Morrison

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Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m.
First Gateway Credit Union
200 N. Base Street
MORRISON, IL 61270-3042
United States of America
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New members JD Benko and Paul Van Kampen
The Morrison Rotary Club was honored to admit JD Benko and Paul Van Kampen. JD and Paul were sponsored by Scott Vandermyde. JD is retired from a career in Finance and Paul is retired Designer. Welcome to the team gentlemen! (Pictured here (l-r)  is President Stanley Steines, Scott Vandermyde, JD and Paul) 
2025 Literacy Donation
The Morrison Rotary Club provided a donation to the Odell Public Library to support their summer reading program. Pictured here with books that were purchased with that donation are: (l-r) Kevin Schisler, President Stanley Steines, Scott Vandermyde, Mick Welding, Literacy Chair Ellen Smith and Jennifer Rangel- Kelly.
New Member Jennifer Rangel- Kelly 
The Morrison Rotary Club was honored to re-admit Jennifer Rangel-Kelly as a member in our club. Jennifer was previously a member of our club but her decision to pursue a law degree took up more time than she had to contribute to our group. She is the newly elected Illinois 14th District Circuit Court Judge of Whiteside County. We welcome Jennifer Rangel-Kelly. 
Annual Bike Helmet Donations
Four Rotarians and an honorary member applied Rotary Stickers on 4 boxes of bike helmets. Thank you to Scott Vandermyde, Stan Steines, Mick Welding, Ellen Smith and honorary member Bart Smith for taking time to apply stickers to the bike helmets. Morrison Rotary partners with the Friends of the Park to donate bicycle helmets to every 3rd grade student. The Rotary club provides the helmets at a bicycle safety program featuring a Friends of the Park spokesperson. If Morrison Police Officers spot a child with a bike helmet, they pull over and give that child a coupon for free ice cream. It is a win-win for all!
Pictured below are: Bart Smith (back to the camera? Scott Vandermyde, Stan Steines and Ellen Smith. Thank you all!
2025 Morrison High School Rotary Scholars
The Morrison Rotary Club was proud to award the following scholarships to Morrison High School seniors:
$1250 Female All-Around: Camryn Veltrop
$1250 Male All-around: Isaiah McDearmon
$1000 Citizenship: Blake Huizenga
$500   SVCC: MaKenzie Neas
$500   AG: Blake Huizenga
$500   MIT: None
$500   VoTech: Natalie Seilhymer
 
 
Pictured here (left to right) Camryn Veltrop, Isaiah McDearmon, Blake Huizenga, Natalie Seilhymer and MaKenzie Neas. Congratulations in your future endeavors!
 
 
Pollinator Plot Clean up Crew
Thank you to Master Gardener Don Jevne for coordinating another successful Spring Pollinator plot cleanup. Seven members and Prez-elect Ellen's hubby Bart Smith showed up to plow an additional plot and remove small trees, weeds, and some stray grass from the plot. Another beautiful job! Members responding to the cleanup call were:
Ted Volckmann, Stan Steines, Don Jevne, Mick Welding, Bart Smith, Ellen Smith, Michael Blean and Brad Yaklich.
 
Morrison Rotary recognizes April 25 Students of the month
Morrison Rotary recognizes the April Students of the Month
The Morrison Rotary Club honored Colton Bielema and Hunter McNeece as April Students of the Month.
 
Colton is the son of Brad and Amy Bielema. He participated in football and basketball for 4 years, track 3 years, baseball 1 year and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also volunteered to coach and assist flag football teams, and he volunteered at the local Food Pantry. His hobbies include golf and weightlifting. He is currently enlisted in the Air Force awaiting his active-duty date.
 
Hunter is the son of Larry and Danelle McNeese. He loves to play music in the marching band and in the jazz band. He enjoys working in the greenhouse. Hunter can be seen playing taps at funerals for departed veterans. He loves board games and enjoys exploring the great outdoors and trying new foods. His future plans are to attend Northern Illinois University and study Bioscience. He loves to conduct research and therefore feels this will be an excellent way for him to pursue his dream.
 
April 2025 Road clean-up 
The brave Morrison Rotary road clean-up crew battled some cool weather, strong winds and a few rain drops tossed in just for fun. But the stretch of highway 30 from Dairy Queen to the Vet Clinic was cleared of trash! Thanks to our dedicated team (pictured left to right) Rich Groleau, Dan Vandermyde, Mike Gunderson, Ted Volckmann, Stan Steines, and John Tomasino (kneeling). Not pictured is Don Jevne who went out earlier and Mick Welding who took the photo.
 
