Stories


Rock Falls Third Grade Students Receive Age-appropriate Dictionaries Rock Falls Rotarians visited area public and private schools in Rock Falls to present to third grade students their own dictionary which is age-appropriate. Shown is Rock Falls Rotarian Cheryl Faber in the classroom of third grade at East Coloma-Nelson when the dictionaries were presented during American Education Week. A total of 140 dictionaries were distributed.	Rock Falls Third Grade Students Receive Age-appropriate Dictionaries		2023-12-31 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Thanksgiving Basket Project of Coloma Township Rock Falls Rotary Community Service Co-Chair Darla Ewing (right) presents a check for $250 to Jada Saffell (left) for the Coloma Township Thanksgiving Basket project from Rock Falls Rotary. Community Service is support of worthwhile causes in the Rock Falls community.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Thanksgiving Basket Project of Coloma Township		2023-12-31 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Therapy Dog Twister and owner Molly Mammoser Members and guests at the recent Rock Falls Rotary meeting took a moment to pose with the newest "ex-officio member", Twister, therapy dog at CGH which is owned and trained by Molly Mammosser, kneeling in center of photo with Twister. Rock Falls Rotarians presented her and Twister with a check for $500 to offset expenses of the week stay to be trained in how to manage a therapy dog. Twister is located at the CGH Physical Therapy Building on North Locust Street in Sterling where Molly works. Rotarians took up a collection to offset her expenses to bring Twister to our community.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Therapy Dog Twister and owner Molly Mammoser		2023-12-17 06:00:00Z
Eighth Annual End Polio Now Walk a Success The Eighth Annual End Polio Now Walk was sponsored this year by the Rotary clubs of the Sauk Valley Area: Dixon, Rock Falls, Rotaract of Sauk Valley College, Sterling Noon, and Walnut.Twenty-four Rotarians and guests braved the cold morning on October 7th to walk the Hennepin Canal in an awareness of the need to eradicate polio as a disease from our world. Since 1988 Rotary has been involved in the eradication of polio along with WHO, Gates Foundation, and other entities. In that year over 250,000 persons annually worldwide would be diagnosed with polio and for many it was a death sentence.Today in 2023 only a worldwide total of 10 cases of wild polio virus in Afghanistan and Pakistan have been recorded, so the reduction in cases has been 99.99% successful. But it is these very last cases that need to be stamped out to eradicate polio fully as a disease. We are truly that close! Rotarians are asked to donate to the Rotary Foundation program of Polio Plus which is the source of Rotary funding the worldwide effort. Visiting Rotarians donated a total of $200 on the day of the walk to end polio. All sponsoring club donations to Polio Plus from July 1 through the end of October were encouraged to support the eradication effort which culminates on World Polio Day on October 24. At this time the total donation of Rock Falls Rotary members has been reported as $1,578.00 which will be tripled by the Gates Foundation matching monies for a total of $4,734. The other club donations have not yet been submitted to the total effort of the 8th Annual End Polio Now Walk.	Eighth Annual End Polio Now Walk a Success		2023-12-17 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Jenn Schultz into Membership Governor of Rotary 6420 Dave Emerick (right) inducts into membership in Rock Falls Rotary Jenn Schultz (center) of Sauk Valley Community College. President Bob Sondgeroth (left) was her sponsor into membership.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Jenn Schultz into Membership		2023-12-17 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarian Recognized for Rotary Foundation Donations Rock Falls Rotarian Gail Wright (center) is awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award +3 by Rotary Governor David Emerick (right) while President of Rock Falls Rotary Bob Sondgeroth (left) watches. This award denotes a total of $4000 has been donated by Gail to the Rotary Foundation for worldwide service to those in need. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary as the first service club in the world.	Rock Falls Rotarian Recognized for Rotary Foundation Donations		2023-12-17 06:00:00Z
Rotary District Governor Visits Rock Falls Rotary Governor David Emerick (left) of the East Moline-Silvis Club is the Governor of Rotary District 6420 in 2023-2024. On his annual visit to the Rock Falls Rotary Club he shared his goals for the Rotary year. President Bob Sondgeroth presents Governor with the Rock Falls Rotary flag and pin in appreciation.	Rotary District Governor Visits Rock Falls Rotary		2023-12-17 06:00:00Z
Best Polio Eradication Project Awarded to Sauk Valley area Rotary Clubs for End Polio Now Annual Walk Past District Governor Laura Kann, (right) presented the award of Best Polio Eradication Project in District 6420 to Betty Clementz, (middle), Chair of the Seventh Annual End Polio Now Walk held at Centennial Park on October 10, 2022, as the President of Rock Falls Rotary Bob Sondgeroth (left) looks on. Six area Rotary clubs hosted the event - Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Twin Cities Sunrise, Walnut and SVCC Rotaract - which created an awareness of how close the world is to eradicating polio from our world forever! When Rotary took on this task in 1988 to eliminate the disease of polio, there were diagnosed annually over 350,000 worldwide in 125 countries. Last year, there were only 9 cases of wild virus polio reported worldwide! The walk brought in $2,604.37 from Rotary club members donating to their Foundation known as Polio Plus, a sum which was then tripled thanks to Gates Foundation to the sum of $7,813.11 for the event!	Best Polio Eradication Project Awarded to Sauk Valley area Rotary Clubs for End Polio Now Annual Walk		2023-10-19 05:00:00Z
Newest member inducted into Rock Falls Rotary Club on October 2 Molly Mammosser (center) was inducted into the Rock Falls Rotary Club on October 2 by past District Governor of District 6420 Laura Kann (right). Bob Sondgeroth (left) was Molly's sponsor. Molly works at the CGH Therapy Center on North Locust Street in Sterling. Welcome Molly, we look forward to working with you to do the work of Rotary!	Newest member inducted into Rock Falls Rotary Club on October 2		2023-10-19 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary and Rotary District 6420 Matching Grant Presentation to Sauk Valley Foodbank Pam Martinez, Executive Director of Sauk Valley Foodbank (center), accepts the check for $3000 from Rock Falls Rotarians, Betty Clementz, Grant Chair, and Bob Sondgeroth, President, to support the purchase of the newest cooler to keep perishables from spoiling until distribution can take place. This cooler is 14' x 30' and accommodates 19 pallets of produce into it. The cost of this cooler was $73,000 in June, 2023. The distribution of food as of 8/26/2023 has reached 15,214 families; total families served in whole year of 2022 was 15,818. Saturday morning give-away is a drive-through from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.; no ID is required. Clients must be in parking lot by noon to receive food items. Rock Falls Rotary wrote the matching grant with Rotary District 6420 to provide this much needed service to our community to provide fresh produce through the foodbank to those in need.	Rock Falls Rotary and Rotary District 6420 Matching Grant Presentation to Sauk Valley Foodbank		2023-09-16 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Members New members of Rock Falls Rotary were inducted by President Bob Sondgeroth on August 7. Shown are Joel Lego, Amy Lego who were sponsored by Betty Clementz; Michelle Brown sponsored by Shane Brown, and President Bob Sondgeroth. Rock Falls Rotary meets the first and third Monday evenings at Fellowship Hall of Harvest Time Bible Church at 5:30 p.m. on Dixon Avenue. For more information, visit www.rockfallsrotary.org.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Members		2023-08-20 05:00:00Z
Annual Rotary Broil & Boil The Rock Falls Rotary and the Sterling Noon Rotary are bringing you the fourth annual Broil & Boil Lunch on Monday, July 24 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sterling Marketplace Pavilion (Farmer's Market) on W. Second Street (behind The Factory). Broil & Boil features the Pork Chop Cookout of the Sterling Club and the Corn Boil of the Rock Falls Club into one power lunch. Lunch is $10 dollars and features a grilled pork chop sandwich, 2 ears of sweet corn, chips, cookie and a bottle of water. Advance tickets and pre-ordering is highly encouraged. Free delivery for orders of 10 or more is available within Sterling and Rock Falls. Drive-thru/curbside pick up will be at the Marketplace. To purchase tickets contact any Rock Falls or Sterling Noon Rotarian. Proceeds benefit local Rotary Projects including youth scholarships, literacy projects with local schools, Student Excellence Programs, Rotary youth exchange and several community projects and events.	Annual Rotary Broil & Boil		2023-07-24 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary supports YWCA "Sweet Dreams" Project Four Rotary Clubs of the Sauk Valley joined in funding the YWCA “Sweet Dreams” project in support of women and families in crisis, for receipt of beds and bedding for themselves and their children when they are ready to leave the shelter of the YWCA. Rock Falls Rotary was one of those clubs and presented to that program a total of $2700, half of which was from the Rotary District 6420 which matched the club funds of $1350. Cassandra Salmon, Director of Development and Marketing, at the YWCA, presented a program to the Rock Falls Rotarians of where their money went and how it was used. Cassandra shared the following statistics: Over 7,000 hotline calls were received through the crisis hotline during the month of Dec. 2022. 38 families have been helped with beds/bedding (January 2022-current) with 20 families still waiting. In 2022, 1929 nights were spent in the shelter, 67 were adults and 29 were children seeking refuge in the shelter. As families prepare to exit the shelter to transitional housing, counseling is a major component to provide stability for sustainable life. Members of Rock Falls Rotary present a check for $2700 to Cassandra Salmon (center) of YWCA for the Sweet Dreams project for families in crisis: (left to right) Front row: Pat Novak, Sarah Willey, Cassandra Salmon of YWCA, Betty Clementz, Grant Chair; Back row: Karen Voss, Darla Ewing, Cheryl Faber, Bob Sondgeroth, Gail Wright on ZOOM, Jeff Gray, Rotary President, and Keith Zoeller.	Rock Falls Rotary supports YWCA "Sweet Dreams" Project		2023-04-01 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates Books to Coloma Township Easter Egg Hunt Pre-school children who attend the Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park in 2023 will not only be able to gather Easter eggs, but each pre-schooler will also receive an age-apprpriate book, thanks to a donation from Rock Falls Rotary Club. Accepting the donation from (left to right) Rock Falls Rotarians Jeff Gray, President and Cheryl Faber are T.J. Henry Coloma Park District Director, and Coloma Township Park District Commissiioner Cindy Sondgeroth and Bob Sondgeroth, Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Chair.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates Books to Coloma Township Easter Egg Hunt		2023-02-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Meets Rotary District Governor's Challenge Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club (left to right), Bob Sondgeroth, President Jeff Gray and Cheryl Faber present to Amy Lego, Rock Falls Library Director the books she had wanted for the shelves at Rock Falls Library. Every Rotary Club in District 6420 was challenged to donate a book for every member of their club to some literacy facility in their community to promote literacy. The books received in Rock Falls were from the list of books on their 'Want list"	Rock Falls Rotary Meets Rotary District Governor's Challenge		2023-02-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary presents PH + 2 to Gail Wright Jeff Gray, President of Rock Falls Rotary (left) presents Gail Wright with the Paul Harris lapel pin denoting her donation to the Rotary Foundation of over $2,000, which is symbolized with the two sapphires in the pin. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in 1905 This award is given by Rotary Foundation to Rotarians who have supported the Foundation at that level.	Rock Falls Rotary presents PH + 2 to Gail Wright		2023-02-11 06:00:00Z
‘Tis the Season for Rock Falls Rotary President of Rock Falls Rotary (center) Jeff Gray and Darla Ewing (left), Chair of Community Service Committee of Rock Falls Rotary present a check to Sundy Sotelo (right) of $250 for Thanksgiving baskets. Community Service Committee of Rock Falls Rotary present a check of $250 in support of the Sauk Valley Food Bank to Director Pam Martinez (center) from Jeff Gray, President of Rock Falls Rotary (left) and Darla Ewing (right), Chair of Community Service Committee.	‘Tis the Season for Rock Falls Rotary		2022-12-10 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates Hats and Mittens to Rock Falls Elementary Schools Rock Falls Rotarians collect and donate winter hats and mittens to all the elementary schools in the Rock Falls area. Often the children lose these items over the winter and need replacements. Shown presenting a box of hats and mittens is Rotarian Darla Ewing (right) of the Community Service Committee to Barb Biba (left), secretary at Riverdale Preschool of Rock Falls Elementary District 13.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates Hats and Mittens to Rock Falls Elementary Schools		2022-12-10 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Decorates for Christmas The Rock Falls Rotary Club decorated the Little Red Schoolhouse and the Caboose in Centennial Park for the Rock Falls Tourism Holiday Light Display. The Holiday Light Display @ Centennial Park is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday November 25-December 23 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Merry Christmas from the Rock Falls Rotary Club !	Rock Falls Decorates for Christmas		2022-11-24 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Community Organizations Cheryl Faber (right), Rock Falls Rotary member of the Literacy Committee, presents a check to Cindy Sondgeroth (left), Coloma Park District Board member, for $100 to provide books to pre-school children during the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park within the Storybook Park, a.k.a. " the chicken park". Bob Sondgeroth (left) presents to Carrie Melton (right) , Executive Director of April House in Morrison, a check for $250 to support the forensic interviews of children in Whiteside County. From July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 - 170 interviews of children were conducted at April House of which 30 were children from Rock Falls. Rock Falls Rotary donates $250 to the Rock Falls Fire department for their annual fire prevention materials distributed in schools in the fall. Presenting the check is Bob Sondgeroth, a former fireman and President-pro-tem of Rock Falls Rotary (right) to Ken Wolf, Deputy Chief of Rock Falls Fire Department.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Community Organizations		2022-11-24 06:00:00Z
Six Area Rotary Clubs Sponsored Seventh Annual End Polio Now Walk Six Sauk Valley Rotary Clubs – Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Rotaract of SVCC, Twin Cities Sunrise, and Walnut joined together to sponsor the Seventh Annual End Polio Now Walk on October 8. The walk which was open to the public began at Centennial Park in Rock Falls and continued along the Hennepin Canal to Rock River at which it turned to return through the downtown Rock Falls along First Avenue until back to East 11th Street and Centennial Park. The walk is an awareness of Rotary’s goal to eradicate polio from our world through donations to vaccinate children around the world. In 2020 all of Africa was declared polio –free. Just 9 cases of wild polio have been reported worldwide in 2022 in just Pakistan and Afghanistan. Progress is being made! Prior to the walk a short update on polio was given by the Foundation Chairs or Presidents of each sponsoring club; those speaking included Jeff Gray and Mike Albert of Rock Falls, Jennifer Heintzelman of Dixon, Peyton Ward and Mackenzie Sisson of Rotaract of SVCC, Nick Lareau of Sterling Noon, and Jan Pistole of Walnut. Forth-three persons were in attendance at the beginning of the walk for a photo. Donations were accepted that day from the public and all six Rotary club members were encouraged to donate to Polio Plus in the next six weeks to the Rotary Foundation through their local club. The totals are now in. Total amount raised from our efforts of the Seventh Annual End Polio Now Walk was a total of $2,604.37. The Gates Foundation will triple that amount in matching funds so the actual amount in total from this walk to eradicate polio is $7,813.11. Thank you to Alex Paschal of Shaw Media, T. J. Henry of Coloma Park District, Tom Katz of WSDR, and Sauk Valley Food Bank for their support of our event.	Six Area Rotary Clubs Sponsored Seventh Annual End Polio Now Walk		2022-11-24 06:00:00Z
Rotary reads at East Coloma Bob Sondgeroth, Rock Falls Rotarian, read Dr. Seuss stories to second grade students at East Coloma-Nelson School as a part of the Rock Falls Rotary volunteer reading program on March 2, birthday of Dr. Seuss. Students were from the two second grade classes of Katie Merrell and Rebecca Repass. Dr. Seuss, would have been 116 years old, were he still alive today. March 2 is the National Education Association Read Across America Day in the United States to honor Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was an American artist, book publisher, animator, and poet best known for his *Cat in the Hat* books.	Rotary reads at East Coloma		2022-03-06 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member Brandi Spreeman (right) was inducted into the Rock Falls Rotary Club on Monday evening, February 7. She was presented the Rotary pin and certificate from her sponsor, Bob Sondgeroth (left). Rock Falls Rotary is a service club that meets twice monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday evenings. Due to covid restrictions, meetings have been via ZOOM.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member		2022-02-13 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Monthly Raffle Sales The Rock Falls Rotary Club is currently selling raffle tickets for their $100 Monthly Raffle drawing. Each month beginning with March 2022-February 2023, one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100. All tickets are eligible every month, which means you could win more than once. Tickets are $20 each and available from any Rock Falls Rotarian or can be purchased through the Rock Falls Rotary Venmo Account. If using Venmo, please put "Raffle Ticket" in the comment section. You can purchase as many tickets as you like for $20 each. Hurry, deadline to purchase is February 21!	Rock Falls Monthly Raffle Sales		2022-02-07 06:00:00Z
Students of the Month Honored Chosen by staff at Rock Falls High School based on the Rotarian Four Way Test of the things Rotarians say, think, and do are two of the Rotarian Students of the Month: Lydea King (left), daughter of Lance and Jeannie King, as November Rotarian Student of the Month and Mallory Pinske, (center) daughter of Kevin and Mandy Pinske as the August Rotarian Student of the Month withBob Sondgeroth, Youth Committee Chair, (right).	Students of the Month Honored		2021-11-25 06:00:00Z
Rotarians receive Paul Harris Recognition Rock Falls Rotary President Tom Myers (right) has just presented to each of the two Rock Falls Rotarians Mike Albert (left) and Gail Wright (center) their lapel pin of 1 sapphire representing a total of $2000 donated to the Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris + 1 Award. Rotarians are encouraged to donate $100/year. Upon reaching the first $1000 a Paul Harris pin representing the founder of Rotary is awarded.	Rotarians receive Paul Harris Recognition		2021-11-25 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Dictionaries to Third Grade Students As a part of American Education Week literacy activities, members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club presented a total of 168 age-appropriate dictionaries to third grade students in all public and private schools in Rock Falls. Rotarians who made the classroom presentations this year were Cheryl Faber and Tom Myers. Both these photos were of third grade classes at Merrill School.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Dictionaries to Third Grade Students		2021-11-25 06:00:00Z
Students at East Coloma-Nelson Support Rock Falls Rotary Cheryl Faber (center), Rock Falls Rotarian who reads weekly to first grade students of teacher Mary Mammosser at East Coloma Nelson, had received a total of $303 which had been collected throughout the preceding year by the kindergartners, first graders, and second graders to support the work of Rock Falls Rotary. They wrote in the thank you that Mrs. Faber came weekly to share story time with them, bringing in her own books, and helping them to enjoy reading, so they wanted to repay Rotary for her time and talent. Sharing in the appreciation are the other two Rotarians who read weekly to students at East Coloma-Nelson: Betty Clementz, (left) who reads to third grade classes and Bob Sondgeroth (right) who reads to second grade classes. Rock Falls Rotary decided to donate these $303 to LIFE, so more children can receive books in the mail from birth-age 5 and enjoy the love of reading.	Students at East Coloma-Nelson Support Rock Falls Rotary		2021-11-25 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Thanksgiving Baskets Sindy Sotelo (left) of Coloma Township accepts a check of $250 from Jeff Gray, (right) of the Commuity Service Committee of Rock Falls Rotary in support of the Thanksgiving Baskets for Rock Falls residents. Any size contributions may be sent to Coloma Township, 1200 Prophet Road, Rock Falls for this annual community project.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Thanksgiving Baskets		2021-11-03 05:00:00Z
Rotary Clubs Join to Support Literacy Program Posted on Oct 06, 2021 Three Rotary Clubs' Presidents gathered to present a check for $8,000 to the L.I.F.E. Literacy program of the United Way which distributes a book/month to children aged birth through age 5 through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for a total of 60 books/child in Whiteside County. Presenting the check are: (left to right) Betty Clementz, Rock Falls Rotary Grant Chair; Kim Gaffey, President and Grant Chair of Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary; Tom Myers, President of Rock Falls Rotary; David Hellmich, President of Sterling Noon Rotary; Keri Olson, Director of United Way of Whiteside County; Tim Schwingle, Sterling Noon Rotary Grant Chair. This donation is a total of club donations and matching grant monies from Rotary District 6420.	Rotary Clubs Join to Support Literacy Program		2021-10-06 05:00:00Z
Annual Rotary Greenery Fundraiser It's time for the annual Rock Falls Rotary Holiday Greenery Sale. These products make great gifts and are shipped directly to your family members or friends. You can contact any Rock Falls Rotarian to place your order or you can visit https://sherwoodfundraiser.com/RockFallsRotary to directly place your order. Proceeds help to support Youth, Literacy and Rotary programs in our area.	Annual Rotary Greenery Fundraiser		2021-09-28 05:00:00Z
Governor Bills Visits Rock Falls Rotary President Tom Myers (right) prepares to introduce the District 6420 Governor David Bills (left seated) who shared his goals for the year with members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Theme for the Rotary year is *Serve to Change Lives*.	Governor Bills Visits Rock Falls Rotary		2021-09-26 05:00:00Z
September Rotary Student of the Month Bob Sondgeroth (right), Rock Falls Rotary Youth Chair, presents to Matthew Marcum (left), senior at Rock Falls High School and son of Tom and Kelly Marcum, the Rock Falls Rotary lapel pin for his selection by RFHS staff as Rotary September Student of the Month. Matthew was selected because of meeting the criteria of the Rotary Four Way Test of the things we say, think and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	September Rotary Student of the Month		2021-09-26 05:00:00Z
Annual End Polio Now Walk - Oct. 2 Sixth Annual End Polio Now Walk to be held in Rock Falls on Saturday, October 2, at 9:00 a.m. by the Rotary clubs of Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Dixon, Twin Cities Sunrise, Walnut and Rotaract of SVCC. The walk will have options for route, including along Hennepin Canal which is a beautiful walk and along IL Route 40 which is First Avenue in Rock Falls to provide a sea of red End Polio Now T shirts There is no registration fee, but registration is required from 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. at the Larson Shelter. Water and granola bars will be available both before and after the walk. Walk is open to the public and anyone who makes a $20 donation at the event will receive an End Polio Now T shirt as long as supply lasts. A photo of all participants will be taken prior to the start of the walk. Come to be a part of history in the making as Rotary is getting closer to eradicating polio in our lifetime!	Annual End Polio Now Walk - Oct. 2		2021-09-15 05:00:00Z
2021 Rotary Broil & Boil The Rock Falls Rotary and the Sterling Noon Rotary are bringing you the second Broil & Boil Lunch on Monday, July 26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sterling Marketplace Pavilion (Farmer's Market) on W. Second Street (behind The Factory). Broil & Boil will feature the Pork Chop Cookout of the Sterling Club and the Corn Boil of the Rock Falls Club into one power lunch. Lunch is $10 dollars and features a grilled pork chop sandwich, 2 ears of sweet corn, chips, cookie and a bottle of water. Advance tickets and pre-ordering is highly encouraged. Free delivery for orders of 10 or more is available within Sterling and Rock Falls. Drive-thru/curbside pick up will be at the Marketplace. See the form for ordering options or contact any Rock Falls or Sterling Noon Rotarian. Proceeds benefit local Rotary Projects including youth scholarships, literacy projects with local schools, Student Excellence Programs, Rotary youth exchange and several community projects and events.	2021 Rotary Broil & Boil		2021-07-06 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Awards Scholarships to 10 RFHS Graduates Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners, we wish you the best of luck with your future plans ! Keith Zoeller, Scholarship Committee Chairman of Rock Falls Rotary, awarded a scholarship to 10 deserving 2021 graduates of Rock Falls High School at Rotary Park. (From left to right) Rotary Scholarship Committee Chair Keith Zoeller, Peyton Ward, Luke Akerman, Madison Wescott, Kennedi Oltmans, Cydney Reyes, Kacey Estrella, Kyla Border, Rosa Ibarra; absent from the photo: Colin Flynn and Savanna Pinske.	Rock Falls Rotary Awards Scholarships to 10 RFHS Graduates		2021-07-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts President for 2021 - 2022 Rock Falls Rotary President Gail Wright (left) passes the gavel to the incoming 2021 -2022 President Tom Myers (right) at a recent induction at Rotary Park. Thank you Gail for your leadership through the past year !	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts President for 2021 - 2022		2021-07-04 05:00:00Z
Betty Clementz - 30 Years of Rotary Service Rock Falls Rotary President Gail Wright (right) presented to Betty Clementz (left) a certificate of recognition of her 30 years of membership in Rock Falls Rotary at Rotary Park. Congratulations Betty and thank you for all you do for our club and the community !	Betty Clementz - 30 Years of Rotary Service		2021-07-04 05:00:00Z
