PEKIN  ROTARY
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Although no one can go back and make a new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. - Carl Bard

Noteworthy
January
Anniversaries

Lloyd Orrick
20 years

Ken White
10 years

Service Above Self
   January 2016
Presidents Message

"Let us work to do what we do better so we can do more."
 
That was my charge last March when I stepped forward to take on this adventure.  Looking back I am proud of all the club has done to achieve this call.  We have:
 
-added four board members who joined the club in the last five years.  They bring a new energy and eagerness to get involved and move the club forward.
 
-implemented better and broader communications through our newsletter and website.  We also initiated on-line sign-ups for events and the ability to conveniently change and monitor.
 
-re-branded our Marigold Festival event to reflect who we really are, now referred to as "The Rotary Grill".
 
-reorganized to fairly and equitably handle charitable requests.
 
-changed our approach and broadened our assistance to Schramm School.
 
-are adjusting our approach to the Scholastic Dinner.
 
-implemented the "Good News" Jar and have raised significant sums to further our ability to meet community needs.
 
-are making an effort to establish more club camaraderie through club social events.
 
-have a team dedicated exclusively to building membership.
 
-are undertaking an effort to be more actively involved in public relations.
 
-are planning a talent assessment of all Rotarians and soliciting their thoughts and ideas for the club.  We want and value your input.
 
 
All of this allows us to contemplate doing something new.  I think you'll be excited about some of the suggestions for further club activities that we will announce at our Club Assembly on January 13th.
 
I'm excited for 2016.  The club has a vibrant feel to it- a renewed energy to do more good.
I am thankful for such a wonderful board.  Everyone is engaged and eager.  I know they share my excitement for what promises to be a prosperous new year for the Pekin Rotary Club. 
   
On a personal note- it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of concern and support expressed to me regarding the health incidents that befell Brian Kellington and Heather Fitzanko.  While we're so thankful that they are both on the mend, I was moved to see countless examples of how much their fellow Rotarians really care about their well-being.
It shows one of the seldom- discussed benefits of belonging to the Pekin Rotary Club.
 
On behalf of your board and myself, Happy New Year!
   
 
Gary Gillis
President
   
Speakers Chair
January 6 - Joe Wuellner will invite Mike Guerra, Pekin City Manager, to update us on current and upcoming road projects.  Mike, a Pekin native, is married with three children.  He got his degree from Marquette University and is currently working on his Master Degree at UI Springfield.  Mike has been with the city for 8 years.

January 13 - Club Assembly

January 20 - Gregg Ratliff will invite Holly Crotty. Holly is a native of Pekin.  She is a graduate of Pekin Community High School and Northern Illinois University.  Holly has been involved with animal rescue since 2006 and has been the Executive Director of TAPS since 2012.  Prior to TAPS, Holly was the Vice President of Communication for Girl Scouts of Central Illinois prior to joining TAPS. 

January 27 - Todd Stoller will invite Larry Herman, the Director of Midwest Food Bank - Peoria Division, to give us an update on the activities of Midwest Food Bank.
 
Member Spotlight
Perhaps the most intellectual of our members has enjoyed a colorful and diverse biography.  Often teased for the number of questions he asks of our weekly program speakers, Blake Lippi possess a curiosity born of his diverse past.
Born and raised in Pekin, Blake's parents raised him to enjoy as many experiences as he could handle and grow from.  Much of that revolved around extra-curricular activity.  Speech and debate; Latin Club; the study of Archaeology; Tennis Camps, Fencing and even Ballet were some of those experiences. 
His college education was eclectic.  He entered the U of I in the fall of 1981 seeking a degree in Bio-medical Engineering.  He didn't finish his schooling at that time, coming back to our area to pursue many business interests.  From 1984 to 1991 he worked in Bloomington for Encyclopedia Britannica.  He then became a Sales Consultant for United States Cellular in Peoria and in 1993 became a Special Agent for Prudential Preferred Financial Services also in Peoria.  He continued in that role until 1996 when he applied for a scholarship to return to college.  It was offered by the Children of Deceased Veterans and based upon the high ACT scores.  Blake was selected and re-enrolled at the U of I in the area of Italian Language. After having studied math, chemistry and physics his first time around, his choice  15 years later was in Liberal Arts.
In 1999 he returned to Pekin to run the family business BMD-LLC and also establish ThePekinClub.com, an online classified advertising business.  Blake's past is also characterized by certificates of completion for various Corporate Customer training programs, scholarships to the U of I and Northwestern University, and a stint at Michael Reese Hospital as a bio-engineering intern. He also speaks Italian and boasts to speaking some French, German, Portuguese, and Thai.
Blake joined Pekin Rotary in 2006 being recruited by Brian Ford. But he came to us after having been a part of the Manito-Forrest City club dating back to 1991.   During his time in our club he has served on as a board member and is a vocal advocate of an increased role in community service.  "I love the camaraderie", he told me.  "I would also like to see us more involved with international service."  He confesses to having a passion for making a difference especially through global projects. "Helping others is my life's calling", he said.
Phillip "Blake" Lippi is an interesting Rotarian.  His past is distinguished.  His experiences are diverse and his interests are focused.  If Rotary is about diverse vocations and a passion to help others, Blake has been a great addition to our club.  
In the meantime, if you are curious about anything regarding Blake, just raise your hand and ask him.  After all- questions are in his DNA. 

Gary Gillis     


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