks and hope for a speedy recovery for Phil Bartmann.
Fun and Frolic - Brian quizzed us "On This Day In History"
Mystery Hand Shaker - Phil Sweeney
Happy Dollars - Brian for Phil B. coming home from the hospital and fleecing Sweeney at poker, Jim Vyduna for his stay at his condo in Colorado, Kathy for her upcoming trip to Alaska, Patrick for spending some time with his 9 month old granddaughter in Ohio and Bill McLemore for the return of Lori from her grandmother duties out of state.
Reports:
Picnic In The Park - July 17th - 5 pm Veterans Park...BYOB (bring your own beverage) - No meeting at the Country Club
Bags Tournament - July 19th - corner of 120 and Riverside Drive - benefit for St. Pauls Diaper Bank
Fiesta Day Parade - July 20th - volunteers needed to hand out brochures during parade
50/50 drawing - Sue Low had the ticket but the white marble remains...pot is now $ 121
Lucy Tonyan, a long-time resident of McHenry, recently an Art Teacher at Montini Catholic School for 18 years, talked to the McHenry Rotary Club about the importance of art for children and adults. She recently resigned from her teaching position to spend full time with her art school studio she began in downtown McHenry. She believes that art can be applied to many different disciplines such as geography, reading, writing, and history. Lucy mentioned the "Art Parties" at her studio every Friday and Saturday night. She also explained a new medium, Chalk Paint, which can be used to decorate furniture, walls, and paint effects. Lucy is shown in the photo attached to the right of McHenry Rotarian, Donna Schaefer.
Dr. Laura L. V. King, formerly with the Center for Therapeutic Services and Psychodiagnostic, now a Commander with the McHenry Police Department, gave a 30 minute power point talk on the new Illinois Medical Marijuana Law. She said the effort was to explain the basic guidelines for the program and to assure the public that precautions at every level were being taken. She noted that all the marijuana in this program is high grade and must be grown in Illinois. Strict procedures are being made for the growing, processing, and storing of the product. One form of the marijuana used involves regular plastic sandwich bags which hold 140 joints--a 10 day supply of 10 joints per day. She didn't know the actual cost of the bag, but believed a single joint would be about $5.00. (This would mean a 140 joint bag would run for around $600) Several members asked if she brought any free samples, but the Country Club served ice cream instead! Her program was very informative and enjoyed by those present.
CLUB GETS AN INFORMATION "HIGH" ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Assistant District Governor, Don Brewer, made it official at the picnic style club meeting, Thursday noon, January 26th, on the terrace west of Fox Lake at the McHenry Country Club. He thanked outgoing president, Tom Webb, and gave the oath of office to the incoming president, Brian Thoma.
Fred Neuschel who presented a program several months ago on his "Build A Dream" program that seeks to help poor families in El Vaquero, Mexico, through a process of education, was award a $1,000 contribution as part of our club's community support. Pictured is Fred with Ron Bykowski, who gave him the check at the regular noon meeting of the club, Thursday, January 26th.
FRED NEUSCHEL RECEIVES CHECK FOR $1,000 TO AID POOR FAMILIES IN MEXICO
Ron Bykowski, on behalf of McHenry Rotary, presented a check for $1,000.00 to Phyllis Mueller, Director of the St. Paul's Diaper Bank as part of the charitable giving of the club for community service. The Diaper Bank collects diapers for children and adults to agencies in the community that distribute them. The check was presented Thursday, June 26th, at the regular noon meeting of the club on the McHenry Country Club terrace.
Kathy Pelz, Immediate Past President, was selected by outgoing President Thomas Webb as the recipient of the President's Award. President Webb commended her for exceptional service to the club. The award was given as a part of the Installation of the new president, Brian Thoma, at a picnic meeting of the club on the terrace of the McHenry Country Club, Thursday, June 26th, at 12:30 P.M.
Patrick Maynard, Phd, President and CEO of the Pioneer Center for Human Services, joined our club June 12th. This will be his third Rotary Club having just come from the Sunrise Club of Crystal Lake. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to Patrick.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Sandy Sullivan of Franklin, Wisconsin, the author of “Green Bay Love Stories” who entertained the members telling of her association with the Green Bay Packers beginning in 1961. Sandy addressed the club at their regular noon meeting, Thursday, June 5th, at the McHenry Country Club. She shared her personal memories of what she calls the “Packers glory days.” Photo: Guest speaker, Sandy Sullivan, is shown with Club President, Tom Webb.