85^th Anniversary of Rock Falls Rotary Celebrated Fifteen members of Rock Falls Rotary Club shared an evening of celebration of the 85^th Anniversary of their Rotary Club and its service to the community. District Governor of 6420, Tom Brooks of Rockford, presented a recognition of the achievements of the club to President Gail Wright. Members who represented a total number of 265 years of membership in Rock Falls Rotary shred their passion in the activities of the club over their years of membership. President Gail Wright accepting recognition of 85^th Anniversary from DG Tom Brooks. Rock Falls Rotary members at 85^th Anniversary celebration - front row (left to right) Sarah Willey, Pat Novak, President Gail Wright, Cheryl Faber, Julie Logan, Pam Erby; back row (left to right) Tom Myers, Betty Clementz, Bob Sondgeroth, Mark Young, Jeff Gray, Mike Albert, Keith Zoeller, Eric Epps, DG Governor Tom Brooks, and Karen Voss.	85th Anniversary of Rock Falls Rotary Celebrated		2021-06-26 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Day Proclaimed Rock Falls City Council and Mayor Kleckler proclaimed June 5th as Rock Falls Rotary Day in honor of the 85th Anniversary of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Receiving the proclamation from left to right in front row: Mayor Rod Kleckler, Gail Wright, President of Rock Falls Rotary, Betty Clementz, Back row: Jeff Gray, Bob Sondgeroth, and Mike Albert.	Rock Falls Rotary Day Proclaimed		2021-06-05 05:00:00Z
RF Rotary 85th Anniversary Kick-Off 2021 marks the 85th Anniversary of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Kicking off our celebration was a Prairie Planting project at Rotary Park in Rock Falls. Keith Zoeller, RF Rotarian, headed up the project and planting of the seed in the plot at the park. Fellow Rotarians aided by spreading prairie flower seed by hand in the plot.	RF Rotary 85th Anniversary Kick-Off		2021-05-16 05:00:00Z
NEW DATE - Blood Drive March 8 in Rock Falls Posted on Jan 28, 2021 NEW DATE ANNOUNCED ! Be a Hero , Give Blood. Monday, March 8 East Coloma School, Rock Falls Call 815-625-4400 to schedule an appointment.	NEW DATE - Blood Drive March 8 in Rock Falls		2021-01-28 06:00:00Z
Monthy Raffle Tickets Available for Purchase Posted on Jan 28, 2021 The Rock Falls Rotary Club is currently selling raffle tickets for their $100 Monthly Raffle drawing. Each month beginning with March 2021-February 2022, one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100. All tickets are eligible every month, which means you could win more than once. Tickets are $20 each and available from any Rock Falls Rotarian or can be purchased through the Rock Falls Rotary Paypal* (*preferred method) or Venmo Account. Links to both accounts can be found on the right hand side of this website. If using Venmo, please put "Raffle Ticket" in comment section. You can purchase as many tickets as you like for $20 each. Hurry, deadline to purchase is February 22!	Monthy Raffle Tickets Available for Purchase		2021-01-28 06:00:00Z
Two Rock Falls Rotarians Earn Paul Harris Fellow Awards Posted on Jan 13, 2021 Two Rock Falls Rotary members have reached Paul Harris Fellow Awards for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Presenting the certificates and pins is the Rock Falls Rotary President Gail Wright (center) to Julie Logan (left) her PHF Award #2 and to Mark Young (right) the PHF Award. Each Award represents a contribution of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation which uses the contributions to complete global humanitarian projects, such as polio eradication and disaster relief.	Two Rock Falls Rotarians Earn Paul Harris Fellow Awards		2021-01-13 06:00:00Z
30 Years of Rotary Service Mike Albert has reached a milestone of 30 years of Rock Falls Rotary membership and was recently recognized for his dedication to the service of Rotary. Mike has served most recently as president for the second term and serves as Foundation Chair, thereby responsible for organizing the End Polio Now Walk annually. Gail Wright, President of Rock Falls Rotary (left) presented to Mike Albert (right) a certificate signed by District 6420 Governor in recognition of his years of service.	30 Years of Rotary Service		2020-12-15 06:00:00Z
Rotary Donates Dictionaries Due to covid-19, the Rock Falls Rotary presented dictionaries to third grade students in all public and private schools by meeting school personnel at the door during American Education Week. Shown in the photos are Cheryl Faber, Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Committee, presenting dictionaries to students of St. Andrew class of Ann Wagenecht and to Principal of Merrill, Brody Rude. Also presenting dictionaries is Rotary Club President Gail Wright to Mackenzie Garza at Montmorency School.	Rotary Donates Dictionaries		2020-11-25 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Rock River Hospice & Home Festival of Trees The Rock Falls Rotary Club presented Emily Taylor, Executive Director (left) and Karen Voss, Marketing Director (also a Rock Falls Rotarian) (right) of Rock River Hospice & Home a check for $200 to assist with their Festival of Trees Fundraiser to provide no-cost hospice services to members of our communities. Emily presented an update on activities and happenings at Rock River Hospice & Home, along with information about their upcoming Festival of Trees events to be held at Northland Mall and online, Nov. 9-21.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Rock River Hospice & Home Festival of Trees		2020-11-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Salvation Army Holiday Fundraising Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Community Service Committee Jeff Gray (left) and Darla Ewing (right) presented to Captain Dave Amick of Sterling Salvation Army (center) a check for $250 to assist with the Red Kettle Donations for Holiday Fundraising to assist those in need in our community. Captain Dave presented a program of how Salvation Army is trying to meet the needs with limited volunteers ringing for the Red Kettles throughout the community during this pandemic.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Salvation Army Holiday Fundraising		2020-11-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates Hats and Mittens to Rock Falls Elementary Schools Posted on Oct 29, 2020 Rock Falls Rotarians donated children winter hats, mittens and gloves to each of the elementary schools in Rock Falls. Members of the Community Service Committee sorted the items and delivered them to schools in preparation for the cold weather. Shown in the photo are Rotarian Jeff Gray (left) and Pam Erby (right) presenting the donation to Montmorency School Secretary Lynette Springman (center).	Rock Falls Rotary Donates Hats and Mittens to Rock Falls Elementary Schools		2020-10-29 05:00:00Z
RF Rotary hosts Holiday Greenery Fundraiser Deadline to order these great wreaths and other products from the Rock Falls Rotary is November 5. These products make great gifts and are shipped directly to your family members or friends. Please contact Rotarian Pat Novak at 815-441-0528 and leave a message and your call will be returned timely or email novakfam@comcast.net to place your order. Proceeds help to support Youth, Literacy and Rotary programs in our area.	RF Rotary hosts Holiday Greenery Fundraiser		2020-10-26 05:00:00Z
Blood Drive at East Coloma School - Nov. 16	Blood Drive at East Coloma School - Nov. 16		2020-10-26 05:00:00Z
Tree Dedication at Rotary Park for Art Johnson Rock Falls Rotary and members of the Art Johnson family gathered at Rock Falls Rotary Park on Minkel Street to dedicate a memorial tree in honor of member Art Johnson who had been a member in Rock Falls Rotary for over 40 years. Art had been a past president and active member. especially in supporting the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Daughter Kathy Peugh and husband Keith Peugh (either side of tree in back row) with Art's grandchildren and great gandchildren were in attendance as Rock Falls Rotarians shared their respect for Art as a Rotarian.	Tree Dedication at Rotary Park for Art Johnson		2020-10-17 05:00:00Z
Rotary District 6420 Donates $1000 to Eradicate Polio Rotary District 6420 Leadership Team attended the Fifth Annual End Polio Now Walk held October 10 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls, sponsored by the five Rotary Clubs of Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Twin Cities Sunrise, and Walnut and SVCC Rotaract. District Governor Tom Brooks presented a check for $1000 to assist in the Rotary effort to eradicate polio. Thanks to the Gates Foundation, that amount will be doubled and added to make that district contribution a total of $3000. Front row: Betty Clementz, Chair of End Polio Now Walk, receives the check from District Governor Tom Brooks while district leadership and planning committee members watch (back row left to right) PDG Kathy Kwiat-Hess, District 6420 Foundation Chair; Mike Albert, Rock Falls Rotary Foundation Chair; Gail Wright, Rock Falls Rotary President; PDG Leo Patterson, Dixon Rotarian; Laura Kann, District 6420 Governor Elect,; David Bills, District 6420 Governor Nominee, and PDG Steve Kuhns, District 6420 Treasurer.	Rotary District 6420 Donates $1000 to Eradicate Polio		2020-10-17 05:00:00Z
Polio Walk October 10 Due to covid-19 restrictions imposed on the number in a gathering, the following registration times have been planned to limit number of participants at Larson Shelter in Centennial Park on Saturday, October 10 for participants of the End Polio Now Walk: Rotary Club members and guests of the three local clubs of Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, and Twin Cities Sunrise are asked to register from 8:15 - 8;35; after a photo will be taken, these participants will begin the walk Rotary Club members and guests of the three outlying clubs of SVCC Rotaract, Dixon, and Walnut will begin at 8:40 – 9:00 a.m. and a photo will be taken of this group of participants before they begin the walk. Rolls and coffee will be available in Larson Shelter prior to the walk. Social distancing and masks are required to ensure safety for all. The walk along Hennepin Canal, over the Rock River, and back to Larson Shelter is open to the public. Registration is required, but there is no fee to participate. Donations to eradicate polio will be welcome.	Polio Walk October 10		2020-10-08 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates $870 to LIFE At the recent drawing of three prizes for persons who donated at least $30 to support a student to receive a book/month for one year through the LIFE (Literacy Is Fun(damental) for Everyone) program in Whiteside County in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a donation check for $870 was presented to Pam Martinez ( far left) of United Way and to Jodi Perez (far right) of Power of Purse Committee for LIFE by Rock Falls Rotarians, Cheryl Faber (center left) and Gail Wright, President of Rock Falls Rotary ((center right). Donations were sought from former attendees of the fundraiser Power of the Purse which was not planned due to covid-19. Over $8000 has been received thus far to LIFE to support this program which has been supported in part in the past 10 years by the fundraiser Power of the Purse. Winners of the raffle from donors on Thursday evening, September 24, live on Facebook were grand prize winner: Dawn Hartman, and two purse winners for 2nd and 3rd place prizes were Sherry DeWalt and Barb Helgason. This donation was generated by the members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club through an appeal during month of September. Anyone wanting to support the LIFE program can send a check to United Way at PO Box 806, Sterling, IL 61081-3605. Cost to provide a book/month for one year to a child from birth through age 5 is $30/year. LIFE is a 501C3, so your donation is tax deductible.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates $870 to LIFE		2020-09-28 05:00:00Z
Fifth Annual End Polio Now Walk - Oct. 10 The Rotary Clubs of Dixon, Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Twin Cities Sunrise, Walnut, and SVCC Rotaract will mark historic progress toward a polio-free world while urging the Sauk Valley community to help end the paralyzing disease of polio. This event is among thousands to be held by Rotary Clubs around the world as World Polio Day on October 24^th nears. These Rotary Club members are taking action to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today. WHAT: Fifth Annual End Polio Now Walk WHO: All Rotarians and the public WHEN: Saturday, October 10 at 9:00 a.m. with registration to begin at 8:15 a.m. at Larson Shelter WHERE: Centennial Park, 510 East 11^th Street in Rock Falls DETAILS: No registration fee, but T-shirt will be given for a $20 donation as long as supply lasts. All donations will be doubled by the Gates Foundation. Rotarians wanting to donate a check to Rotary Foundation to End Polio Now should include their Rotary I.D. number on the check. Their check will be sent into Rotary International as a part of this event.	Fifth Annual End Polio Now Walk - Oct. 10		2020-09-21 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Assists Purchase of Sanitizing System at East Coloma-Nelson Rock Falls Rotary presented a check of $2000 to Superintendent Chris Lensing of East Coloma-Nelson School to assist in purchase of a Chlorox Total 360 System for use during this pandemic. Members of the the East Coloma Board and Rock Falls Rotarians present from left to right: Dave Chavira, Rock Falls Rotary Past President, Gail Wright, President of Rock Falls Rotary, Chris Lensing, Superintendent of East Coloma-Nelson, Bob Sondgeroth, Rock Falls Rotarian, Chris Buikema, East Coloma-Nelson Board President, and Kim Velazquez, Board Member of East Coloma-Nelson.	Rock Falls Rotary Assists Purchase of Sanitizing System at East Coloma-Nelson		2020-09-08 05:00:00Z
Rotary Grant Helps Center 4 Change The Rock Falls Rotary Club along with other Rotary clubs in the area, went together and each received a Rotary Grant to help supply the Center 4 Change with new computers. Presenting and receiving the funds are (left to right) Chris Tennyson, Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools #47;. Mark Morris, Principal at Center 4 Change; Gail Wright, President of Rock Falls Rotary; and Bob Sondgeroth, Regional Superintendent of Schools #47.	Rotary Grant Helps Center 4 Change		2020-09-08 05:00:00Z
Rotarians Bring Broil & Boil Power Lunch to Sterling & Rock Falls Communities The Rock Falls & Sterling Noon Rotarians did the prep work and were ready to serve 2000 Power Lunches at the Sterling Marketplace (Farmer's Market Pavillion) on Monday, July 27. The two clubs joined forces to bring the Broil & Boil Power Lunch to the Sterling/Rock Falls community. Proceeds help our clubs with Rotary projects in our communities.	Rotarians Bring Broil & Boil Power Lunch to Sterling & Rock Falls Communities		2020-07-31 05:00:00Z
Rotary Clubs of Sterling Noon and Rock Falls Join to Provide a Power Lunch on Monday, July 27 Due to Covid-19 delaying fundraising of organizations, the two Rotary Clubs will join in providing a Power Lunch of pork chop sandwich with 3 ears of corn, chips, cookie and water on Monday, June 27 from 11 - 2 or until sold out at Sterling Marketplace. Presales are encouraged, and there will be deliveries and pick-ups only with no seating on site. Cindy Poci, co-owner of Poci's Market of Rock Falls, shares with Keith Zoeller, Corn Boil Chair of Rock Falls Rotary, the sweet corn to be provided.	Rotary Clubs of Sterling Noon and Rock Falls Join to Provide a Power Lunch on Monday, July 27		2020-07-13 05:00:00Z
Broil & Boil Cookout Fundraiser The Rock Falls Rotary and the Sterling Noon Rotary have joined forces this year to bring you Broil & Boil Power Lunch, a combined effort of each clubs annual cookout fundraisers. Broil & Boil will feature the Pork Chop Cookout of the Sterling Club and the Corn Boil of the Rock Falls Club into one power lunch brought to you on Monday, July 27 at the new Sterling Marketplace Pavilion behind The Factory Pub and Grub (West Second Street between Avenues A and B) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is $10 and features a grilled pork chop sandwich, 3 ears of sweet corn, chips, cookie and a bottle of water. Advance tickets and pre-ordering is highly encouraged. Free delivery for orders of 10 or more is available within Sterling and Rock Falls. Drive-thru/curbside pick up will be at the Marketplace. See the form for ordering options or contact any Rock Falls or Sterling Noon Rotarian. Proceeds benefit local Rotary Projects including youth scholarships, literacy projects with local schools, Student Excellence Program, Rotary youth exchange and several community projects and events.	Broil & Boil Cookout Fundraiser		2020-07-11 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Club Donates to Rock River Christian Center Food Pantry Posted on May 17, 2020 President Dave Chavira of Rock Falls Rotary Club (right) presents to Brian Vickers, Lead Pastor of Rock River Christian Center (left), a donation from Rock Falls Rotary members of $2,100 for their food pantry. The RRCC food pantry is now serving 150 families with weekly food during the corona virus pandemic. Contact RRCC for donations of any amount as all will be welcomed.	Rock Falls Rotary Club Donates to Rock River Christian Center Food Pantry		2020-05-17 05:00:00Z
Rotary Shares Exchange Program on Local Radio Posted on Apr 08, 2020 This morning Tom Myers, Rock Falls Rotarian, and Brandi & Kimzey Spreeman were on WSDR radio speaking about the value of Rotary Youth Exchange and the benefits of hosting a student. Thank you to all of them for their time and willingness to share about this worthwhile program. You can find the program at https://illinoisnewsnow.com/saukvalleynow/. The podcasts are listed on the right hand side about half way down the page - look for the one titled "Rotary Student Exchange Program" and click the play (arrow) to listen.	Rotary Shares Exchange Program on Local Radio		2020-04-08 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarians Assist with Meal Distribution for Rock Falls Students Posted on Mar 24, 2020 When Governor Pritzer closed all Illinois schools, it left many students who depend upon their school setting for breakfast and lunch without meals for two weeks. Rock Falls Rotary Club President Dave Chavira was very concerned about the students at East Coloma-Nelson who are dependent upon the school program to have food during these two weeks. So he rallied the Rock Falls Rotary Club to assist. Rock Falls Middle School became the site of distribution for all students in Rock Falls. East Coloma-Nelson teachers were assembling the meals as parents drove up with their orders. Rock Falls Rotarians delivered the meals to the cars. Rotarians included Dave Chavira, Bob Sondgeroth, Jeff Gray, Deb Gonzalez, Karen Voss, and Tom Myers.	Rock Falls Rotarians Assist with Meal Distribution for Rock Falls Students		2020-03-24 05:00:00Z
Keith Zoeller Celebrates 30 Years of Membership in Rock Falls Rotary Rock Falls Rotary President Dave Chavira (left) District Governor Bobbi Burke have just presented to Rock Falls Rotary member Keith Zoeller a certificate of appreciation celebrating his 30 years of membership in Rock Falls Rotary, as President-Elect Gail Wright looks on (right). Keith joined Rock Falls Rotary in March 1990 and over the years has continually chaired the Annual Corn Boil, the annual Farmers' Night, and the Scholarship Committee. He has served two terms as Rock Falls Rotary President and is always ready for hands-on service in our community. Rock Falls Rotarians shared their recollections of all the projects that he either chaired or participated in over these years as they congratulated him for his 30 years of membership.	Keith Zoeller Celebrates 30 Years of Membership in Rock Falls Rotary		2020-03-17 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates as Sponsor of Relay For Life of Sauk Valley President Dave Chavira presents to Cheryl Faber, Relay For Life Sponsorship Chair, a check for $150 in sponsorship of the June 6 annual event to be held at Westwood Sports Complex from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. This will mark the 25th Anniversary year of the Relay For Life in the Sauk Valley area. The public is invited to visit www.relayforlife.org/saukvalleyil for more information.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates as Sponsor of Relay For Life of Sauk Valley		2020-03-17 05:00:00Z
Lunch Program for Rock Falls Students Posted on Mar 16, 2020 Rock Falls Rotary is working with local school districts in Rock Falls to help distribute lunches to students in Rock Falls. Details: - Entrance will only be from the back lot (1701 12th Ave., Rock Falls, IL) - From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. lunches will be taken curbside to deliver. - A lunch will be provided for any child from Rock Falls, 18 years of age or younger. Child need not be in attendance and no questions asked. - This will end Friday, March 27, thus continuing through Spring Break.	Lunch Program for Rock Falls Students		2020-03-16 05:00:00Z
Cancellations Posted on Mar 13, 2020 Until further notice, all Rock Falls Rotary Monday night meetings have been cancelled. The Annual Farmer's Night Celebration scheduled for Monday, March 16 is also cancelled.	Cancellations		2020-03-13 05:00:00Z
Former Rotary Exchange Student Shares His Rotary Flag with Rock Falls Rotary Andrew Bartles (right) , an exchange student of 2004 who spent a year in the Netherlands, and later in 2010 a year as an Ambassadorial Scholar in Lebanon, returned to Rock Falls to exchange his Rotary Club banner of Manama, Bahrain of District 2452 with Present-Elect Tom Myers of Rock Falls Rotary. Andrew has been working in the oil industry in the area of Saudi Arabia, but living in Bahrain.	Former Rotary Exchange Student Shares His Rotary Flag with Rock Falls Rotary		2020-02-03 06:00:00Z
Meteorologist at WQAD Presents Program at Rock Falls Rotary Andrew Stutzke of Sterling who is presently the weekend meteorologist at WQAD presented a program on his career pathway and of course on the weather patterns we are experiencing in the Midwest with an explanation of why. The calculations into predicting the weather are much more complicated than listeners to weather forecasts think. Thank you Andrew Stutzke WQAD for providing such an interesting and informational program to our members and guests.	Meteorologist at WQAD Presents Program at Rock Falls Rotary		2020-01-11 06:00:00Z
Rotary January & February Students of the Month Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month selected by Rock Falls High School staff for January, Bailee Fortney (right), daughter of Patrick and Dee Fortney and for February Brittney Shipman (left), daughter of Stacy and Laurie Shipman are shown with the Rock Falls Rotary Youth Committee Chair, Bob Sondgeroth. Rotary Students of the Month are selected based on the Four Way Test of what Rotarians think, say, and do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rotary January & February Students of the Month		2020-01-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Rock River Hospice and Home Rock Falls Rotarians of the Community Service Committee, Gail Wright (left) and Darla Ewing (right) present to Karen Voss (center) of Rock River Hospice and Home a check for $150 to the recent Festival of Trees fundraiser.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Rock River Hospice and Home		2020-01-11 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member Dave Chavira (right), president of Rock Falls Rotary officially inducted Eric Epps (center), IT Director at Sauk Valley Community College into the Rock Falls Rotary Club. His sponsor, Bob Sondgeroth (left), is pinning the lapel pin of the Rotary wheel to welcome him into the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Rotary is an international service organization in over 200 countries around the world.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member		2019-12-08 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Photo Op at Rock Falls Hometown Holidays Two students from East Coloma-Nelson were in costume for a photo op at US Bank in Rock Falls during the Hometown Holiday celebration: Elizabeth Lombardo as Thing I and Elyse Stevens as Thing 2. Back row are the Rotarians who were on site to hand out stickers and literacy tips: to more than 160 participants: (left to right) Pam Erby, President Dave Chavira,Cheryl Faber, Gail Wright, Darla Ewing, and Betty Clementz.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Photo Op at Rock Falls Hometown Holidays		2019-12-01 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Distributes Over 150 Dictionaries to Rock Falls Third Grade Students Rock Falls Rotarian Cheryl Faber is sharing with third grade students of Mrs. Anderson of Merrill School how to use a dictionary and sharing the wealth of information beyond vocabulary found in this version of an age-appropriate dictionary. Dictionaries were distributed to students of East Coloma-Nelson, Merrill, Montmorency, Thome, and St. Andrew schools as a part of the American Education Week literacy effort by Rock Falls Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Distributes Over 150 Dictionaries to Rock Falls Third Grade Students		2019-12-01 06:00:00Z
RF Rotary October Student of the Month Rock Falls Youth Committee Chair Bob Sondgeroth welcomed October Student of the Month from Rock Falls High School Maddie Sands, daughter of Jason and Nicole Sands. Maddie was selected by Rock Falls High School staff for living according to the Four Way Test of what Rotarians think, say, and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	RF Rotary October Student of the Month		2019-12-01 06:00:00Z
Rotarians Celebrate Rotarian Johnson's 60 Years in Business Rock Falls Rotarians surprised fellow Rotarian Art Johnson by stopping by to congratulate and celebrate with him his 60 years of being in business. Congratulations Art, we are proud and blessed to have you as a member of our community and especially a member of Rock Falls Rotary. #rockfallsrotary #johnsonoil	Rotarians Celebrate Rotarian Johnson's 60 Years in Business		2019-10-27 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary 2019 Greenery Sales Happening Now Rock Falls Rotary Greenery sales of Sherwood Forest wreaths, garlands, pine cones, and swags delivered from YOU directly to the recipient’s home in continental United States, all for one price which includes cost of item, taxes, and shipping charges is happening now. Freshly shipped from state of Washington, your gift will arrive at the doorstep of your recipient the week after Thanksgiving for a full holiday season to enjoy. Contact Rotarian Pat Novak at novakfam@essex1.com or call and leave a message at 815-441-0528 to place an order and to prepay cost to Rock Falls Rotary prior to November 11. All monies from this fundraiser will support Rotary Youth activities.	Rock Falls Rotary 2019 Greenery Sales Happening Now		2019-10-27 05:00:00Z
Fourth Annual End Polio Now Walk The Fourth Annual End Polio Now Walk, sponsored by the Rock Falls, Sterling Noon Rotary Club, Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary of Walnut Illinois and Dixon, Illinois Rotary Club will be held on Saturday, October 12 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. There is no fee to participate. Donations will be accepted and with a $20 donation you can get an End Polio Now Tshirt, while supplies last. The walk will step off around 9 a.m. and will proceed along the Hennepin Canal bike path to the walking bridge which will cross the Rock River. Upon crossing the river and reaching Sterling, the water station will be set up at the gazebo, which will also be the turn around point (route is approx. 2.5 miles) The public is invited to attend, with all donations collected and given to the End Polio Foundation at Rotary International. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation then triples that amount donated. We encourage and invite all to attend to help us eradicate Polio. For more information, contact any participating Rotarian or send us message here on Facebook.	Fourth Annual End Polio Now Walk		2019-10-12 05:00:00Z
District Governor Burke Visits Rock Falls Rotary Dave Chavira (left), President of Rock Falls Rotary, welcomed Rotary District 6420 Governor Bobbi Burke (right) of Rochelle Rotary Club to her annual visit of Rock Falls Rotary Club Monday evening at Harvest Time Bible Church. She had presented the Rotary year theme banner to President Chavira of Rotary Connects the World.	District Governor Burke Visits Rock Falls Rotary		2019-10-10 05:00:00Z
Pat Novak Receives Paul Harris Fellow Dave Chavira (right), President of Rock Falls Rotary, presents the Paul Harris Fellow Award to Pat Novak for her contribution to the Rotary Foundation of $1,000. Each Award includes a certificate and a pin. Monies received are used in the six areas of projects worldwide or in support of local district and club projects through grants.	Pat Novak Receives Paul Harris Fellow		2019-10-05 05:00:00Z
