Stories

Guest Speaker Highlights: Mr. Hamid Akbari and Mayor Bradley A. Stephens

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.

Charitable Work Presentation by Pastors Vlad Georgiev and Stan Tanev at Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare

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.

Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare – Day of Service with Feeding Children Worldwide

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.

Honored Guests: Tariq Karim and Chad Meyers

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.

Guest Speaker: Nicholas A. Walny

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.

Special Guest Visit: District Governor Bonnie Sanchez-Carlson

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.

Joanne Bollinger Shares WISE Zambia’s Impact

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.

August Guest Speaker: Mary Beth Beiersdorf of Salute, Inc.

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.

Honoring Past President Sylvia Jewgieniew and Welcoming Guest Speaker Carla Escobar

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.

Guest Speaker Frank Holthouse Highlights Volunteer Opportunities with Young Hearts for Life

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.

New Rotary Year Begins: Welcoming President Masuo Ishida and Honored Guests

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!

President Sylvia Jewgieniew thanks speaker Daniel Summins

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.

Our Golf Outing Fundraiser

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.

Bob and Boonie Libka. speakers

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!

Devin Over Speaker, Inspire Medical

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.

Speakers from Friedman Place

Alexander Brown gave our members a presentation on

Friedman Place for Adults who are blind

Friedman Place is a nonprofit Supportive Living Community for adults who are blind. They provide housing and supportive services that emphasize self-determination, independence, and interaction within the community.
Photo is Alexander on the left, President Sylvia in the middle, and his colleague Gwyn Emigh on the right.

Traveler's Aid Presentation

John Ishu gave an in-depth presentation of how Traveler's Aid at O'Hare assists travelers in need. They need volunteers always. Our president, Sylvia (in photo) with John plans to volunteer.

Rotary Holiday Party

Our Rotary Club had a wonderful Holiday dinner at The Great Escape Restaurant. Members brought nice gifts and we exchanged white elephant gifts. Some members were in the Ugly Sweater Contest. Our group knows how to have fun.

Rotary/Rosemont Chamber Event

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.

Our bi-annual food pack at Leyden Township

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.

Save Abandoned Babies Foundation

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

Our speaker today was Cory Goodrich

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.

Comedian Chris Wineland was our speaker today

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.

Rotary Members promoting Rotary

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.

Welcome District Governor Rachel Ossyra

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.

Thank you speaker Dr. Sonia Oyola

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.

Refugee One - Chicago based

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.

Thank you Erin Burns updating us on MJH

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/

Great Rotary Meeting today

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.

President Dave Woodcock thanks our speaker

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

Rotary Members at Work

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.

President Dave Woodcock thanks speaker Megan Mondoka

Our speaker today, Megan Mondoka, gave an insightful presentation about Naomi's Village in Kenya. Check out their website for more information. www.naomisvillage.org

President Dave Woodcock thanks our speaker Soja Orłowski

Our speaker, Soja Orlowski, gave us a very interesting insight into the worldwide fistula fund organization. Their mission is to protect and restore the health and dignity of the world’s most vulnerable women by preventing and treating devastating childbirth injuries. More information can be found on their website. https://worldwidefistulafund.org/about

Rotarian of the Year

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.

Thanking our speaker Lindsy Wadas

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.

Rotary Members at Work

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.

President Dave Woodcock thanks speak Gary Durante

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.

Rotary Members in the Community

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.

President Dave Woodcock thanks speaker Richard Lam

Downers Grove Rotarian Richard Lam gave our members his presentation on Persistence, Faith & Guidance. He was born in China and moved to the U.S. when he was 8.

Presenters Erin and Diane from My Joyful Heart

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.

Our speaker Margaret Daniel with President Dave Woodcock

Our speaker Margaret Daniel gave a terrific presentation on "Tax Diversification: A Smart Strategy for Achieving Your Retirement Goals!"

President Rob Hann thanking speaker Ed Sphire

Or speaker Ed Sphire gave a dynamic presentation on Increasing Political Polarization. Thank you Ed.

President Rob Hann thanking speaker Bill Green

Bill Green was a chemist at the Sanford Ink company and was instrumental in creating the famous Sharpie. Check out his book called THE SANFORD TALES.

President Rob Hann thanks our speaker

Our speaker, Dr. Jaime Ricardo Escobar. born in Totora, Cochabamba, Bolivia. He's had a very interesting life and his latest book is

"DOES THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL EXIST: A STORY OF REAL PEOPLE." His presentation was well received.

President Rob Hann thanked our speaker Agha Maisam

Agha Miasma gave our members a presentation on 7 Simple Practices for Longlasting Happiness. He gave us several tips on how to relax our minds and be in the present. Thank you Agha.

Speakers from HOPE FOR THE DAY

Our guest speakers today were Bev Schwartz and Approve Katikaneni from HOPE FOR THE DAY which is a non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education. Visit HFTD.ORG for more information. Also in the photo is Dave Woodcock, our incoming president.

Great Escape staff are appreciated

Every Thursday, we meet for lunch at The Great Escape Restaurant in Schiller Park. Today, we officially thanked the staff, Anthony, Andre' and Sheila, for taking good care of us and our needs. The members who attended today were hoping the expected bad weather to start later, but lo and behold, while we were eating lunch, the snow started.

Speaker Brett Weiss & our President Rob Hann

Brett Weiss runs the Weiss Foundation. The Weiss Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to very poor Kenyan Children. Since 2012 they have awarded 54 full four year high school scholarships in a village where few had ever gone to high school. Five of their students are now in University and they just made their first placement of a student in a vocational school with many more to come. He has been to Kenya six times. They are providing real HOPE in a community that really had no hope before their foundation.

Our September 22nd Meeting

With club president Rob Hann in the middle,Christine Hutchinson(left) from Teen Innovators briefed club members about the mentoring program of “Teens for Teens” (by Teens). And Tracy Rogers, from the Franklin Park St. Gertrude’s church Girl Scout troop, informed members about the structure and activities of her local Troop.

Feeding the hungry in the Philippines.

Every year our Rotary members gather for a food packing organized by member Eldon Tracy who runs feeding children worldwide. Today we packed 2160 meals in 10 cartons to feed impoverished people in the Philippines. There are 4 ingredients that goes in each package. Chicken flavor, vegetables, soy and rice. Our Rotary Club donates $600 which covers the cost of 2160 meals.

Our annual Rotary Golf Outing at Makray

What a beautiful day for our Rotary Golf Outing in Makray Country Club. This is our annual fund-raiser which will provide scholarships for 7 kids plus our many other charitable projects. Thanks to member Mike Plichta for always doing a great job in spearheading this. Mike is in the photo with our President Rob Hann. Our Rotary member volunteers are shown here but many other members were still golfing. Thanks to the many restaurants, hotels and other venues who donated gift certificates for our raffle and silent auction.

Rotary District Governor Ade Onayemi

We are a Rotary Club in District 6450. Our District Governor Ade Onayemi visited our club today and gave us an update on Rotary accomplishments. Our president Rob Hann thanked him.

Chris McCarthy visited our club today

President Rob Hann thanked our speaker Chris McCarthy who found Earth Paint in 2013. EarthPaint is a 501c(3) nonprofit based in Wood Dale, Ill. EarthPaint relies on contributions and fees for recycling old paint to fund its operations and employment of adults with disabilities. A longtime paint professional, Chris saw lots of unwanted – but perfectly good – paint accumulate and go to waste. He wanted to find a way to keep the endless gallons of paint he encountered from entering the landfill, where it can harm the environment. At EarthPaint, they recycle your old latex paint into a high-quality, sustainable product that works for any job, inside or outside. https://www.earthpaint.org.

Catherine Inserra spoke about KIDS ABOVE ALL

Today our speaker Catherine Inserra told us all abut the good work KIDS ABOVE ALL does. In 1894, Kids Above All was founded on the principles of alleviating suffering, eradicating the causes of injustice and facilitating the development of full human potential.

For more info, go to www.KidsAboveAll.org

My Joyful Heart visits are Rotary Club

President Rob Hann and our Rotary Club Members welcomed Erin Burns and Diane Carroll from My Joyful Heart, a non-profit charity we have donated to since 2005. Every child enrolled in the My Joyful Heart program is disadvantaged in one way or another: they are from single-parent or grandparent-led households, some are in special education, and many are homeless. The children are school-aged, generally 4 & up; however, they also provide for many young adults. My Joyful Heart believes all children have the potential to succeed in life and if basic needs are met, children will perform better both academically and socially.

They assist children by providing basic necessities throughout the year. They receive a wide range of items, both fun and practical. Each child is individually shopped for from their inventory. This helps the child feel special because they receive items in their favorite color or receive something that was on their wish list.

Outgoing and Incoming Presidents

Thank you Fred Otto for your year of presidency of our Rotary Club. Fred (on left) is congratulating incoming president Rob Hann for our 2022-2023 Rotary year.

Speaker Eldon and President Fred

Our honorary member, Eldon Tracy, who is Executive Director of Feeding Children Worldwide gave a presentation on where his feeding packs are distributed. He also told us about his former life as a missionary and the various experiences he has had over the years.

President Fred Otto thanks our speaker

Mark W Smolenski, Sr. Reverse Mortgage Professional at Loanatik L.L.C. gave an in-depth presentation on reverse mortgages.

President Fred Otto thanks our speaker

Attorney Paul M Byck gave a very informative presentation about the impact of work injuries on injured workers.

President Fred Otto thanks our speakers

Michelle Balog and Dave King spoke today on Sleep in heavenly peace or SHP as it is often abbreviated. This is a 501 C3 nonprofit organization made up 100% of volunteers. Every penny raised goes directly towards the expenses needed to build more beds for children in need ages 3-17. They service victims of fire, flooding, domestic abuse relocation, financial struggles and many more. There is no experience needed to step in and help their core volunteers during a community Bed Build event. For more information, contact Michelle Balog at 815-744-7737 or mbalog@numarkcu.org.

Chicago Furniture Bank presented !

Andrew Witherspoon, co-founder of the Chicago Furniture Bank (https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org) presented at our club meeting on 07Jan22 - and it was a most interesting presentation! The CFB has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, having been founded in 2018. It is a 501(c)3 organization providing furniture for people in need - they helped 8,000 people in 2021! They will recycle excess or discarded furniture from residential homes as well as businesses - including hotels, university dormitories, etc. Their sister company, the Honest Junk Company (https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/honest-junk) is the only 501(c)(3) junk removal company in Chicagoland. If you or your company has any surplus furnishings, I am sure they would love to hear from you! What better way to discard furnishings you don't need or want! Our president, Fred Otto, is thanking Andrew in this photo.

President Fred Otto thanks speaker Cengiz Karatas

Cengiz Karatas. Executive Director of the Future Institute gave our members an overview of how the Future Institute promotes the high school-to-college transition for Concept high School graduates and their college persistence, and career readiness and success by means of innovative research-informed programs, mentorships and support.

A Santa trip from My Joyful Heart to Mercy Housing Lakefront!

On Friday 17 December, our Rotary club managed to put together some gifts for the grand-dhildren (aren't they all grand!?) living with their grand-mothers and an occasional grand-father in Mercy Housing Lakefront in Chicago.

The gifts were assembled and packaged by My Joyful Heart, in Mokena, Illinois.

Top photo shows Kay Whitlock attempting to sort out who get's what!

The photos below show Erin Burns, Director of Operations at My Joyful Heart (https://myjoyfulheart.org) waving goodby to Santa about to depart with the gifts, and 'Will' Gill, the Resident Services Coordinator at Mercy Housing Lakefront (https://www.mercyhousing.org/lakefront/) receiving the gifts! More photos of the children will follow.

Thanks to all who supported this project!

President Otto thanks Mark Daboul, Insurance Agent

On 02December Mark Daboul, Insurance Agent, gave our club a presentation in Medicare and various forms of travel insurance. Picture shows our president thanking Mr Daboul

President Fred Otto thanks Matt Larsen

Matt Larsen, Executive Director of the Illinois Spina Bifida Association spoke to our members about children born with Spina Bifida and how they help their families. There are 900 cases in Illinois. www.i-sba.org

Rotary District Governor visits our club

Our club is in Rotary District 6450. Our current District Governor Jane Hopkins visited our club today along with Kathy Rak, Assistant Governor Coordinator and Ade' Onayemi who will become district governor next year. Jane gave us an update on what the district is promoting charity-wise and other relative concerns to Rotary. Our club president, Fred Otto, along with our Rotary members gave them a warm welcome.

