Today we had the pleasure of hosting our speakers Terri Sheridan and Joan Golembiewski, who shared valuable insights on programs and contributions benefiting the Leyden and Schiller Park communities. We also heard from several prominent Village trustees about the evolution of Schiller Park—originally incorporated as Kolze in 1914 and renamed in 1926, now home to approximately 11,700 residents. Schiller Park continues to offer a variety of outdoor and community spaces, with a strong focus on family-friendly amenities and scenic nature trails.
The Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare Welcomes You
Last week, we welcomed John P. Ishu, Director of Travelers Aid Chicago (part of Heartland Human Care Services). As needs at the airport continue to evolve, Travelers Aid remains committed to providing compassionate support and critical assistance—especially for vulnerable populations—while connecting individuals to a broader network of resources beyond the airport.
On Thursday, March 12th, we held a special Feeding Children Worldwide food packing event at Leyden High School.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Together with the West Leyden High School students, we packed meals that will be sent to the Philippines to help feed street children.
It was a meaningful event and a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together to make a difference.
The Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare Foundation is proud to host the 9th Annual Jack Frawley Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the beautiful Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, Illinois. The event will begin with check-in and driving range access at 7:30 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start.
This annual tournament brings together community members, business leaders, and Rotary supporters for a great day of golf while raising funds for important local charitable causes. All proceeds from the event support scholarships and community programs benefiting organizations in the O’Hare area.
Participants can register as individual golfers or foursomes, and several sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses wishing to support the event and the Rotary Club’s charitable mission.
We invite golfers, sponsors, and community partners to join us for a day of fellowship, golf, and giving back.
At our last meeting, the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare had the pleasure of welcoming Garry Vaccaro, President of Warm Coats for Cool Kids, as our guest speaker.
Warm Coats for Cool Kids is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing new winter coats to children in need across the western suburbs of Chicago. Since 2021, they have helped keep many children warm during the winter months. ❤️
Thank you, Garry, for the inspiring presentation and for the wonderful work you and your team do for the community!
Today we were honored to have Aleta Williams, District Youth Exchange Chair, as our guest speaker. She spoke about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, supported by Rotary International, which provides incredible opportunities for students.
The Youth Exchange program has two primary goals: to promote international goodwill and understanding, and to give students the opportunity to study abroad for one year while experiencing a new culture and building lifelong connections.
Our guest speaker for the second week of February was Charles R. Newman, District 6450 Grants Chair, who spoke about Global and District Grants.
Our January 22, 2026 guest speaker was Julee Lockard, MS, OTR/L, owner of Just Right at Home, a Chicagoland occupational therapy and aging-in-place consulting practice. She helps individuals and families stay safe, independent, and confident at home.
Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare, our guest speaker, Jennifer Haws, CPA and Tax Principal at Oak Financial Inc., shared valuable insights on the impact of tax accounts and provided important updates on new IRS provisions for the 2025 tax year.
Our Rotary Club enjoyed a wonderful holiday dinner at The Great Escape Restaurant. Members brought thoughtful gifts and took part in a fun White Elephant exchange, and some even joined the Ugly Sweater Contest. Our group truly knows how to have a good time! Wishing a joyful Holiday season and a Happy New Year to our members, partners, and supporters.Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare, our guest speaker was Mr. Hamid Akbari from International Servant Leaders. Mr. Akbari is the co-founder and president of the International Servant Leaders Museum, located in Morton Grove, Illinois—the only museum in the world dedicated to celebrating servant leadership on a global scale. The museum serves as a place for reflection, education, and inspiration.
We were also honored to welcome a special guest, the Mayor of Rosemont, Mr. Bradley A. Stephens.
Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare, our guest speakers, Pastors Vlad Georgiev and StanTanev from NEW LIFE Church, shared an inspiring presentation about their charitable work in both the United States and Bulgaria.
On October 30th, 2025, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare and friends joined together to pack meals for the Feeding Children Worldwide – Food Pack: A Day of Service event.
In the third week of September, we welcomed Nicholas A. Walny, Economic Development Director for Franklin Park. He spoke about private development and infrastructure upgrades, highlighting efforts to attract businesses, support growth, and enhance community life.
In the last week of September, we were honored to welcome Mr. Tariq Karim, Consul General of Pakistan, and Mr. Chad Meyers, Village President/Mayor of Schiller Park, who were invited by our fellow Rotarian Anjam Aziz.
In the second week of September 2025, we had the honor of hosting Bonnie Sanchez-Carlson, District 6450 Governor for 2025–2026, who spoke about the development of our district and Rotary Foundation projects.
On the first Thursday of September 2025, our guest speaker was Joanne Bollinger, a member of the Lewiston-Auburn RC in Maine. As Board Co-Chair of WISE Zambia, an educational nonprofit, she travels the U.S. sharing its story of impact in rural Zambia—an inspiring and hopeful message.
Our guest speaker on the third Thursday of August was Mary Beth Beiersdorf of Salute, Inc., a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing financial, physical, and emotional support to injured military service members, veterans, and their families.
During the second week of August 2025, our President, Masuo Ishida, recognized Past President Sylvia Jewgieniew for her dedicated efforts in promoting the principles of Rotary International and strengthening our club. We also welcomed guest speaker Carla Escobar, Regional Membership Officer for Membership Development, who shared valuable insights on Rotary club models and membership growth.
During the third week of July 2025, our president Masuo Ishida welcomed guest speaker Frank Holthouse from Leyden High School. Mr. Holthouse spoke about the Young Hearts for Life organization and shared information about volunteer opportunities.
The new Rotary year began on July 1st. This week, during our meeting ceremony, we had the honor of welcoming special guests - Mayor/Village President Chad Meyers and the entire Board of Trustees of Schiller Park. President Sylvia Jewgieniew passed the leadership torch to our new President, Masuo Ishida. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mas and wish him great success on leading our club. Mas, you have the full support of all our members. Congratulations!
Today was our annual golf outing fundraiser at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington. Weather was perfect. Our silent auction and 45 different raffle gifts generated lots of participation and much needed revenue to support the many scholarships we award every year. Our committee did a great job in securing so many wonderful items. It was a su
ccessful event and everyone left happy.
ccessful event and everyone left happy.Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare, guest speaker Daniel Summins spoke about Blessing in a Backpack, a nonprofit serving the Chicago area for over 25 years. He has helped raise over $50 million to support children, adults and seniors. 
Dr. Robert Libka, the impact of books donated to the Nepali children. 
Bob did a presentation on stills, video clips of Nepali school children, orphans, and a life chat with a teacher in Nepal. An apparent catalyst for a Renaissance in their community building hope, elevating expectations and an immediate increase in school enrollment.
Thank you to Bob and Bonnie Libka!
Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare, we welcomed Devin Over, Therapy Awareness Manager at Inspire Medical, as our guest speaker. He shared insights on raising awareness about Inspire therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For those interested, more information can be found in the link in the comments.
Our Rotary Club Chartered January 8, 1973
9540 Irving Park Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
United States of America