Cool Manufacturing & Technology Summer Cam Three Rotary Clubs - Morrison Rotary, Rock Falls Rotary, and Sterling Noon Rotary - joined with partner Whiteside County Economic Development to provide an opportunity for students aged 12 – 16 to experience manufacturing in the area. All three Rotary Clubs applied for a matching grant from Rotary District 6420 to fund this summer program. Each club contributed $1,000 and received a matching grant from Rotary District 6420 for another $1000 for a total donation/club of $2,000. Its purpose was to expose area students to the world of manufacturing, to learn of careers and training in the area by visiting off-site facilities, and actually experience manufacturing as a possible career in the area. Hands-on projects of manufacturing products would teach the students skills and allow them to experience manufacturing from design to production. Whiteside Area Career Center would provide the program to meet these goals. Their professional manufacturing instructors, Steve Bierdeman and Bill Hare, would deliver the program which had been discussed and approved by the three Rotary Clubs before the grant was even applied for. The value of keeping students in manufacturing jobs in the area was one of the main purposes for this summer camp experience. The Cool Manufacturing & Technology Summer Camp is a great example of the community identifying the skills gap as a national problem, and acting locally to meet the challenge. The Cool Manufacturing Summer Camp, The Whiteside Area Career Center, the CEO program, the Multicraft Extended Internship Program, the Innovation Center at Morrison Tech, and other programs are examples of the community doing something about a problem and not waiting for someone else to do it. These are positive long-term steps we are taking locally and it does contribute to the overall vitality of the region. Publicity was distributed as a flier to the 17 member school districts which are partner members in the WACC. Local news media was also used to create awareness. Woodlawn Arts Academy also distributed fliers to students aged 12 – 16. The class would meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – noon June 17 through June 27. The maximum number of participants for the summer camp was set at 20 and 14 students were enrolled. Four projects were to be the experience of hands-on production: a birdhouse, a wooden valet tray for jewelry, and a baseball bat shaped stand for name cards as projects using wood as the medium, and an I-phone holder using pipe which would teach skills in working with metal. All would allow students to design their project and then make it truly their own creation. Each project would allow students to use a variety of manufacturing machines. The best part of the experience would be that each had handmade projects to keep as their own or to give as a gift. Bill Hare shared that students found the experiences to be eye-opening. One of them made the statement, “I can’t wait to come back again next year.” Josh Johnson, Director of WACC, said that there is definitely interest in continuing this summer program with the possibility of perhaps adding the building trades and auto mechanics areas in a third week of a summer camp. Three Rotary Clubs Presidents (left to right)– Sterling Noon’s President John Gvozdjak, Rock Falls’ President Dave Chavira, Morrison’s President Mick Welding - and Gary Camarano of Whiteside County Economic Development organization present a check for $8000 to Josh Johnson, Director of WACC and Jerry Binder, Administrator at WACC. Each organization supported the Manufacturing and Technology Summer Camp program in June for students aged 12 – 16 which was delivered through WACC. Bill Hare, Instructor at WACC, displays several of the projects which students completed in the Manufacturing and Technology Summer Camp at WACC in June: two wooden projects – a baseball shaped name card holder and a jewelry valet tray - and a metal project using pipe to create an I-phone holder.	Cool Manufacturing & Technology Summer Cam		2019-09-24 05:00:00Z
RF Rotary Students of the Month of August and September Rock Falls Rotary welcomed and honored the recently named August Rotary Student of the Month, Lauren Moeller (left), daughter of Christa and Matt Moeller, and Maddie Arickx (right), daughter of Dawn and Dan Arickx, as September Rotary Student of the Month. Both students were selected by staff at Rock Falls High School as best exemplifying the Rotary Four Way Test of the things one says, thinks, and does: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?	RF Rotary Students of the Month of August and September		2019-09-18 05:00:00Z
RF Rotary welcomes Foreign Exchange Student Rotary Exchange Student from Germany, Emilia Galka (left), is officially welcomed to Rock Falls Rotary when she received her membership pin from Rock Falls Rotary President Dave Chavira. Emilia is attending Sterling High School and is being hosted by the Chad Spreeman family. Rotary Exchange students stay for approximately one year and are usually hosted by 2 - 3 families during that time. Any families wanting to host are asked to contact Bob Sondgeroth at 625-1495 for more information.	RF Rotary welcomes Foreign Exchange Student		2019-09-18 05:00:00Z
Spreeman to Indonesia Kimzey Spreeman, daughter of Chad and Brandi Spreemen of Sterling, was selected as an Outbound Rotary Exchange Student to spend a year in Bandung, Indonesia. She just received news that she is to leave soon, as all the paperwork has finally been completed. Shown with Kimzey is the Rock Falls Rotary Youth Exchange Chair, Bob Sondgeroth, who has assisted in the preparation of Kimzey for this experience of a lifetime! Kimzey is being sponsored in this year-long exchange by the Rock Falls Rotary Club.	Spreeman to Indonesia		2019-09-18 05:00:00Z
Prairie Restoration passion of Rotarian Keith Zoeller, a member of Rock Falls Rotary since 1990, presented a program on the restoration of a prairie to members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. He has developed several such acreages, including the one being shown in photos of 16 acres located upon entry into Gregden Shores. He brought in samples of the wildflowers and grasses of that location and explained the need for multiple years to restore a prairie, which includes eventually burning off the property to regenerate its growth.	Prairie Restoration passion of Rotarian		2019-09-18 05:00:00Z
Two Rock Falls Rotarians Receive Paul Harris + 1 Sapphire Pins Posted on Aug 20, 2019 Dave Chavira (center) President of Rock Falls Rotary, presented to Bob Sondgeroth (left) and Cheryl Faber (right) the pin representing Paul Harris Award of a total of $2000 donated to the Rotary Foundation. Each received a pin with a sapphire representing the Paul Harris + 1 status of contribution. Monies contributed to Rotary Foundation support the eradication of polio and fund district projects.	Two Rock Falls Rotarians Receive Paul Harris + 1 Sapphire Pins		2019-08-20 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Toni McCombie of 71st Legislative District Posted on Aug 20, 2019 Members and guests at the Rock Falls Rotary meeting welcomed Toni McCombie of the 71st Legislative District covering parts of Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, and Henry Counties to their meeting at Rotary Park on Minkle Street in Rock Falls. Toni shared the legislation passed in the last legislative session and fielded questions and concerns from the members.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Toni McCombie of 71st Legislative District		2019-08-20 05:00:00Z
Rotary Park Roofing Project Posted on Aug 20, 2019 Rock Falls Rotary President Dave Chavira (far right) presents to the Director of Coloma Park District Tom Rynott a check for $2000 for the roof project at the restroom facility at Rotary Park on Minkle Street in Rock Falls, while Mike Sterba, retiring Director of Coloma Park District and Sarah Willey, Rock Falls Rotary Treasurer look on.	Rotary Park Roofing Project		2019-08-20 05:00:00Z
Gail Wright Receives Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Foundation Gail Wright, member of Rock Falls Rotary, received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for her accumulative contribution of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation from Rock Falls Rotary President Dave Chavira. Rotarians are asked to make a contribution annually to the Rotary Foundation fund to support End Polio Now or Annual Fund to support district activities.	Gail Wright Receives Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary Foundation		2019-08-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts President of 2019 - 2020 :Past President Mike Albert (right), presents the gavel to Dave Chavira (left) as Dave begins his Rotary year from July 2019 - June 2020 as President of Rock Falls Rotary. Dave presented to Mike a Thank You gift of a clock for his year of service as President.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts President of 2019 - 2020		2019-08-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarship Keith Zoeller, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, presents to Mackenzie Olson, daughter of Brian and Jude Olson, a scholarship to attend Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin in the fall from the Rock Falls Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarship		2019-08-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary presents Scholarship Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship Chair, Keith Zoeller (right), presents to Alex Akerman (left), 2019 graduate of Rock Falls High School, a scholarship to Sauk Valley Community College where he intends to start his pathway to becoming a physical therapist.	Rock Falls Rotary presents Scholarship		2019-07-07 05:00:00Z
RYLA Program Presented to Rock Falls Rotary Posted on Jun 26, 2019 Linda Patterson (left), a Rotarian from Dixon Rotary, shared the youth program of RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) which is a weekend long leadership training for high school youth of Rotary District 6420 which stretches from Quad Cities to Wisconsin border as far east as McHenry County. Two of the students who attended the weekend RYLA for Rock Falls Rotary were Kimzey Spreeman and Savannah Pinske (next two students in the photo) who shared their reaction to the weekend. Cheryl Faber, Rock Falls Rotarian (right) presents Rock Falls Rotary pins to each of the students.	RYLA Program Presented to Rock Falls Rotary		2019-06-26 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Returning Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Taiwan Posted on Jun 24, 2019 Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Officer from Rock Falls Rotary, accepts the flag from the Rotary Club of Taiwan which hosted Gabriella Galindo for the past 10 months in Taiwan. Gabby has returned to the US after her year abroad and an experience that will last a lifetime.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Returning Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Taiwan		2019-06-24 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates Rotary Students of the Month Rock Falls Rotary celebrated the students of Rock Falls High School who had been selected by RFHS staff each month as Rotary Student of the Month based on the 4 Way Test of things that Rotarians think, say and do: 1. is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? From left to right are Javier De La Torre, Matt Laws, Debra Ratliff, Morgan Mandrell, Emily Buikema, Payton Johnson, Tiana Green, and Bob Sondgeroth, Chair of Youth Committee. Absent when photo taken are Gracie Young, Xheneta Bqiri, Abigail Jones, and Jenna Valdivia.	Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates Rotary Students of the Month		2019-06-09 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Earns Public Image District Award Karen Voss (left) and Pam Erby (center) accept the Rotary District Public Image Award for clubs of membership of less than 40 members recently presented at District 6420 Conference held in Galena. Presenting the award to the Public Image Co-Chairs is Mike Albert, President of Rock Falls Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Earns Public Image District Award		2019-05-28 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Collects Food for St, Vincent DePaul Society in Sterling During the month of May members of the Rock Falls Rotary gathered donations to the Food Bank at St. Vincent DePaul in Sterling. Katherine Sheets presented a program on St. Vincent DePaul and accepted the donation form members. Front row (left to right) Pam Erby, Sarah Willey, Deb Gonzalez, Betty Clementz. Karen Voss, Back row: Pat Novak, Tom Myers, Jeff Gray, Keith Zoeller, Mike Albert, Flavien Dupont, Rotary Exchange student; Mark Young, and Cheryl Faber.	Rock Falls Rotary Collects Food for St, Vincent DePaul Society in Sterling		2019-05-28 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Accepts Literacy District 6420 Awards Dave Chavira (left), Chair of Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Committee, has just accepted one of the two awards being extended to Rock Falls Rotary from the Chair of the District Literacy Committee, Andy Axup of the Quad Cities (right), for their efforts to promote literacy in their community. The Club Achievement Award is for four areas of literacy: 1. A program to share literacy with its members: Rock Falls heard from Diane Verhulst about the books of L.I.F.E. being distributed to children through age 5 in Whiteside County 2. Financial support of a literacy program in the area, which was L.I.F.E of Whiteside County 3. A hands-on program in which Rotary members provide literacy skills or work with individuals in need of improvement : Rotarians read weekly in East Coloma -Nelson School to children in grades K through fourth grade 4. An awareness community event: Hometown Holiday Photo Booth at US Bank promotes children's story book characters and distributes information about community literacy. The second award from Andy Axup is for the longevity of a literacy program of a Rotary Club called the Sustained Excellence Literacy Award. Rock Falls Rotary earned this award for 19 years of reading to students at East Coloma Elementary School which started with one class and now is extended to all students in every class of Kindergarten through fourth grade weekly.	Rock Falls Rotary Accepts Literacy District 6420 Awards		2019-05-28 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Salvation Army Darla Ewing, Rock Falls Rotary Community Service Committee member, presents to Captain David Amick, Commander of Salvation Army, a check for $100 in support of the Salvation Army community service and programs. Captain Dave shared his plans with the Rock Falls Rotary Club for the Sterling Salvation Army Headquarters since his assignment in January 2019 to this post.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Salvation Army		2019-05-20 05:00:00Z
B.L.I.N.D. Program Jeff Gray, Rock Falls Rotarian, presents to Melissa Landes, teacher at Morrison High School, a Rotary thank you gift for the program on B.L.I.N.D presented (left to right) by herself, Jennifer Pepper, teacher at Fulton High School, and Kris Noble of Sauk Valley Chamber. The program summarized how Morrison and Fulton High Schools have used the program of B.L.I.N.D to tear down walls between youth and build positive lasting relationships with other students within their district, as well as with other communities.	B.L.I.N.D. Program		2019-05-12 05:00:00Z
Second Paul Harris to Rotary Foundation Mike Albert, President of Rock Falls Rotary, presents to Pam Erby her second Paul Harris Foundation pin with two sapphires, representing the two contributions of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Foundation donations support the many worldwide projects of service in our world, with special attention being given to the eradication of polio.	Second Paul Harris to Rotary Foundation		2019-05-12 05:00:00Z
Rotary Social Evening The Rock Falls Rotarians and guests recently enjoyed a social evening at Triple P BBQ in Rock Falls.	Rotary Social Evening		2019-05-12 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes February and March Rotary Students of the Month Two Rock Falls High students have been chosen as Rotary Students of the Month: Payton Johnson, daughter of Cory and Jamie Johnson, (left) for March and Emily Buikema, daughter of Chris and Candace Buikema, (right) for February. Staff at Rock Falls High School select the students based on the Rotary Four Way Test of how one lives one's life: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes February and March Rotary Students of the Month		2019-04-01 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Program of Friendship Exchange Trip to India Posted on Mar 24, 2019 Larry Farley of Dixon Rotary was one of the Friendship Exchange team to travel to India for an exchange. He presented a program of his trip to Rock Falls Rotarians. Visits included Rotary clubs and their projects, the industries of the area such as spinning cotton thread, and the tourist sights of the area, such as the Unity Statue, largest in the world and the home of Gandhi. Living in homes of Rotarians, team members experienced the culture of India in its food, customs, and activities. In addition, the team also participated in a National Immunization Day of administering 2 drops of polio vaccine to hundreds of children in one day.	Rock Falls Rotary Program of Friendship Exchange Trip to India		2019-03-24 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Outbound Rotary Exchange Student Kimsey Spreeman Posted on Mar 24, 2019 Kimsey Spreeman, a sophomore at Sterling High School, will be spending her 2019 - 2020 school year in Indonesia, thanks to the Rotary Exchange program and the support of Rock Falls Rotary Club. Rotary Exchange students traditionally spend the middle of August to July in a country of their choice within three host families during that year. Kimsey is the daughter of Chad and Brandi Spreeman.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Outbound Rotary Exchange Student Kimsey Spreeman		2019-03-24 05:00:00Z
Pizza for Pep Band Posted on Mar 22, 2019 Rock Falls Rotarian Bob Sondgeroth, middle center, delivered pizzas to Mike McCoy, left, and the SHS Band members in appreciation for those who volunteered to perform at our annual Farmer's Night Dinner. Their program was great and was enjoyed by all in attendance. Thank you for stepping up and entertaining our guests.	Pizza for Pep Band		2019-03-22 05:00:00Z
71st Annual Farmer's Night Rock Falls Rotary hosted it's 71st Annual Farmer's Night at Deer Valley Banquets, an evening honoring those in our local agricultural community. During the evening, Ryan Anderson, Ag Instructor at Sauk Valley Community College, gave on update on the status of the program and student progress on ag projects. Sterling High School Pep Band and Mike McCoy, the Director, entertained the crowd with several arrangements and history of each being played. Thanks to all those who attended and our local sponsors, The Cornerstone Agency, Vern's Farm Supply, Alton Irrigation, Compeer Financial, Sauk Valley Bank, Sterling Federal Bank and Zoeller Ag Services.	71st Annual Farmer's Night		2019-03-11 05:00:00Z
Membership Open House Posted on Mar 04, 2019 Rock Falls Rotary recently held an Open House for prospective members. On display for viewing were the Rotary Avenues of Services showing how the Rock Falls Rotary supports each one. Membership Chair, Tom Myers gave an overview of Rotary and what it means to be a Rock Falls Rotarian. DG Kathy Kwiat-Hess was also in attendance and spoke about being a Rotarian and the lifelong friendships and benefits of being a member of Rotary. #RotaryDay	Membership Open House		2019-03-04 06:00:00Z
Julie Logan Receives Paul Haris Fellow +1 Award President Mike Albert of Rock Falls Rotary presents to Julie Logan, Rock Falls Rotarian, the pin commemorating her donations to the Rotary International Foundation of an additional $1,000 after her original donation to become a Paul Harris Fellow. The Foundation donations are the means of support worldwide to do good in the world, and members of Rotary are urged to make annual contributions in support of these service projects around the world. At each sum of $1,000 an award is made with a pin with a gemstone added to denote that level of contribution.	Julie Logan Receives Paul Haris Fellow +1 Award		2019-01-17 06:00:00Z
September Rotary Student of the Month Bob Sondgeroth (right), Youth Chair of Rock Falls Rotary, congratulates Xheneta Beqiri (left), daughter of Vaidin and Luljeta Beqiri, of her selection by Rock Falls High School staff as Rock Falls Rotary Student of the month for September. Xhenta hopes to attend Monmouth College in the fall. Rotary students are selected on the basis of the Rotary Four Way Test of the things that Rotarians say, think, and do: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build goodwill and friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	September Rotary Student of the Month		2019-01-17 06:00:00Z
70 Combined Years of Rock Falls Rotary Membership for Art Johnson and Pam Erby Two Rock Falls Rotary members reached milestones in Rotary membership: Art Johnson with 40 years of Rotary membership on December 1, 2018 and Pam Erby with 30 years of Rotary membership on January 1, 2019. Both were celebrated by the Rock Falls Rotary members and remembered for their years of service. Pam Erby was the first female invited into Rock Falls Rotary membership after membership was opened to females in 1988 by Rotary International. District Governor, Kathy Kwiat-Hess, had issued a certificate commemorating the achievement of both for their commitment of longevity to Rotary service. Cheryl Faber, Rock Falls Rotarian, presents to Art Johnson the 40 Year membership certificate from Rotary District 6420 Governor, Kathy Kwiat-Hess at his home. Rock Falls Rotary President Mike Albert presents to Pam Erby the certificate of 30 years of longevity of membership in Rock Falls Rotary issued by District Governor Kathy Kwiat-Hess.	70 Combined Years of Rock Falls Rotary Membership for Art Johnson and Pam Erby		2019-01-16 06:00:00Z
Rotary Students of the Month Posted on Jan 16, 2019 Tiana Green (left), daughter of Misty Cushing and Jenna Valdivia (right), daughter of Heather Hagemann, were both selected by staff at Rock Falls High to be Rotary Students of the Month of January and December, respectively. Both are seniors at Rock Falls High School and were selected based on the Four-Way Test of what Rotarians think, say, and do: 1.) Is it the truth? 2.) is it fair to all concerned? 3.) Will it build good will and better friendships? 4.) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rotary Students of the Month		2019-01-16 06:00:00Z
Rotary Decorates Tree for Hospice Sauk Valley Community College Rotaracters assisted the Rock Falls Rotarians in decorating the tree for the Festival of Trees for Rock River Hospice & Home at Northland Mall. Those pictured from left to right: Karyn Baldwin, Lillian Maxfield, Deb Gonzalez, Paul Sedig, Cheryl Faber, Betty Clementz and Pam Erby.	Rotary Decorates Tree for Hospice		2018-11-18 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Obtains Grant for L.I.F.E. Rock Falls Rotary wrote a grant to obtain matching Rotary District 6420 funds to support the Whiteside County Literacy Is Fun(damental) for Everyone (L.I.F.E ) program which provides a book per month to children in Whiteside County from birth through age 5. The Rock Falls Rotary Club provided $1500 to support L.I.F.E which was doubled by Rotary District 6420 to provide $3000 for the program. Presenting the check is Rock Falls Grant Chair Cheryl Faber (center) to Diana Verhulst (left), CEO of Whiteside County United Way, and Pam Martinez (right) Director of Programs and Services of United Way of Whiteside County. This grant was made possible through the charitable giving of Rock Falls Rotarians to the Rotary Foundation.	Rock Falls Rotary Obtains Grant for L.I.F.E.		2018-11-18 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Honors Rotary Students of the Month Gracie Young (left), daughter of Brent and Denise Young, was chosen by Rock Falls High School staff as August Rotary Student of the Month, and Abbigail Jones (right), daughter of Dave and Sue Jones, was selected as November Rotary Student of the Month. Both were selected based on the Four Way Test of what Rotarians think, say and do: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build good will and better friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rock Falls Rotary Honors Rotary Students of the Month		2018-11-18 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Coloma Township Thanksgiving Baskets Two members of Rock Falls Rotary - Betty Clementz (left) and Pam Erby, (right) Chair of Community Service Committee, present to Dave Blanton of Coloma Township a check for $150 for Thanksgiving baskets.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Coloma Township Thanksgiving Baskets		2018-11-18 06:00:00Z
Javier DeLaTorre Selected as October Rotary Student of the Month Posted on Oct 30, 2018 Javier DeLaTorre, son of Javier and Maria DeLaTorre and a Senior at Rock Falls High School, was selected as the Rock Falls Rotary October Student of the Month by staff based on the Four Way Test of what Rotarians say, think, and do: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair to all concerned? 3) Will it build good will and better friendships? 4) Is it beneficial to all concerned? President Mike Albert presents to Javier the Rock Falls Rotary lapel pin.	Javier DeLaTorre Selected as October Rotary Student of the Month		2018-10-30 05:00:00Z
End Polio Now Walk The End Polio Now Walk was held Saturday, Oct. 13 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. The event was sponsored by Sterling Noon Rotary Club, Dixon, Illinois Rotary Club, Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary Club - Sterling, Illinois and the Rock Falls Rotary Club. In attendance were several members from each club and members from the District including our currrent District Governor and Past District Governor. The Iron Lung was also on display for everyone to view.	End Polio Now Walk		2018-10-22 05:00:00Z
2017-2018 Presidential Citation Presentation Past District Governor Steve Kuhn (left) awards the 2017-2018 Presidential Citation to Rock Falls Rotary Club members at the Oct. 13 End Polio Now Walk at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. Rock Falls was one of the 12 of 47 clubs in the district to achieve goals in five categories during the year. Betty Clementz, 2017-2018 past president and President Mike Albert accept the award.	2017-2018 Presidential Citation Presentation		2018-10-22 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Annual Greenery Sales It is time for the Rock Falls Rotary Club Annual Greenery Sale. You can send a wreath, garland or table piece directly to your friend's or relative's doorstep in time for the holidays. These are GREAT gifts for those who live elsewhere in the continental USA. It appears at their door as a great, fresh surprise of the holiday season. Plus, you are supporting Rotary projects through this gift. Contact Pat Novak at 815-441-0528 or any Rock Falls Rotarian.	Rock Falls Annual Greenery Sales		2018-10-16 05:00:00Z
Third Annual Polio Walk The Third Annual End Polio Now Walk, sponsored by the Rock Falls, Sterling Noon, Twin Cities Sunrise, and Dixon Rotary Clubs will be held on Saturday, October 13 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. There is no fee to participate. Donations will be accepted and with a $20 donation you can get an End Polio Now Tshirt, while supplies last. The walk will step off around 9 a.m. and will proceed along the Hennepin Canal bike path to the walking bridge which will cross the Rock River. Upon crossing the river and reaching Sterling, the water station will be set up at the gazebo, which will also be the turn around point (route is approx. 2.5 miles) The public is invited to attend, will all donations collected and given to the End Polio Foundation at Rotary International. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation then triples that amount donated. We encourage and invite all to attend to help us eradicate Polio. Also on display from 8 a.m. to Noon will be the Iron Lung. For more information, contact any participating Rotarian.	Third Annual Polio Walk		2018-09-17 05:00:00Z
Rotary Students Visit and Arrive Rock Falls Rotary welcomed several exchange students to its recent meeting. Attending were (l to r) Sterling Rotary Inbound student Fritio Fagergren from Sweden; Sterling's Outbound student Brice Taylor leaving for France; Rock Falls Rotary Inbound student Flavien DuPont from France; Gabby Galindo Rock Falls Rotary Outbound to Taiwan; and Rock Falls Rotary Rebound student Tommi Myers who returned from a year in Sardinia, Italy. Also pictured is RF Rotarian Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Officer.	Rotary Students Visit and Arrive		2018-08-18 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates to LIFE Program Posted on Aug 06, 2018 Rock Falls Rotary President Mike Albert presents a check to Pam Martinez of the United Way of Whiteside County in support of the L.I.F.E (Literacy is Fun for Everyone) program. The program supplies books to children in Whiteside County.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates to LIFE Program		2018-08-06 05:00:00Z