President Fred Otto thanks speaker Mary Sullivan

Our speaker today was Mary Sullivan,Director of Operations & Development at the Jackson Chance Foundation. Jackson Chance Foundation partners with hospitals to provide complimentary parking passes to every family with a baby in the NICU. They ensure that the financial burden of parking does not stand in the way of any parent being with their child. www.jacksonchance.org

President Fred Otto thanks speaker Jake Seid

Our speaker today was Jake Seid, President of the American Planning Association - Illinois Chapter who explained to our members what is zoning, the history of owning, how zoning reform works today and how to be a zoning reform advocate and influence policy.

Speaker was Mayor of Schiller Park

Nick Caiafa was elected mayor of Schiller Park in 2017. His current term expires May 2025. His presentation to our Rotary Club gave us a very insightful view of what is happening in Schiller Park covering infrastructure and attracting businesses to the village. Our Past President, Sylvia Jewgieniew thanked him for an excellent presentation.

Annual Rotary Golf Outing

What a beautiful day for our annual golf outing fundraiser. We raffled off some great gifts and had fabulous items for our silent auction. Former member Chuck Henschel drove in from his home state in Washington and traded his new club Rotary banner with ours. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this day a huge success.

Mark Ailes, Speaker

Our presenter today was Mark Ailes, a retired High School Science Teacher. He was a finalist for Illinois Teacher of the year as well as Science Olympiad, Tennis and Track Coach. His teaching career has been entirely in Illinois at both a small rural high school and a large suburban high school.

In his presentation, Mark tells the personal story of how he became a committed climate advocate working toward a fast, effective, and fair solution to climate change. Our President-Elect, Fred Otto, presented Mark with a little gift.

Our club reached a milestone

Congratulations to our club for all of our members contributing to the Paul Harris Foundation for the years 2019-2020.

Our guest speakers from Bolivia

Rotary Disrtict Governor-Elect Livio Zozzoli and his wife Silvia Zerda from Bolivia gave a power point presentation on their role in donating medical equipment to several hospitals in Bolivia. Our member Sylvia Jewgienew, originally from Bolivia, was the translator. President Jim Testa exchanged our Rotary Club Flag with theirs.

We welcomed Diane Carroll & Erin Burns

Our club has been sponsoring kids in the Joyful Heart Program for many years. Executive Director Diane Carroll and Erin Burns, Director of Operations, gave us an update on the 1,000 kids they served and the creative way they serviced these kids through the pandemic.

Installation of new board 2021-2022

Incoming President Jim Testa thanks outgoing President Sylvia Jewgieniew. Board member and past president Fred Otto officiated the ceremony welcoming the new board.

Leyden West Speakers

West Leyden Principal Patricia Makishima and Brian Mahoney, ED.d, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Special Education advised our members on their Department of Special Education Services. Our President Sylvia Jewgienew thanked them for their very informative presentation.

Speaker Jim Elliott from DIVEHEART
T

Jim Elliot from www.Diveheart.org is our speaker today! Diveheart helps children, veterans and others with disabilities through adaptive scuba opportunities and scuba therapy.

Zoom Speaker Susy Schultz

Susy Schultz, Executive Director of the Museum of Boardcast Communications gave our members a terrific presentation on Broadcast, Politics and News Literacy.

Zoom Speaker G Grant Dixon III

G. Grant Dixon III is a Rotarian and personal injury attorney. He discussed 5 Things You Need to Know Before a Car Crash and why you need to be prepared and what to do now so you can be ready.

Zoom Speaker Tasha Schuh

Our speaker Tasha Schug gave her zoom presentation on Youth Mental Health Issues.

Zoom Speaker Rob Martwick

Illinois State Senator Rob Martwick discussed pension reform in Illinois.

Zoom Speaker Marga Hewko

Marga Hewko is President Elect of Rotary One and talked about Rotary Projects in Bolivia.

Zoom Speaker Sharon Newman

Sharon Newman gave a wonderful presentation on what to do when a loved one shows signs of dementia.

Zoom Speaker Andrew Hart, The Night Ministry

Andrew has been with The Night Ministry for four years now, starting as an intern and working his way up to become the current Volunteering Coordinator. His work includes overseeing day to day volunteer program needs, volunteer recruitment, training, and onboarding. In addition, he coordinates program meal needs, ensuring clients are properly fed through community meal groups. The Night Ministry seeks to compassionately provide housing, health care, outreach, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with housing instability, poverty, and loneliness. Founded 45 years ago they have grown to provide life saving services across the Chicago community.

Zoom Presenter Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza

Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza, Professor, Department of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Director, Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora.

Zoom Speaker Rick Harnish

Rick Harnish co-founded the High Speed Rail Alliance in 1993 with a passion for revitalizing the region he grew up in, lives in, and loves.

Zoom Speaker Rona Raffey, YMCA Camp Duncan

Rona Roffey has been Camp Director of the YMCA Camp Duncan for over 30 years. Every year she gives us an update on the Camp's attendees which includes those afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, burn survivors, diabetes and mainstream campers. Almost 200 residents and Day Campers received scholarship assistance. Our club gladly gives the Camp a donation yearly.

Rotary At Work - thanks Pat & Jack Ranttila

The Rotary Club of Chicago (Jack & Pat Ranttila), working in partnership with My Joyful Heart from Mokena IL, delivered Holiday gifts for the 25 children of the Mercy Housing Lakefront Grand Family Apartments in Roseland IL. These children are being parented by their grandparents.

Zoom meeting with Charlie Laliberte

Elmhurst Rotarian Charlie Laliberte shared his involvement with his Uganda Mission, https://www.childrenup.org. He has been there 13 times.

Rebecca Weininberg, Zoom Speaker

Rebecca Weininger is the Director of the Domestic Violence Law Practice at the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic. Weininger has been a litigator in federal and state trial and appellate courts for almost 20 years. She gave a very informative presentation on domestic violence.

Bill Ballou, Zoom Presenter

Elmhurst Rotarian Bill Ballou gave us a presentation on the various Rotary projects including Shelter Box. Right now, around 104 million people around the world have been displaced by natural disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this.

Zoom Speaker Deacon Joseph Ferrari

Deacon Joseph Ferrari's presentation on Zoom on becoming a deacon in the Catholic Church and his duties. Briefly, he had 4 years of training in the Joliet Dioceses prior to becoming a deacon.

Zoom Speaker Agnes Lewis

Our speaker Agnes Lewis gave a zoom presentation on the environment and what it takes to feed 9 billion people. Conclusion - GMO's aren't that bad.

Frank Rubio, Zoom Speaker today

Our speaker today was Frank Rubio who talked about his “Toastmasters Butterflies”. He shared his Toastmaster journey starting with his first speech. Frank has been a Toastmasters member since 9/1/2017. Frank has earned his Competent Communicator, Competent Leader Bronze, and Effective Coaching Proficiency. He has started his second Pathways: Visionary Communication.

Mr Bill Morris & Raul Guzman

Mr Bill Morris & Raul Guzman spoke about their organization Blue Star Recyclers. They started in Colorado and have expanded to other
localities including Buffalo Grove. Blue Star Recyclers is a nonprofit social enterprise with a mission of recycling electronics to create local jobs forpeople with disabilities. bill@bluestarrecyclers.com. http://bluestarrecyclers.org

Winter Coat Program

Chicago - O’Hare Rotary Club will provide funding to My Joyful Heart (https://myjoyfulheart.org) to purchase winter coats for children in their winter coat program. You can help at any donation level through our Paypal Account.

Mike Mcgowan Zoom Meeting

Our speaker Mike McGowan is Executive Director of NOAH, the National Organization for Albinism and Hiypopigmentation.
NOAH’s mission is to act as a conduit for accurate and authoritative information about all aspects of living with albinism and to provide a place where people with albinism and their families, in the United States and Canada, can find acceptance, support and fellowship.

Zoom Presentation on Suicide Hotline

Roger Breisch and has spent more than 3700 hours answering calls on a suicide hotline over that past 17 years. He shared his stories with our members via zoom. Before volunteering, he spent 80 hours in training. His talk was very informative.

Thank you Diane Carroll for the update on My Joyful Heart

Every year we look forward to getting an update from Diane Carroll on the organization she founded, My Joyful Heart. This past year, they brought joy to over 1400 disadvantaged kids, giving them gifts throughout the year showing how they are not forgotten. Our club and foundation sponsors 3 of their kids. For more information, check out their website. myjoyfulheart.org.

Zoom Meeting with Ted Williams III

Since Covid 19, we have been meeting via ZOOM. Today's speaker was Ted Williams III and his topic was the Bible and the Ballot. Ted Williams III is a political commentator who has taught Political Science at Wright College, Chicago State University, and currently is the Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Kennedy-King College.

Speaker Theresa Le & Rotary Members

Theresa Le with the Chicago Regional Census Center of the U.S. Census Bureau gave a presentation on the importance of the U.S. Census being beneficial to our communities.

President Jim Testa thanks speaker Rona Raffey

Rona Roffey has been Camp Director of the YMCA Camp Duncan for over 25 years. Every year she gives us an update on the Camp's attendees which includes those afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, burn survivors, diabetes and mainstream campers. Almost 200 residents and Day Campers received scholarship assistance. Our club gladly gives the Camp a donation yearly.

Our bi-annual food pack

Twice a year, Eldon Tracy, the founder of Feeding Children Worldwide and our Honorary Rotary Member, brings ingredients to pack. Our members packed 2340 meals which will be shipped to 9 orphanages in South America. Our next pack will be in September. Our members look forward to these packs. It's fun and rewarding.

Rotary's Dictionary Project

Our Rotary Club furnishes dictionaries to several 3rd graders in 5 different schools. We label each dictionary showing that our club has donated this dictionary to them. We have been donating these for many years.

Congratulations to Rotarian of the Year

Our president Jim Testa awarded the Rotarian of the Year to Ed Jacob. Ed sees a community need and is always right on top of implementing what has to be done. This year, he spearheaded a warm coat drive for My Joyful Heart and Veterans organizations - 700 coats and counting. Congratulations Ed for this well-deserved prestigious award.

President Jim Testa thanks speaker Ellen Phillips

Ellen Phillips from the Cook County Farm Bureau gave a presentation on eating local which can be as close as your back yard or shopping in your neighborhood with emphasis on supporting local farmers.

President Jim Testa Congratulates Melissa Bukovatz

Congratulations to our member Melissa Bukovatz on achieving her Paul Harris Recognition.

President Jim Testa thanks Pam Jensen

Pamela Jensen gave our members a presentation on International Justice Mission which is is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.

President Jim Testa thanks -Rachel Ossara

Today Rachel Ossara gave our members an overview of the Rotary International Foundation.

We welcomed Rotarian District Governor of Hawaii

Our District Governor Debi Ross visited our club. We also welcomed

Eric Kaler, District 5000 from Hawaii Governor in 2019-2020.

Ed Jacob's nephew, Stephen Dempsey also from out of town joined us for the lunch and meeting.

Presenting Rotaract visitors with our club flag

Member Dave Woodcock's friends, Cesar and Valeria Lopez, who are Rotaracters from Puerto Vallarta were presented our club flag from our president Jim Tester. Dave and his wife Marisela vacation in Puerto Vallarta yearly and met Cesar and learned more about his involvement with Project C.U.R.E. Our club has donated to this worthy cause.

President Jim Testa thanks speaker Sherry Meyers

Our speaker Sherry Meyers spoke about the dynamic interaction of people and place and how everyday use of space and access to resources (transportation, housing, jobs, safe & healthful environments) influences our lives.

President Jim Testa thanks speakers Rick Rosenfeld & Darling Kittoe

Executive Director Rick Rosenfeld and Darling Kittoe gave us an overview of their small non-profit organization.

Hands of Peace is an interfaith organization that develops peace building and leadership skills in Israeli, Palestinian and American teens by bringing them together for a 19 day program each summer. The Glenview Sunrise Club has supported them for many years by providing host families, financially, and by hosting meals for the participants.

Congratulations to winner John Kearns

Our weekly 50/50 raffle got down to 5 cards and lucky member John Kearns picked the Ace of Spades. Our president Jim Testa gave John his winning check for over $2000. Congratulations John.

Feeding Children Worldwide

Today, at our Rotary meeting, we did our bi-annual food packing for Feeding Children Worldwide. We packed 2580 meals in 11 boxes which will be sent to orphanages in South America.

Exhibiting at Schiller Park Car Show

Every year our Rotary Club exhibits at the Schiller Park Car Show to ask attendees for donations of a buck to help Rotary eradicate polio in 3 countries. We give donators a bag of popcorn. Many people donated many dollars. Thanks to our members Glenn Spachman, Barbara LaSpesa, Jack Ranttila, Larry Fritz, Chuck Henschel and Ed Jacob (not in photo) who manned the booth this year.

Pres-Elect Sylvia Jewgieniew thanks speaker Wally Makowsky

Wally Makowsky gave a presentation on his life story, starting when he was a Nazi Prisoner when he was 4 to becoming a very successful American businessman.

