Club Information
The Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare Welcomes You
Chicago-O'Hare

Our Rotary Club Chartered January 8, 1973

We meet In Person & Online
Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
The Great Escape
In person and Zoom
9540 Irving Park Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
United States of America
Phone:
(773) 307-9687
www.greatescaperestaurant.com/
Home Page Stories
This afternoon we hosted along with The Great Escape, a Business After Hours Rosemont Chamber Event on the patio of the Great Escape.  The buffet spread was delicious.  Our Rotary District governor, Rachel Ossyra, gave a short informative presentation to the Rosemont Chamber members about Rotary's start, our mission and all the good we do in the community and the world.  It was a great weather day and a successful event.
Twice a year, our Rotary Club members sponsor a food pack at Leyden Township, a space provided by our member Melissa Bukovatz.  Eldon Tracy heads Feeding Children Worldwide.  He brings all the ingredients for our members to pack.  We packed a total of 360 packages which provides 2160 meals.  4 boxes were donated to the Leyden Township Food Pantry and the others were shipped to the Philippines.
Charley Cranmer & Diane Jannetto were our speakers today.   Our President Sylvia Jewgieniew thanks them (photo)
Save Abandoned Babies and Illinois Baby Safe Haven LawThe Save Abandoned Babies Foundation helps spread awareness of the Safe Haven law – allowing a parent to safely relinquish their newborn to a person at a Police Station (including Campus Police), Fire Station, Hospital or Emergency Medical Facility with no questions asked. Tell a friend. Talk about it. You might save a life.    saveabandonedbabies.org
Today, our guest speaker was Cory Goodrich—an actress, artist, author, and musician.  She presented her book Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA.  Great story - can't wait to read the book.
We had an entertaining speaker today. Chris Wineland is a national comedian, author, and speaker. With credits including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Huckabee, and Dry Bar Comedy, Wineland has made a niche for himself in the clean comedy industry. In addition to a national television reach, Chris Wineland also has millions of views across social media platforms and has brought laughs to millions across the globe for over 16 years.  Chris believes his endurance, hard work, and faith have led to a stable career in the entertainment industry. 
Our Rotary members were at the Schiller Park Car Show manning our Rotary booth. We sold popcorn for $1 a bag and all proceeds will go to Rotary's End Polio Campaign.
Our Rotary District Governor, Rachel Ossyra (red jacket), visited our club today.  She gave us an overview of Rotary projects in our District 6450.  We have 1400 Rotary members in our 63 clubs.  She reminded us on how great Rotary is internationally and locally.  It was a great visit.
 Our President, Sylvia  Jewgieniew, thanked our speaker Dr Soia Oyola.  In 2009, Be Alright was founded by Dr. Sonia Oyola with the purpose of creating a database of resources for survivors and also help convert Chicago-area domestic violence shelters into havens of healing. To accomplish this, she gathered members of the community, family members, and friends to create a network of volunteers and a board that represents that care values and upholds the mission of this organization. 
 
Zachary Dmyterko gave an insightful presentation on REFUGEE ONE, based in West Rogers Park in Chicago. RefugeeOne serves refugees and asylum seekers from all over the globe – Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, D.R. Congo, Burma, Guatemala, Sudan, and elsewhere.
Every year we look forward to welcoming Erin Burns, Executive Director of My Joyful Heart who gives us an update on their disadvantaged kids, donations received, and hurdles they have to overcome.  Our President, Sylvia Jewgieniew presented Erin with a check for kids we sponsor in this program.  https://myjoyfulheart.org/
Our president, Dave Woodcock, welcomed our new member Hope Little with a Rotary presentation.  Our speaker today was Aleta William, president of Rotary One.  She discussed how the Rotary Means Business fellowship works with our neighboring Rotary Clubs.
 
Our speaker was Svetoslav Stankov,  Chicago Consul General of Bulgaria.  Bulgaria carries the heritage of many ancient civilizations - prehistoric communities. In 865 Bulgaria became the first country to accept Christianity. This country has many beautiful monasteries
Today, our Rotary members packed 2160 meals for the Food Pantry at Leyden Township, Franklin Park.  Thanks to member Melissa Bukovatz, we were able to use her tables to pack the food at the Township.  Our club does food packing for Feeding Children Worldwide twice a year.  Usually we ship out these meals but this time, we gave to our local food pantry.  
Congratulations to our treasurer, Glenn Spachman, who was awarded Rotarian of the Year by our President Dave Woodcock.  Glenn has done a remarkable job in spite of having long term covid.  That you Glenn.  You are a trouper.
 
Our Rotary Club Members participated in Food Packing to benefit the hungry people in the Philippines.  Supplying the ingredients was Eldon Tracy of Feeding Children Worldwide.  2368 meals were packed in several cartons ready to ship to th Philippines.
Every year, Lindsy Wadas gives us an update on what the USO at O'Hare provides servicemen and women.  There are two USO facilities at O'Hare, one in Terminal 3 in the Rotunda and one in Terminal 2 in the Mezzanine Level.  They serve active duty, guard and reserve and their independents.  Our club happily donated a check for $2000.
Gary Durante's business card reads MARRY & BURY BY GARY.  Gary owns DuranteFuneralGroup.com  His presentation was very informative about the funeral industry and yes, he can officiate weddings.
 
Our Rotary Club was represented at the annual Schiller Park Car Show.  Every year we sell popcorn for $1 and all proceeds go to our Rotary fund to eradicate polio worldwide.  Although the U.S. has no cases, there have been 7 cases this year, the last one being in Afghanistan.  For every $1 we collect, the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation matches with $2.00.
Every year, our club looks forward to hearing more about our sponsored charity, My Joyful Heart in Mokena, IL.  Our president Dave Woodcock presented them with our check which sponsors two kids in the program.  Sponsorships include giving these disadvantaged kids 5 presents a year.  We gave them a truckload of back to school supplies, cash and other checks donated by Rotary members and their friends.
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Speakers
Brett Sherpan
Nov 14, 2024
Investment Update
Lindsy Wadas
Nov 21, 2024
USO-O'Hare
Jennifer Hamilton
Dec 05, 2024
Leyden Family Services
Chris Olson
Dec 12, 2024
Update on Shelter Box
Rotary Club Holiday Party
Dec 20, 2024
Bring spouse/partner/friend
John Ishu
Dec 26, 2024
Travelers Aid Update at O'Hare
 
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