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Stories
March 14th Program
 
 
Murder and Mayhem in Rockford
 
     Kathi Kresol has worked at the Rockford Public Library for years and loves sharing her enthusiasm for reading in any way possible. Currently serving as a Library Branch Manager and Mobile Library Manager, Kathi loves the challenges of serving the public in her historic library branch, as well as bringing Rockford Public Library resources into new and different locations and neighborhoods.
     A member of the Rockford Historical Society, Kathi is always digging through Rockford’s past and she gives all the credit for her research skills to local history specialists Jean Lythgoe and Jan Carter of the Rockford Public Library.
     Kathi Kresol has been researching the history of Northern Illinois for twenty years. She has published two solo books: “Murder & Mystery in Rockford, Illinois,” (2015); and “Haunted Rockford, Illinois,” (2017). Kathi has also collaborated with other local authors and shared articles in three books featuring compilations of Rockford authors.
     Kathi shares the stories she researches in presentations for local organizations and in events sponsored by the Rockford Public Library and her business Haunted Rockford events. The local newspaper, Rock River Times has shared Kathi’s stories for several years. Her column “Voices From The Grave” has allowed Kathi to share her passion for history with a larger part of Rockford’s community. She is always honored when someone mentions reading one of her stories.
     Kathi’s main goal in sharing her stories, whether they are true crime, ghost stories, or local history, is to honor the lives of the men, women and children who came before. Some of the stories reflect a tragic moment in these people’s lives; but Kathi also tries to show the courage that the survivors displayed as they move forward from what must have been the worst moment in their lives. She also hopes that these stories illuminate the compassion that the folks of Rockford have always displayed for those who are suffering.
     Kathi tries to weave history and legend together with personal experiences in sharing ghost stories. Her goal is not to convince anyone to believe in ghosts, but to invite folks to read the stories with an open mind and decide for themselves whether these tales are just interesting legends that have been passed down, or stores of actual ghostly encounters. Maybe it’s as Einstein once said, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.”
     Kathi started teaching history using ghost stories when she homeschooled her children. Kathi loved the research and the ghost stories so much that she wanted to share them with more people. She found the perfect solution in forming Haunted Rockford Paranormal Tours in 2004. Haunted Rockford has given her the opportunity to work with some great people from all over Illinois and Wisconsin. Kathi feels honored that she can share the stories of the men, women, and children who settled Rockford and created such a rich history.
     Besides researching, writing and organizing events, Kathi gives presentations over much of Northern Illinois on aspects of local history. She has been interviewed for several radio stations, local newscasts, and newspapers.
     Kathi’s main inspiration comes from her four remarkable children and “the guy who brings her coffee,” her husband John. They all support her by allowing her to drag them to historical places, listening to the stories, helping her “look for the dead guys,” and putting up with her absences when she disappears to research or to write.
     Kathi will entertain us with her stories of "Murder and Mayhem in Rockford".  This will be an interesting and entertaining program and an excellent opportunity to bring a guest or prospective member.  Dave Byrnes will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.
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March 21st Meeting
Committee Meetings
 
     The March 21st meeting is set aside for committee meetings.  Committee chairs will contact their members to remind them of the meeting.  If you are not assigned to a specific committee, feel free to join us for lunch and sit in on a committee meeting.  
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Ice Hogs Rotary Night
 
You have to love the jerseys.  Patti and Kristoffer Tumilowicz and PDG Elise Cadigan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Our Exchange Student Chama all ready to cheer on the Ice Hogs.
 
 
     A great turnout for Rotary Night at the Ice Hogs.
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President's Message
 
President's Message
 
     I will be sending the notes from the Club Assembly meeting out. A lot of good ideas and insight into our club and its history were brought up. Suzanne Shelain did a great job taking the notes.
     Our committee meeting date has been changed to Thursday 3-21-24. Please think about which committee you would like to help and join them on 3-21-24.
     We have more than doubled the District Governors goal for our club!!!  Let’s keep it going!!! We have collected $427.00 so far which equals 5124 pounds.
     The Wine tasting event at Artale raised $760.00 towards Polio Plus.
 
     Save the Dates!!
 
     Tuesday,March 19th @ 12:00 will be the BOD meeting at the Community Foundation. If you have an interest in serving on the BOD please contact Mike Foreman or Pete Rundquist.
 
     Tuesday, April 16, University Club Guest Bartender night - all tips benefit Polio Plus.

