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Raffle funds available for the 2023-2024 project: $40,000

The application can be found here.

If you represent a non-profit in the Joliet area, you are invited to apply for up to $40,000 in funds through a Joliet Rotarian. Applications are now welcome. The deadline to submit your project application is March 31st, 2024.

Raffle funds available for the 2022-2023 project: $30,000

Joliet Rotarians:

You are invited to suggest a local community worthwhile project in need of funds. The 2022-2023 Joliet Rotary Raffle Project selection process needs your input.

Applications are now welcome. The deadline to submit your project application is March 31st, 2023.

The application can be found here.

Project Guidelines

The following guidelines must be met:

• Each project must be sponsored by a member of the Joliet Rotary Club. If the project is selected, that member, along with a representative of the organization shall monitor the progress and report on the implementation.
• The project must be a long-term benefit for the Joliet Community and will be used for capital expenditures only and not for operations.
• The specific project must be clearly identified including the Rotary Club of Joliet recognition plan.
• The project will be funded up to $30,000. These funds are available as a result of the Annual Joliet Rotary Raffle Fundraising Event. Each year the anticipated dollar amount will be determined by the Board of Directors.
• Bids or estimates from design or construction professionals for all work and supplies should be submitted with each application.
• The Rotary Member sponsoring the project should return the application and supporting documentation to Immediate Past President, Brian Cedergren or current President Mary Sheehan by March 31st, 2023

The Rotary Club of Joliet is now accepting applications for the Dr. Paul Morimoto Scholarship through May 31, 2022.

All District Rotarians and their families to are encouraged to attend.  The Conference will be held at the newly remodeled Illinois Beach Resort & Conference Center, One Lake Front Dr., Zion, IL 60099.  The conference runs from Thursday April 28 to Sunday May 1. Rotarian attendees registration fee is $400; spouse/guest, $250.  Special room rate is $109/night plus tax. For reservations call 847-625-7300, ext. 0.  Use the link below to register:

The new board members are front left to right: Bret Mitchell, past president; Anastasia Tuskey, director-club service; Kathleen Zydek, director-community service; Damon Sloan, director-vocational service; Jeff Pierson, treasurer; Jen Howard, secretary; Mark Griglione, president; Cheryl McCarthy, vice president; and Dan Malinowski, president elect. At the June 30 meeting of the Joliet Rotary Club, new board members were installed marking the beginning of the new Rotary Year. The theme for this year is “Be a Gift to the World”.  Said President Griglione, “I am looking forward to a year of good work by our club and some fun too. We have a strong membership and board and which will allow us to “be a gift to the world”

• Damon Sloan is nominated as Vocational Service Director for a two year term, 2015-2017.
   
• John Spesia is nominated as International Service Director for a two year term, 2015-2017.
   
• The following officers have been nominated for the 2015-2016 year:

• Each project must be sponsored by a member of the Joliet Rotary Club.  If the project is selected, that member, along with a representative of the organization or group, shall monitor the progress and report on the implementation.
• The project must be a long term benefit for the Joliet Community and will be used for capital expenditures only (bricks/mortar, equipment) not for operation or program support.
• The specific project must be clearly identified including the Rotary Club of Joliet recognition plan.
• ​The project will be funded up to $30,000.  These funds are available as a result of the Annual Rotary Raffle Fundraising Event.  Each year the anticipated dollar amount will be determined by the Board of Directors. 
• Bids or estimates from professionals for all work and supplies should be submitted with each application.
• The Rotary Member sponsoring the project should return the application and supporting documentation to Past President Dave Thornton, or current President Bret Mitchell by Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

• President: Bret Mitchell
• Past President: Dave Thornton
• President Elect: Mark Griglione
• Vice President: Dan Malinowski
• Secretary: Jennifer Howard
• Treasurer: Tom Grotovsky 
• Directors:
  • John Spesia to complete the second year of his two year term in 2014-2015 and will serve as International Service Director
     
  • Cheryl McCarthy (to complete the final year of Lisa Kinser's term as Vocational Service Director for her two year term, 2013-2015), Kathleen Zydek (Community Service Director for a two year term, 2014-2016), and Anastasia Tuskey (Club Service Director for a two year term, 2014-2016)

All Rotarians and their families are invited to participate in the Joliet Rotary Club's entry in the 'Light Up the Holidays' parade, this Friday, November 23, 2012.  What a great way to celebrate and promote our Centennial Year!
 
Come early for some pre-parade socialization and cocktails at 3PM at The Department, 205 N. Chicago St., Joliet.  If you can't come early, meet the group at the 5PM line-up.  The Joliet Rotary Club entry is #64.
 
Questions?  Contact Mike Rittof at 815/671-0550.

The Rotary Club of Joliet honored the Students of the Month during the Sept. 4 luncheon. From left to right Kaitlin Contos, Frank Bruno, and Jacklyn Long.

• Kaitlin Contos attends Joliet West High School. She is the daughter of Michael and Charleen Contos. Kaitlin plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to study accounting and finance.  She is the niece of member Tony Contos.

• Frank Bruno attends Joliet Catholic Academy. He is the son of Michael and Mary Lynn Bruno. Francis plans to study political science and journalism in college.
  
