Home Page | Rotary Club of Morrison

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m.

First Gateway Credit Union

200 N. Base Street
MORRISON, IL 61270-3042
United States of America

Christmas Party 2024

A big thank-you to Kevin Schisler for allowing our Rotary club to celebrate Christmas at Community State Bank. President Stan Steines welcomed members, spouses and guests and then encouraged everyone to dine on the potluck buffet. After dining we were treated to a Christmas Carol sing-along with song leaders (l-r), Mike Zurn, Michael Blean, Elizabeth Yaklich, Dr. John Tomasino on guitar and Dr. Brad (Buffett) Yaklich on ukulele. Another big thank you to new member LuEllen Lee for providing bar tables and Blue Violet centerpieces for each of those tables. Congrats to those who won those beautiful flower arrangements. A good time was had by all!

Ted Volckman awarded Paul Harris Plus 2

Congratulations to Ted Volckman for attaining the Paul Harris plus 2 award. This means that Ted has reached the $2,000 level in donations. Presenting the pin to Ted (left) is Foundation Chair Dave Abele.

By giving to this fund, Rotarians support families and change lives all over the world. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:

Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali

Congratulations and thank you Ted!

New Members Inducted Today

The Morrison Rotary Club welcomed 3 new members today. Starting left-right, Michael Blean, sponsor for Mr. Randy Larson (next to Michael), Evan Ernst, sponsored by Stanley Steines and LuEllen Lee, also sponsored by Mr. Steines. Randy is a retired veterinarian who still dabbles in consulting work. His daughter Dana McCoy, who is a Rotarian in the Sterling Noon Club accompanied him and his wife Jan for his installation service today. Evan owns Refuse to Quit (RTQ) Fitness in Morrison. He is a lifelong resident of Morrison and he looks forward to being part of the club. LuEllen owns the Blue Violet in Morrison featuring fresh flower bouquets, candy and gift items for that special someone(s) in your life. She is married to Matt and has 3 wonderful children!
We welcome each of these fine new members!!

December 2024 Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary honors December Students of the Month MaKenzie Neas and Bella Duncan.

MaKenzie is the daughter of Eric and Stephanie Neas. Her parents own Urban Eats in Morrison so she is excited to work there. While in school MaKenzie has participated in basketball and softball and she is also Student Council. She loves to serve her community so she delivered fruit boxes to the library, wrapped gifts for kids in need, and she volunteers art God’s Will in Morrison and the Clinton Humane Society. Her passion is theater. She has starred in Charlotte’s Web in Morrison and has appeared on the stage at Sauk Theater. When she is not in plays she loves to hang with friends. She does plan to major in Theater at a college after she completes her gen-eds at Sauk Valley College.

Bella is the daughter of Dave and Taylor Duncan. She loves sports!! Playing volleyball and especially softball. She has also assisted with programming the new scoreboard and working with the Athletic Director. She is a member of Emmanuel Church, and she enjoys helping the Kiwanis Club unload boxes. Bella has also enjoyed coaching local volleyball and softball teams. Her hobbies include weight-lifting, coaching, shopping and she has been in 28 states. She has signed a letter of intent to play Division One softball at Western Michigan University. She will major in Occupational Therapy and minor in Athletic Training,

Well done ladies. We are proud of both of you!

2024 CEO Program

The Morrison Rotary club hosted CEO students Isabella Scachette and Blake Huizenga on December 4. The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) one-year course is offered to juniors and seniors. It covers a wide range of business topics, such as innovative thinking strategies, product development, competitive advantages, business structure, marketing, financial strategies, record keeping, financial statements, business plan writing. Entrepreneurial thinking (out-of-the box problem solving) is utilized throughout the course. Twenty-First Century Workforce Skills, creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are emphasized throughout the year. Students experience networking and business development firsthand. Bella is exploring a floral business and Blake is looking for ideas to help develop and promote a pumpkin business that he started when he was 8 years old. Best wishes to all CEO students!

