During the last week of August, we welcomed Bryan McDonald of On Purpose Growth as our guest speaker. Bryan shared valuable insights from his 26-year sales career and his experience helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Thank you, Bryan, for an excellent presentation!
The Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare Welcomes You
July was filled with great meetings, inspiring speakers, and special guests.
We welcomed Barbara La Spesa, who shared her experience in marketing and advertising; Erin Burns from My Joyful Heart, who spoke about supporting children in need; and Brett H. Weiss of the Weiss Scholarship Foundation, who shared his work providing educational opportunities to underserved youth in Kenya.
We were also delighted to welcome student visitors from Italy and Alaska.
On August 6, Rich Tatara spoke about Rotary’s theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” and District 6450 Governor Mary Dankowski’s campaign to inspire Rotarians to make a lasting difference.
Thank you to all our speakers, guests, and Rotarians who made these weeks so special!
Today at the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare, we recognized two outstanding members for their dedication and achievements.
We sincerely thanked our Past President, Masuo Ishida, for his exceptional leadership and service during the 2025–2026 Rotary year. We were also honored to present the Paul Harris Fellow Award to Andrew Sharos, Chief Financial Officer at Leyden High School District 212. Andrew has worked with schools and organizations in more than 30 states, helping teachers and school leaders build strong cultures of success. He is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book All 4s and 5s: A Guide to Teaching and Leading AP Programs, which has sold over 10,000 copies.
We are proud to have both Masuo and Andrew as valued members of our Rotary family. Congratulations, and thank you for making a difference in our club and our community!
Congratulations to both of them, and thank you for your commitment to Service Above Self.
We sincerely thanked our Past President, Masuo Ishida, for his exceptional leadership and service during the 2025–2026 Rotary year. We were also honored to present the Paul Harris Fellow Award to Andrew Sharos, Chief Financial Officer at Leyden High School District 212. Andrew has worked with schools and organizations in more than 30 states, helping teachers and school leaders build strong cultures of success. He is also the author of the Amazon best-selling book All 4s and 5s: A Guide to Teaching and Leading AP Programs, which has sold over 10,000 copies.
We are proud to have both Masuo and Andrew as valued members of our Rotary family. Congratulations, and thank you for making a difference in our club and our community!
Congratulations to both of them, and thank you for your commitment to Service Above Self.
Today, we proudly installed Nasko Ivanov as the 2026–2027 President of the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare. The installation ceremony was led by Rotary International Director Pat Merryweather-Arges, making the occasion even more special. We also expressed our sincere appreciation to Mas Ishida for his outstanding leadership over the past year. Thank you, Mas, for your dedication and the fabulous job you have done for our club. We are also excited to welcome our two newest members, Joan Golembiewski and Christopher Sieczka, to our Rotary family. We look forward to serving our community together and continuing to live by Rotary's motto: Service Above Self. Congratulations to everyone, and here's to a fantastic year of fellowship, service, and making a positive impact!
On Thursday, June 11, the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare held its Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser at Makray Memorial Golf Club. Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors, golfers, guests, and volunteers, we raised approximately $25,000 to support our local and international service projects. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a great success. Together, we continue to live Rotary's motto: Service Above Self.
On May 21, 2006, our guest speaker was Peter Volpe, President of the Grand Chamber by O'Hare. The Grand Chamber by O’Hare serves the community by promoting, supporting, encouraging, and developing local businesses. The Chamber is committed to building cooperation and goodwill among businesses, civic organizations, and residents throughout our established communities.
This week, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare, led by President Masuo Ishida, participated in a food packing event at East Leyden High School.
Our club is saddened by the loss of Glenn Spachman and send our sincere condolences to the Spachman family. Glenn joined our club in October of 1998, was president in 2006-2007, and then served as our treasurer for many many years. He will be missed by many. countrysidefuneralhomes.comGlenn Frank Spachman Obituary April 17, 2026 - Countryside Funeral Homes & Crematory
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming three distinguished leaders in public safety:
- Anthony Hatcher, Fire Chief – Village of Schiller Park
- Mark DiCosola, Police Chief – Village of Schiller Park
- Brian Goss, Police Chief – Village of Norridge
They shared valuable insights and updates on strategic leadership and the delivery of critical emergency services in our communities.
Thank you to our speakers for an informative and engaging discussion!
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.
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.
Our Rotary Club Chartered January 8, 1973
9540 Irving Park Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
United States of America