Stories
Brian Wegrzyn was a 45-year club member, Paul Harris Fellow, president of the Mount Prospect & Prospect Heights Rotary club for three separate terms and served as Assistant Governor for three terms. At the age of 71, Brian, passed away on February 2, 2025. The annual scholarship fund has now been officially renamed in his memory: “The Brian B. Wegrzyn Scholarship Program”. The Rotary Club of River Cities will offer two scholarships each spring to graduating seniors who are Des Plaines, Mount Prospect or Prospect Heights residents pursuing a vocational program or an associate or bachelor’s degree. The scholarships are $1,500 each and will be extended for an additional year as long as the student is enrolled full time and maintains a "B" average so total award potential is $3,000. The scholarships will be funded through the local Rotary club each year. OPTIONAL: Friends, family and club members are welcome to make donations in Brian’s memory to the Rotary Club of River Cities and indicate the donation is restricted to this program. When donations are made in his memory an acknowledgement will be mailed to his wife Grace, so she is aware. The Club will fund these scholarships each year as it has for years. |
Classic 5000 2025On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Rotary Club of River Cities will hold the Annual Classic 5000 Reverse Raffle Event at Old Orchard Country Club. Doors will open at 5:30 pm, buffet dinner served at 6:15 pm and the event will be start at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the Reverse Raffle are $100 each, you may purchase more than one if you want to improve your odds of winning. ONLINE SALES are CLOSED- REVERSE RAFFLE tickets still available at the EVENT! We are excited to also have the event favorite Table of Cheer which is a full table of adult beverages for 1-2 winners, depending on size. Additionally, we will have several other ways to win some prizes which include a 50/50 side raffle, Heads or Tails game, Gift Card Tree and more, watch for more details. The Classic 5000 is a reverse raffle in which all entry tickets start out in the game. One by one, the tickets are removed/eliminated and placed in a secondary prize tumbler. Once we get down to the end, the last ticket remaining will win 50% of the money raised, up to $5,000!! Those tickets pulled out earlier which will be put into the secondary raffle have another chance to win prizes which will be valued at a minimum of $100 each. These may be a combination of prizes and gift cards. 100% of the event proceeds go to serving our communities and people in need. UPDATE- JANUARY 31- THE OPTION FOR DINNER IS CLOSED DUE TO THE NEED TO ORDER THE AMOUNT OF FOOD. And as stated, Reverse Raffle Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT! If you have questions concerning the Classic 5000 event, contact Bret Fahnstrom at bfahnstrom@rtpd.org |
Celebrate Community: Service Day Sept 11Community service will take center stage the week of Sept. 8- 14 as local area Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist and Rotary clubs address cleaning the train station parking lots in Des Plaines during the service organizations’ fourth annual Celebrate Community initiative. On Wed Sept 11 at 530pm meet at the Des Plaines Library front entrance (1501 Ellinwood) and wear your Rotary tee shirt and join other volunteers to clean the train station parking lot. The event ends at 730pm and the volunteers may meet at AT7 Bar and Grill for a drink and fellowship! Please RSVP to Sharon Lynch sharonlynch@atproperties.com Leadership from the service organizations Kiwanis International, Lions International, Optimist International, and Rotary International have encouraged their clubs and youth programs around the world to work together on projects during one week as part of a joint initiative dubbed Celebrate Community – #CelebrateCommunity. |