  
• Jacklyn Long is a student at Joliet Central High School. She is the daughter of Brian and Joan Long. Jacklyn is currently taking dual credit classes at JJC and plans to transfer to the University of Chicago to study medicine.

The weekly fines collected by the Sergeant at Arms definitely are for a good cause. At the Sept. 4 meeting, Lisa Kinser, former sergeant at arms, gave an update on where these proceeds go. 

• Easter Seals submitted a request for funds to purchase roadside safety kits as recommended by their accrediting agency. These kits will be useful in the event an Easter Seals staff member runs into trouble on the road while transporting service recipients. The agency was awarded a grant in the amount of $800.00 toward the purchase of the roadside kits.
  
  
• Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living submitted a request for $1,000 to purchase Assistive Technology Components for children that they serve. These assistive technologies could include items such as an iPad, therapeutic garments, or other items that address a child's needs and enable them to experience more independence. This grant request will enrich the lives of two to three children.  
  
  
• The Will County Humane Society submitted a request for funds to build an outdoor pen for prospective adoptions of our furry friends. This area will facilitate successful adoptions by allowing prospective new owners to interact with adoptable dogs in a realistic environment, as well as provide a safe area for prospective new owners to introduce other dogs already in the home to the prospective adoptee. They are being awarded $1,000.00 to build the prospective adoption pen, which will feature a plaque recognizing the contribution of the Joliet Rotary Club.
  
  
• Royal Family Kids submitted a request for funds to sponsor one child at the Royal Family Kids' Camp. The camp allows children in foster placement to experience the joys of attending camp in a safe environment. These children are in placement as a result of abuse, abandonment and neglect. They might not otherwise be able to experience activities that we often assume all children are provided, such as birthday parties, outdoor activities, and keepsakes to memorialize the experience. The committee felt very strongly that this program does great things locally and voted to award $1,300.00 to sponsor two children at the Royal Family Kids' Camp.

This is a great example of what Rotary does to help others. In support of our motto, Service Above Self, keep putting your dollars in to support this worthy program.

The Rotary Club of Joliet has a new slate of officers. At the June 26 meeting, Tim Brophy was sworn in as the club’s new president. Other new officers include David Thornton, president elect; Brett Mitchell, vice president; and Dan Malinowski, secretary. Mark Griglione will continue his service as treasurer.

Two new directors were also installed Tom Grotovsky and Laurie Rambo. Cathy Molck and Bill Jenkins will serve another year as directors.

On Tuesday, June 12, the Joliet Rotary Club sponsored a mobile food pantry from the Northern Illinois Food bank.  The event was held at the Warren Sharp Center in Joliet.  A great display of hard work and a spirit of helping our neighbors in need was front and center.  In all we were able to serve 167 households which accounts for 664 individuals.

At the May 1^st meeting, Ken Mihelich shared details about one of the first meetings of the newly formed Joliet club. Eighteen members and two guests met on April 13, 1913 at the Hobbs Hotel in Joliet with Chairman Maurice Lennon presiding.

Judge Charles Campbell of the 12^th Illinois Circuit Court gave a speech about success. He enumerated several characteristics of success including good habits and good morals. Judge Campbell said, “No success can be achieved except by honorable means. The one essential for success is energy and endurance.” These are ideals still held high by Rotary clubs today.

Take advantage of this special offer from Crain's Chicago Business - with your subscription, they will make a donation to Rotary International's Polio Plus campaign to eradicate polio in the world.

The Rotary Club of Joliet awarded six scholarships to local graduating students for the 2012-2013 school year. Pictured are : Katelyn Gannon, Benjamin Fox, Nicole Formhals, Adjo Tameklo, Samantha Marconi, and Kyle Teegardin. Also pictured are members of the scholarship committee Mark Griglioni, Mike Murray, and Ann O'Neill.

Proceeds from the club’s annual fundraising efforts support this scholarship program. Student applications are solicited from Joliet Central, Joliet West, and Joliet Catholic High Schools.

District 6450 has distributed almost 60,000 postcards, like the one below, to prospective members and businesses within one mile of meeting locations.  This is their invitation to join us in Rotary.

Joliet Rotarian Russ Slinkard was one of many club members who participated in this year's Dictionary Project, organized by fellow club member Ricardo Espinoza.  Rotarians talked about Rotary and the 4-Way Test, as well as the importance and use of dictionaries to 1,278 Joliet Public SD #86 and Rockdale SD #84 fourth grade students.  Each student received their own, brand new dictionary!

The Rotary Club of Joliet has chosen three finalist for its 2012 Service Recipient award.  (Download summary here.)
 
Club members heard first-hand from each of them at last Tuesday's meeting.  After the presentations, members were emailed online voting instructions from Bill Jenkins, to select who will be the recipient of up to $10,000 in Rotary Raffle proceeds.

Rotarian John Spesia is pleased to report that the Malawi Clean Water Project is completed!

The project began after Joliet Rotarian Doug Spesia's death in 2010. A memorial fund was started to construct the Douglas Spesia Centre in Thyolo, Malawi. The village was in need of a clean water source because water-related illnesses such as cholera and typhoid, are common due to the lack of access to clean water.  Recognizing this need, the Joliet Rotary Club stepped in to help. On July 21, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Joliet Rotary Club approved funding to construct a deep well at the site of the Douglas Spesia Centre to provide clean water for the people of Thyolo. 