Please feel free to bring a guest to any and all the listed events - the more attend, the more possible new members and/or proceeds
 
 
     Pete Rundquist
     President 
     815-985-3976 
 
        
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Future Programs
Future Programs
 
03-14-24 - "Murder & Mayhem in Rockford"
                  Kathi Kresol
                  Hoat - Dave Byrnes
 
03-21-24 - Committee Meetings
 
03-28-24 - "Drugs in Our City - Are There Any Solutions?"
                  Dr. Ray Garcia
                  Host - Elise Cadigan
 
04-04-24 - "Plans for Our Future"
                  State Senator Steve Stadleman
                  Host - Mary Ann Norwood
 
04-11-24 - "Students Speak Up"
                  Rotary Academy 
                  Host - Linda Johnson
 
04-18-24 - "Earth Day - Protecting our Earth"
                  Josh Franks, Natural Resource Conservation Service
                  Host - TBD
 
04-25-24 - "Honoring Our Students"
                  High School Recognition
                  Host - Helen Hill
 
05-02-24 - "Rockford Rocks Sports"
                  Meet the Peaches
                  Host - Steve Malliet
 
05-09-24 - Committee Meetings
 
05-16-24 - "Rockford Rocks Sports"
                  Meet the Ice Hogs
                  Host - Steve Malliet
 
05-23-24 - "Rockford Rocks Sports'
                  Meet the Rivets
                  Host - Steve Malliet
 
05-30-24 - No Meeting
                  5:00 - Social
 
06-06-24 - "Rockford Rotary Welcomes Our Youth Exchange"
                  Ciara Staly
                  Host - TBD
 
06-13-24 - "The Norwegian - Starting a New Business in Rockford"
                  Emly Hurd
                  Host - TBD
 
06-20-24 - "Calm, Intelligent Helpers"
                  Bruce Erickson, 17th Judicial Circuit Therapy Dogs
                  Host - Jim Coffey
 
06-27-24 - "Order of the Shelf"
                  "Vetting, Selecting, Electing Our President"
                  Host - Eric Moe
                                 
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Weekly RI Foundation Message
 
Each week we will be publishing a message from the Rotary International Foundation.  This week's message is:
 
WHAT MAKES A GLOBAL GRANT APPLICATION SUCCESSFUL?
 
Consult with local experts early in the planning process to build a strong project plan and global grant application. Your application needs to clearly describe how your project, scholarship, or vocational training team:
 
     • Responds to real community needs
     • Aligns with one of Rotary’s areas of focus
     • Actively involves Rotary members and community members
     • Meets the eligibility requirements in the grant terms and conditions
    • Includes measurable goals •
     Will be sustainable and successful long after the global grant funds have been spent
 
     If you need help, contact your district international service chair. The district resource network is made up of members with expertise in project planning, the areas of focus, and Rotary Foundation grants.
 
     Our grant system empowers members to design projects with lasting benefits for communities.
 
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Rotary Lunches
 
     Starting with our September 7th meeting, we will be having lunches at our noon meetings.  We will be starting with a package from Beef-A-Roo.  It will consist of a Wrap, salad, chips, cookie, and a soda or water.  There will bea variety of meats in the wraps.  This is a work in progress and things may change.  Lunches will start on September 7, 2023 and will be available at 11:45 AM the day of the meeting.
     PLEASE.  If you plan to bring a guest, PLEASE let us know 3 days in advance so we can make arrangements for food.  It will be your responsibility to cover the cost at $12.50 per meal.
 
     Thanks
     Pete Rundquist - runky907@comcast.net
     President, Rockford Rotary
     
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Rotary Links
Rotary International
RI President Home
Rotary Global Rewards
Joining Rotary
Rotary History
Rotary Foundation
For New Members
Speakers
Mar 21, 2024
Committee Meetings
Mar 28, 2024
Drugs in Our City - Are There Solutions
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Board Meetings
Mar. 19, 2024
 
Board Meetings
Apr. 16, 2024
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Carla Redd
March 1
 
Elise Cadigan
March 8
 
Jay Braffett
March 8
 
Denny Johnson
March 10
 
Monica Glenny
March 18
 
John Mecklenburg
March 20
 
Tom McNamara
March 29
 
Scott Lewandowski
March 30
 
Join Date
Mike Donnelly
March 6, 2003
21 years
 
Jim Powers
March 11, 1993
31 years
 
Russ Johansson
March 13, 1987
37 years
 
John Mecklenburg
March 14, 1991
33 years
 
Deb Johns
March 16, 2023
1 year
 
Lynn Momberger
March 16, 2017
7 years
 
Mary Maxted
March 16, 2023
1 year
 
Sedrick Robinson
March 16, 2023
1 year
 
Don Kinney
March 18, 2004
20 years
 
Lyn Allison
March 21, 1991
33 years
 
Janine Idstein
March 31, 2022
2 years
 
Meeting Responsibilities
Meeting Invocators
 
March 14, 2024
Logli, Paul
 
March 21, 2024
Glenny, Monica
 
March 28, 2024
Cadigan, Elise
 
April 4, 2024
 
April 11, 2024
Berger, Suzanne
 
April 25, 2024
Kwiat-Hess, Kathy
 
April 25, 2024
Torrence, John
 
May 2, 2024
 
Mzy 9, 2024
Rundquist, Becky
 
May 16, 2024
Johnson, Linda
 
May 23, 2024
Byrnes, Dave
 
June 6, 2024
Dickinson, Elizabeth
 
June 13, 2024
 
June 20, 2024
 
June 27, 2024
 
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