Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest

04/28/2026

Our beloved Jim Williams turned 101 on April 18!

Jim said it has been a joy to be a member of our Rotary Club and Rotary International both spanning over 50 years!

Jim added ‘it has been nothing but good vibrations.’

Though Jim has slowed down physically, his support has not waned!

04/28/2026

We were thrilled to have award-winning sportswriter, author and educator Fred Mitchell speak at our meeting on April 16!

Fred’s career with the Chicago Tribune spanned over 41 years. His remarkable body of work includes 12 books.

Fred continues to inspire future communicators as an adjunct professor of journalism at DePaul University.

He also maintains local roots, having once played semi-pro football with the Chicago Heights Broncos—a connection that made his visit especially meaningful for our club.

04/22/2026

We visited our Rotarians from ACCESS Family Health Society and presented them with their Rotary plaque that will proudly be displayed in their lobby!

In 1996, our Club partnered with with St. James Hospital and the Homewood and Matteson clubs to open “The Family Health Society”, a volunteer health clinic serving uninsured and underinsured patients, the working poor.

Rotarian Dr. Jasu Patel was the first physician volunteer and Sister Marlene Shapley the first nurse. Marylin Turner served as the Executive Director.

Today, after merging with ACCESS Community Health Network in 2001, the health center serves more than 25,000 patients per year on Lincoln Highway. This initiative has developed a healthier community!

03/29/2026

We visited BMO Harris Bank in Chicago Heights on March 19 and presented our BMO Rotarians with their plaque that represents their partnership with our Rotary Club!

03/29/2026

03/29/2026

Congratulations to Asia Brown, the Bloom Trail High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for January! Asia is a thoughtful and energetic student whose bright spirit positively impacts everyone around her. She is a highly goal-oriented, maintaining a strong focus on her academic success while also making a consistent effort to uplift her classmates and teachers. Her positive presence helps create an encouraging and engaging classroom environment.

Congratulations to Rolando De La Torre, the Bloom Trail High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for February! Rolando demonstrates a genuine commitment to learning and a strong desire to master new material. What truly sets him apart is his willingness to support his peers, often taking the time to help others deepen their understanding. He approaches challenges with confidence and creativity, exhibiting exceptional problem-solving skills on a daily basis.

Congratulations to Rocco Baader, the Bloom Trail High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for March! Rocco stands out in class for his thoughtfulness and character, taking the time each day to greet others when he enters and wishing them well as he leaves. These small but meaningful actions reflect his genuine respect for those around him.

03/29/2026

Congratulations to Dominic Pena, the Marian Catholic High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for January! Dominic, a Senior from Steger, had a 4.4 GPA, participated in honors choir and was a volunteered beautfiying the school campus. Dominic is a caddy at Flossmoor Country Club and was awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship, a prestigious, full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving golf caddies with limited financial means. Dominic will be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Congratulations to Brook Rouse, the Marian Catholic High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for February! Brook has a 4.0 GPA and is a leader at Marian including the Tau Alpha Zeta Youth Auxiliary. Brook is a caddy at Olympia Fields Country Club and was awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship, a prestigious, full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving golf caddies with limited financial means. Brook will be attending the University of Illinois at Chicago.

03/28/2026

At our Charter Day meeting on March 5, we presented the South Suburban Crop Walk with a check in support of their walk on May 3!

03/27/2026

Congratulations to Payton Candiano, the Bloom High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for January! Payton brings an incredible work ethic, talent, and kindness to everything she does. She starred as Anna in the Fall production of Frozen, earned straight A’s on the high honor roll, and is always striving to do her best. Payton is extremely dedicated, works hard, uses her time wisely, and actively looks for ways to grow as a singer, actor, and dancer. Payton treats everyone with respect and compassion, which truly makes her an exemplary student and role model, and very deserving of this honor!

Congratulations to Zahniya Turner, the Bloom High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for February! Zahniya is excited to be in the classroom, willing to work hard, and always has a positive attitude. She truly wants to understand the material, not just memorize the information. She asks questions, until she is confident that she has mastered the skill. She is hardworking, always willing to help those around her, and a pleasure to have in the classroom!

Congratulations to Ashya Allen, the Bloom High School Rotary Club of Chicago Heights-Park Forest Student of the Month for March! Ashya is an exceptional young woman who makes significant contributions to our school community. Currently maintaining a stellar 4.22 GPA, she balances her academic success with active involvement in various extracurriculars: most notably Bloom's Principal's Cabinet, Student Council and serves as an integral member of the District 206 band program. Ashya's character is defined by her selflessness; she is frequently seen peer-teaching her classmates, checking on the well-being of others, and volunteering her time to support the music department and greater community. Her positive influence on those around her is truly profound. Ashya's combination of intelligence, dedication, empathy and kindness towards others makes her incredibly deserving of this distinction!

02/15/2026

We visited Governors State University and presented our GovState Rotarians with their plaque that represents their partnership with our Rotary Club!

02/09/2026

Gina Foote, Danny Graham & Dan Graham at First Look for Charity on February 6. Sertoma Star Services was one of the charities benefiting from the event!