 

Below is the letter from Fr. Philip thanking the Joliet Rotary Club for the well that we constructed in Likwakwanda, Malawi.

Following are photos of the construction, Fr. Philip and some villagers at the well:

Three community leaders were welcomed to the Joliet Rotary Club as new members recently, after being brought forth for introduction by their sponsors.  In the photo from the left, new Joliet Rotarians include: Carol Andrews, Head of the Joliet Montessori School (sponsor Russ Slinkard); Jim Mullins, President/CEO of UCP Illinois Prairieland (sponsor Brett Mitchell); and Dr. Charles Coleman, Superintendent of Joliet Public School District 86 (sponsor Russ Slinkard).

 

The Holiday Cheer Committee would like to thank all Joliet Rotarians for their ongoing generosity and support of the food and necessities collection program.

Also thank you to the all great volunteers who’ve come together to ensure the program’s success.

At a recent club meeting, Joliet Rotarians listened as Hester Bury, director of the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB) spoke about their mission to provide nutritious food to those in need, through their work and with 600 partner agencies in 13 Northern Illinois counties.

 

Joliet Rotary Welfare Committee Chair John Spesia presented a check to Christine Bzdon and Victoria Collett of the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency to help purchase winter coats for over 100 children from 3-to-5-years-old.

Global understanding of environmental sustainability is a key focus for Sebastien Magnan, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and student at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Stuart School of Business. A recent guest at the Rotary Club of Joliet meeting, Magnan spoke about his experiences as a Rotary Scholar and also shared parts of his home and family in a presentation on Being a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.

 

It was all about oil – “black gold”, “Texas tea”… at a recent Joliet Rotary meeting when Jay Bergman, President and CEO of Petco Petroleum Corporation, gave members food for thought while presenting, “You Think $4 per Gallon is Expensive? Wait Until Next Year.”  As President/CEO of the independent oil and natural gas producer headquartered in Hinsdale, IL., Bergman gave the group insight on  how gas prices are determined and what to expect at the pump in the future.

Joliet Rotary members were all smiles at a recent meeting when Drilling into Dental History was not only the theme of Rotarian, Dr. Pete Nichols’ presentation, but the subject for a special Sergeant-of-Arms presentation with Diane Habiger and Jackie McTee.

Joliet Rotarians were honored for perfect attendance at a recent Club meeting at the Renaissance Center. The Club meets on a weekly basis and if missed, members may attend make-up meetings at other Rotary Clubs.  Ranging  from 1-to-33 years of perfect attendance,  members include: George Buck (33 years); Jim Smith (20 years); Miriam Merrill (19 years), Dan Vera (18 years); Mike Rittof (12 years); Greg Peyla (11 years); Jane Hopkins (6 years); Art Galli (5 years); Dan Mihelich and Dave Thornton (4 years); Mark Griglione (3 years); Tom Grotovsky and Bill Kaplan (2 years); and Mike Murray and Laurie Rambo (1 year).

"Getting Your Garden Ready for Bed” was the subject of an informative and humorous presentation at the August 16 Joliet Rotary Club meeting. University of Illinois Extension’s Will County program coordinator and master gardener, Nancy Kuhajda, gave helpful and interesting tips on how to get rid of garden pests; grow healthy flowers and vegetables; and how to prepare for next year’s crops.

Joliet West High School’s Students of Service (SOS) recently formed an Interact Club with the Rotary Club of Joliet in order to work hand-in-hand on service projects for the community. At a recent Joliet Rotary meeting Joliet West students, Asha Reynolds, Haley Salazar, Anthony Schalk, and Frank Spesia sold 50/50 raffle tickets to club members with half of the proceeds going toward a new tee-shirt design for their student club. 

Governor David Templin, Rotary District 6450 (2011-2012) spoke to Rotary Club of Joliet members during their August 9 club meeting at the Joliet Renaissance Center. He spoke passionately about making the transition from Rotary Member to Rotarian.

 

U.S. House Representative (IL-11), Adam Kinzinger spoke to Joliet Rotarians about current issues effecting the district and U.S. Congress. He spoke about some of his positions on several key issues now in discussion by the House and Senate – and briefly, gave his thoughts on the redrawn district map and his desire to continue representing the district. Following his presentation, Rep. Kinzinger addressed questions during and after the club’s meeting.

More than 150 families benefitted from a stop last week in Joliet of the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Mobile Food Pantry. The Rotary Club of Joliet hosted this event which offered fresh meat, fruit, baked goods and other dry staples to needy families in the area.

As speaker at a recent Club meeting, Joliet Rotarian Dr. Paul Swantrom reflected on his years as superintendent at Joliet Township High School District 204 – and his June 30th retirement. After serving at the helm of the large high school district for nine years, Dr. Swanstrom spoke of progress and issues in education, not only at Joliet Central and West High Schools, but throughout the country.

As co-chairs of the Rotary Club of Joliet Centennial Committee, Mike Rittof and Ed Dollinger spoke of plans for the Club’s 100-year celebration at a recent Club meeting.  They also introduced Centennial subcommittee chairs who briefly spoke of their roles.  The yearlong celebration will begin August 2012 and extend to August 2013, and will include several special activities, including an exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

Sixteen Joliet Rotarians were recently recognized for obtaining various levels of giving as Paul Harris Fellows.  Part of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, the Paul Harris Society is named after the founder of Rotary International and recognizes friends of The Rotary Foundation who contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, and other approved Foundation grant activities.