Rotary Youth Exchange - Past and Present Posted on Jul 19, 2018 Mike Albert, (right) President of Rock Falls Rotary, welcomed back to Rock Falls our RFHS student Tommi Myers (center right), daughter of Tom and Johnna Myers, who had spent the last year in Sardinia and presented to the Rock Falls Rotary Club the banner of her hosting club. Looking on is Amy (Harms) McFarlane (center left) and her husband Ross (far left) who live in Scotland. Amy had been the Rock Falls Rotary exchange student to Denmark in 1987 and then went to Scotland on an Ambassadorial scholarship four years later where she met her husband-to-be. They were back in the area visiting family and friends. Rotary Exchange students develop real friendships with their host clubs and families.	Rotary Youth Exchange - Past and Present		2018-07-19 05:00:00Z
Good-Bye Manuela Posted on Jul 14, 2018 Rock Falls Rotarians presented our 2017-2018 Foreign Exchange Student, Manuela, with a gift for her time spent this year with our club, at Rock Falls High School and in our community. The Rock Falls hat and long sleeve jersey pullover with RFHS seemed the perfect momento. Manuela, you were a delight, always upbeat and fun, a perfect exchange student. Safe travels back to Columbia and you are always welcome at our club anytime !! Making the presentation was past president Betty Clementz and current president Mike Albert.	Good-Bye Manuela		2018-07-14 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Rotary District Governor Kathy Kwiat-Hess President Mike Albert welcomed Kathy Kwiat-Hess, 2018-2019 Governor of District 6420 which is the western corner of Illinois from Quad Cities to Wisconsin border and east to Henry, IL. Kathy shared the new President of Rotary International vision and how clubs may achieve his Presidential Citation for their activities of service in both their communities and internationally making a difference. President Mike presented her with the flag and pin of Rock Falls Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Rotary District Governor Kathy Kwiat-Hess		2018-07-14 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary 79th Annual Corn Boil Posted on Jul 12, 2018 The Rock Falls Community Building will be the site for the annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil on Monday, July 23, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Keith Zoeller is Chair of this event. Cost of the tickets is $8/adults and $4/children under 12. Menu includes Pulled Pork Bar-B-Q or hot dog, chips, beverage and all the corn you can eat. Drive through service is also available. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any Rock Falls Rotary Club member or at the door on the day of the event. Orders of 10 or more meals may be pre-ordered for pick-up at a requested time if faxed to Keith at 815 / 625- 3726 or emailed to zoeller@essex1.com no later than Sunday, July 22, by noon. No pre-orders for pick-up will be taken the day of the event. To place a pre-order, give name, phone number and number of meals of each sandwich choice along with the desired hour (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) for time of pick-up. This year 2018 will mark the 79th year that this has been an annual event for the Rock Falls Rotary Club. The original Rock Falls Rotary Club Corn Boil was an activity for the club members and their families which expanded over the years into what has become the major fundraising event for the club. Wilson and Lorraine King were the original hosts to this event on their farm south of Rock Falls. This event has grown into a community event with over 1500 meals being served. Proceeds from this annual event will benefit the many community projects and youth support of the Rock Falls Rotary. The public is invited. Keith Zoeller (right), Chair of the Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil, is making final preparation with Cindy Poci, co-owner with Jerry Poci of Poci’s Market, for the sweet corn that will be used for the 79th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil to be held July 23at the Rock Falls Community Building from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.	Rock Falls Rotary 79th Annual Corn Boil		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Arunima Salomi Receives Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship President Mike Albert (left) and Keith Zoeller (right), Chair of Scholarship Committee, presented to Arunima Salomi a Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship. 'Nima, daughter of Soloman and Satya Sudhakar, plans to study medcine.	Arunima Salomi Receives Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarships Keith Zoeller (right), Chair of the Scholarship Committee of Rock Falls Rotary, presented to Karley Crady (left), a graduating senior of Rock Falls High School, one of the three scholarships extended to RFHS students. She will be attending University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in the fall, her course of study is still undecided.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarships		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Official Passing of the Presidential Gavel of Rock Falls Rotary Betty Clementz, Rock Falls Rotary President 2017-2018, passes the presidential gavel to Mike Albert, President of Rock Falls Rotary 2018-2019. Rotary year is July 1st through June 30th.	Official Passing of the Presidential Gavel of Rock Falls Rotary		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Caitlin Shaw Receives Scholarship from Rock Falls Rotary Caitlin Shaw, daughter of Wessley and Amber Shaw, received a 2018 scholarship from Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship Chair Keith Zoeller (left) and Bob Sondgeroth (right), Youth Chair. Her plans are to attend Sauk Valley Community College and then transfer to Northern IL University to pursue an elementary education teaching degree.	Caitlin Shaw Receives Scholarship from Rock Falls Rotary		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts a New Member Keith Zoeller sponsored a new member to the Rock Falls Rotary Club, Darla Ewing, who was inducted July 2 and presented the Rotary wheel lapel pin by Keith Zoeller after her induction.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts a New Member		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Bids Farewell to Manuela Beltran-Rojas from Colombia Manuela Beltran-Rojas (center front row) has spent the past year in the Rock Falls community and will be returning to her home in Colombia. Members in attendance on July 2 joined in wishing her well with hopes for a return to the US soon. Manuela will be attending the Central States Youth Exchange Conference in Grand Rapids to share her country with outbound students going to Colombia ,before her return home. Members from left to right: (front row) Sarah Willey, Julie Logan, Manuela Beltran-Rojas, Betty Clementz, Pat Novak, Pam Erby; (second row) Gabey Galinda, outbound student in 2018-2019 to Taiwan, Cheryl Faber, Karen Voss, and Tom Myers; (Back row) Mark Young, Darla Ewing, Bob Sondgeroth, Keith Zoeller, and Mike Albert.	Rock Falls Rotary Bids Farewell to Manuela Beltran-Rojas from Colombia		2018-07-12 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Youth Exchange Students _{Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Officer in Rock Falls Rotary, welcomed Rotary Youth Exchange Students (left to right): Gabey Galinda of Loves Park who will soon be leaving for Taiwan as an Outbound Student sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary, Manuela Beltran Rojas from Colombia who has been an Inbound Student sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary this past year at RFHS and will soon be returning to Colombia, and Katie Thompson, a Rebound Student who had spent a full year in 2012 in Ecuador. All students were welcomed to Rotary Park for the recent picnic to share their experiences.}	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Youth Exchange Students		2018-07-05 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Sponsored Javier De La Torre to Boys State _{Youth Committee Chair, Bob Sondgeroth, welcomed to Rotary Park the Rock Falls High School candidate sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary to attend Boys State June 9 - 15. Javier De La Torre will be a senior in the fall and shared his experiences at Boys State as memorable and educational at the same time. Thank you to the American Legion Post 902 for arranging the sponsorships of students to attend this week of participating in a mock governmental election to understand more fully the American system of government.}	Rock Falls Rotary Sponsored Javier De La Torre to Boys State		2018-07-05 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil - July 23, 2018 Posted on Jul 03, 2018 Rock Falls Rotary Club 79th Annual Corn Boil at Rock Falls Community Building from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cost is $8/adult and $4/children under 12 for either a hot dog or pulled pork barbeque sandwich, chips, beverage and all the corn you can eat. Drive-through carryout service is available. Tickets available at the event or from any Rock Falls Rotarian in advance. Pre-order for pick-up orders (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) of 10 or more meals if preordered by Noon, Friday, July 20. Orders may be faxed to 815-625-3726 or emailed: zoeller@essex1.com . Give name, number of orders of each sandwich choice, time for pick-up, and phone number of person placing order. Proceeds benefit Rotary community & youth projects. Rock Falls Rotary is also seeking any size of donations/sponsorships to help with the Corn Boil. If you or your business is willing to help, please contact Bob Sondgeroth at 815-625-1495.	Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil - July 23, 2018		2018-07-03 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Honors 2017 - 2018 Students of the Month Rock Falls Rotary honored the Rotary Students of the Month for their selection and gave to each a special gift and certificate.: (left to right) Hannah Rockwell - September; Jacob Oltmans - October; Faith Sandrock - November; Jackson Rinehardt - December; Bradi Schrader - February; Thomas Christensen - March; Madeline LeFevre - April; Delaney Wetzell - May; and Rock Falls Rotarian Youth Advisor Bob Sondgeroth. Absent from the photo are Karley Crady - August and Arunima Salomi - January. All students were selected based on the 4-Way Test of the things that Rotarians think, say, and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rock Falls Rotary Honors 2017 - 2018 Students of the Month		2018-06-11 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Collects Food for Annual Food Drive Members of the First Christian Church, 506 Fifth Avenue in Rock Falls who volunteer in their food bank received food items and money in their support from members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Seated (left to right) are the members who shared the food bank needs: Sue Insley and Edith Geiger, surrounded by members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club.	Rock Falls Rotary Collects Food for Annual Food Drive		2018-05-29 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarians Attend Rotary District 6420 Conference with Exchange Student Three Rock Falls Rotarians and Exchange Student from Colombia were in attendance at the 2018 District 6420 Conference held at Faranda's in DeKalb April 27 - 28. Those pictured are (left to right) Julie Logan, Betty Clementz, Exchange Student Manuela Beltran Rojas, and Cheryl Faber. Mauela Beltran Rojas, Exchange Student from Colombia who is staying in Rock Falls, participated in the Ceremony of Flags carrying her flag of Colombia to the hit song of Neil Diamond, "They are Coming to America".	Rock Falls Rotarians Attend Rotary District 6420 Conference with Exchange Student		2018-05-21 05:00:00Z
PDG Ruth Lee Presents Foundation News Betty Clementz, Rock Falls Rotary President, thanks Ruth Lee (right), a Past District governor and chair of the Rotary Foundation for District 6420, for her sharing the goals of the Rotary Foundation and the progress of the district in attaining them through Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY).	PDG Ruth Lee Presents Foundation News		2018-05-17 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Awards At District Conference Posted on May 17, 2018 Three members of Rock Falls Rotary who are involved in the Literacy efforts of the club are holding the Sustained Excellence Award and ribbon for Literacy for their 16 years of reading to students at East Coloma-Nelson Elementary School in grades K - grade 5 weekly. The second award was for Club Achievement in that the club met the four criteria of awareness, financial support, a hands-on activity, and an activity during American Education Week by club members. Pictured are the guest readers at East Coloma-Nelson of (left to right) Cheryl Faber, Bob Sondgeroth, and Betty Clementz. Rotary District 6420 selected Bob Sondgeroth as the recipient in 2018 of the Literacy Individual Achievement Award of the District for his efforts in promoting literacy. It was Bob Sondgeroth who started the reading program of Rock Falls Rotarians over 15 years ago when he was a teacher at East Coloma at that time wanting his students to encounter guest readers who shared their love of literacy weekly. From that initial invitation has grown some 300 students weekly being read to in grades K through fifth grade. Presenting to him the plaque and framed certificate is Rock Falls Club President, Betty Clementz.	Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Awards At District Conference		2018-05-17 05:00:00Z
April and May Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month Posted on May 14, 2018 Delaney Wetzell, daughter of Chad and Jodie Wetzell, (left) and Madeline LeFevre, daughter of David and Julie LeFevre, were selected as Rotary Students of the Month, by Rock Falls High School staff for the months of May and April respectively, based on the Four Way Test of the things that Rotarians think, say, and do: 1.Is it the truth?... 2.Is it fair to all concerned? 3.Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4.Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	April and May Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month		2018-05-14 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates Cinco de Mayo Posted on May 07, 2018 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary and guests enjoyed a casual Rotary meeting "Cinco de Mayo" style with Mexican cuisine, decorations and some games and trivia about Cinco de Mayo. Thanks to the social committee for organizing the evening.	Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates Cinco de Mayo		2018-05-07 05:00:00Z
New Member Open House Rock Falls Rotary recently held a New Member Open House at the Rock Falls Candlelight Inn. Members were encouraged to invite prospective members to come and mingle and learn more about Rotary. President Betty Clementz shared what Rotary is all about, while fellow Rotarians introduced themselves. Newest member Dylan Devers shared why he decided to become a Rotarain and representatives from the Rotaract Club at Sauk Valley Community College also spoke about what their club is doing in the community. We thank everyone who came and welcome you to attend a Rock Falls Rotary Meeting at anytime.	New Member Open House		2018-04-01 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Club Hosts 70th Farmer's Night Rock Falls Rotary Club held the 70th Annual Farmer's Night on March 12 at Deer Valley Banquets. Rotary hosts this dinner in recognition of those who work in our agricultural community. Student of the Month Thomas Christensen, 2017-2018 Rotary Exchange Inbound Student Manuela Rojas and Sauk Valley Community College Rotaract Club Representative Bailey Wetzell all spoke about their experiences and importance of Rotary. A dessert auction and 50/50 were held with the proceeds to benefit youth scholarship programs, and Korah Winn, past Ambassadorial Scholar and her band Milltown, entertained the crowd. Thank you to our sponsors The Cornerstone Agency, Vern's Farm Supply, Alton Irrigation, Compeer Financial, Sauk Valley Bank, Sterling Federal Bank and Zoeller Ag Services. Thanks to everyone who helped make the evening a success.	Rock Falls Rotary Club Hosts 70th Farmer's Night		2018-03-18 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Student of the Month of November Jackson Reinhardt, son of Daniel and Kim Reinhardt, was selected by staff at Rock Falls High School as the November Student of the Month for Rock Falls Rotary. Criteria for selection is based on the Four Way Test of what Rotarians think, say, and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rock Falls Rotary Student of the Month of November		2018-02-28 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes January and February Rotary Students of the Month Rock Falls Rotary welcomed the Rock Falls High School January and February Students of the Month, selected by RFHS staff, based on the Rotary Four Way Test of what Rotarians think, say and do as they live their lives: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Bradi Schrader (left), daughter of Brad and Becky Schrader, was selected as the February Student of the Month and Nima Salomi (right), daughter of Solomon and Satya Sudhakar, was selected as January Student.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes January and February Rotary Students of the Month		2018-02-15 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Completes Valentine Community Service Project Posted on Feb 13, 2018 Members of Rock Falls Rotary Club completed the wrapping of boxes of candy to be distributed to all residents of the Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehabilitation Center on Dixon Avenue to be included with Valentine greetings from the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Pictured are (left to right): Cheryl Faber, Karen Voss, Julie Logan, and Pam Erby.	Rock Falls Rotary Completes Valentine Community Service Project		2018-02-13 06:00:00Z
Blood Drive co-sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary There is still time to sign-up to be a blood donor on Monday, Jan. 22 at the Blood Drive at East Coloma School in Rock Falls, co-sponsored by the Rock Falls Rotary Club.	Blood Drive co-sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary		2018-01-16 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents 2017-2018 Scholarship to Bailey Bickett Bailey Bickett (left) received a Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year from the Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship Chair Keith Zoeller (right). Bailey, a 2017 graduate of Rock Falls High School, is the daughter of Brad and Jolene Bickett and attends the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents 2017-2018 Scholarship to Bailey Bickett		2018-01-12 06:00:00Z
Former RF Rotarian Receives Jefferson Award Congratulations to Linley White, former Rock Falls Rotarian, on his Jefferson Award honor by WBBJ TV. Linley was nominated by the Paris Rotary Club. Way to go Linley, the Rock Falls Rotary Club is so proud of you and Rebecca!!! Click link below to read story and watch video. http://www.wbbjtv.com/2017/12/22/decembers-jefferson-award-honoree-linley-white/	Former RF Rotarian Receives Jefferson Award		2017-12-27 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary November Student of the Month Faith Sandrock, Rock Falls High School senior and daughter of Cathy and Gary Sandrock, is presented a Rock Falls Rotary lapel pin from Youth Chair of Rock Falls Rotary, Bob Sondgeroth. Students are selected by RFHS staff based on the Rotary Four-Way Test of how Rotarians think, say and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Is it beneficial to all concerned? and 4. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?	Rock Falls Rotary November Student of the Month		2017-12-27 06:00:00Z
RF Rotary Sells Holiday Greenery Posted on Oct 23, 2017 Sherwood Forest wreaths, garlands, pine cones, and swags delivered from YOU directly to the recipient’s home in continental United States, all for one price which includes cost of item, taxes, and shipping charges. Freshly shipped from state of Washington, your gift will arrive at the doorstep of your recipient the week after Thanksgiving for a full holiday season to enjoy. Contact President Betty Clementz at tbclementz@gmail.com to place an order and to prepay cost to Rock Falls Rotary prior to November 1. All monies from this fundraiser will support Rotary Youth activities.	RF Rotary Sells Holiday Greenery		2017-10-23 05:00:00Z
Second Annual End Polio Walk Posted on Oct 14, 2017 Thank you to everyone -- Rotarians from all area clubs, spouses, children, and non-rotarians who helped in any way, and/or participated in the Second Annual End Polio Now Walk. Despite a pretty "rain-filled" day, a great time was had and most importantly, funds and awareness were raised for Rotary's intiative to eradicate Polio. Thanks again and Congratulations ! We are "This Close" to ending Polio because of you !! For more photos from the day, visit our Facebook Page, Rock Falls Rotary .	Second Annual End Polio Walk		2017-10-14 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Makes Donation to Hospice Members of Rock Falls Rotary (left to right), President Betty Clementz, Treasurer Sarah Willey, and Cheryl Faber will be presenting to Hospice of the Rock River Valley a check for $4000 composed of $2000 from the club to match the same amount received from the Rotary District 6420 in a matching grant. These funds are dedicated to the purchase of hospital beds for the new Hospice House to open in Sterling.	Rock Falls Rotary Makes Donation to Hospice		2017-10-09 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Coloma Township Thanksgiving Baskets Posted on Oct 09, 2017 A check was presented to Dave Blanton, Coloma County Supervisor, by Rock Falls Rotary Community Service Chair, Deb Gonzalez, for Thanksgiving baskets. Coloma Township is now receiving applications for receipt of Thanksgiving baskets at their office.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Coloma Township Thanksgiving Baskets		2017-10-09 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Jacob Oltmans as October Student of the Month Jacob Oltmans is welcomed as the October Rotary Student of the month to Rock Falls Rotary by Pam Erby of the Youth Committee and was presented with a Rock Falls Rotary pin. Jacob, son of Traci Oltmans, was selected by RFHS staff based on the Four Way Test of Rotarians of what they say, think, and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build good will and better friendship? 4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Jacob Oltmans as October Student of the Month		2017-10-09 05:00:00Z
District Governor Kuhn Visits Club President Betty Clementz welcomes Steve Kuhn, Rotary District 6420 Governor, to the Rock Falls Rotary meeting at which the goals of Rotary for 2017-2018 were shared. Rotary promotes service in one's club, community, and world. Persons interested in more information about Rotary should visit the website of Rock Falls Rotary, www.rockfallsrotary.org or Rotary International. Rock Falls Rotary meets on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. at Harvest Time Bible Church Fellowship Hall in Rock Falls, IL.	District Governor Kuhn Visits Club		2017-09-29 05:00:00Z
Rotary Students of the Month Karley Crady (left) and Hannah Rockwell (right), two Rock Falls High School Seniors, were selected by staff to be honored as the Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month for August and September. Both were selected based on the Rotary Four Way test of how to live one's life; 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendship? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	Rotary Students of the Month		2017-09-29 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Honors the Memory of Rotarian Linda Murray Members of Linda Murray's family joined friends and Rock Falls Rotarians at Rotary Park on Minkel Street to dedicate a tree in honor of Linda who was club treasurer for many years. Her husband Jeff, two daughters, Andrea and Mallory, and grandchildren Riley, Madison, Landon, S and EllJay were present at the dedication.	Rock Falls Rotary Honors the Memory of Rotarian Linda Murray		2017-09-29 05:00:00Z
District Governor Visits RF Rotary Club Posted on Sep 18, 2017 District Governor Steve Kuhn visited the Rock Falls Rotary Club tonight and talked about the plans and goals for the 2017-2018 year for the district and for Rotary International. At the end of the evening, current RF Rotary Inbound Exchange Student, Manuela from Columbia, played and sang traditional music from Columbia for everyone.	District Governor Visits RF Rotary Club		2017-09-18 05:00:00Z
Rotarians in the Community Posted on Sep 16, 2017 Rock Falls Rortarians (l to r), Jan Whitlock, Sarah Willey and Betty Clementz helped during the Bridge the Community Race held in Rock Falls & Sterling during Fiesta Days Weekend. Thank you for representing Rock Falls Rotary at this community event !!	Rotarians in the Community		2017-09-16 05:00:00Z
Californian Rotarian Visits Rock Falls Rotary Kay Fulfs Cayler (left) of Dixon, California and Rock Falls Rotary President Betty Clementz (right), second cousins, exchange club banners. Kay was in the Sauk Valley area for a family reunion.	Californian Rotarian Visits Rock Falls Rotary		2017-09-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Rotary Youth Exchange Student Manuela Beltran Rojas (left) is welcomed as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student by President of Rock Falls Rotary Club Betty Clementz (right) and receives the banner of Manuela's home Rotary Club of Zipaquira' in District 4281 in Colombia. Manuela is staying with the Martin and Carol Chavez family.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Rotary Youth Exchange Student		2017-09-04 05:00:00Z
Scholarship Awarded to Wetzell Bailey Wetzell, daughter of Chad and Jodie Wetzell, receives a scholarship from Chairman of Rock Falls Rotary Scholarship Committee, Keith Zoeller. Bailey is attending Sauk Valley Community College in preparation to become an elementary teacher.	Scholarship Awarded to Wetzell		2017-09-04 05:00:00Z
Mammosser Receives Rotary Scholarship Molly Mammosser receives one of the scholarships given by Rock Falls Rotary to graduating seniors from Rock Falls High School from Keith Zoeller, Scholarship Chair. Molly is the daughter of Dave and Mary Mammosser and will be attending Concordia in Mequon, Wisconsin to study Occupational Therapy.	Mammosser Receives Rotary Scholarship		2017-09-04 05:00:00Z
THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who helped in anyway with this week's Corn Boil event. To all of our members, recruited volunteers, sponsors and those who attended, your support of Rock Falls Rotary and our services and community projects is greatly appreciated.	THANK YOU		2017-08-04 05:00:00Z
Welcome Manuela !! Posted on Aug 04, 2017 We welcome our new 2017-2018 exchange student, Manuela from Colombia! Pictured is her new host family, including host parents Carol and Marty Chavez. Welcome Manuela, we all look forward to meeting you and wish you the best during your exchange year here in Rock Falls !!	Welcome Manuela !!		2017-08-04 05:00:00Z
78th Annual RF Rotary Corn Boil The 78th annual Corn Boil of Rock Falls Rotary at the Rock Falls Community Building from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Monday, July 31. Menu includes: Pulled Pork Bar-B-Q OR hot dog, chips, beverage and ALL the corn you can eat for $8/adults and $4 for children under 12. Drive-through service available. Proceeds will benefit a matching grant to purchase hospital beds for the new Hospice of the Rock River Valley Hospice Home. Tickets are available from any Rock Falls Rotarian, as well as at the door.	78th Annual RF Rotary Corn Boil		2017-07-30 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary & Host Parents Say "Goodbye" to Youth Exchange Student Rotary Youth Exchange students spend 11 months in another culture. Marguerita Maroni, known as Maggie, spent those last 11 months in the Rock Falls area experiencing what American life as a teenager is like and perfecting her English language while here. Rock Falls Rotary hosted her as a student at Rock Falls High School, but it was the three families who welcomed her into their homes to have her experience the American midwestern lifestyle. The Farewell was bitter sweet, as she said, "Goodbye, until we meet again" to members of the club and her host family members to return to her family in Italy. Front Row: (left to right): Rhonda Conklen, host mother; 'Eye', Exchange Student from Thailand in Sterling; Kolten Conklen, Exchange Student from Sterling recently returned from a year in Korea; Maggie; Molly Mammosser, host sister; Tommi Myers, host sister and Exchange Student soon to leave for Italy; Johnna Myers, host mother; and Tom Myers, host father. Back row: Kevin Conklen, host father; Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Officer from Rock Falls Rotary; and Mary Mammosser, host mother. Rock Falls Rotary Club members said farewell to Maggie, our 2016-2017 Exchange Student from Italy.	Rock Falls Rotary & Host Parents Say "Goodbye" to Youth Exchange Student		2017-07-30 05:00:00Z
