Victor "Vic" Rivera is a s a passionate advocate for the revitalization of his community in Rockford, where he was born and raised. Living on the city’s south side, he is deeply committed to uplifting and promoting Latino arts, music, and culture. Through his efforts in curating events such as art shows and community gatherings, Vic aims to create a vibrant cultural landscape that reflects the richness of Latino heritage. His partnerships with local organizations, including the Rockford Arts Council and the Rockford Library, further strengthen his mission to foster artistic expression and community engagement.
As a dedicated father of three, Vic understands the importance of creating a nurturing environment for future generations. With a long-term vision for positive change, he is determined to make a lasting impact in his community.
Vic will talk about his work to bring Latino art and music to the Rockford community and why he thinks that it is important for Rockford to be exposed to all types of cultures.
This will be an interesting and educational program and one that you will want to invite a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom.
Samir Romero will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.
Robert Hall Tinker was born on December 31, 1836, in Honolulu to missionary parents, the Reverend Reuben Tinker (1799–1854) and his wife Mary Throop Wood Tinker (1809–1895).[2] Tinker moved to Rockford in 1856, where he was employed as an accountant by Mary Dorr Manny, the wealthy widow of John H. Manny of the Manny Reaper Works.
Robert Tinker traveled extensively throughout Europe in 1862 and was greatly impressed by the estates and gardens he had seen there. On his return to Rockford, Tinker built himself a 27-room, two-story Swiss-style cottage on a limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek.
In 1870 Robert and Mary were married, becoming one of Rockford's most influential couples. Tinker was mayor of Rockford in 1875, a founding member of the Rockford Park District and the CEO of the Northwest and I.C. Rail lines.
Mary Dorr Manny Tinker died in 1901 and Robert remarried her niece Jessie Dorr Hurd Tinker. His second wife adopted a son, Theodore "Teddy" Tinker in 1908.
Upon Robert Tinker's death in 1924, Jessie created a partnership with the Rockford Park District, allowing her to remain in the house until her death. After her death in 1942 the Rockford Park District acquired the property and opened the home as a museum in 1943.
Samantha Hochmann has always had an interest in history and wanted to be a teacher of history. In December of 2015, she graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Masters in History, but she wasn't sure she wanted to teach college anymore. She wanted to be able to touch history and interact with it in different ways, while still educating and sharing her love for history.
Three months later, Samantha interviewed at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and was offered a position as Director of Education and Management Services. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I believe that working at Tinker Swiss Cottage has allowed me to fully embrace all aspects of history. Not only do I have the opportunity to still be an educator, but I also have the opportunity to help set up exhibits, connect with other institutions in Rockford, and meet people from all around the world.
In September of 2018, Samantha was appointed Executive Director and remains so to the present time. She manages a staff of three and also has a group of over 30 volunteers. In addition to her duties at Tinker, Sam served as Secretary of the Rockford Historical Society from September of 2016 to August of 2024. She is also the Board Secretary of the Heritage Museum Park which encompasses th Ethnic Heritage Musem and the Graham-Ginestra House Museum. Her primary focus is on the Graham-Ginestra House Museum. She assists with the programming committee, gift shop committee, and planning committee. I also assist the Executive Director of the Graham-Ginestra House in accessing the collection and setting up exhibits. I began volunteering in March of 2017 and joined the Board in the fall of 2020. In 2023 I was elected as Secretary for the Board of Directors.
Samantha will talk about the history of the Tinker Swiss Cottage and take us on a tour of the house via pictures. This will be an interesting and educational program and one that you can bring a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom. Jim Coffey, a former Tinker Board member and President, will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary Host.
Rockford Rotary will be working a shift at the Northern Illinois Food Pantry on Monday, May 13th from 12:30 - 3:30 at the Indoor Market Distribution center at 1397 Sandy Hollow Road (The Old K-Mart Building).
Volunteers should arrive at 12:15 PM. Volunteers can email Mary Maxted to sign up at marymaxted1@gmail.com'
Our May 29th meeting will be a road trip to the new Equine Center at Lockwood Park at 5201 Safford Road. The meeting will begin at 11:30 AM. We will have lunch, a brief business meeting, and a program on "Help and Healing with Horses". Following the program we will be able to tour the indoor equine facility.
The Rockford Rotary Academy Final Event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Embassy Suites at 416 South Main Street from 6 to 9 PM. Monica Glenny will be accepting RSVP's while Linda Johnson is out of town. Monica can be reached at monicaglenny@gmail.com or by texting her at 815-988-0913. Further information is contained in the invitation. This is a chance to show our support for the Academy students.
Several years ago, the Sustainability Committee chaired by Russ Johansson and Tyler Smith planted daffodils on the south side of Memorial Hall. Many Rotarians helped with this project.
A gentle reminder that you please pay for your lunch, $200 for March, April, May, and June. You can pay by credit card or send a check to our treasurer, Monica Glenny. If you bring your own lunch, you can opt out by not paying the $200.00. If you have any questions, or if you only want the lunches for a specific month, please tell Bob Canfield, 815-968-7200 or canfilaw@sbcglobal.net .
Each week we will be publishing a message from the Rotary International Foundation. This week's message is:
WHAT IS THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CADRE OF TECHNICAL ADVISERS?
The Cadre of Technical Advisers is a group of Rotary members who offer their expertise and advice to clubs and districts that are planning and carrying out grant projects around the world. They also strengthen the impact of Rotary’s grants by safeguarding Foundation funds.
Cadre members provide guidance about conducting community assessments, incorporating sustainability, setting up monitoring or evaluation plans, and properly managing the financial aspects of a project.
More than 550 Cadre members who speak more than 80 languages come from 75 countries. You can connect with Cadre members who have expertise in a specific area of focus or in a particular language, country, or district.
Do you want to learn more about the Cadre, connect with a member, or join the Cadre?
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