Thanking our speaker Lindsy WadasEvery 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.
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Rotary Members at WorkOur 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.
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President Dave Woodcock thanks speak Gary DuranteGary 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 CommunityOur 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.
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President Dave Woodcock thanks speaker Richard LamDowners 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.
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Presenters Erin and Diane from My Joyful HeartEvery year, our club looks forward to hearing more about our sponsored charity, My Joyful Heart in Mokena, IL. Our president Dave Woodcock presented them with our check which sponsors two kids in the program. Sponsorships include giving these disadvantaged kids 5 presents a year. We gave them a truckload of back to school supplies, cash and other checks donated by Rotary members and their friends.
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Our speaker Margaret Daniel with President Dave Woodcock
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President Rob Hann thanking speaker Ed SphireOr speaker Ed Sphire gave a dynamic presentation on Increasing Political Polarization. Thank you Ed.  |
President Rob Hann thanking speaker Bill GreenBill 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.
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President Rob Hann thanks our speaker
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President Rob Hann thanked our speaker Agha MaisamAgha 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.
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Speakers from HOPE FOR THE DAYOur 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
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Speaker Brett Weiss & our President Rob Hann
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Our September 22nd MeetingWith 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.
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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.
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Our annual Rotary Golf Outing at MakrayWhat 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.
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Rotary District Governor Ade OnayemiWe 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
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Catherine Inserra spoke about KIDS ABOVE ALLToday 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
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My Joyful Heart visits are Rotary ClubPresident 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 PresidentsThank 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.
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Speaker Eldon and President FredOur 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 speakerMark W Smolenski, Sr. Reverse Mortgage Professional at Loanatik L.L.C. gave an in-depth presentation on reverse mortgages. |
President Fred Otto thanks our speakerAttorney Paul M Byck gave a very informative presentation about the impact of work injuries on injured workers. |
President Fred Otto thanks our speakersMichelle 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.
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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.
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President Fred Otto thanks speaker Cengiz KaratasCengiz 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.
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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/ Thanks to all who supported this project!   |
President Otto thanks Mark Daboul, Insurance AgentOn 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
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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
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President Fred Otto thanks speaker Mary Sullivan
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President Fred Otto thanks speaker Jake SeidOur 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 ParkNick 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
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Mark Ailes, Speaker
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Our club reached a milestone
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Our guest speakers from BoliviaRotary 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 BurnsOur 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 2021-2022Incoming 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
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Speaker Jim Elliott from DIVEHEART
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Zoom Speaker Susy SchultzSusy Schultz, Executive Director of the Museum of Boardcast Communications gave our members a terrific presentation on Broadcast, Politics and News Literacy.
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Zoom Speaker G Grant Dixon IIIG. 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.
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Zoom Speaker Tasha SchuhOur speaker Tasha Schug gave her zoom presentation on Youth Mental Health Issues.   |
Zoom Speaker Rob MartwickIllinois State Senator Rob Martwick discussed pension reform in Illinois.  |
Zoom Speaker Marga Hewko
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Zoom Speaker Sharon NewmanSharon Newman gave a wonderful presentation on what to do when a loved one shows signs of dementia.    |
Zoom Speaker Andrew Hart, The Night MinistryAndrew 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. 
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Zoom Presenter Dr. Jeanine NtihiragezaDr. 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
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Zoom Speaker Rona Raffey, YMCA Camp DuncanRona 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.
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Rotary At Work - thanks Pat & Jack RanttilaThe 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
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Rebecca Weininberg, Zoom SpeakerRebecca 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 PresenterElmhurst 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 FerrariDeacon 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 LewisOur 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. a
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Frank Rubio, Zoom Speaker todayOur 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.
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Mr Bill Morris & Raul GuzmanMr Bill Morris & Raul Guzman spoke about their organization Blue Star Recyclers. They started in Colorado and have expanded to other
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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.