Rotary Friendship Exchange Team from India Share Midwest Hospitality Seven members of the Friendship Exchange team from District 3040 from central India experienced midwestern hospitality for the three days they were guests in our communities. They had requested manufacturing visits while in the area. Therefore, they visited the Bright Gardens Hydroponics Plant in Rochelle, Wahl Clipper in Sterling, and toured the farming operation of Terry Gerken west of Sterling to see how large farms operate in Illinois. In addition, the team visited the John Deere site in Grand Detour and the Japanese Gardens in the Rockford Area, along with seeing the Mississippi River, Lock and Dam in Thompson, and windmill in Fulton. The three days were packed with activities to share what our midwestern lifestyle is. Friendship Exchange is an adult version of what Youth Exchange is for students - visiting a country and experiencing within their host's home its foods, its history, its culture, its lifestyle to understand more fully the similarities of all peoples. The team also presented a program of their area in India to both the Rock Falls Rotary Club and to the Rochelle Rotary Club. This team from India was also spending time in the suburban area and in Chicago. Members of the Friendship Exchange Team from Rotary District 3040 in central India visited Wahl Clipper International Headquarters in Sterling. Front row: Betty Clementz, escort from Rock Falls Rotary; Janki Asnani, Om Prakash Asnanmi, Satpai Sungh Chawla, Jinendra Jain, Rashmi Tongya, and Parmeet Chawla; Back row: Linda Patterson, escort from Dixon Rotary, Hiren Soni, and Mark Dreissens, Wahl Clipper tour guide.	Rotary Friendship Exchange Team from India Share Midwest Hospitality		2017-07-30 05:00:00Z
Rotary Park & Officer Induction Posted on Jul 03, 2017 The Rock Falls Rotary Club had their annual meeting in Rotary Park to say thank you to Past President Dave Chavira for a wonderful year and to welcome incoming President for 2017-2018, Betty Clementz. 2017-2018 RF Rotary Club President Betty Clementz presents to Dave Chavira a plaque recognizing his service to the club as the 2016-2017 President. Outgoing President Dave Chavira presents Betty Clementz with the President Pin as incoming President of the Rock Falls Rotary Club.	Rotary Park & Officer Induction		2017-07-03 05:00:00Z
Meeting Cancelled Posted on Jul 03, 2017 There will be no meeting on Monday, July 3. Meetings will resume on July 10.	Meeting Cancelled		2017-07-03 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates 2017 Rotary Students of the Month Posted on May 22, 2017 Students of the Month were selected by Rock Falls High School staff based on the Rotary Four-Way Test of things Rotarians think, say, and do: 1.) Is it the truth? 2.) Is it fair to all concerned? 3.) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4.) Is it beneficial to all concerned? Rock Falls Rotary hosted a dinner for all the students of the month and their parents to celebrate their selection and to give each a token of appreciation. Those in attendance were: (Right to left). Molly Mammosser, Emily Blackert, Sydney Young, Kaitlin Brown, Bailey Wetzel, Bailey Bickett, Isaiah Harris, with Bob Sondgeroth, Rotary Youth Chair. Absent when photo was taken were Rollie Elder and Logan Pillars.	Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates 2017 Rotary Students of the Month		2017-05-22 05:00:00Z
Food Drive Benefits FISH Food Pantry Posted on May 16, 2017 The Rock Falls Rotary conducted its annual Food Drive during the month of April and May. This year's recipient of the collected donations of item and cash was the local FISH Food Pantry. Beth Mathew, the volunteer coordinator of FISH, was in attendance at the meeting to accept the donations. Beth also presented the program on the FISH Food Pantry, it's history, how it works, and how it benefits the community. Beth Mathew, center, accepts food and cash donations on behalf of the FISH Food Pantry from Rock Falls Rotarians. (l to r) Pat Novak, Julie Logan, Deb Gonzalez, Mathew (center), Cheryl Faber, Pam Erby and Dave Chavira.	Food Drive Benefits FISH Food Pantry		2017-05-16 05:00:00Z
RF Rotary receives Literacy Awards at District Conference Posted on May 10, 2017 Two Literacy Awards were presented to Rock Falls Rotary from District 6420 Governor Scott Shore during the Annual District Conference held at Starved Rock April 28-30 Sustained Excellence award was presented for the 16 years of an ever-growing program of reading to students weekly at East Coloma-Nelson School. What began as reading to one first grade class has grown over time to include reading to students in Kindergarten through fourth grade classes. The Club Achievement Award required the club to complete four Literacy activities during the 2016 year, highlighting the support of LIFE program of United Way Literacy program, distribution of dictionaries to every third grade student in Rock Falls, a literacy photo booth during Hometown Holidays, and the reading program weekly at East Coloma-nelson school earned the Rock Falls Rotary this Club Achievement award. Accepting the awards are members of the Literacy Committee: (from left to right) Cheryl Faber, Dave Chavira - President, Bob Sondgeroth, and Betty Clementz.	RF Rotary receives Literacy Awards at District Conference		2017-05-10 05:00:00Z
Sycamore Rotarian Presents on Rotary & the Internet Posted on May 08, 2017 Eric Jones from the Sycamore Rotary Club presented instructions on how to make complete use of the internet for getting Rotary information and sharing our own club's information.	Sycamore Rotarian Presents on Rotary & the Internet		2017-05-08 05:00:00Z
Rotary Youth Exchange Posted on May 08, 2017 Tom Brooks, District 6420 Rotary Youth Exchange Chair, shared the Rotary Youth Exchange program as a part of the multi-district Central States organization with members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Two programs exist: Short Term which is a literal exchange between two students who spend 2-3 weeks in each other's homes during the summer and Long Term which is a full year overseas in another culture. Both programs require the endorsement of a local Rotary Club for a student to participate. Long term exchange students apply in the fall with interviews for acceptance into the program in September for the following school year to go abroad. during the months between acceptance and departure many activities of training and understanding the responsibilities and privileges of such an exchange are presented to students. If a student in the Rock Falls area is looking to apply, hosting an exchange student before becoming an exchange student is a great experience. Your family will be much relieved to understand how much support is given to an exchange student. Contact Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Chair of Rock Falls Rotary, at 625-1495 for questions, if your family is interested in hosting.	Rotary Youth Exchange		2017-05-08 05:00:00Z
Media and Outstanding Club Project Posted on May 04, 2017 Rock Falls Rotary Club received two awards for public Image during the recent Rotary 6420 District Conference held at Starved Rock from District Governor Scott Shore. The first was the Best Use of Media to promote Rotary and its Service Above Self in a variety of media, and the second was the for the Outstanding Club Project which was based on the End Polio Now Walk which was arranged at Centennial Park in Rock Falls along the Hennepin Canal last October to promote awareness of the Rotary End Polio Now campaign. Accepting the awards is President Dave Chavira (right) from Mike Albert (left) and Betty Clementz (center) who both co-chaired the End Polio Now Walk project.	Media and Outstanding Club Project		2017-05-04 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Newest Member Posted on Apr 10, 2017 Pam Erby (left), who sponsored the newest member of Rock Falls Rotary, Tom Myers (center), pins him with the Rock Falls membership pin as President Dave Chavira (right) congratulates him and presents him with materials that support his understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of membership in Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Newest Member		2017-04-10 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Thanks Janell Loos of Rock Falls Tourism President of Rock Falls Rotary Dave Chavira thanks Janell Loos of Rock Falls Tourism for her presentation of the plans for the Pink Heals Tour returning to the Sauk Valley in September. In addition to arranged visits to ladies who have had a diagnosis of cancer, the pink fire trucks will be on the Rock Falls riverfront for a vendor give-a-way prior to the pink fireworks to be shot off from Lawrence Park.	Rock Falls Rotary Thanks Janell Loos of Rock Falls Tourism		2017-04-03 05:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Hears of Basic Sanitation Needs Around the World With one third of the world's population having no basic sanitation available to them and 6000 deaths of children daily in third world countries where clean drinking water is unknown, Rotary has made Clean Water and Sanitation an area of service around the world as one of their six areas of focus. Bob Newlon, Past District 6420 Governor and member of Oregon Rotary Club, has traveled to many parts of the world to help install both sources of clean water and basic sanitation. Tyler Ewing, Rock Falls Rotary member, had invited Bob to share with members of the Rock Falls Rotary his trips to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nigeria, and Phillipines for this purpose. Bob has designed a UDDT (Urine Diversion Degradable Toilet) which is inexpensive to construct anywhere and which will eliminate the pathogens spreading disease with proper removal of human excrements, at the same time as salvaging each to be used as fertilizer where soil is poor and in need of such. His device diverts into a container the urine which is rich in nitrogen and can be used in a vegetable garden to enrich the soil. The human manure can be used to enhance tree and shrubbery growth where plants often do not flourish. And the best part of this hands-on Rotary promotion of basic sanitation is the education of the people in the villages where basic needs are addressed. To quote one such recipient in a village which received a bio sand filter system to purify the water, "Now our children will stop dying." Bob is planning a trip to the rain forest of Costa Rica to install some of the UDDTs. If anyone is interested in joining his team to install these UDDTs, please contact him or any Rock Falls Rotarian for his contact information. Bob Newlon (right), Rotary Zone 29 Chair of Water and Sanitation, shows Tyler Ewing (left) of Rock Falls Rotary how a simple UDDT can save lives for persons with no basic sanitation available.	Rock Falls Rotary Hears of Basic Sanitation Needs Around the World		2017-03-16 05:00:00Z
Presidents-Elect from Rotary Clubs of Area Attend Training in Itasca Posted on Mar 06, 2017 Rotary Presidents-Elect in Rock Falls Rotary, Sterling Noon Rotary, Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary, and Walnut Rotary Clubs spent the March 2-4 weekend in Itasca with more than 560 other Rotary Club Presidents-Elect being trained to take office on July 1, along with their Assistant Governor. This Mid-West Presidents Elect Training Seminar (PETS) is for seven districts from middle of Illinois, up through Wisconsin and up into Minnesota. Incoming President of Rotary International in 2017-2018 Ian Riseley from Australia spoke to the attendees on Friday evening. Caption: (from left to right) Mike Sprague, Sterling Noon Rotary, Cheryl Faber, Assistant Governor of Area IV, Mary Beach of Walnut Rotary, Betty Clementz of Rock Falls Rotary, and Allen Przysucha of Twin Cities Sunrise	Presidents-Elect from Rotary Clubs of Area Attend Training in Itasca		2017-03-06 06:00:00Z
Meet the Rock Falls Rotary Members Posted on Mar 03, 2017 Rock Falls Rotary Members Front row (l to r) Pam Erby, Jan Whitlock, Julie Logan, Betty Clementz, Gail Wright, Sarah Willey, Mary Rasmussen; Back row (l to r) Dave Chavira, Mark Young, Mike Albert, Bob Sondgeroth, Cheryl Faber, Keith Zoeller, Tyler Ewing, Deb Gonzalez. Absent from photo: Art Johnson , Brent Martin, Rollie Ducoing, Vicki Dunphy, Jim Geer, Pat Novak, and Karen Voss.	Meet the Rock Falls Rotary Members		2017-03-03 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Distributes Dictionaries to Third Grade Students Posted on Mar 03, 2017 All third grade students in Merrill, Thome, East Coloma-Nelson, Montmorency, St. Andrew, Prophetstown and Tampico Elementary School classrooms were presented with an age- appropriate dictionary to use and to keep. Close to 300 dictionaries were given out in 13 classrooms by Rock Falls Rotary Club members who shared how a dictionary is helpful and how to access numerous items of additional information within this particular dictionary. Students were anxious to start using the dictionary immediately and especially liked the section of large words in the English language. This is the seventh year the Rock Falls Rotary has completed the Dictionary Project with third grade students in all Rock Falls schools, and the first year that Tampico and Prophetstown classrooms were included in this literacy project. A third grade student is becoming familiar with her dictionary which had been given to her by Rock Falls Rotary Club members who presented age-appropriate dictionaries to every third grade student in Rock Falls, Prophetstown, and Tampico this past week.	Rock Falls Rotary Distributes Dictionaries to Third Grade Students		2017-03-03 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Schedule for Feb. 13-Feb. 27 Posted on Feb 09, 2017 Attn: Rock Falls Rotarians Are you planning to join Rock Falls Rotarians at Smokin’ on Third on February 13th? If you have not made a reservation with Cheryl Faber, please do so before Friday. Spouses/guests welcome. No meeting on Feb. 20 due to President's Day. Regular Rotary meetings at Harvest Time will resume on Feb. 27.	Rock Falls Rotary Schedule for Feb. 13-Feb. 27		2017-02-09 06:00:00Z
Raffle Tickets Available for Purchase Posted on Feb 01, 2017 The Rock Falls Rotary Club is currently selling raffle tickets for their $100 Monthly Raffle drawing. Each month beginning with March 2017-February 2018, one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100. All tickets are eligible every month, which means you could win more than once. Tickets are $20 each and available from any Rock Falls Rotarian. You can send us an email through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rockfallsrotary/ or drop us an email at rfrotary@gmail.com and we'll make sure you get a ticket. Hurry, deadline to purchase is the end of February.	Raffle Tickets Available for Purchase		2017-02-01 06:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Honors January Student of the Month Posted on Jan 18, 2017 January Rock Falls Rotary Student of the Month is Kaitlin Brown, daughter of Shane and Michelle Brown. Kaitlin was selected by staff at Rock Falls High School based on the criteria of the Rotary Four-Way Test of Things we say, think, and do: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 4. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?	Rock Falls Rotary Honors January Student of the Month		2017-01-19 00:00:00Z
First Annual End Polio Walk at Centennial Park on Saturday, October 22 Results of the First Annual End Polio Now Walk are still coming in, at which 46 participants registered which included 2 polio survivors and five district leadership including: PDG Bob Newlon from Oregon Rotary, PDG Leo Patterson from Dixon Rotary, DGN Steve Kuhn from Sycamore Rotary, DGNE Kathy Kwiat-Hess from Rockford Rotary, PDG Ruth Lee, District Foundation Chair, from Rock Island, who joined members of the public and the two sponsoring Rotary Clubs of Sterling Noon and Rock Falls. The free Coloma Park Shelter Rental was won by Kim Velazquez. Before walkers began their journey along Hennepin Canal and across the Rock River footbridge to the turn-around at the Gazebo on the Sterling side of the river, the photo below of all participants was taken outside the Larson Shelter. Money raised through donations at the event itself, profit from sale of End Polio T-shirts, and Rotarian individual and club donations to Polio Plus of Rotary Foundation are presently at $2733.00. This amount will be tripled to $8199.00 to eradicate polio, thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation doubling all donations for ending polio. Polio is almost eradicated. In 2016 only 26 cases have been reported, those being in the last countries to be declared polio-free: Afghanistan and Pakistan; two of the cases did occur in Nigeria which had been declared polio free back in 2015. That is exactly why it is so important to continue this fight against this disease, so we can truly say, it has been eradicated! Participants gathered at Centennial Park for the First Annual End Polio Now Walk on Saturday morning, October 22, sponsored by the two Rotary Clubs of Sterling Noon and Rock Falls. Each participant is indicating “We are this close” to eradicating polio in our lifetime!	First Annual End Polio Walk at Centennial Park on Saturday, October 22		2016-10-26 00:00:00Z
End Polio Now Walk is October 22 Join the Rock Falls and the Sterling Noon Rotary Clubs as they host the End Polio Now Walk on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls. Registration for the walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. at the Larson Shelter within the park, with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Registration is free, but donations will be accepted. For a minimum of a $20 donation you can receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last). The walk will follow the Hennepin Canal north, crossing the Rock River on the walking path to Sterling and will return the same route. The public is encouraged and welcome to participate.	End Polio Now Walk is October 22		2016-10-13 00:00:00Z
Rotary Students of the Month Posted on Sep 18, 2016 Bob Sondgeroth (left), Youth Committee Chair of Rock Falls Rotary, welcomes and congratulates Bailey Bickett (center) selected as August Rock Falls Rotary Student of the Month and Rollie Elder as September Rotary Student of the Month. Staff at Rock Falls High School selects the Student of the Month based on the Rotary 4-Way Test of the things Rotarians think, say, and do: •Is it the truth? •Is it fair to all concerned? •Will it build goodwill and friendship?... •Is it beneficial to all concerned?	Rotary Students of the Month		2016-09-19 00:00:00Z
District Rotary Youth Exchange Weekend Posted on Sep 08, 2016 The inbound youth exchange students of our district. This was the first meeting at which each met each other for the first time along with the leadership of the district. Maggy meets district chair of Youth Exchange Committee Tom Brooks at the Youth Exchange meeting in Loves Park. Maggy, our 2016-2017 exchange student from Italy, introduces the Sterling exchange student Eye at the recent YEO meeting.	District Rotary Youth Exchange Weekend		2016-09-09 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Italian Short-term Rotary Student Posted on Aug 26, 2016 Rock Falls Rotary President-Elect, Jim Geer (far right) exchanged the Rotary district banner of the Rock Falls Rotary Club with Allegra, the short term Rotary student's Rotary district in Verona, Italy. Allegra is staying for a month in Morrison with the Stan Steines family (left to right) Stan Steines, Deb Milder, Madison Steines, and Allegra. Short term exchange is a 3 - 4 week actual exchange between two students. Madison had enjoyed July in Italy, and Allegra is now enjoying her first visit to the USA in Illinois. Rock Falls Rotarians heard about the Short Term exchange program available to students who wish to travel, but not to spend a full year out of the USA.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes Italian Short-term Rotary Student		2016-08-27 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarship Posted on Aug 04, 2016 Amber Rasmussen, daughter of Troy and Mary Rasmussen, receives one of the Rock Falls Rotary scholarships to graduating seniors from President Dave Chavira. Amber plans to attend Illinois State University with a major in Public Relations.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Scholarship		2016-08-05 00:00:00Z
Danish Host Family Visits Rock Falls Rotary Posted on Aug 04, 2016 The Ohm family from Denmark, one of three who had hosted Tess Schaefer while a Rotary Exchange Student in Denmark from August 2015 to June 2016, came to visit their 'daughter Tess', her family, and her family of Rock Falls Rotarians. Presenting the Danish Rotary Club flag to President Dave Chavira, are Tess Schaefer, host father Søren, host sisters Eva and Katrina, host mother Kirsten who is a Lutheran Pastor and Rotarian, and host sister Petrea Ohm. The Ohm family are spending a week in Rock Falls with plans to visit Chicago before returning to Denmark.	Danish Host Family Visits Rock Falls Rotary		2016-08-05 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts 2016-2017 President Posted on Jun 29, 2016 Congratulations are exchanged at Rotary Park in Rock Falls when 2015-2016 President Julie Logan inducted David Chavira as the President of Rock Falls Rotary for 2016-2017 by giving to him the President's Lapel Pin. Dave in turn thanked Julie for her presidency year by presenting to her a plaque of appreciation. Rotary Year is from July 1 through June 30.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts 2016-2017 President		2016-06-30 00:00:00Z
RF Rotary Corn Boil Posted on Jun 20, 2016 The 77th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil benefits community and youth Rotary programs. Tickets are $8 for adults; $4 children (under 12). Includes Pulled Pork BBQ or Hot Dog, Chips, Beverage and ALL the corn you can eat. Eat in, carry-out using our drive-thru service, or pre-order (must be 10 or more orders) in advance for pickup anytime after 11 a.m. To pre-order fax business name, contact name, phone and number of meals, including # of each kind of sandwich to 815-625-3726 or email to zoeller@essex1.com, by Noon, Monday, July 18.	RF Rotary Corn Boil		2016-06-21 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Celebrated 80 Years on June 6, 2016 The Rock Falls Rotary Club celebrated their 80^th Anniversary with an invitation to all Past Presidents to come to celebrate and share the history of their presidencies. Rock Falls Rotary was founded on June 6, 1936. Rotary Clubs served as the Chamber of Commerce at that time and included the city fathers and business owners in Rock Falls. Those who shared their year as a Rock Falls Rotary President included the following from left to right: Julie Logan 2015 – 2016; Bob Sondgeroth 2008-2009 and 2013 – 2014; Pat Novak 2001 – 2002 and 20003 – 2004; Mark Young 2000-2001; Mike Albert 1998-1999; Pam Erby 1995-1996 and 2014 – 2015; David Blanton 1996 – 1997; Betty Clementz 1997 – 1998; Joe Wetzell 1991-1992; Bill Wescott 1986 – 1987; Glen Kuhlemier 1977 – 1978; and Carl Gates 1974 – 1975.	Rock Falls Rotary Celebrated 80 Years on June 6, 2016		2016-06-21 00:00:00Z
Former Rotary Youth Exchange Students Shares Experience Posted on Jun 07, 2016 Sarah Willey, Rock Falls Rotary member, had invited Marc Geil to share his experience as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student abroad in Okinawa some twenty years ago. Marc stated that his assignment to Japan as a Rotary Youth Exchange student was the proverbial door that opened to him, as it changed his career choice. He credits his interest in International Business as the result of that year long experience in which he realized the world was much larger than Sterling/Rock Falls. His language skills have supported his career change from education to international business as he presently works at Wahl Clipper. Rotary Youth Exchange programs may either be for a long term of one school year (approx. 10 months) or short term in the summer for one month as a host and one month as the guest in the country of one's choice. For any questions concerning the Rotary Youth Exchange program, contact Bob Sondgeroth of Rock Falls Rotary at 625-1495.	Former Rotary Youth Exchange Students Shares Experience		2016-06-08 00:00:00Z
RF Rotary Donates to Food Pantry Posted on May 23, 2016 The Rock Falls Rotary Club held a food drive during the months of April and May and recently donated items collected to the Rock River Christian Center Food Pantry in Rock Falls. Bev Mills and Mary Shuman attended the Rotary meeting and shared the history and benefits to the community of the panty. Pictured are Rock Falls Rotarians (front row l to r) Jan Whitlock, Linda Murray, Sarah Willey, Bev Mills and Mary Shuman both with the Rock River Christian Center Food Pantry, Pam Erby and Bob Sondgeroth; (back row l to r) Mike Albert, Gail Wright, Rotary Foreign Exchange Rebound Student Tess Schaeffer, Deb Gonzalez, Julie Logan and Karen Voss.	RF Rotary Donates to Food Pantry		2016-05-24 00:00:00Z
A UDDT to Create Sanitation in Third World Countries Posted on May 18, 2016 Past District Governor Bob Newlon of Sterling is explaining how the UDDT (Urine Diversion Degradable Toilet) he created functions to President of Rock Falls Rotary Julie Logan. Bob recently traveled to the jungle area of the Philippines where he shared how sanitation of human waste will eliminate much disease and early deaths, as well as clean the water sources because of manure removal. The principle is to remove the water content of the manure so pathogens and smell are eliminated. The UDDT may be constructed of a variety of materials - all readliy available. Bob was recently awarded the Rotary International Service Above Self prestigious award for his work worldwide in the area of clean water and sanitation.	A UDDT to Create Sanitation in Third World Countries		2016-05-19 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Receives Two District Literacy Awards Posted on May 08, 2016 Dave Chavira, Rock Falls Rotary Literacy Chair, accepts the two certificates of achievement which were presented at the recent Rotary District 6420 Conference: Club Achievement Award in meeting all criteria for an outstanding Literacy Program and Continuing Excellence Award for the club's 19 year program of members reading to students weekly at East Coloma/Nelson in grades K through grade four. Of 48 clubs in the district, Rock Falls was one of five so noted and honored.	Rock Falls Rotary Receives Two District Literacy Awards		2016-05-09 00:00:00Z
GPA Shares Their Program with Rock Falls Rotary Posted on May 08, 2016 Dave Chavira, Rock Falls Rotarian, had invited Director of Youth Services, Mai Britt (Back row right), to share the purpose and activities of GPA (Giving Power to Adolescents). She also stated that there now exists a J(unior) GPA for students of middle school age. Former student members of GPA, Samantha Butts (front left) and Sierra Cassidy, (front right) shared their experiences in support the organization.	GPA Shares Their Program with Rock Falls Rotary		2016-05-09 00:00:00Z
