Rotary Radar - 20260222

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Community Health and Environmental Education: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Awareness & Air Quality Monitoring Initiative** **Context:** Recent updates show ongoing community concern about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from the Vantage facility, though emissions remain below permitted levels. Many residents remain anxious about health risks associated with EtO, an industrial chemical linked to cancer risk. Although leaks are being addressed promptly, the issue continues to elicit public interest in air quality and community health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, school communities, and those near affected industrial zones in Gurnee and Waukegan. **Potential Partners:** - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) - Lake County Health Department - Local school districts (Gurnee Grade District 56, Woodland District 50, WTHS District 121) - Community organizations (e.g., Warren Township, Gurnee Park District) - Environmental advocacy groups or university partners (e.g., College of Lake County Science Departments) **Next Steps:** - **Host a public Rotary/Community forum** with health experts and IEPA representatives to answer questions and share updates on air monitoring and public health. - **Develop an educational campaign** in partnership with schools, providing materials and hosting age-appropriate workshops for students and families about the importance of air quality and actionable steps for home/school safety. - **Pursue a Rotary grant or partnership** to sponsor community air sensor kits or install real-time air quality monitors at local schools and parks. - **Coordinate with local media** and village officials for outreach and transparency. - **Long-term:** Initiate a community health survey in collaboration with Lake County Health Department to monitor possible health effects and needs. --- **2. Rotary Environmental Service Project: Village Clean-Up & Household Hazardous Waste Collection** **Context:** The Village of Gurnee and Lake County have robust waste and recycling programs, but ongoing education and convenient collection remain essential, especially regarding hazardous waste (like household chemicals, electronics, and items potentially contributing to local pollution concerns). Community interest is rising as public attention to industrial emissions grows and residents seek more ways to protect local water and air. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Public Works and Environmental Sustainability Committee - Lake County Solid Waste Agency/Lake County Health Department - Local youth groups and service clubs (e.g., Scouts, schools' environmental clubs) - Gurnee Park District - Local businesses (for sponsorship, volunteer support, or eco-friendly giveaways) **Next Steps:** - **Organize a Rotary-led Village Clean-Up Day** in spring or early fall, focusing on parks, waterways, and public spaces, coupled with environmental education booths. - **Coordinate a “Hazardous Waste Drop-Off” event**, leveraging existing county programs but with expanded Rotary volunteer support and marketing to maximize resident participation. - **Work with local schools** to promote youth involvement—create learning stations or contests tied to recycling, pollution prevention, or sustainability themes. - **Apply for environmental grants** through Rotary International or environmental agencies to fund supplies, waste disposal costs, and community education efforts. - **Evaluate results** and gather feedback for annual or bi-annual repetition, further expanding the impact. --- Both projects will engage and reassure the community, directly address Rotary’s environment and community health areas of focus, and foster goodwill through a highly visible, collaborative approach with key local partners.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Here are two Rotary project opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, based on recent news and community needs, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus: --- **1. “Healthy Families, Healthy Futures” Community Health Initiative at Gurnee’s America 250 Celebration** *Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Maternal and Child Health; Community Health* **Context:** Gurnee's America 250 Celebration in July 2026 presents a major opportunity to reach thousands of residents and families. With significant local partners (Gurnee Park District, School District 56, Village of Gurnee, Warren-Newport Public Library, Warren Township, and Woodland District 50), this festive setting provides a collaborative platform to address public health, wellness, and preventative care – especially as access to care and outreach remain critical in Lake County. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Park District - Local school districts (Dist 56, Dist 50, Dist 121) - Warren Township Youth & Family Services - Lake County Health Department - Local clinics/hospitals (NorthShore, Advocate Aurora, Vista Health) - Warren-Newport Public Library - Local scouting and youth groups **Next Steps:** 1. Propose that the Rotary Club sponsor booths at the America 250 event dedicated to “Healthy Families” – with free health screenings, dental checks, child safety seat inspections, and mental health resources. 2. Invite local health agencies, hospitals, and public health nurses to participate. 3. Offer interactive health education (nutrition, exercise, stress management) and distribute free hygiene kits or children’s health materials. 4. Engage youth as event volunteers for service hours; cross-promote with local schools and park district youth programs. 5. Consider a parallel fundraising campaign (“Stars and Stripes for Healthy Kids”) running spring-summer 2026, inviting donations from local businesses and residents to fund year-round child and family health initiatives. --- **2. “Rotary Green Champions” Youth & Environmental Program** *Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting the Environment; Basic Education and Literacy; Youth Service* **Context:** Gurnee and Lake County’s many environmental programs (see: Adopt-a-Trail, Adopt-a-Roadway, electronics recycling, food scrap collection) show robust local interest in sustainability. The school districts (Dist 56, Dist 50, WTHS 121), Gurnee Park District, Warren-Newport Library, and environmental committees are willing partners. A joint youth-led initiative before/during America 250 could amplify education, public awareness, and action on community sustainability issues. **Potential Partners:** - Gurnee Environmental Sustainability Committee - Gurnee Park District - Local school “green teams” and environmental clubs - Warren-Newport Public Library - Gurnee Grade 56, Woodland 50, and WTHS 121 - Local waste/recycling companies (Groot, SWALCO) - Lake County Forest Preserves - Community volunteers **Next Steps:** 1. Launch a “Rotary Green Champions” youth competition or service project, where teams from local schools and clubs design and implement environmental projects starting Earth Day 2026, culminating with recognition at the America 250 event (July 2026). 2. Tie efforts to local topics: recycling, food waste reduction, pollinator garden planting, or neighborhood cleanups. 3. Host hands-on environmental education booths at the July celebration—demonstrating recycling, composting, native plant care, and energy efficiency. 4. Offer Rotary-funded microgrants for student-driven sustainability projects, judged by representatives from Rotary and community partners. 5. Showcase youth and community impact during America 250, and use the celebration as a fundraising platform for continued environmental projects in Gurnee and Lake County. --- Both initiatives create Rotary visibility, leverage established community partnerships, engage youth and families, and directly advance Rotary’s focus areas.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Based on available recent coverage and community trends in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project ideas aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus. --- **1. Mental Health and Peace-Building Community Forums** *Rotary Areas of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention* **Context:** Guest columnist Keith Peterson highlighted the importance of “seeking common ground” amidst divisive political rhetoric and broad social concerns. The area, like many communities, has experienced heightened tension, stress, and the mental health impacts of national discourse and local challenges. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health Services - Glenview Community Church (engaged in peace-focused events, like the “Concert for Peace”) - Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Youth organizations (e.g., local YMCA, 4-H) **Next Steps:** - Reach out to Glenview Community Church and Lake County Health Department to co-host community conversations and mental health workshops, ideally integrating youth voices. - Partner with school district counselors to identify student leaders who can help guide topics and ensure relevance. - Seek sponsorships or in-kind support from local businesses for refreshments and resource materials. - Host a mini-fundraiser (silent auction or donation drive at a major event) to support ongoing mental health programs in schools or the community. --- **2. Community Restaurant Week Food Security Drive** *Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Economic Development, Maternal and Child Health* **Context:** A recent letter to the editor referenced “Restaurant Week” in Glen Ellyn, reflecting ongoing interest in dining/lifestyle events across the suburbs, including Lake County. Simultaneously, local food insecurity remains an issue—especially post-pandemic—impacting families in Waukegan and Gurnee. **Potential Partners:** - Local chambers of commerce (Gurnee, Waukegan) and restaurant associations - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Cool Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Local restaurants participating in Restaurant Week events **Next Steps:** - Propose a partnership with the local chamber to expand Restaurant Week to include a “Dine to Donate” or food drive element for area food banks. - Arrange for participating restaurants to collect non-perishable food donations or commit a percentage of proceeds for the week to support hunger-relief organizations. - Organize Rotary volunteers to staff collection stations and promote the initiative on social media. - Coordinate a post-event recognition for participating businesses, potentially increasing their community engagement and customer base. --- These initiatives address current priorities such as mental health and food insecurity while leveraging local interest in community events and partnerships.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. “Youth Mental Health and Safe Dialogue Initiative”** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Disease Prevention and Treatment, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies (through youth support) **Context:** Recent headlines highlight a viral altercation at Lake Zurich High School during a student-led walkout protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—a sign of significant tensions among the youth on issues of identity, inclusion, and social stress. This mirrors growing mental health concerns among high school students in the region. With such incidents gaining visibility, school administrations are under pressure to provide safe, supportive spaces and mental health resources, but communities often lack sufficient programming. **Potential Partners:** - Lake Zurich High School administrators and student government - Lake County Behavioral Health Department - Youth mental health nonprofits like NAMI Lake County - Police and school resource officers (for restorative dialogue facilitation) - Local youth clubs (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County) - Waukegan and Gurnee Rotary Clubs **Next Steps:** - **Contact school counselors and administrators** at Lake Zurich High and neighboring schools to identify needs and willingness for peer support/mental wellness programming. - **Convene a planning meeting** with potential partners above to scope needs, share resources, and determine best approaches (restorative circles, student-led townhalls, parent forums, etc.). - **Apply for Rotary District and local grants** to provide seed funding for professional facilitators, wellness resource kits, and student leader stipends. - **Host a public launch event** that brings stakeholders together, raises awareness, and encourages community buy-in. - **Measure progress** through surveys and follow-up discussions, expanding to other area high schools as appropriate. --- **2. “Lake County Green Schools Clean-Up and Recycling Challenge”** **Rotary Area of Focus:** Supporting the Environment, Community Economic Development **Context:** Lake County includes both urban centers like Waukegan and residential communities like Gurnee, with environmental issues often highlighted in local news—including litter, recycling gaps, and a desire to involve youth and families in sustainability. With spring approaching and community events restarting, now is a strategic time to boost awareness and hands-on engagement. **Potential Partners:** - Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) - Local school districts in Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Zurich - Environmental clubs at area middle and high schools - Municipal public works departments - Community businesses (Home Depot, Walmart for supplies/sponsorships) - Area Rotary Clubs **Next Steps:** - **Reach out to SWALCO and school eco-clubs** to coordinate a “Green Schools Clean-Up” weekend, aligning with Earth Day or a community festival. - **Create a friendly competition** among schools or neighborhoods to collect the most litter and recyclable materials, with Rotary-sponsored prizes (e.g., trees for campus, scholarships, pizza parties). - **Secure sponsorships and in-kind donations** from local businesses for cleanup supplies, refreshments, and event promotion. - **Engage Rotary volunteers** to assist logistics, mentor students, and provide educational talks on recycling and environmental stewardship. - **Document and publicize results** via local media, Rotary websites, and school newsletters to encourage ongoing community involvement and visibility for Rotary’s work.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Rotary Literacy & Academic Excellence Program (aligned with: Basic Education and Literacy, Youth Development)** **Context:** The recent achievement of 12-year-old Visharad Sathish in the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee—advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee—spotlights the importance of literacy, academic enrichment, and support for high-achieving youth in Lake County. With participation from over 70 schools and hundreds of students, there is clear community interest in scholastic competition and literacy-based programs. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry) - Local schools: Lake Forest Country Day School, John Lewis Middle School (Ashley Whitaker, instructional specialist), Matthews Middle School - Local library systems - Local businesses (for sponsorships, venues, or prize donations) **Next Steps:** - Convene a meeting with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to identify areas of need—whether it’s funding for student travel (like Visharad’s trip to D.C.), sponsorship for next year’s spelling bees, or literacy enrichment programs. - Develop a Rotary-sponsored “Words in Action” initiative: host local spelling or vocabulary events, establish after-school literacy clubs, or offer scholarships for national-level contestants and their coaches. - Collaborate with teachers and school administrators to supply resources (dictionaries, books, study materials) to under-served schools. - Organize a recognition or send-off event for local student achievers headed to state or national competitions, building community support around education. --- **2. Youth Mentorship & Academic Coaching Workshops (aligned with: Youth Development, Education, Community Service)** **Context:** The story highlights dedicated student participants (Visharad Sathish, Ian Leong, Rithvik Rahul and others) who benefit from family and school coaching, but not all local youth have equal access to such mentorship. By establishing structured academic coaching or mentorship, Rotary can help level the playing field and further empower motivated, high-potential students across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County. **Potential Partners:** - Previous spelling bee winners and older students (like Visharad’s brother, Sahasrad Sathish) as peer mentors - Teachers and administrators from participating schools - Local colleges or university education departments (for additional volunteers or resources) - Community centers (venues for workshops and tutoring) **Next Steps:** - Reach out to recent competitors, their families, and school administrators to recruit a team of mentors, including past spelling bee participants as “coaches.” - Organize Rotary-led workshops before next year’s spelling bee season, providing training in study skills, public speaking, and academic confidence. - Launch a “Rotary Youth Academic Ambassadors” program pairing younger participants with older student mentors for year-round enrichment. - Explore possibilities for virtual mentorship so students from all backgrounds (including those in less-resourced schools) can receive coaching. - Publicize mentorship outcomes and success stories to encourage more widespread participation and community support. These projects not only support academic excellence and literacy but also foster community spirit, personal development, and equitable access to opportunity—key values for Rotary and its partners.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. Addressing Food Insecurity through Food Pantry Support and Mobile Food Distribution** **Context:** Local food pantries in the Grayslake and Lake County area have reported a sharp spike in visits over the past year, highlighting growing food insecurity for families and individuals. With the rising cost of living and continued economic uncertainties, this is a pressing community need that aligns with Rotary’s focus on community health and fighting disease. **Potential Partners:** - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Cool Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee) - Local schools, including Grayslake Central and North - Corporate sponsors such as IKEA (opening soon in Gurnee Mills) **Next Steps:** - Organize a collaborative meeting with local food pantries and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess specific needs (volunteers, funding, food drives, or mobile food pantry events). - Plan and promote a Rotary-sponsored fundraising campaign (e.g., “Share the Bounty” dinner or benefit auction) to collect both non-perishable goods and monetary support. - Establish a recurring volunteer schedule for Rotary members to assist at pantry distribution events, leveraging connections with local schools’ service clubs (like Interact) for additional help. - Launch a “Mobile Fresh Market” pilot in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank to serve neighborhoods with transportation barriers. --- **2. Youth Enrichment and Mental Wellness Initiative in Collaboration with Local Schools and Camps** **Context:** Heightened youth stress, lost social connections, and increased reports of behavioral health issues in Lake County have created urgent needs for youth support and positive experiences outside the classroom. Inspirational local