Sharon May, chair of the Joliet Rotary Welfare Committee presented donations to JoAnn Nault of Grace Child Care Center at Grace United Methodist Church, Marilyn Farmer of Morning Star Mission, and Amanda Quinn of Joliet Junior College.

At a recent Rotary Club of Joliet luncheon meeting, six high school seniors were awarded scholarships of $1,000 each for their academic achievements and community service.  The Joliet Club offered $6,000 in scholarships to seniors graduating in 2011 from Joliet Township High School Central Campus, Joliet Township High School West Campus and Joliet Catholic Academy.

William A. Strauss, senior economist and economic advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, joined the Rotary Club of Joliet as guest speaker, providing the Fed’s outlook for the U.S. economy in the next few years.  A handout of the slides used in the "Economic Outlook for 2011 and 2012" presentation is available for download on the Joliet Rotary Club website: click here.

Brigadier General [Ret.] Patrick E. Rea, Village Clerk of Tinely Park, will explore the "Current Condition of the US Economy With a Closer Look at Illinois" at the March 29 Rotary Club meeting.  All Rotarians and their guests are encouraged to attend this timely presentation.

State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) will speak on the "Current Illinois Budget Crisis"  at the Joliet Rotary Club lunch meeting on March 22, 2011 at 12 noon.  All Rotarians and guests are encouraged to attend.

Membership Orientation Committee chairperson Sam Mancuso introduced two new members to the club:  Christopher Stayton of the Asset Care Team in Plainfield, and Lisa Kinser of  Dystrup, Hoster & Jarot, P.C. in Joliet.

Rotarian Miriam Merrill recognized club members for Perfect Attendance Tuesday, during the weekly meeting for the Rotary Club of Joliet. Rotarians honored for the 2009-10 year have perfect attendance ranging from 1 year to 32 years.

 Come and join the fun at the Mardi Gras District Conference at The Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan.

After much discussion, surveying the club members, and consulting with the Council of Past Presidents, the Board of Directors announces exciting new changes to the 2010-2011 Rotary Raffle!

 Michael Murray was installed as the 2010-2011 Joliet Rotary Club president on Tuesday, June 29.

Our annual Rotary Foundation Drive ends at the conclusion of Tuesday's meeting. Mike Hennessy reports that 115 Joliet Rotarians have made a contribution in support of our Rotary Foundation.

The Bylaw Committee presented a new set of bylaws for our club at last week's meeting. Club members will vote on the bylaws at the June 8th club meeting.

Five new members were inducted to the Rotary Club of Joliet on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2010.

The Rotary Club's centennial celebration will include several special activities, including an exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, spearheaded by Larry Johnson and Tony Contos.  Past and current Rotarians and their families, as well as the general community, are encouraged to furnish historical Rotary items or artifacts for the exhibit.

Under the direction of Co-Chairs Mike Rittof and Ed Dollinger, plans are underway for the celebration of 100 years of service by the Joliet Rotary Club.  The yearlong celebration will begin August 2012 and extend to August 2013, and will include several special activities, including an exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

The Rotary Club of Joliet has awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet a $10,000 check that will be used to provide funding for a new gymnasium floor for youth in the community.

At a recent Joliet Rotary meeting, Lt. David Hausmann of the Joliet Fire Department spoke to the group about JFD’s Heartsaver classes. The lifesaving classes are offered by the department, along with other CPR programs. The program is in partnership with the American Heart Association.

Nearly 12 years after the Columbine High School Massacre (April 20, 1999), the compassionate memory of Rachel Joy Scott, the tragedy’s first victim, came to Joliet Rotary with the help of Joliet Township High School’s YESS (Youth Experiencing Success in School) program.

Will County Land Use director, Curt Paddock and Marta Keane, environmental coordinator, recently spoke to the Joliet Rotary Club on the new Will County Green program and web site.

The Rotary Club of Joliet recently recognized Paul Harris Fellows who have donated $1,000 or more to help support the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian and educational programs worldwide. Members are asked to contribute on a yearly basis. Mike Hennessey, club foundation chair acknowledged the new Paul Harris Fellows for the 2009-10 year.

Joliet Rotary Club is now on Facebook.

Former Rotary Club of Joliet president Mary Ann Egger presented Centennial Co-Chairman Mike Rittoff and Joliet Rotary Club President Tim Brophy with a $500 donation for our centennial celebration during the March 26 meeting. Mary Ann is currently a member of the Channahon/Minooka Rotary Club. Several members of the Channahon/Minooka Rotary Club attended last week's meeting to show their support of the Joliet Club's 100th anniversary.

Read more in the Herald News article: click here.

Also at the meeting, District Governor Elect Cliff Lyda spoke about the importance of Women in Rotary at the March 26 meeting.

Every year, our club selects one local agency to receive a $10,000 donation. At the Jan. 28 meeting, the three finalist agencies gave presentations about their services and explained what our donation would be used for.  Each member of the Rotary Club of Joliet is invited to vote for one agency to receive the funding. (Click here to download the ballot.) The voting will close on Tues. Feb. 12. Please email your choice to Dan Mihelich, raffle committee chairman, at dan.mihelich@firstmidwest.com.

