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Oregon Kiwanis Club

MEETINGS

12/29/11

The Oregon Kiwanis enjoyed a tour of the new Rock River Center even as parts of the 17,000 sq. ft. facility were still being constructed. Steve Pemberton and Donna Heynssens follow as Director Karen Copeland (center) explains the library furnishings. This first phase costs $1.7 millions and is paid in full except for $20,000.

12/15/11

Dave Diamond, President of Walter Wayne Development, (right) outlined the Oregon Economic Development Committee's progress over the last nine months. Various groups from the EDC have submitted renderings for two blocks in the downtown area. Yet to be formed is a financial plan.

11/17/11

Kiwanis President Steve Pemberton recounted the story of President Abraham Lincoln's body being moved 10 times before it came to rest in its current tomb dedicated in Springfield in 1901. Present at the dedication ceremony was his great-grandfather Illinois State Senator Stanton Pemberton.

11/03/11

Otto Dick, President of the Ogle County Historical Society and historical contributor to the Oregon Republican Reporter, gave an overview of the Society's museum collection. He brought a copy of the Nash Cultivator invented by Chester Nash, a Civil War soldier . The Museum, located at 111 N. Sixth Street, north of the Post Office, is open from 9 A.M. to noon on Thursdays. Admission is free.

10/06/11

Candice Holbrook from the Oregon Park District shared her background and qualifications as the new Recreation Program Manager. Besides her duties at Extended Time for K through 6th grades held at Blackhawk Center, Candice is organizing Older Adult Classes and coordinating with the Rock River Center.

9/29/11

Past president Dave Regula gives his pin to incoming president Steve Perberton.

9/15/11

Susan Murges, President of the Friends of the Oregon Public Library, outlined goals, services, and fund raising the Friends of the Oregon Public Library does on behalf of the library. Those wishing to receive the library's bimonthly newletter Book Notes may e-mail the library at oregonlibrary@yahoo.com .

9/1/11

Oregon Chamber of Commerce board president, Chris Williams, outlined the goal for a more vibrant, pared-down, and leaner office. For now the Office will be run by a volunteer intern three days a week.

8/18/11

Mary Ley demonstrates the Plaines Indian flute which contains two air chambers. Her flute is made from cedar and is tuned to the G minor pentatonic scale which gives the instrument its distinctive plaintive sound. The sale of her CD "Sounds of Sinnissippi" benefits the Rock River Center. For more information go to www.catholichick.com .

8/4/11

Lou Finch IV, Ogle County Coroner, explained the duties of his office pertaining to sudden or violent deaths such as suicides, homicides and accidents. He works with a pathologist to gather evidence and files a report in a couple of days. Currently the rate of violent deaths in the County is one per day.

7/21/11

Oregon Park District Natural Resource Manager Jon Barnhart spoke to the Oregon Kiwanis Club about the Park District projects he has been involved in this year. One project has been the creation of a swale at Park West which will slow down runoff and filter water running through the park. Rain barrels have been placed around downtown businesses to conserve water. The community garden on Tenth St. is in the shape of an octagon and will contain a butterfly garden in its center. For more information go to www.oregonpark.org .

7/7/11

President Dave Rogula thanks David Savone (left) and Tabatha Cruse for explaining the facilities available in the BSA Blackhawk Area Council. Tabatha is the director of the Boeger Leadership enter at Camp Lowden, Oregon,IL. The center offers day and residential programs as well as a leadership academy. For more information visit boegerleadershipcenter.org

6/2/11

Amy Trimble explained the features of the Oregon Trail Days festival expanded to July 16 & 17 when last year's festival of Native American and Western themes exceeded all expectations. Tipis will be available for camping Thursday through Monday on the grounds of Lowden State Park, the heart of all activities. For more information go to www.oregontraildays.org.

5/5/11

Oregon Kiwanis sponsor Tom Shouer (left) and Oregon Kiwanis President Dave Rogula welcome Jennifer Shouer as a new member to the club. Jennifer will represent Woods Equipment Company Kiwanis International is open to service minded men and women looking to volunteer their time and resources to enhance the lives of children in our community and throughout the world. For more information contact Tom at 732-7326.