Morrison Rotary MHS March Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Club welcomes March Students of the Month

Our March 2025 students of the month are Morrison High School seniors Alli Ferguson and Madi Armitage.
Alli is the daughter of Angie and Shane Ferguson. She has participated in Key Club for 2 years, a member of FFA for 4 years and was a cheerleader for 3 years. FFA has given her opportunities to assist with meal drives and also rake yards. Her hobbies are baking, crafts, playing legos, fishing, riding 4-wheelers and spending time with family members. She has been working at the Morrison Vet Clinic which has fueled her passion for Veterinary Medicine. She will attend Blackhawk College for 2 years and then continue her education at UW Platteville.

Madi is the daughter of Leslie and Andy Harridge and Dan and Jessica Armitage. She has participated for 4 years in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and Student Council and B.L.I.N.D for the last 2 years. She loves to volunteer at the schools especially Northside. She loves to color and draw and hang out with the kids at Northside School and working with her intern class. She received a softball athletic scholarship at Sauk Valley College where she will major in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology. She then plans to transfer to Illinois State to continue her education.

Well done ladies!
Pictured (left-right) Madi, Alli and President-Elect Ellen Smith
 
Morrison Rotary February 2025 Students of the Month
 
Morrison Rotary February 2025 Students of the Month
The Morrison Rotary Club recognized Morrison High School seniors Kenadi Hinrichsen and Austin Boonstra as February 2025 Students of the Month
Kenadi is the daughter of Eric Hinrichsen and Marlene Buikema. She was involved with student council for 4 years, key club for 2 years, and PONS for 3 years. She volunteered at the Custom Pak picnic for 3 years through student council. Her love of dance has been perfected for 15 years at Jennifers Dance Studio. Her future plans are to attend Clinton Community College for gen eds and then transfer to Scott Community College to be certified in rad tech and cardiac sonography. She would love to work with kids at a Children’s hospital.
Austin is the son of Jenny Boonstra. He is a member of the National Honor Society and FFA. He played football, baseball and track in school. He helped kids in the Flag Football program. He loves football, baseball and health and wellness. His future plans are to attend Monmouth College and study Business Administration while playing on the football team.
Congratulations to both students. We wish you all the best!
 
Pictured are Kenadi, President Stan Steines, Morrison High School Principal Dave Mills and Austin
 
January 2025 MHS Students of the Month
 
Morrison Rotary Club January 2025 Students of the Month
 
The Morrison Rotary Club is proud to recognize our January 2025 Students of the Month Olivia Dauphin and Camryn Veltrop
 
Olivia is the daughter of Tim and Jamie Dauphin. She has been a member of the Student Council and has been on the Football and Basketball Pon Squad for the past 3 years. She is a member of the Emmanuel Church youth group where she has participated in 3 mission trips. In her free time, she loves to shop, hang with family and friends, travel and dance at Jennifers Dance Center. Her future plans are to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing and follow in her moms’ footsteps.
 
Camryn is the daughter of Todd and Kelly Veltrop. She has been a member of the Student Council all 4 years of high school, the last two serving as an officer. She has been honored to play basketball at MHS and has served as team captain for the last 2 years. Editor’s Note:  Camryn was awarded a Class 2A All-State first-team selection by the Illinois Media and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association this season. She is the first girls’ basketball player in program history to receive those honors. She also was a unanimous first-team all-Three Rivers West selection for the second straight season and was the Sauk Valley Newspaper’s Girls Player of the Year. She is a B.L.I.N.D leader, which has allowed her to participate in activities throughout the community such as an animal shelter and Sterling’s Hot Dog Days. She loves playing basketball, shopping and hanging out with family and friends. Her futures plans are to possibly play basketball in college and major in a Rad-Tech program.
 
Congratulations to both of these fine young seniors!
 
Christmas Party 2024
A big thank-you to Kevin Schisler for allowing our Rotary club to celebrate Christmas at Community State Bank. President Stan Steines welcomed members, spouses and guests and then encouraged everyone to dine on the potluck buffet. After dining we were treated to a Christmas Carol sing-along with song leaders (l-r), Mike Zurn, Michael Blean, Elizabeth Yaklich, Dr. John Tomasino on guitar and Dr. Brad (Buffett) Yaklich on ukulele. Another big thank you to new member LuEllen Lee for providing bar tables and Blue Violet centerpieces for each of those tables. Congrats to those who won those beautiful flower arrangements. A good time was had by all!
 