The three finalists are Crisis Line of Will County, Lamb’s Fold Center for Women and Children in Joliet, and United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland

Rotarian Dan Malinowski tells students at Taft Elementary School in Joliet about the water projects the Rotary Club of Joliet is involved with during the annual dictionary distribution day.

Twenty-seven students from the three Joliet high schools participated in this year's 17th Rotary Youth Leadership Seminar spearheaded by Mary Jaworski.

At the March 12 meeting, several students shared their experience during the leadership school including Joliet West senior Myra Perez-Hernandez said she appreciated the conference and the opportunity to meet with the local leaders. “I was very impressed with the information all of the speakers shared with us,” she said. “This was such a great opportunity for me as a senior to learn from leaders in our community.”

Under the leadership of Attendance Chair Dan Vera, the following Joliet Rotarians received perfect attendance recognition for the 2011-2012 year:

• 3 years:  Tom Grotovsky
• 4 years:  Mark Griglione
• 5 years:  Dan Mihelich, David Thornton
• 6 years:  Art Galli
• 7 years:  Jane Hopkins
• 12 years: Greg Peyla
• 13 years: Michael Rittof
• 19 years: Daniel Vera
• 20 years: Miriam Merrill
• 21 years: James V. Smith
• 34 years: George Buck

The Rotary Club of Joliet is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2013 dictionary distribution on January 28 and January 30 at several local schools.  Committee chairs Ricardo Espinoza and Bob Kase are accepting volunteers for the following dates and times:

MONDAY, JANUARY 28
Eisenhower Academy - 9 a.m.
Farragut Elementary - 9 a.m.
Forest Park Elementary - 9 a.m.
Edna Keith Elementary - 9:30 a.m.
Thomas Jefferson - 10 a.m.
T.E. Culbertson Elementary -10 a.m.
M.J. Cunningham Elementary - 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Issac Singleton - 9 a.m.
Sator Sanchez - 9:30 a.m.
Carl Sandberg - 10 a.m.
Taft Elementary - 10 a.m.
Lynne Thigpen - 10 a.m.
Woodland - 10 a.m.

Please email Ricardo at respin@rockdale.will.k12.il.us or Bob at rkase@stfrancis.edu to sign up to volunteer.

A festive group of Rotarians represented the Joliet Rotary Club at last weekend's 'Light Up the Holidays' parade in downtown Joliet. Many thanks to the following Rotarians who participated: Ed Dollinger, Mike Rittof, Jane Hopkins, Cheryl McCarthy, Brian Hopkins, Tom Grotovsky, Bill Lauer, Rick Gregg, Tim Brophy, Dave Thornton, Dan Malinowski and Anastasia Tuskey.

Special thanks to Ed Dollinger for providing the photos below.

 

 

 

The Silver Eagle Award is an honor provided to someone who has demonstrated an outstanding record of volunteer service.  Nominees must be 65 years of age and they must not be a Rotarian. We are looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond and maybe have gone under the radar. 

Please take time to think of people you know of that have volunteered their time to make difference in the community.  Please click here for the nomination form.   Once completed please email the form to bjenkins@realmagnet.com or hand the form to either Bill Jenkins or President Tim Brophy at our weekly meeting. 

All submissions must be received by Monday, November 19th.

The lucky winners were chosen at last week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Joliet. Ed Dollinger assisted raffle committee chairs Mary Beth Clausen, Laurie Rambo, and Carol Andrew in selecting this year’s winners. The annual raffle helps raise funds for the various projects the club supports each year.

This year’s winner of the $10,000 grand prize is Sara and Cindy Shutts.  Second prize winners of $1,000 each include Reid Filotto, Jackie McTee, Doug and Dave Anderson, Erin O’Sullivan, and Bob Hammack. Third prize winners of $500 were Beverly Holt and Michelle Rubovitz.

Top ticket seller was Bob Filotto who sold 27 tickets.

“We’d like to thank all of our members who worked hard to sell these raffle tickets,” Clausen said. “Our club is happy to be able to continue to support the important agencies in our community. “

On November 8, Rotarians from District 6450 will join together with Hines and Jesse Brown VA, veteran organizations, and community based organizations to provide services to support the homeless veterans throughout the Chicagoland area. Rotarians will be providing and fitting the homeless veterans with coats, hats, gloves, and other clothing and blankets for the winter.

Of the adult homeless in the Chicago area, it is estimated that almost 40% of them are homeless veterans - many of which are from the Vietnam war. As we remember that 50 years ago this year we entered the Vietnam war, we also remember that for many of our homeless veterans they have struggled for as many
years. It has been only since 2009 that the veterans have been recognized and provided supportive services to address post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and other conditions that can result from war.

At this time we are seeking new or gently user winter coats (no leather or fur please, sizes large and XL preferred), hats, gloves (with leather or Poly palms) and long underwear for November 8 Stand Down Day. We know that in 2011, 850 homeless veterans turned up for the November Stand Down Day and the veteran organizations only had 75 coats to provide to the 850 homeless veterans.  In an effort to make sure that this shortage does not occur again, we at the Joliet Rotary Club are committed gathering as many coats, hats and gloves as possible.  Our deadline for collection is October 30th.

