Brent Pentenburg is the Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Rock River Valley, where he has been instrumental in leading the organization since 2014. He joined the YMCA as Vice President of Operations and has since risen to the position of CEO.
Brent holds a BS in Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University and has a strong background in health and recreation management. His leadership has been pivotal in the YMCA's growth and development, particularly in the Belvidere Family YMCA, where he has taken over management duties effective in July of 2025.
Brent is an advisory member for Youth for Christ, a member of the Rotary Club of East Rockford and Cherry Valley and volunteer with Stateline Church. He and his wife, Johnnie, are also foster parents and inspire others to get involved as adoptive or foster parents in our community.
Brent will discuss some of the various services that the YMCA offers and also tell us where he sees the YMCA in the future.
This will be an interesting and informative program and one to bring a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom.
President Paul, who is a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.
Before becoming Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara proudly held his two favorite titles—husband and father. Since taking office, he has focused on improving public safety, revitalizing neighborhoods and driving economic growth. He’s led efforts to lower property taxes and has appointed diverse, fiscally responsible leaders to city boards and commissions—people who share his commitment to using taxpayer dollars wisely and effectively.
Mayor McNamara's annual Rotary presentation is always one of our most popular programs. We would encourage members to make an effort to attend this program and also invite a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom. As per tradition, President Paul Von Driska will introduce the mayor and act as Rotary host.
Our 2025-26 goal for the Rotary International Foundation Annual Fund is $13,000. So far, members have contributed $8,005. In addition, members have contributed an additional $3,756 to the other six funds including Polio Plus.
Our other goal is to have 100% participation. To date, 28 members have contributed to the Foundation out of our total membership of 84 which is 33%.
Congratulations to Paul Logli who is our newest contributor to the Foundation. Congratulations and thank you to the following members who have contributed to this year's campaign.
Suzanne Berger Dave Byrnes
Elise Cadigan Bob Canfield
Jim Coffey Maureen Crowe
Mike Foreman Monica Glenny
Helen Hill Wray Howard
Russ Johansson Linda Johnson
Don Kinney Kathy Kwiat-Hess
Dick Leighton Brian Martin
Mary Maxted Eric Moe
Lynn Momberger Linda Niemiec
MaryAnn Norwood Bob Presman
Becky Rundquist Pete Rundquist
Jeff Smith Beth Thacker
Paul Von Driska
The information is from Rotary International as of February 28, 2026. If you have any questions, contact Jim Coffey (jimc6659@aol.com or 815-222-9168).
On March 6th, Rockford Rotary hosted a wine tasting event at Artale & Co. located at 6876 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. The event took in $600 which will be used to support the Rotary Academy.
Several attendees took our tri-fold to learn more about Rockford Rotary. Several also took down the day, time, and location of our meetings. Unfortunately, everyone was so busy tasting that no one took any pictures.
Thank you to our members who attended and supported the Academy. A good time was had by all and the annual event will continue next year.
This email is sent to our District Leadership team, and all active members of the Pecatonica, Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe/Rockton, Rockford Downtown, and Rockford East/Cherry Valley Rotary Clubs.
Please mark your calendars for our next Local Rotary Social, which will be:
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH TIME: 5:00 - 7:00PM LOCATION: LUCHA CANTINA, 1641 N ALPINE RD, ROCKFORD (at Edgebrook Shopping Center)
Our District Governor, Melissa McCormick will be present, so please bring your questions, ideas, and a warm welcome for her! This is an ideal time for your incoming presidents to meet in a more casual setting as they prepare for the year ahead. As always, dress code is come as you are and spouses are always welcome. Bring your name tag and some business cards for swapping. We look forward to seeing you there for some wonderful conversation and sharing.
Happy March, Beth Costa-Bland Area 1 Assistant Governor
At our February 26th meeting, President Paul introduced two new members of Rockford Rotary. Actually, one new member and one old member transferring back to Rockford.
Jim Nelson is returning to Rockford after a few years in Tennessee. Jim is a Past President of Rockford Rotary and also a Past District Governor.
Tanner Elliott is the Development Manager for Habitat for Humanity and was sponsored by Denise Noe. Tanner also has the distinction of being the youngest member of Rockford Rotary.
We would encourage all of our members to make an effort to meet and welcome Tanner and Jim to Rockford Rotary.
We will continue to serve lunches for $12 each week. We currently are having food from the Sandwich Shop, but we will alternate each month between Beef-A-Roo and the Sandwich Shop. Monica will be more than happy to take your money for lunch.
