Brad Roos is a Rockford native with Chemistry degrees from the University of Illinois/Champaign-Urbana where he then taught high school.

     For more than 40 years Brad has been doing neighborhood and community development work with most of his work focused on affordable housing development using sustainable building design.

     He has also served in leadership and consulting roles in the Rockford area and in Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota and Washington State. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the statewide nonprofit, the Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund.  Currently Brad is the Executive Director of Sustain Rockford.
     Brad and his wife enjoy woodworking ("sawdust therapy") and doing small construction and renovation projects.

     As the title suggests, "Midtown Development Strengthens Rockford", Brad will discuss how past and current development has been a positive influence in Rockford. 

     This will be an informative program and one that you will want to bring a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial or via Zoom.

     Elise Cadigan will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.

 

     Sarah Mattson and Holli Connell will discuss how long-term relationships, local creativity, and reuse can quietly create sustainable change.

     Sarah is an "Upcycled Textile Artist and Maker", and Holli is the owner of Winnie Nutter Vintage.

     This should be an interesting program and one to invite a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom

     Denise Noe will introduce our presenters and act as Rotary host.

 

     WHO: Rockford Rotarians and their guest(s)

 

     WHERE: The G.O.A.T. Pub & Grill, 1428 N. Main St. Rockford

 

     WHEN:  Thursday, February 19th

 

     TIME:  5:30 - 7:00 PM 

 

Pete "Social Chair" Rundquist

     Our 2025-26 goal for the Rotary International Foundation Annual Fund is $13,000.  So far, members have contributed $6,833.  In addition, members have contributed an additional $3,520 to the other six funds including Polio Plus.

     Our other goal is to have 100% participation.  To date, 24 members have contributed to the Foundation out of our total membership of 79 which is 30.3%

     Congratulations and thank you to the following members who have contributed to this year's campaign.

 

 

 

     At our February 5th meeting, Foundation Chair Bob Canfield presented Eric Moe with his Paul Harris +4 pin.  This means that Eric has contributed at least $5,000 to the Rotary International Foundation.  Congratulations Eric on your continued support of the Foundation.

 

 

     The Service Above Self Award recognizes outstanding volunteer service by individuals and organizations. Do you know someone or an organization that you admire for their volunteer service in Rockford? Please nominate them for a Service Above Self Award. You can find the nomination forms on our club’s website under the membership toolbar. Nominations are due by March 5^th.  

     Awards will be given out on March 26^th. Please note you will need at least one letter of support.  Awards will be given to one Rotarian, one non-Rotarian, and one organization. Community volunteer service is needed now more than ever, so let’s get out and recognize outstanding volunteers!

     Any questions, please call Dave Byrnes at (815) 670-1737.

 

     Rockford Rotary will be helping out at the Northern Illinois Food Bank at the following times:

 

     February 11, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

 

 

     If you have any questions contact Mary Maxted - marymaxted1@gmail.com or 815-985-5538

Rotary Lunches 

 

     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. 

 

Jim Coffey, Secretary