Past President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Shelley Welch

Our speaker Shelley Welch spoke about the mission of the WINGS PROGRAM which provides housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence. For further information, go to their website. www.wingsprogram.com

President Jim Testa thanks speaker Hanna Ahn

Ms. Hanna Ahn, NEIU Archivist, gave a presentation on a project concerning the Japanese American Redress Hearings to the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) hearings that were held at NEIU in September 1981.

President Jim Testa gives Diane Carroll the Paul Harris Award

Every year, Diane Carroll, Executive Director of My Joyful Heart located in Mokena, IL, brings our members up to date on her non-profit helping almost 1100 disadvantaged kids with gifts 6 times a year. Our club donates back to school supplies plus blankets, airline amenity kits, hygiene products and other essentials. Today our Rotary Club bestowed the prestigious Paul Harris Award to Diane. The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to humanitarian and community service. Congratulations to an award well-deserved.

Rotary at Work

Jack Ranttila, Sylvia Jewgienew and John Kearns from the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare volunteered for the Jesse White Trunk Party on Saturday, July 13th. Our Club donated blankets, amenity kits, slippers, pillows and pillowcases, and first aid kits for the trunks for 500 disadvantaged college bound students.

President Jim Testa thanks speaker Lisa Jacobs

Lisa Jacobs serves as Program Manager for Loyola University’s Center for Criminal Justice Research, Policy and Practice. She shared current trends and challenges facing Illinois’ Juvenile Justice (delinquency) System and the youth and families it serves, as well as highlighted areas of juvenile justice policy and practice where Illinois is leading the region and nation.

Congratulations to new 2019-2020 Board

Our members thank our new Past President Mike Sullivan for his leadership this past year. He gave the gavel to our new President Jim Testa. Our new officers and board are

President: James V. Testa

Pres-Elect: Sylvia Jewgeniew

Secretary: Larry Fritz

Treasurer: Glenn Spachman

Past President: Mike Sullivan

Board Members:

Chuck Henschel

Ed Jacob

Frank Holthouse

Melissa Bukovatz

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Cliff Petrak

He is author of 3 books including Don’t Slow Me Down with that Calculator , 2005, in which he details 62 little-known, super-shortcut computational techniques and strategies. He will demonstrated how these speed math methods will always prove faster than the old fashioned algorithmic methods with which we grew up. He also showed how these methods are also often faster than with the use of a calculator! The directives of 3 of the Common Core Standards will play an important part in the discovery of these techniques. Many of these methods have long been in use in European and Asian schools and their textbooks, which explain why we currently find ourselves near the bottom as the 34th ranking country in the world in mental math and calculation abilities. Once learned, however, these methods will help bring our calculating methods into the 21st Century and, at the same time, will leave your calculator-dependent friends in the dust!

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Andrew Wolter

Andrew Wolter, of Xenex Disinfection Systems, visited with our club today to share the benefits of using Germ-Zapping Robots to disinfect hospitals. Xenex Robots create Broad Spectrum UVC light to disinfect surfaces of viruses, bacteria, and spores to help hospitals reduce infection rates and reduce the number of lives affected by Hospital Acquired Infections.

President Elect Jim Testa thanks speaker Brett Weiss

The Weiss Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to very poor Kenyan Children. Since 2012 they have awarded 54 full four year high school scholarships in a village where few had ever gone to high school. Five of their students are now in University and they just made their first placement of a student in a vocational school with many more to come. Brett has been to Kenya six times myself. They are providing real HOPE in a community that really had no hope before our foundation.

Life Learning Program at West Leyden High School

n Wednesday, April 24th the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare celebrated their six year partnership with the LIFE Learning Program at West Leyden High School with a pizza party. Our Airline Surplus Project has supplied these students with an authentic work opportunity as they prepare for the work world. Thanks to Jack Ranttila, Dave Woodcock, Jim Testa, Pat Ranttila and Glenn Spachman for attending the celebration.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Terry Abrahamson

The Belly of the Blues presentation

Terry Abrahamson has spent a lifetime in the eye of the pop culture hurricane. Grammy winner at 26. His book, "In the Belly of the Blues," is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His music has been recorded by Muddy Waters, Joan Jett, Johnny Winter, George Thorogood, Clarence Clemons and John Lee Hooker.

My Joyful Heart Open House

Our Rotary Club sponsored an open house for one of favorite charities My Joyful Heart in Mokena IL. We wanted to share the project possibilities with other Rotary Clubs in District 6450 and familiarize our members with their operation. Thanks to Mike Sullivan, Kay Whitlock, Sylvia Jewgieniew, Larry & Joyce Fritz, Glenn & Sue Spachmann, and Pat & Jack Ranttila for making the day a success!!

Jack and Pat doing Rotary work

Pat and Jack Ranttila presented dictionaries from our Rotary Club to the 3rd Graders of St. Maria Goretti Elementary School. Our Club gave dictionaries to all of the 3rd Graders in Franklin Park, Schiller Park and Rosemont.

Congrats to 14 Leyden High School students

We, the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare, celebrate and congratulate the 14 Leyden High School District students for being chosen as an “Inspirational Eagle.” These students were chosen for their strength and perseverance to overcome their personal challenges. The celebration supported by our Club took place on Tuesday, March 12 at West Leyden High School. A special thanks to Frank Holthouse, our Leyden-Rotary liaison, for making this evening a success for our members and these amazing students.

President-Elect Jim Testa thanks speaker Carmen Azzato

Our club welcomed speaker, professional wrestler, Carmen Azzato speaking on behalf of Sports World. His credentials include

2 Time World Heavyweight Champion
1 Time Intercontinental Champion
1 Time Television Champion
5 Time World Tag Team Champion

Rotary Officer Training

The Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare was well represented at District 6450 PETS (President-Elect Training) in Itasca IL this past week- end by AG Sylvia Jewgieniew, President-Elect Jim Testa and AG Pat Ranttila.

Dictionary Project

Our Club meeting was a service opportunity where our Club members adhered name plates to the dictionaries they will deliver to all of our 3rd graders in Schiller Park, Franklin Park and Rosemont.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Rona Raffey

President Mike Sullivan thanks Prof Aissetu Barry Ibrahima

Prof Aissetu Barry Ibrahima spoke about

"Understanding Maternal Health in Ethiopia: the Role of Indigenous Knowledge and Practice"

This presentation assessed the current context and the gap in maternal health policies and practices in Ethiopia and highlighted the importance of providing culturally competent services to enhance maternal health and minimize maternal mortality rates.

MEETING VENUE CHANGED IN DECEMBER

For the next two weeks (Dec 20th and 27th) will be held at

Westdale Park, 3045 Sandra Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60164 (near Grand and Wolf)

Time: Noon

Board Meeting on December 20th at 11:00 AM

President Mike Sullivan thanks our speaker Valerie Mrak

Our speaker, Valerie Mrak is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, storyteller and life coach. She has interviewed a wide range of people from the His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a Blackfoot Medicine Woman, Fortune 100 CEOs and “everyday” people with fascinating stories. Our members had an interaction session which was very insightful.

Dave Woodcock - Rotarian of the Year

A great Holiday Party last night at White Pines Golf Club. Here is a picture of Mike Sullivan (left) presenting The Rotarian of the year award to David Woodcock. David is a great supporter of all our initiatives and our Rotary Foundation Chairman. A much deserved award for his dedication to the club.

President Mike Sullivan thanks our speaker Amy Kacmarek

Our speaker Amy Kaczmark spoke about SOS Children’s Villages Illinois They offer an innovative approach to traditional foster care. Their model of care gives children the opportunity to live in a nurturing, stable, single-family home with their brothers and sisters in the care of a full-time, professionally trained Foster Parent in one of their Villages. Children benefit from the stability of remaining with their siblings as well as the support of neighboring SOS Illinois Foster Parents and the entire community. Each Village offers comprehensive services including: individual and group counseling, mentoring, and educational and cultural enrichment opportunities. This highly supportive setting provides children a sense of safety, security, and community, encouraging them on their journey toward healing and reaching their fullest potential.

President-Elect Jim Testa thanks speaker Shaun Pesce

Shaun Pesce spoke about “What is Illinois Secure Choice?” Shaun represents the state sponsored retirement program, Illinois Secure Choice (www.ilsecurechoice.com). The program, passed into law in 2015 by Gov. Quinn has a mandatory compliance component, required by law, for employers.

Leyden High School Career Day

This event intended to promote local businesses and job possibilities. Our members Ed Jacob, Jim Testa and Larry Fritz gave out popcorn while telling students about Rotary & service, Interact, and Scholarship possibilities.

President Mike Sullivan with Leyden High School Students

Our Rotary members sure had fun watching the Leyden High School students pack 1000 Amenity kits for the veterans.

Leyden's "Make a Difference Day"

Over 1000 Amenity kits were packed by Leyden High School Students in a record 45 minutes for the homeless veterans at the Hines VA Hospital's Veteran StandDown Nov. 15th and 6th. Special Thanks to Interact Club Sponsor Jen Black-Foltin and Dana Thomas for helping put it together, as well as Rotarians Frank Holthouse, Jack Ranttila, and Larry Fritz. The favorite part of the day was watching the students problem-solve and making the assembly line work better. We just had to leave them alone.

President Mike Sullivan awards Paul Harris Fellow

Our president Mike Sullivan was honored to present Rotary's Paul Harris Award of Recognition to past Rotarian members John Sisco and Joe Dote who have helped our club with their tireless efforts to promote our yearly golf outing fund raiser which allows our club to hand out many scholarships to well-qualified seniors in need of financial assistance.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Joseph Baar Topinka

Joseph Baar Topinka, author of

Just Judy showed a video and talked about his mother Judy Barr Topinka in his book.

Although originally a journalist, Topinka served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1981 to 1985 and in the Illinois Senate from 1985 to 1995. She was elected to three terms as Illinois State Treasurer, serving from 1995 to 2007. She was the first woman to become state treasurer, the first to be elected to three consecutive terms, and the first Republican to hold the post in more than 32 years. During her last term as treasurer, she was the only Republican to hold statewide elected office in Illinois. In 2002, she was elected chair of the Illinois Republican Party, holding that office until 2005.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Cindy Gonzalez

Cindy Gonzalez is the Anti-Trafficking Outreach Specialist with The Salvation Army. Her presentation covered human trafficking . Their STOP-IT program is dedicated to combating human trafficking through trauma-informed strategies around prevention, identification and response.

Rotary donated Bike Rack

Club Members Larry Fritz, Sylvia Jewgieniew, Frank Holthouse, Melissa Bukovatz, and Mike Sullivan were part of the dedication of the Rotary bike racks for the students at the East and West Leyden High Schools. Presented to Dr. Nick Polyak, High School Staff, and our Rotary Interact Club with School Interact sponsors Dana Thomas and Jen Black-Foltin. After the dedication, Dr. Nick Polyak gave everyone a tour of the Leyden West addition project. A new wing that is purpose-built to enhance the instructional experiences for students. See https://www.leyden212.org/construction Bonus: There was cake. Special thanks to Frank Holthouse for a great job of organizing the event.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Zbig Skiba

Zbig Skiba a very knowledgeable consultant in professional skills development visited our club last Thursday and spoke to our members on group interactions and communications.

Kay Whitlock thanks Speaker Bob Miller

Chief Operating Officer Bob Miller of Sweet Beginnings, LLC, explained how they have beekeepers to manage the hives placed at various locations around Chicago. They make the beelove® family of products — an all natural line of raw honey and honey-infused body care products. They manage the hives and extract honey from urban apiaries in the heart of the North Lawndale community in Chicago. Sweet Beginnings also manages an apiary at O’Hare. The natural, high quality products are produced by men and women returning from incarceration. At Sweet Beginnings, these talented men and women develop a stable work history, learn marketable skills and gain the confidence they need to re-enter the workforce.

Rotary Raising Money to End Polio

Our Rotary Club members worked their annual booth at the Schiller Park Auto Show selling popcorn to raise money to eradicate polio. Every dollar collected is matched double by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Dr Djuro Pettkovic

Dr. Djuro Pettkovic, Orthopedic Surgeon talked about surgical and non-Surgical options for the treatment of shoulder pain. Fellowship trained in Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine.

President Mike Sullivan thanks Speaker Dr Axel Joob

Dr. Axel Joob, Thoracic Surgeon at Lutheran General Hospital, gave a very informative presentation on lung cancer screening and the studies he is involved with for high rise patients.

President Mike Sullivan thanks Speaker Mike Dyer

Mark Dyer gave a presentation on how Shelter Box is working to help people made homeless by natural disasters and conflicts.

President Mike Sullivan thanks Governor Pedro

We had the pleasure of hosting the Rotary District 6450 Governor Pedro Cevallos-Candau (on the left with Club President Mike Sullivan). Pedro was both insightful and congenial as always. The club membership turnout was excellent and The Great Escape lunch was great too.