Rotary Offers Two University Scholarships for International Studies; Up to $25,000 and $30,000 Posted on Apr 07, 2016 WHAT Candidates are being sought for two Rotary college scholarships. Applicants must be: college freshmen who plan to study abroad their junior year or upperclassmen/college graduates who want to complete a graduate year abroad. District Grant Scholarships are for undergraduates/graduates who seek to spend the 2017-2018 academic year abroad. This scholarship provides funding for round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room and board, some educational supplies and brush-up language training, if necessary, to a maximum of $25,000. The applicant should plan to study in a vocational area that is consistent with the mission of the Rotary Foundation, “Doing Good in the World.” Part of the experience will include performing service work with their host Rotary Club. Global Grant Scholarships are available to students who will pursue a *graduate* *degree* abroad during the academic year 2017-2018. It is a $30,000 award for one academic year. Applicants must very closely align their curriculum and future career plans with one or more focus areas of Rotary service: Peace and Conflict Resolution; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water and Sanitation; Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education and Literacy; and Economic and Community Development. The awardees will also be responsible for performing a service project abroad consistent with their area of study. Both scholarships, which are designed to further international understanding and good will, provide for study abroad in more than 200 countries where Rotary Clubs are located. During their studies abroad Rotary scholarship recipients will be “Ambassadors of Goodwill.” HOW APPLY Each applicant must be sponsored by his local Rotary Club of residence. District Interviews will follow in June. For more information on application process, please contact George Bass, Rotary District 6420 Scholarships Chair george.bass@countryfinancial.com 815.397.5656 WHEN The deadline for applications is May 13, 2016.	Rotary Offers Two University Scholarships for International Studies; Up to $25,000 and $30,000		2016-04-08 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Hears Update on YWCA Posted on Mar 02, 2016 Rock Falls Rotarian Mark Young (right) had invited Jim Walters (left), Executive Director of the YWCA, to present a program on his recent appointment to the YWCA of the Rock River Valley. He shared that there are only some 230 YWCAs in the US that belong to the national organization which focuses on: Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women. The hotline for child - elder abuse cases and the shelter in Sterling are two of the programs most used.	Rock Falls Rotary Hears Update on YWCA		2016-03-03 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary wins Chamber Award Posted on Feb 29, 2016 Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce named Rock Falls Rotary as the organization deserving of the Shoulder to the Wheel Award at their annual meeting. This award is presented to the organization which most promotes the community of Rock Falls in the spirit of volunteerism in making the community a better place to live. Rock Falls Rotary is 22 members strong with great emphasis upon support for literacy and youth of the community and will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in June. members of the club who were present at the annual dinner included: (left to right) Karen Voss, President Julie Logan, Pam Erby, Betty Clementz, and Bob Sondgeroth.	Rock Falls Rotary wins Chamber Award		2016-03-01 00:00:00Z
Storybook Trail ties to literacy Posted on Feb 29, 2016 Mary Nelson (right) of University of IL Extension shares the newly constructed Storybook Walking Trail from Avenue D to McNeil Road in Rock Falls with Rock Falls Rotary member Cheryl Faber (left). The storybook, *Pick a Pocket of Prairie,* was selected as the first book to be posted in laminated form to be read to children as they walk the trail of 1/4 mile. What a wonderful opportunity for families to be able to walk outdoors, appreciate nature, and at the same time to share the love of literacy!	Storybook Trail ties to literacy		2016-03-01 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarian Receives Rotary International Award Posted on Feb 03, 2016 President Julie Logan (left) presents an award from Rotary International to Betty Clementz (right) for her proposal of two new members to her Rock Falls Rotary Club in the past year. The award was a bronze pin back for her Rotary lapel pin.	Rock Falls Rotarian Receives Rotary International Award		2016-02-04 00:00:00Z
February Rotary Student of the Month Named Posted on Feb 03, 2016 President Julie Logan (right) congratulates Liz Lego, left, daughter of Joel and Amy Lego, recently named the February Rotary Student of the Month at Rock Falls Rotary. Her selection by Rock Falls High School Staff was based on the Four Way Test of what every Rotarian thinks, says, and does: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?	February Rotary Student of the Month Named		2016-02-04 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member Posted on Jan 26, 2016 Gail Wright, right, was recently inducted into membership of Rotary International in the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Shown with her is her sponsoring member, Jim Geer (left). Rotary is a service organization in which the focus is service to one's club, community, vocation, and world. Visit the Rock Falls Rotary website (www.rockfallsrotary.org) for a history of the activities of the club which will be celebrating 80 years in June 2016.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member		2016-01-27 00:00:00Z
Rotarians Selling Raffle Tickets Posted on Jan 24, 2016 The Rock Falls Rotary Club is currently selling raffle tickets for their $100 Monthly Raffle drawing. Each month beginning with March 2016-February 2017, one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100. All tickets are eligible every month, which means you could win more than once. Tickets are $20 each and available from any Rock Falls Rotarian or check in with us on Facebook or send us an email, and we'll make sure you get a ticket. Hurry, deadline to purchase is the end of February.	Rotarians Selling Raffle Tickets		2016-01-25 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Presents Dictionaries to Third Grade Students Posted on Dec 15, 2015 Four members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club Literacy Committee - Cheryl Faber, Dave Chavira, Bob Sondgeroth, and Betty Clementz - visited every third grade classroom in the Rock Falls Schools, both public and parochial, to present to each third grade student an age appropriate dictionary as a gift from the Rock Falls Rotary Club. A short program of how to use a dictionary and introduction to what other valuable information can be found in this version for third grade students at each classroom was well -received with interest by the students. More than 200 dictionaries were delivered to Thome School, East Coloma School, Montmorency School, St. Andrew School, and Merrill School as major Literacy project for the Rock Falls Rotary Club. A St. Andrew third grader is very interested in investigating what information her gift from Rock Falls Rotary of a dictionary contains.	Rock Falls Rotary Presents Dictionaries to Third Grade Students		2015-12-16 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes New Member Posted on Dec 06, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary recently inducted Tyler Ewing into Rock Falls Rotary membership. Tyler is at Edward Jones on West Route 30. Shown pinning the Rotary wheel to Tyler's collar is Julie Logan, President ,who conducted the short ceremony of welcome and commitment. Membership in Rotary is by invitation. Anyone interested in joining the Rock Falls Rotary, Service Club is asked to contact any Rock Falls Rotarian or send such a request to Rock Falls Rotary, PO Box 902, Rock Falls, IL 61071.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes New Member		2015-12-07 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary November and December Students of the Month Posted on Dec 06, 2015 November Student of the Month for Rock Falls Rotary is Amber Rasmussen, daughter of Troy and Mary Rasmussen. Rock Falls Rotary December Student of the Month is Francisco Arellano whose parents are Horacio and Hermelinda Arellano. Both students are seniors at Rock Falls High School and were selected based upon the Four Way test of everything a Rotarian thinks, says and does: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Amber Rasmussen, November Rotary Student of the Month, is welcomed by Bob Sondgeroth, Youth Exchange Officer of the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Francisco Arellano is selected by Rock Falls High Staff as December Rotary Student of the month.	Rock Falls Rotary November and December Students of the Month		2015-12-07 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports Literacy Project to First Grade Students Posted on Dec 03, 2015 Brenda Fiorini, teacher at Rock Falls High School and author of several children's books concerning humane treatment to animals, shared with members of the Rock Falls Rotary her first book, Rescue Puppy, which is being translated into Spanish for distribution next semester to every first grade student in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties. In the years of past distribution to first grade students and teachers, over 7,000 books have been made available to students and teachers. This year Rock Falls Rotary has assisted with the cost of publishing and distribution. Shown with Brenda Fiorini and a display of the books and supporting materials for classrooms is Dave Chavira, Literacy Chair of Rock Falls Rotary.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports Literacy Project to First Grade Students		2015-12-04 00:00:00Z
A Polio Survivor's Story Posted on Dec 03, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary welcomed Georgia Sanford who shared her story of being diagnosed with stage 3 polio when she was 8 years old in Sterling. Georgia shared the physical side of the disease, as well as the emotional side, as families in the Rock River Valley struggled to understand why the disease was spreading and affecting children and adults alike. Archives of the Daily Gazette show several pages of names of citizens in the Sterling-Rock Falls area who were so diagnosed. In the 1950's; there was an epidemic of polio with few answers to the questions of why. Rock Falls Rotary members had fundraised from both its own members and the public for polio eradication during the month of November. Georgia' s presentation personalized for many members the disease which has become the signature humanitarian project of Rotary International since the 80's. Betty Clementz, Rock Falls Rotarian, presents to Georgia Sanford a Thank You gift for sharing her story as a polio survivor with the Rock Falls Rotary Club members.	A Polio Survivor's Story		2015-12-04 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Promotes Polio Eradication Posted on Dec 03, 2015 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club fundraised during the month of November through collections of loose change in canisters at several businesses, as well as contributing themselves to the final push to eradicate polio from our world. With only two countries remaining - Pakistan and Afghanistan with less than 60 cases diagnosed this year- the eradication was progressing as planned, until an outbreak in a refugee camp in Somalia broke out in late summer. All the more reason to complete the goal to eradicate polio forever from our lives! The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match every dollar of the sum collected 2:1 of $1371 which became as result a total of $4113. Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club illustrate the fact that "We are this close....." Front row (l to r): Cheryl Faber; Sarah Willey; Julie Logan, President; Betty Clementz; Pam Erby; and Jan Whitlock; Back row (l to r): Karen Voss, Keith Zoeller, Bob Sondgeroth, Mark Young, Jim Geer, Mike Albert, Pat Novak, and Rotary Exchange Student from Thailand Mai. Absent when photo taken are members: Rollie Ducoing, Vicki Dunphy, Deb Gonzalez, Art Johnson,Linda Murray, Tyler Ewing, Dave Chavira and Brent Martin	Rock Falls Rotary Promotes Polio Eradication		2015-12-04 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Helps during Hometown Holidays Posted on Nov 29, 2015 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club participated in the Rock Falls Hometown Holidays events on Friday, November 20. Cheryl Faber (l) and Club President Julie Logan (r) offered photo opportunities with the Grinch during the evening at US Bank. Rotarians also picked up luminaries following the festivities. Pictured are some of the crew (l to r) Pam Erby, Keith Zoeller, and Mike Albert.	Rock Falls Rotary Helps during Hometown Holidays		2015-11-30 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Recognized for End Polio Now Donation Posted on Oct 25, 2015 District 6420 Rotary Governor Jim Nelson presents to Julie Logan (left), President of Rock Falls Rotary, and Pam Erby (right) Past President of Rock Falls Rotary, a certificate of recognition at Rotary International in Evanston recognizing Rock Falls Rotary for their contribution of over $1500 in 2014 - 2015 to the End Polio Now campaign. Only 9 of the 47 Rotary Clubs in the district received such a recognition.	Rock Falls Rotary Recognized for End Polio Now Donation		2015-10-26 00:00:00Z
Three Rock Falls Rotarians Celebrate World Polio Day at Rotary International Posted on Oct 25, 2015 Among the more than 30 Rotarians from District 6420 who visited Rotary Inrternational Headquarters in Evanston on October 23 were three Rock Falls Rotarians: (left to right) Betty Clementz, District Secretary; Julie Logan, President; and Pam Erby, Immediate Past President. A tour of the headquarters with a special update for World Polio Day was the agenda, as the three Rotarians are indicating with the gesture: "We are this close to eradication of polio." World Polio Day, 2015 was celebrated Saturday, October 24. Rock Falls Rotary is collecting funds for this final thrust with canisters located in local businesses. Donations may also be sent to Rock Falls Rotary, PO Box 902, Rock Falls, IL 61071.	Three Rock Falls Rotarians Celebrate World Polio Day at Rotary International		2015-10-26 00:00:00Z
Korah Winn Shares Vocational Training Trip to Chile Posted on Oct 23, 2015 Korah Winn(center) Teacher of English as a Second Language at the Rock Island Academy and Team leader of the eight member Rotary Vocational Training team sent to Combarbala, Chile, to train the Chilean teachers of English in skills of teaching English as a second language. Korah shared her experiences with members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club upon the invitation of Pat Novak (right). Korah presented to President Julie Logan (left) a souvenir pin from Chile.	Korah Winn Shares Vocational Training Trip to Chile		2015-10-24 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports L.I.F.E. President of Rock Falls Rotary Julie Logan (right) presents to Betty Clementz (left), Chair of the Literacy Is Fun(damental) for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) Committee a check to support the LIFE program which provides to every child in Whiteside County a book/month from birth through age 5. This program provided by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is supported by Rotary as a community literacy program.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports L.I.F.E.		2015-10-24 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Thanksgiving Baskets Posted on Oct 23, 2015 President of Rock Falls Rotary Julie Logan (left) presents to Dave Blanton (right), Coloma Township Supervisor, a check for Thanksgiving baskets.	Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Thanksgiving Baskets		2015-10-24 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month Posted on Oct 23, 2015 Three Rock Falls High School Seniors have been chosen as Rotary Students of the Month for August, September, and October by staff at Rock Falls High School based on the Rotary Four Way Test of things they do, say, and think: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Is it beneficial to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? August Students from left to right: Tess Schaefer, daughter of Marty and Kelly Schaefer for August; Kierstyn Summers, daughter of Tony and Melissa Summers for September, and Nolan Moeller, son of Matt and Christa Moeller for October.	Rock Falls Rotary Students of the Month		2015-10-24 00:00:00Z
World Polio Day - October 24 Join Rotarians around the world in creating an awareness of the closeness to the eradication of polio from our world on World Polio Day on Friday, October 24. Since 1985 Rotarians have contributed more than $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to eradicate polio, forever, from our world. We are ‘this close’ with just the 1% remaining reported cases in the countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. With your help and with the match of 2:1 for every dollar donated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary will complete the eradication of this remaining 1%. Send any amount of donation to Rock Falls Rotary, PO Box 902, Rock Falls, IL 61071 and know that you did your part. Visit www.endpolionow.org to view awareness activities planned for October 24^th!	World Polio Day - October 24		2015-10-22 00:00:00Z
Help District 6420 with Air Miles Posted on Oct 21, 2015 From District Governor Jim Nelson: I helped interview our VTT team and sent them to Chile. They did a wonderful job but the job is unfinished. We are on the verge of something wonderful. Please consider donation. If member have mileage points they would be willing to share that would also be very helpful. I know of one of us who is donating enough miles to bring a teacher here this winter. Let's make 6420 a district that the world will be proud of.	Help District 6420 with Air Miles		2015-10-22 00:00:00Z
Vocational Training Team seek applicants Posted on Aug 25, 2015 Rotary District 6420, which serves Rotary clubs in northwest Illinois, is seeking volunteer applicants to serve on a vocational training team that will be going to Kamwenge in Uganda in for two weeks February 2016. District 6420 is looking for applicants with two years of professional experience involving one or some of these skill sets: chef, pastry chef, and menu development; business management including the development of business plans, setting up books and understanding financial statements, marketing; and public health including sanitation, nutrition and hygiene. The volunteers will work with staff and students at a vocational training school. Rotary will be responsible for transportation to and from Kamwenge as well as room and board. For an application, call or email Carter Newton at 815-238-0318 or cnewton@galgazette.com. Application deadline is Sept. 10.	Vocational Training Team seek applicants		2015-08-26 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes 2015 Thai Rotary Exchange Student Posted on Aug 25, 2015 Julie Logan, President of Rock Falls Rotary, presents to Pornyupa Chavalsilp (known as Mai) the Rock Falls Rotary pin and 2015 theme pin of Rotary International. Mai arrived in Rock Falls on Thursday, August 20 from her home city of Sattahip, Chonburi in Thailand after a 15 hour flight. She will be attending Rock Falls High School during the 2015-2016 school year.	Rock Falls Rotary Welcomes 2015 Thai Rotary Exchange Student		2015-08-26 00:00:00Z
Rotary District Governor Visits Rock Falls Rotary Club Posted on Jul 12, 2015 District Governor of Rotary District 6420 Jim Nelson , formerly of Dixon, now residing in Rockford, made his annual visit to the Rock Falls Rotary to share the 2015 - 2016 theme of Be A Gift to the World and to encourage membership to work on the issues of focus of the Rotary International President, Ravi Ravindran of Sri Lanka. President of Rock Falls Rotary presented to Governor Jim the club banner and pin.	Rotary District Governor Visits Rock Falls Rotary Club		2015-07-13 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil - July 22 Posted on Jul 05, 2015 Keith Zoeller, chair of the Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil, is making final preparation with Cindy Poci, co-owner with Jerry Poci of Poci's Market, for the sweet corn that will be used for the 76th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil to be held July 22 at the Rock Falls Community Building from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.	Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil - July 22		2015-07-06 00:00:00Z
76th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil Posted on Jul 01, 2015 July 22nd Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil When: Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Where:Rock Falls Community Building Cost: $8/adult and $4/children under 12 Bar-B-Q OR hot dog, chips, beverage and all the corn you can eat. Drive-through carryout service available. Tickets available at door or from any Rock Falls Rotarian . 10 or more meals for pick-up if pre-ordered by noon Tuesday, July 21 at zoeller@essex1.com or by fax @815/625-3726 with number of sandwich choice, time of pick-up (11 a.m. - 6 p.m.), name and phone number of person placing order.	76th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil		2015-07-02 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Officers for 2015 - 2016 Posted on Jun 29, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary Club inducted the new officers for the 2015-2016 Rotary year (from left to right): Pat Novak, Secretary; Julie Logan, President; Pam Erby, Immediate Past president; and Linda Murray, Treasurer. Pam Erby as outgoing President was presented a Past President pin and a gift, while incomg President Julie Logan was presented the President's pin. President-Elect Dave Chavira was absent from the photo.	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Officers for 2015 - 2016		2015-06-30 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarian of the Year Named Posted on Jun 29, 2015 President Pam Erby named Keith Zoeller as the Rock Falls Rotarian of the Year for his 25 years of service and membership in the club. She presented him with the Rotarian of the Year pin. During his years of membership Keith has chaired the annual Farmers' Night and Corn Boil for the past 15 years and also has been actively involved in the Scholarship program. Keith is an Accredited Farm Manager and self employed at Zoeller Ag and also holds a current real estate license and is employed at ReMax of the Sauk Valley. Keith has been involved with the Whiteside County chapter of Pheasants Forever and is currently the Treasurer. He is actively involved in conservation farming by planting and maintaining habitat and wildlife food plots.	Rock Falls Rotarian of the Year Named		2015-06-30 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Awards Scholarships Posted on Jun 14, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary Youth Chair, Bob Sondgeroth (center), had invited the recipients of the Rock Falls Rotary Scholarships to visit the club and share their future plans. Those attending (from left to right): Collin Marcum, Morgan Folgers, Michaela Spreier and Lilly Ngai. Absent was scholarship winner Chelsi Blair. Selection of winners was based on submission of an essay which reflected the values of volunteerism and service to the community found in the Rotary Four-Way Test which guides what every Rotarian thinks, says, and does.	Rock Falls Rotary Awards Scholarships		2015-06-15 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Supports L.I.F.E. Posted on Jun 07, 2015 Pam Martinez (left) from United Way shares with Pam Erby (right), President of Rock Falls Rotary, one of 60 books that children in Whiteside County may receive through the mail, thanks to the program of Dolly Parton Imagination Library known as L.I.F.E. (Literacy is Fun(damental) for Everyone). Rock Falls Rotary is collecting money throughout the month of June for L.I.F.E. Books are now sent to more than 1200 children in Whiteside County for the first five years of their life at a cost annually of $35,000. Contributions to support LIFE may be sent to United Way, P.O. Box 806, Sterling, IL 61081.	Rock Falls Rotary Supports L.I.F.E.		2015-06-08 00:00:00Z
RF Rotary Donates Food Drive to St. Vincent DePaul Posted on May 18, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary gathered items of food and paper products in an effort to support one of the community's food banks with supplies. This year items gathered were donated to the St. Vincent DePaul food bank of which Ed Mulvaney is the President. Rock Falls Rotarians included in the presentation to Ed Mulvaney: front row (l - r): Julie Logan, Cheryl Faber, Betty Clementz, President Pam Erby, Karen Voss, (Ed Mulvaney of St. Vincent DePaul) and Deb Gonzalez, Chair of the project; back row: Keith Zoeller and Mike Albert.	RF Rotary Donates Food Drive to St. Vincent DePaul		2015-05-19 00:00:00Z
Student of the Month Yearly Recognition Night Posted on May 17, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary celebrated the 2014 - 2015 RFHS Rotary Students of the Month with a dinner for the students and their parents. Each was awarded a gift card with an encouragement to join a service organization when it becomes possible. (back to front) Kobe Conklin, Collin Marcum, Michaela Spreier, Katie Krone, Morgan Folgers, Lilly Ngai, Michaela Ward, Carmina Lopez, Chelsi Blair, and Beatriz Estrella. Aaron Frank was absent from the photo.	Student of the Month Yearly Recognition Night		2015-05-18 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Receives Rotary District 6420 Awards Posted on May 10, 2015 Rotary District 6420 held their annual conference in Davenport the last weekend of April. Several awards were presented to clubs with outstanding participation in areas of literacy and public image (PR). Rock Falls Rotary was recognized for 4 such district awards, which was quite an honor considering the number of awards given out . Andy Axup, Chair of the Rotary District 6420 Literacy Committee presents to President Pam Erby (left) and to Julie Logan, President -Elect of Rock Falls Rotary (right), Certificates of Outstanding Club Achievement and Sustained Excellence in the area of Literacy at the recent District Conference held in Davenport.. Also included is a patch to adhere to the club Rotary banner. The Club Achievement Award is presented upon a club's participation in four areas of literacy. The Sustained Excellence is based upon the longevity of a club literacy project which for Rock Fall sis a 20 year history of a reading program weekly at East Coloma-Nelson School by Rotary members. President Pam Erby (right) presents to Jan Whitlock (left), member of Rock Falls Rotary, the Rotary District 6420 Majiyagbe Award for Innovative Literacy project. Jan Whitlock had begun a weekly literacy activity at the distribution of lunches for Feed The Children last summer in the Coloma Homes Housing Authority. Karen Voss (left) and Betty Clementz (right), co-chairs of the Public Image Committee of the Rock Falls Rotary, were selected as recipients of the Public Image Club Achievement Award for their successful efforts to publicize Rotary through four media: print, radio, website and /or internet, and radio.	Rock Falls Rotary Receives Rotary District 6420 Awards		2015-05-11 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Hears Program of Success of April House Posted on May 10, 2015 Cheryl Faber (left), member of Rock Falls Rotary, presents an appreciation gift to Johanna Hager (right), clinician at April House in Morrison, who shared the recent renovations to the facility of April House with Twin Cities Rotary assistance. She also gave an update on the statistics of child abuse/neglect cases in Whiteside County and the ongoing need for fundraising to support April House.	Rock Falls Rotary Hears Program of Success of April House		2015-05-11 00:00:00Z