4/21/11

Bill Welty, Ogle County Board member from District 1 and Chairman of the subcommittee to study Wind Energy Conversion Systems, outlined a set of proposed regulations after studying the impact of of wind turbines on farms in the county. The propsed regulations will be reviewed by the Regional Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals before public meeting are again held in June.

4/7/11

Ron Bry, manager for the Oregon Women's Antique Show for six years, explained what happens behind the scenes in organizing and running a show with 50 vendors. A large part goes into contacting advertising outlets such as the Illinois Press Association, radio stations, and websites, developing a rapport with vendors and contract letting, and designing show floor space. The Antique Show began as a hobby show held in the Coloseum in 1951.

3/17/11

Builders Rick and Seth McCanse of MCanse Builders, explained various materials and techniques used to make new homes and existing homes energy efficient by looking at conduction, convection and radiation. Areas of concern are the foundation, basement, walls, windows and attic. For more information go to www.mccansebuildres.com.

3/3/11

Oregon mayoral candidate Jim Tegtmeyer addressed the Oregon Kiwanis on issues he said are important to the economic growth of the city. He favors scrutinizing spending and repealing the utility tax which stifles growth. More collaboration with community organizations can help create a more business friendly environment. For more information go to www.tegtmeyer4mayor.com.

2/17/11

Member Arlene Sangmeister shared her impressions and experiences of a week long trip to Cuba. Granted a humanitarian license through the U.S. Department of the Treasury, she and those in her group under the auspices of the Road Scholar, carried much needed supplies and delivered them to a Havana representative of Catholic Charities.

2/10/11

Oregon Kiwanis President Dave Rogula and sponsor Verva Thomas welcome Kate Lehrke as a member of the club. Kiwanis International is open to service minded men and women looking to volunteer their time and resources to enhance the lives of children in our community and throughout the world. For more information contact Tom at 732-7326.

1/20/11

Byron Kiwanian Brian Stukenberg explained to the Oregon Club his meticulous crafting of a Christavia aircraft from his garage. Through his association with the Experimental Aircraft Association, Brian has been studying, welding, and fabricating his own aircraft for the past 25 years.

01/06/11

Following an update on the progress of the Ogle County senior center building Oregon Kiwanis President Dave Rogula presented Rock River Center Executive Director Karen Copeland with a $500 check towards the building.fund. $600,000 is still needed in the fund.

12/16/10

Following an OHS Madrigal performance for the Oregon Kiwanis, Oregon Kiwanis Preisent Dave Ragula presented choral director Mitch Lauer for with a check of appreciation for the OHS music department. The Madirgals have been performing in the community during the Christmas season since 1983.

12/2/10

,Jennifer Williams, teacher at the Head Start Program in Oregon, relayed some of the needs of the pre-kindergarten school. Mentioned were a need for color ink cartridges and markers, as well as mittens, hats, coats, and boots. The school is in session Mondays through Thursdays in a classroom at St. Mary's learning Center for extended days. For more information call 732-6893.

11/18/10

Greg Martin, Director of Court Services in Ogle County, explained the new Ogle County Adult Drug program. It is designed to reduce the cost of substance-related crime while holding offenders accountable for their behavior and preventing recidivism. He outlined the process by which select offenders agree to the program and are required to follow strict guidelines to address their drug dependence.

11/11/10

Pinecreast Community representatives Mike Anderson and Ferol Labash, Director of Development, met with the Club to explain Pinecrest's capital campaign goal of raising $1.7 million to replace 50 year infastructure. Oregon Kiwanis president Dave Ragula (right) thanks them for the presenttion. For more information call 734-4103 x 273.

11/4/10

Ron Colson explains how a new federal grant will benefit local counties by providing a high speed fiber network to local communities. Access will be available for local governments,business, and individuals.

10/28/10

Bud Weiner challenged the Oregon Kiwanis to a geography quiz in connection with his recent trip to Geneva, Switzerland.

10/21/10

Oregon Library Board President Terry Schuster explained the advantages of passing a library referendum at this time. Two propositions will be on the ballot, one to issue bonds to build a new building and the other to increase the rate for the operating levy.

10/14/10

Jefferson Principal Mary Malloch talked about the devastating impact the economy has had on her school. Measuring the poverty rate by students who receive free and reduced lunches, poverty at Jefferson has increased to 50% compared to 28% last year.Malloch thanked the Kiwanis for the books her school received from the children's book drive.

