Making a Difference

Dear members of Rotary Club of Galena

It has been a long time since I have been here. My name is Jun Koyama and I spent one year as a Rotary exchange student here in Galena 31 years ago. It was a very valuable experience and I am still grateful for it.

Looking back, my year as an exchange student would not have been possible without the tremendous support of Rotarians, host families, a counselor, and others who had taken care of me. I cannot thank you all enough.

Every time I hear the news from the United States, I remember the smiling faces of the people of Galena. All of you warmly welcomed a high school student from Japan into your community. I believe that I was able to touch and experience a great American tradition of hospitality.

The very belief of the Rotary Club of Galena. "To be of service; and to support projects involving youth and education, for the betterment of our communities and the world."
I believe that your hospitality embodied this belief.

I will continue to strive to pass on the hospitality you have shown to the next person in my life. Please forgive me for not being able to meet and thank you all in person due to scheduling constraints.

Autumn Bell Flower

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Artist: Mr. Toshiji Sunohara

Included in the package are handcrafts called peasant art with gentian or autumn bell flower as the subject matter. Peasant's art is a traditional craft of the north region of Nagano Prefecture, where I am from, and is well known for its simple texture and style based on the nature of Nagano. The artist is Mr. Toshiji Sunohara, who is over 80 years old and still continues to create works of art. Please let me send it to you in memory.

I wish the Galena Rotary Club a long and fruitful future.
Jun Koyama

Service Above Self

The Galena Rotary Club recently presented its “Service Above Self” award to Bernie Ferry, of Galena during the Galena Rotary Club’s 40th anniversary celebration at the Eagle Ridge resort and spa. The award recognizes a non-Rotarian community member who exemplifies the Rotary motto “Service above Self.” Ferry has been involved with the Galena Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Galena Food Pantry, the United Service Clubs of Galena and the Illinois Education Region 8 Board of Trustees. “He is a true servant leader and an inspiration to all.” - Galena Rotary president Jim Berberet.
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Medical Grant

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Left to right: Rotarians Helen Kilgore, Tim Vincent, Jim Berberet, Tracy Bauer, Barb Sloan, and Joel Holland; Midwest Medical Center chief financial officer Kelli Jackson and clinic manager Katie Meusel.
The Galena Rotary Club awarded the Midwest Medical Center a grant for $6,362.00 to purchase four new state-of-the-art exam tables and procedure chairs.

Students of the Quarter

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The Rotary Club of Galena presented its Paul Kindig Student of the Quarter Awards to five area Jo Daviess County students on Friday, Oct. 4 at the DeSoto House Hotel. The sophomore students include, from left, Mayci Mullen, Warren; Gracie Allen, River Ridge; Lucas Brennen, Stockton; Justo Aguirre Marín, Galena; and Collin Curtís, Scales Mound.

Rotarian of the Year

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Lynn Gallagher and Jim Berberet

Lynn Gallagher was recently selected Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Galena.

Lynn has demonstrated "Service Above Self" in taking over the Paul Kindig Student of the Quarter program as well as our annual Trivia Night fundraising event.

Passing the Gavel

Rev. Janet Eggleston, out-going President of the Rotary Club of Galena, was recently recognized for her year of service at the President’s Dinner at the DeSoto House Hotel.

Pictured with Rev. Eggleston is Jim Berberet, Galena, who became Rotary President July 1.

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What a Night!

Crowd gathered for Rotary auction at Ehrler Ranch
What if we could have a party, invite all of our friends, enjoy beverages and a delicious meal, and sell some unique and unusual gifts? Wouldn't that be a great time? What if you could raise $50,000+ for charitable purposes at the same time?

Trivia Night

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Rotarian / Trivia Meister Lynn Gallagher and Rotarian / Trivia Master Emily Doland present $600 check to Safe Haven Shelter Manager Jeannette Thraen.

Trivia Night

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Congratulations to Stadelpalooza, winning team for Trivia for Charity!
Stadelpalooza have chosen Safe Haven to receive the check for $600.

    John and Marge Cooke Matching Grant

    The Galena Rotary Club has established a charitable fund, named after the late John and Marge Cooke, to provide matching grants to the community. If you'd like to contribute to our endowment, please contact our club. If you'd like to apply for a grant, please click the button below for an application.
    John and Marge CookeMatching Grant