Home Page | Rotary Club of Sterling

Sterling Noon Rotary - Everyone is welcome!

Service Above Self

We meet Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
The YWCA of the Sauk Valley

421 1st Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
United States of America

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Jeff Coester

Jan 22, 2019

Greeters - Camarano & Heller Sgt. at Arms - Hellmich & Hutchcraft Invocation - Porter

Program Needed

Jan 29, 2019

Greeters - Jensen & D. Johnson Sgt. at Arms - J. Johnson & King Invocation - Coester

John Gvozdjak

Feb 05, 2019

Greeters - Klaver & Koch Sgt. at Arms - Kraut & Lareau Invocation - Munson

Jim Haskell

Feb 12, 2019

Greeters - Lowe & Majeski Sgt. at Arms - Mccoy & Meminger Invocation - Berry

Kevin Heller

Feb 19, 2019

Greeters - Mench & Mitchell Sgt. at Arms - Munson & Jacobs Invocation - Schlomer

David Hellmich

Feb 26, 2019

Greeters - Humphreys & Pettenger Sgt. at Arms - Porter & Potthoff Invocation - Coester

Willy Hewitt

Mar 05, 2019

Reed Hutchcraft

Mar 12, 2019

Tom Jensen

Mar 19, 2019

DeShawn Johnson

Mar 26, 2019

Josh Johnson

Apr 02, 2019

View entire list...

News & Notes - January 8, 2019

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $120

50/50 - $117

Guests - Lori Cortez -SVCC, Alan Przysucha-Sunrise Rotary, Dave Abele - Morrison Rotary, Mike Albert - Rock Falls Rotary

Student Guests SHS - Gretchen Gould and Jessica Cain NHS - Brie Rosengren and Jacob Rude

Fritiof was in the Dells with the McCoys then meeting Schlegels in Chicago. Saw the Louisville Slugger Museum. Visited the shooting range with Tim Schwingle. Selling t-shirts for Student Council.

Program - Jerry Binder introduced David Hellmich, President of SVCC and Lori Cortez, Director of the SVCC Foundation.

Dave spoke about the value and importance of Community Colleges and how fortunate we are to have such an excellent one available to our communities. Lori spoke about the Foundation and a new program being instituted, "Sauk Promise Program". The goal is to raise awareness of the value of college to youth as young as elementary school. The program will be introduced to area schools and after participating students meet 5 criteria they may be eligible to 3 yrs of education at SVCC. SVCC Foundation will be kicking off a 12 million dollar campaign in the spring with an annual sustainability campaign of 500,000 annually. Great Program!

News & Notes - Dec. 18, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $98

50/50 - $108/

Guests - Leo Patterson of Dixon Rotary

Student Guests No student guests today.

Fritiof was in the Dells with the McCoys then meeting Schlegels in Chicago.

Program - John Berge introduced Jerry Schnake, volunteer at the Reagan Home and Paige Toms, Board Member.

Jerry shared a few interesting stories about the Reagan family when they lived in his boyhood home in Dixon. The home receives about 8,000 visitors annually as a popular visitor site in our area. Also shared the cost of upkeep on the home. Paige shared a bit about their campaign to raise funds to support the home and continued maintenance costs. We will be hearing more about this soon.

Feb, 8 a fundraising event is scheduled with Michael Reagan as the keynote speaker. More to come on this event. Thanks for a wonderful program.

News & Notes - Dec. 11, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $63

50/50 - $94

Guests - Leo Patterson of Dixon Rotary, Cathy Binder, Tim Schlegel, Alan Pzysucha from Sunrise Rotary, and Samantha O'Keefe

Student Guests NHS - Hannah Dixon SHS - Jessica Payne & Gretchen Gould

Fritiof shared stories of his past week. Went to see a Holiday Light Show, CMS Choir concert, Christmas at the Taylors and participating in a music concert at SHS that evening. Program - Mr. Weston Henry led the SHS Madrigals in a beautiful performance enjoyed by all. Wonderful concert.