May Student of the Month Posted on May 10, 2015 Two students at Rock Falls HIgh School were selected by the staff as the Rotary Students of the Month for May, Kobe Conklin (left) and Michaela Ward (right). Their selection is based on the Four Way Test of what every Rotarian is expected to think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?	May Student of the Month		2015-05-11 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates 67th Annual Farmers' Night Posted on Mar 15, 2015 President of Rock Falls Rotary Pam Erby welcomed over a hundred Rotarians, guests, farmers of several generations, agribusinessmen, and service providers on March 16 at Deer Valley Country Club for the 67th Annual Farmers' Night of the Rock Falls Rotary. What started 67 years ago was a need for the businessmen in the city of Rock Falls to celebrate those in the rural community, as both were needed in partnership for a successful community. That tradition of Rotary honoring and celebrating the contributions of farmers to our community continues today. Sponsors of the event included the following: Johnson Oil Company, The Cornerstone Agency, Vern's Farm Supply, Alton Irrigation, 1st Farm Credit Services, Gold Star F.S., Sauk Valley Bank, and Zoeller Ag Services. Entertainment was arranged by Elizabeth Judd, Music Director at Rock Falls High School, who had invited three high school students from Rock Falls, Dixon, and Milledgeville, members of the band named Rhythm Quest Band Rock. A dessert auction auctioneered by Lyle Dirks and Rob Young and a 50/50 raffle provided proceeds to support high school student scholarships. Caption: Three members of the band Rhythm Quest Band Rock : (left to right) guitar: Dayton Reuter, Drums: Greydan Katner, and guitar: Zack Lawyer.	Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates 67th Annual Farmers' Night		2015-03-16 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Receives Acknowledgement of Donation Posted on Mar 08, 2015 The Dictionary Project, a non-profit organization, has sent an acknowledgement letter of appreciation to the Rock Falls Rotary for their annual distribution of dictionaries to all Rock Falls third grade students in Rock Falls Elementary, Montmorency, East Coloma-Nelson, Thome, and St. Andrew Schools. Rock Falls Rotary distributed over 300 dictionaries in November 2014. As of that time over the years that Rock Falls Rotary has been distributing dictionaries, 2,136 students in Rock Falls have received a dictionary as their very own book from the Rock Falls Rotary. Rotary International has embraced the Dictionary Project as an effective local literacy effort in communities around the world. For more information about the project, visit www.dictionaryproject.org.	Rock Falls Rotary Receives Acknowledgement of Donation		2015-03-09 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Completes Community Service Project Posted on Feb 11, 2015 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary completed a community service project at their last meeting for the residents of Sauk Valley Senior Living and Rehabilitation on Dixon Avenue. Valentines were created for each resident to be presented on Valentine's Day by members of the staff.	Rock Falls Rotary Completes Community Service Project		2015-02-12 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Purchases a Blinking Speed Radar Sign for Rock Falls Rural Schools Posted on Feb 11, 2015 Rock Falls Rotary with matching funds from a Rotary District 6420 community grant purchased a blinking speed radar sign to alert motorists of their own speed as they travel within the school zones of East Coloma-Nelson and Montmorency Schools. With four lanes of traffic on Dixon Avenue for East Coloma-Nelson stu...dents, their parents and the buses, and with the rural speed limit of 55 mph along IL Route 40 for Montmorency students, parents, and buses, this sign should reduce the dangers during school hours in these school zones and create a safer environment for all who enter or exit the school grounds. Both Dave Chavira, East Coloma-Nelson Superintendent, and Alex Moore, Principal of Montmorency School, agreed that there was a definite need for slowing down traffic at each site, especially during times of arrival and departure. Between both schools, a total of over 700 students, their parents and the staffs will benefit from this sign installation.	Rock Falls Rotary Purchases a Blinking Speed Radar Sign for Rock Falls Rural Schools		2015-02-12 00:00:00Z
BB Estrella Named Rotary February Student of the Month Posted on Feb 08, 2015 Faculty at Rock Falls High School selected BB (Beatriz) Estrella as February Rotary Student of the Month, using the Four Way Test of What Rotarians say, think, and do as their guide: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned?... 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendship? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? BB is the daughter of Daniel and Angelica Estrella.	BB Estrella Named Rotary February Student of the Month		2015-02-09 00:00:00Z
Rotary Youth Exchange Student Shares Brazil with Rock Falls Rotary Posted on Feb 08, 2015 Gabi Duz, Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Brazil, shared her country of Brazil as a program with members of the Rock Falls Rotary. Gabi is being sponsored by the Rock Falls Rotary Club for a year, during which she will be hosted by three families while attending Rock Falls High School. Her program included the historical, economic, geographical, cultures and climates of Brazil. Gabi will return to Brazil in August.	Rotary Youth Exchange Student Shares Brazil with Rock Falls Rotary		2015-02-09 00:00:00Z
Meeting -- CANCELLED The February 2 meeting of the Rock Falls Rotary club is canceled due to the weather conditions. The board meeting will be rescheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 preceding the regular club meeting at 6 p.m.	Meeting -- CANCELLED		2015-02-02 00:00:00Z
VITAL program talks literacy Posted on Jan 26, 2015 President Pam Erby (right) presents to both Theresa Hooper (left) and Gema Vargas Colon a thank you for presenting a program of the literacy services available in our community for non-English speakers. Theresa has been involved in Even Start, a family literacy program aimed at mothers of very young children who are non-English speakers, Parents as Teachers, which works with both pre-K children and mothers not only in literacy issues, but also in life skills, adult education classes at Sauk Valley Community College, in partnership with VITAL, adult literacy tutoring one-on-one, GED class assistance. Presently she is working for the IL Migrant Council assisting minority groups in our community with health issues. Gema began in Even Start some 20 years ago, attended many of the classes offered and little by little today is bilingual- fluent in both Spanish and English. That speaks to the success of these programs.	VITAL program talks literacy		2015-01-27 00:00:00Z
Rotary Wraps Up Christmas Posted on Dec 15, 2014 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club wrapped gifts purchased for needy children and families in the community at their final meeting before the holidays. Merry Christmas !!	Rotary Wraps Up Christmas		2014-12-16 00:00:00Z
Rotarians present Dictionaries for Literacy Linda Murray, Rock Falls Rotary Club member, presents to her grandson, Landon Vondra, a third grade student at St. Andrew Elementary School, a dictionary as a gift to promote literacy skills. Every third grade student and teacher of third grade in Rock Falls Elementary schools of St. Andrew, East Coloma-Nelson, Rock Falls Elementary, Montmorency, and Thome Schools were presented an age-appropriate dictionary by a Rock Falls Rotarian. More than 200 dictionaries were presented in this promotion to improve skills in reading, writing, and communication in our Rock Falls schools by the Rock Falls Rotary Club.	Rotarians present Dictionaries for Literacy		2014-12-10 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarians Answer the Call from L.S.S.I. for Senior Services Posted on Dec 03, 2014 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Community Service Committee are presenting to Emily Taylor of L.S.S.I. a check for $125.00 for their Holiday Hope Chest fund. These funds will be used in the Senior Services area for individuals who need assistance with personal items, medication costs, and basic household needs. Anyone may send donations to L.S.S.I to this fund for these purposes anytime throughout the year. Members of Rock Falls Rotary include (from left to right) Brent Martin, Deb Gonzalez, (Emily Taylor of L.S.S.I.) and Cheryl Faber.	Rock Falls Rotarians Answer the Call from L.S.S.I. for Senior Services		2014-12-04 00:00:00Z
Rotarians Ring Bells for Salvation Army Posted on Dec 01, 2014 Members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club recently volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army. Pictured (l to r) are Pam Erby and Jan Whitlock.	Rotarians Ring Bells for Salvation Army		2014-12-02 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotarians Welcome String-a-longs Posted on Nov 30, 2014 Rock Falls Rotary members welcomed members of the String-a-longs, local musical group of Appalachian music, to their meeting to share the songs of the Christmas season in an old fashioned sing-a-long. Members of the group (from left to right) include:Kathy Knudson, Peg Albert, Vicki Mickler, and Shirley Stevens.	Rock Falls Rotarians Welcome String-a-longs		2014-12-01 00:00:00Z
Rotary seeks volunteers for project in Chile Read more...	Rotary seeks volunteers for project in Chile		2014-11-05 00:00:00Z
CEO Class Shares with Rock Falls Rotary Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 23, 2014 President Pam Erby receives information concerning the CEO Class held through the Career Center from Aaron Frank, the only Rock Falls High School student in the class of 13 students from area wide high schools, Vickie Dunphy, Rock Falls High School Assistant Principal, and Jaimie Leech, Counselor at Rock Falls High School. Aaron shared his experience thus far in the class with members of the Rock Falls Rotary Club and his purpose for enrolling in this 2-hour block of time commitment daily.	CEO Class Shares with Rock Falls Rotary	Karen Voss	2014-09-24 00:00:00Z
Folgers Student of the Month Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 22, 2014 Morgan Folgers, Senior at Rock Falls High School, was selected by Rock Falls High School staff as the September Rotary Student of the Month. Morgan is the daughter of Neal and Libby Folgers. Rotary Students of the Month are selected based on the Four Way Test of everything a Rotarian thinks, says and does: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build good will and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Rotary students of the month and their parents are invited to attend the weekly meetings of the Rock Falls Rotary during their month of selection to better understand what services are provided by the Rotary Club to our community.	Folgers Student of the Month	Karen Voss	2014-09-23 00:00:00Z
Global Rotary Scholar Presents Program Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 12, 2014 Jordan Groh of Rockford had been selected as a Global Scholar of 2013 - 2014 to go to London to study Conflict Resolution. Global Scholars are students who are seeking a Master's Degree in one of the six areas of focus of Rotary: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Maternal and Child Health, Water and Sanitation, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic and Community Development, or Disease prevention or Control. In addition to university studies, each Global Scholar must also do community service projects while in the country assigned. Jordan worked with migrants of the Middle East who had come to the UK. 2013-2014 Past District Governor Ruth Lee (left) presents to Jordan Groh (center) a gift for his presentation of what it means to be a Global Scholar to the members of the Rock Falls Rotary. Looking on is Bob Sondgeroth (right), 2013 - 2014 Past President of Rock Falls Rotary.	Global Rotary Scholar Presents Program	Karen Voss	2014-09-13 00:00:00Z
Faber Installed as Assistant Governor Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 11, 2014 Cheryl Faber, a former President of Rock Falls Rotary, was recently installed officially as Rotary Assistant Governor for Area IV which includes the oversight of four Rotary clubs: Walnut, Sterling Noon, Twin Cities Sunrise, and Rock Falls. Steve Kuhn of Sycamore Rotary was present to present her with the official pin of an Assistant Governor.	Faber Installed as Assistant Governor	Karen Voss	2014-09-12 00:00:00Z
Walnut Rotarians Visit Rock Falls Rotary Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 10, 2014 Walnut Rotarians presented a program to Rock Falls Rotarians of how they have expanded and strengthened their club membership over the past year through a community outreach to promote what Rotary does: Service Above Self. Those pictured from left to right: Deb Quinn, Walnut Rotarian; David Berry, Public Image Chair; Carl Von Holten, Walnut Rotary President 2013 - 14; Pam Erby, Rock Falls Rotary President; Ruth Lee, Past District Governor; and Bob Glaser, Walnut Rotary President of 2014 - 2015.	Walnut Rotarians Visit Rock Falls Rotary	Karen Voss	2014-09-11 00:00:00Z
August Student of the Month Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 09, 2014 Collin Marcum, son of Thomas and Kelly Marcum, was selected by Rock Falls High staff as the August Rotary Student of the Month. Rotary students are seniors selected upon how well each exemplifies the Four Way Test of what Rotarians say, think and do (their motto for living): 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 4. Will it build good will and better friendship?	August Student of the Month	Karen Voss	2014-09-10 00:00:00Z
2014-2015 Exchange Student Arrives Posted by Karen Voss on Sep 07, 2014 Gabriela Duz,(left) presents to Pam Erby (right), President of the Rock Falls Rotary, a flag representing her Rotary Club in district 4740 of Brazil. 'Gabi' has been attending Rock Falls High School and is being hosted by the Schueler family. Rotary Exchange students are hosted by 2 - 3 families during their 11 - 12 month stay.	2014-2015 Exchange Student Arrives	Karen Voss	2014-09-08 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Gathers School Supplies Posted by Karen Voss on Aug 17, 2014 Korah Winn Schlueter (center), an ESL teacher from Moline, put out a call on Facebook for her need for school supplies for her English as a Second Language. The majority of her students are immigrants from all over the world who arrive with little more than the hope for a better future. When Secretary of Rock Falls Rotary Pat Novak (right) saw the request, she presented the idea to the Rock Falls Rotarians and her 'wishlist' was filled. President of Rock Falls Rotary Pam Erby presented the items to her from her car trunk at Rotary Park. Korah had been sponsored by Rock Falls Rotary as an Ambassadorial Rotary Scholar to Ireland to obtain her Masters degree in English as a Second Language.	Rock Falls Rotary Gathers School Supplies	Karen Voss	2014-08-18 00:00:00Z
RF Rotary donates to Literacy Program Posted by Karen Voss on Aug 17, 2014 Past President of Rock Falls Rotary Bob Sondgeroth (right) presents to Russ Siefken (left) of United Way a check for $250 for the literacy program of Whiteside County provided by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The Rock Falls Rotary members donated weekly during the month of June to support this countywide program of books being delivered by mail to children birth through age 5. At this time more than 1300 children are receiving books monthly.	RF Rotary donates to Literacy Program	Karen Voss	2014-08-18 00:00:00Z
Welcome Rock Falls Rotarian Paul Curran Posted by Karen Voss on Aug 10, 2014 District Governor Shannon Scheffel (center) of Rotary District 6420 inducted a new member into the Rock Falls Rotary Club during her official visit to the club on August 11. Paul Curran, Loan Officer at Community State Bank in Rock Falls, was welcomed into membership with a pin and a folder of information about the oldest service organization in the world by his sponsor, President Pam Erby (right) . Rotary is an international organization of 1.2 million members worldwide which places Service Above Self.	Welcome Rock Falls Rotarian Paul Curran	Karen Voss	2014-08-11 00:00:00Z
District Governor visits club Posted by Karen Voss on Aug 10, 2014 President Pam Erby (right) welcomed Shannon Scheffel, Rotary District 6420 Governor,(left) and her son Jeremy for her official visit in which she shared the goals for the district and Rotary International. Rock Falls Rotary meets every Monday evening at Beelendorf's Deli at 6 p.m..	District Governor visits club	Karen Voss	2014-08-11 00:00:00Z
Tess Schaefer is Rock Falls Rotary Outbound to Denmark Posted by Karen Voss on Jul 27, 2014 A wonderful article about our 2014-2015 Rotary year outbound student, Tess Schaefer in our local newspaper. We are proud of Tess and know she will make a great Rotary Ambassador. We wish her the best during her year in Denmark. (click on Tess Schaefer for story)	Tess Schaefer is Rock Falls Rotary Outbound to Denmark	Karen Voss	2014-07-28 00:00:00Z
75th Corn Boil Date Set Posted by Karen Voss on Jul 06, 2014 The 75th Annual Rock Falls Rotary Corn Boil will be held Tuesday, July 22 at the Rock Falls Community Building from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cost is $7/adult and $4/children under 12 for either a hot dog or pulled pork barbeque sandwich, chips, beverage and all the corn you can eat. Drive-through carryout service is available.... Desserts are available through Rock Falls Women’s Club. Tickets available at the event or from any Rock Falls Rotarian in advance. Pre-order your pick-up only orders (10 or more meals) by Noon, Monday, July 21. Orders may be emailed to zoeller@essex1.com or faxed to 815/625-3726. Give contact name, number of orders of each meal choice, time for pick-up, and phone number of person placing order.	75th Corn Boil Date Set	Karen Voss	2014-07-07 00:00:00Z
Rotary Exchange Student Returns to Rock Falls Posted by Karen Voss on Jun 15, 2014 Rock Falls Rotarians welcomed Rotary Exchange student from 2011-2012, Selina Ruhnke of Forst, Germany, Monday evening back to Rock Falls. Selina has now completed her high school in Germany, passed the exit examinations, and earned as a result, the right to a free university education in her designated field of dentistry. She will most likely be enrolled in the University of Ulm. She hopes to study abroad - preferably in the United States - for a portion of her education of five years to reach her goal. What did she say first? "I have missed you terribly!" Spending a year in another country builds lasting friendships; that is the goal of the Rotary Exchange Program as it builds friendships and better world understanding. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Rotary Exchange program or becoming a host family to a student on Rotary Exchange should contact President Bob Sondgeroth. Rock Falls Rotary President Bob Sondgeroth welcomes back to Rock Falls the Rotary Exchange Student from 2011-2012, Selina Ruhnke of Germany.	Rotary Exchange Student Returns to Rock Falls	Karen Voss	2014-06-16 00:00:00Z
Club Presents Exchange Gift Posted by Karen Voss on Jun 01, 2014 President of Rock Falls Rotary Bob Sondgeroth (right) presented to Kritsana “Krits” Jedjinda (left) two pieces of luggage as a farewell gift as he plans to return to Thailand after a year in the USA. His sponsorship came from both the Rock Falls and the Morrison Rotary Clubs.	Club Presents Exchange Gift	Karen Voss	2014-06-02 00:00:00Z
Shaw Shares Finland Exchange Experience Posted by Karen Voss on Jun 01, 2014 Rock Falls Rotarians Mark Young and President Bob Sondgeroth (left to right) are holding boots made from reindeer skin which Kaylene Shaw, a Rotary Exchange Student to Finland in 2009 – 2010, brought back as a souvenir. Kaylene wears a hat typical from the Lapland. She shared her year abroad and the culture of the Finnish people in a program for the Rock Falls Rotary Club. Since her year as an exchange student, she has returned once to her host families in Finland, and plans to return on an internship soon again.	Shaw Shares Finland Exchange Experience	Karen Voss	2014-06-02 00:00:00Z
Love on a Leash Shared with Rock Falls Rotarians Posted by Karen Voss on May 18, 2014 Janel Yordy (left), one of the volunteers in the Love on a Leash program at CGH which provides visits to patients and staff at CGH from volunteers and their canine pet, shared with the Rock Falls Rotary how the program began, what it accomplishes, and how anyone may enter the program. Janel is sharing Spike with members Keith Zoeller and Julie Logan. For more information about the program, contact the CGH Auxiliary Office.	Love on a Leash Shared with Rock Falls Rotarians	Karen Voss	2014-05-19 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Honors Outstanding Students Posted by Karen Voss on May 11, 2014 Senior students from Rock Falls High School were selected each month in the 2013 – 2014 school year as Rotary Students of the Month by teachers based on the Four Way Test of Rotary of all things they say, think and do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Is it beneficial to all concerned? A celebration dinner was held in their honor on May 12 at which time each was presented with a certificate and a gift card. Rotary Students of the Month (from back to front): Cody Sanders: November; Travis Last: April; Tanner Mortonson: December; Thomas Wie: October; Adrian Villa: January; Sandra Gomez: May; Blake Shipman: August; Jessica Hicks: February; Alejandra Villa: September. (Absent from photo is Julie Dodd: March.)	Rock Falls Rotary Honors Outstanding Students	Karen Voss	2014-05-12 00:00:00Z
Rock Falls Rotary Gathers Non-persihables for Food Pantry Posted by Karen Voss on May 08, 2014 Rock Falls Rotarians gathered non-perishable food and paper products during the months of April and May. Pastor Brian Vickers of the Rock River Christian Center was presented the items, at which time he shared the history of the Food Pantry which has been housed in his church for more than 30 years. Shown in the photo are members of the Social Committee who organized this project. Pastor Brian Vickers of Rock River Christian Center (left) receives the donation of food and non-perishable items from members of the Rock Falls Rotary Social Committee: (left to right) Deb Gonzalez, Karen Voss, Cheryl Faber, and Pam Erby.	Rock Falls Rotary Gathers Non-persihables for Food Pantry	Karen Voss	2014-05-09 00:00:00Z
Rotary Sells Duck Tickets Posted by Karen Voss The Rock Falls Rotary Club is now selling tickets for the Ducks for L.I.F.E. This is a raffle for Literacy is Fun for Everyone, which provides books to children in Whiteside County. Tickets are $5 each. Contact any RF Rotarian or call the United Way office, 815-625-7973. Drawing will be held June 28.	Rotary Sells Duck Tickets	Karen Voss
District 6420 Rotary Offers Scholarships Posted by Karen Voss Rotary District 6420 offers an ambassadorial scholarship worth $25,000 to a college student, for either a junior year or graduate studies abroad in academic year 2015 – 2016. This scholarship is intended for a student who not only wants to study abroad in their intended field of study, but who also wants to be a part of a culture, sharing the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self by improving the quality of life for the people in that country as an ambassador of good will, peace and service. Full information and application may be viewed at the Rotary District 6420 website of www.clubrunner.ca/6420/ . Eligibility of a candidate for consideration includes the following: 1. Must have legal residence in District 6420; 2. Must be of exemplar academic achievement; 3. Must be enthusiastic, unselfish, adaptable, comfortable with public speaking, and a natural leader; 4. Must be of highest moral character; 5. Must be sponsored by a local Rotary Club. Eligibility *excludes* the following: 1. Rotarian or direct line descendants of Rotarians, including step children and spouses; 2. A university sponsored study-abroad program; 3. A candidate to return to a country in which she/he has lived for an extended period of time. Global Grant Scholarships for Master’s degree studies only also follow these same guidelines and procedures, use the same application, and are worth $30,000. This scholarship is especially desirable to a candidate interested in studying in second and third world cultures and MUST further at least one of the following Rotary Foundation areas of focus: - Peace and conflict prevention/resolution - Disease prevention and treatment - Water and sanitation - Basic education and literacy - Economic and community development - Maternal and child health. Timeline for this year’s applications and interviews: 1. Request to Sponsor is due to local sponsoring club before May 1; 2. Application must arrive to committee chair in Rockford no later than May 30, preferably sooner; 3. Briefing luncheon will be held in Rockford on Thursday, June 19; 4. Mandatory District Interview will be held Saturday, June 21, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. Check out additional information concerning the application procedure, qualifications, and expectations on the website of www.clubrunner.ca/6420/ to know if this scholarship is right for you. Time is running short, as the first step is to secure a local sponsoring Rotary Club through an interview process. For more information, contact your local Rotary Club. For Rock Falls residents, contact Pam Erby of Rock Falls Rotary Club at 815 / 590 - 5561.	District 6420 Rotary Offers Scholarships	Karen Voss
Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Two New Members Posted by Karen Voss President of Rock Falls Rotary Bob Sondgeroth (center) inducted Dave Chavira (right) into membership of Rotary. Dave in turn brought in his new member, Jim Geer (left).	Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Two New Members	Karen Voss
Parents of Thai Exchange Student Visit Posted by Karen Voss The parents of the Rotary Exchange Student being shared by Morrison and Rock Falls Rotary from Thailand, Kritsana Jedjinda, are visiting their son (center). Krits is attending Morrison high school and is on the baseball team this spring.	Parents of Thai Exchange Student Visit	Karen Voss
Tree Planted at Rotary Park for Rotarian Posted by Karen Voss Past District Governor and Rock Falls Rotarian George Smith was memorialized with a tree planted at Rotary Park in Rock Falls on Minkle Street. The dedication took place on St. Patrick's Day with George's family members, sons (left to right)Arch Smith, Denise and Neil Smith, and son-in-law Dan Murray placing a shamrock ribbon on the tree dedicated to his memory.	Tree Planted at Rotary Park for Rotarian	Karen Voss
Rock Falls Rotary Sponsors Relay For Life Posted by Karen Voss Cheryl Faber, Sponsorship Chair of the American Cancer Society Relay For LIfe of Whiteside County, accepts the check of sponsorship for the Relay For Life of Whiteside County from President Bob Sondgeroth. The 2014 event will be held at Hinders' Field in Rock Falls on June 7 - 8.	Rock Falls Rotary Sponsors Relay For Life	Karen Voss
Should to the Wheel Nomination Posted by Karen Voss Congratulations to the Rock Falls Rotary Club's nomination for the 2014 Shoulder to the Wheel Award, given by the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce.	Should to the Wheel Nomination	Karen Voss
Rotarians Read from Dr. Seuss Posted by Karen Voss Rock Falls Rotarians (l to r) Betty Clementz, Bob Sondegroth and Linda Murray recently read Dr. Seuss stories to local elementary school children in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday.	Rotarians Read from Dr. Seuss	Karen Voss
Rock Falls Rotary Raffle Tickets Posted by Karen Voss The Rock Falls Rotary Club is currently selling raffle tickets for their $100 Monthly Raffle drawing. Each month beginning with March 2014-February 2015, one ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive $100. All tickets are eligible every month, which means you could win more than once. Tickets are $20 each and available from any Rock Falls Rotarian or message us through Facebook or send us an email at rfrotary@gmail.com. Hurry, deadline to purchase your ticket is the end of March.	Rock Falls Rotary Raffle Tickets	Karen Voss
WHAT IS ROTARY? Posted by Karen Voss Rotary is an organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build good will and peace in the world. The first Rotary Club was organized in Chicago in 1905 by Paul Harris. This Club met in rotation at the offices of the members; thus, the name, ROTARY. Each Rotary Club is grouped with other nearby clubs into 439 Rotary Districts. Rock Falls is one of 49 Clubs in District 6420, with over 2500 members in the District. Rotary Clubs are located in 160+ countries and geographic regions, with over 28,000 clubs. Rotary International, with headquarters in Evanston, IL, is governed by a President and Board of Directors elected from different regions. Each District is governed by a District Governor - each Club is an autonomous group.	WHAT IS ROTARY?	Karen Voss
Rock Falls HS Kids update Rotarians Posted by Karen Voss Left to right / back to front: Michael Battles, Beatriz Estrella, Carmina Lopez, Melissa Villa, Sandra Gomez, Thomas Wie, Jessi Hicks, and Kelsey Webber. Students from Rock Falls High School shared their various activities of community service and leadership development which fall under the eight areas of human development known as the 40 Developmental Assets or behavior traits of successful people at the Rock Falls Rotary Meeting. Service was exemplified by these students in summer Feed The Children program, BLAST program that matches high school students with younger students as role models, leadership skill building through the BLIND (Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die) program which removes barriers between students from different high schools, and Girl Group that builds self esteem and confidence of female students. These student programs are facilitated by faculty advisor Margo Jakobs.	Rock Falls HS Kids update Rotarians	Karen Voss

