New Dundee Rotary officers named

Alan Scimeca, a real estate developer, was elected as the 2008-2009 president of the Rotary Club of Dundee Township and officially took his office on July 1 at the Holiday Inn in Elgin. He succeeds Dr. Melisa Rothenberger, a chiropractor and owner of the Center for Chiropractic Medicine in West Dundee.

Sam Martinez, Chaplain for Good Shepherd Hospital, from the Wauconda Rotary Club, gave the oath of office to Scimeca and the incoming Rotary Club of Dundee Township board members. Martinez is an Assistant Rotary District 6440 Governor and was a special guest at the dinner.

Last year, Scimeca was recognized as Rookie of the Year as he became an active and key member of the club immediately upon his membership. Some of his first-year contributions included co-chairing the club's annual Halloween Party for Children with Special Needs and assisting with the club's Boys and Girls Christmas Party.

"As president," Scimeca said, "my goal is to continue to educate the community about Rotary and invite those interested to join in serving this great club."

Before the installation of the new president, Rothenberger honored fellow Rotary members by presenting them with awards recognizing their dedication and service to the club and community.

Sue Harney, Dundee Township Supervisor, was presented with the Rotarian of the Year Award for overseeing the club's Youth Exchange program. Harney was responsible the past year for coordinating host families and activities for the club's youth exchange student, Cristina Alejandre Marin Peroza from Venezuela. Peroza recently left for her home country and Harney anticipates the arrival soon of the club's new exchange student from Germany.

A "Service Above Self" Award was presented to Attorney Jim Bolz of West Dundee. He was recognized for his enthusiasm for Rotary as a new member and board member.

Rothenberger expressed appreciation to Tom Miller of Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee for his continuing service and enthusiasm as club secretary. She also thanked Rob Marshall of Universal Marketing in Elgin for his continuing role as club treasurer.

There are 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 31,000 clubs in more than 163 countries. The main objective of Rotary International is service, in the community and throughout the world. As volunteers, Rotarians build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service, and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations.

The Rotary Club of Dundee Township currently has 40 members who represent a cross-section of business and professional backgrounds. This year's board members are Tom Mullen as secretary, Rob Marshall as treasurer, Gary Gunderson, Carolyn Miller, Eric Fernandez, Jim Hendricks, Jim Bolz and Dr. Melisa Rothenberger, immediate past president.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Dundee Township, Alan Scimeca at (847) 420-6222.