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Peru Rotary Club, Lou's LaGrotto, Peru, IL (2026)

06/19/2026

This article compliments of Gene Vogelgesang

You’ve no doubt heard the legend of Starved Rock, the story about Indians who died after being trapped atop our area’s most notable geographic feature while under siege from enemies below. Be advised, that’s all it is, a legend. “It’s a nice story,” Joe Jakupcak told Peru Rotarians at their weekly meeting June 19th at Lou’s LaGrotto. A longtime trail guide at Starved Rock State Park, Jakupcak presented an informative program about how the legend got started while also giving a brief history of the park.

The events that comprise the Starved Rock legend supposedly happened in 1769 but they weren’t put down on paper until a lawyer recorded the story in 1880 after claiming he had once talked to survivor of the siege. Jakupcak said there is no historic or forensic evidence to support the legend and, perhaps more importantly, there is no oral history among the Indian tribes supposedly involved in the Starved Rock siege that give the tale any credence.

Jakupcak said Starved Rock became Illinois’ second state park when the state purchased the park’s first 400 acres from a local property owner in 1911. The park today encompasses 3,400 acres and attracts 2.3 million visitors per year, putting it fourth on the list of American state parks in terms of attendance.

Guided hikes at Starved Rock State Park are offered year-round. Jakupcak said his favorite time of the year for hiking is winter because of the opportunity to see ice falls then and also because the lack of leaves on trees opens up good long-range views.

06/12/2026

This article compliments of Gene Vogelgesang

A busy summer of activities is underway in the city of Peru. Adam Thorson, the city’s parks and recreation director, provided an update when he presented the program at the June 12th meeting of the Peru Rotary Club at Lou’s LaGrotto.

Thorson said the Peru summer events calendar unofficially kicks off each year with the TBM Avenger air show at the city’s airport. The next big event will be the 4th of July celebration on Water Street Friday night, July 3rd. Thorson said the city “is going all out” to commemorate America’s 250th birthday and promised a big fireworks show to cap the July 3rd celebration.

Eight food vendors have signed up to participate in this year’s Taste of the Illinois Valley event Friday and Saturday, July 31st and August 1st, in Centennial Park. Thorson said the Bloomington-based band Brushville will headline the live music to be presented at the Taste. Tribute bands playing music popularized by Styx and Bon Jovi will also be featured and there will also be a Dreamwave wrestling exhibition.

Thorson encouraged Rotarians to attend one of the Music Under the Oaks concerts to be performed in the Schweickert Pavilion in Centennial Park this summer. The schedule includes entertainment by Chicago Blues Night (July 11), Written Warning (July 17) Jonny Lyons and the Pride-a Johnny Cash tribute (August 7) and Tailgate Confessions (August 28).

Ongoing activities in Peru this summer include the splash pad (“very busy” during the recent hot weather, according to Thorson) at Washington Park and Pistol Shrimp baseball at Schweickert Stadium.

Thorson said the city has a number of sponsors for its summertime activities but is always looking for more. He said sponsorships help keep many of the kids’ summer events that Peru sponsors free of charge. For more information, you can call Thorson at 815-223-0061, ext. 2314 or send a message to [email protected].

06/05/2026

This article compliments of Gene Vogelgesang

John Deisbeck gave a brief anecdotal history of a midsummer Peru sports event beloved by local baseball fans when he presented the program at the June 5th meeting of the Peru Rotary Club at Lou’s LaGrotto. The speaker was introduced by Peru Rotarian Rob Ankiewicz.

Deisbeck’s subject was, of course, the Central States Regional Baseball Tournament, first played in Peru in 1982. The tournament brings to town Senior League baseball teams from throughout the Midwest. The winner of the tournament advances to the Senior League World Series in Easley, South Carolina.

Played at J. A. Happ Field in Peru’s Washington Park, this year’s tournament is set for July 17 through July 23. Deisbeck said one of the tournament’s attractions for area fans is that a local team always gets an automatic invitation to it. He said which local baseball squad gets this year’s invite probably won’t be known until a week before the tournament starts. Senior League teams are comprised of players ages 14, 15 and 16.

Deisbeck said although the tournament has an eight-person staff, it is still heavily dependent on volunteers and local support to be successful. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without the city of Peru and our sponsors,” he said.

Deisbeck told Rotarians that Little League baseball started in Williamsport, PA, in 1939. The Senior League wasn’t established until 1961.