 
 
Ted Volckman awarded Paul Harris Plus 2
Congratulations to Ted Volckman for attaining the Paul Harris plus 2 award. This means that Ted has reached the $2,000 level in donations. Presenting the pin to Ted (left) is Foundation Chair Dave Abele. 

By giving to this fund, Rotarians support families and change lives all over the world. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:

  • Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
  • Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
  • A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
  • Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
  • Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali
Congratulations and thank you Ted!
 
 
 
New Members Inducted Today
 
The Morrison Rotary Club welcomed 3 new members today. Starting left-right, Michael Blean, sponsor for Mr. Randy Larson (next to Michael), Evan Ernst, sponsored by Stanley Steines and LuEllen Lee, also sponsored by Mr. Steines. Randy is a retired veterinarian who still dabbles in consulting work. His daughter Dana McCoy, who is a Rotarian in the Sterling Noon Club accompanied him and his wife Jan for his installation service today. Evan owns Refuse to Quit (RTQ) Fitness in Morrison. He is a lifelong resident of Morrison and he looks forward to being part of the club. LuEllen owns the Blue Violet in Morrison featuring fresh flower bouquets, candy and gift items for that special someone(s) in your life. She is married to Matt and has 3 wonderful children!
We welcome each of these fine new members!!
December 2024 Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary honors December Students of the Month MaKenzie Neas and Bella Duncan.
MaKenzie is the daughter of Eric and Stephanie Neas. Her parents own Urban Eats in Morrison so she is excited to work there. While in school MaKenzie has participated in basketball and softball and she is also Student Council. She loves to serve her community so she delivered fruit boxes to the library, wrapped gifts for kids in need, and she volunteers art God’s Will in Morrison and the Clinton Humane Society. Her passion is theater. She has starred in Charlotte’s Web in Morrison and has appeared on the stage at Sauk Theater. When she is not in plays she loves to hang with friends. She does plan to major in Theater at a college after she completes her gen-eds at Sauk Valley College.
Bella is the daughter of Dave and Taylor Duncan. She loves sports!! Playing volleyball and especially softball. She has also assisted with programming the new scoreboard and working with the Athletic Director. She is a member of Emmanuel Church, and she enjoys helping the Kiwanis Club unload boxes. Bella has also enjoyed coaching local volleyball and softball teams. Her hobbies include weight-lifting, coaching, shopping and she has been in 28 states. She has signed a letter of intent to play Division One softball at Western Michigan University. She will major in Occupational Therapy and minor in Athletic Training,
Well done ladies. We are proud of both of you!
 
2024 CEO Program
The Morrison Rotary club hosted CEO students Isabella Scachette and Blake Huizenga on December 4. The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) one-year course is offered to juniors and seniors. It covers a wide range of business topics, such as innovative thinking strategies, product development, competitive advantages, business structure, marketing, financial strategies, record keeping, financial statements, business plan writing. Entrepreneurial thinking (out-of-the box problem solving) is utilized throughout the course. Twenty-First Century Workforce Skills, creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are emphasized throughout the year. Students experience networking and business development firsthand. Bella is exploring a floral business and Blake is looking for ideas to help develop and promote a pumpkin business that he started when he was 8 years old. Best wishes to all CEO students!
 
MHS Greenhouse Project
Last week we were treated to a presentation from Tonia Prombo who talked about the prairie garden and the new greenhouse at the High School. She noted that a grant was received for the garden and the MHS Alumni helped raise funds for the greenhouse. As a result a 14’ x 48’ greenhouse was built with volunteer labor. Horticulture has now been blended into the curriculum so the students take care of the plants in the greenhouse. Next spring the FFA group will have a plant sale from plants they are growing now. There is also a grand opening of the greenhouse on Thursday, November 14 at 11:00 AM for anyone that would like to come.
 
Sauk Valley College Literacy Program
The Morrison Rotary club had a program featuring Renata Young from the Sauk Valley College Adult Literacy Program. She noted the program has been offered for 49 years at Sauk! Among other things they offer ESL programs and assist people with school supplies, study guides, lesson plans and tools necessary to help individuals become US Citizens. Each participant is matched with a volunteer to assist them with language skills and other life skills. This year they have helped 3 immigrants become US Citizens! Thank you Renata and Sauk Valley College for all you do for residents in a 9 county area around Dixon!
 
