Rotarians, motorcyclists raise money for Guatemala
Ask local Rotarians what they are most proud of, and chances are good they would mention the aid they have given to Ak' Tenamit, Guatemala the past three years - in a country that has suffered since the flooding and mudslides of Hurricane Stan killed more than 1,500 people in 2005.
In what amounts to an example of helping those who help themselves, the St. Charles Rotary Club on June 12 will host Jay Vayssier, "The Riding Dutchman," a Rotarian from Guatemala who will be riding a motorcycle 3,500 miles across the United States to raise money for the international projects that benefit his homeland.
Vayssier will make his local stop at Zylstra Harley Davidson on Randall Road in St. Charles, where other riders can join him on an hourlong ride that starts at 10 a.m. The clubs will raise money when supporters "buy miles" for Vayssier at $10 each, or participate in the raffle and barbecue that follow the hour ride.
The St. Charles Noon Rotary Club president Alycia Brock said her club has supported a school in Ak' Tenamit, and this year provided funds and manpower to build a library in the school.
Because clubs in the northern Illinois district have also been involved in the Guatemala Wells of Hope Water Project, which provides water filters for wells, Brock said a special effort was made to bring more filters.
"We did not have enough money for the library and the water filters this year, so individual club members from throughout the entire district donated money for the filters," Brock said. "So we are taking water filters with us again this year for a nearby village called Puntarenas."
Brock called the charitable trips to Guatemala "unforgettable and life changing."
That next sale: Planners of this year's new format for the St. Peter barn sale - having the event take place on a series of weekends at the Campana building rather than one major event in the fall - are finding out that the results are kind of like the stock market.
One weekend could produce good results; the next one maybe not as good.
Most importantly, the budget for advertising the barn sale is limited, so the word has to be spread to make sure people know when the sales take place. So here's the word: The next sale is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Also, don't forget that donations are still being taken to keep the inventory "fresh" and those can be dropped off on Saturday mornings at the Campana warehouse, on the corner of Fabyan Parkway and Route 31.
Better lobster luck: Tri-City Family Services needs better luck this time around with the June 19 Great Lobster Fly-In fundraiser. Last year, the lobsters were delayed in arrival because of bad weather, compromising their freshness, and buyers had to get refunds. Many allowed the agency to keep their donation.
Orders must be made by June 14 at tricityfamilyservices.org.
With state funding erratic or nonexistent, the agency is counting more than ever on its popular fundraisers. So here's to hoping the lobsters arrive without a hitch.