05/29/2026

This article compliments of Roelif Loveland

How much do you know about World War II – and the local heroes who gave their lives during that conflict? Today‘s Rotary presentation by Pam Broviak included a history of WWII – and her focus on the 40 men and women from Peru who made the ultimate sacrifice. Pam was introduced by Rotarian Chris Weitenhiller at the 11:45AM Friday May 29th meeting at Lou’s LaGrotto in Peru.

Here’s the history of the war in a nustshell:
1. Invasion of Poland — September 1, 1939 - Germany invaded Poland, triggering the start of World War II. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later.
2. Battle of Britain — July–October 1940 - The Royal Air Force successfully defended Britain against German air attacks, preventing a planned invasion.
3. Operation Barbarossa — June 22, 1941 - Germany launched the largest land invasion in history against the Soviet Union.
4. Attack on Pearl Harbor — December 7, 1941 - Japan attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet, bringing the United States into the war.
5. Battle of Midway — June 4–7, 1942 - A decisive U.S. victory that shifted the balance of power in the Pacific.
6. Battle of Stalingrad — August 1942–February 1943 - One of the bloodiest battles in history; a major turning point against Germany.
7. D-Day — June 6, 1944 - Allied forces landed in Normandy, opening a major Western Front against Germany.
8. Battle of the Bulge — December 1944–January 1945 - Germany's final major offensive in Western Europe failed.
9. Fall of Berlin — April–May 1945 - Soviet forces captured Berlin; Hi**er committed su***de, and Germany surrendered shortly afterward.
10. Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — August 6 and 9, 1945 - The United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of the war.

Many of the 40 names on the posted listing of Peru WW2 veterans who died are familiar to us – friends, neighbors and relatives. Pam’s research has provided great detail on the military branch, rank, birthday and death date, theatre they served in and the cemetery where they were buried.

In all – Illinois lost over 22,000 residents in the war….311 from LaSalle County. In all, 407,000 U.S. service members lost their lives. Worldwide, it’s estimated that 70,000,000 – 85,000,000 deaths were attributed to the war…many in action - but many others due to bombings, massacres, genocide, famines and disease.

Pam’s research has ensured that piece of history (from over 80 years ago) will be forever recorded.

05/23/2026

Article compliments of Gene Vogelgesang

Changes are coming to the Peru campus of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and additions are being made to the medical staff that works there. That was the message from Dawn Trompeter, SEME president and associate region chief executive officer for OSF HealthCare, when she presented the program at the May 22nd meeting of the Peru Rotary Club at Lou’s LaGrotto. She was introduced by Peru Rotarian Gene Vogelgesang.

There’s been a hospital under various names at 925 West St. in Peru for more than 100 years and Trompeter said plans are in the works to tear down the original 1914 building and replace it with expanded parking for the emergency department. Also underway is a major remodeling project in the building east of the emergency room that was once St. Mary’s School. OSF wants to make the former school building its regional headquarters for all of the hospitals and medical clinics it operates in the area encompassed by Princeton on the west, Mendota the north, Ottawa to the east and Streator to the south.

Trompeter said members of the OSF regional staff hope to be moving into their new quarters in December.OSF has been expanding services in Peru since acquiring property and buildings there from the now-defunct St. Margaret’s Health in 2023. The main complex in downtown Peru has been restored as a full-service hospital with 45 medical/surgical beds, 11 obstetrics unit beds and eight intensive care unit beds along with a fully-staffed emergency department. The wound and hyperbaric center established by Illinois Valley Community Hospital in 2013 has also reopened.

Trompeter said a virtual ER care system is in use weekdays in Peru. She emphasized this did not mean “diagnosis by kiosk.” If the emergency department is busy, she said virtual services can get care for low acuity patients started early. “We didn’t want patients leaving because they were waiting too long,” said Trompeter.

Trompeter said new diagnostic imaging equipment coming to the Peru hospital will enable cardiac CT studies to be done there starting in July. And she said new wayfinding signage in the hospital along with technology available through the My OSF app is making it easier to find your way around.

Trompeter said the regional approach OSF has taken regarding the provision of medical care in Starved Rock Country has made it easier to attract new physicians and specialists to the area. Either already here or coming this summer are new doctors specializing in general surgery, cardiology, critical care pulmonology, pain medicine and obstetrics/gynecology.