News & Notes - Dec. 4, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $85

50/50 - $85

Guests - Mark Humphreys, Jana Jacobs, Leo Patterson of Dixon Rotary and Roger Wait of Sunrise Rotary

Student Guests NHS - Hannah Dixon and Bree Rosengren

Fritiof shared stories of his past week. Fritiof had a quiet weekend as he was under the weather. Almost missed Rotary today as he was in the nurse's office napping and they almost forgot to wake him. He auditioned for the school play, Mama Mia and received the part of Bill. We look forward to seeing Fritiof in his acting debut on the stage. Program - Jon Berens intorduced Heather Wittenauer, Principal of Jefferson School. Heather spoke to us about the summer reading program which they would like to continue but would need funding. The program provides 8 books to Kindergarten and first Graders throughout SPS5 along with a schedule for completing the books. The package includes a book bag, reading light and other items donated by Halo. The books are returned and reused for the next year. This program allows the kids to maintain their reading skills over the summer months. 475 students participated in the program. This sounds like an important program for our youth. Nice job Heather.

News & Notes - Nov. 20, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $103

50/50 - $67

Guests - Jana Jacobs, Mark Humphreys and Carter Schlegel

Student Guests from NHS were Khloe, Emily Schaab.

Fritiof shared stories of his past week. Went golfing and bowling with the Schlegels. Played the base drum at the football game. Shared the Swedish tradition of Gingerbread House making competition and indicated he would have the Schlegel family participate.

Program - Tim Schwingle introduced Linda Giesen from the Dixon Rotary who provided the program on the Rotary Foundation.

Linda spoke to the 6 areas of focus, Promoting Peace, Supporting Women & Children, Fighting disease, Providing Clean Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Supporting Education and Growing Local Economies. The goal is to have every Rotarian give a minimum of $100 this year to the Foundation. Brad distributed forms to sign up for auto withdrawal from your checking account for those interested. Thanks Linda for your important message.

News & Notes - Nov. 27, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $110

50/50 - $77

Guests - Mark Humphreys and Laura Welty

Student Guests No Students today

Fritiof shared stories of his past week. Enjoyed two Thanksgiving dinners, at Taylors and Schlegels. Went Black Friday shopping and indicated spent a lot of time waiting. Enjoyed cutting down Christmas Tree. Went to Wisconsin to meet Brice's host family sister who will be an incoming exchange student. Attended the International Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Leo Patterson family. Fritiof will be heading to a chess meet later today. Busy, busy, busy....

Program - Ed Andersen was our program today sharing his trip to China. Was fortunate to travel with his neighbor who has much experience traveling to China. He shared a lot of information about visiting Shanghai and Beijing. Also was able to see the Terracotta soldiers. Showed many great pictures and highlights of their trip. Very enjoyable presentation - Thanks for sharing Ed.

News & Notes - Nov. 13, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $64

50/50 - $58

Guests - Jana Jacobs, Craig Bowen, - Emily Taylor, Cynthia Stringer & Karen Voss from Hospice - Mark Humphreys

Program - Cynthia Stringer, Bereavement Counselor from Rock River Hopice and Home spoke about the bereavement service that hospice provides to the families of Hospice patients. Each family is assessed for how they may be dealing with their personal grief. A plan is put in place depending on their individual needs. Sometimes it requires ongoing counseling, or participating in a grief group, or just an occasional touch base. Every family receives mailings during the 13 months following the passing of their loved one. As a medicare certified Hospice, they are required to provided these services for every family for 13 months and there is no reimbursement from Medicare for these services. Karen spoke about the 29th annual Festival of Trees and encouraged all to take a moment and check it out.

The hat (stocking) was passed and with a match from our club a, $392 donation was made to Hospice. Thanks for your generosity.

News and Notes - Nov. 6, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Secretary was absent so no meeting information available.

Boots & Shoes -

50/50 - $50

Guests -

Student Guests -

Fritiof - Fritiof moving to new host family, the Schlegels.

Program - Mike Sprague introduced Colonel Michael Friedlin, a 1974 graduate of SHS. Michael gave our Veteran's Day program.