MHS Greenhouse Project

Last week we were treated to a presentation from Tonia Prombo who talked about the prairie garden and the new greenhouse at the High School. She noted that a grant was received for the garden and the MHS Alumni helped raise funds for the greenhouse. As a result a 14’ x 48’ greenhouse was built with volunteer labor. Horticulture has now been blended into the curriculum so the students take care of the plants in the greenhouse. Next spring the FFA group will have a plant sale from plants they are growing now. There is also a grand opening of the greenhouse on Thursday, November 14 at 11:00 AM for anyone that would like to come.

Sauk Valley College Literacy Program

The Morrison Rotary club had a program featuring Renata Young from the Sauk Valley College Adult Literacy Program. She noted the program has been offered for 49 years at Sauk! Among other things they offer ESL programs and assist people with school supplies, study guides, lesson plans and tools necessary to help individuals become US Citizens. Each participant is matched with a volunteer to assist them with language skills and other life skills. This year they have helped 3 immigrants become US Citizens! Thank you Renata and Sauk Valley College for all you do for residents in a 9 county area around Dixon!

Jim Camp attains Paul Harris plus 2 award

Morrison Rotarian Jim Camp was awarded a Paul Harris plus 2 award for his donations to the fund. Presenting a pin to Jim was Dave Abele (on the right).

By giving from your heart each and every year, you’ll support families and change lives. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:

Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa

Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India

A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies

Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda

Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali

Morrison High School Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary Club recognizes the Morrison High School October Students of the Month Paige Leighton and Blake Huizenga.

Paige’s parents are Kerry and Michael Leighton. Her school activities include football and basketball cheerleading for 2 years, student council 4 years and current president, and yearbook committee for 2 years. She is a member of the Emmanuel Church youth group where she has participated in mission trips. Her hobbies include drawing, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend UIUC to study business or education.

Blake is the son of Chad and Myra Huizenga. He has participated in several school activities including golf for 2 years, trapshooting (4 years) and his true passion, FFA (4 years) where he is the current chapter president. Throughout his FFA journey he has volunteered by organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and he was able to assist with the Chambers Fallfest . In his free time he enjoys camping with his family, and fishing in waters all over the Midwest. His biggest venture is his 5-acre pumpkin business where he has developed innovative ways to increase production and sales. After high school he plans to attend Sauk Valley College for 2 years and then transfer to UW- Platteville and major in Ag Business and minor in Agronomy.

October 2024 Road clean up

The Morrison Rotary Club once again took time to clean trash on highway 30. Taking part in the October 10 clean up were: (left to right) Dan Vandermyde, Dr. Brad Yaklich, Kevin Kuehl, Mike Gunderson, Kevin Schisler, John Prange, Ted Volckman, and President Stan Steines. Thanks again gentleman for making our community a cleaner place to live!

Morrison High School September Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary Club recognizes the Morrison High School September Students of the Month Sarah Stralow and Isaiah McDearmon.

Sarah’s parents are Ken and Carol Stralow. She enjoys cheerleading for both football and basketball. She has also been serving as Vice President of the Student Council and she is a member of the Yearbook committee. In her spare time, she also plays in the Quad Cities Youth Philharmonic orchestra. In her free time, she enjoys playing violin and piano and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and major in architecture.

Isaiah is the son of Hilary and Jason McDearmon. He has participated in a number of school activities including Key Club and Student Council all 4 years of high school. In addition, he has participated in track and field and cross country. He set a goal in his Sophomore year to qualify for state in both. He has enjoyed the Emmanuel Youth group and has participated on 3 mission trips. Isaiah enjoys playing bass guitar at Emmanuel. With all of his cross-country experience he loves to be outside and just loves hiking in the great outdoors especially in Colorado. His future plans are to pursue a mechanical or nuclear engineering degree. He has been accepted to Iowa State but is considering University of Illinois Urbana, Purdue University or UW- Platteville.

Morrison Rotary cheers Carrie on!

The Morrison Rotary Club wants fellow member Carrie Melton know she is loved and is supported by Team Morrison Rotary!