Of particular interest, Trompeter said a new gastroenterologist will start work locally in August. Right now, Dr. Geetha Dodda is the only GI specialist working in this area. If you’ve been having trouble booking a colonoscopy, help is on the way.

05/15/2026

This article compliments of Gene Vogelgesang

You’ve no doubt heard the expression “You don’t have anything if you don’t have your health.” Emily Manternach, a personal trainer from the Illinois Valley Y in Peru, reemphasized that adage when she presented the program at the May 15th meeting of the Peru Rotary Club at Lou’s LaGrotto. The self-described self-actualist was introduced by Peru Rotarian Michael Vezzetti.

“Physical health is our ticket to the game,” said Manternach. She said the key to staying healthy was getting enough sleep, maintaining a good diet and regular exercise. Movement—any way you want to do it that doesn’t hurt—is especially important. “The more we move, the more we can continue to do in the long term,” she said or, as she put it more succinctly: “Motion is potion.”

Manternach encouraged Rotarians to take an inventory of what they did every day and determine if they consistently wake up exhausted because they haven’t accomplished everything on their to-do lists. If so, she recommended planning regular breaks in your daily routine to pause and refresh. “This is the only body we live in,” she admonished.

In response to a question, Manternach said chair yoga is good way to exercise if you are fearful of losing your balance while working out. “You can sit but you’re still exercising. It’s about relaxation but it’s still a good workout,” she said. “Laughing yoga” and “Aqua yoga” were two other forms of yoga she mentioned.

Manternach recommended exercising early in the day. “Whatever action you’re thinking about doing, you’ll have more willpower and stamina if you do it in the morning,” she said.

Manternach is no stranger to Peru Rotary. She presented a program at the club’s February 27th meeting about A Moment of Awe (AMOA), a new local not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance mental fitness, physical vitality and holistic well-being for people living in the Illinois Valley.

Manternach has her own business, MBody NMind Yoga. She can be reached by calling 563-920-6197 or by sending a message to [email protected]. Manternach is also on the staff at the Illinois Valley Y.

05/08/2026

This article compliments of Roelif Loveland

Today’s program featured IVAC Executive Director, Bill Zens, as he gave the club a wrap-up of the many chamber successes in the past 5 years under his leadership. He was introduced by Rotarian John Vezzetti.

From manufacturers and contractors to retailers, healthcare providers, restaurants and family-owned companies, the success of the region depends on strong connections between business and community. For decades, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) has played an important role in building and strengthening those connections.

Bill highlighted two of the IVAC programs that have made the Chamber highly popular with their 400+ members - including “Lemonade Day” and the Illinois Valley Community Leadership Academy. With the assistance of an active and engaged board – and the professional help of veteran office manager Penny Wamhoff – IVAC serves as a central connector for businesses across Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley and surrounding towns. It helps to unify economic development efforts in a region historically built on manufacturing, transportation, mining, and agriculture. It also acts as a bridge between small businesses, major employers, schools and local government.

One of the chamber’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together. Through business events, ribbon cuttings, leadership initiatives, Meet the Mayors Luncheons, educational programs and community partnerships, IVAC helps create relationships that strengthen both commerce and civic life. In small communities like ours, personal relationships still matter greatly, and the chamber provides an important platform where business leaders, educators, public officials, and entrepreneurs can collaborate.

Bill announced his impending July 2026 resignation after his successful years at the helm of IVAC – noting that the Board has selected an excellent replacement in Lucas Burris, current Assistant General Manager and Voice of Pistol Shrimp Baseball. “This decision has not been an easy one to make,” Zens said. “I have enjoyed my time in this role and everything that IVAC has been able to accomplish."

05/05/2026

This article compliments of Jon Steben

Peru Rotary welcomed Perfectly Flawed to the group, with Luke Tomsha, Lori Christopherson, and Kyler Reynolds speaking about their organization’s mission and philosophy. They were introduced by Rotarian Bob Tieman.

Founded in 2017 by Tomsha, this group focuses on helping empower those struggling with addiction to live a more positive and happiness-driven life. Tomsha shared his own story with the group, highlighting the empowerment he felt when his treatment centered around the “why” of his addiction rather than the “what”. He recounted what in his career in technology was driving true happiness, and realized that he liked the people and not the field of tech itself - “things are always broken”, Tomsha mused about working as a technology director.