President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Diane Carroll

Diane Carroll, Executive Director of My Joyful Heart headquartered in Mokena gave us an update on the growth of their organization which now sponsors 900 disadvantaged children on the south side of Chicagoland. Our club sponsors 2 children. Each sponsored child receives 6 gifts during the course of the year and much needed back to school donations. My Joyful Heart is our club's sanctioned charity. They do wonderful things for children and best of all, give hope to these children for their future.

Installation Officers & Board 2018-19

Congratulations to our new team for 2018-2019 Rotary Year. New President Mike Sullivan is installed by Past President Pat Ranttila. Mike and all board members took the Rotary oath for the coming year. We know it will be another fantastic year of Rotary work and fellowship.

John Kearns thanks speaker Larry Bartoszek

Our speaker today was Larry Bartoszek and his topic was

The Space Elevator From Science Fiction to Engineering.

Larry Bartoszek has a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from the University of Illinois and is an Illinois Licensed Professional Engineer. Larry is the author of several papers on the climber design for space elevators and has spoken at many space conferences. His presentation was mind-boggling!

Mayor Nick Caiafa (on right) thanked by Member Rollo Dace

Mayor Nick Caiafa of Schiller Park (right) visited our club today and told us about all the great things happening in Schiller Park these days. Rollo Dace a past president was nice to fill in and run our meeting today.

Our Rotary Members out in the community

Club members David Woodcock, Sylvia Jewgieniew, Jack Moran, Mike Sullivan, and Melissa Bukovatz working with Leyden Township Staff on the spring planting at the Fleck Park in Melrose Park. The flower bed has a sign “Provided by the Rotary Club fo Chicago O’Hare.”

Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Dave Neary

Dave Neary gave our members a terrific overview of what Habitat for Humanity does. They work in partnership with individuals, corporate partners and faith based organizations to build up our communities. Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Paul Reimer

Paul Reiman is the Head of Rewards and HR Operations for Commvault, a global provider of data management software and related solutions. In his role he oversees the global vision and execution of the organization's compensation, benefit, mobility, HR systems, and HR analytics programs. In his presentation he diagnosed the underlying causes of the gender pay gap and explained what makes it.

Rotary Serving the Community

Our Club competed in the Chicago Consortium Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser from which the funds raised will be donated to the Teen Living Center, a youth homeless shelter, in Chicago. The money will be used to update their kitchen and matched by District 6450 in our Food Insecurity Initiative.

Pat Ranttila thanks Leyden Advisors

Dana Thomas and Jen Foltin-Black, advisors of Leyden Interact Clubs, and six students

gave an Interact update and spoke about their RYLA experiences.

Mike Sullivan thanks our speakers

Dr Casey Holtschneider's (left in photo) presentation critically examined the traditional approach to services for youth in situations of homelessness. Directly informed by the life experiences of young people, it calls for a shift in both our understanding of the issue as well as the current strategies being implemented to address it. Patricia Vargas Rivas (right in photo) is the Executive Director of Puente de Solidaridad (Solidarity Bridge) of Cochabamba, Bolivia. She gave an update and thanked the Rotary Clubs who helped in making the Laparoscopic Tower a reality for a public hospital in Cochabamba.

Rotary at Work

Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare members Pat Ranttila, Jack Ranttila and Mike Sullivan with partners from the Chicago Coalition Of Rotary Clubs, and other volunteers worked at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Our group repackaged near 5,000 lbs of sweet potatoes for distribution to the community.

Mike Sullivan thanks speakers Bernhard Groth and Francoise Pierre

We would like to thank our alternate speaker, Bernhard Groth, a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago and guest of Francoise Pierre. He shared his passion for bringing HIPPOs to Haiti to help people carry water. A HIPPO is a 24 gallon water roller that allows a user to roll their water supply from the source to the home, instead of carrying a container. It has had some success in Africa, but the terrain in Haiti is different. Bernhard described the careful observations that are being made to start the process of bringing the HIPPOs project to Haiti.

Congratulations to Past President Kay Whitlock

Rotary member Kay Whitlock, PE, D.WRE and Vice President at Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) received the French Wetmore Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Illinois Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Management (IAFSM). According to IAFSM, the award recognizes longtime floodplain managers whose "contributions have made a noticeable impact on floodplain and stormwater management efforts in the State of Illinois." Our club is proud to call Kay an active member of our club.

Leyden Inspirational Eagle Award Dinner sponsored by our club

The Leyden Inspirational Eagle Award Dinner and Ceremony sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare was held at East Leyden High School on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the Nardini Library. Students from Leyden High Schools, their families invited, and a school mentor spoke about the student's growth and success though unimaginable challenges. We thank Frank Holthouse who has been working this year to make this an evening to remember for not only the students and parents, but also for our club.

President Cruz Bernal-Albano thanks speaker Larry Boyle

Our speaker Larry Boyle enlightened our members on Space, the Elon Musk private rocket company.

Rotary thanks Leyden Students

Rotarians Glenn Spachman, Melissa Bulovatz, Pat and Jack Ranttila celebrated with the students and teachers of the Leyden LIFE Learning Program at West Leyden. Our Club brought pizza to thank them for their continued Airline Surplus sorting for us!

Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Jesse Greenberg

Jesse Greenberg, Public Affairs Manager for Kinder Morgan,offered insights into the ongoing changes in America’s energy landscape

Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Rona Roffey

Our club packed 800 meals for the hungry kids in the Philippines

Twice a year our members get together to pack meals for various parts of the world to feed the hungry kids.

Thanks speakers Dick Tussing & Tom Nguyen from Right Start 4 Kids

Right Start 4 Kids is a non-profit organization that focuses on initiatives that help children globally start life out right from the womb. Only when children's bodies grow healthy, do we have the opportunity to grow their minds

Unbelievable Luck. Congratulations to Member Felix Matlock, the Big Raffle Winner

Talk about luck. Last year at the same meeting before Christmas, Felix picked the ace of spades and we wrote him a check for over one thousand dollars. Today at Rotary, one year later, he picks the Ace of Spades again to win over double what he won last year. Pot was at least $4200 so 1/2 will go to him and the other half our club. There is talk of barring him next year for this meeting - ONLY KIDDING FELIX (or are we?).

President Cruz Bernal-Albano gives appreciation Holiday checks to the staff at The Great Escape to thank them for exemplary service throughout the year

President Cruz Bernal-Albano names Pat Ranttila Rotarian of the Year

At our annual Holiday Party, our President named Pat Ranttila Rotarian of the Year for her non-ending contributions to our local charities, Rotary functions, working with My Joyful Heart and the Grandmothers in Roseland project. Pat has endless energy and this is a tribute to her service.

President Cruz Bernal-Albano thanked our speakers

Anna Waksmundzka is a student at Loyola University doing her internship with CIP (Council of International Programs). The Executive Director, Dr George Palamattam joined Anna in presenting a program outlining their organization. CIP is a nonprofit organization that promotes international understanding through cross-cultural exchange and work-based training in the US.

Member Larry Fritz thanks speaker Hall Healy

Since 1973, the International Crane Foundation (ICF) has been protecting the 15 crane species and their habitats on 5 continents. ICF works in 45 countries, including Russia, China, and until recently North Korea (Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea-DPRK). Hall Healy discussed the North Korean work and how this kind of activity can help enhance dialogue between countries, and what its like to work in that elusive place.

Larry Fritz and Cruz Bernal-Albano took park in Leyden Township Tree Lighting

We inducted a new member into our club! Here is Francoise Pierre (center) receiving her Rotary pin from President, Cruz Bernal-Albano, with Sylvia Jewgieniew who sponsored Francoise!

It's great to see new members embrace Rotary!

Board Member Sylvia Jewgieniew thanks speaker Jerry Goldman

JERRY GOLDMAN is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University
His talk examined the similarities and differences in the paths that led O’Connor and Ginsburg to the nation’s highest court. O’Connor — the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court — and Ginsburg — the second woman so appointed — shared experiences and crossed paths but each has left a different impact on the law.

Members Pat and Jack Ranttila presented dictionaries to the third graders at St. Maria Goretti Elementary School in Schiller Park

Rotary in the Community - Larry Fritz and Glenn Spachman pictured

Our Rotary Club participated in the 2017 Career Fair and Business Expo at East Leyden High School. Frank Holthouse, Larry Fritz, Pat Ranttila, Melissa Bukovatz, Glenn Spachman, Michael Sullivan, Rollo Dace and President Cruz Bernal-Albano represented our club.

Rotary At Work helping disadvantaged children

Our member Ed Jacob got the ball rolling and collected enough money from our members to donate 78 warm winter coats to My Joyful Heart that were delivered by our members Jack and Pat Ranttila. Executive Director Diane Carroll of My Joyful Heart shows her appreciation.

Our speaker Leon Magnum is thanked by our President Cruz Bernal-Albano

Operation Support Our Troops - America
Their mission is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to them and their families both while they are deployed in harm’s way and after their return. Engaged in the longest war of our country’s history and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, this organization is committed to showing them that "We Have NOT Forgotten."

Rotary At Work

Rotarian Larry Fritz delivers Dictionary's for the Third grade students of Pietrini Elementary School to school Principal Mrs. Lois Fronczke.

Leyden High School Make a Difference Day

Thank you members for supporting the “Make a Difference Day” for the Leyden High Schools on last Saturday at East Leyden. Our donations to Leyden were the materials from our Airline Surplus Project from which Interact students packed 1000 Amenity Kits for the homeless veterans to pick up at the Hines VA Hospital Veteran StandDown in Humboldt Park in November. Rotarians Frank Holthouse,Mike Sullivan, Jack Ranttila, Larry Fritz and our Rotary friend Karen Wierer had the opportunity to work with both Interact Clubs and with Eldon Tracy with “Feeding Children WorldWide.” Thank you for making a difference!!

President Cruz Bernal-Albano thanks speaker Jackie Lorens Harris with Chicago Lights

Chicago Lights provides hope and opportunity to Chicago's children, youth, and adults who face the challenges of poverty. Through supportive relationships and diverse programs, Chicago Lights empowers people to thrive academically, secure economic stability, lead healthy lives, and build community.

President Cruz Bernal-Albano thanks our speaker Graciela Chediak with the Ecuadorian Volunteers Association.

This group supports 16 organizations in Ecuador working in the fields of education, health and social services serving the poorest segment of the population.

President Cruz Bernal-Albano thanks Shawn Jeffers, Executive Director of Little City Foundation

Little City Foundation's mission is to provide children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities the best options and opportunities to live safely, work productively, explore creatively and learn continuously throughout their lifetime.

Prez Cruz thanks Speaker Lindsy Wadas from USO O'Hare

The United Service Organization (U.S.O.) offers a variety of services to active military personnel and their dependents, including free refreshments, information and referrals at O'Hare International Airport. The 24-hour center provides men, women and families of the Armed Forces with a place to relax, enjoy a meal, check email and phone home before being deployed or just after traveling from overseas. The USO at O'Hare has proudly provided programs, services, care and comfort to troops and their families since 1969. Director Lindsys Wadas gave us an update on the services and O'Hare and is looking for volunteers.

Past President Larry Fritz thanks speaker Tim Crossin & Barbara Dabler

Operation North Pole (ONP) is a volunteer-based public charity. ONP works with major children’s hospitals, providing a day of fun and fantasy for families who have a child battling a life threatening illness by hosting a fantasy trip to the North Pole on the second Saturday of each December.

Thanks to Mercy Housing for the Volunteer Award they bestowed upon us

Carolyn Murphy awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Award

Member Jack Frawley was instrumental in our club honoring Carolyn Murphy.

Carolyn Murphy took the responsibility of St John Brebeuf Parish in Niles Uncle Pete's Sandwich Ministry after Uncle Pete could no longer carry out the task of feeding and providing for the homeless. Our Club’s Airline Surplus Project has supplied Carolyn’s mission with items since 2013 — blankets, pretzels, slippers, full amenity kits, ambassador kits, lotions, separated amenity items end empty amenity bags. Her outreach with our support has reached 14 different agencies within the greater Chicago area. She has arranged the request with us, the trucks, the men to deliver the items, vetted the agencies and their needs, and has an on-going relationship with the agencies to evaluate their needs.

Rotary at work feeding children worldwide

Twice a year our Rotary Members do a food packing for Feeding Children Worldwide. Today, we packed 11 boxes which includes 2,376 meals. The recipients are street children in the Philippines. Thanks Eldon Tracy for furnishing the supplies for this worthwhile cause.