ROTARIANS OF McHENRY ENJOY ‘GREEN BAY LOVE STORIES’
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Roy Stoppenbach, an Electrical Engineer with Continental Automotive Systems as well as a licensed judge for homebrew. He will be one of the judges for the upcoming Blues-Brews-Barbecues scheduled August 1-3rd at Petersen Park in McHenry. Roy described the 5 areas to be considered in the judging. The homebrew contest is just one of the many activities planned for this annual fund raiser of McHenry Rotarians. Roy is pictured with Don Tonyan, Chair of the BB&B weekend.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Jesse Lopez, one of three awarded a $3,000 scholarship by the club Scholarship Committee. Jesse graduated from McHenry High School West Campus where he played varsity soccer and will be entering St. Xavier University in Chicago with a major in business and finance. Jesse is on the left of Scholarship Chair, Terry Fitzgibbons, in this photograph.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Sherry and Hugh McGowan, Directors of “Visiting Angels,” a local program for living assistance among the elderly and infirm. The couple spoke alternately on the training of their volunteers and the value of home bound health and wellness care. Among their services are meal preparation, errands and shopping, light housekeeping, and companionship. Their offices are located at 12 E. Crystal Lake Avenue in Crystal Lake. They made their presentation at the regular Thursday meeting of McHenry Rotary, May 15th, in the river side dining hall of the McHenry Country Club.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed a group of local High School students who have recently participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award training workshops. These three day events include learning communications skills, problem solving, conflict management, being effective leaders, and community and global citizenship. The students were presented and introduced by Jeff Batt of the McHenry Sunrise Rotary, to the Thursday noon meeting of the McHenry Rotary Club, May 15th, at the McHenry Country Club. Photo: (left to right): Jeff Batt , Sunrise Rotary Club; Liesl Zostrow, McHenry West Campus; Cassiddy Wowrzos, McHenry West Campus; Roberto Varela, McHenry East Campus; and Caitlyn Grubich, McHenry East Campus.
Our club welcomed a group of participants in the Mission Community Center for Sacramental Growth (MCCSG) Thursday, May 8th, at the McHenry Country Club. The program was scheduled by Susie Frank (see photograph) of the organization who gave the opening talk about their purpose and mission. Other speakers directed their comments on various aspects of the non-profit group that seeks to imporove education through tutoring, sports, and club activities.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Tony Huemann, Chief of McHenry Township Fire Protection District, and also a club member since 2010, as their program Thursday, May 1st, at the McHenry Country Club. Chief Huemann spoke to the members about the arrangement planned for fire protection during the road construction underway and planned for three areas: Route 31 and Route 120 in downtown McHenry, Route 31 and Bull Valley Road south of the city, and a round-a-bout in Johnsburg at a major intersection. Plans include a temporary fire house in a vacant auto mechanic building as well as coordinating with construction activities.
Our Rotary Club welcomed three local High School students who have each been awarded a $500 Vocational Scholarship by this club. (Left to right) Stuart Swanson, Johnsburg High, looks to a career in equine care; Ashley Burr and Colin Ellison, who both attend McHenry High West Campus. Ashley looks to study nursing and Colin seeks to become a firefighter and paramedic.
VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS VISIT McHENRY ROTARY
Ron Burton, R I President 2013-14 has an extensive 7 page article in the May issue of the ROTARIAN. The lead statement for the article is: "For the past decade, Rotary's membership has lingered around 1.2 million. That means for every person who joined in the last 10 years, another person left. Today's numbers show Rotary is not only stagnant but in decline in many areas."
The article begins on page 62 and covers many different aspect of membership growth. The last page (illustrated here) is TAKE ACTION--Not sure why your club is shrinking? Ask these questions:
(1) Is my club's meeting time, format, and location convenient for members with families or younger professions still building their careers?
(2) How well does my club reflect the age, gender, and professional diversity of my community?