Jim Camp attains Paul Harris plus 2 award
Morrison Rotarian Jim Camp was awarded a Paul Harris plus 2 award for his donations to the fund. Presenting a pin to Jim was Dave Abele (on the right).
By giving from your heart each and every year, you’ll support families and change lives. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:
  • Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
  • Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
  • A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
  • Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
  • Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali
Morrison High School Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Club recognizes the Morrison High School October Students of the Month Paige Leighton and Blake Huizenga.
Paige’s parents are Kerry and Michael Leighton. Her school activities include football and basketball cheerleading for 2 years, student council 4 years and current president, and yearbook committee for 2 years. She is a member of the Emmanuel Church youth group where she has participated in mission trips. Her hobbies include drawing, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend UIUC to study business or education.
Blake is the son of Chad and Myra Huizenga. He has participated in several school activities including golf for 2 years, trapshooting (4 years) and his true passion, FFA (4 years) where he is the current chapter president. Throughout his FFA journey he has volunteered by organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and he was able to assist with the Chambers Fallfest . In his free time he enjoys camping with his family, and fishing in waters all over the Midwest. His biggest venture is his 5-acre pumpkin business where he has developed innovative ways to increase production and sales. After high school he plans to attend Sauk Valley College for 2 years and then transfer to UW- Platteville and major in Ag Business and minor in Agronomy.
 
October 2024 Road clean up
The Morrison Rotary Club once again took time to clean trash on highway 30. Taking part in the October 10 clean up were: (left to right) Dan Vandermyde, Dr. Brad Yaklich, Kevin Kuehl, Mike Gunderson, Kevin Schisler, John Prange, Ted Volckman, and President Stan Steines. Thanks again gentleman for making our community a cleaner place to live!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Morrison High School September Students of the Month
Morrison Rotary Club recognizes the Morrison High School September Students of the Month Sarah Stralow and Isaiah McDearmon.
Sarah’s parents are Ken and Carol Stralow. She enjoys cheerleading for both football and basketball. She has also been serving as Vice President of the Student Council and she is a member of the Yearbook committee. In her spare time, she also plays in the Quad Cities Youth Philharmonic orchestra. In her free time, she enjoys playing violin and piano and spending time with family and friends. Her future plans are to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and major in architecture.
Isaiah is the son of Hilary and Jason McDearmon. He has participated in a number of school activities including Key Club and Student Council all 4 years of high school. In addition, he has participated in track and field and cross country. He set a goal in his Sophomore year to qualify for state in both. He has enjoyed the Emmanuel Youth group and has participated on 3 mission trips. Isaiah enjoys playing bass guitar at Emmanuel. With all of his cross-country experience he loves to be outside and just loves hiking in the great outdoors especially in Colorado. His future plans are to pursue a mechanical or nuclear engineering degree. He has been accepted to Iowa State but is considering University of Illinois Urbana, Purdue University or UW- Platteville.
 
Rotary Feeds 4,000 children
Sterling Noon Rotary, Morrison Rotary, Impact Students, the United Way and several volunteers packed 4,200 lunches for the Feed My Children program in Whiteside County on July 2.  A well oiled machine this group was as they completed the task in under 2 hours.  Each table was set up with 5 different items to be added to the lunch sacks.  4 Lunch sacks were then added to a large Menards bag so each child would have 4 meals for the week.  Items included crustables, instant macaroni and cheese, squeezable juice or fruit, granola bars, and many other items.  
 
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July 2025

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President
Ellen Smith
Past President
Stan Steines
Treasurer
Karl Kovarik
Secretary
John Prange
Sergeant At Arms
Michael Blean
Bulletin Editor
Mick Welding
Board Member 2024-26
Rich Groleau
Board Member 2024-26
James Camp
Board Member 2025-27
Carrie Melton
Board Member 2025-27
Nate Jacobs
Membership
Michael Gunderson
New Member Mentor
John Prange
Public Image
Mick Welding
Rotary Foundation
Dave Abele
Literacy
Bill Bird
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Karl Kovarik
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End Polio Now
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Angie Bruggenwirth
    July 1
  • Gary Steinert
    July 1
  • Michel Wiersema
    July 17
  • Donald Jevne
    July 21
  • LuEllen Lee
    July 23
  • Daniel Engelkens
    July 24
Anniversaries:
  • John Prange
    Shayne Prange
    July 15
Join Date:
  • Scott Vandermyde
    July 1, 2020
    5 years
  • Dan Vandermyde
    July 5, 1982
    43 years
  • R. Pannier
    July 15, 1995
    30 years
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