Below you find a list of local businesses who have agreed to be a drop off site for the winter items.  You may also bring these items to our weekly meetings.  If you are interested in volunteering for the event on November 8th in Chicago or if you would like to help us locally with pick-up from our drop off sites please contact the Joliet Rotarians below.

Tom Grotovsky  (815) 378-2169  
Bill Jenkins  (815)-725-9887     
Clayt Gates  

DROP OFF SITES:

• R. Berti Building Solutions - 1604 Caton Farm Rd. Lockport 60441
  8-4:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
  
  
• Sprint Air 1 Wireless - 2296 Essington Rd.  Joliet, 60435
  Monday – Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
  Sat-10:00am-8:00 pm
  Sunday- 11:00am-5:00pm
  
  
• Sprint Air 1 Wireless - 2117 S Rt. 59, Plainfield
  Monday – Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
  Sat- 10:00am-8:00 pm
  Sunday- 11:00am-5:00pm
  
  
• J D Brown Pharmacy - 837 Plainfield Rd, Joliet
  Monday – Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm
  Sat- 10:00am-3:00 pm

The District has also set up the ability for you to give a monetary donation online via their web site. Please click here to visit their donation page.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Joliet Township High School District 204 band. A few of the band's former members include Joliet Rotarians Jim Smith - French horn, Tony Contos - clarinet, and Howard Hamilton - trumpet.

As one of the oldest clubs in the Rotary organization, the Rotary Club of Joliet is embarking on a year-long celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the club’s founding. Amidst a festively decorated ballroom, Club President Tim Brophy officially kicked off the celebration of “Service Above Self”, the motto of Rotary International, at the July 17 meeting.

Our club was the first Rotary club in a community of less than 70,000, Brophy said. “Thousands of members have passed through our club in the last 100 years and we are proud of our rich history and the impact our club has had on Joliet and the world.

The Centennial committee is led by co-chairs Mike Rittof and Ed Dollinger and the following subcommittees and chairs: History and Video - George Buck and Greg Peyla, Museum Exhibit - Tony Contos and Larry Johnson, Dinner Gala - Rick Gregg and Dan Vera, Public Relations: Debbie Condotti and Lisa Morel Las, Centennial Projects/Special Events: Howard Hamilton and Ken Mihelich, Sponsorship/Fundraising: Mary Jaworski and Russ Slinkard.

Band Alumni and Rotarians Contos and Hamilton to play at Century of Musical Elegance Concert

Rotary Club of Joliet members, Tony Contos and Howard Hamilton will kick‐off the Club’s centennial year by joining the Joliet Township High School (JTHS) Band as they also celebrate their 100th year during a special concert on July 29. However, it’s no accident that Contos and Hamilton are playing in the concert celebrating the JTHS Band’s Century of Musical Excellence, nearly 70 band alumni will be joining them as well.

Both Contos and Hamilton men are deeply rooted in the JTHS community as band alumni. And both men are also members of Joliet Rotary, where one of its first acts of service was insuring the newly organized high school band had the necessary tools to compete.

At the June 18 meeting of the Rotary Club of Joliet, six members were recognized for achieving the Paul Harris Fellow Level of Giving by the club’s foundation chairman Mike Hennessy. The Paul Harris Fellow award was established to honor members who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the Rotary Foundation program.

Jane Condon, John Gallo, Bill Jenkins, Dan Kuska, Kristin Mulvey and Rhonda Sykes were recognized with a certificate and a plaque for their financial commitment to Rotary.

Another four members were acknowledged for their contributions of $2,000 with the Paul Harris + 1 Level of Giving. They are George Buck, Marilyn Farmer, Mark Griglione and Russ Slinkard.

Pete Nichols received a Paul Harris + 2 Level of Giving of $3,000 and Craig Wright was recognized for his donation of $4,000 with a Paul Harris + 3 Level of Giving.

In the spirit of service above self, several members of the Joliet Rotary Club participated in the Easter Seals 17^th Annual Celebration of Giving Telethon.  The live local broadcast highlighting local talent, Easter Seals direct service to children and adults with disabilities, and staff, volunteers and supporters, generated more than $190,000. 

Thanks to Michelle Cottrell, Rich Hagen, Kathyrn Brand who joined Debbie Condotti on the Rotary VIP Phone Team. Additionally, Larry Johnson served as a show host, and Ed Dollinger and John Spesia were show sponsors. Rotarians and their friends responded by contributing a total of $2,825 toward a goal of $3,000. 

Easter Seals founding father and Rotarian Edgar Allen defined the nature of Easter Seals’ work and the people who contribute their time, talent and treasure when he said, “Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take, but by what we give.”

Welcome to new members Damon Sloan and Kathryn Brand!

Shad Hallihan and Alberto Filipponi from the Joliet Township High School District presented information at last week's meeting on a new program scheduled to pilot in the district in the fall of 2012. The program 1:1 will provide Netbook tablet computers to all incoming freshmen, on the first day of school at the Central campus and the second day of school at the West campus.

