Carterville Rotary Club

Carterville Rotary Trash Pickup

2010-04-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

We had an awesome turnout for our Trash Pickup on April 12th. It was record attendance for the club in helping clean up our community. Thanks for everyone that came out!

Prom/Party Dress Sale

2010-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

A quick announcement to all Carterville Rotary members:

Busy Month for Carterville Rotary

2009-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Carterville Rotary was busy in the month of September. First, we're excited to welcome two new members to the group: Bob Fuller and Jonathan Mitchell. We're always pleased to accept new members to the Rotary family.

We were also treated by a visit from the Illinois Baptist Disaster Team. They brought by their "Disaster Van" which was neat to see.

Lastly, we were involved in the annual Carterville Free Fair parade. Many members came out to pass out balloons, suckers, and Rotary stickers to the Carterville public. The weather couldn't have been any more perfect.

Carterville Rotary Club Shelter Box Arrives!

2009-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

It looks as if Carterville Rotary's Shelter Box has arrived to its destination in the Phillipines. Starting as the brainchild of one Rotarian with the support of his Rotary club in year 2000 – ShelterBox has grown to become the largest Rotary Club project in the 100 year history of the organization.

Rotarian support currently contributes an estimated 50% of ShelterBox donations. Around 5,000 rotary clubs worldwide have supported ShelterBox since it was launched.

Recognizing this worldwide support from the Rotary community, ShelterBox was designated as a Global Rotary Club Project in 2009. Logos with this designation will now appear on all ShelterBoxes, tents, blankets and ancillary materials.

You can learn more about the ShelterBox project at their website here.

Fund Rasing Yard Sale

2009-06-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Fund Raising Yard Sale we had for Baylen Earls raised an impressive $1116! Baylen will be traveling to Mexico to study abroad coming this August. Thanks to the efforts of the Carterville Rotary members and Woman's Life, Baylen will be able to enjoy this unique and exciting experience. Good Luck Baylen!

Gumdrop's, NFP comes to Carterville Rotary

2009-06-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

What is Gumdrop's NFP? We are a non-profit organization that provides a backpack with child-friendly foods to at-risk children for the weekends in southern Illinois. This program began January 2008 in the Carterville School System. The first drop provided backpack for 12 kids. By the end of the school year, we were delivering 64 backpacks. In January 2009, we were able to extend the backpack program to the Herrin School District. In both school systems, we are now feeding 200 backpacks a week to these at-risk children. As additional funding comes available, we will be expanding those backpack program to other school districts throughout southern Illinois.

How can you help?

There are a number of ways to help. Volunteer - Your time to assemble the backpacks and other miscellaneous jobs at our facility located at

118 Elles Avenue,
Carterville, Illinois

Behind the new bridal shop.

Monetary donations - Payable to Gumdrop's NFP.

Food donations -
Drop at point at 118 Elles Avenue, Carterville, Illinois, or give Ron or Amy a call, and we can come by and pick up the food. Ron Simpson - cell, 618-319-3829. Amy Simpson - cell, 618-319-3828, or at home, 618-985-4159.

Or visit our web site at www.gumdropkids.org

A list of their needed items:

- Granola Bars
- Pop Tarts
- Apple Sauce
- Pudding Packs
- Jello Packs
- Cereal Bars
- Fruit Cups
- Trail Mix
- Oatmeal
- Cheese and Crackers
- Peanut Butter and Crackers
- Small Cereal Bowls or Mini-Boxes
- Raisins
- Vienna Sausages
- Goldfish Packages
- Beans and Franks
- Packaged Meats
- Can Fruits

Carterville Student To Study Abroad

2009-05-04T12:52:00.001-07:00

We had a special visitor last week at Carterville Rotary. Baylen Earles, who is our Outbound Exchange student who is heading to Mexico. Baylen stopped by to tell us a little about himself and express his gratitude to Carterville Rotary for making this experience a reality. We wish Baylen good luck!
Fundraising Yard Sale
To help with the expenditures of his travel, Carterville Rotary will be partnering with Woman's Life and hosting a Yard Sale.