(3) Whose interests are reflected with my club's programs?
(4) Do ceremonial activities take time away from speakers, club business, project planning, and networking?
(5) Does my club have plans in place to contact guests after they visit?
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed its own Jim Vyduna who recently returned from a skiing trip in British Columbia who gave a program on snow skiing and avalanche safety. After some informative power point videos of a skier sliding a down a steep mountain slope, Jim carefully explained the extensive equipment needed for this alpine sport and survival. Of special interest was his demonstration of a special inflated protection device use in case of an avalanche. He noted that each skier carries a GPS that pinpoints his or her location as well as a signal emitter in case of being covered under snow. Vyduna provided the program Thursday, April 17th, at the regular noon meeting in the McHenry Country Club.
Nancy Tunberg, Bank Manager of the local First Midwest Bank, shared her former experience of an annual Prayer Breakfast in Gurnee sponsored by the local civic clubs. She wants to have the same type of breakfast here in McHenry and called on help by the McHenry Rotary Club. A suggestion was made to hold it on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving this year as the children will be out of school that day. Several members agreed to serve on the committee to help plan and execute this breakfast. Photo of Club President, Tom Webb, and Nancy Tunberg. Photo and submission by Bill McLemore, Club Publicity Chair, Thursday, April 3, 2014.
PRAYER BREAKFAST PROPOSED FOR WEEK OF THANKSGIVING
We welcomed Nakisha Wilson, District Executive of the Blackhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts and Dave Boudreau, McHenry District Director. They gave an overview of the scouting program in this area along with an introduction to the new Venture Scout Program. They noted their goals are “building youth of character, confidence, and leadership.” The presentation was made at our regular noon meeting, Thursday, March 27th, in the McHenry Country Club. Photo: (Left to right) Tom Webb, Club President; Nakisha Wilson, and Dane Boudreau.
President Tom Webb, at the Club Assembly, Thursday, March 20th, reminded all the members of the importance of bringing new members into the club. 100% of the members were so excited about the prospect that they posed for this attractive group photograph which reveals the warm community spirit of McHenry Rotary. Club Publicity Chair, Bill McLemore, took this photograph to illustrate how compelling Rotarians can be when challenged to spread the word about Rotary and our local club.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Michael L. Roberts, Ed. D., McHenry County District 156 Superintendent of Schools, to its Thursday noon meeting, March 13th, at the McHenry Country Club. Dr. Roberts also brought Eric Blake, Principal of the East Campus High School; and Marsha Potthoff, Principal of West Campus, and introduced them to the club. The superintendent spoke at length of the many changes in the school education programs but emphasized that the students and their education were the main focus of his administration. Photo: Superintendent, Michael Roberts, with Principals Marsha Potthoff and Eric Blake.
McHENRY HIGH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ADDRESSES ROTARIANS
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Amy Barrett and Roberta Levinson who respectively presented programs on Financial and Estate planning. The two local attorneys “busted myths” associated with both of these important life issues. (Pictured to the left are Amy Barrett; Club President, Tom Webb; and Roberta Levinson.
McHENRY ROTARY GETS ESTATE AND FINANCIAL PLANNING ADVICE
Cheryl and the chefs outdid themselves for our lunch meal this Thursday, February 20th. She said, 'I'm using you as guinea pigs to test my menu for a regional PLAV supper meeting to be held here." I took this photo of Tony Huemann's plate which only includes a few of the selections offered.
Mother Mary Martha, a sister of the Fraternite Notre Dame order, surprised us with her "make up" Thursday, February 6th. She is with the Shrine of Ecce Homo, 10002 Harmony Hill Road in Marengo and a member of the Marengo Rotary Club. She joined Rotary in New York City in 1997 and has been an active Rotarian ever since. She spoke briefly of the work of her order which is to operate soup kitchens for the homeless and needy people and children. She is shown in this photograph with Club President, Tom Webb.
CATHOLIC NUN MAKES UP A ROTARY MEETING IN MCHENRY!
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Patrick Wirtz, McHenry Historian, who gave a slide show of people and places of the community dating back to the earliest history of its settlement. Pat has a photographic memory which augmented his commentary as he showed his pictures.