Pres Cruz thanks speaker Dr Jade Stanley

Jade Stanley, Ed.D., MSW, Chair and Professor, BASW Program director of social work department at NEIU. Her Research and practice focus is on work with vulnerable populations, community practice and international social work.This presentation provides insights into a faculty led short term study tour to Lahore and Islamabad, Pakistan, in march 2017. The focus of the study tour was on social development and women empowerment. Seven social work students participated in this study tour and cultural exchange.

Pres Cruz thanks Scott McAdams for a Rotary District overview

Once a year, Rotary District 6450's Governor visits our club to give us an overview of our Rotary mission. Scott McAdams is a most enthusiastic governor who shared with us his many ideas for our club to get involved in various worthwhile projects. All of us members thoroughly enjoyed his presentation.

Rotary Members Collecting Donations for End Polio Campaign

Many of our Rotary Members were at the Schiller Park Auto Show working a booth introducing visitors to Rotary and collecting $1 to eradicate polio worldwide. For every dollar we collect, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributes $2. Thanks to Larry, Cruz, and Frank for popping the popcorn and handing the popcorn bags to those who contributed $1. Barb, Jack, and Glenn were part of our Rotary team.

President Cruz thanks speaker Pat White

Buzz Ride: Disruption: Memoirs of an Uber Driver by P.M. White, was released by Lake Claremont Press on August 17, 1917. The book is the memoirs of speaker Pat White, a business man who did a three month stint as an Uber driver in Chicago in the summer of 2013. It was a very insightful and entertaining presentation.

Pat Ranttila thanks speaker Erin Dubich

Erin spoke about creating an empowering mindset, looking at food through the lens of love, mindful eating, and cultivating self-love. She has degrees in neuroscience, psychology, and dietetics, and a Masters degree in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. You can find her beautiful and wise writing at www.erindubichnutrition.com.

President cruz thanks speaker Sam Fain

Thanks to Sam Fain who gave us a fascinating talk on the History of Chicago's Joffery Ballet.

Prez Cruz thanks speaker Jackie Jackson from Jansco Inc.

Member Barb LaSpesa's daughter was the speaker today. She talked about the Promotional Products Industry with case histories and how this industry has grown to 22.9 billion. The #1 logoed product is apparel, followed by writing instruments, desk accessories and electronics.

President Cruz thanks our speaker Diane Carroll

Every year, Diane Carroll gives us an update on the children My Joyful Heart serves. This organization provides gifts 6 times a year to disadvantaged school-aged children located primarily on the south side of Chicago. Our Rotary Club sponsors two of these children yearly. It's a very worth-while charity and we gave Diane a van load of back to school supplies, checks and cash toward this program. You can donate online www.myjoyfulheart.org

Rotary Meeting covered 3 events

Newly elected President Cruz Bernal-Albano gave our Rotary club banner to visiting Rotarian Michel Teboul visiting from Paris, France. She then awarded member Larry Fritz with a Paul Harris award and lastly thanked our speaker Dr. Milka Ramirez who talked to our members about her social work with kids in Performing Arts.

Past Prez thanks speaker Heart Recipient Judy Meikle

What a great presentation Judy Meikle presented about her experience waiting and receiving a heart transplant. A great story - a great presenter.

Congratulations to our new President Cruz Bernal-Albano

Our new officers and board were installed today. Congratulations to all.

Prez John thanks our speaker Chris Miller

Chris Miller with the Road Home Program affiliated with Rush enlightened our members about their terrific program helping veterans and their families cope with PTSD and other issues. It's a free program. Check out www.roadhomeprogram.org to learn more.

John thanks Emily Thompson and Bryan Van Rees

Travelers Aid staff and volunteers provide one-on-one service for at-risk passengers by accompanying them through such processes as flight check-in, going through security, transferring to gates, getting to baggage claim and/or sitting with them during a layover.

Prez John thanks speaker Rona Roffey and her daughter Addison

Our speaker Dick Cavenaugh is thanked by Prez John Kearns

Dick Cavenaugh’s autobiography is titled “Just About but Not Quite.” It describes some amazing experiences from a well-lived life. He spoke about his travels throughout the world including his service as an airman during the Korean War. Also he was the home plate umpire for the first game of the 1984 National League playoffs between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres.

Dr Nick Poliyak receives cherished Paul Harris Award

Great meeting today! The club presented Nick Polyak Leyden Township Superintendent with the Paul Harris award!! Much deserved as Leyden High school ROCKS. Jen Black-Foltin and Dana Thomas from Leyden brought 3 students to our meeting who were awarded RYLA scholarships. RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awareness is awarded to students who show leadership skills. The students described their experience at the RYLA camp and found it very positive and rewarding.

Speaker Meredith Colby gave a terrific presentation on voice

Meredith presented her program on getting a face lift for our voice, keeping our voice sounding as young as we feel. For more information, visit her website www.MeredithColby.com

Robin Brown and Danny thanked by President John Kearns

Robin Brown and student Danny from St Charles discussed the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. This is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the USDA, to help encourage today's youth to lead healthier lives.

Rotary Airline Surplus Project Work Day

*****Our Airline Surplus Project Work Day on Saturday, March 18th at the Grand Avenue Warehouse at 9150 Grand Avenue, Franklin Park IL. was a wonderful success!! We had two groups that picked up large amounts of items that day (Mercy Housing Lakefront and Phil's Friends) plus packing blankets, cleaning and organizing the remaining items. Our workers included Ed and Sandi Marcus, Ed Jacob, Ed Jacob's friend Ed, John Kearns, Mike Sullivan, Chuck Henschel, Charlie Frangos, Felix Matlock, Fred Otto, Pat and Jack Ranttila. We even had a visit from Franklin Park's Mayor Pederson! Thank you to our hard-working volunteers for your help!!

Mary McCann gave presentation about Global Grant in Bolivia

Mary McMann-Sanchez, from Solidarity Bridge. Global grant #1750431 Equipment for Life Changing Surgeries in Bolivia.

Rotarians at Work!

Another fun picture of our many Airline Surplus Project connections!! Pam Brockman and Dan Arce from the Rotary Club of Chicago Little Village, Pedro Cevallos 6450 District Governor nominee, Jack and Pat Ranttila worked together to supply the needs of their Domestic Violence Projects for Alivio Medical Clinic, Mujeres Latinas en Action, and San Jose Obero Mission.

Rotary President-Elect (PETS) meet in Itasca for training

Cruz Albano-Bernal, President Elect for O'Hare Rotary, and Pat Ranttila, Assistant 6450 Governor, attended President Elect Training in Itasca

Our Rotary Club at work packing meals for the Philipines

Packing 2592 meals for disaster relief in the Philippines with Feeding Children Worldwide was accomplished by East and West Leyden HS Interact students and Rotarians Larry Fritz, Melissa Bulovatz, John Kearns, Jack and Pat Ranttila.

David Anderson gave a wonderful talk on Japanese Gardens in Rockford

Thanks David Anderson for your informative presentation on the Japanese Gardens in Rockford and the free passes you handed to our members. Also, your $100 donation to our club is much appreciated.

Leyden School students sort amenity kits for Rotary

The "Thank You" celebration for the Leyden School's LIFE Program was held on Wednesday, March 1 at West Leyden High School. These special needs students sort amenity kits for distribution to the needy as an authentic work project in their job training. This great partnership has existed for five years! Rollo, Melissa, Jack and Pat participated.

Prez John Kearns welcomes visiting Rotarian Gina Trimarco

Rotarian Gina Trimarco hails from the Myrtle Beach Rotary Club and she exchanged her club banner for our club banner. We look forward to seeing more of Gina when she visits her mother in this area in the months to come.

President John Kearns thanks speaker Kyra Wilson from NAMI

The mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Chicago is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those in the greater Chicago area whose lives are affected by serious mental illness. Speaker Kyra Wilson gave us an overview of the challenges of people who are afflicted and the work they do with the Police Department to better train them in dealing with mentally ill people.

President Elect John Kearns thanks speaker Tim Perry

Tim is the President of Nationwide Chaplain Services and is expanding this service throughout local communities. He talked about what they do which is basically assisting the Police and Fire Departments when there is a crisis and letting the families know about a death or assisting people in need if they are suicidal or have challenging issues.

President Kay presents check to John & Emily from Traveler's Aid

President Kay Wins our 50/50 Raffle

It just seems like we restarted our 50/50 Raffle a short time ago. Lucky Kay drew the Ace of Spades. We guesstimate her take was around $200. Congratulations! New game starts next week.

President Kay welcomes Chad and Tony from United Healthcare

Chad Pendleton and Tony presented their program on The Evolving Healthcare Landscape .Chad Pendleton is Chief Executive Officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska.

Pros Kaythanks Gina and Garrett for their program on the Guatemala Literacy Project sponsored by Rotary

Gina Regan and Garrett gave an insight into their Guatemala Literacy Project. This project is a partnership between Rotary Clubs and CoEd to promote literacy in Guatemala. One hundred percent of GLP donations goes directly to supporting the project. Zero percent goes to GLP administration or fundraising.

Pres John thanks speaker Lennie Jarrett

“Education Choice in Illinois: What we have now and what is needed.” is the topic Lennie Jarrett presented to our members.

Rotary Members Attended the Inspirational Eagle Award Dinner

The new Inspirational Eagle Award Dinner was Leyden High Schools's opportunity to honor students that have faced adversity by persevering through the challenges. Rotary members that attended the Tuesday, February 23rd dinner were Rollo Dace, Mike Sullivan, Jack and Pat Ranttila, Kay Whitlock, Cruz Bernal-Albano, Chuck Henschel, Sylvia Jewgieniew, Glenn Spachmann, Larry Fritz, Tony Pecucci, Fred Otto, John Kearns.

Members attend "One Rotary Summit"

**********************************
"One Rotary Summit" training opportunity in Oak Brook, IL was attended by Jack Ranttila, Cruz Bernal-Albano, Dave Robbins, Sylvia Jewgieniew, Kay Whitlock, Mike Sullivan, Pat Ranttila and John Kearns. New ideas and inspiration to move our Club forward!

President Kay thanks speaker Sue Chen

Posted on Jan 20, 2016

Sue Chen with the Mid-USA Falun Dafa Association shared insights about the 5000 years of Chinese civilization, traditional Chinese values, music from different dynasties and ethnic groups of China.

Feeding Children Worldwide Rotary Pack

Posted on Jan 06, 2016

Our Rotary Club packed 10 boxes which contained 2,160 meals for the hungry childen in Mexico and the Phillippines.

Pat Ranttila reports on our Airplane Surplus Project

Posted on Dec 30, 2015

To summarize the extent of the Airline Surplus Project since mid-year 2012 our Club has donated to 186 agencies and schools with a minimum of 50,000 comforters, 50,000 slippers and 50,000 amenity kits. These items plus airline lotions, hangers, pillows & pillowcases, silverware, and razors have helped complete about 150 – 200 “Welcome Baskets” to the new formerly homeless residents for Mercy Housing Lakefront's 27 facilities per year since 2008. We have supplied the Leyden High School LIFE program authentic work for three school years sorting the used amenity kits retrieved for us by Scrub Cleaning Services. The sorted boxed items have been given to shelters, care facilities and for rebuilding amenity kits for specific needs. We have impacted so many lives with our efforts!!

Thanks to Pat Ranttila for delivering gifts to our Grandmothers in Roseland

Our Club gathered gifts and gift cards for the nine Grandmothers of the Grand Families Apartment in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago.

President Kay thanks speaker Sarah Ridder

Posted on Dec 16, 2015

Our speaker today Sarah Ridder, talked about the process of becoming a peace corps volunteer. In 2016, she'll be on her way to Ghana. She’s the daughter of JoEllen Ridder, current president of the Bensenville Rotary Club.

Thanks to member Pat Ranttila who heads our dictionary project

Our Dictionary Project 2015 provided 424 dictionaries to local 3rd graders in the following schools:

John F. Kennedy Elementary and St. Maria Goretti Elementary in Schiller Park; North Elementary,

Passow Elementary and Pietrini Elementary in Franklin Park; Rosemont Elementary in Rosemont.

Our Rotary Club Members deliver to need organizations

Posted by Pat Ranttila

The holidays will be brighter for the recipients of Airline Surplus Project items. Because the ASIG building is being torn down soon, we have put a stronger effort in getting these items to those in need. This month thanks to Pat and Jack Ranttila, Ed Jacob and Chuck Henschel we have made progress! The agencies we supported were: *SOS Children's Villages for their Las Posadas celebration in the Back of the Yards neighborhood; *Marillac Project Hope at 2829 W Jackson in Chicago; *Deborah's Place at 2822 West Jackson in Chicago; *St. Augustine Center for American Indians at 4512 N Sheridan in Chicago; *St Sabina Academy families in Southside Chicago; *Ridgewood High School Interact in Norridge IL for their Sandwich Project; *The Beloved Faith Community of St. Sabina for their Christmas Day dinner for the homeless; *Franciscan Harrison Shelter at 2715 W Harrison in Chicago; *Chicago Lights (an urban support group) with the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago; *McKinley-Vento Homeless Liaison for Children and Youth picked up by Tom Bookler; *Irving Park Community Food Pantry. The *Welcome Basket Project closet received the last of the blankets and enough amenity kits to last the year. It has been a busy month with lots of grateful agencies!