Pizza, Pitchers & Puzzles 2024Join us on Thursday, August 29, 2024 as we hold the 2nd Annual Pizzas, Pitchers & Puzzles club fundraiser. Thank you to our sponsors: Aaron Buehler (Pizza) and School Supts (Puzzles)! The event is being held at the Rob Roy Golf Course banquet room and starts at 6 pm with some social chatty time and welcome. The pizzas and pitchers will be served AND puzzles opened promptly at 6:15 pm. The event officially ends at 8:15 pm but everyone is welcome to hang around and continue to socialize....or finish their puzzle...or pizza...or pitcher.. the bar will still be open. YOUR team of FOUR will race to finish an 18" XL single topping (other than cheese) pizza, two pitchers of beer and/or soda and 300-piece puzzle. Prizes will be awarded. Registration is $200 for each team of 4 puzzlers. Where else can you have so much fun with pizza and puzzles for so little? Registration is super easy using the PayPal Link below. You do not need to have a PayPal account to purchase. After receiving payment, you will receive a confirmation email and/or call. We will need to get a Team Name and Topping Choice before the event. Lastly, if you are interested in Sponsoring the event and taking advantage of any marketing, please contact Daniela Krivak at Krivakd@maryvilleacademy.org for details. We are looking for a PUZZLE, PIZZA and a PITCHER SPONSOR. Each sponsorship is $250. Proceeds of this event fund educational scholarships and humanitarian projects in our communities and around the world. Online Registration for this event is closed. If you have questions concerning the Pizzas, Pitchers & Puzzles event, or would still like to inquire about registering, contact Bret Fahnstrom at Bfahnstrom@rtpd.org. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. |
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)We still have 3 scholarships available for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) EXPENSE-PAID, three-day camp at Camp Edwards in East Troy Wisconsin for high school kids emphasizing leadership skills, team building, personal development, and citizenship: March 7-10 or April 4-7 For additional questions or to submit an application you may contact Dan Berg via email at berg.daniel.t@gmail.com |
Higher Education ScholarshipsThe Rotary Club of River Cities has two $1500 scholarships to award to graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education who are residents of Des Plaines, Mount Prospect or Prospect Heights. The award will be extended for an additional year as long as the student is enrolled full time and maintains a "B" average; total award potential is $3000. The scholarship will be awarded to the students who have best demonstrated Rotary key values of Service Above Self, Leadership, and Community Service. applications are due April 5 2024 For additional questions or to submit an application you may contact Dan Berg via email at berg.daniel.t@gmail.com. |
District Vocational / Career and Technical Educational scholarshipsDistrict 6440 has 15 $1500 scholarships for Vocational / Career and Technical Educational. Our club must receive applications to be submitted District 6440 Rotary Club by March 23 https://www.rotary6440.org/sitepage/vocational-service
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Prospect High School's newly formed Interact Club seeking donations for warm coats for local kids
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Raising Funds for Ukrainian humanitarian aidUPDATED 05.02.2022 River Cities has partnered with neighboring Rotary Clubs to raise funds for Ukraine for humanitarian aid funding and over $47,000 has been raised since the beginning of March for the Rotary Club of Kyiv International. These dollars have been spent on food, bandages, first aid kits, beds, mattresses, blankets, gasoline for hospitals and volunteers - hygiene items and food must be packed, delivered, transported and distributed.
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The Journal articleThe Rotary Club of River Cities has partnered with other local Rotary Clubs, merchants, and churches to raise over $60,000 for the Rotary Club of Kyiv International to supply tons of chicken and humanitarian aid to over 100,000 individuals in the Ukraine.
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Installation of 21/22 OfficersRotary District Governor Lyle Staab installed the Club of River Cities board of directors for the 2021-22 year: Sharon Lynch, president; Christina Ferraro, president-elect; Alex Todd, treasurer; Joanna Prisiajniouk, secretary; and Andy Ullman and Steve Samuelson, both directors at large. |
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Random Acts of Kindness 2020Thousands of Rotarians around the world participated in "Random Acts of Kindness Day". |
River Trails Condominium FireThe horrible fire at the River Trails Condominiums on July 18 displaced dozens of families. The best, most immediate ways to help those families are below.