Rotary Feeds 4,000 children

Sterling Noon Rotary, Morrison Rotary, Impact Students, the United Way and several volunteers packed 4,200 lunches for the Feed My Children program in Whiteside County on July 2. A well oiled machine this group was as they completed the task in under 2 hours. Each table was set up with 5 different items to be added to the lunch sacks. 4 Lunch sacks were then added to a large Menards bag so each child would have 4 meals for the week. Items included crustables, instant macaroni and cheese, squeezable juice or fruit, granola bars, and many other items.

Morrison Rotary makes $500 donation to the local Food Bank

Rising to the challenge of filling our local food pantries, the Morrison club was happy to make a donation to the hometown Morrison Food Pantry. Receiving the $500 check from President Scott Vandermyde is Director Leveda Ashlin. Also pictured are Morrison Rotarians (l-r) President Vandermyde, Dan Vandermyde, Leveda, Father James Brzeziniski, and Ted Volckmann. Leveda attended the July 17 Rotary meeting to let us know she was able to purchase about 1,400 lbs. of food and other items. She also wanted to thank the club for providing laborers to unload the food truck the first week of each month. She noted the demand for food typically exceeds the supply so this donation means so much!

Morrison Rotary Donates Bicycle Helmets

Our Morrison Rotary group donated 70 bike helmets with Rotary logos to Morrison 3rd grade students. Pictured here placing the logos stickers on the helmets are: Left-Right

Karl Kovarik, John Prange, Kevin Kuehl, President Scott Vandermyde and Jim Camp. Thank you gentlemen for your assistance and thank you Morrison Rotary for protecting our kids!

Rockwood Restaurant and Marina presentation

Our Rotary Club heard from Lauren Story who along with his son Mitchell and his wife Anna who will be opening the Rockwood Restaurant and Marina on Tuesday, June 11. The marina will feature a restaurant, boat rentals, and bait sales. Many improvements have been made including: restaurant/kitchen/baitshop upgrades, boat docks were rebuilt, and the purchase of paddle boats, kayaks and a jon boat. Weekly food specials will be offered along with plenty of ice cream and baked goods by Mitchell. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM and Sunday 7:00 AM-3:00 PM. Follow them on Facebook.

Pictured here is President Scott Vandermyde congratulating Lauren Story on opening a much needed business at Rockwood!

Morrison Rotary honors Stephanie Deckro Taylor

President Scott Vandermyde presented Stephanie Taylor a plaque honoring her 28 years of service to the Morrison Rotary Club and her Paul Harris Major Donor Award (over $10,000). Stephanie and her husband have purchased a home in Wyoming so unfortunately we will be losing a wonderful member. Stephanie is a licensed pilot and so she was given the opportunity to fly in every Wednesday and land in a new landing strip that President and Mayor Scott will have built just for her! Thank you so much for your years of service and dedication to the Rotary Club and the Morrison Community Stephanie. You will be missed!

Morrison Rotary awards Scholarships

The Morrison Rotary Club is proud to award $5,000 in scholarships to these fine Morrison High School students.

Pictured (Left-right)

Cooper Bush- All Around Male- $1,250

Madison Krum- All Around Female- $1,250

Blake Adams- Citizenship- $1,000

Emma Oldham- Vo-Tech- $500

Allen Rumfelt- $500- MIT

Not pictured is Hailey Wiersema the winner of the $500 Sauk Valley College Scholarship

There was not an applicant for the Ag scholarship this year.

Road Crew Cleans up!

Our first road clean up of 2024 netted a nice haul of garbage that in turn, made a 1 mile stretch of highway 30 look much nicer! Thanks to Stan Steines and John Prange for arranging the vests and bags to use for the crew. Our work detail consisted of (l-r)

Dr. Brad Yaklich, Mick Welding, Dan Vandermyde, Rich Groleau, Kevin Schisler, Don Jevne and Dave Abele (kneeling).

Thanks gents for your dedication to making Morrison a cleaner community!

Rotary Bags it for Earth Day

Morrison Rotary gave 300 reusable Grocery Bags to Sullivan's Customers in honor of Earth Day on April 20, 2024.

Rotarians in action were Stan Steines, Ellen Smith, Kevin Kuehl, Kathy Schmidt and Everett Pannier

The bags were well received by customers and some even remembered them from the year prior and were very

happy to receive another. Another perk for customers is they receive a .05 credit for each bag used. Sullivans

was happy to have Rotarians bagging groceries on Saturday morning.