programs, like the Pine Island non-profit summer camp, demonstrate the powerful impact of outdoor, character-building engagement but are currently located out of state. There’s a gap locally for affordable, accessible youth enrichment, leadership, and mental wellness programming especially as school counselors and local nonprofits note rising needs post-pandemic. **Potential Partners:** - School districts in Gurnee (District 56) and Waukegan (District 60) - Grayslake Park District and youth-oriented nonprofits (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County) - Pine Island Camp (as a consulting model or to sponsor local participants) - Grayslake Woman’s Non-Profit (noted for bringing hope to sick patients, could co-lead creative programs) **Next Steps:** - Partner with local schools and park districts to deliver a summer “Rotary Youth Leadership and Wellness Day Camp,” incorporating sports, arts, basic mental health workshops, and volunteering/service projects. - Seek grant funding (possibly via Rotary International and local businesses such as IKEA) to provide scholarships so all interested youth can attend at no cost. - Invite leaders from Pine Island Camp as guest speakers or consultants to help design programming that emphasizes unplugged, outdoor, community-building experiences for Lake County youth. - Recruit Rotarians and local high school students to serve as mentors and workshop facilitators, supporting skill-building in leadership, kindness, and resiliency. These recommended service projects directly support Rotary’s areas of focus (community health and wellness, education, and youth development) while addressing timely, high-priority needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake, and broader Lake County.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

Certainly! Based on recent regional events and current community priorities in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus: --- **1. Community Health and Food Security: Rotary Partnership with “Find Food. Share Support.”** **Context:** Food insecurity remains a significant challenge across Lake County, with many residents relying on food pantries and local support programs. The “Find Food. Share Support.” event, taking place on March 25 at 100 US-45, Grayslake (University-Illinois Extension), highlights active efforts in the region to address hunger and connect families with vital resources. **Potential Partners:** - University of Illinois Extension (host and leader in local food programs) - Northern Illinois Food Bank - Local pantries and community centers - Other service clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Lions Club) **Next Steps:** a. Contact the University-Illinois Extension to offer Rotary volunteer support for the “Find Food. Share Support.” event—helping with promotion, logistics, and on-the-day operations such as distributing food or resources. b. Organize a follow-up community food drive or mobile pantry event, leveraging Rotary’s network for donation collection and volunteer mobilization. c. Develop an ongoing partnership to sponsor or co-host quarterly food security events. Rotary can also provide grant funding for nutritious food distribution and health education resources during these events. d. Connect with local schools and faith-based groups to expand the reach and impact. --- **2. Environment and Youth Education: Rotary STEAM Garden & Youth Programming** **Context:** Lake County communities, including Grayslake, are hosting events focused on gardening (“Gardening in Comfort”—Feb 24), school and community gardens (March 16, University-Illinois Extension), and youth involvement (4-H Public Speaking, March 7). There’s clear interest in combining environmental stewardship with youth education and engagement. **Potential Partners:** - Grayslake Greenery Garden Club - University of Illinois Extension/4-H Program - Local schools (e.g., Grayslake North High School) - Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District - Master Gardeners Program **Next Steps:** a. Collaborate with University-Illinois Extension and local garden clubs to sponsor, build, or enhance community and school gardens. Focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning opportunities—pollinator habitats, composting stations, and climate education. b. Recruit Rotary members as mentors for youth clubs (4-H, garden clubs) and provide funding for garden supplies or educational workshops. c. Develop an annual “Lake County Green Fair” to showcase youth projects, host environmental education sessions, and run a fundraising plant sale, inviting regional families. d. Seek grant funding from Rotary International and encourage local businesses (nurseries, landscape companies) to sponsor supplies or support youth education awards. --- These opportunities respond directly to current community needs, foster enduring partnerships, and further Rotary’s impact in health, education, environment, and youth development.