9/23/10

Jessica McCanse, Executive Director of the Byron Museum of History, explained the semi-permanent exhibit called Crossing Boundaries which showcases the contributions of individuals from 9 communities in Ogle County who overcame their own personal struggles against invisible barriers such as race, gender and social status. For more information visit www.byronmuseum.org.

9/16/10

Marsha Zacone introduced Mark Herman, Curator for Children's Programs at Midway Village in Rockford. The Village is preparing for World War II Days on September 25 & 26 with 800 reenactors camped on the site as well as heavy battle equipment and pyrotechnic displays. For more information, visit www.midwayvillage.com.

9/09/10

Marcia Heuer, Executive Director of the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce, explained the new interactive Chamber website (www.oregonil.com) the Chamber merchandise, and the Chamber's role in economic development and welcoming Dairy Queen to Oregon.

9/02/10

Debbie Moser, Farm Extension Educator, introduced David Shuman, Polo, and Linda Zack, Stillman Valley, as two of six 4-H Ambassadors for Ogle County. Their duties include visiting classrooms and civic organizations to explain and promote the seventeen 4-H clubs in Ogle County.

8/26/10

Kate Lehrke, Round Table Commissioner of the White Eagle District, explained her role in leadership training for the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Following her presentation Kate received a check from the Oregon Kiwanis Club to assist the local Boy Scouts

8/12/10

Rosemary Eike, one of 229 delegates to the Illinois-Eastern Iowa Kiwanis District convention announced that Oregon had ranked 6th in fundraising for Spastic Paralysis research in the District. The District raised a total of $47,000. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers . For more information, call Tom at 732-7326.

8/5/10

President Arlene Sangmeister relayed information about her visit to Camp Independence, a canp within the YMCA Camp Duncan near Fox Lake. The camp is for children and young adults with Spina Bifida and is designed to build confidence, independence, make new friends and have fun.

7/29/10

Angie Engel of Dance with Angie Studio on Daysville Road, explained her services to boys and girls ages 3 to 13, encompassing tumbling, ballet, tap and hip hop. Occasionally students perform at fundraiser such as Relay for Life.

7/22/10

Dick Cox, member of the Sterling Kiwanis club gives a speech that he will give to the Illinois-Eastern Iowa district councii explaining the reasons he is running for district governor.

7/15/10

Bill Bailey, board member of the Ogle County Historical Society, displays GAR memorial medals the society has on display. The Ruby Nash Museum & Carriage House is located at 111 N. 6th Street in Oregon and is open Thursdays and Sundays, May through October.

7/8/10

Doug Block, Pearl City, representing the Midwest Dairy Association, explained the technological advances and environmental friendly operations on his incorporated dairy farm which includes 700 cows and 1300 acres where corn, alfalfa, and soybeans are grown. The milk products are processed at the Stockton Cheese Plant.

7/1/10

Gene Eike welcomes Chris Abramowicz of 42 Tech Solutions, Oregon, Chris explained the computer services he and his partner Nick Griffin provide for both residential and business customers.

6/24/10

Ogle County Board member Lynn Kilker explained to members the governing structure of the Board. Her greatest concern is overspending the budget. , Education. The County Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the County Board Room in Oregon.

6/17/10

Physical therapist Jon Link of the Ogle County Physical Therapy, Inc., explained how common injuries occur to the shoulder, knee cap and Achilles tendon. Tears, ruptures and impingements lead to damaged tissues and pain requiring various levels of treatment.

6/10/10

Maga Shoemaker displays the logo for the sidewalk painting to be held at Mix Park in Oregon on Saturday, June 26, as part of the Fields Project. The project ends with a fine arts and craft show at Mix Park on June 27.

6/03/10

Randy Holland gave a passionate presentation in favor of building a community aquatic center in Oregon. Plans are in place for fundraiser on Saturday, June 26 from 2 to 8 P.M. For more information visit www.oregonpool.info

5/27/10

Oregon Kiwanian Steve Pemberton listens to Ogle County Administrator Meggon McKinley answer questions as the club members enjoyed a tour of the final renovations of the old courthouse one month before county officials are scheduled to return to new offices.