To kick-off our club's Centennial Celebration, the Joliet Rotary Club will sponsor the Joliet Township High School Band's 100^th anniversary concert in July.  Below is a copy of the ad that will appear on the back cover of the program, featuring the relationship between the Joliet Rotary Club and the JTHS band, created by Roxane Geraci.

Under the leadership of Mary Jaworski, the 16th annual Youth Leadership Conference hosted 27 students from the three Joliet high schools.  Nine sophomores, nine juniors and nine seniors heard community leaders speak about a wide variety of leadership-focused topics in four sessions:

• What is Leadership? - with Tom Thanas, Debbie Condotti, Ed Dollinger and JD Ross
• Decision Making: with Judge Dinah Archambeault, Police Chief Mike Trafton, Ruth Colby and Ken Mihelich
• Communications: with Scott Slocum, Lisa Lagger, John Quinn and Bonnie Winfrey 
• Ethical Issues: with Jim Roolf, Dr. Charles Coleman, Tim Brophy and retired Judge Steve White

Congratulations to the slate of incoming 2012-2013 Rotary officers and directors who were voted on at the annual meeting.

• Past President: Dan Mihelich
• President: Tim Brophy
• President-Elect: Dave Thornton
• Vice President:  Brett Mitchell
• Treasurer:  Mark Griglione
• Secretary:  Dan Malinowski

• Director:  Cathy Molck
• Director: Tom Grotovsky
• Director: Bill Jenkins
• Director:  Laurie Rambo

ROTARY/One in Chicago recently celebrated their 107th birthday and Joliet Rotarian Tom Grotovsky was one of the150 Rotarians and friends from throughout the District in attendance. District Governor David Templin presented a check for over $40,000 from the 2012 Taste for Rotary proceeds to Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago.  Tom, who is Chairperson of the 2013 Taste for Rotary announced that the next Taste For Rotary will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2013.  Mark your calendars!

Rotary Welcomes You to Bangkok 2012 from Rotary International on Vimeo.

 

Prior to his presentation on The Sound and the Symbol, Joliet Rotarian Dr. Robert Kase, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Saint Francis partnered with guitarist Jeff Jaskowiak, USF Director of Digital Audio and Recording Arts to provide great music throughout the meeting.  (Click here to see the Powerpoint presentation.)

A lifetime educator, Kase is also an international trumpet artist that has heralded high acclaims from around the world. His performances have taken him on solo tours of Sweden, Norway, England, Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, and across the USA.

 

As a recording artist Kase has performed on more than 200 recording projects including four solo jazz recordings with his own quintet. He appears regularly at International Jazz Festivals and as trumpet soloist with symphony orchestras and concert bands

Please join your fellow Rotarians on Tuesday, November 15 from 5PM-8PM, for a Business After Hours event at Jameson's Pub in Joliet. The cost is $10 per Rotarian and $5 for spouses and friends.  The cost will cover a wide array of appetizers; cash bar available.

You may sign up and pay at the table outside the dining room at upcoming Joliet Rotary Club meetings. If you have any questions please email Dave Thornton.

 

After Joliet Rotarian Doug Spesia's death in 2010, a memorial fund was started to construct the Douglas Spesia Centre in Thyolo, Malawi. In Malawi, water-related illnesses, including cholera and typhoid, are common due to the lack of access to clean water. The village of Thyolo was in need of a clean water source. Recognizing this need, the Joliet Rotary Club stepped in to help. On July 21, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Joliet Rotary Club approved funding to construct a deep well at the site of the Douglas Spesia Centre to provide clean water for the people of Thyolo.

Peter Nkata, President of the Blantyre, Malawi Rotary Club discusses his Club's involvement in Malawi and role in the deep well construction project. Click here to view transcript of Mr. Nkata's comments

Fr. Philip Mbeta discusses the importance of having a clean water source near the Centre.  Click here to view transcript of Fr. Philip's comments.

Past President Michael Murray reminds Joliet Rotarians that it's the time of year for selecting our 2011 Raffle project.  This year we will be giving away $10,000 for a worthy project; as well as awarding six $1,000 scholarships in the spring, and setting aside $10,000 to go toward our Centennial project.

Click on the following links to download the Raffle Project Guidlines and the Raffle Project Application.

The Joliet Junior College Career Connects program was introduced to Joliet Rotarians at a recent Club meeting by program specialists, Tammy Tschida (left) and Jeremy Ly. The Career Connects program is part of an online career guidance and planning program reaching over 60,000 students and job seekers in Will and Grundy Counties.

Joliet Rotarian Anastasia Tuskey thanks club members for their continued generosity toward the collection for Joplin, Missouri tornado survivors.  Called the deadliest single tornado in 60 years, Tuskey announced that the collection has already netted $500 for devastated town members who saw at least 116 of their own killed. A project close to her heart, Joplin, Missouri is Tuskey’s hometown.  There will be an additional collection at the Joliet Rotary Cub meeting on July 12.

WJOL Radio’s Lynne (Lichtenauer), Mary (Lancaster) and Natalie (Manley) entertained Joliet Rotarians during a recent club meeting at the Renaissance Center as they recalled humorous radio experiences, as well as how they came together to form the Lynne Mary and Natalie show nearly a decade ago. Their very popular show is on WJOL every Friday morning at 9 a.m.