When: Saturday, June 6, 2009, 8:00 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Where: First Baptist Church Parking Lot (on Division St).

Why: This is a fundraiser to support Baylen Earles (pictured above), our Outbound Exchange student to Mexico

How can you help?

Bring things that can be sold at the sale:

Clothing-adult, child, baby
Appliances, in good working condition
DVD's, CD's
Books
Tools
Decorating accessories
Jewelry
Etc.

Bring in a box labeled "Rotary/Woman's Life Yard Sale" to the House of Busifingers, 1101 S. Division, at any time after May 13th. If no one is there, just leave it on the front porch.

Also needed:
tables or plywood sheets on sawhorses
canopy ( 10 x 10 or larger)

Most important- we need helpers to set up and help man the sale.

Questions? Call Carl Cottingham, 618-521-0742 or 618-985-3354.

Visit from the Governor

2009-04-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

Governor Mel Wiese made a special visit to Carterville last Wednesday morning to honor some of our members. Below you see John Kiesling and Carl Cottingham being awarded for their Rotarian efforts. Good job fellas!

John Streuter and guest smiling for the camera.

Phil striking a pose for the camera as well. Say cheese!

Don't forget our treasurer Jim Koonce.

Those are two very happy Rotarians! If you are not a Rotary member, come stop by Wednesday morning to see why everyone is smiling.

10th Annual Carterville Community Golf Outing

2009-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

It's getting close to that time of year again! The 10th Annual Carterville Community Golf Outing will be held Friday, May 8th at the beautiful Crab Orchard Golf Course. Teams are still available, so be sure to sign up! If you can't get a team together, no worries. We'll find a team for you.

Be also sure to take advantage of the fantastic raffle that is going on to support the event. By entering you have a chance to win one of the following:

Two front row 45 yd line football tickets including overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn Select. The game is St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers.
Two SIU basketball tickets with parking pass and $25 food gift card. Plus coach and player autographed basketball.
Four Southern Illinois Miner's box seats with parking pass and $25 gift card.

Items donated by Your Jeweler, Edward Jones, and Holiday Inn.

Raffle tickets are $5 each and 5 tickets for $20. Contact your local Carterville Rotary or Chamber of Commerce member to purchase your tickets.

New Member of Carterville Rotary Family

2009-03-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Rotary Member Bill Searcy and his wife Patty would like to welcome a new addition to their family. Connor William Coen Searcy, was born 3/3/09 to their son and his wife, Scott and Alison at Mt. Sinai hospital, New York City.

I think that looks like pretty happy grandparents, don't you think? I think the the family lucked out because it doesn't seem that Connor has much of a resemblance of Bill. :) Congratulations to your family!

A Major Visit

2009-03-02T17:51:00.001-08:00

We were fortunate enough to have an old friend of mine visit us at Carterville Rotary a few weeks ago. Major Jeremiah Aschelman from the SIUC ROTC program came by and shared some good stories about somebody named "Pebble"? Not sure what that was about :) Major Aschelman was my company commander when we deployed to Iraq in 2005 and had a "Mission Complete" by bringing all his soldiers home safe- including myself.

He also shared some interesting information about the ROTC program that seemed to peek the interest of all the rotary members. Thanks Jeremiah for coming by!

Also, don't forget that we will be meeting at our old stomping grounds; what used to be Pioneer's cabin. Looking forward to seeing what changes have been done!

Short Video from Rotary International

2009-02-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

10 Questions With John Kiesling

2009-01-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

We have another edition of 10 Questions with a Rotary Member. Today's guest is no other than John Kiesling.

1.What did you do in your working years?

I was in heavy and highway construction, mostly asphalt paving. (John always said he built the smoothest roads this side of heaven.) I added that, Doris

2. How long have you been a member of the Carterville Rotary?

I was a Charter member.

3. Whats your fondest moment of Rotary?

When I was awarded the Rotarian of the Year award.

4. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in St. Louis County, as a kid we lived behind Grants Farm and I use to play over there all of the time.

5. Top 3 Reasons to live in Carterville?

the school district, JAL college and the people

6. What one word best describes you?

I guess Honest--Hard worker, ( Ask my wife)

7. What do you do for fun?

B.B. games, Plays, work in the yard and 6 grand kids.