Rock Falls Third Grade Students Receive Age-appropriate Dictionaries

Rock Falls Rotary Supports Thanksgiving Basket Project of Coloma Township

Rock Falls Rotary Supports Therapy Dog Twister and owner Molly Mammoser

Rock Falls Rotary Inducts Jenn Schultz into Membership

Rock Falls Rotarian Recognized for Rotary Foundation Donations

Rotary District Governor Visits Rock Falls Rotary

Best Polio Eradication Project Awarded to Sauk Valley area Rotary Clubs for End Polio Now Annual Walk

Newest member inducted into Rock Falls Rotary Club on October 2

Rock Falls Rotary and Rotary District 6420 Matching Grant Presentation to Sauk Valley Foodbank

Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Members

Rock Falls Rotary supports YWCA "Sweet Dreams" Project

Rock Falls Rotary Meets Rotary District Governor's Challenge

Rock Falls Rotary Inducts New Member

Rock Falls Monthly Raffle Sales

Rock Falls Rotary Donates to Thanksgiving Baskets

Rotary Clubs Join to Support Literacy Program

Annual Rotary Greenery Fundraiser

Governor Bills Visits Rock Falls Rotary

September Rotary Student of the Month

Annual End Polio Now Walk - Oct. 2

30 Years of Rotary Service

Rotary Donates Dictionaries

Rock Falls Rotary Club Donates to Rock River Christian Center Food Pantry

Rotary Shares Exchange Program on Local Radio

Rock Falls Rotarians Assist with Meal Distribution for Rock Falls Students

Cancellations

Rock Falls Rotary Celebrates Rotary Students of the Month

Rock Falls Rotary Supports Salvation Army