CLUB GETS PHOTO HISTORY OF MCHENRY FROM PAT WIRTZ!
Mike Ossler, our newest member, brought his daughter, Veronica, to today's meeting. The photograph shows them listening to the discussions on the Club Assembly which formed the program for today's, January 23rd, regular meeting at the Polish League of American Veterans lodge. Another frequent guest welcomed was Janice Bartmann, wife of Phil.
A series of articles in the latest issue of THE ROTARIAN features the unique work of Chicago Rotarians to "Find Safe Haven" in one of the cities most dangerous neighborhoods!
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Barb Swanson of the Pioneer Center as guest speaker, Thursday, January 16th, at their noon meeting in the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post on North Park Street in McHenry.
Ronald Newman, who joined our McHenry Rotary Club in September 2011, was honored with the award as a “Paul Harris Fellow” at the January 16, 2014 meeting of his club in the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post on North Park Street in McHenry.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Carl Vallianatos, Assistant Principal at McHenry High School-West Campus, to its regular Thursday noon meeting, January 9th, at the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post on North Park Street in McHenry.
Mike Ossler and his wife, Carla, and daughter, Veronica, who visited us on August 29th this summer, has moved into the area and will be a regular attender at our meetings. This photo was taken January 2nd, at the Polish Veteran's Lodge. Please welcome Mike when you see him at up-coming meetings. As President Tom Webb put it, "he's our first new member of 2014!"
The Rotary Club of McHenry had a special guest for its Annual Christmas banquet in Julie Ostrow of “Find the Funny Enterprises.” She presented several humor and improvisation exercised to facilitate laughter, healing, and enhanced communication. The event was held at the McHenry VFW on Thursday evening, December 19th from 6-9 PM.
McHenry Rotarian, Ron Newman, with Mutual of Omaha, presented the program Thursday, December 5th, at the regular meeting of the club. He is pictured in the photo with Past President Kathy Pelz holding one of the guides to the Health Insurance Marketplace of the Affordable Care Act.
As we all know, on November 8th the worst recorded storm to make landfall flattened entire coastal towns and villages in the Philippines. Thousands of people were killed and hundreds of thousands more are struggling to survive without access to food, water, and shelter.
I know we all want to help. I am urging our clubs to take action to provide emergency aid now and begin planning for the future when we can help rebuild homes, schools, and businesses. While Rotary is not an emergency disaster-relief organization, we are in the business of helping people in need. Every one of our six areas of focus is affected when disasters of this size occur.
I saw first-hand the difference Rotarians can make after one of the deadliest tornadoes on record tore through communities in my home state of Oklahoma. The widespread destruction was heartbreaking. Almost immediately after the storm, Rotarians were out in force cleaning debris, collecting food and water, and comforting families who lost everything. The Rotary clubs in the affected areas showed perseverance and strength. We helped pick up the pieces and build them back up.
What really moved me was the support and compassion from clubs around the world. In the face of calamity, we were not alone. Rotary’s collective spirit is the essence of how we Engage Rotary and Change Lives.
Rotary partner ShelterBox has committed aid for thousands of families in the form of emergency shelter and other relief assistance. They were already in the Philippines when the typhoon hit providing aid to families who lost homes in the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the Philippines in September.
Such disasters are the reason why we entered into our partnership with ShelterBox. On Friday, I visited their website and sponsored a ShelterBox to help a family in need, and I encourage you to do the same if you’re able to do so – any level of support will help to change lives for the better. The organization welcomes help from Rotary members to identify need and provide support. You can contact them at rotaryrequest@shelterbox.org.
We have more than 21,000 Rotary members in the Philippines. The hardest hit areas include Districts 3860, 3850, and 3830. We are working with our governors in the affected areas to determine what type of support will be most effective, and we will continue to provide updates on www.rotary.org.
I know I can count on Rotarians around the world to come to the aid of our friends in the Philippines. If you have any questions about how you can help, please write to relief@rotary.org.
Thank you.
Tammy L. Chatman, Public Information Officer for the McHenry Base of 'Flight for Life' explains the vital mission of this life-saving medical helicopter service.