8. Whats your top 3 favorite books?

I can't really put my finger on any favorites, but I enjoy reading history of So. Illinois.

9. What does Rotary mean to you?

I think Rotary is a very good service organization with all the members interested in projects to help the club

10. Favorite place to eat?

Doris's cooking is tops, after that I would say 17 Street, Applebees, and Red lobster and special occasions, Mary's in Herrin.

11. Something that many people may not know about you?

I was drafter in Feb. 1952, I volunteered for the Marine Corps and after boot camp I volunteered for Korea, where I served for 14 months.

Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitaion Coming to Carterville Rotary January 21st

2009-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

To give advance notice, we wanted to let Carterville Rotary members and guests aware of a special meeting January 21st. Beverly Shofstall from the Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will be joining us with 3 of her animals that they have rescued. It should be an interesting treat. Here area few pics from their website of animals they have rescued.

About Free Again Wildlife Rehab Center

Free Again, Inc. began in 1988 by Beverly Shofstall, while working as a veterinary technician at Central Hospital for Animals in Herrin. The facility has since grown and now takes in over 400 hundred animals annually.

The purposes of Free Again are:

to rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife for return to their natural environment
to study the behavior and diseases of wildlife
to educate the public on the importance of all wildlife in our environment.

Some animals, primarily non-releasable birds of prey, are kept for educational programs in order for Free Again to continue educating children and adults around the region.

You can visit their website at www.freeagaininc.org/

New Member To The Group

2009-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Carterville Rotary welcomes Pat Adams to the group! Pat was originally from the Chicago area and has found his way back to Illinois. Pat works for Century 21 Real Estate out of Carondale, IL and is excited to join our group. Here you can see Rich (left) with Pat getting ready to be inducted.

Rich! Don't stick him too hard!

We had a really good turnout for our first meeting at the Crab Orchard Country Club. Look forward to seeing everyone next week!

New Meeting Location at Crab Orchard Country Club

2009-01-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

The closing of Pioneers Cabin left us scrambling for a new meeting location. After much research and discussion, the board has decided to try out two locations over the next couple of months.

During the month of January, beginning with our next meeting on the 7th, we will meet at Crab Orchard Golf Course. During the month of February, we will meet at John A Logan College. Later that month we will need to decide which location is the most favorable for us.

Annual Christmas Dinner Carterville Rotary Style

2008-12-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

We had another fun filled Christmas Dinner at John A. Logan this year. This was my first dinner so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was nice getting together with the rest of the club members and their spouses. Good conversations with good folks; you just can't beat it.

What made the night really fun was the auctioning off of the member donated wrapped gifts. The contents only known by the donor but with a clever riddle attached to leave us wondering what was beneath the Christmas wrapping. Bids were out in full force, since the proceeds all went back to Club. As Rich Davis exclaimed, "It's for the kids!". All in all we raised over $2000 for the night. That was a good night "for the kids". Good job Carterville Rotary Club members!

Pioneers Cabin Has Sold!

2008-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Attention Rotary Members. If you havent' heard, the Rotary Club's meeting place, Pioneer's Cabin out of Crainville has been sold. Currently, we are trying to find a new meeting location to accomdate our group for future meetings. If you know of a place, be sure to let us know.

Also, please join us at the Annual Christmas Party this evening at John A. Logan. Here is some info on the festivities:

Our annual Christmas Dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00pm. This will be a substitute meeting for our morning meeting. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. This is an event to bring your spouse and enjoy the fellowship. We ask each member to provide a wrapped gift with a short verse as to the description of the item enclosed without giving away the full details. The gift does not have to be a purchased item. Some of our most popular gifts in the past have been dinners provided by the Rotarian, home made wine, hand made items, and even some re-gifting has been known to occur. The gifts are then auctioned for cash. The cash goes into our Community Donation fund. Last year we raised $2000, with funds going to the Pat's Kids program, Lighthouse Shelter, and Ministerial Alliance. Some funds are held over to make donations to worthy causes throughout the year. We hope that everyone will come and enjoy the fellowship.