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Mike Mcgowan Zoom MeetingOur 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 HotlineRoger 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
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Zoom Meeting with Ted Williams IIISince 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
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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 packTwice 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
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President Jim Testa thanks speaker Ellen PhillipsEllen 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 BukovatzCongratulations to our member Melissa Bukovatz on achieving her Paul Harris Recognition.  |
President Jim Testa thanks Pam JensenPamela 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. .jpeg) |
President Jim Testa thanks -Rachel OssaraToday Rachel Ossara gave our members an overview of the Rotary International Foundation.
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We welcomed Rotarian District Governor of Hawaii
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Presenting Rotaract visitors with our club flagMember 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 MeyersOur 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.
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Congratulations to winner John Kearns
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Feeding Children WorldwideToday, 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.
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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
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Past President Mike Sullivan thanks speaker Shelley Welch
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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.
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.
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!
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.
Our club welcomed speaker, professional wrestler, Carmen Azzato speaking on behalf of Sports World. His credentials include2 Time World Heavyweight Champion
1 Time Intercontinental Champion
1 Time Television Champion
5 Time World Tag Team Champion
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Mark Dyer gave a presentation on how Shelter Box is working to help people made homeless by natural disasters and conflicts.
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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 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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
Jesse Greenberg, Public Affairs Manager for Kinder Morgan,offered insights into the ongoing changes in America’s energy landscape
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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.
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.
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.
It's great to see new members embrace Rotary!
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Mary McMann-Sanchez, from Solidarity Bridge. Global grant #1750431 Equipment for Life Changing Surgeries in Bolivia.
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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.
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.
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!!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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.
Hypertension and the role the association plays in prevention and care needs,
Wil Wagner, West Leyden Principal introduced members of the West Leyden Service Club. The kids talked about their trip to Puerto Vallarta to help childrenin 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.
Carlton Evans and his associates from Volunteers Of America
Kay received a Paul Harris +3 pin from President Pat Ranttila in recognition for her charitable contributions.
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 Polyak gave us an update on the remarkable accomplishment of the Leyden Township
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 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.
Our Rotary Members packed 2428 meals to help feed 900 orphans in Mexico.
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."
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.
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.
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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
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
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 us an overview of his life and career (he works for Welch Packaging) and his hobbies include climbing mountains
Tony plans to become a member within the next few weeks. He is replacing former Member Dominic Manola.
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 hav
e a baby under 12 months of age to qualify. To host a diaper drive, call 847-981-9111.
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.
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.
Kim Morton gave an informative presentation on Biotechnology. 
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.
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 gave Dan his official Chicago-O'Hare papers. Dan Transferred over from the Franklin Club due to its demise. Welcome to our club Dan.
Dr Julia W Rath spoke to our club about Conquering Sleep Apnea the All-Natural Way.
Check out her website www.conquerapnea.com
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 Treasurer Glenn Spachman and President Larry Fritz present Richard Bertucco with select Club Funds for reinvestment.
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.
. President Larry Fritz presented Pat with her Paul Harris +3 pin.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Naperville Rotarian Hunter Byington who is also Rotary District's
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.
Dominic is the Director of Student and Community Outreach for Leyden High School District 212 located in Franklin Park.
John is Director of Community Development & Zoning for the Village of Franklin Park.
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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
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
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.
Club President Pat Rantilla welcomes District 6450 Governor Nikki Scott, joined by Assistant District Governor Jack Rantilla.
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.
Beautiful weather - great attendance. Check out photos on this website - right hand side under Photo Albums.
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.
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
Our Club President Mr. Larry Fritz honors Mr. Jack Rantilla with his Paul Harris 4 Award.
Congratulations Jack...!!!...Bravo...!!!...Well Done...!!!
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.
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.
Congrats are in order for member Ted Woosley who is engaged to Adriana Ference. Good luck with the wedding plans.
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
Our Speaker Bob Beezat is a former Rotarian and former City Manager. Coincidentally, he knew Glenn from Glenn's previous city manager years.
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.
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.