News & Notes - Oct. 30, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $118

50/50 - $50

Guests - Leo Patterson, Dixon Rotary - Roger Wait, Sunrise Rotary- LuAnn & Katie Gvozdjak,Patty Berge and Mark Humphreys

Student Guests - SHS - Samantha Hibbard, Gracie Trader, Andrew Iverson

Fritiof - Fritiof reported his Orchestra concert is Oct. 30 @ 7:30 at Centennial Auditorium. He will be changing host families, moving to the Schlegels.

Program - Russ Spitzer introduced our own John G.. John recently was a guest on a refueling mission at Grissom Air reserve Base in Indiana. James Bushman a punch press operator at Frantz Mfg. nominated John. John was one of several in a group that were able to take part in this exciting event. Frantz Mfg. was also recognized for participating in the ESGR program, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. John spoke about the Frantz commitment to veterans and active reserves that are employed at Frantz. Thanks John and Russ for a very interesting program.

News and Notes - Oct. 23, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $188

50/50 - $50

Guests - Leo Patterson, Dixon Rotary - Bill Shaw- Bob Sondgeroth, RF Rotary

Student Guests - SHS - Lauren Humphreys, Genea Garza,

NHS - Madison Craft, Isaac Blaney

Fritiof - Orchestra concert is Oct. 30 @ 7:30 at Centennial Auditorium. Attended a Stingray swim meet in Peoria. Was presented a t-shirt from member Christina Berry from her trip to Dodge City, KS, her home town.

Program - Russ Siefken introduced Jennifer Heintzelman GM at Sauk Valley Media. Jennifer shared with us about the many changes the newspaper has undergone over the years. Thanks Jennifer & Russ.

News & Notes - Oct. 16, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $95

50/50 - $50

Guests - Leo Patterson, Dixon Rotary - Jana Jacobs, guest of Chris Mitchell, Jim Olson, Don's son, Paul Steinke

Student Guests - SHS - Lauren Humphreys, Genea Garza, Trevor Carroll

NHS - Maddy Jacobs, Spencer Mock

Fritiof - Fritiof shared that he was elected president of the orchestra board. Played at the SHS invitational, played int he regional soccer game.

Program - Ray Sharp introduced Jim Boesen from the AARP tax aide organization. This group of volunteers provides tax preparation to those in need. Jim has been involved for 20 years of the 50 years in service. They are at the YWCA on Thursdays from 11 - 4 and the Whiteside Senior Center on Mondays from 10 - 4 and in Dixon on Mondays & Thursdays. Annually they do 2,000 tax returns for those needing assistance. They could use more volunteers and begin recruiting in Dec. with a 1-2 day training held in January. Thanks Jim for being involved in this important organization and for sharing your story.

News & Notes - Oct. 9, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Due to Club Secretary being out of town last week this is an abbreviated newsletter.

50/50 -

Fun & Frolic -

Program -

Tim Schwingle took club members on a tour of the Challand Middle school new addition. - Thanks Tim

News & Notes - Sept. 25, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50-

Fun & Frolic - $48

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof - Leo from Dixon Rotary - Roger Wait from Sunrise Rotary

Student Guests -

NHS - Shay Hafner & Meagan Moore

SHS - Carter Kenney, Josh O'Brien, Madison Anderson, Sierra Villarreal

Fritiof shared with us his prior week activities, which included joining other SHS orchestra students in playing with the Clonton Symphony at Centennial Auditorium. He will be attending homecoming with Kaitelyn Grell. He also demonstrated a CUBS alarm clock he received at the CUB game which plays "GoCubsGo". He also came in costume as it was "cartoon character" day at SHS for homecoming.

Program -

Loren Schlomer introduced Lauren Wills who is a chiropractor and a member of the Sunrise Rotary. Lauren is on the board of "Friends of Hennepin Canal" and spoke about the work the group is doing in raising funds to repair Lock 33, on the feeder canal in Rock Falls along with two other locks on the Hennepin. They are holding an Ultra Running event beginning Oct. 6. Three races, 100mile, 50K and 50 miles. they have 450 runners enrolled in the race. The group has raised $25,000 to date and hope to repair Lock 33 first working with the IDNR to accomplish this. Thanks for sharing Loren & Lauren!