Hope to see you there!

Busy Week In Carterville Rotary

2008-11-14T09:40:00.001-08:00

In addition to announcing two new members of the group, Carterville Rotary had more going on. This week, thanks to the diligent work by former president John Streuter, the new Carterville Rotary Website was launched. With the new website and blog, members as well as the community can keep up to date on the clubs continuous activities. Thank you John for all your hard work!

Also on Wednesday, Margie Kemp and Beth Laird from the Carterville Lioness club stopped by to share information on their latest project. The project called "Military Salute" will look to honor veterans and active military personnel with ties to the Tri-C area. Flags with a plaque will be displayed in Carterville's Cannon Park to honor our local veteran's. Please contact the Carterville Lioness Club for more details.

Vicky Gentry, president 618-457-0215
Sandra Congiardo, 2nd V.P., 618-985-4866

Carterville Rotary Welcomes Two New Members

2008-11-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday, Carterville Rotary welcomed two new members to our group. Both Butch Wagner and David Kirk were accepted into the group. We all want to give a warm welcome to the two and look forward to working with them on future Rotary projects.

Paul Harris 1933 Rotary International Speech

2008-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Carterville Rotary at Pumkin Path and SIU Tailgate

2008-11-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

Carterville Rotary was at at again over the weekend. Friday Night we were out supporting the annual Carterville Pumpkin Path. This was the first year for our son to be able to trick or treat, and it was a blast. I have never seen so many kids dressed in costume in one place. Even if you don't live in Carterville, this is the place to be on Halloween. If you were lucky enough, Bill and John would have given you a sucker at the Rotary stop. (They said I was too old). My son had a good time and enjoyed the live music:

The next morning, Rotary made another showing at the SIU tailgate. The weather was perfect for some pre-game celebration. And for those that stuck around, they saw a good game as SIU beat North Dakota 40-21. Go SIU!

10 Questions With Richard Davis

2008-10-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

• Where do you work and what do you do?
Along with my wife Janie, I own and operate CENTURY 21 House of Realty, Inc.; a 5 office real estate corporation purchased in 2006.

• How long have you been a member of the Carterville Rotary?
I am a charter member of our club.

• What’s your fondest moment of Rotary?
When I was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow and when recognized as Rotarian of the Year.

• Where were you born?
Davenport, Iowa on November 7, 1956

• Top 3 Reasons to live in Carterville?
Family oriented community, smack-dab in the middle of my real estate marketplace, core of friends and associates we've been blessed to know and work with.

• What one word best describes you?
I was going to say caring, devoted...a real Clark Griswold but my family says bombastic, theatrical, and dramatic! Go figure!!!

• What’s the first thing you do when you get home from work?
Work

• Last book you read?
Bug Russ & Me

• Last movie you saw?
Dark Knight (Batman)

• Favorite place to eat?
Janie's home cooking - hands down!!!

• Something that many people may not know about you?
I would like to get a pilot's license.

Carterville Rotary and TLC

2008-10-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Rotary Carterville teamed up and partcipated in the TLC nature walk project on Monday, October 20, from 9:00AM to 3:00PM . The Carterville Rotary is contributed $3000.00 and our labor to this project. Above, we have Jason Phillips, President of Carterville Rotary, giving to check to TLC at the morning meeting. Click on the picture below to see a slide show of Rotarians hard at work.

Librarian Pays Us A Visit

2008-10-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Jane Robertson from the Carterville Public Library was the guest speaker for our group this morning. Jane came by to update on the progress of the new library that just received the funds from the estate of Anne West Lindsey. Lindsey who passed away in 2005, left $1.5 million and 5 acres towards the new project.

The new building will be located about a half mile north of the new building and couldn't come anytime sooner.

The library district especially needs the new building because on July 1 it went from serving Carterville to include the entire Tri-C district of Carterville, Crainville and Cambria. Robertson said especially since being bumped up to a district library, they've outgrown the building.

"We've been in the present location for 25 years and we're pretty well cramped," Robertson said.

Please visit the Carterville Public Library's website for more info.