Rotary Holiday Party with the Leyden Orchestra

Posted on Dec 07, 2015

Our Holiday Party was celebrated with the Norridge-Harwood Heights Club. Background music was provided by the Leyden High Schools Orchestra. Our raffle went quite well, collecting $500 and matched by 3 to 1 from the Bill Gates foundation for a total of $1500 to help eradicate polio worldwide.

President Kay and Past President Barb welcome speaker Werner Juretzo

Posted on Dec 02, 2015

Our speaker today was Werner Juretzko, who became a prisoner of war for several months in the Soviet-Czech POW camp when he was a young teenager. In 1948, he was asked to infiltrate the Communist Party. He was recruited by the G-2 Intelligence Service of the United States Army. Werner conducted authorized undercover espionage missions behind the Iron Curtain. Werner was apprehended in action in 1955 and tried by Communist authorities and was sentenced to a 13-year prison term. He has quite a story and his book is called Years Without Hope which is available in Kindle, ePub, PDF. Go online to order it.

Rotarian at Leyden High School Jobs Fair

Posted on Nov 03, 2015

Glenn Spachmann, Pat Ranttila, Larry Fritz and Tony Pecucci participated in the Leyden High Schools Job Fair and Business Expo at East Leyden High School on Wednesday, November 4th. Rollo Dace not available for picture.

Dave Woodcock congratulates Kay Whitlock

Posted on Oct 28, 2015

Congratulations to Kay Whitlock for getting her Rotary Paul Harris plus 8 award. Kay has donated her time, service and money to Rotary for very good causes.

President Kay thanks speaker Tim Ryan and apprentice Kyle

Posted on Oct 28, 2015

Tim Ryan of "Man in Recovery" Foundation with his apprentice Kyle and our President Kay Whitlock. If you know someone in need of sober coaching or drug rehab contact: tryan@amirf.org He is excellent!

Pat Ranttila thanks speaker Bev Otto for her presentation

Posted on Oct 21, 2015

Bev Otto talked to our members about the importance of our Dictionary Project and the impact of poverty on those skills. Also what we as parents and grandparents can do to encourage reading in the next generations.

President Kay Whitlock thanks speakers Lulu & Cindi Lee

Posted on Sep 30, 2015

Lulu and Cindi Lee from the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute gave us a presentation of all that their organization does for corporations, tourists and classes offered to better understand Chinese Culture.

Pat Ranttila thanks Nicole Deckert for her presentation

Posted on Sep 09, 2015

Bags Inc. operates in more than 250 airports across the U.S. providing wheelchair assistance, baggage handling, Skycap services, and traveler assistance and kiosk services. They have been operating Transportation Security Administration-approved baggage handling processes since 2003. For more details, go to maketraveleasier.com

Dave awards Barbara LaSpesa a Paul Harris +8 Medal

Barbara is now officially a Paul Harris +8 fellow. For more information about a Paul Harris fellow, google it.

President Kay and Rotary member Chuck thank speaker Ken Bredemeier

Posted on Aug 19, 2015

Ken Bredemeier gave a presentation on HEDAC (Honduras Educational Development Assistance Corporation), a 501c3 corporation. 15 schools have been adopted into a support program that refurbishes schools, engages communities, teachers, parents, students and the municipality to work with HEDAC to help children of our targeted communities achieve their full potential.

President Kay Whitlock attends event with other club Rotarians

Posted on Aug 13, 2015

President Kay Whitlock attended the celebration event at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization Friday night. Here is a photo of Rotarians:
Pam Brockman, Chicago Little Village Rotary Club Pedro Cevallos-Candau, Rotary Club of Chicago, One Kay Whitlock, Rotary Club of Chicago-O’Hare

President Kay Whitlock thanks speaker Teri Collins

Posted on Aug 05, 2015

Teri Collins, Executive Director of the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation discussed
The Straight Dope and Preventing Drug Abuse by Teens. This Non-Profit organization works to prevent adolescent drug and alcohol abuse and they promote positive mental health among teens.

Prez Kay Whitlock thanks Donn G Ziebell for his program

Posted on Jul 08, 2015

Donn G Zibell, Ph.D is author of Conceal Carry: Pause Conceal carry includes gaining knowledge about safely handling firearms, motor skills, mental alertness, psychology, defensive strategies, state firearm laws and so much more.

President Kay Whitlock thanks speaker Mike Waters from Catholic Charities

Posted on Jul 01, 2015

Mike Waters is the Northwest Regional Director of Catholic Charities located in Des Plaines. He gave our members an overview of what services they cover. 92 cents of every dollar donated goes to direct program services.

2015-2016 Installation of Officers and Board of Directors

Posted on Jun 17, 2015

Pat Ranttila hands over the President's Gavel to Incoming President Kay Whitlock and her board.

President Pat thanks speaker Rob Johnson

Posted on Jun 10, 2015

Rob Johnson gave a presentation on Domestic Violence: Treating the Abuser

President Pat welcomes speaker Michael Munro

Posted on May 14, 2015

Our speaker Michael Munro gave an interesting talk on the challenges he faced starting up the White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville.

West Leyden Thank you Pizza Party

Pizza party for LIFE Work Program at West Leyden High School for their work to sort airline amenity kits.

President Pat welcomes speaker Bruce Sewick from Leyden Family Service

Posted on Apr 29, 2015

Bruce Sewick gave us an updated presentation on the Illinois Budget Crisis which is affecting services provided by Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center.

Our Rotary Club donated 400 dictionaries to local third graders

Our Club distributed 400 dictionaries to area Third Graders. Schools included: John F. Kennedy Elementary, North Elementary, Passow Elementary, Pietrini Elementary, Rosemont Elementary, My Joyful Heart, and St. Maria Goretti Elementary. Pictured below are the Third Graders from St. Maria Goretti with presenter Pat Ranttila.

President Pat thanks speaker Rona Roffey

Posted on Apr 08, 2015

President Pat Ranttila thanks Rona Roffey from YMCA Camp Duncan for giving our members up to date information on the ways the camp serves the disadvantaged children in the Chicago area.

President Pat with Paul Fry & Ed Jacob

Posted on Mar 26, 2015

Brigadier General Paul Fry of the Defence Forces Ireland flew in from Ireland to SURPRISE member Ed Jacob for his 70th birthday. He also spoke to our members who were fascinated with his story.

Interact Club doing a Rotary project

Posted on Mar 23, 2015

Photo of the feeding Children Worldwide pack by the Interact students of both East and West Leyden High Schools and Rotary members of the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare.

Speaker Sandy Sullivan with President Pat Ranttila

Sandy Sullivan is an author, teacher, businesswoman and motivational speaker who delivered a rousing account of her experiences while working with Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers.

Speaker Sherry Arthur receives a welcome from President Pat Ranttila

Posted on Feb 04, 2015

Lydia Home Association (LYDIA) is a national faith-based organization whose mission is strengthening families to care for children and caring for children when families cannot. LYDIA’s vision is that every child has a safe and caring home.

President thanks Speaker Geoffrey Gephart

Posted on Jan 29, 2015

Our speaker Geoffrey Gephart, Executive Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association -- Midwest Chapter accepting thanks from President Pat Ranttila for increasing our awareness of the deadly disease of Pulmonary

Hypertension and the role the association plays in prevention and care needs,

East & West Leyden Feeding Children Worldwide pack

Posted on Jan 26, 2015

These are some pictures of the Feeding Children Worldwide pack with the East and West Leyden Interact Clubs. Thanks to Pat, Larry and Jack for putting this together.

Rotary Grandmother's Project

Delivery of Holiday gift bags from our club to the Grand Family Roseland Village Apartments for the Grandmothers.

Thanking our wait staff at the Great Escape Restaurant

Posted on Dec 17, 2014

We appreciate the service given us at every Thursday Rotary Luncheon by our waitress Bridget, the hostess Vicki and busboy Andre.

West Leyden Service Clubs visits an orphanage in Mexico

Posted on Dec 10, 2014

Wil Wagner, West Leyden Principal introduced members of the West Leyden Service Club. The kids talked about their trip to Puerto Vallarta to help children

in a nearby orphanage and what an eye opening experience it was for all of them. They will be looking to make the trip again this summer with about 50-60 students.

Students from West Leyden & East Leyden Interact & Ryla participants

Posted on Nov 19, 2014

Volunteers of America gave us their presentation today. Member Chuch Henschel is on the left.

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Nov 12, 2014

Carlton Evans and his associates from Volunteers Of America

President Pat congratulates Kay Whitlock

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Nov 05, 2014

Kay received a Paul Harris +3 pin from President Pat Ranttila in recognition for her charitable contributions.

Rotary Meeting in Florida

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Nov 05, 2014

Even when away from our club, our hearts are still with Rotary. Ed Marcus and Barbara LaSpesa went to the Rotary Club of Coral Springs meeting in Florida and presented our flag to president Barbara Gobbi.

Dr. Nick Polyak, Supt of Leyden Township visits our club

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 22, 2014

Dr Polyak gave us an update on the remarkable accomplishment of the Leyden Township

Konrad F Hack, combat artist, gave his presentation on his Vietnam career

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 01, 2014

Konrad F Hack brought his self portrait (which he is holding) and told us of his experiences as a combat artist in the Vietnam war.

Commissioner Dan Patlak being welcomed by President Pat Ranttila

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 10, 2014

Commissioner Dan Patlak discussed what is new at the Cook County Board of Review, including the ability to submit property tax appeals online and how the digitalization of the appeal process improves the timely distribution of 2nd installment property tax bills.

Packing Meals for Feeding Children Worldwide

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 03, 2014

Our Rotary Members packed 2428 meals to help feed 900 orphans in Mexico.

President Pat Welcomes Speaker James E Gierach

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 27, 2014

James E. Gierach is a former Assistant State's Attorney of Cook County, municipal attorney, Village prosecutor, and general practitioner. He was the youngest delegate elected to write Illinois' Constitution in 1970, a former candidate for Cook County State's Attorney and Illinois governor, raising drug policy and prison issues. One newspaper called him, "Illinois' premier conscientious objector to the war on drugs."

Rotary Members promote awareness of Polio Eradication

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 22, 2014

Today, our Rotary Club members volunteered at the Schiller Park Festival to raise money to end polio worldwide. For every dollar collected, Bill Gates contributes $2. There are only 128 polio cases left in 3 countries. One of Rotary’s main goals is to eradicate polio but more money is needed to reach this goal.

President Pat Ranttila welcomes reps from Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 13, 2014

Jen Wolff and Georgia Winson with Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach gave us a presentation on their non-profit organization. They engage hospitals, corporations, donors, volunteers and healthcare workers in more than 75 countries to build a bridge between surplus in the United States healthcare system and devastating needs in healthcare around the world. In 2013, 50 hospitals and 18 clinics participated and their partner hospitals were able to save 803,329 pounds of medical supplies and equipment from landfills in the Midwest. The supplies and equipment saved were repurposed and sent to medical missions in 39 countries.,329

President Pat Ranttila presents a check to Diane Carroll of My Joyful Heart

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 06, 2014

Today, at our Rotary Meeting, our speaker was Diane Carroll from My Joyful Heart who gave an in depth heartbreaking description of the poverty and horrible situations her over 650 kids endure daily. Our club sponsors 2 disadvantaged kids in this program. We donated lots of back to school supplies. Check out their website www.myjoyfulheart.org Check donations can be mailed to My Joyful Heart P O Box 502 Lockport IL 60441

President Pat Ranttila welcomes speaker Annette Jahnel

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 30, 2014

Annette gave us a slideshow presentation of her road trips across 30 countries and 4 continents. Find out more about Annette on her website www.jahnelamericas.com

Rotary donates to My Joyful Heart

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 25, 2014

Jack and Pat Ranttila delivered items to the Mokena IL warehouse from American and United Airlines to My Joyful Heart for their gift bags for 800 underprivileged children in the Chicagoland area.

New Member Rick Stack gave his Ice Breaker Presentation

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 09, 2014

New Member Rick Stack gave us an overview of his life and career (he works for Welch Packaging) and his hobbies include climbing mountains

Tony Pecucci gave hisi presentation on Leyden Community Outreach program.

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 09, 2014

Tony plans to become a member within the next few weeks. He is replacing former Member Dominic Manola.