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Mt Prospect - Prospect Hts Rotary Responds to PH FireRotary Club of Mount Prospect - Prospect Heights is donating $1500 to aid the victims of the River Trails Condominium fire on July 18. Donations are being made to the American Red Cross, School District 21's Katie Samsel Foundation, and to the District 214 Foundation. For further information, please visit the City of Prospect Heights website. |
2017 Classic 5000 photos |
Next Wednesday - 'Nuff Said![]() |
January 23, 2017 Meeting![]() |
2016 Serenading Strings![]() As always the Serenading Strings from the McArthur Middle School were excellent.
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November 21, 2016 Meeting |
November 14, 2016 Meeting![]() |
Make a Difference Day 2016![]() |
October 24, 2016 MeetingSomehow I missed taking photos at this meeting so I thought watching a hedgehog getting a belly rub would make a nice substitute.
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October 10, 2016 Meeting![]() He missed a critical bit of advice for Bret - less is more. Please, Bret - less is more!
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August 15, 2016 Meeting![]() Someone asked a question afterwards about how no one ever seems to hang out after meetings anymore. Everyone seemed to agree that they need to get back to the office, especially if they were going to make to the horse track later - it was Come One Come All day!
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August 8, 2016 MeetingToday we dedicated to Club business. Check out the calendar for some fun upcoming events!
I know there were happy dollars, but I didn't take notes :( The only one I can remember is Bret being happy that his son's two baseball leagues are wrapping up this week which should allow him to eat dinner before 9pm.
Rodney was happy about something. But then again, he always is, isn't he?
Oh yea! Brian was happy that his landlord was indicted for bank fraud. Sounds cruel, but Brian is forced to switch offices to a new building after the landlord jacked up his rent by 250%. I guess the fraud wasn't that successful?
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July 18, 2016 Meeting![]() |
July 5, 2016 Meeting![]() |
June 20, 2016 Meeting![]() |
June 13, 2016 Meeting![]() |
June 6, 2016 Meeting![]() |
May 16, 2016 Meeting![]() |
May 9, 2016 Meeting![]() |
April 25, 2016 Meeting![]() |
April 18, 2016 Meeting![]() |
March 28, 2016 Meeting![]() |
March 21, 2016 MeetingAldona Salska hopes the Rotary International cookbook has a good pierogi recipe!
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March 14, 2016![]() |
Gambling with a Heart - MP/PH Rotary March Madness |
March 7, 2016 Meeting![]() Actually, anyone can use a new cookbook!
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February 29, 2016 Meeting![]() |
February 22, 2016 Meeting![]() |
February 8, 2015 Meeting![]() |
Classic 5000 |
January 18, 2016 Meeting![]() |
January 11, 2015 Meeting![]() |
January 4, 2016 Meeting![]() |
December 7, 2015 Meeting |
November 30, 2015 Meeting![]() |
November 9, 2015 Meeting![]() Also check out our cool new club banner!
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November 2, 2015 Meeting![]() |
October 19, 2015![]() |
September 28, 2015 Meeting![]() Where's Fred when you need him?
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September 21, 2015![]() |
September 14, 2015 Meeting![]() |
August 31, 2015 Meeting![]() Betsy Skidinski promotes Alzheimer's awareness and works to raise funds to find its cure.
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August 24, 2015 Meeting |
August 17, 2015 Meeting![]() ![]() from District for Operation Warm!
Conrad with our speaker Joe Rosner. Hard to imagine
that just a few minutes earlier, they were
at each other's throats!
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August 10, 2015![]() |
August 3, 2015 Meeting![]() Congratulations and good luck to all of our scholarship winners!
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Juy 27, 2015 Meeting![]() |
July 20, 2015 Meeting - part 1![]() Click through to see more great
pics!
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July 20, 2015 Meeting - part 2 |
July 13, 2015 Meeting![]() District Governor Rodney Adams is back home already! I guess 'boomerang children' doesn't mean just college kids!
![]() Conrad awarding Wendy a well-deserved plaque recognizing her two years as Club President!
