East Moline
Illinois
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East Moline/Silvis Rotary Club
In the spring of 1919 a group of East Moline's leading citizens were sitting in commercial club rooms at 824-1/2 Fifteenth Avenue discussing things that could and should be done for the advancement of the community. A.B. Johnson, an East Moline attorney, expressed the opinion that a Rotary Club should be formed. His statement found ready response from others present. They included Carl E. Mitchell, Edward Reavy and J.F. Ryan. Ryan was then head of the State Bank (now known as Metrobank).
A committee was formed to explore the possibility of forming a Rotary Club in East Moline. John W. Casto served as chairman. Other members included Harry J. Best and J.L. Greer, real estate dealers, G.L. Rowe, proprietor of a hardware store, and H.J. Banta, secretary of the East Moline YMCA. Finding enthusiasm for the idea, the committee met on May 20th, 1919 to plan for organization. It was decided to ask the Rotary Club of Rock Island for guidance.
Club Highlights
On May 11, 1955, the East Moline Rotary Club hosted an inter-city meeting at the Rock Island Arsenal to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rotary International. Robert Taylor, President of Rotary International was the main speaker. Also in attendance was past president Angus Mitchell of Australia and Rotarians from all around western Illinois and eastern Iowa. President Taylor was presented with a miniature plow by Deere & Company's Bruce Laurie. The gift was much appreciated.
In 1968, Alvar Berghult of our Club was appointed captain of the first Group Study Exchange Team of District 6420. The team went to District 147 in Denmark, visiting ten cities on their 'mission for peace'. A second Group Study Exchange Team went to Japan in 1975. Barney Gerke served as captain. The team visited many Rotary Clubs and brought back many banners and mementos.
The Club has sponsored two candidates for Rotary Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships. In 1983 Paul Bagatelas went to the Netherlands and Judy Paskvan went to Sweden in 1986.
On October 20, 1969, the Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a gala at Short Hills Country Club. The evening was replete with a few short speeches and a little nonsense. Richard B. Ogilvie, governor of the State of Illinois, was the main speaker.
Service to the Community
The East Moline Rotary Club and its members have always concerned themselves with charitable efforts of all kinds. Dr. Harold Perlmutter of our Club was instrumental in establishing what is now known as the Academic Achievement Awards. The East Moline Rotary Club began this high school scholarship program which was later taken over by the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years we have sponsored many youth programs such as East Moline Youth Baseball, Jr. Panther Football and Jr. Panther Basketball. We have been strong supporters of United Township High School. We have sponsored the shuttle bus between South Campus and Soule Bowl and the Thanksgiving basketball tournaments. In 1984 Club member Willard Smith met with a fatal accident. A memorial fund was established in his name with proceeds contributed to the UTHS Hall of Fame Project. In 1998, the Club began a scholarship program à STRIVE à to motivate students in the lower third of the UTHS senior class. Two students received one-year scholarships to Black Hawk College à one paid for by the Club, one by the Black Hawk College Foundation. The STRIVE program was a huge success, due in large part to co-chairs Larry Johnson and Ron Vermost.
In 1999, the Club received a $20,000 Children's Opportunities Grant from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to help the children of Gilda's Club, a cancer support community.
Over the years our members have worked festivals, and held flea markets, we have entered floats in the 4th of July parade and sponsored a chalk art competition in conjunction with the Quad Cities Marathon. One of the greatest compliments our Club was given was at one of these events. It was said that whenever there was a need or a worthwhile project, you will find Rotarians doing their part.
A committee was formed to explore the possibility of forming a Rotary Club in East Moline. John W. Casto served as chairman. Other members included Harry J. Best and J.L. Greer, real estate dealers, G.L. Rowe, proprietor of a hardware store, and H.J. Banta, secretary of the East Moline YMCA. Finding enthusiasm for the idea, the committee met on May 20th, 1919 to plan for organization. It was decided to ask the Rotary Club of Rock Island for guidance.
Club Highlights
On May 11, 1955, the East Moline Rotary Club hosted an inter-city meeting at the Rock Island Arsenal to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rotary International. Robert Taylor, President of Rotary International was the main speaker. Also in attendance was past president Angus Mitchell of Australia and Rotarians from all around western Illinois and eastern Iowa. President Taylor was presented with a miniature plow by Deere & Company's Bruce Laurie. The gift was much appreciated.
In 1968, Alvar Berghult of our Club was appointed captain of the first Group Study Exchange Team of District 6420. The team went to District 147 in Denmark, visiting ten cities on their 'mission for peace'. A second Group Study Exchange Team went to Japan in 1975. Barney Gerke served as captain. The team visited many Rotary Clubs and brought back many banners and mementos.
The Club has sponsored two candidates for Rotary Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships. In 1983 Paul Bagatelas went to the Netherlands and Judy Paskvan went to Sweden in 1986.
On October 20, 1969, the Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a gala at Short Hills Country Club. The evening was replete with a few short speeches and a little nonsense. Richard B. Ogilvie, governor of the State of Illinois, was the main speaker.
Service to the Community
The East Moline Rotary Club and its members have always concerned themselves with charitable efforts of all kinds. Dr. Harold Perlmutter of our Club was instrumental in establishing what is now known as the Academic Achievement Awards. The East Moline Rotary Club began this high school scholarship program which was later taken over by the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years we have sponsored many youth programs such as East Moline Youth Baseball, Jr. Panther Football and Jr. Panther Basketball. We have been strong supporters of United Township High School. We have sponsored the shuttle bus between South Campus and Soule Bowl and the Thanksgiving basketball tournaments. In 1984 Club member Willard Smith met with a fatal accident. A memorial fund was established in his name with proceeds contributed to the UTHS Hall of Fame Project. In 1998, the Club began a scholarship program à STRIVE à to motivate students in the lower third of the UTHS senior class. Two students received one-year scholarships to Black Hawk College à one paid for by the Club, one by the Black Hawk College Foundation. The STRIVE program was a huge success, due in large part to co-chairs Larry Johnson and Ron Vermost.
In 1999, the Club received a $20,000 Children's Opportunities Grant from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to help the children of Gilda's Club, a cancer support community.
Over the years our members have worked festivals, and held flea markets, we have entered floats in the 4th of July parade and sponsored a chalk art competition in conjunction with the Quad Cities Marathon. One of the greatest compliments our Club was given was at one of these events. It was said that whenever there was a need or a worthwhile project, you will find Rotarians doing their part.