The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
June 2, 2026 President Elect Nick Knowles called the Rotary Club’s 47th meeting to order by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. Todd Rodeffer delivered the invocation, and Ryan Van Dolah led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chris Adams reported attendance of 28 members who were in person and 1 via Zoom, representing 58% of the club’s membership.
With 3 guests in attendance, total participation reached 32 individuals. Guests in attendance included; Rotary Assistant Governor John Vigezzi, visting Rotarian John Maguire and our Rotary exchange student Thea Granheim from Norway.
During the 50/50 drawing, John McMillan held the winning ticket and had an opportunity to claim the prize by drawing the 9 of Hearts from the remaining 39 cards. However, he drew the Jack of Clubs, and there was no winner declared this week.
President Elect Nick had announcements: The YFC Golf Tournament is this Friday, our meeting program next week 6/9/26 is John Curtis from The Giving Gardens, 6/16/26 the program speaker is Stephen Gray from WIU, and on 6/30/26 we are scheduling a 5th Tuesday Social, place and time to be announced.
Nick then introduced the guest speaker, Dennis Danowski, Director of the Macomb Public Library. In addition to his leadership at the library, Dennis has long served as an official at Little League games in Veterans Park and is an active supporter of numerous community organizations.
Dennis began by explaining that the Macomb Public Library operates under the oversight of the Illinois Secretary of State, who also serves as the State Librarian. He noted that the library was established in 1881, with its first location on the south side of the town square, above what is now a bookstore. The first librarian, Mihail Phelps, earned a salary of $1 per day. After several relocations, the city council ultimately selected the library’s current site.
Construction of the present building was made possible through a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie.
Over the years, the library has undergone several additions and renovations, allowing it to better serve the community and welcome patrons from all walks of life.
Dennis also presented several collectible books, magazines, and yearbooks preserved at the library, highlighting the history each item represents.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
