February Public Relations Newsletter

World Community Service is the Rotary program by which a club or

district in one country provides humanitarian assistance to a club

in another country.  Typically the aid goes to a developing

community where the Rotary project will help raise the standard

of living and the quality of life.  The ultimate object of World

Community Service is to build goodwill and understanding among

peoples of the world.

One important way to find a club in some other part of the world

which needs help on a worthy project is to use the WCS Projects

Exchange, a list of dozens of worthy activities in developing

areas.  The exchange list is maintained in the R. I. Secretariat

in Evanston and is readily available upon request.  It outlines

projects, provides estimated costs and gives names of appropriate contacts.

Every club is encouraged to participate in a WCS project every Rotary year.

You may elect to take on a whole project or combine with other clubs, or

send a check for any amount.

Clubs which need assistance, or are seeking another club to help with a

humanitarian project may register their needs or contact WCS Chairman

Keith Speckman

104 Elm St

Port Byron, IL 61275

(309) 523-2385

Make Attendance a priority.  Offer payment towards Paul Harris Fellowship

for good attendance.

Take advantage of every opportunity to take pictures and get them published

in the local paper.

The Rockford East Cherry Valley Club does volunteer work at the Hunger

Connection, a clearinghouse for area food pantries.  Club and family

members go every other month to help out.  Many times they break bulk items

into smaller packers.   Or the prepare pallets and help load trucks for

outgoing foodstuffs.

What is tour club doing in your community?

First Lady Thanks Tutor Mel Sparlin

In December 1997 this column presented DGN Mel Sparlin's account of his

work as a Loves Park Rotary Club Literacy volunteer.  Once a week Mel

tutors elementary school students after school, helping them learn to read.

Mel told of one 4th grade student who said she "hated reading" and "hated

school".  Mel won her over, and she's now able to read along with her

classmates.  Another Rotarian is making a difference.

Recently Mel showed us this letter from the Illinois First Lady for his

volunteer tutoring efforts.

Congratulations, DGN Mel Sparlin!  You are helping children prepare for

their future.  We're proud of you.

Executive Mansion

Springfield, IL 62701

Dear Mel:

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your commitment as an Illinois READS

volunteer.  You are making a significant difference in the life of a child.

You are helping to fill a child's need for the undivided attention of an

adult who cares about their success and encourages them to do their best.

Research shows us just one hour a day spent with an older adult makes a big

difference in the academic, emotional and social progress of a child.  You

are helping to fulfill that important need.

Our schools are reflections of our communities; and when it comes to

raising children, it is very important for the whole community to be

involved.  Thank you again for your dedication to the children in your

community.

you make a Illinois a place I am proud to call home.

Warm Wishes

Brenda Edgar

First Lady of Illinois

Governor Ray Den Adel has offered $500 to clubs that show the greatest net

membership gain between July 1, 1997 and March 30, 1998.  One club in each

category, 30 and under, and 31 and over, will be eligible to receive the

award.  The money is to offset expenses in sending a delegate to the

International Convention in Indianapolis.

Forgetful?

Club Presidents.  Many of you did not return Literacy Survey 1997-98 Club

Activities.  It's probably in your "to do" file.  Please complete the form

sent to you last September by DG Ray Den Adel; and return it to Page

Bellinger.  Can't find the form?

Call Page at (309) 762 1677.

Page Bellinger

2447 28th St

Moline, IL 61265

Also, only 3 clubs have returned the Club Achievement Award for Literacy to

Stu Smith.  Let's recognize those who deserve it.  Deadline is MArch 1.

Please find the form. complete it ad mail to:

Stu Smith

5009 Forest Grove

Loves Park, IL 61111