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.
The Service Above Self Award recognizes outstanding volunteer service by individuals and organizations. This year the committee decided to change the format for 2026. Instead of awarding up to 7 individuals with the award, we will recognize one Rotarian and one non-Rotarian. We will still award one organization with the Mary-Stuart Carruthers Community Impact Award. This award was named in honor of our past member, Mary-Stuart Carruthers not only for her own community service but for her long campaign to establish a Service Above Self Award to an organization in addition to the individual awards.
We would encourage our members to make an effort to attend this year's awards and show our support for the awardees and their dedication to this community.
Awards will be given to one Rotarian, one non-Rotarian, and one organization.
L-R - Sponsor Pete Rundquist, Steve Smith, and President Paul Von Driska
New Member - Steve Smith
At out March 12th meeting, President Paul inducted a new member to Rockford Rotary, Steve Smith. Steve is President of Rosecrance Illinois and the following information was obtained from the Rosecrance website.
Steve Smith is a committed servant leader with a history of passionately improving systems and care for the communities he serves.
Since his first role at Rosecrance as a primary counselor for the men’s unit at Rosecrance Harrison in Rockford, Illinois, in 2006, Smith has built a strong foundation at Rosecrance through progressive leadership roles, particularly in residential care and youth services.
Through his direct and indirect leadership roles, Smith played a crucial part in launching several initiatives. He was involved in designing and implementing specialized services for young adults, supporting the integration of community mental health services into Rosecrance, and assisting in the establishment of mental health residential services for youth at the Rosecrance Griffin Williamson Campus.
Since leaving Rosecrance in 2020, he took on the role of CEO at a Federally Qualified Health Clinic, where he remained dedicated to eliminating barriers to quality and affordable care for underserved populations. Additionally, he served as President of Wisconsin Health Plus, a statewide value-based care collaborative, and has participated on various boards and committees throughout southern Wisconsin.
We are honored to have Steve join Rockford Rotary and we would encourage all of our members to meet Steve and welcome him to Rockford Rotary.
Our March 12th meeting featured Brent Pentenburg, the CEO of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
Brent talked about the Y and the fact that they have been asked to take over operations of the Belvidere Family YMCA and the Harlem Community Center. Both of these organizations have been experiencing some problems which they feel Rockford YMCA can help them with.
President Paul presented Brent with the coveted Rockford Rotary mug as a token of our appreciation for his presentation.
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 $3,976 to the other six funds including Polio Plus.
Our other goal is to have 100% participation. To date, 29 members have contributed to the Foundation out of our total membership of 84 which is 35%.
Congratulations to Warren Heinke 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 Paul Logli
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 March 14, 2026. If you have any questions, contact Jim Coffey (jimc6659@aol.com or 815-222-9168).
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
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.