Woman's Life and Carterville Rotary Team Up

2008-10-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is Carterville Rotary's first year working with Woman's Life and it has been very successful. We now have 3 woman's life clubs working with Carterville Rotary Club. They are the people at Koonce Insurance Office, Carterville Rotary Group 1 and Carterville Rotary Group 2.

Woman's Life has written checks this year of $31,800 which has helped fund many different community projects and scholarships.

A few of these projects are:

Rotary Foundation for mobile dental lab
Carterville Rotary for exchange student
Poshard Foundation for Pat's kids
Christmas gifts to children
Lighthouse Homeless Shelter
American Red Cross
American Cancer
American Arthritis Walk
American Heart Association
Eagle Missions
Hillview Nursing Home
and many others!

This is our first year with Woman's Life and we look forward with deep anticipation to what 2009 has in store. Thanks to the Woman's Life local officers: Jim Koonce, Carl Cottingham, and Bill Slider for the dedication and hard work.

About Women's Life:

Woman's Life is an organization founded by women for women that connects women for fun, mutual support and outreach. Woman's Life is all about the connections we make as woman, connections we make with each other and with our community. Woman's Life gives women an opportunity to make a difference together, to make a significant impact on causes important to them.

God's Man In Texas

2008-10-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

One of our very own, Tim Robinson, will be peforming live at O'Neil Auditorium of John A. Logan in the theater play "God's Man In Texas". The play will be at 7 pm for both evenings of October 10th and 11th. Please come out and support Tim.

10 Questions With John Streuter

2008-09-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

The first victim, I mean, candidate for "10 Questions With" is no other than John Streuter. John was Carterville Rotary's president last year and took some time to shed some insight to his life.

Where do you work and what do you do? Peoples National Bank - Mortgage & Consumer Loan Officer

How long have you been a member of the Carterville Rotary? 11 years, Charter Member and Charter President

What’s your fondest moment of Rotary? Dedicating a Paul Harris Fellowship in my father's name this past year

Hometown? Murphysboro

How long have you lived in Carterville? 18 years

What one word best describes you? Dedicated

Hobbies? Golf

Last book you read? not sure. I'm not a reader other than reading children's books to the boys. I usually spend my downtime watching the History & Discovery channels or Fox News.

Last movie you saw? CARS movie with my son. I haven't seen a feature film since Austin was born.

Favorite food? PIZZA

Something that many people may not about you? Probably best to continue to keep that a secret!

Woops. That makes 11, but whose counting? Thanks to John for taking his time to partcipate. Stay tuned to see whose next month candidate will be.

10 Questions with a Rotarian

2008-09-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Each month we will be featuring a spotlight on a Carterville Rotary member. It will be called "10 Questions with......." Look for the first one to pop up soon. Who will be the first? Stay tuned........

Southern Illinois Leaders Breakfast

2008-09-12T22:24:00.001-07:00

The CEO of Holiday World was the headline speaker for the breakfast.

Rotary Members were in full force and even got special recognition for our attendance

The whole auditorium was packed with area local representatives.

More Photos From the Free Fair

2008-09-11T07:30:00.001-07:00

Carterville Free Fair Parade

2008-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Carterville Rotarians were out in full force for the Annual Carterville Free Fair Parade. Here a few pics of the members in action and prepping the float for big day.

We need more balloons......

Final Preparation before the parade begins.

These are two determined Rotarians on a mission!

The Carterville Rotary float in action.

Give me some candy!

Who needs a Rotary sticker?

Hey! I those those two ladies.

I've been a victim of a Rotary sticker drive by. And they

got my kid, too!

Carterville Free Fair

2008-09-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Carterville Free Fair is coming up. Look for your Carterville Rotarians taking part in the morning parade. The parade begins at the Carterville High School and will end at Cannon Park.

CARTERVILLE 2008 FREE FAIR
95th Annual-Sponsored by:
CARTERVILLE ILLINOIS LIONS CLUB
DATES FOR FREE FAIR..SEPT 5-6 2008

Carterville Rotary First Post

2008-09-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Carterville Rotary has joined the blogging community. Also check out our website for further info www.cartervillerotaryclub.com.