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Pictures to brighten your day![]() |
June 22, 2015 Meeting![]() ![]() |
June 15, 2015 Meeting![]() |
June 8, 2015 Meeting![]() Our speaker today was Joe Vertone, Joe is a 24 year veteran and currently assigned to a Federal task force with the DEA. Joe talked about his work disrupting drug availability in Chicago and suburbs and how the task force operates with suburban, state and federal officials.
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June 1, 2015 Meeting |
May 18, 2015 Meeting![]() ![]() and Club President Wendy Morgan
Kathy Nowicki, Alex Todd
Wendy Morgan and Bret Fahnstrom
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May 4, 2015 Meeting![]() |
April 27, 2015 Meeting![]() |
April 20, 2015 Meeting![]() |
April 13, 2015 Meeting![]() |
March 30, 2015 Meeting![]() |
March 23, 2015 Meeting![]() Suleyman Girit, District 2420 Foundation Chair from Istanbul exchanges flags with Wendy
![]() Prospect Heights Mayor Nick Helmer and Wendy
![]() Golf historian Charlie Toss and Wendy
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March 16, 2015 Meeting![]() |
March 9, 2015 Meeting![]() Conrad gives new member Tom Moriarity his Rotary pin!
![]() Jorie Ouimet and Danielle Strauss from Link Together with Conrad
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February 23, 2015 Meeting![]() |
February 9, 2015 Meeting![]() |
2015 Classic 5000!![]() (Yes, there are only 7 pictured, but some were representing more than one ticket).
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January 26, 2015 Meeting![]() ![]() Club President Wendy Morgan-Adams pins Dez Clark with our District's 50 Year Anniversary pin.
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January 12, 2015 Meeting
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January 5, 2015 Meeting![]() |
November 17, 2014 Meeting![]() |
November 3, 2014 Meeting![]() |
October 27, 2015 Meeting![]() |
October 20, 2014 meeting![]() |
October 6, 2014 Meeting![]() Our speaker today was Bill Durkin, a motivational speaker and author of Strive to Survive Today. Bill talked about how people fail to thrive in today’s world, despite having an incredible range of advantages that previous generations couldn’t dream of. He cited a lack of positivity as the principle cause. |
September 22, 2014 Meeting![]() |
September 15, 2014 Meeting![]() |
September 8, 2014 Meeting
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Meeting August 25, 2014![]() |
Meeting August 18, 2014![]() |
Meeting July 28, 2014![]() We had a guest visiting from Bulgaria today. Georgi Buchkov is visiting his daughter, but is also planning a permanent move to Mount Prospect himself. He has visited us before and we were very happy to see him again.
The Club presented $300.00 to the Prospect Heights Park District
This was also the first week where we have our monthly board meetings at our weekly meetings. As a result we didn’t have an outside speaker. Also as a result, attendance at the board meeting reached a record high!
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Meeting July 21, 2014 |
President Wendy at District Governor's Installation![]() Club President Wendy Morgan sings "America the Beautiful" at District Governor Ellen Young installation. Lincolnshire Morning Star also inducted Stan Roelker, as their club president during the event.
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Club Meeting 05/05/14![]() |
Meeting - April 7, 2014![]() |
Meeting - March 31, 2014Our speakers were Terri Campbell from the Prospect Heights Public Library and Anne Shaughnessy from the Mount Prospect Public Library.
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Meeting - March 24, 2014Our spea
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MP-PH Rotary Picks Next President |
Daily Herald Article July 29th 2013Mount Prospect/Prospect Heights Rotary Club celebrating 50 yearsBy Submitted by Mount Prospect/Prospect Heights Rotary Club
Past and present Rotarians, guests and friends of Rotary will be enjoying a dinner wine pairing evening with specially selected wines to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Mount Prospect/Prospect Heights on Saturday, Aug. 3. This year's 50th anniversary, will be highlighted by the installation of the club's 51st president, Wendy R. Morgan; installation of the 2013-2014 officers; and the induction of five new club members. |
Visiting another Rotary Club's Installation Dinner |
Meet the Incoming RI President![]() |