The Rotary Club of Joliet recently donated items and gift cards to help replenish stock of three local community pantries after the holidays. As part of Joliet Rotary’s month‐long holiday‐giving program, 24 cartons of pantry items such as boxed and canned food, and baby, personal and paper products were distributed to Forest Park Community, Peter Claver and Spanish Community Centers in Joliet. Each Center was also awarded $250 gift card for additional pantry items.

The following Rotarians have been slated for election as officers and directors for the 2011-2012 year at the December 14th annual meeting.

Tim Brophy - President-Elect
Dave Thornton - Vice President
Scott Nelson - Secretary
Mark Griglione - Treasurer
Tom Grotovsky - Director (One Year Term)
Bill Jenkins - Director (Two Year Term)           
Cathy Molck - Director (Two Year Term)

One additional Director, Bret Mitchell, is completing the first year of a two year term.  Current officers Mike Murray and Dan Mihelich do not stand for election as Past President and President respectively.

On Thursday, Oct. 28, Joliet Rotarians enjoyed great food, an open bar, and warm fellowship at the first annual Dist. 6450 "Taste for Rotary" culinary event at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn. Many thanks to Tom Grotovsky for his work on the District's planning committee that made the event a reality.  It was a great success!

Joliet Rotarians listened to interesting bits of Civil War history, when historian Bob Kuzma spoke about the Will County Regiment – the 100th Illinois during a recent Club meeting.

Introduced by Rotarian Judge Jeff Allen, Kuzma spoke about the regiment whose roots and membership came from Will County – many from Joliet.

Organized at Camp Irwin in Joliet, the 100th Illinois were routed to the South, including Louisville, Kentucky and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

For 40 years Pat Andreasen of Plainfield has served as an auxiliary volunteer at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Among her many achievements, she was recently awarded the Silver Eagle Award by the Rotary Club of Joliet. This honor is awarded by the Club to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and volunteerism.

I want to thank the following Rotarians for being so supportive of the Taste for Rotary District 6450 event:

For your most generous gifts and monetary support: David Nelson, Tricia Simpson, Bill Jenkins, Mary Beth Clausen and Jeff Pierson

For taking time out of your schedule and attending the event:  Mike Murray, Lisa Las, Bill Kaplan, Mike Ritoff, Merriam Merril, Ricardo Espinoza, and Kathy Zydek (accompanied by her husband John).

The community of Joliet was also represented by the Chicagoland Speedway (who donated a 3-day pass for next season), the Department Restaurant, the Renaissance Center, who both donated food and service and to a whole table of distinct Joliet personalities who took time from their schedule to attend this event.

I was very proud to represent our great Rotary Club #78 in joining with Rotary District 6450 to plan this great event which brought in approximately $50,000.00 for Easter Seals and Autism.  Thank you everyone!

Do you know of a worthwhile project in need of funds in our community?  The 2010 Rotary Raffle Project selection process has begun.

Applications for a possible project will be accepted until the deadline of Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010.  The application form is available in the DOWNLOADS section of the Joliet Rotary website, or by clicking here.  

For more information contact Jane Hopkins via e-mail: Jhopkins@dowcompanies.com or call (815) 730-1900.

The Rotary Club of Joliet wrapped up their annual raffle sale during the club’s weekly meeting on Sept. 28.

There were eight monetary prizes – two (2) at $500, five (5) at $1,000, and one (1) at $10,000.

Dr. Craig T. Wright won the top prize. The raffle is a long-standing tradition and has contributed to many worthwhile causes in the community.

A special thank you to raffle chairs – Tom Grotovsky, Erin Webster O'Sullivan, Laurie Peyla Rambo, and Kathleen Zydek.

The Rotary Club of Joliet is pleased to make available six (6) $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to two seniors graduating in 2011 from Joliet Township High School Central Campus, Joliet Township High School West Campus and Joliet Catholic Academy.
 
These scholarships will be provided in the form of a check made payable to the institutions accepting the scholarship recipients into an accredited two or four year college or university and must be used only for tuition.

Children and grandchildren of Joliet Rotary Club members are not eligible to be recipients of these scholarships.
 

Rotary Foundation Fund Drive Chair Mike Hennessy kicked off our club's drive to raise needed funds in support of our Rotary International Foundation.  Our club's goal, and the goal of Rotary International, is for every Joliet Rotarian to contribute a minimum of $100 in support of the Rotary Foundation.

The Joliet Rotary Club Board of Directors agreed to join together with the Rotary Club of Chicago - ROTARY/One to gather monetary donations for support of Haiti relief efforts.  ROTARY/One, together with the ROTARY/One Foundation, has established a method by which Rotarians from other clubs can help the Haitians.

Four new members were into the Joliet Rotary Club on August 8, 2009.

In the spirit of service above self, several members of the Joliet Rotary Club participated with Easter Seals on the 14th Annual Celebration Telethon. 

Congratulations to Joliet Rotarian, Dr. Phyllis Wilson who was selected as the 2009 recipient of the Joliet Region Chamber's ATHENA Award.

Winners of the 2009 Joliet Rotary Club Raffle were drawn on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

The Nominating Committee of the Joliet Rotary Club met for the purpose of proposing a slate of officers and directors for the 2010-2011 year.

Jane Hopkins was installed as the 2009-2010 club president by Bill Lauer on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.