🤖 AI Suggestion:

**1. “Hydration for All” – Promoting Sustainable Water Access and Environmental Education in Parks** **Context:** The City of Lake Forest is replacing water fountains in six local parks with bottle-filling stations, supporting sustainability by reducing single-use plastics. While this project improves park amenities, there’s an opportunity for further community engagement on the benefits of reusable bottles, hydration, and conservation. **Potential Partners:** - City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department - Local schools (elementary, middle, or high school environmental clubs) - Environmental groups such as Lake County Forest Preserves or Go Green Lake County **Next Steps:** - Contact Lake Forest Parks & Recreation to coordinate a joint event—such as a “Park Hydration Day”—to celebrate the new bottle-fill stations. - Organize educational workshops at the parks, teaching families about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and the benefits of hydration. - Distribute free or subsidized reusable water bottles branded with Rotary and sustainability tips. - Invite local students to design informational signage for the parks. - Seek sponsorships or in-kind donations for reusable bottles and outreach materials. **Rotary Areas of Focus:** Environmental sustainability, Community health, Education --- **2. “Supporting the Youngest Learners” – Enhancing Early Childhood Education Resources** **Context:** The Episcopal Preschool in Lake Forest is a well-regarded 501(c)(3) early learning provider with a strong focus on nurturing development, curiosity, and compassion. As many preschools face ongoing resource needs, Rotary can support early childhood education—a foundation for youth development—by providing enrichment resources, supporting families, or improving classroom environments. **Potential Partners:** - The Episcopal Preschool (Director: Melanie Upfold, Board of Directors) - Local service organizations such as United Way of Lake County or ChildServ - Educational supply companies for in-kind donations **Next Steps:** - Reach out to Melanie Upfold at The Episcopal Preschool to assess priority needs (e.g., enrichment materials, scholarships, classroom technology, mental health and social-emotional programs). - Organize a fundraising drive or supply collection (e.g., educational books, art supplies, outdoor play equipment) in partnership with local businesses and Rotary members. - Explore opportunities to sponsor family engagement events—literacy nights, parent education seminars, or community playdates—hosted at the preschool. - Recruit volunteers for storytelling, mentoring, or career day visits to inspire young learners. **Rotary Areas of Focus:** Education, Supporting mothers and children, Community development

🤖 AI Suggestion:

### 1. Rotary Teddy Bear Drive Expansion: Supporting Survivors in Crisis **Rotary Area of Focus:** Community Health, Supporting Women and Children **Context:** The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) in Lake County has launched its annual Teddy Bear Drive, aiming to collect 1,000 new teddy bears during February. These bears bring comfort to children and adults in crisis, distributed primarily to survivors in emergency rooms across Lake County. There is a pressing need to expand the reach of this project given ongoing trauma cases in area hospitals, including Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities. **Potential Partners:** - ZCenter (lead organizer) - Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville) - Lake County hospitals and emergency departments - Local schools, scout troops, and houses of worship - Relevant Rotary Clubs (Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville) **Next Steps:** - Contact ZCenter (D. Ortiz, Community Contributor) to coordinate partnership and determine unmet needs. - Engage hospital social work and ER teams to discuss further teddy bear distribution or additional comfort items. - Organize a community-wide Rotary teddy bear drive, including online and in-person donation sites in Gurnee and Waukegan. - Partner with schools and youth groups to involve students in collecting and packing the bears. - Deliver teddy bears with Rotary branding to highlight community engagement and increase awareness of Rotary’s wider role in trauma intervention. --- ### 2. Affordable Housing Advocacy and Resource Fair **Rotary Area of Focus:** Community Development, Economic Development **Context:** Lake County leadership, led by County Board Chair Sandy Hart, recently unveiled a new strategic plan to address the growing affordable housing crisis. As housing insecurity increases for families and vulnerable individuals in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities, Rotary can play a catalytic role in both advocacy and direct support. **Potential Partners:** - Lake County Board and affordable housing task force - Local housing nonprofits (e.g., Habitat for Humanity Lake County, Community Partners for Affordable Housing) - Faith-based organizations offering transitional housing - Lake County United and relevant social service agencies - Local media (e.g., Patch, Daily Herald) for promotion - Relevant Rotary Clubs **Next Steps:** - Reach out to Lake County Board and affordable housing agencies to coordinate a joint public resource fair in a central location (e.g., Waukegan). - Organize an “Affordable Housing and Resource Fair” featuring service providers, legal aid, financial counseling, and information on rental or down-payment assistance. - Mobilize Rotarians as event volunteers and peer advocates. - Explore fundraising events (such as a walkathon or benefit dinner) to support emergency rental assistance or furnish transitional housing units. - Use Rotary’s network to amplify the conversation on affordable housing needs and to recruit business sponsors for ongoing work. --- These initiatives address urgent needs in Lake County while aligning with Rotary’s guiding principles and areas of focus, positioning local clubs as essential community partners.