Members of the McHenry Rotary Club joined about 80 developmentally challenged adults at Stades Farm 10 miles north of the city for a morning of petting animals, hay rides, pumpkin pickings and many other activities Thursday, September 26th, from 10:30 AM until 2:00 PM/
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Adam Diamond, a member of the Rotary Club of McHenry Sunrise, to its noon meeting Thursday, September 12th, at the McHenry Country Club. Adam is shown in the attached photograph with Past President, Kathy Pelz, who presided at this meeting.
Flavia Susaro, who was an exchange student with our club 30 years ago, attended our regular meeting, Thursday, September 5th, at the McHenry Country Club, and present the program. She is shown between Janice and Phil Bartmann in the attached photograph. She was good friends with their daughter while attending the Johnsburg school.
In an unofficial capacity, desiring to have a make-up, Ellen Young attended out club, Thursday, September 5th, and spoke briefly about her 5 K walk for Rotary Foundation.
Denis M. Buch, a local general contractor; and Darren Wagner, Sales Manager for the Elm Street Walgreen's, were both inducted into our club by Assistant District Governor, Don Brewer, at the club meeting, Thursday, August 15th, 12:30 P.M., in the McHenry Country Club.
The following was submitted to the Northwest Herald
Rotary Blues Brews & BBQ
To the Editor:
The Rotary Club of McHenry extends a big THANK YOU to the city of McHenry( Administration, Parks & Recreation, Police); McHenry Township Fire Protection Dist.; Corporate Sponsors including Northwest Herald, Gary Lang Auto, Buss Ford, Sunnyside Chrysler; Chas. Herdrich & Son; Rex Towing for Parking; along with many others too numerous to list. We also would like to thank the individuals that attended, along with volunteers, bands and vendors for their support of our 2nd annual event that ran Aug. 2-4 at Petersen Park.
Great music & food, 5K Run for Youth Leadership, BBQ Cook-off, plus perfect summer weather made it a great success. The event allowed Rotary to engage the community and promote the ideals of our 1.2 million global member organization: "Service Above Self". We strive to improve the quality of life of the community every day and 100% of the events proceeds will go to the projects we do. To see in detail what Rotary does, please go to: www.rotary.org
Lastly, thanks to our fellow Rotarians ( and spouses), including the McHenry Sunrise Rotary Club for the hundreds of man hours it took to plan and execute the event.
The Rotary Club of McHenry welcomed Mary Donner, Community Relations Representative for Pace a suburban public transportation provider, at our June 6th, club meeting.
Amy Moerschbaecher, Director of Medical Ancillaries for Centregra Health Systems spoke to the McHenry Rotary Club about a new cutting-edge program to extend medical care to the home.
Dr. David A. Shinherr, DC, Director of Orthopedics and Neurology at the Centegra Health Center, gave an information address to the club today, April 4th, on efforts to curb the concussions and cardiac problems in local sports activities.
Cindy Sullivan, Executive Director of Options & Advocacy of McHenry County addressed the McHenry Rotary Club recently on the work that her organization does in helping persons with developmental disabilities of all ages.
This news release has been sent to the Herald and the Tribune and is shared here as an on-going story about the 'Service Above Self' effort of the McHenry Rotary Club.
Brian Shahinian and David Dauphin bring an informative program on the work of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) to the February 14th Club Meeting.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has spent the last 18 years giving away his billions. He talks to Matt Lauer about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's progress, saying it's vaccine effort has contributed to eradicating polio around the world, but there is still much more to be done. Check out the interview at http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50637245
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introduced the Club Officers: Tony Huemann, Past President; Denis Buch, President Elect; Terry Fitzgibbons, Secretary; and Cheryden Juergensen, Treasurer.
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th, noon meeting, at the McHenry Country Club. Kathrine, an accomplished fund raiser, gave some basics to the membership regarding securing sponsors for the club’s “Blues, Brews, & BBQ, scheduled for the weekend of July 31-August 2nd, at Petersen Park in McHenry. This annual even raises funds for club projects such as scholarships, food banks, and other local charities. She said the secret is to know the “right person, the right ask, the right time, and the right way.” 
Photo: Rotarian, Terry Fitzgibbons, a school official from East Campus, with Marsha Pottoff, Principal at the West Campus, McHenry High School.