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
Barret Pederson gave us an insight of all the happenings in Franklin Park. This village has lots going on.
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.
At our 40th anniversary party, president Chuck Henschel bestowed the prestigious Rotarian of the Year Award to Ed Marcus.
Sonny also brought as a guest his cousin Ed Doody who is current president of the Kenosha Rotary Club. Club flags were exchanged with our President Chuck Henschel.
Mercy Housing Lakefront made their annual visit to our club on November 29th. It was an added bonus to meet three of their residents.
Mindy McGuffin was awarded her Paul Harris Award on November 29th.
If you have news to share, send Barb an email.
During our District Governor's visit on our meeting on October 25th, Pat Merryweather had the pleasure of bestowing our prestigious Paul Harris Award to Rick Lies, who is our contact guy at United Airlines for their donation of comforters and amenity kits. Also attending this meeting was United's Thanh Tan Yves Nguyen
Gov Pat also had the pleasure of installing Milton G Uribe, Station Manager of Iberia Airlines of Spain.
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.
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.
A big “THANK YOU” to five Rotary Clubs from the greater Chicago-land area were posted on Facebook recently. The clubs were thanked for their support of an international project, a playground for the children of Tecuala, Mexico. The five U.S.A. clubs were those in Manteno, Bradley-Bourbonnais, LaGrange, Western Springs, and Chicago-O’Hare. The playground is in Tecuala Mexico, a town of 40,000 located about 4 hours north of Puerto Vallarta near the Pacific coast.
Phil Zielke shared his story with us at our October 18th meeting.
While undergoing difficult and often painful treatment for Stage 4B Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Phil Zielke identified the need for a Christian based outreach program that would provide hope and support to those affected by cancer. In March 2005, Phil, a two-time cancer survivor, turned his passion for reaching out to those affected by cancer into a charitable organization called Phil’s Friends. Since then, Phil has used the same enthusiasm and determination that helped him battle cancer to create a successful outreach program for cancer patients. To learn more about Phil’s story, please visit www.philsfriends.org
Our speaker on October 11 was Dr Ben. Dr Ben is the founder of Juna Amagara Ministries. He is a native and citizen of Uganda, the first person from his village community to ever earn a University degree. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Makerere University Kampala, Uganda, Masters degrees in Theology and Religion from Wheaton College and Trinity International University, Illinois and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity. Ben worked for ten years for Scripture Union, an organization in Uganda equivalent to Young Life. He is also an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Uganda. Ben directs the work of Juna Amagara Ministries from his office in Kampala, Uganda. Photo shows Patricia Jacob, President Chuck Henschel, Rev Dr Ben, and Past President Richard Bertucco.
Lots of volunteers came out today to help sort amenity kits donated by United Airlines. Barb LaSpesa brought her daughter Debbie's family and friend Karen Wierer. President Chuck and wife Diana, plus Ed and Sandi Marcus plus Jack and Pat Ranttila and two volunteer's from Kay's Whitlock office, and Fred Otto.
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.
We had a great time at Rollo and Darlene Dace's house a few weeks ago. John Moran did a great cooking job on the salmon too. The weather was perfect, the view spectacular, and the fellowship outstanding.
Can you volunteer to solicit new advertisers for our website? Our website advertisers offset the club's cost to provide the website to members and potential prospects. Call Rob Hann 847-567-3518.
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.
At the District Conference May 5-6-7, our club was awarded First Place for the Best Website in our District. Wow!! Surprise!!!! Unbelievable!!!! What an Honor!! Our website address is www.rotarychicagoohare.org
Your Editor Barb has been in Florida for two months...
I'd like to hear from the rest of you...
We now have 8 website sponsors but I need help in getting these posted to the website.
Our Rotary Club (through the efforts of Dave Woodcock) has selected deserving candidate Myra Carrera of East Leyden to participate in the upcoming RYLA weekend...
17 Clubs from Rotary District 6450 have commited sponsorship for a Spring 2006 Medical Mission to China thorugh Alliance for Smiles...
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