News & Notes - Oct. 2, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50- Dave Lowe Winner - Donated $25 back to club - thanks Dave

Fun & Frolic - $91

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof - Dr. Paul Steinke-guest of Dana, Brian Tribley - guest of Jeff

Student Guests - SHS - Amber Kuhn

Fritiof shared his prior week activities, which included attending the Homecoming parade,game. He thanked Tim for his End Polio Now t-shirt which he will wear during the Oct. 13 walk. He is running for president of the orchestra board.

Program -

Ed Saunders introduced Stephanie Englund a substance abuse counselor from Sinnissippi Centers. Stephanie spoke about the recovery house recently opened for men. It is a 10 bed home which serves as an inpatient residence for men post their 28 day treatment. She explained that after completing treatment it is important that individuals have a safe place to continue their recovery. They hope to be able to open one for women in the future. Thanks Ed & Stephanie.

News & Notes - Sept. 18, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50-

Fun & Frolic - $71

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof - Leo from Dixon Rotary - Dr. Paul Steinke guest of Dana, Mike Smith, guest of Reed Hutchcraft

Student Guests -

NHS - Shay Hafner & Megan Moore

SHS - Carter Kenney, Joshua B., Madison Anderson, Sierra Villareal

Fritiof shared with us his prior week activities, which included attending a CUB game and although they lost, he had a great time. attended cheese days, and spoke to the Kiwanis club in Sterling.

Program -

Ron Potthoff introduced Tekla Martin of the Sterling Police Dept. and comfort dog, Brinkley. Tekla explained that when the K-9 dog retired, the dept. decided to replace him with Brinkley. Brinkley attends community events, provides comfort to youth and adults involved in traumatic events, and goes regularly to April House to support the children. Brinkley came from a highly regarded trainer in Kalamazoo, MI. After learning how Brinkley was to be utilized the trainer began looking for pups with behavioural characteristics that would make a good comfort dog. Brinkley was one of a litter of 10 pups and exhibited calm and comforting traits. The trainer thought she would be perfect for her role with SPD and that has proven too be accurate. Everyone had an opportunity to pet Brinkley which she loved. Thanks Tekla!

News & Notes - Sept. 11, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50-

Fun & Frolic - $82

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof & Dr. Paul Steinke guest of Dana, Cheryl Faber, Assistant District Governor.

NHS - David Swegle & Mary Powers

SHS - Nathaniel Stout, Zaina Rumbolz, Tiara Munoz & Katelyn Grell

Fritiof shared with us his prior week activities, which included playing in his first home soccer game at SHS and attending the first home football game which he is he learning more about. He thanked Kevin Heller as Kevin will be taking Fritiof to a CUBS game on Wednesday.

Program -

Christie introduced our District Governor, Kathy Kwiat-Hess from Rockford to a standing ovation. Kathy's background is a retired clinical social worker and one of her proudest and most impactful moments in her life was going to New York after 9/11 providing mental health services.

Kathy spoke to us about our responsibility to engage in Rotary and encourage membership. She shared this year's theme which is "Be the Inspiration" . She explained the logo to us, indicating the blue swirls represent waves which are forces of nature with a heart inside indicating the heart of rotary and a sail on the outside, all of these symbols represent that "Rotarians Move with Heart and Direction". Thank you Kathy for an inspiring message.

News & Notes - Sept. 4, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50-

Fun & Frolic - $82

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof & Dr. Paul Steinke guest of Dana

NHS - David Swegle & Mary Powers

SHS - Nathaniel Stout, Zaina Rumbolz, Tiara Munoz & Katelyn Grell

Fritiof shared with us his prior week activities, which included riding on a golf cart checking out farmland and buildings, horror film marathon and soccer.

Program -

Pat Pettenger introduced Sarah McFarlane, Adult Education Program Director and Laura Moreno, project VITAL Coordinator.