President Pat Ranttila welcomes Salvation Army's Cheryl Hagedorn

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 02, 2014

Speaker Cheryl Hagedorn gave our members a presentation on the Salvation Army's ministry of Breakfast with Baby. They meet on the second Saturday of every month to eat breakfast at 8:30 AM at 609 W Dempster in Des Plaines. Free diapers are distributed to families struggling financially. The mother must be at least 7 months pregnant or have a baby under 12 months of age to qualify. To host a diaper drive, call 847-981-9111.

Installation of 2014-2015 Officers/Board of Directors

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jun 25, 2014

Congratulations to new President Pat Ranttila (siting with yellow blouse) pictured here with her officers and board of directors. Thanks to outgoing President Larry Fritz for the fine job he did this past year. Sitting next to Pat is President-Elect Kay Whitlock.

Our Rotary Club Members at O'Hare Airport

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jun 21, 2014

Several Rotary Club members, spouses and friends sorted 31 boxes donated by United Airlines of first class and business class amenity kits left on the plane. Contents will be distributed to various local needy organizations.

President Larry Fritz thanks speaker Kim Morton

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jun 11, 2014

Kim Morton gave an informative presentation on Biotechnology.

Congrats to Member Ron Hann

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on May 07, 2014

Our 50/50 raffle has come to an end. The raffle was $3089 and Rob won half today by pulling the Ace of Spades. We are starting a new raffle next week. Details on our new raffle will be explained next week.

President Larry Fitz presenting a check to Lindsy Wadas, USO

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Apr 16, 2014

Our Club has supported the USO for many years to assist in their mission to make our service men and women more comfortable in their journeys through our city.

Larry Fritz officially welcomes Dan Olson

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Apr 02, 2014

Larry gave Dan his official Chicago-O'Hare papers. Dan Transferred over from the Franklin Club due to its demise. Welcome to our club Dan.

Speaker Dr Julia W Rath and President Larry Fritz

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Apr 02, 2014

Dr Julia W Rath spoke to our club about Conquering Sleep Apnea the All-Natural Way.

Check out her website www.conquerapnea.com

Member Barbara LaSpesa visiting a Florida Rotary Club

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Mar 19, 2014

When out of town, and time permits, it’s always a fun experience to make-up a Rotary Meeting at another club. I’ve met some wonderful Rotarians at the Coral Springs Rotary Club in Florida this past snowbird season. To find another club, just download the Rotary Club Locator App. I use it all the time.

RYLA - Leyden High School Students and Coordinators Join Our Club

Posted by Ted Woosley on Feb 26, 2014

As usual, Our Club President, Larry Fritz is flanked by smiling people much easier on the eyes than him. This time - School Counselors and RYLA coordinators from East and West Leyden High Schools. Also - many students who attended the RYLA Weekend joined us for lunch and shared their experiences.

Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare to honor Leyden students

Posted by Ted Woosley on Feb 16, 2014

Click this link to see the PROGRAM: http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/6450/2178/HTML/219713//WestLeydenTop10-2014.pdf

The Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare will honor students from the top ten percent of District 212's senior class at the 33rd Annual Top Ten Percent Ceremony on Feb. 25. Read more in the release below.

The Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare continues the tradition of the Franklin Park Rotary Club's recognition of students in the top ten percent of District 212’s class of 2014.

On Tuesday, February 25, the 33rd Annual Top Ten Percent Ceremony will be held in honor of students from both campuses who have achieved outstanding academic success. Because of the Rotary club’s generosity, each of these students has had the opportunity to apply for one of the scholarships awarded by the club.

If you would like to support the Rotary Club of Chicago-O’Hare’s recognition of Leyden students, a donation to the club’s scholarship fund is suggested. Please make a check payable to the Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare Foundation and send it to Mr. Dominic Manola, East Leyden High School, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park 60131-2184.

For more information, please contact Dominic Manola at dmanola@leyden212.org. and 847-451-2464.

Leyden Family Services Aftercare addresses our Club

Posted by Ted Woosley on Feb 12, 2014

Leyden Family Services Aftercare provides a range of counseling, treatment and preventative care services for adults, adolescents, senior citizens, children and families. This includes treatment programs for those struggling with substance abuse, gambling addiction and other mental health problems. We specialize in offering professional help within a non-judgmental setting while supporting each individual's right to confidentiality.

Hildi Tamayo from the Leyden Family Services Food Pantry (left), Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare President Larry Fritz (center), Bruce Sewick from Leyden Family Services Aftercare (right).

For more information, please visit www.leydenfamilyservice.org or contact Bruce Sewick at 847-451-0500.

Clair Eblovi of projectc.u.r.e. addresses our Club

Posted by Ted Woosley on Feb 05, 2014

Project C.U.R.E. is the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries and partners with Rotary Clubs to deliver cargo containers of medical donations to healthcare facilities in developing countries. Headquartered in Denver, local Rotaries are a fantastic source of support. Rotary members volunteer on a monthly basis at our distribution warehouse, and the Littleton Rotary was instrumental in supporting Project C.U.R.E. to purchase the Denver warehouse.

Our Club President Larry Fritz thanks Clair Eblovi from Project C.U.R.E. for presenting to our Club. For more information, visit www.projectcure.org, or email claireeblovi@projectcure.org

Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare thanks West Leyden HS Student Volunteers

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jan 29, 2014

Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare members (from left to right) Jack Frawley, Richard Bertucco, Jack Rantilla, Pat Rantilla, Glenn Spachman, Larry Fritz and Ed Marcus thanked the student volunteers at West Leyden High School for working for our Club.

The student volunteers from West Leyden High School are an integral part of our Club's airline amenity kit redistribution program. The students are put to work at the High School sorting out the individual elements of the amenity kits provided to our Club by our airline partners. In turn, these products are provided to people in need all around greater Chicagoland. It was an absolute honor for our Club Members to be able to thank the students for all of their hard work by providing a pizza luncheon at the school and interacting with the students.

The student volunteers have been invited to join our Club for lunch on February 27th.

Club Reinvests Funds

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jan 22, 2014

Club Treasurer Glenn Spachman and President Larry Fritz present Richard Bertucco with select Club Funds for reinvestment.

Speaker Paul Cody from the Global Smile Foundation

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jan 22, 2014

Mr. Paul Cody from the Global Smile Foundation addresses our Club. The mission of the Global Smile Foundation is to alleviate the suffering of underserved patients born with facial congenital deformities with special emphasis on cleft lips and palates.

President Larry Fritz welcomes Mr. Paul Cody from the Global Smiles Foundation. For more information, visit www.gsmile.org.

Rotarian of the Year Awarded to Jack and Pat Ranttila

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 16, 2013

Congratulations to both Jack and Pat Ranttila on receiving the Rotarian of the Year Awards presented by President Larry Fritz at our annual Holiday Party. This was a much well-deserved award to Pat and Jack for all the hours and efforts they put into working with Mercy Housing Lakefront and the amenity kit program.

.

Jack spends countless hours receiving and unloading donated amenity kits and comforters from United Airlines. Pat delivers or makes arrangements to get these donated products to over 120 agencies.

Congratulations to member Pat Ranttila

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 16, 2013

President Larry Fritz presented Pat with her Paul Harris +3 pin.

Barbara LaSpesa Awarded Paul Harris +5

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 16, 2013

Barbara Piltaver, Mayor of Schiller Park

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 11, 2013

Our President Larry Fritz who also happens to be a Village Trustee of Schiller Park, welcomed Mayor Barbara Piltaver who gave us a little history of Schiller Park. Barbara was born and raised here and she shared some wonderful stories about her family's roots in the Village.

Mercy Home "Welcome Basket" Project

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 04, 2013

Members Pat Ranttila, Kay Whitlock and Felix Matlock gave a presentation on this project which started in 2008. They brought a sample of the Welcome Basket we give to new Mercy Housing Residents annually. Each welcome basket includes a gift card indicating that the basket is a housewarming gift provided by our club.

District Governor Cliff Lyda Installs New Members Mike Rickert and Dominic Manola

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Nov 13, 2013

Congratulations to members Kay Whitlock & Rob Hann for their Paul Harris +2 Awards

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Nov 13, 2013

Many thanks to United Airlines for their donation

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 09, 2013

On Thursday, Jack and Pat Ranttila, Ed Marcus, Chuck Henschel, Dave Woodcock and John Kearns broke down the pallets and stored them systematically in our new storage room graciously provided by member John Sisco. There was a total of 432 boxes containing United Airlines First Class Amenity Kits.

Congrats to Kay Whitlock

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 08, 2013

Rotary Member Kay Whitlock was honored at the Mercy Housing "Moving Forward Together" celebration as a long serving Board Member for Mercy Housing Lakefront. Kay brought to our club the connection between the Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare and Mercy Housing Lakefront. Our "Welcome Basket" project for the new residents of Mercy's 27 properties was honored at the Rotary District 6450 Conference as the longest on-going project in the District. To learn more: www.mercyhousing.org

President Larry Fritz welcomes Hunter Byington

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 02, 2013

Hunter is Rotary District 6450 Communications and Public Relations Director. He gave us tips on how to use Facebook and YouTube to promote our club.

President Larry Fritz welcomes Hunter Byington

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Oct 02, 2013

Naperville Rotarian Hunter Byington who is also Rotary District's

President Larry Fritz with Laura Pollastrini & Dimitrios Kriaras

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 25, 2013

Laura is the Government & Public Relations Manager and Dimitrios Kriaras is their Chief Operations Officer at Northwestern College located in Rosemont.

Northwestern College was founded in 1902 to provide men and women with specialized training necessary for a successful career in business and to support Chicago's rapidly growing business community, NC continues to pursue the basic principles of its founder: to meet the needs of students who are career-oriented.

President Larry Fritz welcomes new Member Dominic Manola

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 25, 2013

Dominic is the Director of Student and Community Outreach for Leyden High School District 212 located in Franklin Park.

President Larry Fritz welcomes new Member John Schneider

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 25, 2013

John is Director of Community Development & Zoning for the Village of Franklin Park.

Speaker Dave Navarro (center of photo) with Richard Bertucco and Fred Otto

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 11, 2013

We welcomed back Dave Navarro who updated us on the state of the economy. He started off with the economy in 1982 to our present day. It was a very informative presentation. Dave has been president of Chicago Oakbrook Financial Group ( Member Richard Bertucco's employer) since 1997. He is a registered Securities Principal of Commonwealth Financial Network with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. Chicago Oakbrook Financial Group | www.cofgroup.com 903 Commerce Dr. Suite 300. Oak Brook, IL 60523 Ph 630-413-4221

Our Club packed 2500 meals for Feeding Children Worldwide

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Sep 04, 2013

Members and friends came together to pack 2500 meals for the poor children in The Philippines. Our Honorary Member Eldon Tracy heads this very worthwhile organization www.feedingchildrenworldwide.org

Zihuatanejo Mexico Ambulance Project

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 27, 2013

In March our club joined with 3 other clubs in an international project to provide medical equipment for an ambulance in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Our share was $973.00

Eileen Higginbotham (our first female member) and husband Lou Tenzis

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 21, 2013

Although Eileen left our club, she is still a Rotarian with the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Club. She shared with us her club's involvement with KIVA regarding microfinance. Microfinance is a general term to describe financial services to low-income individuals or to those who do not have access to typical banking services.Microfinance is also the idea that low-income individuals are capable of lifting themselves out of poverty if given access to financial services. For more info go to www.KIVA.org

Denise M. Paarlberg former Rotary Exchange Student revisits our club

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 21, 2013

It was wonderful seeing Denise before she heads off for 1 1/2 years to Amman, Jordan for her studies. She was a former student at East Leyden High School who we sponsored to go to RYLA. We then sent her to the Czech Republic to a host family there. She has just returned from her stint in Washington, DC and nows heads to Jordan to continue her education. She's so excited and we are too! She came back to thank our Dave Woodcock for sponsoring her. Rotary has changed her life.

Diane Carroll from My Joyful Heart visited us today

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 14, 2013

Every year, Diane Carroll visits our club to give an update on her charitable organization www.myjoyfulheart.org She started helping 2 disadvantaged kids many years ago and now will service 700 kids by the end of this year. Our Rotary Club sponsors 2 children and today we gave her a check presented by Past President Chuck Henschel. Also we collected back to school supplies which filled up the back of her minivan.

Senior Living Advisors

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jul 31, 2013

Andrea Donovan of Senior Living Advisors speaks to our Club today about the process of choosing an alternative living arrangement for a loved one or a friend.

SOS Childrens Villages of Illinois Presents

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jul 24, 2013

SOS Children’s Villages Illinois

Administrative Office

216 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 925

Chicago, IL 60606

Office: (312)372-8200, ext. 121

Cell: (312)714-6715

Fax: (312)372-8202

mconradt@sosillinois.org

Michelle LaGroue Conradt and Foster Mother Miss Kenitra Shakelford of SOS Children's Villages Illinois flank our Prez after an inspiring presentation on the goals and mission of SOS and the personal story of a "day in the life" of a foster parent who truly has found her personal calling. Today, we donated comforters from United Airlines, and our Club intends to add SOS to our long list of partner organizations. For more information, see www.sosillinois.org.