Morrison Rotary honors April Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary Club announces our April Students of the Month

Sarah Weston is the daughter of Annette and Dennis Weston. She is involved in band (drum major for 3 years), theater, key club (president), scholastic bowl, prom committee, orchestra, madrigals and she also found time to play basketball. She has played in the Dixon Municipal Band and also assisted with the Kiwanis Club activities and she works at Sullivans. Her hobbies include MUSIC, reading, painting, baking and hiking. Her future plans are to attend Augustana College and major in Music Education with a goal to be a music teacher.

Karalynn Kirkpatrick is the daughter of Kayleen Mecum. She participates in choir, madrigals, drama club, prom committee, key club(co-president 1 yr.) and B.L.I.N.D. Through Key Club she is able to volunteer at various organizations. She loves musical theater, reading and watching movies. She also loves to hang out with her family in her free time. She loves, loves, loves multimedia and making/editing videos with her friends. Her future plans are to attend Illinois State University and major in theater/film so she can make a lifelong career in the industry.

Congratulations to both of these fine young women!

Morrison Rotary welcome new member

Morrison Rotary welcomes a new member

The Morrison Rotary Club is excited to welcome our newest member, Mr. Dave Mills. Mr. Mills is the new principal of Morrison High School. He is celebrating his 17th year in education. Prior to coming to Morrison he was Principal at George O. Barr Elementary in the Silvis School District for 5 years. Before that, I was the Principal at AlWood Middle/High School. He has taught middle school and high school social studies at Alwood. Dave has been married to his wife Angie for 16 years and they have 4 kids entering 9th, 7th, 5th, and 3rd grades.

Dave is being sworn in by President Scott Vandermyde along with his Rotary sponsor Carrie Melton. Welcome aboard Dave!

Morrison Rotary celebrates 100 years

Our Rotary club will celebrate 100 years with a gala at Morrison Tech on Saturday, April 20. Doors open at 5:00. Guests will be treated to a presentation by keynote speaker Gary Metivier plus a recap of club milestones over the past 100 years. There is no cost for Rotarians or guests. We can still accept a few more reservations if you contact Mick Welding at mwelding@mchstaff.com or call 815-590-6497.

Morrison Rotary March 2024 Students of the Month

Morrison Rotary Club recognizes March Students of the Month

The Morrison Rotary club is proud to recognize seniors Geneva Connelly and Madison Banks as the March Students of the Month.

Geneva is the daughter of Scott and Wendy Connelly. She was very active in school participating in Student Council (4 yrs.), Volleyball (4 yrs), Key Club, B.L.I.N.D leader and National Honor Society (2 yrs each), Pons and Golf (1 yr.) and she attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp 1 year. She was in club volleyball and swimming for 3 years, assisted with Volleyball Kids Camp and Pons Kids Camp and helped raise money for the Boosters at the annual Whiteside County Fair 4 years. She enjoys sewing, reading, gardening and paddle boarding. Her future plans are to pursue an accounting degree at a 4 year university.

Madison is the daughter of Jason and Melissa Banks. She participated in Student Council, National Honor Society, a B.L.I.N.D leader, Prom Committee, Volleyball and she attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Camp. She was also a blood donor, volunteer at the Custom Pak picnic, worked at the beef barn at the Whiteside County Fair, and she assisted with a Volleyball kids camp. She works as a Care Provider at Resthave and she is active in her youth group at church. Her hobbies include crafting, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends while enjoying the great outdoors. Her future plans are to attend Blackhawk and major in Nursing. She would love to work in labor and delivery after finishing her degree at Trinity College.

Pictured here are Madison, President Elect Stan Steines, Geneva and Morrison High School Principal Dave Mills. (l-r)

Pam Pfister Morrison Community Hospital CEO

The Morrison Rotary Club was treated to a presentation by Pam Pfister, CEO at Morrison Community Hospital. Pam shared some challenges in staffing and state reimbursement along with some photos of the most recent expansion and a glimpse of future expansion. She concluded her presentation with a slide to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day.

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