Sarah has been at SVCC for 8 yrs and spoke about the AED program. Program is funded through state and federal grants. Included offering opportunities such as ;

GED completion, assisting with citizenship application, basic educational skills, learning English.

Some goals of AED are to assist students with becoming more employable, assisting parents in a successful partner in their children's education, improving a students participation in the community. This program had 40 GED grads last year.

Laura spoke about her work with Project VITAL beginning with her background- Laura came to the US from Mexico 8 years ago. During this time, she learned English, completed an Associate's at Sauk and completed a Bachelor's degree through Western IL University. She now leads the Vital program.

The goal of VITAL is to assist individuals to learn to read or improve their reading skills. Students are considered completing the program when they can read at the 9th grade level. This program is in great need of tutors. A flyer is attached to the bulletin about the fall VITAL training.

Thanks Pat and Dave for another great program.

News & Notes Aug. 28, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $50- Greg King was the winner today!

Fun & Frolic - $139 - great job today!

Guests - Inbound student Fritiof -

Christy read a lovely note from Brice thanking the club for the opportunity to go to France as an exchange student.

The basket was passed for a collection for St. Jude ride and $80 was collected which will be forwarded to Bob Sondgeroth.

Program -

Club Assembly- Christy led a lively discussion on club goals. Items discussed were:

Why as individuals did we join Rotary?
What does Rotary do?
What are our membership goals?
What are our donation priorities?
Cost of membership.
Financial responsibilities of members.
Weekly duty responsibilities of members.
Members suggested club socials where prospective members may be invited.

Thank you Christy for leading this important discussion.

News & Notes - Aug. 21, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $172- Josh Johnson was the big winner today! Congratulations!

Fun & Frolic - $172 - great job today!

Guests - Brice Taylor, outbound exchange student and Fritiof Fagergren inbound student om Sweden. Mr. & Mrs. Tom Burns - Leo Patterson of Dixon Rotary and Josh Johnson, prospective member, of WACC

Fritiof shared with us his activities of the past week which included, a plane ride with pilot Dave Murrary, Joining the soccer team, and attending Gardenstock.

Brice shared a few words with us, thanking us for his opportunity to be our club's exchange student to France. Brice will be leaving for France on Tuesday, Aug. 28. We wish him Bon Voyage and good times.

Program -

Gunnar introduced Bob Sondgeroth. Bob spoke about the St. Jude's ride he participates in. A group of bikers raise money for st. Jude's children's hospital by obtaining donations and riding their motorcycles from Rock Falls to Memphis, where St. Jude's is located. 100% of funds raised go directly to St. Jude's hospital. Families of patients treated at St. Jude's never receive a bill for treatment, housing or food. Thank you Bob for your commitment to this worthy cause. Bob's goal is to raise $5,000 this year and donations may be sent to Bob's home at 2202 Scott Street in Rock Falls.

News & Notes - Aug. 14, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

50/50 - $158 - No winner today!

Fun & Frolic - $213 - great job today!

Guests - Brice Taylor, outbound exchange student and Fritiof Fagergren inbound student om Sweden.

Scott Porter's parents and his wife, Terry in attendance. Our Speaker's wife, Diane and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Lindsley. Mayors Skip Lee and Bill Wescott. One of our scholarship winners, Tanner Dornan. Phil Hartman and Michael Krabenhoff of Sauk Valley Media. Nathan Wright, youth pastor at Abiding Word Church.

Program -

Brigadier General Walter Lindsley of the US Air Force spoke to us today. He took us through his military beginning with his entering the Air Force immediately after graduating from Rock Falls High School. His distinguished career took him to many countries and missions throughout the world and now to a few weeks from retirement. His message included sharing his time at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. This is a day that we will never forget yet could not imagine what it would have been like for those directly under attack. His story was powerful, emotional and riveting. September 11 caused many of us to reevaluate our lives including the General. He left us with this message "Cherish each day and live each day being the best version of yourself." Thank you Brigadier general Walter Lindsley

Sterling Noon Rotary - July 24, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $97

50/50 - $111 - No winner today!

