Rotary Club of Palatine Updates and Information

Greetings, I’m Jim McLin, the 2010/2011 president of the Rotary Club of Palatine. This is my first posting in follow up to requests for weekly community updates on upcoming events and  information on the club’s involvement within Palatine.

• Liz Noe 2011/2012 president began her year by hosting Rotary District Governor Mike Yesner, District 6440 as a speaker at her second official meeting.  Mike updated members on this year's goals and explained how international project funding will work this year.  He challenged us as members to renew our commitment to Rotary by actively engaging ourselves in current and new projects, to restore the fire we brought to the club when we first joined.  In addition, he told us of a new program for international projects that turns each $1.00 donation by our club into $5.50 through various matching grants from both the Rotary Foundation and the clubs on the receiving end of the donations.  This gives a bigger bang for our bucks.  Last year, the Rotary Club of Palatine donated over $10,000.00 to International projects. With this year’s new program that same amount would have the potential to become $55,000.00.  What a great new idea! He also presented John Heaton from Knupper Nursery & Landscaping with his 5th Paul Harris Fellowship.  Congratulations to John on his award.

• On September 14, 15 and 16 we will celebrate our 5th annual Oktoberfest. See http://www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest.php for details.  We are now gathering donations from local merchants to fill the raffle baskets.  Last year, local merchants donated over $45,000.00 in merchandise and coupons for the baskets.  And yes, the wheelbarrows of beer will be back and better than ever.  If you are interested in donating please give me a call at 847-788-9022.  We have also have started to sell raffle tickets for a chance to win one of 24 baskets we raffle at the event.

• Interested in becoming a Rotarian? The Rotary Club of Palatine meets every Tuesday at the Red Apple Restaurant at 7:15 AM.  For more information go to http://www.palatinerotary.com.

The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and
throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address
many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty,
hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs
for youth, including leadership and educational opportunities and international
exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and
career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.