His ultimate goal was to empower those suffering with addiction and remove the stigma associated with it. Nearly 10 years later, Perfectly Flawed is well on their way to breaking down those walls. They now work hard to reduce harm, doing their best to hire people who have lived with the struggle of addiction.

The goal is that people lead as healthy a life as possible, with Tomsha noting that “recovery is any positive change” and that expecting cold turkey is setting up for failure. He has 15 employees that work over 13 counties doing things like helping with syringe exchanges, helping folks after their treatment ends with whatever barriers exist, and even reversing overdoses.

Tomsha also serves on the Illinois Op**te Counsel at the state level, serving as the only member with any lived experience. He votes on strategies and policies that can combat addiction and the harms associated with it.

When asked more about what he sees for the future of Perfectly Flawed, Tomsha said that substances will always exist in our area, but his goal is to continue to grow the resources available. He dreams of building a respite center, similar to his experience in upstate New York that focuses on nature-based empowerment. The goal would be to allow residents to have 6 weeks of respite and recollect themselves, ultimately with the goal of empowering them to a life of happiness and fulfillment.

To wrap the information-laden afternoon presentation, Christopherson offered ways to support Perfectly Flawed, including their upcoming golf outing.

04/28/2026

Students from Lasalle Peru High School, Saint Bede Academy and Hall High School were honored Sunday night during the 82nd annual Rotary Scholastic Achievement Banquet.

84 students were selected by their schools for outstanding academic success. 50 students attended the banquet at Fire on Fifth, and six received scholarships. Mae H and Kelsey F were drawn for $500 each, while Sophia H, Emma J, Nolan O and Sophia P were selected for $250 apiece.

Matthew Klein, LP graduate and founder of reelCreative, shared his story with the audience of more than 150 students, family and Rotarians. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Valley Sunrise, LaSalle, and Peru Clubs.

For more than 100 years, Rotary has united leaders who are committed to using their expertise to improve communities. To learn more, find one of the local clubs on Facebook, or visit Rotary.org

04/24/2026

This article compliments of Roelif Loveland

Brad Decker is the proud owner of an 80-year old World War II Torpedo Bomber plane known as an “Avenger”. His plane actually dropped bombs in Okinawa – so has a very storied history. Brad was introduced by Rotarian Amy Toraason.

His is one of just 100 remaining from the original roughly 10,000 planes built in the 1940’s. (Grumman built 1,000 of the planes before General Motors in New Jersey retooled their car plant to produce the balance.) 10 of the 20 still-airworthy Avengers will be flying in to the May 15th/16th, 2026 TBM Air Show in Peru – a phenomenal showing for these old warbirds. This is year 11 for the event – which has drawn as many as 14,000 attendees in the past. The very popular air show allows the public to view the old planes, talk to pilots and crew – and enjoy a great day at the airstrip. (See www.tbmreunion.org) USA Today has listed this performance as one of the top 10 air shows in the US.

Brad shared many interesting facts and figures with the club. The Avenger was so named because it was intended to “avenge Pearl Harbor”. On the aircraft carriers from which it operated, it took 97 support people per plane to keep them operational….requiring 25 hours of maintenance for each hour spent in the air. Top speed was 300 miles per hour – but they more often operated at just 120 mph to achieve their maximum range. Even then – they burn approx. 100 gallons of fuel and 2 gallons of oil per hour. The 3-man crew consisted of a pilot, a ball turret gunner and a radioman/navigator. The plane has “foldable wings” so it could fit more efficiently aboard ship.

World War II veterans tell tales of pilots filling the Avenger with beer – then flying it to 30,000 feet to chill the brew considerably – then returning to earth to the appreciative soldiers. The plane could carry 2,000-lbs. of ordinance…or beer. If they made a beach landing – it was important not to let the plane idle too long in the sand – as the vibration would cause it to sink right in. At 18,000-lbs. – this was a serious mistake.

Brad’s plane has approx. 3,500 hours on it – and he estimated that it costs roughly $ 90,000 per year to keep it air-worthy. An engine, for example, in only good for about 1,000 hours before it needs to be rebuilt – and he’s on his fourth engine. The rebuild is around $ 150,000 a pop. The “Avenger” is the plane that George H. Bush (Sr) was shot down in. To fly the 10,000 Avengers that were built – there were just 2,000 trained pilots. This is an indication that the planes were often considered to be expendable.

If you’ve never attended the Peru air show – this is an outing worth planning!

Peru Rotary Club

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