Guests -Brice Taylor - outbound exchange student, Cheryl Faber - from RF Rotary, Josh Johnson-WACC director and potential new member

Program -

Chris Mitchell introduced Gavin Jensen, Education Reporter from Sauk Valley Media and son of Rotarian Tom Jensen.

Gavin shared with us how he became interested in journalism through a Media class at UW at Platteville. He spoke about his responsibilities as an education reporter for our local newspaper. His career aspirations are to advance at the paper and/or teach the same class that peaked his interest in the industry. We are happy to have Gavin back in our community

Announcements:

Brad has sent out dues statements via email - please let us know if you did not receive yours. Brad would appreciate prompt payment.
Upcoming Rotary dates:
- Aug. 7 @ 7:30 pm Rotary Night at Timberlake Playhouse-
- Oct. 13 - End Polio Walk at centennial Park in RF - registration begins at 8am
- Oct. 13 - #1 of 3 grant trainings at CGH 9am - noon
- Nov. 10 - Foundation Dinner at Brandywine 4 - 10pm
Please get your programs to Carolyn in advance so we can include in the newsletter.

"Be the Inspiration"

News & Notes - July 31, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $110 50/50 - $121 - No winner today!

Guests -Brice Taylor - outbound exchange student, Leo Patterson from Dixon Rotary, Josh Johnson-WACC director and potential new member, Brice Olson, guest of Gunnar Ortgieson

Program -

Steve Munson introduced Jim Spencer, Executive Director of the Sterling Schools Foundation. Jim spoke about the evolution of the foundation supporting both sports and academics at Sterling Public Schools. Golden Warrior TV has been a successful venture for the foundation with sports and arts broadcast regularly and patrons subscribing for a modest fee. This helps for raise funds for things like the Imacs used by students grades 6 - 12. A current project is the video scoreboard that will be installed at the north end of the stadium at SHS. Jim presented sponsorship opportunities for businesses to advertise on the scoreboard. The Sterling Schools Foundation is a huge asset to Sterling schools. Thanks Jim for your leadership.

News & Notes - July 17 - 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes -

50/50 - $102

Guests -

Program -

Mark Mench introduced Tyrell Staelens of Midwest Activity Productions a new chamber member.

Brad has sent out dues statements via email - please let us know if you did not receive yours. Brad would appreciate prompt payment.
Please get your programs to Carolyn in advance so we can include in the newsletter.

"Be the Inspiration"

News & Notes - July 10, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $57- great job - Dave M. & Larry

50/50 - $89 No Winner Today

Guests -Leo Patterson from Dixon Rotary and Josh Johnson - new director of WACC and guest of Jerry Binder

Brice Taylor - outbound exchange student

Program -

Dirk Meminger introduced Kris Noble for the Sauk Valley Area Chamber. Kris presented information on the "Millenial Project" This project goal is to identify the interests of this generation to draw them and retain them in the Sauk Valley Area. A panel of 21 - 35 year olds was established and items wee identified that would be important to this generation. Such as; high speed internet - an investment in youth and youth activities - support for entrepreneurs - night life other than "bars". Seems like a worthwhile endeavor for the chamber to participate in.

Thanks Kris & Dirk.

Club Assembly on Aug. 28 - mark your calendars and plan to attend
Please get your programs to Carolyn in advance so we can include in the newsletter.

"Be the Inspiration"

News & Notes - July 3, 2018

Posted by Carolyn Spencer

Boots & Shoes - $100 - great job - Dave M. & Dave L.

50/50 - $81 No Winner Today

Guests - Cassidy Heffelfinger - guest of Ed Andersen winner of our Rotary $500 scholarship to SVCC.

Program -

Dana McCoy presented an informative program on their trip to France. Her son is in the marching Band at UNCC and they were invited to play at a celebratory event in Normandy marking the 74th anniversary of the invasion at Normandy.

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of this historical event and France has planned elaborate events to honor those who invaded Normandy as a part of Operation Overlord to get the Allied armies onto the continent of Europe. I think we all felt moved as we were reminded of the lives lost in the fight for freedom.

We are still needing to add another board member - please let Christy know if you are interested.