VIA Times – June 2015 Issue Vital News, Vibrant Views for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By Elsie Sy-Niebar
“As President of the Chicago Magnificent Lions Club, I humbly accept the responsibilities to SERVE. To all CMLC Officers and Members – I pledge to you to give my best! For our CMLC to be successful, I appeal for your continued commitment, loyalty, attendance, and cooperation in all our projects particularly in our fundraisers for our mission projects to help the poor and the needy worldwide –in keeping with LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL Mission TO SERVE! Together, and in our own small way, WE can make a Difference in the lives of the less fortunate brothers and sisters all over the World –doing Humanitarian Services which will warm our Hearts. Let us work together to nurture the growth of our CHICAGO MAGNIFICENT LIONS CLUB, and hopefully, to be one of the progressive humanitarian forces in our Filipino American Community and in the mainstream. Let us try to give our very best to live and uphold the mission of Lionism: “TO SERVE.”
Thank you all, especially to our fellow Lions and all our guests who attended our Charter Night last May 30. We hope you all had a great time. May our God continue to send us His Blessings we can share with others. Love you all. Sincerely, Lion Julie Ann “ JetJet” Gruezo, President, Chicago Magnificent Lions Club.
JetJet, as she is fondly known in our Filipino American Community, is one young pretty ladies who could not be missed in many of our community gatherings. A dentist by profession in the Philippines, she currently owns and manages a Home Health Care business. She volunteers in the Dental Mission in Taal, Batangas City Orphanage, in the Philippines.
Some of her community involvements are: former president of Batangas City Association of Chicago — her personal projects were — distribution of food, especially rice and canned goods; computers and printers to the elementary schools in Batangas. She is an award recipient of FIL-AM ASIAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME, and member of the Empowered Women Association, and founder of Lucky J Foundation. Her Beauty Crowns are Mrs. Batangas City and “MRS. PHILIPPINES PIWC.” Jetjet was a commercial model and TV actress during her younger days in the Philippines. She was also Host of “Health and Beauty” segment over Hataw Pinoy TV program in Chicago.
How does she feel being the Charter President of CHICAGO MAGNIFICENT LIONS CLUB?
JetJet said: “I am honored to be a part of a global and international association like the Lions Club International which gives me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, who share the same charitable passion I have. I feel blessed to gain more experience in fundraising activities to help the poor. “I feel so blessed to be able to gain personal and professional skills that will last a lifetime. More importantly, with the support of the CMLC, our “Lion Family” will be able to reach out the less fortunate ones, especially our kababayans (countrymen) back home in the Philippines.”
Speaking about the Missions of their newly-chartered Lions club, she said: “We are preparing to embark on our local and international projects in the Philippines, such as the Dental Mission; Food Sharing Program; giving computers and school supplies and repairs of small church buildings.”
“In conclusion, I would like to thank Lion first Vice President , JR Roque for a great job in coordinating the details needed at our successful charter night; to our Secretary Lion, Vicky Sanchez, who served as my administrative ‘wings’; to our Treasurer Maritess Wynkoop, the “Lion Jack of all Trades”– and most of all to our sponsors and and my Best Friends, Lion Ben and Lion Yoly Zoleta of the Chicago Filipino Lions Club, our Charter Night Sponsor. Last but never the least – giving my “Loving Mommy Thank You” to the ROCKs in my life – my two LOVING DAUGHTERS – JESELLE JAYME and JILLIAN JETT OBINA. Their incredible intelligence and talents are my inspiration. I thank God for my dear children. They are the Blessings I live for.” #
Julie Ann “Jetjet” Gruezo, Charter President of the CHICAGO Magnificent Lions Club, Lions Club International, Region 2, District 1-A, and Ben Zoleta, President of sponsoring club, Chicago Filipino American Lions Club, by their Club banner after their induction last May 30, held at the Wyndham Hotel, in Glenview, Illinois. Inducting officer is Lion Dan O’Reilly, past International Director.
Officers from the LIONS INTERNATIONAL who attended MAGNIFICENT LIONS CLUB Charter Night. Front row from left: LIONS Sue O’Rilley and husband Ralph O’Rilley, Julie Ann “Jetjet” Grueza, Charter President; JR Roque, 1st Vice President; and Terry D’Souza, District Governor, District 1-A; back row from left are: LIONS Sue Zarrada; Ralph Zarrada, 1st Vice Dist. Governor; Ernie Lapid, 2nd Vice Dist. Governor; Ben Zoleta, president, Chicago Filipino Americans Lions Club, Charter Sponsor; and Austin D’Souza, vice District Governor.
In photo are the newly-chartered officers, members and some guests following the induction of officers of the MAGNIFICENT LIONS CLUB Charter Night last May 30, 2015, at the Wyndham Hotel in Glenview, IL. The newly-inducted LIONS officers (not in order as shown by above photo) are: LIONS Julie Ann Gruezo, President; JR Roque, 1st Vice President; Craig Wynkoop, 2nd Vice president; Vicky Sanchez, Secretary; Julia Chavez, Asst. Secretary; Maritess Wynkoop, Treasurer; Ellen Maguad. Asst. Treasurer; Maria Sciakatano, Membership Chair; Rosalina Shea, Asst. Membership Chair; Chris O’Brien, Auditor; Venus Pantaleon, Asst. Auditor; Gilbert Iroma, Twister; Esperanza Memmens, Tamer; MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Lorna Brinson, Evelyn Tolledo, Sergio Buizing, Nancy Hallers, Rey Maguad and Tita Alonsagay. BOARD of DIRECTORS: Roberto Tolledo, Maynard Sanchez, Andres Garcia, and Joe Sciakatano.
Julie Ann “Jetjet” Gruezo, delivering her presidential speech following their induction.