SOS Children’s Villages Illinois

Administrative Office

216 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 925

Chicago, IL 60606

Office: (312)372-8200, ext. 121

Cell: (312)714-6715

Fax: (312)372-8202

mconradt@sosillinois.org

Out with the "Old" and in with the "New"

Posted by Ted Woosley on Jul 24, 2013

Our Club President, Larry Fritz (left) presents our Past Club President, Chuck Henschel (right) with a plaque to commemorate his distinguished service. The gavel is passed....

We have a Raffle Winner

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Jul 17, 2013

Our 50/50 raffle was up to $2800 today and our Prez Larry Fritz pulled out the Ace of Spades. Our treasurer Glenn is on vacation and he excitedly awaits his return. Mas Ishida shares Larry's happiness in this photo.

Food Packing Project for Feeding Children Worldwide

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on May 24, 2012

On Thursday, May 24 our club packed 2,592 meals (12 cartons). These meals will be distributed to poor people in the Phillipines and Mexico. Our next food packing event will be September 13th at The Great Escape Restaurant.

Top 10% Recognition Event

Posted by Melinda (Mindy) McGuffin on Feb 14, 2012

On February 28, 2012 at West Leyden High School in Northlake, Illinois, the Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare and the Rotary Club of Chicago -O'Hare Foundation will host the 31st annual Leyden High School top ten percent awards ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The ceremony is the outgrowth of a long term interest initiated by the Franklin Park Rotary Club for providing scholarship assistance to Leyden students. This ceremony is intended to bring public recognition for the academic achievement of the senior students at Leyden High Schools. The students recognized as the top 10% of their class are honored guests at this ceremony and reception. Local businesses, individuals, professionals, and Rotarians throughout the area have contributed funds to sponsor this event and to establish additional Rotary scholarships for Leyden students.

Welcome New Member Pat Ranttila

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Dec 27, 2011

Pat Ranttila is our newest member of Rotary. Prior to becoming a member, she has donated much of her time helping member Kay Whitlock with Mercy Housing Lakefront, cleaning blankets, and putting together items for their Welcome Baskets. Pat teaches an afternoon after-school program on the west side of Chicago. Pat's husband Jack is a Past President and current secretary of this club.

Rotary Donates Pallets of Pillows

Posted by Kay Whitlock on May 01, 2011

Member Kay Whitlock's updated report on our Rotary Club donations

MISA TAKARAMOTO

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa on Aug 21, 2005

Ambassadorial Scholar needs to set up her apartment for her two year stay

District 6450 Governor Nikki Scott Visits our Club

Posted by Ted Woosley

Club President Pat Rantilla welcomes District 6450 Governor Nikki Scott, joined by Assistant District Governor Jack Rantilla.

Virtual Tour of Israel

Posted by Ted Woosley

Club President Pat Rantilla with Omer Eschel, Consul Director, Midwest Region, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Maria Triantos, Midwest Regional Manager for El Al Israel Airlines, and Jill Daly, Public Relations Director for the Israel Government Tourist Office.

Our Rotary 2014 Golf Outing June 5th at Makray, Barrington

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Beautiful weather - great attendance. Check out photos on this website - right hand side under Photo Albums.

Past President Chuck Henschel thanks Jackie McGuire

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Guest Speaker Jackie McGuire is a former Rotary International staff member who gave our club members an insight into Rotary History, the aquisition of the Evanston headquarters and some of the inner workings of Rotary with their 600 employees.

Kelley Johnson and Lindsey Baumgartner from Travelers Aid O'Hare

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Travelers Aid staff and volunteers provide one-on-one service for at-risk passengers by accompannying them through such processes as flight check-in, going through security, transferring to gates, getting to baggage claim and/or sitting with them during a layover. In 2013 more than 600 O'Hare passengers were assisted. In recent years, Travelers Aid Chicago has expanded its presence with more than 125 volunteers now serving O'Hare. Volunteers and staff speak a combined 28 languages fulfilling a critical need at an international transportation hub. To become a volunteer, visit their website at traveersaidchicago.org or call 773-894-2427 or send an email to travelersaid@heartlandalliance.org

Rona Roffey, Camp Director at YMCA Camp Duncan visits Our Club.

Posted by Ted Woosley

Our President Larry Fritz with YMCA Camp Duncan Director Rona Roffey. For more information, please contact:

Rona Roffey

Camp Director

YMCA Camp Duncan

YMCA Camp Independence

32405 N. Hwy. 12

Ingleside, IL. 60041

(P) 847-410-5248 (F) 847-546-3550

(E) rroffey@ymcachicago.org

Jack Rantilla recieves Paul Harris 4 status

Posted by Ted Woosley

Our Club President Mr. Larry Fritz honors Mr. Jack Rantilla with his Paul Harris 4 Award.

Congratulations Jack...!!!...Bravo...!!!...Well Done...!!!

Rotarian Jeff Matera from Marble Falls Texas Visits our Club

Posted by Ted Woosley

President Larry Fritz (left) exchanges flags with Fellow Rotarian Jeff Matera (right) visiting our Club today all the way from Marble Falls Texas. Jeff is the Nominee President for his club, which simply means he will be President in two years, giving him plenty of time to prepare his acceptance speech and goals for his pending administration. He shared with us that Marble Falls is about 50 miles northwest of Austin Texas. We welcomed Jeff to our Club, feeding him very well and exchanging our Club flags. Check out what's happening with their club here: http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=4419 or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Marble-Falls/233411316723667.

2013-2014 Rotary Board Installed

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Congrats to Larry Fritz, our new President

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Every year, it is our tradition to have the new President pick out his menu for his installation. Well, Larry, said he wasn't fussy and said he would be happy with Macaroni and Cheese plus hot dogs. Well he got his wish while the rest of us members feasted on Ribs and more.

Speaker June 13 Terry Parke, Boy Scouts

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Terry Parke made a return visit to our club. He's also a Rotarian in Schaumburg. He brought us up to date on what the Boy Scouts are doing in his district which includes Schiller Park.

Congratulations to Ted Woosley

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Congrats are in order for member Ted Woosley who is engaged to Adriana Ference. Good luck with the wedding plans.

Welcome new Member Felix Matlock

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Felix Matlock is no stranger to our club. He's Vice President of Mercy Housing Lakefront, a not-for-profit agency that our club supports with Welcome Home Baskets, blankets and amenity kits. To find out more, go to www.mercyhousing.org

May 30 Speaker, Robert Beezat pictured with Rotary treasurer, Glenn Spachman

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Our Speaker Bob Beezat is a former Rotarian and former City Manager. Coincidentally, he knew Glenn from Glenn's previous city manager years.

Bob, a businessman, public official, and community leader talked about his book in relationship to Rotary’s Mission, Motto and Four Way Test." You can find out more about him by going to his website www.knowingandloving.com and clicking on the “About” tab.

Speaker May 23, Manny Pacheco pictured with his wife Laurie and President Chuck Henschel

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Manny Pacheco is a Southern California television and radio personality, who has worked on NBC's Santa Barbara, and the Daytime Emmy-nominated In Studio on KCOP. He's now the award-winning author of two the Forgotten Hollywood-series that shares America's s story through the eyes of actors from Hollywood's Golden Age. He currently hosts a Forgotten Hollywood program on The Financial News and Talk Radio Network every Saturday at 1p.

Speaker May 16, Rona Roffey, Camp Director YMCA Camp Duncan

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Rona Roffey gave us a great presentation on what goes on at the YMCA Camp Duncan. Our club sponsors disadvantaged kids to go to this camp. Some of these kids experience outdoor sport activities for the first time. Even when it rains at the camp, they offer many inside games where the kids bond and have a good time.

May 9th Speaker Gary Dowty

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Gary was a former member of our club, Past President 1991-91. He left when he moved to Lake County with a job transfer. He has been retired 4 years and his topic was: Lessons Learned the Hard Way. He gave us an insight on government red tape with all the agencies he has dealt with over the years when in the construction/contractors associations.

May 2nd Speakers Rod Beadle and AJ Both, Engineers without borders

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

AJ Voth and Rod Beadle are members of the Chicagoland Professionals Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). EWB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization that provides design and construction services for a wide variety of infrastructure improvement projects throughout the developing world. AJ and Rod has served as team members and project leaders for water, wastewater, stormwater, bridge and solid waste assignments in Africa, Central America, South America, Central Asia and the Caribbean. AJ is a member of the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary Club and Rod is a member of the Wheaton Rotary Club. Check out their website http://ewb-usa-chicago.org

Our Speaker on April 11th was Barrett Pedersen, President, Village of Franklin Park

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Barret Pederson gave us an insight of all the happenings in Franklin Park. This village has lots going on.

40th Anniversary Luncheon

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Charter Member John Moran gave us a history of the starting of our club. We were an offshoot of Rotary One. Most members in 1973 were affiliated in some way with O'Hare.

Congratulations to Ed Marcus, 2012 Rotarian of the Year

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

At our 40th anniversary party, president Chuck Henschel bestowed the prestigious Rotarian of the Year Award to Ed Marcus.

Sonny Nardulli spoke about his polio as a child and now Post Polio Syndrome

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Gov Pat also had the pleasure of installing Milton G Uribe, Station Manager of Iberia Airlines of Spain.

Welcome New Member Mejai Kai Dyson

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Gov Pat Merryweather also installed new member Mejai Kai Dyson, Principal with Urban Partnership Construction. Mejai is busy building the new concession stands in Terminal 5 at O'Hare which should be completed in another year.

Welcome New Member John Sisco

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

On Thursday,October 25th, District Governor Pat Merryweather installed 3 new members into our club. We now have 35 members and 4 Honorary Members. New member John Sisco, CEO of O'Hare Airport Transit System (OATS) is pictured with President Chuck Henschel and Gov Pat.

Rotary Brings Joy to Mexican Kids

Thanks to Pat Ranttila who spearheaded our Dictionary Project to deliver the following dictionaries to 3rd graders at Kennedy Elementary (142) and St Maria Goretti Catholic School (25) in Schiller Park, North Elementary (38), Passow Elementary (63) and Pietrini Elementary (40) in Franklin Park. Barb LaSpesa delivered 126 Dictionaries to My Joyful Heart in Mokena, IL for the 3rd graders in their program.

2013 - 2014 Scholarship Application

Posted by Michael Plichta

The 2013 - 2014 Rotary Club of Chicago O'Hare Foundation Scholarship Application is available to download.

Blankets Donated

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

United Airlines donated several skids of discontinued blankets for our use to donate to Mercy Lakefront Housing and My Joyful Heart.

Youth Exchange Student

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Our club is sponsoring a Rotary Youth Exchange student from East Leyden High School. Her name is Denise Paarlberg and she has been assigned to a family and school in the Czech Republic.

My Joyful Heart Visits us

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Diane Carroll and Kim Bukantis from My Joyful Heart visited our club today and they are pictured with our president Richard Bertucco

Request for Donations

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

My Joyful Heart needs back to school supplies for the 475 disadvantaged kids they presently sponsor. Here's a list of their present needs...

Haitian Earthquake Response

Posted by Laura Curley

Rotary O'Hare had budgeted to purchase one Shelter Box this year, but the heart-wrenching stories from the Haitian earthquake zone resulted in an outpouring of generosity on behalf of our members. The members of our club, combined with a donation from the Franklin Park Rotary, have pooled donations to purchase FOUR Shelter Boxes. Thank you to the team on the ground in Haiti and the organizers in Miami for giving us the opportunity to be of service - even from way up here in Chicago! Read more about the work of Shelter Box

Welcome Home

Posted by Laura Curley

The Welcome Basket project was off to a great start due to the huge outpouring of support from airlines and airport related companies. Tenants of the Mercy Housing Lakefront are receiving baskets loaded with toiletries, towels and household supplies. If a tenant has a child, often a stuffed animal is included. The outpouring from the community has been so great that baskets that were originally intended for just the new residents have been given to existing tenants as well. Remaining supplies are being shared with emergency shelters in the area.

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

HELP - FOR OUR GOLF OUTING FUND RAISER TO BE A SUCCESS, WE NEED SILENT AUCTION ITEMS - VALUE AT LEAST $25.00...GIVE to NOREEN OR JACK FRAWLEY

Statcounter

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

CLUB SOCIALS

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Posted by Barbara LaSpesa

Wow! At the District Conference, it was announced that our website placed 1st followed by Chicago Lakeview and Homewood with honorable mentions going to Aurora and Rotary One.

OUR WEBSITE WON FIRST PLACE IN OUR DISTRICT